Saint Francis University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., has announced that former Red Flash women’s basketball coach Susan Robinson Fruchtl has been named the new Director of Athletics at Saint Francis. She will replace Bob Krimmel, who alerted Saint Francis administration a few months ago of his plan to retire this year.
Below is the statement from Fr. Malachi:
“Several months ago, Mr. Bob Krimmel spoke with me of his plans to retire during 2016. Mr. Krimmel has served us well for nearly eleven years as Director of Athletics, during which time the Department of Athletics has seen much positive growth under his leadership. He is a man of character, who has led by example encouraging our students to “Become that Someone.” Mr. Krimmel graciously accepted my request of him to continue as Director of Athletics until a successor could be named, and to help effect a smooth transition.
“The Director of Athletics oversees 23 NCAA Division I athletic teams, is an integral part of the enrollment function of the university, is heavily involved with alumni and donor relations, all the while making sure the mission of athletics works in concert with the mission of the university.
“I am pleased to announce my appointment of Mrs. Susan Robinson Fruchtl as the next Director of Athletics at Saint Francis University. Susan will officially begin her role as Athletics Director this summer. Susan returns to Saint Francis University from Providence College (Big East Athletics Conference), where she served as Head Women’s Basketball Coach from 2012 – 2016. Susan was Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Saint Francis University from 2007-2012, where her teams won two NEC Conference titles with trips to the NCAA Tournament, and she was named 2011 NEC Coach of the Year. As a student-athlete at Penn State University, she was the Wade Trophy recipient and an Academic All-American.
“In the near future, we will have a reception and press conference to formally introduce Susan as Athletics Director. At that event, she will be joined by her husband Tony. In the meantime, please join me in welcoming Mrs. Susan Robinson Fruchtl back to Saint Francis University.”
Robinson Fruchtl comes back to Loretto after serving as the head women’s basketball coach at Providence for the past four seasons. Prior to her stint with the Friars, Robinson Fruchtl coached the Red Flash from 2007-12. Her 74 career wins are tied for third on the school’s list. During her time at Saint Francis, she led the team to three straight appearances in the NEC Championship game and back-to-back NEC Championships in 2010 and 2011.
In that three-year span, Robinson Fruchtl and the Red Flash were 54-44 with a 36-18 record in NEC play. The team won eight of nine NEC Tournament games in that time. She was also named the 2011 NEC Coach of the Year.
A CoSIDA Academic All-America selection as a player at Penn State, Robinson Fruchtl is one of just two Nittany Lions to accumulate 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career.
A reception and press conference with Robinson Fruchtl will be announced at a later date.