Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana | Ralph’s roles: Instructor and Director
Ralph’s journey with Butler University began in 1981 as an academic instructor and Director of Sports Medicine.
He expanded the sports healthcare program from one (1) to five (5) Athletic Trainers and a full complement of Team Physicians and specialty consultants. He also developed an academic program in athletic training which grew to an enrollment of 44 students at its peak in 1994.
Ralph held a dual academic appointment in the College of Pharmacy and the College of Education at Butler University and was elevated in title to Director of Sports Medicine with oversight of the health care of 500+ student-athletes.
Butler men’s basketball team traveling in Australia, 1992
In 2019, Ralph made his return to Butler University Athletics in a newly created position. He leads an innovative platform to enrich the staff and assist the student-athletes in their journey.
As the Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health, Performance and Well-Being, Ralph manages six (6) certified strength and conditioning coaches, nine (9) licensed athletic trainers and coordinates internal and external support in areas of nutrition, mental health and well-being for 520 + student-athletes.
Ralph serves on the Athletics Department Senior Leadership Team with Vice-President and Athletic Director Barry Collier and seven (7) associate and assistant athletic directors.
He’s installed an innovative High Performance Planning program for each of the 21 sport teams in collaboration with sport coaches and stakeholders.
Return to Athletics
In the unprecedented year of 2020, Ralph has lead the development of the Return to Athletics plan in response to COVID-19. He served as a member of the COVID-19 Work Group and Task Force for the Big East Conference.
Ralph’s philosophy is that in the pandemic environment, without one single eradication intervention, the stacking of multiple imperfect interventions is the best activity to reduce risk.
High-level list of the top 14 imperfect interventions Ralph’s team is activating within Butler Athletics
The Triple Play at Butler
Masks Everywhere
Daily Health Check
Social Distancing
