University of Delaware Athletics Names Ryan Blanford as Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheerleading Coach

The University of Delaware is pleased to announce Ryan Blanford as the spirit coordinator and cheerleading coach beginning in June 2019.

"I am very excited to join the Blue Hen family at the University of Delaware!” Blanford said. "We look forward to inspiring Blue Hen Pride in the University of Delaware's student-athletes, alumni, faculty & staff and fans. Additionally, we will work tirelessly to provide the Spirit Program's student-athletes with a Championship experience professionally, academically, personally and athletically. Thank you to the athletics staff, especially Chrissi Rawak, Stacey Bunting-Thompson, Kirby Lynch and Risa Levine for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to enhance this already historic program. Lastly, thank you to the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State spirit programs. My experiences as a Bearcat and a Buckeye have made me into the coach I am today. I am forever grateful to you. Go Blue Hens!"

The spirit coordinator has oversight of all spirit programs, managing and coaching the cheerleading program, supervising the head coach of the dance team, and managing the YoUDee and Baby Blue mascot program. The coordinator also assists with external relations projects, community outreach, and sports marketing initiatives.

The founder and owner of Toss & Tumble Academy, Blanford most recently served as an assistant coach at Ohio State University in 2018-19. The cheerleading squad finished second at the UCA Coed DIA Nationals. Blanford also worked as a student-athlete development intern for the Buckeyes.

In 2017-18, Blanford helped the University of Cincinnati coed cheerleading team to a national title in the game day division. He also worked as a graduate assistant in the student-athlete support services office.

As a student-athlete at Cincinnati, Blanford served as a captain for two years and secured two sixth-place finishes and a fifth-place finish at the UCA DIA Coed Nationals. At UC, he earned his bachelor’s in electrical engineering and his master’s in sport administration.

The Blue Hens have ranked among the nation's most successful spirit programs over the last decade, including capturing three national championships in game day coed cheerleading, mascot and hip-hop dance this winter.

Ryan is joined by his wife, Liz, and their two pets Tibbs (cat) and Indy (dog). Liz works as a physical therapist.

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