FERRUM, Va. -- Ferrum College Director of Athletics Abe Naff has announced the hiring of Clint “Lew” Hege as Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at the College.
Hege played tennis at Ferrum from 1968-69, serving as team captain on two undefeated teams under legendary Coach Earl “Bud” Skeens. The Panthers went 30-0 and won two conference championships during Hege’s playing tenure. Hege posted a perfect 30-0 singles record in two seasons.
“We’re excited about Lew’s return to Ferrum in order to lead our men’s and women’s tennis programs,” said Naff. “He has a wealth of playing experience and we’re confident that he’ll be able to take our programs to the next level.”
After graduating with an associates degree from Ferrum in 1969, Hege enrolled at the University of Georgia, where he lettered for the SEC champion Bulldogs. He turned professional after leaving Georgia, competing four years against top major college players and professionals.
After graduating form Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Parks Administration, Hege founded Southeast Sports Syndicate. He covered more than 60 major golf tournaments around the world in this capacity, including the 35 Masters Tournaments. Hege also covered the Olympics, Final Four Tournaments, Major League Baseball playoffs and World Series, Super Bowls, Preakness, Wimbledon, and the World Cup Soccer.
Hege served as a member of the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Sports Council, the steering committee that helped bring the 1999 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four to St. Petersburg.
A former Ferrum College Alumni Board of Directors President and member of the Board of Trustees, Hege was inducted into the College's Alumni Sports Hall Fame in the fall of 2007.
An Eagle Scout, Hege is a former commissioner of Boy Scouts of America and member of Northern North Carolina District Capital Campaign Committee. He is a former Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Norlina United Methodist Church.
Hege replaces Rod Baker, who spent the past four years as Women’s Tennis Coach, and Gary Holden, who spent the past 10 years as Men’s Tennis Coach. Baker will continue as Men’s Soccer Coach, a post he’s held for the past two seasons. Holden, who earned USA South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2003 and 2006, will continue in his capacity as Sports Information Director, a post he’s held 16 years at Ferrum. Holden is also in his fifth year as the College’s Assistant Athletic Director.
Hege and his wife Paula are in the process of relocating to their new home in nearby Rocky Mount, Virginia. He begins work at Ferrum July 1.