He’s got the Lions well on their way.
Newman led UAFS to a 21-5 regular season and a Heartland Conference championship and was honored Wednesday by being named the league’s Coach of the Year. It is the first 20-win season for the program since moving to division II.
“Being named Coach of the Year is a great honor,” Newman said. “I want to thank my staff and players for all of their hard work and commitment to our program. This team, from managers to players to assistant coaches, has worked extremely hard. This award is really about them and what they have accomplished.”
Newman’s team was selected for a handful of awards as well. Senior guard Jake Toupal was named the Heartland Conference Player of the Year and first team all-conference. Seth Youngblood was selected as the Freshman of the Year and second team all-conference.
UAFS posted a 14-4 league record and will host the conference tournament, which starts on Friday. The Lions will face the University of Texas of the Permian Basin at 5:30 p.m.
UAFS will host the league tournament for the second straight season and the third time in the past four years.
