FULTON, Mo. - William Woods University (WWU) Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Casey Wieder has officially announced the hiring of Owls' Outdoor Life Sports (OLS) standout Connor Hess as the new head coach of the school's OLS teams, archery and shotgun sports.

A native of California, Missouri, Hess joined WWU's OLS program last year after competing in his first two collegiate seasons at State Fair Community College (2022-24) in Sedalia, and high school for two years with California FFA (2020-22) in California.

While competing for the Owls last year, Hess served as team captain, placing third in high-overall team at ACUI National Shoot 2024 and earned multiple individual podium finishes in various high-level competitions. While at State Fair, Hess achieved a second-place team finish in skeet at the NCSSAA National Shoot in 2023. Before his decorated college career, Hess succeeded in high school with California, quickly advancing to state and national competitions while training extensively on his own. 

"Connor has been a leader on the OLS team since his arrival at Woods as a student-athlete," Wieder said. "He worked extensively with former coach Tanner Johnson in recruiting this incoming class and is ready to take on this new role. OLS is continuing to grow nationwide, and we firmly believe that this program has the potential to be one of the best in the country."

Coaching skills and strengths Hess brings to William Woods include developing and mentoring new athletes in shotgun sports and archery; strong leadership and team-building abilities; effective communication with the ability to motivate and guide athletes and hands-on experience in competition strategy and skill development.

"I'm excited to take on the role of head coach for the OLS program," Hess said. "I'm passionate about helping student-athletes grow both on and off the field, and I look forward to building a strong, supportive program where excellence, discipline and team spirit are key priorities. I'm excited to get started and see how we can grow the program."