Sept. 7, 2007

From Colgate Athletic Communications

Colgate University Director of Athletics David Roach has announced the hiring of Robert "Mac" Gifford as the head golf coach.

Gifford replaces Marian Blain, the head golf pro at Seven Oaks Golf Course.

"We are excited to have someone with Coach Gifford's intercollegiate experience joining us at Colgate," said Roach. "Mac's combination of passion and understanding of the scholar-athlete coupled with his analytical ability makes him a great choice to lead our golf program. I look forward to working with him in support of our golf student-athletes."

"I'm excited to be here at Colgate University," said Gifford. "Having grown up in Central New York, I've always been aware of the strong tradition of academic excellence and athletic success at Colgate. I'm looking forward to working with the golf team and taking it to a new level in the Patriot League and in the east region."

An avid golfer, Gifford brings his abilities as a stroke technician to the game, as well as his vast knowledge of Division I college athletics.

Gifford was the head women's tennis coach at Syracuse University from 1999-2006. He was named the BIG EAST Coach of the Year in 2005 and helped to coach two All-Americans. Over 30 of his student-athletes have earned BIG EAST all-academic awards, and eight have captured over 100 individual victories.

Prior to being named the head coach, Gifford was the Orange's assistant coach from 1994-99.

He has been a tennis pro at numerous clubs in Central New York, including Pine Grove Country Club in Camillus, N.Y., a position he held for 10 years.

A graduate of Nottingham High School in Syracuse, Gifford received a bachelor's degree from UC-Berkeley where he was a four-year letterwinner on the nationally-ranked men's tennis team.

Gifford begins his duties immediately.