Distinguished High School Coach Ken Trimmer Joins Caldwell Sprint Football Coaching Staff

CALDWELL, N.J.- Caldwell University Head Sprint Football Coach Daryle Weiss has announced the hiring of renowned high school coach Ken Trimmer as an assistant coach for the inaugural season this fall. Trimmer is no stranger to the Caldwell area as he was the Head Football Coach at James Caldwell High School for over 20 years and worked for over 50 years in the district.

“I’m excited to join the Caldwell sprint football staff and provide a great opportunity for young men in the area to continue their football careers,” said Trimmer. “I am thrilled to join the staff at a great university that provides a quality education that will prepare our players for life. The excitement for the team’s home opening day, with the support of the surrounding community, is one of the reasons I chose to join Coach Weiss’ staff.”

Trimmer recently retired from James Caldwell following a 23-year run as their head football coach. He was the assistant coach for over 20 years and brings 53 years of coaching experience to the Cougars. Trimmer has been part of five NJ State Championship teams with two (1997 and 2008) coming while he was the head coach of the Chiefs. As head coach, he guided his teams to the postseason in 21 of his 23 seasons. While at James Caldwell, Trimmer also served as a physical education, health and drivers education instructor for 46 years. Weiss and Trimmer worked together for two seasons as Weiss served as one of the assistant coaches on Coach Trimmer’s staff.

Trimmer’s experience in the NJ football world is extensive. He has been involved with the Phil Simms New Jersey North-South All-Star Football Classic for over 25 years. Trimmer was the general manager for six years and has been the game director for the past 15 years. He has recruited former National Football League superstars to lend their support to the annual showcase of the best high school seniors in the state. The game is named for legendary NY Giants quarterback Phil Simms. The North Offensive MVP award is named for Dave Szott, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and the Washington Redskins. The North Defensive MVP Award is named for two-time Super Bowl Champion Jim Burt, former New York Giant and San Francisco 49er. The South Offensive MVP Award is named for NFL Hall of Famer Joe Theismann, former quarterback for the Redskins. The South Defensive MVP Award is named for Jim Jeffcoat, a two-time Super Bowl champion. Theismann (South River H.S.), Jeffcoat (Matawan H.S.) and Szott (Clifton H.S.) also played football in NJ and remain heavily involved in the North-South Game due to Trimmer’s influence. This past year, Neil O’Donnell (North) and Scott Brunner (South) served as honorary coaches.

Trimmer is also involved in the Robison East-West All-Star Classic where he serves as the treasurer. The game features the top high school seniors from Hudson and Essex Counties against the seniors from Passaic and Morris Counties. In his 24 years with the Robison Classic, Trimmer was involved in garnering sponsorships to provide the participants an opportunity to showcase their talents for the next level.

The Cougars are part of the nine member Collegiate Sprint Football League that includes Army West Point, Chestnut Hill College, Cornell University, Franklin Pierce University, Mansfield University, the U.S. Naval Academy, Post University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Sprint football is a full-contact, intercollegiate, varsity sport and has the same rules as regular college football, except that all players must weigh 178 pounds or less. The league has existed since before World War II.

About Caldwell Athletics: The Caldwell Athletics Department sponsors 16 varsity sports with the addition of sprint football in the 2017-18 academic year. Caldwell University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II (NCAA DII). The Cougars compete in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) and the Eastern College Athletic Association (ECAC). Sprint football will participate in the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL), while women’s bowling competes in the Northeast Conference (NEC). For more information about Caldwell Athletics, visit caldwellathletics.com.