Get to know Sparta HS football player, captain Nick Ryan
SPARTA, N.J. — After 12 years of playing football in Sparta, New Jersey—first for the Sparta Bears, then at Sparta High School—Sparta High School Football Team Captain Nick Ryan has only one goal in mind: the state championship.
“The only goal I’m thinking about is winning a state championship and having fun with my teammates while I embrace the challenge,” Ryan explains.
In his younger years, Ryan made it to the semifinals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth World Championships. As a 17-year-old high school senior, Ryan continues to impress. Three games into the 2022-23 season as the Spartans’ wide receiver and cornerback, Ryan boasts 188 total receiving yards, 18 catches and 2 receiving touchdowns.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have many great coaches and mentors,” Ryan explains. “This includes Coach (Frank) Marchiano and Coach (Steven) Viegas in football, Coach (Brian) Brennan in basketball, and Coach (Jerry) Carter in golf. They’ve all had major impacts on me and taught me important lessons about sports and life.”
Ryan’s biggest challenge arises from his role as team captain
“It’s leading our team through adversity, through the ups and downs of the season. But I love the grind—working day in and day out. Some days I feel great and some days I feel bad.”
When he’s not on the football field, you’ll find Ryan playing guitar, hitting the golf course, wakeboarding on Lake Mohawk or skiing with family and friends.
So, what does the future hold for Nick Ryan?
“I’ve enjoyed the challenges of sports and education throughout high school and am looking forward to other opportunities to continue playing sports.”
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