Dec. 7, 2001

LARAMIE, Wyo. -

Joe Jensen, a former member of the University of Wyoming golf team and a native of Lander, has been named Cowboy golf coach, UW Athletics Director Lee Moon announced Friday.

In addition to his coaching duties, Jensen will be the manager of golf course operations at Jacoby Golf Course at Laramie.

Jensen, 31, replaces long-time coach Roger Prenzlow who has accepted a position as golf professional at the Old Baldy Golf Club in Saratoga, Wyoming.

"Whenever we have an opportunity to bring back a Wyoming Cowboy to our program that's exciting," Moon said. "As a native, Joe has the state of Wyoming deep in his heart. He is an outstanding person, and an outstanding teacher. Not only is he a bright, young coach, but he brings a background and understanding of overall course management to the position. He understands the program Roger has established, and takes a great deal of pride in moving the program forward.

"We were fortunate to attract a number of quality candidates with the background and understanding of the position, and who had ties to our program," Moon continued. "We were extremely pleased to consider that group, and very happy with our selection."

Jensen is a 1998 graduate of the University of Wyoming, with a Bachelor of Science degree.

"It's very exciting for me to be coming back to my school, and my state where I have so many friends and family," Jensen said. "It is a dream come true for Chris and I to be given this opportunity. It's a privilege to be a part of the program once again. Roger has done such a great job through the years, and I'm excited about carrying on the tradition he has established. It's just terrific to be coming home."

Jensen was a member of the Cowboy golf team during the 1992 season, but turned professional in 1993, and became an assistant golf pro at the Jacoby Golf Course. During his six years in that position he was responsible for the daily operation of the course. His duties also included assistant coach with the golf team.

In 1999, Jensen moved to the Pelican Lakes Golf and Country Club in Windsor, Colorado, where he was the golf assistant. There he assisted in the daily operation of the golf course, coordinator of three to four golf tournaments per week, and taught group and junior golf lessons. In addition to his golf club duties, he was a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

This past year Jensen became president of the Northern Colorado Golf Enterprise, acquiring corporate sponsorships for six professional golf tournaments a year. At the same time he was a financial advisor for the Bank of Colorado/Raymond James Financial Services, located in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

He recently organized the Wyoming-CSU Border Fore Golf Tournament which raised some $20,000 for the UW athletic program. The tournament has been established as an annual event.

"I'm pleased that the University was able to attract an individual with Joe's capabilities," said George Krell, director of UW's Physical Plant, which oversees the golf course. "He has experience in the operation of the golf facility as well as coaching. I think that's very good for the University."