CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia Athletics Foundation and Virginia Athletics announced (June 20) the establishment of the Tony Markel Family Men’s Golf Head Coaching Endowment.
The family’s generous commitment of $3 million will allow UVA to endow the position of head men’s golf coach and provide ongoing support for the Virginia men’s golf program. Bowen Sargent becomes the first coach to hold the position of Tony Markel Family Men’s Golf Head Coach.
In 20 seasons as head coach, Bowen Sargent has led the Virginia Men’s Golf program to 26 tournament victories, three ACC individual championships, and the highest NCAA finish (fifth) in program history.
“I am grateful for the Tony Markel Family’s generous investment and continued support of Virginia Athletics,” Sargent said. “The naming of our head coach position in honor of his family will serve as a resource for generations to come and will provide a lasting source of funds for the Virginia men’s golf program.”
Markel and his family are honored to support Virginia men’s golf, as they understand the importance of the University’s outstanding academics, winning tradition and the ability to compete at the highest levels.
“As a second-generation graduate of four at the University of Virginia, I have been cheering on the Hoos for over 80 years,” Markel said. “The opportunity to endow Tony Bennett’s first-class basketball program several years ago has proven to be one of the most gratifying things I have ever done philanthropically, so when I had the opportunity to do something similar for Bowen Sargent’s golf program, I jumped at the chance.
“Having spent time with Bowen and the team over the last several years and recognizing the growing financial pressure on Olympic sports, my family is truly excited and proud to be associated with our nationally ranked golf program.”
Markel graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences at Virginia in 1964 and has been a supporter of many initiatives at the University.
The Tony Markel Family Men’s Golf Head Coaching position is the second head coaching position that the Tony Markel Family has endowed following the establishment of the Tom Dean and Tony Markel Men’s Head Basketball Coaching Endowment in 2019.
To learn more about the Virginia Athletics Foundation, click here.
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