Tylar Kohnke was named the Ripon College full-time assistant track and field coach on August 23, 2023 following a national search. He begins his second season at Ripon in 2024-25.
“Tylar brings outstanding coaching experience to our track and field program,” Director of Athletics Chris Schumacher said. “His passion and energy stood out during the interview process and we are very fortunate to have him join our team at Ripon College. “
Kohnke noted, "I am very excited to join the Ripon College family! The team, college and community have noticeably achieved many things and I can't wait to not only be part of it all, but to also help in continuing the successes and growth of the athletes, team, college and community."
Kohnke joins Ripon after a stint as an assistant track and field coach at UW-Stevens Point. As the throws coach, he mentored three All-Americans and 14 All-WIAC athletes. He assisted in the Pointers’ recruiting efforts and designed and implemented strength and conditioning programs for nearly all UWSP track and field athletes.
Director of Cross Country & Track and Field Bob Wood said, “I'm really looking forward to the mark that Tylar can make on our program. His enthusiasm for coaching and recruiting will be a huge benefit for our athletes, and he already brings great experience in developing athletes at the conference and national level. When you look at the history of our program and the All-Americans, Hall-of-Fame athletes, Midwest Conference performers - a lot of that is rooted in the throws. There is a lot of tradition there and Tylar will build on that while making his own impact. We're excited for him to be a Red Hawk."
Originally from North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Kohnke spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Waldorf University, an NAIA institution in Forest City, Iowa. There, he mentored three All-NSAA athletes and helped the Warriors break six school records.
Kohnke graduated from UWSP in 2019 with a degree in Health Promotion and Wellness. A former UWSP track and field captain, he was a four-time All-WIAC performer in the javelin. Three times he qualified for the WIAC Indoor Championships in the weight and twice he qualified for the WIAC Outdoor Championships in the hammer.
