Coaching Success Leads George to the University of Oklahoma

Sterling, Kan.-Sterling College Athletics and Vice President for Athletics, Scott Downing, announced today that Tanner George has stepped down as the Head Men's and Women's Golf coach to pursue an opportunity with the University of Oklahoma.

George took over the Sterling College Golf program immediately after graduating from SC. In his tenure as head coach, his teams have seen much success on the golf course. George orchestrated the first men's team KCAC Conference Championship in school history in the 2022 season which led to the first-ever NAIA National Championship appearance, also in 2022. Both the men's and women's teams have climbed to all-time highs in the national rankings during his time as head coach. Because of the success of the 2022 team, George was named the KCAC Men's Coach of the Year that year as well. Over the last two seasons both the men's and women's programs have broke almost every record in the Sterling College record book.

As a player, George still holds a number of records, including the highest Golfstat personal player ranking in program history and the most career event wins.

 "Tanner has done an excellent job building the golf program over the past ten years, which we are very proud of," said Sterling College Athletic Director, Justin Morris. "We are sad to see him and his wife, Chloe, leave, but we are very excited for him and the opportunity he has earned to move on to the NCAA Div. 1 level. Sterling has been blessed with some great alumni who have chosen to stay or come back to their alma mater and build something special, and that is precisely what he has done.

We look forward to what God has in store for the George family, not only on the golf course but as their family grows. We wish them nothing but the best, and they always will be a Warrior4Life."

George also appreciates the time and opportunity he was given in this opportunity fresh out of college. "My time at Sterling has been incredibly special and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to coach my alma mater and interact with so many great student-athletes in the last nine years. Sterling will always be home to me and my family. I want to thank Gary Kempf for taking a chance on me to start, and all the coaches here who walked alongside me, especially KC Bassett. Thanks to Justin Morris and Scott Downing for their leadership as well and all they did for me and the program. Thank you to all of my student-athletes, they made it fun and I can't wait to follow along in their lives and follow the team moving forward. I will always be a Warrior."

Even though moving from one organization to another can be hard when looking back, moving forward always brings excitement with it as well. "I'm really excited to be starting as the assistant women's golf coach at the University of Oklahoma," said George. "It is a dream to get an opportunity at the highest level and to get that opportunity at OU is really special for myself and my family."

Upon George's departure, Graduate Assistant Daniel Ramirez will run the day-to-day operations in the interim until Sterling's next head coach is announced.

Sterling will immediately begin a nationwide search for a new head golf coach.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.