AU Welcomes Pair of New Golf Coaches
August 10, 2004

By Paul Carmany, AU Sports Information

Both golf programs at Ashland University will have new faces at the helm as the new school year begins. Pam Leonard is the new women’s golf coach, while Darrin Jones will guide the men’s golf team.

“We are fortunate to have two people in Pam and Darrin with the experiences and backgrounds to take over our programs,” expressed AU athletic director Bill Goldring. “They will serve our student-athletes at Ashland well.”

Leonard comes to AU after four successful years as the head varsity boys’ golf coach at Ashland High School. The Arrows earned Division I state runnerup laurels in her first season, 2000 and sent an individual qualifier to the state meet in each of the two succeeding years. Leonard also served as an assistant coach for the 1999 Arrow boys’ golf squad that finished as the state runnerup.

As an undergraduate, Leonard played for the Ohio University golf team. She remains competitive today, competing annually in the Ohio State Women’s Amateur Tournament. Leonard additionally owns an LPGA teaching and club pro certification.

In 1972, Leonard received a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education from Ohio. She then added a master of arts degree in exercise physiology at Kent State University eight years later.

Jones currently serves as the assistant golf professional at The Country Club of Ashland, a position he has held since 2001. Prior to coming to the Buckeye State, Jones was the head golf professional at Spruce Creek in Summerfield, FL, in 1999 and 2000.

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Ohio State University, graduating in 1997. He also currently owns Level 2 certification in the PGA PGM program.

Leonard replaces Steve Paramore, who coached the Eagles for one season. Jones will be taking the place of Ben Cavey, who served as the AU men’s golf coach during the 2003-04 school year.

“I want to thank Steve and Ben for their efforts here at AU,” noted Goldring. “They both did outstanding jobs of getting their respective programs on their feet. We are excited for them as they move forward in their respective careers.”