A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Kirk Kumbier recently completed his third year on the sidelines with the Gator men’s and women’s swimming and diving team. After spending his first two seasons as an assistant, Kumbier spent the 2013-14 campaign as the teams’ interim head coach, and then had the ‘interim’ tag removed in May of 2014. A graduate of Kenyon, where he majored in Abstract Algebra and minored in Studio Art, Kumbier was a five-time national qualifier and three-time College Swimming Coaches of America Academic All-American, while the Lords won the NCAA Division III National Championship in three of his four seasons.
What is your fondest memory as a student-athlete?
The Florida training trips and the NCAA Championship meets. The training trips still provide so many memories of tough and fun times, while the championship meets tested us to see how we could come together as a team and step up for one another.
What has been your fondest memory during your Allegheny coaching career?
There are so many to choose from, but usually my favorites are seeing the reaction on a swimmer’s face after a lifetime best performance. Nothing tops seeing the surprise, joy, exhaustion, and adrenaline all mixed together on an athlete’s expression, or sometimes, it’s each emotion coming in rapid succession after an outstanding performance.
If I had to pick one, though, it came in my first year as an assistant. Mirno Pasquali swam a lifetime best and school –record 1:49.91 in the 200 Backstroke at the NCAC Championships. That race had four or five guys under 1:50, so it was extremely exciting seeing him bring his best against such a highly competitive field at the ideal time.
What brought you to Allegheny?
My coaching job as an assistant was the initial reason I came to Allegheny, and I’ve stayed because of the people and the atmosphere on campus.
If you could coach another sport, what would it be?
Water polo or ice hockey. I played a little of both while growing up, and you have to be mentally tough in both sports. I have a ton of respect for those athletes and coaches, because they are intense games.
Do you have any personal pre-match routine?
I like to be prepared for anything. I just like to make sure I get a good breakfast because of how hard it is to get food during meets!
Favorite road trip movie?
The Christopher Nolan Batman movies
Least favorite movie you’ve had to watch on a bus trip?
None. I love movies.
What would be your pump-up song if you were an athlete?
Anything with a fast beat, or something classic like Iron Man (Black Sabbath) or Back in Black (AC/DC).
Favorite TV show?
Make that shows, plural! “How I Met Your Mother,” “Modern Family,” and “The Big Bang Theory.”
Favorite pro sports team?
Detroit Red Wings
Favorite athlete?
Steve Yzerman from the Red Wings. He has class, was competitive, and a great leader.
Dream vacation?
I’ve always thought Australia would be fun, but I would also love to visit Europe to tour all the museums and try different cuisines. Studio Art was my major in college… and I love food.
You can choose three dinner guests – who would they be?
Mark Spitz, Tom Jager, and Jason Lezak, so I could hear them talk about swimming in different eras and learn more about the progression of the sport.
You can choose one historical sporting event to go back in time and witness- what would it be?
The 1980 US hockey Miracle on Ice
Top item on your bucket list?
Attend the Summer Olympics and watch the swimming & diving and track & field events.
Describe Allegheny in three words or less?
Student-focused college.
What is the top piece of advice you’d give an incoming freshman athlete?
Be open minded, think about what we are trying to accomplish as a team and how you fit into the puzzle... but never, ever box yourself in! Anyone on the team can take it to the next level at any time... all it takes is a little bit of smart and hard work. I like to say "one small step at a time" and "focus on the process, not the outcome".
What is the top piece of advice you’d give to someone pursuing a coaching career?
Patience, patience, patience... and be yourself. If you really want to be a coach, you'll have to learn to listen in many different areas. You'll have to listen to your athletes, your mentors, other coaches, alumni, administrators, and colleagues. It's tough sometimes; however, once you listen--and that means really try to absorb and process everything possible--be yourself and make your own decisions. Sometimes swift decisions are necessary, other times you can take more time.
