Accomplished American college basketball coach Greg Kampe embarked on a weight loss journey in 2017, shedding significant weight after a serious health scare that nearly cost him his life.
Greg Charles Kampe, professionally known as ‘Greg Kampe‘, is currently the head coach of the men’s basketball team at Oakland University.
The veteran coach has held the position for Oakland University since 1984, bringing four decades of experience to the role.
Furthermore, Kampe attended Bowling Green State University, where he demonstrated his exceptional skills as a kicker, punter, and cornerback on the football team.
Michigan State HC Tom Izzo and Oakland HC Greg Kampe are wearing Grinch sweaters 😂 pic.twitter.com/8msyE23SRw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 18, 2024
Through his long-standing and acclaimed career, Greg Kampe has established himself as one of the respected figures in the world of sports.
Recently, the head coach gained widespread attention and praise for wearing matching Grinch sweaters with his longtime friend, Tom Izzo.
This lighthearted interaction showcases the profound bond between the coaches as they playfully embraced the holiday spirit.
Greg Kampe Lost 25 Pounds After Battling With Life-Threatening Infection Sepsis
Back in 2017, Kampe hesitantly revealed his severe health condition, which required him to bed rest for two weeks and undergo multiple surgeries.
The head coach disclosed that he suffered from kidney stones, which later led to major complications and a fatal condition called sepsis, resulting in a five-day stay in the ICU.
Kampe explained that he experienced a deathly situation due to his own negligence, saying,
Maybe if I’d have gone earlier, I wouldn’t have gotten to the ‘Code …,’ ‘Rapid Response,’ whatever. Basically, if I would’ve said, ‘Screw it’ and tried to sleep it off, I would’ve died. That’s the thing. That’s the reason for telling the story, so people hear that. I’m not trying to have anybody feel sorry for me.
Thus, this situation led Greg Kampe to adopt a healthier lifestyle and clean diet, leading to his significant weight loss.
Oakland basketball coach Greg Kampe almost died from sepsis pic.twitter.com/dEIH9mN7nv
— Fazle Azim (@FazleAzim2) August 9, 2017
Moreover, he eliminated his favorite foods from his unhealthy diet and acknowledged the need for a change, resulting in him losing 25 pounds.
The head coach also shared a humorous remark from his friend and fellow head coach, Homer Drew, about his notable weight reduction.
Greg Kampe Adopted a Juice-Only Diet to Raise Funds for Cancer Research
During the year 2012, Greg Kampe opted for a strict “Juice Only” diet after being influenced by Suzy Merchant’s documentary Fat Sick and Nearly Dead.
On August 7, he embarked on a month-long diet to support the cause Coaches vs. Cancer, raising a dollar for each day he adhered to the diet.
He further described, stating,
I have had some close friends diagnosed with cancer recently. So I felt like this was a good way to raise cancer awareness, while choosing to live a different, healthier lifestyle.
Through these philanthropic efforts, he aimed to raise awareness about cancer while also embracing a healthier lifestyle and achieving physical well-being.
Additionally, he disclosed his goal of losing 30 pounds with this initiative and demonstrated his dedication and commitment by purchasing a juicer to prepare raw vegetable juices.
Additional Information
- In 2005, Kampe mentored the Golden Grizzlies to victory in the first four rounds during their inaugural NCAA Division I tournament.
- Greg Kampe is married to his longtime partner Sue and they are proud parents of three sons, Keith, Branch, and Press.
- The head coach has an estimated net worth between $3 million and $4 million.
