New athletic director to continue legacy of growth

Following the departure of former Athletic Director Doug Wagemester, Kirkwood Community College has named new a leader for the athletic department: Todd Rima.  

Rima, the head coach of the Eagles baseball team, has an extensive coaching background. He has won 726 games as a coach, according to kirkwoodeagles.com and has led Kirkwood to a 378-197 record in his 11 years as head coach. 

“[Wagemester] has set the bar really high. Those are big shoes to follow and he just did a tremendous job,” said Rima. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work under him, but then to also see what he’s done since I’ve been here and the growth that he’s made and I want to follow that. He had so much pride in Kirkwood and he built that in me. I want people to be aware of what we’re doing here, the success that we have, the amazing people that we have. I want to support them the way that Doug did.” 

Success from student-athletes is where Rima said he feels the most pride in his program. “Last year we had over 70% of our student-athletes that received academic all-region and that’s with six athletic programs.  All six were ranked in the top 10 in the country,” he said. 

“We had a national champion, we had two national runner-ups, we had five conference champions. Kirkwood athletics isn’t just winning on the field and on the court, we’re winning in the classroom and I think we have great kids to go with it,” said Rima.   

He added, “That’s what makes me proud. That’s what makes me excited to represent those people.” 

Growth and continuing success are among Rima’s top priorities as he heads into his new role. “My goal is that each student-athlete that walks through the doors has a great experience and I help put each program in a position where they can have the success that they want to have, help the coaches grow and continue off of the success that we’ve had in the past.” 

“Kirkwood has done nothing but win and send teams to national tournaments. We want to continue to do that,” Rima said.  

Continuing the success of the athletic department is his main priority and Rima believes he has the tools and resources to get the job done and raise the ceiling of Kirkwood athletics.