Ed Hoffmeyer Named Mars Hill Golf Coach

MARS HILL, N.C. - Ed Hoffmeyer who announced his retirement from Mars Hill as Dean of Admissions and Financial aid July 5 effective August 31, has been named as the new men's and women's golf coach at Mars Hill College, institution officials announced Monday. Hoffmeyer will begin his duties immediately.

Hoffmeyer stated, "I appreciate David Riggins giving me the opportunity to stay connected to Mars Hill in this special way. I especially look forward to working with the young people who are already a part of our program and those who will join us in the future. There is no reason why our men and women's programs cannot be competitive within the South Atlantic Conference.

"We recognize that the challenge will be great, but so will the journey," he said. "Mars Hill is a special place and I have been blessed to be given the opportunity to serve the institution in so many different areas. I cannot think of a more fun way to end my career than being involved in the great game of golf and with the people who play it."

Hoffmeyer is no stranger to Mars Hill. He served as the Athletic Director from 1990-98, coached the men's golf team at MHC from 1995-98 and served as the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for Mars Hill College from 2007 until August of 2011.

During his tenure as the Lions' golf coach, Hoffmeyer was named the 1998 SAC Coach of the Year. He coached the MHC golf team for three years (1995-98) leading the Lions to a No. 10 Regional ranking in 1998, coached and recruited MHC's first All-SAC player (Tom Tsika) and the school's first SAC Freshman of the Year (Stephen Smith). Four of Hoffmeyer's former players are currently Head PGA professionals at clubs in North Carolina and Florida.

Mars Hill Athletic Director David Riggins stated, "Ed Hoffmeyer has passion for Mars Hill College, for young people and for golf. When one adds his competitive spirit to that list, it becomes apparent that our institution and our student-athletes are the big winners as Ed assumes the reins of our golf program."

As Athletic Director at Mars Hill, he directed MHC through the final stages of transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, increased sports sponsorship at MHC from eight to 13 and worked on major facility improvements including Stanford Arena, Hart Tennis Center and the acquisition of Ponder Fields.

Between his stints at MHC, Hoffmeyer was the Athletic Director at Tusculum College from 1998-2007. He directed Tusculum's transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II and oversaw the most successful period in Tusculum athletic history. Hoffmeyer was recognized along with his wife Linda as Sports Benefactor of the Year in 2007.

During his college days at MHC Hoffmeyer was a three-year letter winner in track and field where he participated in five events per meet. He held school records in four events upon graduation. Hoffmeyer also participated in basketball one year.

Other accolades include being inducted into Mars Hill's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 and in the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame, also in 2008. Hoffmeyer also served as Chairman of NCAA DII Women's Golf Committee from 2000-2003 and was the NCAA DII Women's National Golf Championship Tournament Director from 2000-2003.

- Mars Hill Media Relations