By Andreas Groebner and Jacob Laux
Ryan Immel has been the athletic trainer for UWGB athletics for 8 years. Currently, Immel coaches men’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s golf. Immel gives his knowledge and experience to young athletes who want to improve in their respective sports. Recently, from July 25, 2024, to Sept. 25, 2024, following the resignation of the former secondary strength training coach, Immel took on the role of strength training coach for every team in UWGB athletics, further expanding his credentials as a coach.
Immel’s introduction to the idea of being an athletic trainer stems from his original college plan to become a physician’s assistant or physical therapist before seeing the impressive results that he found in the gym while playing football as a defensive lineman at UW-La Crosse for his four years of college. This discovery led Immel to achieve a degree in human performance, giving him the scientific edge in the weight room and helping him build individualized weight routines for each athlete he coaches. Building on that note, Immel not only has a specific workout plan for each day of the week for each team but a fully customized workout regimen with specific weights for every single individual that he coaches.
Strength and conditioning coaches often face criticism if a team is not performing to the best of their abilities, but when a team is doing well, the strength and conditioning coaches are often forgotten about and left with little praise. This fact is something that Immel understands and acknowledges, saying, “I am not here for the notoriety or praise, but to see Green Bay’s athletes improve and grow.” Immel has overwhelming care for his athletes and their success, and every athlete that was interviewed said that they share this feeling of respect for Immel’s work.
Immel’s commitment is noticed by the student-athletes he watches over. Many describe him as someone who deeply cares for their success, not only as an athlete but as an individual. His personalized approach and tireless work ethic have left a lasting impression. “I think that he cares as much or more than any other member of the athletic department,” one athlete shared.
Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing a sense of trust and admiration for Immel’s dedication to their improvement and well-being. The most common thoughts shared by the athletes on Immel were, “I think that he cares as much or more than any other member of the athletic department.” Beyond that, one athlete said, “At first, in my freshman year. I didn’t necessarily buy into Immel’s workout plan. But after almost 4 years of lifting under Immel, I’m sure that he knows his stuff and does everything that he can to help us get stronger.”
Immel is an artistic and athletic father who cares deeply for his athletes and their success. Immel’s favorite pastime, not including lifting, is playing late ’70s to early ’90s country and rock ‘n’ roll on the drums and guitar.
Immel has many different hobbies outside of the weight room; some of them are music, spending time outdoors, and his most important role, being a father and husband. Immel can be found in the Kress Events Center weight room, working with his teams throughout the day or in his office, creating workout plans.
For every team that he coaches, Immel is an important figure and coach in all of their lives.
