| As a seventh grader, Ryan played his first full season of football uncer head coach Brian Sumption. Ryan and "Sumpy" never quite saw eye-to-eye, and unfortunately, caused Ryan to quit after just one year. Three years later, as a sophomore, Ryan was persuaded by some pals to go out for football under well-liked head coach Larry Birchem. After just four games, Ryan's left leg broke in two places during an afternoon practice. "It was one of the happiest moments of my life," Ryan said. It was a tough decision, but after a successful season the year before, Ryan decided to give it a go for his junior year. He only appeared in half of the games, and it looked as though he may never amount to much of a football player. However, in his senior season, Ryan started at left end on offense and cornerback for most of the season on defense. He was the Pirates' leading receiver, and scored two touchdowns. |
