Matt Cranston has been named women's golf coach at UW-River Falls according to Athletic Director, Rick Bowen.
“We are thrilled to have Matt join us,” said Bowen. “His experience working with young student-athletes, his work ethic and his knowledge of the game make him a perfect fit.”
Cranston returns to his alma mater with a strong coaching and leadership background. He played golf and lettered for the Falcons in 1983, 1984 and 1985 and earned his undergraduate degree in agriculture economics in 1985.
Cranston believes in getting the best out of student-athletes while creating a positive and fun experience. “I truly believe you can be very serious, competitive and win and still have fun,” he said. “I am very excited to help make this program the best it can, and do it quickly.”
Cranston was the driving force in establishing a girl's high school hockey program in the River Falls area. He has worked tirelessly with high school administrators and youth programs in four communities (River Falls, Baldwin/Woodville, St. Croix Central and Spring Valley) to establish the St. Croix Valley Fusion co-op team.
Cranston has been the only head coach of the team that was established in 2006. He has led the Fusion to an impressive 93-19-4 record, with five winning seasons and possibly the most successful Wisconsin girl's varsity hockey program in the sport's history.
The Fusion has advanced to the sectional final every year. They have won the Big Rivers Conference championship every year of its existence, and won back-to-back WIAA State Championships in 2009 and 2010. The team has also won the coveted WIAA Sportsmanship Award in 2009 and 2010.
Cranston has been named the Wisconsin girls hockey High School Coach of the Year Award winner in each of the last three seasons. He will continue to be the Fusion head coach.
Cranston's brother, Joe, is the head coach of the highly successful Falcon women's hockey team. Joe has led the Falcons to three NCAA National Tournament berths, including back-to-back appearances in 2009 and 2010. The Falcons have won two NCHA regular season titles (2003, 2009) and four NCHA playoff championships (2001, 2003, 2009, 2010). He has been named the NCHA Coach of the Year three times (2003, 2007, 2009). “Joe and I share many of the same philosophies. I feel the relationship that we have will help me make the Falcon golf program successful,” said Matt.
Cranston, a native of Fergus Falls, Minn., attended Bemidji State University for one year and helped BSU win a NAIA hockey National Championship in 1980. He then transferred to UWRF where he played golf and earned his degree. He played golf and hockey while attending Fergus Falls High School.
Cranston and wife Amy (UWRF alumna and four-year letter winner and captain of Falcon gymnastics team) live in River Falls. They have three daughters, Lily (18), Alice (16) and Sally (15).
