By Karen Allen
ROME--Shorter University announced the hiring
of Lane Pace as its new coach today, replacing Greg Owens who
resigned earlier this month. Pace, who will serve as head coach for
both the men’s and women’s teams, comes to Shorter from
California Baptist where he served in the same capacity.
"Lane is a special man and a special coach," stated Shorter
athletic director, Bill Peterson. "He has an unbelievable track
record and is also a man of great faith. We are really pleased that
he and his family will be joining the Shorter team."
Under Pace's direction, California Baptist University
women’s team won the NAIA national championship in 2011; the
first national golf championship in school history. Five months
later, his men’s team won the NCCAA National championship,
also a school first.
In the six years since launching both programs at Cal Baptist,
Pace's programs have won twenty-two tournaments, including several
over NCAA Division I teams. Additionally, his golfers have had
thirty-one individual titles and have consistently finished in the
top five in tournament competition.
During this time, the California Baptist women’s golf
program participated in the National Tournament five times, and
garnered 3rd place finishes in both, 2009 and 2010. His
men’s golf team also participated in two NAIA National
Championships. In 2011-2012, the Cal Baptist men earned a team
championship and an individual title in the NCAA Division II Pac
West Conference Championship.
In addition to his time at Cal Baptist, Pace's coaching background
includes both Division I and Division II experience. He was
responsible for both the women’s and men’s team at
Jacksonville University in 2000 and 2001. During his tenure at
Jacksonville University and then at Longwood University, his
programs won 5 collegiate tournaments. Prior to collegiate
coaching, Pace played golf professionally; winning several major
club professional events. He is also a PGA professional.
"I am honored to be leading the Shorter University golf teams and want to thank Athletic Director Bill Peterson and President Dowless for this tremendous opportunity. I am excited to lead the teams and build the programs as the University moves into NCAA Division II," Pace commented.
"My family and I are so excited to be moving back to North Georgia and being part of the Rome and Shorter community.”
