Gary Kempf Gary Kempf was a swimmer here at Kansas from 1973 to 1975. During those years, he was a conference champion in '73, '74' and '75. He was named the Big Eight Conference's Swimmer of the Year in 1973. Kempf later became the head coach for the women's swim team at Kansas in 1976 and both teams in 1981. Under his guidance, the men and women's swim teams went on to win several conference championships.
In 1999 Kempf was named as Big 12 Coach of The Year for the outstanding performances by the 1998-1999 women's team who captured third-place. In 1983 he was named NCAA Women's Coach of The Year for his squad's seventh-place finish at the NCAA meet.
During his tenure at Kansas Kempf has coached two American Record holders Tammy Thomas, in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle and Ron Neugent who set the American Record in the 1500 meter freestyle. Kempf married former athlete Dorothy Frey, who was an All-American swimmer and also a high jumper and hurdler at Emporia State. They have two children Paul and Faith Ann. Kempf is currently resides in Kentucky where he serves as the Head Athletic Director at Asbury College.
