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Bill Trumbo Passes Graphic

Former A.D., Basketball Coach Bill Trumbo Passes

| By: By Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)

Led the Otters ino the NCAA era

KONA, Hawaii — Former Cal State Monterey Bay director of athletics and men's basketball coach Bill Trumbo passed away this week under hospice care for advanced Alzheimer's. He was 79.

Trumbo came to become CSUMB's director of athletics in 2000 following a 10–year stint at Hawaii–Hilo. He added men's basketball head coaching duties to his job for the 2003–04. He held both positions until leaving the Otter program following the 2005–06 seasons.

But Trumbo was far more than just a coach and A.D. He was actively involved in all aspects of the Otter Athletics program. Not only did perform his administrative duties, he was a tireless fundraiser and promoter, wasn't shy about writing his own press releases and would famously roll up his sleeves to assist in game management duties, even shagging balls at a volleyball match when needed.

"Bill had an undeniable optimistic and entrepreneurial spirit that inspired the people around him over the course of his professional career," says CSUMB Director of Athletics Kirby Garry. "The incredible impact he had through his years as a coach and administrator, serving young people through sport, is a legacy that will live on forever."

"Bill Trumbo was the quintessential leader. He had an unique way of making his coaches feel as if we were instantly a part of his family," says CSUMB softball Head Coach Andrea Kenney, who founded the Otter softball program under Trumbo's guidance is 2005. "His caring and generosity touched my life long after he his tenure at CSUMB. I will think of him fondly and miss him greatly."

Perhaps Trumbo's biggest impact was leading CSUMB from NAIA membership into its NCAA Division II era. The Otters first began NCAA competition for the 2004–05 season. Trumbo performed the same role at the University of Hawaii–Hilo, where he led the Vulcans from NAIA play to NCAA membership during his tenure there from 1990–2000.

"We are forever grateful for the heavy lifting he did in his time to build the foundation for Otter Athletics and inspiring our transition to NCAA DII," added Garry.

In addition to his terms at CSUMB and Hawaii–Hilo, Trumbo held positions at all levels of high school and college athletics, including stops as men's head basketball coach at Sonoma State and University of Idaho.







 
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