From ROUGH
to READY
Bill Rankin ’60
Alumnus makes golf center dream a reality By NATHAN LARICCIA
G
olf is best played in ideal weather conditions. The Westminster men’s and women’s golf teams compete in both the fall and the spring, and as anyone who lives in Western Pennsylvania knows, the weather is not always predictable. Head Titan men’s golf coach Matt Torrence ‘93 thought of a solution that would solve the weather dilemma. Coincidently, his idea came on the golf course. “I met with Bill Rankin ‘60,” said Torrence. “He asked me to join him for a round of golf. During the round, we discussed many things about the golf program, including my desire for an indoor practice facility. That evening, he called me and offered a donation to make the idea a reality.” Rankin, a Westminster trustee emeritus and a member of the Titan Sports Hall of Fame, was a standout tennis player for Westminster as an undergraduate. 2 2 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u
“When we discussed Matt’s ideas for an indoor practice facility, I was very impressed with his vision and enthusiasm for the project,” said Rankin. “What I did not know, but came to discover early on, was his outstanding dedication and hard work for the project.” Many other people were involved, including donors Rankin recruited, members of the Westminster Physical Plant staff, head Westminster women’s golf coach Jeff Roud, Director of Athletics Jim Dafler, and Rick Montanti, contractor and father of men’s golf team member Ross Montanti ‘15. The project started with an approval in November 2015 and the primary features of the center were completed in April 2016. “I contacted 20 individuals seeking support for the project and received positive responses and subsequent donations,” Rankin said. “These were folks who had a connection with Westminster and a love for Titan sports!”
