Western New Mexico University Athletics

Head Coach Frank Tristan enters his third season leading the Mustangs. Looking to have a bounce back year, Tristan's recruiting class is very young.

"Coach Tristan is not only a great football coach and proven winner, but he's a man of high character and integrity. There is no doubt that he will bring an exciting style of football, and will establish a new culture for our program" said Director of Athletics Scott Noble.

Coach Tristan previously was the Head Coach at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. He has slowly built SAGU into one of the top teams in the NAIA.

"My family and I are very thankful to Dr. Shepard and Scott Noble for the opportunity to be part of the Mustang Family," Coach Tristan said. "We are excited to work with the student-athletes of WNMU and are committed to build a program that the community can be proud of on and off the field."

After taking over the head coaching duties in 2015, the Lions this past year went 8-3, including a 7-1 mark in the Central States Football League and were ranked in the top-20 throughout the season. At one point during the season they reeled off a six-game winning streak and they participated in the NCCAA Victory Bowl to end the year against Campbellsville out of Kentucky.

The Lions ranked in the top-20 in NAIA Division I stats including third in opponent third down conversions (28.7), fourth in PAT success rate (98.1), 11^th in field goal percentage (75), 11^th in pass defense efficiency (107.7), 13^th in total defense allowed per game (325.5), 16^th in total passing yards (2,929), 18^th in rushing defense allowed per game (129.5), 18^th in scoring defense per game (21.9) and 20^th in four categories scoring offense per game (36.7), pass offense per game (266.3), total scoring offense (404) and opponent fourth down conversion (37.5).

In two of his three seasons leading SAGU, they posted eight-win seasons, as they also went 8-3 in his first year in 2015. He compiled 20 total victories over the three seasons.

Coach Tristan worked his way up at SAGU after spending the three seasons prior to being head coach as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Before arriving at SAGU, Coach Tristan was at Kickapoo High School and Hillcrest Highh School, located in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri. At Kickapoo, he was the defensive coordinator for the Chiefs. Coach Tristan also spent time coaching at his alma mater, Evangel University.

During his playing career at Evangel University, Coach Tristan was a two-time Heart of America All-Conference player. His senior year he was named as an Honorable Mention All-American. During his junior year, he helped lead the Crusaders to an 11-1 record. He was a four-year letterman in football and baseball at Evangel.
 
In his spare time, Coach Tristan he teaches Sunday School at Harvest Church, in Silver City. He also enjoys spending time with his wife Natalie, his son Hays, and his daughter Taylor.

Coach Tristan notes, "I love building relationships with players and learning who they really are. The most rewarding part of the job is seeing they develop in to mature young men."