NORMAN, Okla. ? Ted Gleason of Southern California, Arizona?s John Knauer and Greg Robertson of Purdue were named finalists for the Jan Strickland Assistant Coach of the Year Award presented by TaylorMade-adidas Golf announced the Golf Coaches Association of America.

Gleason, who was the head men's golf coach at SMU before arriving at Southern California, serves as a coach for both the USC men's and women's golf teams. Gleason has 13 years of golf experience, including five as a playing professional. Gleason was named the 2001 District Coach of the Year by Golfweek while at SMU and played professionally five years before working with the Mustangs.

Knauer is in his seventh season as assistant men?s golf coach at the Arizona. Primarily responsible for recruiting, Knauer played a major role in recruiting yet another class that was widely regarded as one of the top groups in the country. With more than nine years of experience as a Division I assistant, Knauer has been a part of two teams that have captured NCAA Regional championships and has advanced to the NCAA Championships nine times. Since joining the UA staff in the fall of 1998, Knauer?s efforts have helped the Wildcats win 12 tournaments and advance to seven NCAA Championships.

Robertson is in his third season as Purdue's associate head golf coach. He played collegiate golf at Oklahoma State. Robertson earned his degree from OSU, and then transferred to New Mexico, where he competed as a senior and began work on a master's degree in sports administration. From 1998 to 2000, he competed professionally. In 2001, Robertson returned to Stillwater to serve as volunteer assistant for the Cowboys. His duties include recruiting and instruction for both the men?s and women?s programs, while aiding in organizing team practices, scheduling and team travel. Robertson also assists in budgeting and fundraising for both programs.

The Strickland Assistant Coach of the Year Award presented by TaylorMade-adidas Golf is given to the NCAA Division I, II, III or NAIA assistant coach that, among other things, has excelled in working with their student-athletes both on the course and in the classroom. The recipient of this award will have the opportunity to further their professional development by being a guest of TaylorMade-adidas Golf at the PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit, as well as, an invitation to the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Kingdom in Carlsbad, Calif.