Doherty Steps Down as Yellowjacket Golf Coach (Sept. 10, 2003)

BILLINGS, MT – Dr. Gary Gray, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Montana State University-Billings, announced Wednesday that Dave Doherty has resigned as head men’s and women’s golf coach effective immediately.  A search to fill the position, which Doherty held for just over a year, will be initiated immediately.

“Everyone at MSU Billings sincerely appreciates the tremendous amount of quality time, energy, and hard work Coach Doherty has put into building our men’s and women’s Yellowjacket golf program,” said Dr. Gray.  “He has indeed done a remarkable job of beginning this sport from scratch.  With the increasing time demands required for continuing the growth and development of our NCAA Division II men’s and women’s golf program, particularly since men’s and women’s golf will become an official Pacific West Conference sports in less than one year, I truly understand Coach Doherty’s decision.  I know his full-time job as golf professional must come first, and we all admire the great work he accomplishes at Pryor Creek Golf Club.  We wish Coach Doherty all the best as he continues the growth of Pryor Creek, and we look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Pryor Creek as our home course.”

In his resignation to Dr. Gray, Doherty identified the primary reason for stepping down as the increasing time demands of trying to develop and grow an NCAA Division II men’s and women’s golf program, including scheduling, recruiting, traveling, teaching and coaching two full terms.  In addition to coaching at MSU Billings, Doherty is the head golf professional at Pryor Creek Golf Club, which requires the devotion of a considerable amount of time and energy.

“The duties and time needed for my professional job have made this a very difficult decision to make,” said Doherty.  “But in the best interest of Pryor Creek Golf Club and my professional career, it was a decision I had to make.  It has been a great opportunity to be part of a new program.  I know the Yellowjacket golf teams will have great success in the future.”