John Powers Named BGSU Men’s Golf Head Coach
Release courtesy of BGSU Sports Information
Bowling Green, Ohio – John Powers, a 2010 graduate of Bowling Green State University, has been named head coach of the BGSU men's golf program. Powers was the head coach at St. Bonaventure from 2011-14 and most recently served as the associate head golf coach at Cleveland State, working with both the men's and women's programs.
"I am honored to return to Bowling Green to lead the men's golf program," Powers said. "I would like to thank Bob Moosbrugger and Jim Elsasser for entrusting me with this opportunity. As a former student-athlete at BGSU, I have a lot of pride in our town, the University and the golf program. I look forward to working with a talented group of student-athletes who have the desire to do great things both on and off the course."
While at St. Bonaventure, Powers enhanced scheduling and expanded the recruiting base for the program. He recruited and coached Josh Stauffer, who developed into an Atlantic 10 All-Conference performer and finished third at the 2014 Atlantic 10 Conference Championship. As well, Brian McKenna was named an Academic All-American in both 2012 and 2013 under Powers.
Powers went on to spend 18 months working as a golf professional, caddying on the LPGA Symetra Tour and playing in professional golf tournaments.
Following and during those opportunities, Powers returned to BGSU to serve as an assistant coach for the women's program in 2015-16. That team posted five top-five finishes, including victories at the 2015 Redbird Invitational and the Snowman Classic, while breaking the program record for single-season stroke average.
At CSU, Powers helped the women's team capture their first Horizon League Championship in program history, as well as a berth in the NCAA regionals. In addition, the men's team captured its fourth consecutive league title and an automatic bid to NCAA regionals. Powers helped to develop four all-conference players (two men and two women) in his stint at Cleveland State and the women's team broke the program's single-season stroke average.
"We are thrilled to welcome John back to his alma mater as the head coach for BGSU men's golf," Director of Athletics Bob Mossbrugger said. "John's experience as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, combined with his deep ties to the Bowling Green community will serve our golf program well. John is committed to student-athlete academic and athletic success, which will enable us to continue building an excellent men's golf program."
A standout golfer for the Falcons from 2006-10, Powers posted a 75.2 career scoring average over 123 rounds with 10 top-15 finishes during his career, including medalist honors at the 2007 UD Spring Invitational. He posted a career-low round of 67 at the 2009 Earl Yestingsmeier Intercollegiate.
Powers also had an extensive amateur career, qualifying for three USGA National Championships. He placed 15th at the USGA Junior Amateur Championship in 2005 and earned a spot in the USGA Public Links Championship. He again qualified for the USGA Public Links in 2007.
Powers graduated from BGSU with a degree in sport management. He was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at BGSU and went on to complete his master's degree in integrated marketing communications at St. Bonaventure in 2013.
