The University of Akron Athletics
Kentucky's David Trainor Named Akron Men's Golf Head Coach
June 13 | Men's Golf
AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill named University of Kentucky associate head coach David Trainor as head coach of the Zips men's golf program on Monday.
Trainor, who spent the last seven seasons on the UK staff, including two as the associate head coach and five as an assistant coach, will officially take over the program on July 5. Trainor is the 19th head coach in the program's 78-year history.
"It is an honor and privilege to be the head men's golf coach at The University of Akron," Trainor said. "I want to thank Tom Wistrcill and (Associate Athletics Director) George Van Horne for giving me this opportunity. I am looking forward to building upon the success that coach Nick Goetze achieved with the Zips program, and I want to see our team continue to move forward and compete for a MAC Championship. My family and I are excited about moving to Akron and joining the University family."
In his seven seasons at Kentucky, Trainor helped the Wildcats to two top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championship (seventh - 2005; fifth - 2006), the 2005 Southeastern Conference Championship and nine overall tournament titles. Additionally, he helped student-athletes earn three All-American honors and three Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars, as well as five All-SEC and 20 Academic All-SEC honors.
"We are very pleased to have David and his family join The University of Akron, the Department of Athletics and the Akron community," Wistrcill said. "David is one of the top assistant coaches in Division I golf and his knowledge and expertise will help take our men's golf program to the next level. His experience at the University of Kentucky and his teaching background will be valuable tools as we look to compete for a Mid-American Conference title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament in the near future."
Trainor, a native of Berwyn, Pa., was a four-year varsity letterwinner at the College of Charleston, where he graduated in 2000 with a degree in business administration. While at Charleston, Trainor received the Coaches Award in 1997 for his leadership and dedication to the men's golf team. He was also a three-time Club Champion at Aronimink Golf Club, which is ranked in the Top-100 courses by Golf Digest. The hiring of Trainor fills a spot that was opened when Goetze, who had led the program the last four seasons, announced his retirement from collegiate coaching in May.
What They Are Saying About David Trainor:
Brian Craig, Head Men's Golf Coach, University of Kentucky:
"I've known David for many years and I think he is a great person. I know he will be a great head coach. He has always and will always have the student-athletes best interests at heart. He has the skills, the passion and the leadership to help The University of Akron do great things. The Akron men's golf program is getting a fantastic coach and a fantastic person."
Nick Clinard, Head Men's Golf Coach, Auburn University:
"David is a good family man and has the right morals and values to be successful. He is a tireless worker and is dedicated to the sport of golf. I know he will be able to help Akron and its student-athletes be successful."
