Wichita State Athletics
Wichita State Athletics announced today that Brent Kemnitz will retire on June 30, closing a 48-year career that included winning the 1989 NCAA title while a member of the baseball coaching staff, 38 seasons as pitching coach, and 10 years on the department's development staff.
"I'm blessed to have spent my entire professional career at Wichita State," Kemnitz said. "Gene Stephenson gave me an unbelievable opportunity in 1978 and many great people in our administration allowed me to spend my professional life on a college campus, building friendships and great memories as a Shocker."
Kemnitz started at WSU in August 1978 as a graduate assistant and pitching coach for the program's second season under coach Gene Stephenson. Kemnitz became a full-time coach in August 1981 and teamed with Stephenson to build the Shockers into one of baseball's greatest programs.
"On behalf of Wichita State University, it is my pleasure to congratulate Brent on an extraordinary career and wish him all the best in retirement," Director of Athletics Kevin Saal said. "His 48 highly impactful years on this campus serve as great examples of both service and loyalty to Wichita State University. We appreciate his time and effort in the dugout and his enthusiasm building relationships with our fans as a member of the development staff. Personally, I will very much miss Brent's incredible passion for Wichita State and love for Shocker Nation."
The Shockers made seven College World Series appearances and won the 1989 title with Kemnitz as pitching coach. The 1982 and 1991 teams led the NCAA in earned run average. He coached nine first-round draft picks, including NCAA Pitcher of the Year Bryan Oelkers (1982) and Darren Dreifort, Golden Spikes Award winner (1993).
Kemnitz moved to the athletics administration after the 2016 baseball season as assistant athletic director for outreach and staff development.
"I turn 70 in October and it's time to relax," Kemnitz said. "I'm excited for what's next and I will continue to be an ambassador for Wichita State. Kevin has treated me with great respect over the past four years, and I look forward to good times ahead for the Shockers."
As a member of the development staff, Kemnitz took the "outreach" part of his job title to heart. He provided a constant presence at Shocker athletic events, social events and in the community. He emceed banquets and fundraisers, delivered season tickets and promotional items and did weekly radio spots to promote the Shockers. His work included selling tickets for banquets, golf tournaments, traveling with boosters on basketball and baseball trips and more.
Kemnitz's transition from coach to administrator started with his fundraising work to complete Phase V at Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field at Gene Stephenson Park. The 10,000-foot performance facility, which opened in 2020, is home to Shocker baseball's strength and conditioning, locker room and offices.
"Brent's contributions to Shocker baseball speak for themselves and I'm happy his name and No. 24 are permanently displayed prominently around our baseball facilities," Saal said. "When he moved to our development staff, Brent carried over his many relationships and ability to connect with our fans and former student-athletes. He played integral roles on several fundraising efforts, most notably the completion of baseball's performance, locker room and office facilities."
Kemnitz, a native of Perry, Oklahoma, was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, the Perry High School Hall of Fame in 2016, the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.