UTICA, N.Y. – On a warm September day at SUNY Poly's Campus Center Gym, history was made as the basketball court was officially dedicated to honor the remarkable career and contributions of Kevin Grimmer. Grimmer, a beloved figure in the world of collegiate athletics in the Mohawk Valley, retired in July of 2021 after nearly four decades of service to Wildcat Athletics. His journey from a part-time intramural assistant to becoming the Director of Athletics and a successful basketball coach is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.
Kevin Grimmer's journey at SUNY Poly began in 1984 when he was hired as a part-time intramural assistant and assistant men's basketball coach. Grimmer's transition to full-time Assistant Director of Athletics in 1985 marked the start of an incredible tenure. He was named Athletic Director in 2000.
Grimmer's impact extended far beyond basketball. He played a pivotal role in establishing the women's volleyball program and served as the sports information director for 14 years. Under his leadership, SUNY Poly's athletics program expanded to include men's and women's volleyball, women's lacrosse, and women's soccer.
As a coach, Grimmer achieved remarkable success with both men's and women's basketball programs. His leadership led the women's basketball team to its first-ever SUNYAC Championship Tournament, marking a significant milestone for the program. He later led the men's basketball program to six Conference Championship Tournament berths and three Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championship tournaments.
One of Grimmer's most memorable seasons came in 2009-10 when he led the Wildcats to their second straight NEAC championship. The team achieved a program-best 26-5 record and reached the NCAA III men's basketball championship's Sweet 16 – a historic milestone for SUNY Poly. His achievements as a coach earned him multiple Coach of the Year honors.
Grimmer's family played an integral role in his career. His sons, Nick and Alex, contributed to the success of the SUNY Poly basketball teams, and his daughter, Megan, excelled in field hockey at Nazareth. His family's love and support were essential in balancing the demands of coaching and administration.
Throughout his career, Grimmer received numerous accolades, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. His induction into the Greater Utica Area Sports Hall of Fame and the Notre Dame Juggler Hall of Fame, along with the recognition of his Hamilton College jersey, underscore his enduring impact. Wildcat Athletics also inducted him into the Wildcat Athletics Hall of Fame as part of their Class of 2023 on Saturday.
Kevin Grimmer's career has impacted generations of student-athletes at SUNY Poly. His dedication to improving the student-athlete experience is what drove significant upgrades to SUNY Poly's athletics facilities. He was the force behind the construction of the Wildcat Field House, turf field, baseball field, and softball field. The naming of "Kevin Grimmer Court" and the establishment of the Kevin Grimmer Fund for Wildcat Athletics, aimed at providing additional support and resources to student-athletes, will ensure that the next generations of Wildcat student-athletes will be supported and will continue to thrive.
The dedication ceremony marked not only the renaming of a basketball court but also a celebration of an illustrious career dedicated to excellence in athletics. Kevin Grimmer's impact on SUNY Poly's sports program is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to help SUNY Poly Athletics grow.
To watch the ceremony on SUNY Poly's YouTube channel, click here.
To donate to the Kevin Grimmer Fund for Wildcat Athletics, click here.
To view WKTV's coverage of the event, click here.
To view the Rome Sentinel's coverage, click here.
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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Poly is charting a path to become New York State's and the nation's premier public polytechnic. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, game design, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its campus located in Utica. Complementing the campus experience and our hands-on approach to providing an affordable, targeted education for in-demand careers, you will also find thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities. For more information visit www.sunypoly.edu.
