R.B. Klinkenberg arrived on campus in the fall of 1983 to find a skiing program that had been in decline since its Glory Days of the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies. Thanks to the efforts of Shelly Lent and Peter Coley, the team had still existed as a club sport. In the spring of 1986, R.B. drafted a proposal to elevated the program to Varsity status. The proposal was accepted that spring by the board of trustees. In his Senior year, RB went on to lead the Colby team to the Division II Eastern Title in 1986-87 (Their first year as Varsity).

The R.B. Klinkenberg Award is given each spring to the team member who does the most to help contribute to the growth and tradition of Colby Skiing. A plaque honoring the winners is proudly displayed in the Trophy Room at the Harold Alfond Athletic Center.

The Most Valuable Skier Award is given to the team member who's skiing ability does the most to help the team on the hill each season. It is usually determined based on who scores the most carnival points. A plaque honoring the winners is proudly displayed in the Trophy Room of the Harold Alfond Athletic Center.

The Most Improved Skier Award is given to the athelete who shows the largest improvement in skiing ability from the previous year.