Hall of Fame
Mike Ryan was a mover and a shaker for the Blazer athletic program during his 29 years at CSB.
Mike graduated from Goodhue High School and continued his education at Winona State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree (1961) and master's degree (1965). One year after graduating from WSU, Mike joined CSB's education department.
Mike became director of admission in 1969 and through this position provided the college with a vision of what the athletic program could become. Mike believed that CSB needed to make the athletic program appealing to students who wanted to compete in a serious program.
Under Mike's direction, the number of sports at CSB tripled from three to nine, and he played a vital role in the Blazers' move to the MIAC and NCAA Division III. Clair Lynch Hall was constructed and additional competent athletic staff came on board.
CSB President Colman O'Connell OSB says that Mike was "unrivaled among administrators during the past 29 years in his advocacy for the athletic program at CSB. His vision of becoming the very best in the conference inspired his untiring efforts, despite indifference and skepticism, to support CSB's outstanding athletic program."
Millions of memories and experiences flood Mike's mind over his years at CSB. His fondest recollections of CSB's sports are the Final Four trips of volleyball going to St. Louis (1990) and basketball at Central College, Pella, Iowa (1993).
As of 1996, Mike was the vice president of administrative services, as well as one of the Blazers' most loyal supporters.
Mike and his wife Janice live in Cold Spring, Minn. They have three children; Susan, Jack, and Megan.
