Rams Make Coaching Changes For Golf Programs

MOBILE, Ala-- The University of Mobile announced a couple of changes in the coaching ranks of the men's and women's golf programs, including the return of Hall of Famer Terry Hopper as assistant coach. Colby Odom, men's Head Coach in 2010, will serve as head coach of both programs, while Hopper will focus on the women's golf program that he started in 1993-94.

Odom played golf at Mobile 2002-06 and served as a part-time coach in 2008-09, before becoming head coach of the men's golf program in 2009-10.

"I'm very excited about the new position and the challenge that is before me," Odom said. "I'm also looking forward to working with Coach Hopper as he continues to teach me many things about coaching."

Hopper is returning after a year away, but that was preceded by many years at Mobile. He started the men's golf program in 1985 and coached the team through the 2008-09 season. The men qualified for the NAIA National Champion 21 times and won the National Championship in 1997.

The Batesville, Miss., native has been at Mobile since 1970 and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. He has coached 17 men's and 7 women's NAIA All-Americans.

After starting the women's program in 1993-94, Hopper sat out the second season, and then returned and coach until 2004-05. The women qualified for nationals in each of his 11 years and he guided the team to the NAIA National Championship in 1998.

"I still enjoy it and that's why I came back," Hopper said. "When it stops being fun I'll leave. I'm getting older, but feel young enough to be able to do this."

Despite getting a late start in recruiting, Hopper is optimistic about the coming seasons.

"I'm looking forward to it," Hopper said. "With a lot of dedication and hard work, we can make it to nationals and be a top-10 team. They just have to dedicate themselves to playing better golf."