John Ritzen

Dr. John Ritzen serves as an associate professor in the HPER department at Chadron State College and head coach of the women's golf program. Since his appointment in August 2016, the Eagles have broken all team and individual scoring records, securing three team tournament victories and three individual titles. The team's sixth-place finish at the 2024 RMAC Women's Golf Championships marked the program's highest standing since 2007.

• Bachelor's degree from Chadron State College (2010)
• Master's degree from Chadron State College (2012)
• Ed.D in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy (2018)

His research and professional interests span Sport Management, Coaching methodologies, Strength and Conditioning, Golf instruction, and Track and Field specialization. Prior to leading the women's golf program, Ritzen served as an assistant coach for the Chadron State track and field team, where he developed two NCAA champion long jumpers who advanced to the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials under his guidance.

Ritzen holds certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). A Chadron native, he is married to Cassandra Humphrey, a marketing professor at Chadron State College and former softball athlete. They are parents to Wade and Vivian.