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Alexander Bianco

• Ph.D. from University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• M.S. from Miami University
• B.A. from Miami University

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Miami University in 2013. After working as a research associate at Virginia Tech I returned to Miami University to pursue a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology. Following this, I attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to complete my doctorate in Kinesiology. I have been a faculty member at Ripon College since 2022 where I primarily teach courses on sport psychology and motor behavior. My research focuses on the psychological functioning of sports medicine professionals (e.g., burnout, motivation), how sports medicine professionals and sport psychology professionals can best work together, and the psychological aspects of sport injury.

In addition to my academic work, I regularly consult with athletes to help them perform their best from a psychological standpoint. This often involves teaching athletes about psychological strategies they can use such as self-talk management and imagery. I also work with coaches on concepts like leadership strategies, motivational techniques, and practice design. I am currently pursuing certification as a mental performance consultant from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

Personally, I compete in powerlifting and play golf (very poorly most of the time). I have a passion for athletics and will watch anything that involves a ball, track, pool, etc. I currently live in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with my fiancée and our dog, Barney.

Brittany Followay

• Ph.D., Exercise Physiology; Kent State University
• M.S., Exercise Physiology; Cleveland State University
• B.S., Exercise Science; Bowling Green State University

Rick Coles

• M.A. in physical education, University of Northern Iowa
• B.A. in history and physical education, Coe College

Hi, I’m Rick Coles, Professor of Exercise Science and Assistant Coach of Football. I have taught and coached at Ripon College since 1999 after teaching and coaching at two high schools and three other colleges prior to 1999. I have stayed at Ripon this long because of the quality of the community, my colleagues on the faculty and staff, and the excellent young people I have to privilege to teach and coach.

In my time at Ripon I have served as Chair of the Exercise Science Department (seven years), and have taught several different classes including physiology of exercise, motor learning, kinesiology (an anatomy and biomechanics course), functional anatomy, as well as coaching courses.

I have coached the offensive line each year I’ve been at Ripon, and was the offensive coordinator from 2004 through 2019. In addition, I have been an assistant track coach (throws) for five years from 2000 through 2004, and was head swimming coach for five years from 2004 through 2009.