Ryan Kane is familiar with the MWC from his playing and coaching days.

The Ripon College athletic department has named Ryan Kane as the newest member of its coaching staff, becoming the 26th head men's basketball coach in the 114-year history of the program. Kane replaces Bob Gillespie, who is retiring after 32 years as head coach of the Red Hawks.

A native of Green Bay and a Pulaski (Wis.) High School product, Kane spent the last four years as the top assistant coach at Loras College where he coordinated all aspects of the recruiting process and was instrumental in the development of seven All-IIAC selections and one All-Region performer. Prior to his time at Loras, Kane spent one year as an assistant coach at Midwest Conference-rival Lawrence University and a five-year stint at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill., while also coaching one year at Ashwaubenon High School.

"We are extremely pleased to have Ryan join our Athletic Department and all the coaches and staff are looking forward to working with him," said Ripon College Athletic Director Julie Johnson. "I'm excited to watch the growth of the men's basketball program in the coming years. Ryan will provide the team with a level of excitement that will bring success and carry on the rich tradition of Red Hawk men's basketball."

Kane is a 1999 graduate of fellow MWC school St. Norbert College, where he earned a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Leadership Studies, while participating on the Green Knights' basketball and golf teams. As a senior, Kane earned the basketball team's Most Improved Player award, as part of a St. Norbert team that recorded their highest win total in 17 years. Kane was also a four-year member and two-year captain on the golf team, earning All-Conference honors in 1998 and 1999, while helping the team win four MWC North Division championships. Kane went on to receive his Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University in 2007.

"I want to thank Julie Johnson and the rest of the search committee for selecting me as the next men's basketball coach at Ripon College. I am extremely excited and humbled by the honor and look forward to continuing the proud tradition of Red Hawk basketball that Coach Gillespie helped build," said Kane. "What makes Ripon so special is the people and I cannot wait to work with the tremendous faculty, staff, students and alums."