WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State men's golf head coach Grier Jones has announced that assistant coach Judd Easterling has been promoted to associate head coach.

"I think it's great [Judd has got this promotion]," Jones said. "He loves coaching the kids, he loves the golf program here. He's going to be real good for Wichita State and has the personal and professional skills to do a great job."

Easterling has just finished his second season as an assistant coach for Wichita State, helping the Shockers to a Missouri Valley Conference Championship and NCAA Regional appearance in 2017. During that season he coached MVC Player of the Year, Yannik Emmert, alongside two First Team All-Conference selections (Emmert and Grant Bennett).

"I'd like to thank Coach Jones, Athletic Director Darron Boatright and Senior Associate Athletic Director Becky Endicott for this opportunity," Easterling said. "I'm extremely excited about the future of Shocker Golf and the ability this program has. I love this program and I'm looking forward to having more responsibilities alongside Coach Jones to push Shocker Golf forward."

Easterling played all four years under Jones at Wichita State earning five individual career collegiate victories. As a three-year captain, he earned numerous accolades including being named a two time All-American, four time All-Conference, two time All-Academic and nine time MVC Golfer of the Week. He was also named to the MVC All-Centennial Team and qualified for three NCAA National Championships as a Shocker (2003, 2004, 2005), finishing 10th in 2004.

"We [as an athletic department] are happy to reward Judd in this manner," Boatright said. "He remains an integral part of our success here at Wichita State in the men's golf program."