The Leaders Behind the Hornets
The leaders behind Edina Boys Golf
Varsity
Tim Vernon
Varsity Head Coach
36-year PGA Professional in the Minnesota Section and current officer on the Minnesota Section PGA Board. Played in four Michigan state championships and competed at Michigan State University. A lifelong member of the Edina golf community, Tim sponsors the Minnesota State Opens and the MN PGA Junior Tours.
Marty Lass
Assistant Coach
Retired after 35 years as Head Golf Professional at Edina Country Club. Played at Ferris State University, competing in two national championships, before earning his PGA membership in 1984. Widely regarded throughout the Minnesota section as one of the premier short game instructors in the state.
Dave Podas
Assistant Coach
Retired Director of Golf at Bel-Air Country Club and member of the PGA of America Rules Committee, where he officiates major tour events including the Ryder Cup. Has competed on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions across a 40-year professional career.
Dick Blooston
Assistant Coach
Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame inductee with a competitive career spanning over 60 years. Played for the Gophers in 1963–64 and won the Big Ten title in 1963. Known to generations of Edina families as a legendary hockey coach, he now brings that same championship standard to the golf program.
Jim Deutsch
Assistant Coach
36-year PGA Professional and rules official for the Minnesota PGA Section. Completed a 13-year head coaching career at St. Thomas University, where the program competed in multiple national championships. Has been playing competitive golf professionally and collegiately for over 60 years.
Junior Varsity
Cole Johnson
JV Head Coach
Returning for his second season with the Hornets. Based in St. Louis Park and works at OfficeGolf. Played high school golf at West Fargo Sheyenne before continuing his career at the University of North Dakota.
Mitch Cowger
Assistant Coach
Returning assistant coach who brings a versatile coaching background across multiple sports. Coach Cowger focuses on the full development of each athlete — on the course and beyond it.