Rhode Island Mournes the Loss of Hall of Fame Golf Coach Tom Drennan
KINGSTON, R.I. - The University of Rhode Island is saddened by the loss of former head golf coach Tom Drennan.
Drennan - who passed away peacefully Sunday, with his family by his side - was inducted into the Rhode Island Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, after a highly-successful 22-year run as URI's head golf coach. During his tenure, the Rams qualified for NCAA Regional play for 16 consecutive years, from 1992-2007. In 2004, URI finished eighth in the East Regional to become the first team from the Northeast to advance to the NCAA Championship since the regional format was adopted in 1988.
"I know that I speak for our entire department when I say that we are heartbroken about Tom's passing," director of athletics Thorr Bjorn said. "It truly was an honor to work alongside Tom. He was a man of great integrity who was an incredible mentor to countless student-athletes, as well as colleagues. I will certainly miss our conversations and the friendship we developed over the past 13 years."
Drennan, who was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of American (GCAA) Hall of Fame in 2008, was a nine-time New England and three-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year. In addition to his golf duties, Drennan served as an assistant men's basketball coach at URI from 1973-78 and was the head basketball coach and athletics director at Roger Williams from 1966-74.
In total for his career, Drennan coached 50 years at the high school, junior college, and NCAA Division I levels.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's wife Nancy, as well as all of his children and grandchildren," Bjorn added. "I hope they are able to find a sense of comfort and pride in knowing the positive impact he had on so, so many lives. We are all better people for the time we shared with him."
Visiting hours for Drennan will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Avery-Storti Funeral Home in Wakefield, R.I. A mass of Christan burial will follow at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, at Christ the King Church in Kingston, R.I.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Coach Drennan's name may be made to America Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) RI Chapter, PO Box 41659, Providence, RI, 02940.