Former Juniata hoops coach Russ Trimmer passes at age 78

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Former Juniata College men's basketball coach Russ Trimmer died on Sunday, June 17, at Holy Spirit Hospital in East Pennsboro Township, Pa.

Trimmer, who coached Juniata men's basketball from 1966-67 to 1969-70, was 78 years old.

Trimmer posted a 44-38 overall record during his four seasons at the helm of Juniata basketball, taking over a program that wen 2-15 in the season prior to his arrival and posting a 14-8 mark in his final season on College Hill. He led Juniata to its first MAC tournament appearance in 1968-69, when his Indians posted a 13-9 record, and duplicated the feat with a second MAC tourney appearance the following year.

During his time at Juniata, Trimmer was known both for his calm demeanor off the court and his passionate antics on it. He was described as follows in Earl C. Kaylor, Jr.'s, book "Juniata College: Uncommon Vision, Uncommon Loyalty":

"Off-court he was relaxed and easy going, a soft-spoken, likable man. But after the opening center-jump of a game he became a towel-throwing, chair-kicking, red-faced, referee-scolding Bobby Knight type of coach. But within two years he had Juniata back on the winning track. Visiting teams dreaded Memorial Gymnasium, the din of cheering fans deafening."

Trimmer arrived at Juniata from Middletown Area High School, where he posted a 120-21 record and five Capital Area Conference titles over nine seasons.

Trimmer is survived by his wife, Diane L. Morris Trimmer; two sons, Fred Trimmer (Amanda) of Camp Hill and Chris Trimmer of Camp Hill; two daughters Kim Trimmer of Seattle and Suelyn Trimmer Doring (David) of Islip; a step son, Robin E. Kohlhaas (Jeannette) of Jacksonville, Fla.; two step daughters, Kim Clements (Jeff) of Mechanicsburg and Heidi Stuhltrager (John) of Lititz; eight grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 22 in Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Luke Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, Lower Allen Township. Visitation will be held 10 – 11 a.m. Friday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 208 Woods Drive, P.O. Box 374, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. 

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