CONWAY, Ark. _ Steven Runge has been named to take over the University of Central Arkansas men's golf program, according to Dr. Brad Teague, UCA director of athletics.

    Runge, a former collegiate player at Ohio State University, comes to UCA from a three-year stint as head coach at Clayton State University in Morrow, Ga. Prior to that, Runge was an instructor at the prestigious David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

    "Coach Runge is an accomplished golf professional,' said Teague. "Competing as a collegian at Ohio State and then fifteen years as a professional golfer. His desire to work with collegiate golfers is tremendous and will pay dividends for our student-athletes. The knowledge he has of what it takes to make it professionally along with all the golf instruction he has been provided makes him very valuable to our program.

    "We are very pleased to have Coach Runge on our staff. He is a solid person and fits the mold of a UCA Bear. He cares for the success of others more than himself and will continue to place UCA in great standing in our conference and nationally.'

    Runge, a native of Mission Viejo, Calif., played professionally for 15 years, including two years on the PGA Tour and nine years on the Nationwide (nowWeb.com) circuit, recording victories at the Utah Open in 1997 and the Panama Open in 2001. He qualified for the Buick Open and the Hardees Classic on the PGA Tour in 1993.

    "I want to thank Dr. Teague for the opportunity to come to a program like UCA,' said Runge. "I'm looking forward to getting their and working with everyone in the athletic department.'

    Runge said the interview process convinced him he wanted to be at UCA.

    "I was just really impressed with all the people I met when I interviewed,' said Runge. "Everyone was so nice and accommodating and made me feel welcome. You could just tell it was a good place to work with quality people to work with. I'm very excited about the opportunity.'

    "I haven't met our players yet, but I can tell from what I've read about them that we have some good players. It looks like UCA can attract a good level of player, so I'm looking forward to that. I just want to continue the success they have had there and continue to bring in quality student-athletes who can make us even better.

     "I think I bring a lot of overall golf experience, both as a player and a coach. I taught at the IMG Academy and then have been a college coach for three years. I think I have a lot I can share with the players to help make them successful.'

    UCA returns the two-time Southland Conference Player and Student-Athlete of the Year in senior Pep Angles, as well as All-SLC junior James Newton.

    At Ohio State, Runge was a three-year letterwinner under Coach Jim Brown and was co-captain of the team as a senior in 1992. The Buckeyes won the 1990 Big Ten championship and finished 10th at the NCAA National Championships. As a junior golfer, Runge was an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) All-American in 1986.

    Runge and his wife Kathy have a son Cole.