Highlanders Alum Eric Riehle Named Head Men's And Women's Golf Coach

6/20/2012

Courtesy of UC Riverside Athletics

UC Riverside Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brian Wickstrom announced today that former Highlanders golfer and head coach at the University of La Verne Eric Riehle has been named the head men's and women's golf coach at UC Riverside.

"I am very excited to have a UC Riverside graduate back on campus working with our golf programs," Wickstrom stated. "His playing experience, Big West Championship experience and player development skills will be great for our student-athletes.

"I think it is a huge plus to have an individual that knows first-hand about our institution and campus leading our golf teams. During the interview process, our teams met with the candidates and they loved Eric's philosophy."

Riehle comes to UC Riverside after four years as the Head Men's Golf Coach at the University of La Verne, compiling a head-to-head division record of 384-71-3.

"I couldn't be happier," said Riehle of his return to UC Riverside. "I love the university, I love the area, and I'm excited about the direction in which the athletics department is heading under the guidance of Chancellor White and Athletics Director Brian Wickstrom.

"We won two conference championships during my time at UCR, were ranked nationally, and participated in the NCAA Tournament, and I know our men's and women's golf programs can reach those heights again. I can't wait to get started."

Riehle was named the 2011 Division III West Region Coach of the Year, and guided the Leopards to four straight SCIAC Conference Championships. His team finished second at the NCAA Championships in 2009 and placed fifth in 2010 while finishing in the top-15 the past two years.

Eight of his players earned All-American honors, with one earning National Player of the Year accolades.

Riehle graduated from UC RIverside in 2005 with a degree in liberal studies, focusing in history with a minor in education. He was a three-time All-Big West Selection for the Highlanders, helping UCR to two Big West Conference Championships.

He got his coaching start as an assistant with the Highlanders after graduation, working with the men's and women's teams for two years. Riehle was also the assistant director of instruction at Oak Valley Golf Academy for four years.

Riehle is a Level Three PGA Professional and Level II Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. His wife, Lindsay, also played golf at UC Riverside.