INDIANA, Pa. - The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Athletic Department, along with the campus and Indiana communities, mourns the passing of Hall of Famer and former head men's golf coach Ed Sloniger. Sloniger passed away New Year's Eve at the age of 91.
Sloniger had an incredible 17-year run (1970-86) at the helm of the IUP men's golf program, guiding his teams to nine Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) titles while winning NCAA Division II Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year 15 times. During that run he became the only NCAA Division II coach to have his team qualify for the national championships for 17 consecutive seasons.
IUP placed in the top ten in the NCAA nine times during Sloniger's tenure, including a best finish of third on two occasions, and finished in the NAIA's top ten five times in an eight-year span, including final placements of second, third, fourth, and fifth.
Thirteen IUP golfers earned a total of 30 mentions on All-America teams under Sloniger's tutelage, while nine of his players compete in Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) tournaments.
Sloniger received his bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock and both a master's and doctoral degree from the University of Illinois. He lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics while in college. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1948-52 before beginning a distinguished teaching career. He taught at Penn Hills High School from 1958-62 and Norfolk State College from 1966-68.
Sloniger then spent the next 30 years (1968-98) teaching in the health and physical education department at IUP. During his time at the university, he helped start and direct the cardiac rehabilitation program.
Ed is survived by Mary Beth, his wife of 57 years; one son, Mark and wife Stephanie Sloniger, along with his grandsons Graham and Benjamin. Also surviving is a sister, Betty Lou Sloniger; brother, Kenneth Sloniger; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and wonderful friends.
What they're saying about Coach Sloniger
"Coach Sloniger played an integral part in continuing, and steepening, the trajectory of the IUP Golf Program. His teams were dominant throughout his successful career. More importantly, he provided a positive influence in the lives of so many young men who played under his tutelage. I am sure his influence and their experiences with him continue to play a vital role in their lives to this day."
Dan Braun, current IUP head coach
"I think it's a sign of a great man and a great coach when you see their former players show so much love and respect for them. Going to different tournaments and alumni gatherings and hearing so many good things about Ed and seeing how many of his players came back showed me how well-liked and respected he was. He will be missed."
Fred Joseph, IUP head coach 1992-2018
"Doc had a phenomenal career. When I took over for him, I found out how tough it was to follow a legend. He had some truly successful teams. He was an effective recruiter who took advantage of our in-state talent and turned them into championship teams."
Don White, IUP head coach 1987-92
