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James Schilling, who led both the Colonels and Lady Colonels to their first-ever victories, returns to the helm of the Nicholls State golf program for his ninth season as the head coach for both the men's and women's team. Schilling, who served as an assistant coach for a season, moved into the head post after the retirement of M.T. "Tic" Tatum who guided the Colonels for six seasons. The native of Lafayette, La., played two seasons at Centenary College in Shreveport before transferring to Nicholls to complete his golf career, lettering twice. The Colonels claimed their first victory by capturing the 2001 Pizza Hut/Bellsouth Classic in late February in Jackson, Miss. Nicholls repeated as tournament champs in 2002 beating Army. The Lady Colonels recorded their first victory by winning the Troy University Women's Invite in Montgomery, Ala. in 2007. During his eight-year career as head coach, Schilling has recruited and coached one NCAA All-American and seven All-Southland Conference players. Aside from team accomplishments, Schilling is credited with founding the Gulf Coast Collegiate Classic. Schilling also founded the Lady Colonel Collegiate in 2002 at The Bridges at Casino Magic in Bay St. Louis, Miss. That was the first women's tournament ever to be held at that location. Nicholls is also only one of three conference schools to host both a men's and women's tournament. Nicholls hosted the inaugural event in 2000 in Bay St. Louis, Miss. and has continued to host the tournament every year. Due to the damages of the golf course during Hurricane Katrina, the tournament was moved to Ellendale Country Club in Houma, La., and has been held their the last two years. Schilling also picked up a sponsor for the event in L.D.R. Investments. In addition to the L.D.R. Investments/Lady Colonel Collegiate, Schilling founded the Nicholls State Golf Classic, an annual and fund raising event, held every August at Bayou Country Club in Thibodaux. Since its inception in 2000, the Nicholls Golf Classic has helped raise in excess of $100,000 for the men's and women's golf program. Nicholls also played host to the 2004 Southland Conference Women's Golf Championship at Pelican Point Golf Club in Gonzales, La. Schilling is currently the Head Golf Pro at Bayou Country Club and also holds a membership in the Golf Coaches Association of America and is currently a PGA Apprentice working towards Class A status. Schilling is married to the former Effie Ford of Houma. The couple resides in Thibodaux and have two sons, William (6) and Andrew (2). |
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