Longtime James Caldwell High Football Coach Will Retire: School Officials

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — Ken Trimmer, long-time football coach at James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, has announced his retirement after 53 years, administrators say.

According to a school news release issued Tuesday, Trimmer graduated from Montclair State College in 1964, and began teaching and coaching in Caldwell - West Caldwell that fall. He retired as a teacher in 2010, but has continued to serve as head coach of the football team.

• See related article: Class Dismissed: Eight Retire From CWC District

“In [Trimmer’s] 53 years in the district, his teams have performed exceptionally well, consistently making the playoffs and winning numerous state championships,” school administrators said.

Trimmer was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association (NJSCA) Hall of Fame in 2012, was named 2008 Coach of the Year by the New Jersey Football Coaches and was honored as the first recipient of the Institute of Coaching Award.

According to school officials, Trimmer is “known as much for his community service as for the athletic accomplishments of his players.” School administrators identified him as a “tireless mentor and advocate for students and coaches” who has organized and implemented community service projects for the benefit of the Caldwell Food Pantry, St. Rocco’s Family Shelter and the South Ward Youth Development Center.

“I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world,” Trimmer said, reflecting on his experiences in the district. “To have the opportunity to work and live in such a phenomenal community, with such amazing kids, parents, and colleagues, has been a tremendous blessing for which I will always be grateful.”

Trimmer added that he is confident that the football program is in very good hands moving forward.

“I cannot say enough about the quality and character of the guys on our coaching staff. From the long-time members of the coaching team to the newest additions, they are all just the finest people you would ever want to have mentoring our young people. I’m certain that the program is in great shape for the 2017 season and beyond.”

Trimmer said that he plans to stay involved by volunteering his time for the JCHS program, and that he will continue to play a leadership role in his many other football projects, including directing the Phil Simms All Star Game and the Paul Robeson Football Classic.

• See related article: Trimmer is Tireless on and off the Football Field
• See related article: Caldwell High Grad Replaces Trimmer in Gym

Ken Trimmer, Patch File Photo

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