Longtime Head Football Coach Keith Kilmer Announces Retirement After 29 Years of Service
[Lowell] – [11-25-24] – After a distinguished coaching career spanning nearly three decades, Keith Kilmer, the Head Football Coach at Lowell
High School, has announced his retirement from coaching. Coach Kilmer leaves behind an indelible legacy; by leading the school’s football program he has impacted generations of student-athletes with his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence..
A graduate of Franklin College of Indiana, where he earned a B.A. in Physical Education, Coach Kilmer began his career in education and coaching at Lowell Middle School in 1995. His coaching career is a testament to his versatility and leadership within the school community, including coaching football,
track,wrestling, basketball and cross country at various levels.
Since taking the reins as Head Football Coach at Lowell High School in 2010, Coach Kilmer has achieved a 115-60 record, led the team to six 4A Sectional Championships, two 4A Regional Championships, and one 4A Semi-State title.
His success on the field earned him multiple Coach of the Year honors, including IFCA Region I 4A Coach of the Year five times and NCC Coach of the Year three times. Coach Kilmer was also named NWI Times Coach of the Year in 2017.
Overall, he has been a part of fourteen Sectional, seven Regional, four Semi-State championships and was an assistant coach on the 2005 State Championship team.
As a recognized leader in Indiana high school football, Coach Kilmer serves on the Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Executive Committee as the Clinic Committee Chairmen and Academic All-State Chairman. He served as the President of the IFCA during the 2023-2024 season. His career accomplishments were celebrated this year with the prestigious 2024 IFCA President’s Award and the John Friend Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his impact on both state and local levels.
“Coach Kilmer has been a part of the heart and soul of our football program since 1999,” said Patti McCormack, Athletic Director. “His dedication, resilience, and passion for developing young people will leave a lasting legacy at Lowell High School.”
Coach Kilmer’s contributions extend beyond the field. He has served in a multitude of roles, as a teacher, MS Athletic Director and
Assistant Athletic Director at Lowell High School, a position he has held since 2010. He has been a fixture in the community, co-sponsoring the school’s L-Club, which organizes events such as Track or Treat and the annual Special Olympics basketball game. In addition, he has served as a speaker
at numerous leadership and coaching conferences, including the IHSAA Student Leadership Conference and NIAAA Conference. Coach Kilmer has been a LTC Instructor for the IIAAA the past six years as well.
Reflecting on his coaching career, Coach Kilmer said, “It has been a true privilege to work with such dedicated athletes, coaches, and colleagues. I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together, and I look forward to seeing the program continue to thrive. Though this brings an end to my time roaming the sidelines, I look forward to continuing to follow my passion of serving our student athletes as a member of the Athletic Department and faculty here at LHS.” As Coach Kilmer steps down, Lowell High School will begin the search for a
successor to continue his tradition of excellence.
