University of the Cumberlands head golf coach, Bill Sergent, is preparing to leave behind 29 years of hard work, dedication, commitment and memories to step into a new phase of his career and serve in other aspects of the game.

Sergent has accepted and been named the Director of Public Relations for the Crooked Creek Golf Club in London, KY. As Director, he will take on the responsibility of recruiting members and starting a program for junior golfers under the age of 12. The Club allows this age group to use the range facilities for free and accepts donations of used golf clubs from its members for these young golfers to use. Sergent will continue to coach the Men’s golf team this year, while beginning his new career in London and his wife, Mary Sergent will join him and coach the Women’s team.

While at UC, Sergent has not only coached golf, but has played a role in the basketball program since 1976 and has traveled to many NAIA tournaments with the team. In addition, he served the University as the Sports Information Director for twenty-four year before stepping down in 2001.  He has been an asset to the athletic program in multiple other ways and has made an impression on many student athletes, coaches, and supporters.

When asked about a favorite memory at UC Sergent had this to say, “There are so many that it would be impossible to pick only one or even two. I have formed a bond with a lot of former UC and Cumberland College athletes and coaches. That is something I will dearly miss. I realize how fortunate I have been to have coached at UC and made so many relationships. The support of the administration, faculty, and staff has been tremendous and I will miss working with them on a day-to-day basis.”

Cumberlands Athletic Director, Randy Vernon commented, “It will be strange not having Bill around. He has meant a great deal to our golf program and athletic department, and has been a great ambassador for our University over the past 29 years. He has been a role model for so many young men and women who have played for him and I know he has made a great impact on their lives. Our entire athletic department sends with Bill our best wishes as he enters a new phase of his life.”

The golf team has made many great strides over the years with Sergent as head coach. Since he was graduated from former Cumberland College in 1978, Sergent had a great deal of chemistry with the school when he came in as staff member in 1979. His teams have won thirteen Conference Championships and competed in eleven National Tournaments. One of Sergent’s players excelled to being a NAIA National Champion, three of them became NAIA All-Americans, and an outstanding 43 worked to become All-Conference players. In addition, 93 individual tournament titles and over 57 team titles have been won under the direction of Bill Sergent.

Aside from team accomplishments, Sergent has been recognized individually. He has served as the president of the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Golf Coaches Associations, making him the only coach to ever fill both of these positions multiple times. Finally, Sergent has served on the NAIA Men’s Golf Rating Committee along with being a member of the Kentucky Golf Association Board of Directors, serving as the section chairman.

Article Provided by Staci Wilham, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant