Longtime TAMIU Athletic Director Griz Zimmermann Announces Retirement
For over 12 years, he’s been a familiar face at Texas A&M International University...on the sidelines, in the stands or at courtside, Griz Zimmermann, TAMIU athletic director, has been the campus force leading the NCAA Division II Dustdevil 11-sport athletics program.
After a storied 41-year career, he retires Friday, Oct. 31 and says he’s been honored to grow and lead TAMIU’s Dustdevil Athletics program.
“It’s been a great ride and I’m tremendously proud of my work here at TAMIU. We’ve built solid programs, had remarkable coaches and administrative staff, and top-notch student athletes who play with dedication, grit and heart, leaving everything on the court, field or course. TAMIU and its administration embraced our programs and have provided stellar support. It’s a bittersweet time for me to leave this, but I am confident that great growth and opportunity are ahead, and Dustdevil Athletics will thrive,” Zimmermann said.
Of his time at TAMIU, Zimmermann said there are several points of pride that he will always cherish.
“Obviously, I’m proud and honored to have assembled a dynamite team of coaches and administrators through the years who helped to build our program, sharing a vision of inter-collegiate athletics success, integrity and leadership, fiscal responsibility, University and athletic community relationship advancement, and athletic excellence through winning. But there are some actions, initiatives and traditions that I’m especially proud about.
“We enjoyed Conference and Championship appearances in the Heartland and Lone Star Conferences, provided exemplary community service projects led by our student-athletes, created traditions like Maroon Madness, improved courts and facilities, added the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU, secured important athletic fee increases that propelled program growth, and developed strong philanthropic partnerships with visionary partners like the Laredo Heat and others.
“But perhaps my biggest source of pride is the insightful initiatives we’ve developed to support and provide critical resources for our student-athletes so that they can succeed on the court, field or course, and in the classroom. In addition to being remarkable athletes, they must manage a schedule of classes, assignments, practice and workouts, as well as aggressive home and away schedules – it takes commitment and determination to do this -- so seeing our student-athletes graduate and cross the Commencement stage is always a thrill. Having them come back to campus or reach out and share stories about their successes since, the great careers they enjoy, the families they are building...is something wonderful that I will always cherish,” Zimmermann concluded.
The University’s search for its next Athletic Director is underway. Details are available online.
For more on TAMIU Dustdevil Athletics, go to godustdevils.com
About TAMIU
Texas A&M International University is a nationally ranked, regionally focused University with a rich and proud history of delivering transformative educational opportunities that change the trajectory of its students, their families, and South Texas. Its impactful force is delivered daily by a gifted and global faculty leading 55-degree programs at bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels...all on a dynamic 300-acre residential campus.
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TAMIU Athletics Director Griz Zimmermann marked his retirement with a heartfelt celebration alongside Athletics coaches, staff, family and friends.
