Howe Moved To Head Coach

MOORHEAD, Minn. (1/05/21)---Concordia Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson announced that Chris Howe will become the new head coach of men's golf. Howe replaces current coach Joe Christianson who will remain with the program as Director of Golf Operations.

"I am excited for the men's and women's golf to have the same administrative model," Bergeson commented. "I believe the structure of having a separate head coach for both programs while having a director that can handle administrative duties will be a huge plus for our student/athletes. To be able to have Joe continue to serve both programs while at the same time having two head coaches is an ideal situation for both programs."   

Howe, who has been an assistant coach with the program for the past 10 seasons, becomes the ninth head coach for the program in the past fifty years. He takes over the head coaching duties from Christianson who has been the head coach for the past five years. During his tenure, the Cobbers have had one MIAC All-Conference golfer each year, had a GCAA All-Region honoree last year and posted a pair of Top 5 finishes at the MIAC Conference Meet.

"My two passions in life besides my family and my faith are hockey and golf," Howe said. To be able to mentor student/athletes in both sports is something I am very excited about. I have been with the men's program for 10 years and am very comfortable handling duties for both programs."  

Howe is also the head coach for the Cobber men's hockey team. He has served in that role since the 2008-09 season. He has led Concordia to eight consecutive playoff appearances and last year they hosted the MIAC championship game for the first time since 1987. Howe has recorded 131 wins in 12 seasons with the men's hockey team and has an 84-81-27 record in conference play.

Howe is an accomplished golfer as well, having played collegiately at St. John's University. He was also a conference champion, and participated in the Minnesota State Tournament, as a high school student at St. Cloud Apollo. Most recently he has been active in amateur golf in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He has shown his passion for competition by competing in area tournaments, including the prestigious Pine to Palm tournament in Detroit Lakes.           

Christianson will continue to remain in a very active role with both the men's and women's golf programs as Director of Golf Operations.

"Coach Howe has been a huge part of our men's golf program for a long time, especially since I came to Concordia in 2016," Christianson said. "I am thrilled for him to be our new head coach and for myself, to continue to work with him in an advisory role as Director of Golf Operations. Our golf program is in great hands with Chris Howe at the helm."

The change in positions is effective immediately and will be in place for the upcoming spring season.