Zak Danison, from Columbus, Ohio, will serve the next two years as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s rodeo team graduate assistant coach.

He replaces Cooper Flinn who graduated in August and went to pursue other career choices.

Danison is a 2003 graduate from Rio Grande University in Ohio, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology. While at UTM, he will pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

“I am happy and excited to have Zak here,” said John Luthi, UTM’s head rodeo coach.

“He not only will be the assistant coach but he is also able to rodeo on the team as an active member.”

Danison will be competing in the calf roping and the team roping events throughout the next two years.

In 2003, Danison was the Northeast Region champion calf roper in the International Pro Rodeo Association. In the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), he finished third in the calf roping.

Several of Danison’s duties will include assisting at team practices, working with all fund-raising activities, aiding in the care of the practice stock and helping to manage the work study students.