Rio Grande tabs Wilson to head men’s and women’s golf programs

RIO GRANDE, Ohio – University of Rio Grande athletic director Jeff Lanham has announced the hiring of Keith Wilson as the school’s head coach for men’s and women’s golf.

Wilson comes to the RedStorm after spending the past 19 seasons as the head coach at nearby Jackson High School, where he accumulated more than 500 victories.

“The experience Keith brings with him is a huge advantage to our new golf program at Rio Grande,” Lanham said. “He is a people person. Many times he’s stated that you win with good people and he’s hard on the recruiting trail now trying to bring good people to our school.”

Wilson, a graduate of both the University of Rio Grande and the Ohio State University, guided the Ironmen to seven district tournaments and three conference championships during his tenure.

“The biggest hurdle right now is getting things started – we’re six months behind everybody else,” said Wilson. “But this gives kids in southern Ohio and around the area the chance to keep playing. It’s my privilege to be part of it.”

Rio Grande has previously sponsored golf as a varsity sport, but not since the late 1970’s.

“We started with four kids at Jackson and had 23 in the program last year, so I’ve had a little success in trying to build a program at the high school level,” Wilson added. “I enjoy being around – and working with – people and I’m a believer in doing whatever it takes to make things work. Over my 20 years of coaching golf and 30 years of coaching altogether I’ve learned that, if you try to develop a program with the right class of people and the right goals in mind, things tend to fall into place.”

As far as Lanham is concerned, he couldn’t have found a more perfectly coach to lead the program’s revival than Wilson.

“During his 19 years as a golf coach, Keith has demonstrated the ability to foster growth of his teams and prepare them for life’s journey,” said Lanham. “He has the reputation in southeast Ohio as a hard-working, trustworthy individual who strives to excel. His hard work has produced many successful golfers over the years.”

Individuals who are interested in becoming part of the Rio golf program are asked to contact Wilson by e-mail at [email protected] or by completing the online recruiting form which can be found on the school’s athletics website, www.rioredstorm.com.