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Week 7
Tom
RYAN

1963-1964

Where are you living now?
Marietta, GA

Did you play collegiately?
No. We were all too small for that. I played tackle at 5'6" and 195. John Hassey was a bit taller - 5'7"(=/-) and maybe 200. Ken Schneider was a little taller but not as 'bulky'

What are you doing now?
Mostly retired. Graduated from tOSU in '69 with BSc in Physics and an MBA in '82. Marine Corps active duty 1970-1978 and Reserve 1978-2000. Consultant with Nuclear Regulatory Commission 2000-Present (mostly retired)

Married? Children?
I am married. My wife Megan is a second grade teacher at Tremont elementary and we have boy girl twins, Johnny and Katie. They are Freshman at UA.

What is the fondest memory from your playing career at DeSales?
Being one of the 3 Captains of the '64 team and winning the first DeSales Championship trophy.

What made playing for DeSales so special?
The friends I still have from that team and the Class of '65 that I get to see too infrequently. Being part of DeSales' early days bred a closeness among the class members. There were only 152 in our '65 cohort.

What was your best game?
Brookhaven '64. 4th and goal inside the 2. Needed a score. In the huddle I told Ken to run the dive play to my side. I thought I could beat the guy over me who was an all-city DT. Ken called the play. I remember a flash of light at the snap where the opponent head slapped me hard really hard and then, vaguely, players getting off of the pile. Tom Rock, our FB was in the end zone. I don't remember the PAT or the next few minutes of the game. Hardest hit I ever took but we scored behind/over me and won.. Tackles don't get a lot of glory!

What was it like playing for Coach Sharrock?
Treez was a legend to be sure. Sadly, I did not have a close relationship with him while playing. Later, he became a willing guide when I undertook my sports officiating avocation by providing introductions as well as pointed criticism and suggestions for improvement. He was an insightful and patient mentor.

Do you still follow the Stallions and, if so, how closely?
When I can. Not a lot of DeSales News in Marietta GA but I do read the various missives the school provides.