LOCAL HERO
Seahawks’ Jon Ryan brings attention to Sheldon.
Sheldon-Williams Collegiate principal Bill DeRosier has been cheerfully dealing with a rather novel alumni issue in recent days.
Interest in Regina-born Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan, who graduated from Sheldon in 2000, has extended to the American media. DeRosier has fielded inquiries from outlets such as NBC Sports and USA Today.
Preliminary plans call for an NBC television crew to visit Regina Thursday to prepare a segment for the network’s Super Bowl pre-game show, to be aired Feb. 1. Later in the day, the Seahawks oppose the New England Patriots in the NFL championship game.
NBC is expected to interview people who were associated with Ryan when he starred for the SheldonWilliams Spartans football team.
In 1999, Ryan caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Regina Intercollegiate Football League’s 4A city final before helping Sheldon win the provincial title. The 1999 Spartans team also included Ryan’s younger brother, Steve, who went on to star at defensive back with the University of Regina Rams (Jon’s alma mater).
While preparing for NBC’s visit, DeRosier — who is in his fifth year as Sheldon’s principal — has been poring through yearbooks from Ryan’s time at the school. It isn’t difficult to find images of Ryan, who was involved in multiple sports at Sheldon.
There is also a buzz about Ryan in the halls at SheldonWilliams. On Monday, for example, Ryan and the Seahawks were congratulated on the school’s morning announcements.
One day earlier, Ryan — who holds for placement attempts by Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka — had thrown a touchdown pass on a fake field goal to help Seattle post a 28-22 overtime victory over the visiting Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game.
“Everybody’s looking forward to seeing him in the Super Bowl, especially after he makes one of the best plays in the previous game,” DeRosier said.
“All of the staff are excited. The students are excited. We’re in final exams right now, so the kids come and write their exams and leave. The school is quiet, but all the current Spartans and alumni and the city of Regina is all abuzz about Jon’s success and everyone is hoping for him to do well.”
As an alumnus, Ryan has contributed to the overall betterment of Sheldon-Williams. He donated a gameworn Seahawks jersey to help the school raise money for its fitness centre, which is named in honour of longtime Sheldon teacher-coach Ray Jacoby.
DeRosier also pointed to the success of other Sheldon graduates who have also attracted attention of late.
Former Spartans football star Addison Richards, who spent the past four Canada West seasons as a receiver with the Rams, played in the East-West Shrine Game Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla. He is the ninth-ranked prospect for the 2015 CFL draft.
Ex-Spartans offensive lineman Ben Heenan, whom the Saskatchewan Roughriders selected first overall in the 2012 CFL lottery, is poised to test free agency Feb. 10. He is expected to be widely coveted on the open market.
“It feels good that the Spartan tradition of having strong athletic teams and players has been carried on over the years,” DeRosier said.
“It’s awesome for them. It’s awesome for the school. It’s awesome for the city of Regina.”