The coaching minor is open to all students who are interested in coaching at various levels. The focus is on coaching theory, skill development, strategies, organization and management of practices and games, and safety. The close interaction of faculty and students helps develop a rich base of knowledge and skills that are ethically applied in a variety of practical settings.

Students get hands-on experience coaching multiple sports and dealing with various coaching situations. Special emphasis is given to the differences between coaching team and individual sports. The program also addresses the psychology of sports and coaching, the psychological characteristics of both athletes and coaches, psychological and physical performance enhancement, and youth sports.

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Latest News

Ben Fisher, Theta Chi Scholar Athlete Award Recipient

Benjamin Fisher ’23 earns top award from international fraternity

Benjamin Fisher ’23 of Waupun, Wisconsin, won the Theta Chi fraternity’s 2021/2022 James Ralph “Shug” Jordan Award which he received at the 166th Anniversary Convention […]

Head Football Coach Ron Ernst during a game

Winningest Head Football Coach Ron Ernst retiring after 32 years with Ripon

Red Hawks’ head football coach and defensive coordinator Ron Ernst has officially announced he will retire from Ripon College at the end of the 2022 […]

We’re still here: Austin Bunders ’20

For the fall semester of 2020, Austin Bunders ’20 of Almond, Wisconsin, will be completing student teaching and finishing his last season of football for […]

Faculty

Katie Astrauskas

Astrauskas, Catherine "Katie"

Professor of Exercise Science, Head Coach of Volleyball, Senior Women Administrator and Assistant Athletic Director - Compliance

Brian Azinger

Azinger, Brian

Head Athletic Trainer

Coles, Rick

Professor of Exercise Science, Associate Head Coach of Football

Brittany Followay

Followay, Brittany

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Chair of Exercise Science, Graduate Program Director

Advising

Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.

As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.

Advising at Ripon

Requirements

Requirements for a Minor in Coaching
Total Credits 22 credits
Core Courses EXS 181 Resistance Training , 245 Theories of Coaching I, 246 Theories of Coaching II, 352 Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity, 381 Advanced Concepts of Strength and Conditioning, plus two of EXS 321 The Coaching of Football and Wrestling, 322 The Coaching of Basketball and Baseball, 323 The Coaching of Swimming and Track and Field
Elective Courses at least 4 credits from CMM 215 Public Speaking, CMM 220 Communication and Sports in American Society Roy, MTH 120 Elementary Statistics, PHL 241 Ethics, PSC 224 Theories of Personality and Counseling, PSC 242 Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood, REL 321 , SOC 304 Sociology of Inequalities, EXS 211 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries, 286 Nutrition for the Health Sciences, 287 Functional Anatomy, 321 The Coaching of Football and Wrestling, 322 The Coaching of Basketball and Baseball, 323 The Coaching of Swimming and Track and Field, 353 Sociological Aspects of Physical Activity.

Career Tracks

Students of any major can use this experience to coach at any level after graduation.

Unique Opportunities

  • Through the Departments of Educational Studies and Exercise Science, certification in physical education, health, and adapted physical education are available in early adolescence/adolescence (grades 6-12).
  • Coaching internships and practicums have been completed by students at school districts, youth programs, the Ripon Department of Athletics and Department of Exercise Science, and Willmore Center.  
  • Valuable job experience can be acquired by working in the training room at Willmore Center at Ripon College or the Ripon Medical Center Rehabilitation Department.