Kevin Lesage's Articles: Profile

Kevin Lesage

Champlain Cheek

Ryan Kimbal, recent college graduate, found a quick route back to college, this time as an Athletic Coordinator. Ryan Kimbal grew up in northern Vermont, where he played basketball all four years of high school. Completing high school, Ryan was drafted to Johns College, a small Division 3 school where he continued his enthusiasm for basketball serving another four years.

Ryan, struggling for work found refuge at Champlain College. He was hired as the activities planner and his plan is to turn around the athletic system at Champlain. “I want to see students in the bleachers cheering on friends. I want the sporting events to become popular.” said Kibal. Before Ryan worked at Champlain all sports were unorganized and the Volleyball team would argue with the basketball players over the court. “I used to hate trying to squeeze in a few jump shots while the volleyball was getting spiked around,” Said Chris Campbell, former Champlain student. Kimbal has since set up specific days for events. For example, Basketball is on a Monday, Soccer Tuesday, volleyball Wednesday, and other activities with specific dates and times. “It keeps the staff happy, as well as the students using the gym”, Said Kimbal.

Things are different now. Students are being forced, not asked, to have their I.D. swiped upon arrival to the gym. Ryan sees this as a good thing even though it upsets students at the time being. Ryan plans to implement the schools technology to create a sports resume` upon graduation. This way when you graduate you have a list of all the sports you participated in. “This way employer’s can see how involved the student was in school aside from typical school work, were trying to make it easier for the student.” said Kimbal.

Aside from Kimbal’s everyday planning, he truly finds time to get to know the students involved. He’s not the Athletic director who just sits at a desk. He’s right out there with students and that’s what makes the difference. Recently Kimbal set up a basketball competition involving a 3 point shoot out and a race between students. “Some sort of competition is needed at Champlain; we have no sports. At least Kimbal found a way to keep us active in an otherwise educational setting. You’re not losing calories sitting at a desk,” said Mike Lapri, student at Champlain. Kimbal has helped students get back into athletics only during his first year. “He’s young. He’s fun. What’s not to like about staying active and having fun at the same time. Also, he gives me a little competition on the court which is rare to find at Champlain.” Said Dave Armenti

Ryan Kimbal hasn’t just organized a program at Champlain. He brought light to a department that was fading, sports. Champlain has no big Division games to support, no true sports teams in general. It’s easy to get wrapped up in school work and a social life, but what about all those former sport captains, or anyone involved with sports in high school? Ryan Kimbal has found a way for these people to express themselves athletically in an organized fashion.