Sophomore Ryder Place gives us a little insight on his life as a student athlete. Place is on both the varsity football and basketball team with his positions being kicker and point/shooting guard.

Place says he enjoys playing  guard because he loves getting his teammates open and giving them opportunities to handle the ball as well as help his teammate score points. He enjoys being a kicker because growing up he played soccer and uses that skill to help him excel at kicking. When asked, Place answered he would rather be a team player than a single star and would rather play an average game and win then play an amazing game but lose. He enjoys pasta parties with both teams but enjoys playing basketball more. His favorite memory of basketball is beating Adams at home. His favorite football memory is “my freshman year beating Marian when the fans rushed the field it was a great feeling for me and the team.”

Place stays motivated during the off seasons by continuing to practice, working hard to maintain his conditioning. In the basketball world his role model is NBA standout Allen Iverson because he’s his favorite basketball player and tries to play like Iverson on the court. His dad also inspires him by challenging him to work hard and keeping him motivated.

Place says he maintains his academics by not procrastinating, instead doing his homework during flex or study halls after school. Place likes to study for his tests on the weekends and looks ahead on canvas to see if he has any upcoming tests, quizzes or any assignments. He takes advantage of the days he does not have practice to get his homework done as soon as possible.

Outside of school and sports Place enjoys playing video games such as fortnite, rainbow 6,2k as well as hangout with friends and  family or spending time with his dog Rosie. Place looks forward to continued success on the gridiron and on the court.