Mercyhurst University head water polo coach Curtis Robinette died on August 14th following his second battle with cancer.
The 2021-2022 season was set to be Robinette’s 20th as head coach of both men’s and women’s water polo. Robinette was responsible for leading both programs to over 200 wins during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Lakers men had an overall record of 209-215, while the Lakers women were 204-237.
Coach Robinette was recognized by others for his dedication to rebuilding the Lakers programs.
“Because his calm demeanor became synonymous with Mercyhurst polo, Robinette was thought to be the Lakers only head coach.” Ed Haas, Collegiate Water Polo Association director of communications, said. “Either seeing him in person at a championship or speaking with him on the phone, his excitement for the Lakers’ program and the development of water polo was electric.”
Robinette joined the men’s team in trying times after it finished with a 2-20 record in 2001. Robinette will be remembered for his success in elevating Mercyhurst’s polo programs to new levels.
From 2006-2016, the Mercyhurst men held a positive record. The Lakers Men have also made two Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) Championships, highlighted with a West Division title in 2016. The 2016 win was the first MAWPC division title in school history. Robinette also led the Lakers Women to an Eastern Division Championships appearance in 2008, which earned him the CPWA Western Division Coach of the Year.
Robinette was born in Maumee, Ohio and attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, close to where he most recently lived. He is survived by his wife Molly and their three children, Owen, Finn, and Poppy.
May his memory endure as a blessing.
So very sad to read about this. Curtis was only 41 years old with young children. He was a wonderful coach and representative for Mercyhurst University, during his almost 20 years there. He will surely be missed. Rest In Peace, Curtis…