Andrew Tank Named ISU's Men's Golf Coach

AMES, Iowa- Andrew Tank, a native of Des Moines who assisted the University of Minnesota men's golf program to a pair of top 10 finishes at the NCAA Championships, has been named Iowa State's men's golf coach, announced today by the ISU Athletics Department.

Tank was the captain of Minnesota's 2002 NCAA Championship team and has spent the last eight seasons as an assistant to Brad James on the Gophers men's golf staff, including the last three as an associate head coach. During his time in Minneapolis, Tank helped mentor 10 All-America selections and 16 All-Big Ten picks.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead a program that I believe in,” Tank said. “It is special for me to be able to come back to Central Iowa where my playing career began. I have always followed the Cyclones and after meeting with the administration and others on campus, my belief in the program is now even stronger. My passion for Iowa State is genuine and I'm excited to work with top-caliber players that are committed to reaching their potential as members of the Cyclone golf family.”

UM solidified itself as a northern golf power in Tank's eight years with the program, winning Big Ten titles in 2003 and 2007, and finishing runner-up at the conference meet in 2006, 2008 and 2009. The Gophers made six NCAA Regional berths and advanced to the NCAA Championships three times, finishing third in 2006 and ninth in 2007.

Tank has proved to be an outstanding instructor and considered by many to be one of the top young coaches in the country. He worked as an instructor at the University of Minnesota Golf Institute, where he conducted group and private instruction with Golf Magazine Top 100 instructor Gerald McCullagh. He has also had the opportunity to work with a number of top amateurs and professionals, many of whom compete on the PGA, Nationwide, European, Australian, Asian and Canadian Tours.

A 2002 graduate of Minnesota, Tank continued his academic career by pursuing graduate work at Minnesota in sports psychology and motor learning. He has studied the links between physical body and the golf swing, and in November of 2007, he became the first golf professional in Minnesota to earn Level II TPI Golf Fitness Certification.

“Andrew had the total package of qualities we were looking for in a head coach,” said Calli Sanders, ISU's Senior Associate Athletics Director. “He has been associated with championship teams, has competed at a high level, has experience recruiting to and coaching in a Midwest climate, and has a passion, interest and familiarity with Iowa State University and Central Iowa. We believe that he is a great fit for our program and will make an immediate impact.”

Tank's collegiate golf career began in 1997 where he was a letterwinner and scholar athlete award winner as a member of the Gopher golf team. The 2002 team won the school's first conference title in 30 years and is the only northern program to win a NCAA title since 1979.

Tank prepped at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, helping the Maroons to four state tournament appearances, including two Class 4A state titles in 1994 and 1995. A former Des Moines City Junior champion, Tank has played in numerous Iowa amateur events and American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments.

Tank is married to the former Kristie Maruyama.

Tank's hiring is pending administrative approval as per University policy.

Iowa State University Athletics

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