Ryan's Induction Video

Ryan was a three-sport standout during his GF Central career.  On the gridiron, Ryan helped lead the 2005 football team to the State Championship for the first time in 59 years. Ryan still holds the school record for most rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns in a season.  He was first team all-state as a senior and all-conference as a junior and senior.  In addition to being all-state, Ryan was a team captain, co-offensive MVP and Iron Man Award winner for his senior year.  In basketball, Ryan was a starter on the 2005 team that placed 6th at state and a member of the 2003 EDC championship team. He was awarded the defensive stopper award as a senior.  In track he was a member of the 2005 EDC champions and is in the schools top 10 for the 400m dash and two relays. Ryan lettered nine times during his athletic career and went on to a successful football career at the University of North Dakota  where he was a two-time all-conference linebacker. Ryan was also voted team captain as a junior and senior at the University of North Dakota.

Ryan had a hard time picking a favorite memory of his time at GF Central.  He said, ‘I felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to be taught and coached by such great people.  The staff at Central HS was unbelievable and pushed me to be the best I could be.  I also remember the great teammates, relationships, and friendships that were built during my time at Central.’  Ryan said what sets GF Central apart is ‘Without a doubt, school pride.  Central has the greatest history and tradition of excellence of any school dating back over 100 years.  People from Central understand that the name on the front of your jersey is far more important than yourself.’

Ryan currently resides in rural Thompson with his wife of 4 years, Kristin.  He is a Physical Education teacher in the East Grand Forks School District and also serves as the Head Varsity Football coach for the Green Wave.  Ryan also said, ‘I would like to especially thank my parents for always supporting me and teaching me the importance of hard work.  They instilled in me at an early age, to always do my best and to never give up. The lessons I’ve learned from my parents have made me the person I am today.’