Rick Coles, in his ninth year at Ripon College, and his fourth as head swimming coach for the Red Hawks program.

Swimming is nothing new to Coles as he has a history in the sport dating back to youth team swimming competitions. Coles is a 1979 graduate of Coe College with a double major in history and physical education. He earned his master’s degree in physical education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1984.

While a student-athlete at Coe College, he participated on the football and track teams, earning all-conference honors at center and in the shot put.

A 28-year coaching veteran, Coles wears many hats at Ripon College. He also serves as offensive coordinator for the football team and as an associate professor of exercise science.

Coles belongs to several professional organizations including the American Football Coaches Association, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He also is active in the local community with positions in the Rotary Club and the First Congregational Church of Ripon.

Coles and his wife, Nancy, have four children: Michael, 26, and triplet daughters Sara, Jennifer and Katie, 24.