The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference needed a new captain to steer its ship, and Chris Graham will take the helm.
Graham was announced as the RMAC’s sixth commissioner in its 104-year history Thursday after spending the last 10 years as the executive director of the Midwest Conference, an NCAA Division III league based in Ripon, Wis.
“I am delighted to be joining the RMAC,” Graham said in a news release. “Building off its rich history and tradition, there is great potential for growth and success in the coming years.”
The commissioner position became open when previous commissioner J.R. Smith stepped down after 12 years to take over as athletic director at Chadron State back in June. Since then, Eric Danner has served as interim commissioner, and Danner will return to his previous position as associate commissioner.
Before serving as executive director, Graham was the Midwest Conference’s assistant commissioner and sports information director, and he previously was the SID and assistant baseball coach at his alma mater, Ripon College, a member of the MWC. Graham also holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Wisconsin.
Graham, who is married with three daughters, played both baseball and basketball at Ripon, helping the baseball team win a league title in 1990 as an outfielder.
Graham follows Paul and Wanda Brechler, Kurt Patberg, Tom Wistrcill and Smith as commissioners. Paul Brechler was named the league’s first full-time commissioner in 1976.
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