RALEIGH, N.C. – Lawrence “Peaches” Coleman retired after an illustrious 37-year working career at Saint Augustine’s College. He spent the majority of his years at the college as the men’s golf coach. His last day was Friday (May 15). RALEIGH, N.C. – Lawrence “Peaches” Coleman retired after an illustrious 37-year working career at Saint Augustine’s College. He spent the majority of his years at the college as the men’s golf coach. His last day was Friday (May 15).
Coleman achieved many notable accomplishments during his tenure at Saint Augustine’s College. His biggest highlight was being inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
Athletic director and acclaimed track and field coach George Williams, who has known Coleman for many years, calls him a great golf coach.
“We will really miss him,” Williams said. “The enthusiasm and expertise he brought will sorely be missed.”
Coleman entered the National Black Golf Hall of Fame because of his efforts in promoting golf to minorities on the collegiate level. He was instrumental in starting the PGA National Minority Golf Championships, which started in 1987.
His golf teams at Saint Augustine’s College excelled nationally as well, especially between 1990 and 1994 when the Falcons captured five PGA National Minority Golf Championships. Their success during that period earned them a trip to the White House to visit the President of the United States. They also were mentioned in the USA Today national newspaper and Sports Illustrated magazine.
One of Coleman’s golfers, Chris Brown, was considered one of the best black collegiate golfers during that period.
Coleman’s teams at Saint Augustine’s College also won six Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference titles overall. His individual accolades include CIAA coach of the year honors.
Coleman, a 1971 Saint Augustine’s College graduate who played on the Falcon golf team, admits it is hard leaving behind a place he spent much of his life.
“Thirty-seven years seem like a lifetime, but it was a very gratifying experience,” Coleman said. “What I will miss the most is working with the students and student-athletes, mainly the golfers.”
Saint Augustine’s College does not discriminate based on race, color, nationality or ethnic origin.