(Editors Note: Montana Tech media release)
BUTTE – It’s now official. Montana Tech Director of Athletics Matt Stepan lifted the interim tag from Oredigger golf coach Sean Ryan today naming him head of the program.
“Sean is the right person to keep our program moving on the steep positive trajectory that Coach LaBreche worked so hard to get us on,” said Stepan.
“I am honored to be named the head golf coach at Montana Tech and to succeed my good friend and coach Lee LaBreche,” said Ryan. “I want to thank Athletic Director Matt Stepan and Chancellor Cook for giving me the opportunity to take the reins of this great program.”
“Sean did a great job stepping in during a very difficult time last season and provided the continuity and leadership we needed to persevere. I’m excited to work with Sean and our great student-athletes within the golf program going forward.”
Ryan has filled in since the passing of Lee LaBreche last winter. In his short time leading the men’s and women’s golf team, Ryan continued the successes LaBreche had been creating over the previous seven years. Senior Sean Benson won the first individual title for the Orediggers at the Frontier Conference Tournament. The men’s team also had their best finish landing in second place and the women’s team took third place for the second straight season.
“Being a former Tech golfer and a Tech grad, I think I uniquely understand what it takes to be a successful Oredigger golfer not only on the course but also in the classroom.”
Ryan golfed for the Orediggers from 2012-16 under coach LaBreche. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Technical Communications in 2016 and a master’s degree in Technical Communication in 2019. Prior to his time in Butte, the Great Falls Central product was the runner-up at the Class C state tournament in 2012 and an all-state performer all four years.
“My experiences travelling to every corner of the state and playing every golf course from Libby to Broadus will prove beneficial to this program. I have made so many great friends playing golf in Montana that I can’t wait to share the vision of Oredigger golf. I strive to continue to grow this program and its future successes.”
In addition to coaching golf, Ryan was hired as the Assistant HPER Director/Pool & Recreation Manager. Ryan is the first golf coach working full-time in the athletic department for Tech.
The 2019-20 golf season tee’s off at the Argo Invitational in Great Falls on September 9th.
