For many students, faculty, and staff the hiring of the new athletic director earlier this summer has brought about a sense of excitement and anticipation. Ken Ralph comes to Rensselaer after years of experience as an athlete, a coach, and an athletic director at Connecticut College. “He is going to be dynamite. We can only expect good things from him,” said Rick Hartt, director of the Union and a member of the selection committee that interviewed Ralph and a number of other candidates for the position.
“There is a lot of exciting things for athletics on the horizon,” said Ralph. On top of his immediate agenda are a number of interdepartmental restructuring moves and the hiring of new coaches. New coaches for women’s soccer and men’s soccer, Leslie Khachadourian and Adam Clinton respectively, were announced last week and both will be making their debut at games this weekend. As to the restructuring, nothing has been announced yet. “We want to match people with what they do best, and that’s a process. It does not happen overnight,” said Ralph.
Generating more interest and awareness from the student body in the athletic department will be another long process. “Students don’t care enough about the teams here. Some of our teams are excellent but only a handful of fans actually come to the games,” said football coach Joe King. Having long suffered from a low level of student enthusiasm towards its Division I and Division III teams, the athletic department under Ralph’s directions will make changing this attitude their priority.
Facilities take on a special level of importance when it comes to athletics. Space issues, general maintenance, appearance, and upgrades are only some of the issues that both coaches and students complain about. The fact that athletics is decentralized among three different buildings also makes it harder for Ralph and the rest of the department to communicate and work together efficiently. “The administration understands the need for improving facilities and we plan on doing that,” said Ralph. Moreover, with that comes the need for fundraising, a strong suit for Ralph, is proven by his ability when he secured a $500,000 gift to renovate a natatorium at Connecticut College.
“Athletics enhances student life and generates interest in our institution, something which he [Ralph] understands well,” said Dean of Students Mark Smith. He also said that increasing student awareness and recognition of athletics should be a higher priority than facilities. “If we don’t have the fans to seat, then there is no point in putting up more seats,” said Smith. Ralph also agrees that a new level of enthusiasm is necessary. “We will work with other departments, and student groups to increase awareness of the role of athletics in the quality of life at Rensselaer,” said Ralph.
However, above all the pressing issues, Ralph’s number one priority is, “to look after the health and welfare of our students.” He also hopes that with his new position he can strengthen the relationship between the coaches, students, and administration. This relationship has deteriorated in previous years. “He is going to play a major role in developing a stronger sense of communication,” said Smith.
In reference to The Rensselaer Plan, athletics and Ralph, “It is not what The Rensselaer Plan could do for athletics. It is what athletics could do for The Rensselaer Plan,” he said. The linkage, according to Ralph, comes with the recognition that good teams enhance student life, attract new students and retain them, and make Rensselaer a more attractive environment. “He brings with him incredible energy and experience and a deep understanding and agreement with The Rensselaer Plan,” said Hartt.
