NORMAN, Okla-  Sonoma State men's golf head coach Val Verhunce has been named the Eaton Golf Pride West Region Coach of the Year, as announced Thursday by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA).  As one of ten regional coaches of the year, Verhunce is in the running for national coach of the year honors, which will be announced following this week's national championships in Houston.

Since starting the Sonoma State men's golf program in 2004, Verhunce has quickly turned the Seawolves into a national powerhouse.  The CCAA and West Region champions, the Seawolves spent much of the year ranked No. 1 in the nation.  They are currently competing in their second consecutive national championship tournament. 

Verhunce has coached two All-Americans, Kyle Hopkins and Jarin Todd.  Todd was the national player of the year as a sophomore and is the favorite for the 2008 award as well.

Earlier this spring, Verhunce was honored as the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Coach of the Year.

Eaton Golf Pride Division II Regional Coaches of the Year
Northeast-  Don Samatulski, Pace
East-  Frederick Joseph, IUP
Atlantic-  Jim Haughey, Belmont Abbey
Southeast-  Jimmy Wilson, Georgia College
South-  Steve Fell, West Florida
South Central-  Ryan Murphy, St. Edward's
Great Lakes-  Brent Nicoson, Indianapolis
Central-  Doug Hamilton, Washburn
Northwest-  Phil Trujillo, Colorado-Colorado Springs
West-  Val Verhunce, Sonoma State