Robert Morris Golf Coach Jerry Stone Retires After 21 Years

Stone+is+19th+all-time+in+NCAA+Division+I+men%E2%80%99s+golf+in+tournament+wins+in+21+years+a+Robert+Morris+coach+Photo+credit%3A+Nathan+Breisinger

Stone is 19th all-time in NCAA Division I men’s golf in tournament wins in 21 years a Robert Morris coach Photo credit: Nathan Breisinger

Samantha Dutch

After spending 21 years coaching the Colonials on the links, on Wednesday, Robert Morris golf coach Jerry Stone announced his retirement effective on June 1.

Stone is the program’s all-time coaching tournament wins leader, having entered this past season with 23 wins ranking 19th all-time in NCAA Division I men’s golf in tournament wins.

Stone is a native of Lakeland, Fla. and a graduate from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation & Park Administration.

Before coming to Robert Morris University, Stone coached at Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School for five years. Stone also had five years of playing experience while attending Murray State and Polk Community College.

Stone brought his knowledge and skills to the Colonials and he wraps up his career as one of the longest-tenured coaches in RMU Athletics history.

He was named NEC Coach of the Year five times, earning the men’s honor four times and receiving the 2010 NEC Women’s Golf Coach of the Year. He was also named the 2013 Tri-State PGA of America Teacher of the Year.

Stone has shaped many players over his time at Robert Morris, with three of his former golfers named NEC Player of the Year, including C.G. Mercatoris, Ryan Prokay, and Max Palmer, who was also named the 2017 NEC Rookie of the Year.

On the women’s side, Stone tutored Jenna Rinker, selected as the 2010 NEC Rookie of the Year, and Halley Morell, the 2014 NEC Player of the Year. In addition to these major awards on both the women’s and men’s sides, a total of 25 student-athletes earned all-conference honors during Stone’s time at RMU.

“It’s been both a pleasure and an honor to serve as head coach of the golf programs at RMU, but the time is right to step away,” Stone said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University, forming bonds with the student-athletes, coaches and staff within the department and the camaraderie that comes with those relationships. I’m equally proud of the alumni of both the men’s and women’s programs that have gone on to have success in life after their time as student-athletes at RMU.”

Robert Morris will begin a national search to identify its next head men’s golf coach.