Longtime Wichita State baseball coach and athletics staff member Brent Kemnitz is retiring after a 48-year career with the Shockers.
Wichita State Athletics announced Kemnitz will officially retire June 30, ending a tenure that included helping lead the Shockers to the 1989 NCAA national championship and serving for decades as one of the most recognizable faces of the program.
Kemnitz joined Wichita State in 1978 as a graduate assistant and pitching coach under legendary coach Gene Stephenson before becoming a full-time assistant in 1981. During his 38 seasons as pitching coach, the Shockers made seven College World Series appearances and developed multiple standout pitchers, including nine first-round MLB Draft picks.
“I’m blessed to have spent my entire professional career at Wichita State,” Kemnitz said in a statement released by the university.
After stepping away from coaching following the 2016 season, Kemnitz transitioned into an administrative role as assistant athletic director for outreach and staff development. In that position, he remained heavily involved in fundraising, alumni relations, and community engagement, becoming a prominent ambassador for Shocker athletics.
Wichita State Athletic Director Kevin Saal praised Kemnitz’s dedication and impact on the university.
“His 48 highly impactful years on this campus serve as great examples of both service and loyalty to Wichita State University,” Saal said.
Kemnitz said he plans to continue supporting Wichita State athletics in retirement.
The Perry, Oklahoma, native has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame, Wichita Sports Hall of Fame, and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
