Kirkwood Community College athletics is entering the spring semester with a ton of momentum. Last November, while the volleyball team was finishing in the top eight at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Championships, the men’s and women’s basketball teams got off to a hot start. And they haven’t let up.
As of press time, the nine-time national champion women’s basketball team remains undefeated after 23 games. Kirkwood Baseball Coach Pete Lauritson, a renowned program in its own right, aptly described the women’s basketball team as a “legitimate dynasty.” The Kirkwood women will begin their pursuit of a 10th national title on March 1 at the ICCAA Regionals.
The men’s basketball team boasts an impressive record of 21 victories and only two losses. The team is currently positioned one game behind first place, hot on the heels of the Eagles’ arch-rival, Des Moines Area Community College.
Men’s basketball is no stranger to success. The team holds the distinction of three national titles, although they have not qualified for the NJCAA national tournament since 2019. This year, they are poised to make a run for their fourth title beginning with the ICCAA Regionals on March 1.
Waiting in the wings are the baseball and softball teams, who are preparing for a new season inside the friendly confines of the Kirkwood Rec Center. Both teams are coming off successful 2024 campaigns.
In 2024, Kirkwood baseball achieved its third consecutive conference title within the past four years. The team will commence conference play with a home doubleheader against North Iowa Area Community College on March 19.
Also in 2024, Kirkwood softball had their most successful finish in four decades, concluding as the NJCAA Division II World Series Runner-Up. Their new season begins on March 29, at Hawkeye Community College. The Eagles’ inaugural home games will feature a doubleheader against DMACC on April 2.
The Kirkwood golf team is also currently preparing for the season ahead. The team achieved national championship status back in 2023 and concluded their 2024 campaign as the national Runner-Up and will commence season play in Columbia, Mo., on March 10-11.
When taken all together, the success of Kirkwood’s six athletic programs is extraordinary. That’s not by accident. A winning culture permeates the entire organization, fostered by administrative alignment on program vision and the resources needed to implement that vision. Yet, culture is just half the story. The other half is the attraction the school has for coach and player talent.
Todd Rima, Kirkwood athletics director came to the college 12 years ago to take over head coaching duties for the baseball team. At the time, he’d been the head baseball coach at NIACC for 11 years where he’d amassed 321 wins.
Coach Rima said he was fond of NIACC but knew Kirkwood was something special. He said he admired Kirkwood’s success and the support given to their coaches and athletes. He also saw Cedar Rapids as giving his children greater opportunities. Kirkwood was the one place worth making a change from Northern Iowa. Looking back, Rima said it was the best decision for himself and his family.
When asked about what might be attracting talent to Kirkwood, Rima agreed that Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor life, commitment to player academics, the number of Kirkwood athletes that commit to four-year schools and Kirkwood facilities are definitely attractive to recruits. Yet above all, he said the experience, culture and togetherness at Kirkwood is what makes the greatest difference for those looking to continue their athletic journey into higher education.
Categories: Sports
