Al Grenert

Al Grenert                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Jul 8, 1919 - Aug 9, 2002, Hometown: Holyoke, Ma.

Al Grenert grew to love golf. He took up the game in his 40's, and was as passionate about the game as he was basketball and baseball. He would often play alone, and most of the time would play three separate balls, always keeping track of them, and keeping accurate scores for each over eighteen holes. On any given day he could shoot 81, 83 and 82. When he played with us, his sons, he would occasionally hit a really poor shot. His response was to drop another ball, look us in the eye, and say that he wasn't ready, and he would then hit another shot. He even used this excuse on the putting green. Unfortunately, we do not allow this during our tournament.

Al dedicated his life to his family and to athletics. He was a consummate sportsman, a loving husband, a caring and supportive father, a gentle grandfather and a mentor and friend to the thousands of young men and women who crossed his path.

As an athlete, Al excelled at an early age. He was an outstanding baseball and basketball player at Holyoke High School in Massachusetts. He played his college basketball at New York University where he was an All-American and set the three-year scoring record. After a tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps he returned to school at Yale, where he played baseball (his true passion). After college he played baseball, but a serious injury ended that promising career. He did however play professional basketball.

After his playing days were over, he was hired as the Varsity Basketball Coach at St. Anselm's College, a small Benedictine school in Manchester, NH. Just as he did as a player, he became an outstanding coach never shying away from the challenge of playing the bigger schools in New England. His teams would play Army, Boston College and Providence and when he beat them, they would immediately drop St. A's from their schedule. His greatest victory was over Holy Cross. They too dropped St's A's.

He was lured back into coaching by Nashua High School in Nashua, N.H. where he coached for eight years, winning two state championships and runner-up in two others. Al took kids of all abilities and molded them into a team. That was his greatest skill.

Al worked very hard for his family and he worked hard at being a mentor and friend to those deserving students at St. Anselm's and Nashua High who need a gentle nudge or a kick in the pants. And those who were a recipient of either one were grateful.

Al's family, as well as his extended family of players, students and friends, honors his legacy by participating in the Al Grenert Memorial Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fund at the beautiful Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine. All proceeds from this extraordinary event help fund scholarships in Al's name, to St. Anselms and to the basketball team.

What started out as a gathering of family and close friends has blossomed into a wonderful event, enjoyed by people from all over the country, who forge new friendships, lie about their golf game and help more and more students get a better education.

Our goal is to continue Al's passion for sport and sportsmanship. And while you are playing the fourth hole (Al's favorite) at this year's tournament, remember that Al will be looking down on you and wishing you well.

Al Grenert - The All-American

 

Al signed a baseball contract in 1938, at the age of 18, to play with the Detroit Tigers.

Al was the top scorer in Eastern college basketball as a member of New York University. He helped the Sheboygan Redskins to the NBL Western Division championship in 1945-46. He played the 1944-45 season with the Tri-Cities Blackhawks of the NBL.

In April of 1945, Al joined the Boston Red Sox as a rookie. Unfortunately, Al's Baseball Career was shortened due to injury.

Al was the commentator on Boston Celtics radio with announcer Johnny Most from the 1956-57 season through the 1964-65 season.

One of the pioneers of Division 2 basketball in the Northeast, Al Grenert coached for 22 years at Saint Anselm and won more than 300 games. A member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Anselmian Athletic Club Hall of Fame, Al Grenert coached 23 members of the Saint Anselm Hall of Fame.

Al Grenert Court

"Manchester, N.H. (February 21, 2009) -- At halftime of Saturday's men's basketball game, the basketball court at Stoutenburgh Gym was dedicated in honor of former men's basketball coach Al Grenert. Over 1,000 fans, including many members of the Grenert family and many former Saint Anselm players, gathered as the court was blessed in recognition of Coach Grenert.

Grenert, one of the pioneers of Division 2 basketball in the Northeast, coached for 22 years at Saint Anselm and won more than 300 games. A member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Anselmian Athletic Club Hall of Fame, Grenert coached 23 members of the Saint Anselm Hall of Fame.

The floor, now known as Al Grenert Court at Stoutenburgh Gymnasium, features two eight-foot wide logos bearing Grenert's name. The logos will be relocated over the summer to their permanent locations on the court."

- Saint Anselm Sports Information

Al's 7 of 8 Children pictured below.