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Rockhurst University Athletics

Richard Konzem

Men's Golf

Konzem to retire as head golf coach in December

Richard Konzem's leadership saw the RU golf teams set numerous records during his tenure.
Richard Konzem, who has served as head women's golf coach for the last eight years and head men's golf coach for the last six years, has announced his retirement, effective in December 2022.

Konzem also served as director of athletics at Rockhurst University from 2007-11 and as an adjunct professor in the Sports Management program.

"I've been fortunate to spend every day in a career that was a passion for me," Konzem said. "Rarely, did I feel like I was going to work. The association with students, athletes, coaches and staff has been the biggest blessing. In addition to my parents and grandparents, coaches and athletics administrators have had the biggest positive influence on my life. I'm thankful for their mentorship, both personally and professionally. The opportunities I've had through a career in collegiate athletics have given me a lifetime of outstanding memories and relationships."

In announcing his retirement, Konzem will be ending a 40-plus-year career in collegiate athletics and association management. He came to Rockhurst in November 2007 after serving as the director of athletics at Benedictine College in 2006 and 2007.

"Richard has been a great steward of Rockhurst athletics. We appreciate his years of service. Throughout his time at Rockhurst, Richard always operated with integrity, pride, and professionalism," said RU Director of Athletics Kristy Bayer.

"He has dedicated his professional life to elevating student-athletes, both as people and as athletes. He has built a tremendous golf program, full of tradition. He has had a career to be celebrated. We wish Richard and Debbie a wonderful retirement."

Prior to Benedictine, Konzem worked 23 years as an administrator in the University of Kansas athletics department serving in a variety of capacities, including interim athletic director. As KU's senior associate athletic director, he supervised men's and women's basketball, football, baseball and golf, as well as events/facilities/operations. He was an integral part of the KU Athletics staff during six Final Four appearances including an NCAA Championship in men's basketball, three bowl games, and a College World Series in both baseball and softball. He also served for two years as the Chief Operating Officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Konzem has served on the Board of Directors of the State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame; Sunflower State Games; United Way of Douglas County and the City of Lawrence (KS) Parks and Recreation. He was a member of the 2004 Leadership Kansas class.
 
During Konzem's Rockhurst tenure, he has served on the NCAA Division II Regional Advisory Committee for both men's and women's golf. Among the numerous golf teams' achievements under Konzem's direction:
  • 20 women's team members have been named WGCA All-American Scholars on 39 occasions.
  • Women's teams have been recognized with the WGCA All-Scholar Team GPA Award finishing 24th in the nation in 2021-22, 19th in 2020-21, seventh in 2019-20, 17th in 2018-19 and 22nd in 2014-15.
  • Eight men's team members have been named GCAA All-America Scholars on 13 occasions.
  • All six men's teams have been recognized by the GCAA with the Outstanding Team Academic Awards including four teams with the President's Special Recognition Award in 2021-22, 2020-21, 2019-20 and 2016-17.
  • 15 tournament championships for women's golf.
  • Seven tournament championships for men's golf.
  • Women's team school records for season scoring average, 18-hole score, 36-hole score and 54-hole score.
  • Women's individual school records for career scoring average, season scoring average, 18-hole score, 36-hole score and 54-hole score.
  • Men's team school records for season scoring average, 18-hole score and 36-hole score.
A native of Salina, Kansas, Konzem graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in business while serving as a student manager for the KU track and field team. He received a Master's degree in Sports Administration and worked in the athletic department at the University of Southern California.

Konzem, and his wife, Debbie, live in Lawrence, Kansas. He has two children: Scott and wife Rachel in Washington, D.C., and Sally, husband Andy and granddaughter Molly in Salem, Oregon.
 
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