Chet Kammerer was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame, shown at left with former Grace College men’s basketball coach Jim Kessler, and at right with Grace College athletic director Chad Briscoe and Grace College president Bill Katip. Photos provided

By Josh Neuhart
Grace College Sports Information

GREENVILLE, S.C. – On Thursday evening, Grace men’s basketball legend Chet Kammerer was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame.

Kammerer was one of five honorees inducted into the Hall of Fame during this year’s NCCAA national convention in Greenville, S.C.

Kammerer attended Grace in the 1960s and played four years of basketball for the Lancers. He graduated in 1964 with 2,504 career points, still the most points ever scored in a Lancer uniform.

Soon after graduating, he began his career coaching the Lancers in 1965 and went on a stellar 10-year run. He won 183 games, second-most behind Jim Kessler, and helped Grace reach four NCCAA national tournaments.

He began the Lancer Basketball Camps in 1968; the camp remains one of the most popular and longest-running camps in the midwest.

Grace President Dr. Bill Katip said, “Chet’s legacy as a man of character and integrity were foundational to our athletic department in the beginning years. His heart for serving the Lord and others while building character through sport has shaped Grace College Athletics for many decades.”

Kammerer’s coaching career led him to the ranks of Westmont College (Calif.), where he won another 176 games, and eventually into the NBA.

Kammerer has spent the last few decades working as a vice president for the Miami Heat, winning multiple NBA championships during his time. He currently serves as the Senior Advisor of Basketball Operations for the Heat.

Current Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra commended Kammerer: “Chet is a man of character, he’s a man of faith, he’s a man of great humility. I’ve learned more from Chet’s example of character, faith and humility than about what type of player to pick for the Miami Heat.”

Kammerer, who was a pioneer in the NCCAA, also served as the NCCAA president from 1973-77. His consistent Christian testimony throughout his career challenged others to become strong followers of Christ.

Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe added: “Chet has had a tremendous impact on our community and campus through his athletic leadership. Beyond his many accomplishments, Chet is an incredible servant leader who has used athletics his entire life to point people back to the Lord.”