Athletic News Release

June 18, 2009

Jerry Wright has been selected to replace Dick Shilts as KVCC’s head golf coach, effective July 1, 2009. Wright has taught golf classes at KVCC, and given lessons at Pine View Golf Course, Indian Run Golf Course, and Sauganash Golf Course. Jerry has spent most of his life in Three Rivers, MI, and remains associated with Sauganash as a sports writer in connection with marketing responsibilities. As a member of the Board of Directors of Sauganash he edited their newsletter, "The Divot" and their club calendar for years. He continues to teach golf at Pine View.

Wright has played in several amateur and pro-am tournaments and has also been an organizer and director of a variety of outings, tournaments, leagues, and special events. He continues to own Wright’s Printing and It’s Your World Studio for the Arts, both located locally. He also will be serving as a staff member at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Camp held at Ferris State University this summer.

Athletic Director Dick Shilts remarks, "Jerry has served us well as our assistant golf coach over the past three years. I am thrilled that a person of his caliber is available to join our head coaching staff, and I look forward to working with him in the pursuit of excellence in our golf program."

Says Wright about the appointment: "Resigning Coach Dick Shilts has set the bar high. For 30 seasons ALL of his golf teams have qualified to play in the regional tournament, giving them a chance to qualify for the NJCAA national tournament at season’s end. A number of his players have participated in the nationals and his teams have won several conference championships. These are big goals to achieve, but I’ m confident that KVCC will continue to have a competitive golf team. KVCC is reputable for its academics and are always competitive in their sports programs. I will uphold the principles of the college as I lead the 2010 golf team in a positive direction."

Four of KVCC’s top players are returning, and recent MHSAA State Champion in his division, Jacob Rykse, from Kalamazoo Christian High School, has signed a National Letter of Intent at KVCC.