With the recent announcement of Mr. Kyle Grimm stepping down as head coach, significant changes are on the horizon for the Urbana High School boys track and field team. Ms. Jacqueline Suarez, who has served as the assistant coach, is now taking the helm, transitioning into the role of head coach. This shift marks a new chapter for the program, as Coach Grimm concludes his eight years of coaching, two were spent as assistant and six were spent as head coach.
His leadership has not only shaped the athlete’s skills but has also built a sense of community among the team. Coach Grimm’s legacy is ending with our team and will be left behind for the future of Urbana track and field to continue to develop and grow.
Family has always been a priority for our team. Coach Grimm always says to put family first and track second. This is one of the reasons that Grimm made the decision to leave the team. With both Grimm and his wife working and raising their two daughters, he has a lot more family responsibility.
It has been very hard for the athletes to say goodbye to their Coach. However we understand that he is needed by his family more than us, and we are happy to let him spend the time he needs with his family.
Coach Grimm has been doing the best he can to manage his work, family life, and coaching. He has been able to make the best accommodations in order to be there for the team. It has started to become more difficult to manage all of this and we all understand that he is human just like the rest of us.
Coach Grimm making this decision to free up more time for his family is the best decision he could have made. As a team we understand where he is coming from and support him in this process of leaving his position in coaching and we understand how much it means to him.
Coach Grimm mentioned that it is in the best interest of the team for Coach Suarez to the become the new head coach because of her undying dedication to the team during her 7 years as assistant coach. She has already contributed so much time and effort to the team, and all the athletes appreciate her support.
Coach Suarez has been head coach of the cross country team for 5 years now. She has been able to display her leadership and how she is ready to bring the team to success in both cross country and track. We know that the transition will be a big step up for her, but it won’t be anything she can’t handle and she will keep everything running smoothly.
During Coach Grimm’s speech announcing that he will be stepping down, he highlighted how much he trusts Coach Suarez. He knows that she will do what is right for the team in order to bring us success from now and moving forward for as long as she will be with us.
Grimm also noted the fact that sprinters on the team who have not work with “Coach Mango” (affectionate nickname based on Coach Suarez’ maiden name) much will have a harder time adjusting to the new coach. He even said he will not support the idea that “If Coach Grimm won’t be back, then neither will we.” Grimm knows how much the boys on the team looked up to him, and he doesn’t want his absence to cause other to leave the team.
Coach Suarez shared her thoughts about team ethics, saying “Athletes are people first and [its important] that we know how valued we are.” Coach Suarez is taking into consideration everyone as a whole team and is planning to develop the team not just as athletes but as people.
Coach Suarez has been setting aside many plans in how she can further improve the team to the best of her ability. She is working hard balancing a cross country team and making sure everything behind the scenes will be ready when the track season begins.
It has been a real honor for runners to be coached and be a part of the Grimm legacy. Sprint captain Ryan O’Rear (Class of 2025) reflected on a particularly meaningful moment, stating “After my counties 55m run, he came up to me and talked with me for a while about my future potential and how I compared to my old times.” Such personalized attention highlights Grimm’s commitment to nurturing each athlete’s potential, creating lasting bonds that extend beyond the track.
Sean Whalen (Class of 2026) stated that “It was a stab to my heart because I’ve known him since 1st grade. He was my music teacher.” Coach Grimm was not just a part of the Track and Field team as a teacher, but also as a coach, mentor, and even a friend to many of the athletes. Sean as well as others feel disappointed by Coach Grimm’s departure from the team, despite it being in the best interest for himself and the team.
Coach Grimm’s indoor season had many great moments as a result of his hard work ethic. By providing his team with knowledge and his experience they were able to break records in the 60, 200, 300, 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 1600, Race walk, Mile, 3000, 2 mile, 55mH, 60mH, 4×200, 4×400, 4×800, SMR, and DMR competitions.
Additionally, in the outdoor season, Coach Grimm brought success having his team break the school records in the 100, 200, 400, Racewalk, Mile, 5000, 110H, 300H, 400H, 4×100, 4×200, 4×400, 4×800, 4×1600, Texas SMR, Swedish SMR, Swedish SMR, SMR, DMR, Shuttle hurdles, Javelin, pole vault, long jump, and the triple jump.
Coach Grimm is a family man, known for bringing his daughter, Luey, to most of the practices and meets. The whole Grimm family showed lots of support, and had a big impact on the boys over the years.
Coach Luey has become an essential part of the team and it is sad to see both of them step away from the program. Being the oldest of two daughters, she brought a lot of character to the team. She brought the boys closer together and encouraged us to try our best every day.
