Coach Ray Mest is now in his 22nd year as the Albright head coach, and his 36th year with the golf program, having served as an assistant coach from 1974-89. Mest, a 7-handicap player, is the former chairman of the Albright mathematics department and an emeritus professor and was honored with having The Ray Mest Alumni Mathematics Scholarship put in his name.
Since 2006, Mest has led the Lions to a top-4 four finish at the Commonwealth Conference Championship tournament. Most recently he led the red and white to a third place finish in 2011. From 2008-2010, recording three-straight second place finishes at the conference tournament.
During his time at Albright, Mest has coached a combined eight first-team all-conference finishers, eight second team all-conference finishers, the program's first and only player of the year (Mike Heller '08), and four tournament medalists.
The 2005 season was a banner year for the Lions and Mest as they brought home the first conference title in the program's history. With a combined team score of 647, the Lions edged long time conference rivals Messiah College and Elizabethtown College to hoist their first championship plaque. That year also marked another first for Mest as he was named the Coach of the Year as well.
Throughout his career, Mess has competed in various local tournament and has two Seniors, two partners, and three Member-Guest titles. He has recorded 5 holes-in one and a double eagle. For 7 years he was associated with the LPGA Betsy King Tournament . Mest also won the city singles and all-events bowling titles, is a professional pianist, and the founder of the Ray Allen Music service( www.rayallenmusic.com )
Mest stresses course management and demeanor. Since the players entering the collegiate arena have fundamentally correct swings, the coaching philosophy centers on minor adjustments with little attempt to make overall swing changes.
The team also is afforded consultation from three teaching pros from the Berkshire CC, most notably Barry Adams, head professional. Concentration on quality time spent on the range and practice green are essential.
Mest states,"We know that these good young players do not need sweeping changes in their swings, but good pre-shot planning, tempo,care in management, and an even temperament are items that golfers at any level of ability need to constantly work on to improve."
