Wingate University names Corey Iacofano head men’s golf coach

Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University vice-president and director of athletics Steve Poston announces the appointment of Corey Iacofano as head men's golf coach. Dr. Jerry Surratt will remain head coach of the Wingate women's golf team. Dr. Surratt will also gain the title Director of Golf.

Iacofano previously served as graduate assistant for the Wingate men's and women's golf programs. He was closely involved in the day-to-day aspects of both golf programs, including recruiting and player development. The Painesville, Ohio native was a four-year letter winner for the Bulldogs.

As a senior, Iacofano was named All-Tournament in the Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Championship. He also received the prestigious J. Ralph Hargett Spirit of the Game Award, presented by the league's head coaches. The same season, he won the 2008 J. Ralph Hargett Memorial Intercollegiate, en route to leading the 'Dogs to the tournament title. Iacofano received Wingate's MVP award his senior year.

Iacofano takes over the men's golf with hopes of leading the 'Dogs to their first SAC Championship in 2012. In the 2011 Food Lion SAC Championship event, Wingate finished sixth. Junior Clifford Blanquicet (Sanford, N.C.) finished second on the individual leader board. Wingate claimed a second-place finish in the 2011 Hargett Memorial, with Blanquicet taking medalist honors. In the 2010 season, Wingate placed third in the Food Lion SAC tournament. Sophomore Garett Heffner (Wendell, N.C.) earned 2010 All-SAC tournament honors for the Bulldogs.

What They Are Saying

Wingate University vice-president and director of athletics Steve Poston:

"I am very proud of Corey. He will have this great opportunity to lead the men's golf program. He was a fine golfer at Wingate and excelled as a graduate assistant. I have full confidence in Dr. Surratt's judgment in giving Corey these additional responsibilities. His passion for Wingate University will result in positive results for the men's golf program."

Wingate University Director of Golf Dr. Jerry Surratt:

"I am very excited Corey is assuming the leadership of the men's golf team. He is dedicated to Wingate University and has all the tools for success at coaching. Corey served exceptionally well as the graduate assistant for two years; I was able to shift a large share of responsibilities to him last year. In every case, he handled himself and the tasks well. Several of the SAC coaches have commented positively on Corey's potential for this position, so his promotion will not be a surprise to them. He is popular, but respected by the current team members, so I think the transition will be seamless in every respect."

"I will look forward to giving overall direction to Wingate golf and investing more time in the women's program for a while longer. We have our strongest class of freshman golfers entering this fall…while we will miss those graduating seniors, both programs should flourish next year."

Wingate University head men's golf coach Corey Iacofano:

"To be a head coach wasn't really one of my goals when I initially took the graduate assistant position (at Wingate); however, once I started the position…and Coach Surratt gave me more responsibility, I knew what I wanted to work towards and what I wanted my job to be in the future."

"Coach Surratt's first year of coaching was my first year as a player. I have gained much respect for him, both as a coach and as a boss over the years. He has allowed me a great opportunity to do something I love doing. In the future, I plan to keep improving the team. If we continually improve in practice and tournaments every single day, then we will eventually reach our goals."