Rainy River Community College head men’s basketball coach, Kristofer Babler, submitted a letter of resignation due to an impending overseas deployment as a member of the United States Army Reserve.
I spoke with Coach Babler via email today and let him know that once he returns from deployment, myself and the entire HoopDirt community will help him find his next coaching job.
“It’s a very challenging situation,” says Babler. “I have loved my brief time here at Rainy River and in International Falls. We had an excellent group of players who I had built strong bonds with. This community had welcomed my family and me with open arms. It’s a difficult time.”
“Coach Babler will be missed by students as well as faculty and staff. He has developed a great program at Rainy, both on the court and in the classroom. We will begin a search immediately with the intent to have a highly qualified coach and instructor in place very soon. We wish him and his family only the best,” according to Athletic Director Mel Millerbernd.
Babler is a member of the 364th Press Camp Headquarters out of Fort Snelling, Minnesota. His unit will be deploying to the CENTCOM area of responsibility this summer. “I made a commitment to serve the country. I believe I have made a positive impact on several young people’s lives here at Rainy River – which is what this college is all about. Hopefully through this mission I can make a positive impact in another part of the world,” said Babler.
The Rainy River men’s basketball program is coming off a 17-win season and a trip to the Region XIII tournament in Babler’s first season as the head coach. “We had a great year. This group was so fun to work with. I’m very proud of their growth as players and as people. There are several guys with a chance to play at a high level of basketball and there was a lot of excitement about next season. I love this team, which is one of the reasons I resigned. I feel it’s important to bring in an enthusiastic coach who can be here and build on what’s been started,” said Babler.
According to Provost Carol Helland, “Throughout the year, Kris has modeled excellence in the classroom and on the court. His role as instructor and coach has demonstrated ‘The Rainy Experience’ to many students and the community. We are grateful for his work ethic and giving his best to our athletes and students,” according to Provost Carol Helland, adding, “We are appreciative of his service to this country…we will be thinking of him and his family throughout the upcoming year.”
Voyageur men’s basketball is a member of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
