University of Delaware Athletics
Blanford Steps Down After Successful Tenure
5/31/2024 1:00:00 PM | Cheer, Dance
NEWARK, Del. – After five successful seasons leading the spirit program, University of Delaware Spirit Coordinator Ryan Blanford is stepping down to be closer to family, it was announced Thursday.
"I am incredibly grateful to Ryan, his wife Liz, and daughter Pearl for their dedication and commitment to the University of Delaware and our spirit programs," Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. "Ryan's five years in Newark have been immensely successful and I cannot thank him and his family enough for all they've done to provide our student-athletes with an extraordinary experience."
During his five seasons, Blanford oversaw the spirit program that brought home nine national championships across cheer, dance, and mascot and graduated 92 student-athletes after this year's class of 22.
"I am incredibly grateful for the past five seasons at the University of Delaware, where I served as the Spirit Program Coordinator & Coed Cheer Team Head Coach," Blanford said. "I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Athletic Director, Chrissi Rawak, for taking a chance on me, as well as to my dedicated coaching staff, and all of my amazing current and former student-athletes.
"I will miss the game days, tailgates, and community events where I was able to meet so many of the great alumni, faculty/staff, and fans. The support and guidance from the Blue Hen community have been invaluable.
"Although I was raised in the Midwest, Delaware will always hold a special place in my heart. I am excited to carry everything I've learned at UD into my future endeavors as I return to Cincinnati, Ohio, to be closer to family. My wife, Liz, and I are immensely appreciative of everyone's support, especially during the joyous arrival of our daughter, Pearl. Thank you for this wonderful experience."
Blanford will be succeeded by All-Girl Head Coach and seven-year assistant coach Kirby Lynch. A formal announcement is expected in the coming days.
"I am incredibly grateful to Ryan, his wife Liz, and daughter Pearl for their dedication and commitment to the University of Delaware and our spirit programs," Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. "Ryan's five years in Newark have been immensely successful and I cannot thank him and his family enough for all they've done to provide our student-athletes with an extraordinary experience."
During his five seasons, Blanford oversaw the spirit program that brought home nine national championships across cheer, dance, and mascot and graduated 92 student-athletes after this year's class of 22.
"I am incredibly grateful for the past five seasons at the University of Delaware, where I served as the Spirit Program Coordinator & Coed Cheer Team Head Coach," Blanford said. "I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Athletic Director, Chrissi Rawak, for taking a chance on me, as well as to my dedicated coaching staff, and all of my amazing current and former student-athletes.
"I will miss the game days, tailgates, and community events where I was able to meet so many of the great alumni, faculty/staff, and fans. The support and guidance from the Blue Hen community have been invaluable.
"Although I was raised in the Midwest, Delaware will always hold a special place in my heart. I am excited to carry everything I've learned at UD into my future endeavors as I return to Cincinnati, Ohio, to be closer to family. My wife, Liz, and I are immensely appreciative of everyone's support, especially during the joyous arrival of our daughter, Pearl. Thank you for this wonderful experience."
Blanford will be succeeded by All-Girl Head Coach and seven-year assistant coach Kirby Lynch. A formal announcement is expected in the coming days.
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