Colorado College director of athletics Ken Ralph has accepted the position of director of athletics at Maine.
In his 11 years leading the athletic department at CC, “Ralph demonstrated not only the vision to steer the department in exciting directions, but also the instincts, motivational abilities, perseverance and professionalism to see those dreams through to fruition,” according to a news release.
Recently, he was instrumental in the partnership with the city of Colorado Springs’ City for Champions initiative, which would provide CC with its own, on-campus events center, the Edward J. Robson Arena. The $39 million arena would allow the Tiger hockey team to play its games on campus for the first time since the program started in 1938 and house several college- and community-based events.
Earlier in his tenure, Ralph oversaw the completion of the spectacular $27 million El Pomar Sports Center renovation and expansion project during the 2012-13 academic year, followed by CC’s debut as a member of the new NCHC shortly thereafter.
“I’d like to thank all of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who have made these past 11 years so memorable,” Ralph said in a statement. “I would especially like to thank president Jill Tiefenthaler and the Board of Trustees for their support of athletics. I am excited about my new position at the University of Maine but please know I will never forget the people who have worn the Black and Gold proudly and represented Colorado College with such dignity and respect.
“While we have experienced many successes, I am convinced the best is yet to come for CC athletics. I will follow the results and cheer from afar, because a part of me will always be a Tiger.”
At Maine, Ralph will oversee an athletics program that sponsors 17 sports and supports more than 550 Division I student-athletes. He will begin his duties in Orono in early September.
Greg Capell, senior associate director of athletics at CC, will serve as the interim director of athletics and a national search will take place to permanently fill the position, according to Tiefenthaler.
