Head Coach Bob Duley

Entering his thirteenth season Robert Duley has established himself as the most successful coach in the schools history. He has led the men to more first division MWC finishes (11), than all of his predecessors combined (5), a period that dates back to 1938 and is the only coach to lead the women to an MWC first division finish, a feat they have accomplished five times, including a program-best second place finish in 2006.

With the completion of the 2009 season the Red Hawk men have put together the best 11-year run in Ripon’s long MWC relationship.  They have finished fifth or higher in each of those 11 seasons, including a program best runner-up finish in 2009. In 2002, Duley guided the men to their first Wisconsin Private College Championship, a feat they would duplicate in 2005, 2007, 2008, and again in 2009. In that same time frame, the Red Hawks have recorded the eleven highest finishes in the Private College Championships. Duley is the only coach to lead the women’s team to any invitational victories (5), which includes their first-ever Wisconsin Private College Championship during the 2006 season. In his tenure, Coach Duley has led the men and women to a total of 21 invitational titles and 29 runner-up titles, which is a far cry from the previous 25 years, which saw Ripon go without a single cross country victory.

Individual success has marked Coach Duley’s tenure. In 2004, Gina Baker became the first-ever four-time All-Conference performer for the Red Hawks. In 2005, Dave Billings became the second four-time All-Conference performer when he won the MWC individual title. In 2009, Jessica Davey became the third Red Hawk cross country athlete to earn All-Conference four consecutive seasons. The only three-time All-Conference performers for the Red Hawks are Lori Stich, Abby Williams, Alice Saunders, Mark Nolan and Bryan Schneider. In 2005, Dave Billings became just the second two-time NCAA national qualifier. The legendary Lori Stich is the only other Ripon College runner to qualify for the NCAA national meet twice (in 1989 and 1990). In 2006, Brittany Dick qualified for the NCAA national meet as well.   In all, Coach Duley has coached 44 All-Conference cross country athletes.

The head coach of track and field for the past 17 years, Coach Duley has built those programs into solid conference contenders.  During his tenure Coach Duley has led the Red Hawks to their highest MWC finishes in school history. Coach Duley’s men’s and women’s track & field teams have won a total of 39 invitational titles. Together his Ripon cross country and track/field teams have won 60 invitational titles and have had 32 NCAA National Qualifiers.

Duley’s formula for success, combined with his unlimited enthusiasm and talent has not only transcended seasons and levels, but also has transcended sports. As a track and basketball coach at Westfield High School for 21 years, Duley’s teams won more than 500 contests and 13 conference championships. 

Coach Duley received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida in 1969 and his Masters of Arts degree from Marian College in 1990. He is also a USATF Level I & II certified endurance and jumps coach. Duley resides in Westfield, Wis., with his wife Darlene. Together, they have five daughters: Daycia, Tara, Alycia, Carina and Marisa and nine grandchildren.