The University of Southern Indiana Department of Athletics has selected Jim Cheaney to become the fourth head coach in the history of its men's golf program. He replaces Mark Grundman, who stepped down after two years with the team to concentrate on his business interests.
 
“I am excited to have Jim join our staff and I know our men's golf program will make great strides forward under his leadership,” said USI Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall. “He has a definite passion for golf, especially in the Evansville community.”
 
“Jim has been a part of golf in southern Indiana since he was a caddie at a very young age in Evansville,” continued Hall. “He has a deep passion to make young men better golfers, but more importantly, better people.”
 
Cheaney takes over the USI program after directing the Mater Dei High School (Evansville, IN)  boys team for the last two years. The Wildcats were sixth both seasons in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference, while posting eighth and seventh place finishes at the IHSAA Sectionals in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
 
A part of Evansville amateur golf since the 1960s, Cheaney played for Evansville Rex Mundi High School and the University of Evansville. He also has played in the Evansville City Tournament over 40 times, winning the 2009 Evansville City Senior Golf Championship.
 
Cheaney also is the vice president and member of the board of directors for the Helfrich Men's Golf Club. He won the club championship in 2007 and 2008.
 
The 1973 graduate from Evansville retired in 2010 after spending 32 years in the financial division of Mead Johnson & Company. Cheaney and his wife, Judy, have three children, Andrew Cheaney, Kristin Herrmann, and Matt Herrmann.