Kimpel comes to Wabash from the University of Idaho where he served as a teaching assistant while working toward his doctorate in education. He graduated from the University of Southern Colorado in 1996 where he earned NCAA Division III All-American honors as a wrestler, finishing fourth in 1994 at 158-pounds. He transferred to Southern Colorado from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside where he was a two-time All-American wrestler and was a member of the Academic National Championship Team.
Kimpel was a volunteer assistant coach at Southern Colorado for two seasons before leaving for Fort Hays State University in Kansas. He worked for two years as an assistant wrestling coach while earning a master's degree in physical education in 1997.
Kimpel has also worked as an athlete and coach in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, which included a year at the US Olympic Training Center at Colorado Springs.
"Steve brings a knowledge and passion for wrestling to Wabash," said Mummert. "It was very important to make certain that we brought in the right person to follow Coach Servies. I think Kimpel will also be a solid addition to our continued commitment of life-long fitness and education."
"It was great to find a school that is committed to wrestling," said Kimpel. "Wabash has certainly proven over the years that it knows how to combine the student and athletic experiences into a workable situation. I'm excited to be able to be a part of such a successful program, and more importantly such a successful institution like Wabash College."
Kimpel and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Katrina and Courtney.