Golf coach fired after not having degree, search for new coach to start immediately


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Central Michigan University Athletics announced the firing of Tom Beidleman as the university's women's golf coach in a release Wednesday.

Athletics Director Dave Heeke said Beidleman was fired because "It recently came to our attention that Tom Beidleman was lacking the necessary degree requirements for this position."

"One of the fundamental pieces is that he needed to have an undergraduate degree, and he did not complete that," Heeke told Central Michigan Life. "It is definitely a delicate personnel matter at this point." 

Heeke said per standard procedure, completed degrees are identified by the applicant in the job posting saying it was "fundamental requirement" of the job. 

Beidleman submitted his credentials via CMU's Human Resources Department and Faculty Personnel Services.

"I'm disappointed," Heeke said. "At the same time, I know we have guidelines in place and when those aren't followed, we act swiftly." 

Heeke insisted there is no flaw in the hiring process at CMU. 

"Anytime you have something like this that presents a challenge, you step back and evaluate the processes you have in place," Heeke said. "You think about if there are things that could be adjusted to minimize these in the future." 

Heeke is confident the program will find positives in the situation.

"You're never totally aware and prepared for times like these," Heeke said. "We are doing everything we can to surround our student athletes with a positive experience. This is an interesting life lesson for them in a sense. We will work together through this to solve this probelm."

Because of Title IX legislation, CMU will be able to field a women’s golf team for the first time since 1982 this year. The first CMU golf roster in 30 years is comprised of five players, each with a unique playing style and successful golfing history. 

Beidleman was hired April 18, 2013.

Executive Associate Director of Athletics Marcy Weston will handle oversight of the program. No interim coach has been named and the department will conduct a national search for a new coach "immediately" according to the release. 

"It's no secret that Marcy is an incredibly seasoned administrator," Heeke said. "She will handle this very, very well. I have all the confidence in the world in her." 

Check back with cm-life.com for more on this story

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About Dominick Mastrangelo

Dominick Mastrangelo is the Editor in Chief of Central Michigan Life. Contact him at: editor@cm-life.com 

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