Eaton senior-to-be Ryder True certainly has a knack for conciseness and efficiency.
He's crammed a lifetime of high school sports accomplishments into just the past 10 months, serving as a crucial member of three team state champions. The Reds defended their Class 2A football title in the fall, won their second 3A wrestling title in three years in the winter then defending their 3A baseball title this spring.
True's incredible accomplishments on the fields and on the mat earned him the Greeley Tribune's Boys Athlete of the Year honor for the 2021-22 high school sports campaign.
True was also a part of Eaton's previous football and baseball championship teams a year-plus ago, during his sophomore season.
On the football field this past fall, he recorded 112 tackles, 68 solo, from his middle linebacker position.
On offense, he lined up at fullback and ran for 253 yards and seven touchdowns on 45 carries. He also caught 21 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
EATON, CO - JUNE 14:Eaton's Ryder True stands for a portrait in the dugout at Eaton High School in Eaton June 14, 2022. True is the Greeley Tribune's Boys Athlete of the Year for 2022. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)
During the winter wrestling season, he capped his 41-11 season by placing third in the 220-pound bracket at the 3A state wrestling tournament.
Then, on the diamond this spring, True hit a team-best .571 to go with 53 RBI, three home runs, 14 doubles and two triples. He had a team-best on-base percentage of .682, particularly impressive for a powerful yet precise batter who also slugs .922.
Like many of his Eaton football teammates — along with past and present athletes throughout the area — True's efforts on the field were inspired heavily by Larry Adams, a longtime coach and teacher at Eaton, who also coached at Arickaree, Highland, Northridge, Greeley West, Resurrection Christian and the University of Northern Colorado.
In a recent question-and-answer session with Greeley Tribune sports reporter Bobby Fernandez, True discussed, along with other topics, the connection he continues to have with the recently deceased Adams and his family.
EATON, CO - JUNE 14:Eaton's Ryder True stands for a portrait in the wrestling room at Eaton High School in Eaton June 14, 2022. True is the Greeley Tribune's Boys Athlete of the Year for 2022. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)
Q: (Bobby Fernandez) The past 18 months, you've been a part of two football championship, a wrestling championship, of course, two baseball championships. Most high school kids would be lucky and fortunate to win one state title, but you've won five in the past 18 months. How would you describe this incredible experience you've had the past year and a half?
A: (Ryder True) Just unbelievable, you know? Like you said, every kid dreams of it. I've been fortunate to get six of them (including a wrestling title in 2020). So, it's unbelievable being able to do this with some of your best friends.
Q: Have you had a favorite moment over these last couple years competing in athletics here at Eaton?
A: Probably the last football game against University here. It was the last football game at this stadium, which is awesome. It was probably one of the funnest games I've ever played in — just back and forth. That's probably my best memory, winning that game.
Q: How old were you when you first started playing sports, Ryder?
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 18:Eaton's Ryder True wrestles with James Irwin's Jake Hustoles during their semifinal match on the second day of the 2022 CHSAA State Wrestling Tournament in Ball Arena in Denver Feb. 18, 2022. (Greeley Tribune file photo)
A: Probably 2.
Q: Wow. Do you recall if you played everything right away? I mean, was there a specific sport that you gravitated toward initially? Or was it just exactly what you're doing now: Try everything out?
A: Yeah, I did everything. I went from football, basketball, wrestling, baseball. I did it all. I did wrestle a lot. I traveled quite a bit for wrestling, but then I went towards football more.
Q: What was it about athletics — and then specifically when you started to gravitate more toward football — what was it about football that really drew you in and captured your interest?
A: The brotherhood and just going out there and getting to play with my friends and hitting people. It's just a lot of fun.
EATON, CO - NOVEMBER 20:Eaton's Ryder True (44) rushes during the Eaton Reds class 2A state semifinal football game against the University Bulldogs at Eaton High School in Eaton Nov. 20, 2021. (Greeley Tribune file photo)
Q: Athletics aside, what do you like to do for fun? I know you stay so busy with school, so busy with athletics. But when you get a weekend, just to do whatever Ryder wants to do, what do you like to do?
A: I like to go fishing and also go work on the farm. I like working on the farm a lot.
Q: Do you live on a farm?
A: No, I live in town. But Larry Adams — I went and worked with his family. So, it was a lot of fun.
Q: Of course, the most incredible thing is, with all that you've done so far, you still have one more year left, and it's your senior year. I know you want to make that a special one. What's left for you to do? Are there still one or two things you really want to check off your checklist?
A: I'd really like to make the All-State Game. That's my main goal right now.
Getting to know Ryder True
- Favorite food: Steak
- Favorite color: Red
- Favorite movie or television show: Top Gun
- Favorite school subject: History
- Dream job: A career in law enforcement
- One person to spend a day with: Larry Adams
Bobby Fernandez covers high school sports for the Greeley Tribune. Reach him at (970) 392-4478, by email at bfernandez@greeleytribune.com or on Twitter @BobbyDFernandez.
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