Christianson Named Head Golf Coach

MOORHEAD, Minn.  (5/06/16)—Concordia Interim Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson announced that Joe Christianson has been named the new head coach of the Concordia men's and women's golf teams. Christianson replaces longtime coach Duane Siverson who retired earlier this spring.

"Joe has a strong background in the game of golf as a coach and a player," stated Bergeson. "His success at every level he has competed and coached at, as well as his passion for the game, really stood out during the hiring process."

Christianson, who grew up in Halstad, Minn., served as the head coach for American International College in Springfield, Mass. for the 2015-16 season. Before becoming the head coach at American International, Christianson was the assistant coach for the men's and women's programs at St. John's University in New York where he helped lead the women's team to a fourth-place finish in the Big East in 2015.

Christianson's golf background was formed in Halstad where he started playing the game. He attended Norman County West High School and won the Minnesota State Class A individual championship in 1998.

Christianson cites his ties to the area as one of the main reasons he decided to pursue the job.

"Growing up in the area I was very aware of the quality of academics and athletics at Concordia," Christianson said. "I remember all the success that Duane Siverson had with the women's team during my high school years."

After winning the state championship in his senior year at Norman County West Christianson attended Iowa State on a golf scholarship. He then transferred to the University of West Florida in Pensacola , Fla.  to be able to play golf year round. In his very first season at West Florida he was a part of the team which won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2001.

Christianson graduated from West Florida in 2003 and finished his collegiate playing career as a two-time All-American and a two-time Cleveland Golf Scholar All-American.

Christianson then spent nine years in the New York area as a player and teaching professional. In 2009 Christianson set a course record at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship Pre-Qualifier by shooting a 65 at Bulls Bridge Golf Club in Kent, Conn. He also finished in the top 8 in the Metropolitan PGA Championship in and was the runner-up in the Westchester PGA Championship in 2011.
 
During his playing days after college Christianson also served as a teaching professional in the New York area.  He was a pro at two of the premier facilities in the region at Quaker Ridge Country Club in Scarsdale, N.Y. and Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset, N.Y.   

Christianson, who recently completed his Master Degree in Sports Management at St. John's University (N.Y.), understands the rich tradition of golf at Concordia and is excited to be a part of the future. 

"I want to thank President Craft and the entire search committee for giving me this opportunity," commented Christianson.  "Duane (Siverson) set the bar very high during his remarkable career for almost 40 years at the school and I hope that I can carry on with the success that he has had."

Christianson will begin his duties as head coach for the Cobbers on May 18.