Marian University Mourns the Passing of Doug Hammonds (Audio)

Marian University Vice President of Enrollment Management joins KFIZ Today to talk about the life and legacy of Doug Hammonds.

Doug Hammonds, advocate for expansion of Marian athletics, passes away

FOND DU LAC – Marian University and Sabre athletics are saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Doug Hammonds.

Hammonds was a pioneer for Marian University athletics serving as head women’s volleyball coach, assistant men’s basketball coach, event promoter, and director of athletics during his long tenure at Marian.  Hammonds headed the Sabre athletic department from 1999-2011 and was instrumental in the growth of Marian University athletics.  During his tenure, Hammonds oversaw the addition of an NCAA women’s ice hockey program and the resurrection of the cross country program.  His legacy will live on at Marian for his role in the expansion and renovation of several athletic facilities.  Hammonds played a pivotal role in renovations at Herr-Baker Field and Smith Fields that saw expanded seating constructed and press boxes for both facilities.  The Marian NCAA men’s ice hockey program also saw a facelift with a new locker room.  Most notably, Hammonds oversaw the construction of a state-of-the-art field house with a turf surface.  Lenz Fieldhouse is still a highly used facility both for Marian University and the Fond du Lac community.

As a coach, Hammonds took over a struggling Sabre women’s volleyball program in 1994 and was able to build a powerhouse in the Lake Michigan Conference.  He spent 10 seasons as the leader for the Sabre women’s volleyball program amassing an overall record of 214-119 (.672) and 89-18 (.832) ledger in LMC play.  The Sabres won five straight LMC Championships from 1997-2001 under his tutelage and qualified for the NCAA Tournament three straight seasons from 1999-2001.  Marian wouldn’t lose an LMC match for four straight years from 1997-2000 and at one point had a 56-game winning streak in conference matches.  Most notably, his 2000 squad went on to set a school record with 30 wins winning.  Hammonds went on to earn LMC Coach of the Year honors five times and coached the LMC Player of the Year three times.

All of his hard work and determination for Marian athletics ultimately culminated in his induction into the Marian Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.  He remains one of only two Marian Hall of Fame inductees to serve as a head coach and administrator during his time as a Sabre.

“Doug had a big heart and a competitive spirit,” said former head men’s basketball coach and fellow Hall of Fame member Mark Boyle.  “He was always devoted to trying to do the right thing. Whether it was for a team he coached or the people he worked with. Yet most of all it was very clear he was devoted to his wife and kids whom he deeply loved.” 

“Coach Hammonds was an important mentor to so many during his time as athletic director at Marian, to both our staff and more importantly student-athletes,” said former Director of Athletics Jason Bartelt.  “He had a tremendous impact on the growth and success of the entire department.  He will forever be in our Hall of Fame, not just as a great coach, but more so for the outstanding all-around person he was.”