PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics remembers former athletic director Fred Gruninger, who passed away Friday at the age of 92. Gruninger was the ninth athletic director in Rutgers history, serving as an administrator and coach during his 40-year career 'On the Banks.'
 
Gruninger spent 25 years as the Rutgers Athletic Director from 1973 through 1998. A member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame, Gruninger was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
 
"Our Rutgers Athletics community is saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Gruninger," said Rutgers Athletic Director Pat Hobbs. "Fred was dedicated to the service of student-athletes and he made it his mission to foster an environment that supported their well-being. Fred was an inspiration to many who knew him and his accomplishments in this profession continue to be felt to this day. On behalf of Rutgers University and our athletic department, I express our deepest condolences to Fred's family and friends. He will truly be missed."
 
In addition to guiding the Scarlet Knights through a period of substantial growth and achievement, the New Jersey native was a champion of student-athlete well-being and spearheaded initiatives to enhance their personal growth. Gruninger's focus upon the student-athlete as the most vital member of the athletics division led to the advancement of a variety of programs, including academic services, facilities, community involvement and personal development. He also created the Scarlet R Club, a branch of annual giving to benefit student-athletes and the athletics program.
 
Gruninger shepherded the University through its compliance with Title IX, as he oversaw the integration of women's sports programs which competed for Douglass College at the time. He enacted a three-year plan, bringing five women's programs under the Athletic Department umbrella annually to sponsor 15 women's sports within three years. The nation's first full-time women's basketball coach, Theresa Grentz, was hired by Gruninger in 1976. Grentz went on to lead the Scarlet Knights to the 1982 AIAW Championship. Gruninger also hired C. Vivian Stringer, who guided the program to a pair of Final Four appearances and 17 NCAA Tournaments.
 
Gruninger tabbed Tom Young to lead the men's basketball program in 1973. Young became the winningest coach in program history and guided the Scarlet Knights to the Final Four in 1976. He also appointed Frank Burns as head coach of the football program as Burns went on to amass the second-most wins in program history and led Rutgers to its first bowl game in 1978.
 
An Army veteran, Gruninger was pivotal in completing key facility upgrades. Under his leadership, RU opened the 'new' Rutgers Stadium in 1994, the Rutgers Athletic Center in 1977 and made significant upgrades to the football program's training facilities with the construction of the Hale Center and Indoor Practice Bubble. He also served as chair of the University Golf Committee for 35 years and oversaw the development of the Rutgers Golf Course from its nine-hole configuration to an 18-hole facility.
 
Gruninger orchestrated Rutgers' move to the Big East Conference in 1995. A hallmark of Gruninger's tenure was the hosting of numerous conference, regional and national championships. Under his direction, Rutgers hosted the 1996 Men's Basketball Final Four at the Continental Airlines Arena and co-hosted the NCAA East Regional Men's Basketball Championship eight times from 1986-96. In addition, Rutgers hosted the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships on six occasions.
 
A graduate of Scotch Plains High School, Gruninger was a member of the Rutgers baseball team before earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from RU. He began his administrative tenure in 1958 as an alumni relations officer with what was then known as the "Rutgers Fund" before moving to athletics in 1966. The Scarlet Knights golf coach from 1963-71, he was appointed Assistant Athletic Director in 1966, Associate Athletic Director in 1971 and Director of Athletics in 1973.
 
Gruninger is survived by his wife of 66 years Barbara, their three children Mark Gruninger (Nancy), Kate Gruninger Johnson (Rick) and Jack Gruninger (Wendi), and their four grandchildren Allison Gruninger Manifold (Bryce), David Gruninger, Jake Gruninger and Zach Gruninger.
 
Supporters are encouraged to make contributions to the Frederick E. and Barbara N. Gruninger Endowed Scholarship.