Ryder tackles life, one step at a time

Published 6:00 am Saturday, November 19, 2005

Keith, the running back

There was a moment earlier this fall when Falcon senior running back Keith Ryder should have just given up.

It was the first quarter of the homecoming game against Granite Falls and Coach Mark Hodson was hewing to his patented ground attack.

This meant Ryder and teammate James Mitchell would pound their way through the Tiger line every down.

Sometimes they gained a few feet, often just inches.

Ryder was being gang-tackled unmercifully and any sane person would have signaled the coach, “I’ve had it.”

But instead, Ryder would go back to the huddle and do it all over again. And then again.

“He’s a hard-hat, lunch-bucket kind of guy,” Hodson said. “Keith has exhibited an impeccable work ethic and competitive spirit since his first day on the football field four years ago.”

And despite his football team’s abysmal 0-11 record, he’s not disappointed.

“I knew going in, with a bunch of young players, it would be tough,” Ryder said. “I know they’ll do better next year.”

Ryder moved to Whidbey Island from Monroe on his eighth birthday in 1995.

He began football — initially as a defensive tackle — with the Islander’s Youth program, then two years as a middle school Cougar before his freshman debut as a Falcon.

“The coaches I’ve had over the years taught me all the basics, helping me develop and become a better player,” Ryder recalled. “Sports has always been a big part of my life.”

Ryder feels being on the team helped in other ways as well.

“As a freshman, it was easier to get into high school life because I knew upperclassmen from football,” Ryder said. “As a result, my experience here has been completely positive, with great teachers for the most part.”

His favorite classes are those requiring a “hands-on” approach, which is why he’s become interested in electronics. He plans to study Web design at Edmonds Community College next fall.

His least favorite subject?

“English, I’m not that good of a writer. I’m better at math and science. But I like to read the newspaper.”

A short pause.

“The Record, too, of course.”

Away from school Ryder enjoys mountain biking near Goss Lake, comedies — “Anything with Adam Sandler. Meet the Fockers was good, too.” — heavy metal rock and watching the Seattle Seahawks.

“Used to be the 49ers,” he said, a bit wistfully.

In five years, he hopes to have a secure job working in the computer industry, off the island but not too far. “There isn’t much for young people to do on Whidbey,” he noted. “There are parties, sometimes with drinking, but that isn’t my thing.”

Athletic director John Patton applauded Ryder’s determination.

“He’s a dedicated kid, quiet but a leader through his actions,” Patton said.

“I saw Keith take a real hit in the game against Shorecrest; he jumped right back into it. I wish we had 20 more just like him here,” he said.

Keith, the wrestler

Practicing take-downs with teammates Matt Long and Richard Rangel, Ryder understands wrestling is vastly different from team sports.

“Wrestling for me is very personal, a one-on-one experience with no one to rely on but yourself. I like that.”

He qualified for districts last year but a torn shoulder ended his season.

This winter he’ll compete at 171-pounds, one of 14 weight classes in high school wrestling.

How will he do this season?

“Oh, yeah, I plan to be at the Mat Classic in Tacoma for state finals,” he said with confidence.

Over the years, wrestling coach Wes Helseth has watched Ryder grow, as an athlete and a person.

“Each year he’s carried the weight of the program on his shoulders,” Helseth said. “A consistently hard worker with a terrific attitude.”

Coach Hodson will miss him.

“He encourages everyone to do his best, from the newest freshman to the oldest coach,” Hodson said. “That’s just how he is.”