By Rochelle Gordon

As a child, Ryan displayed autistic symptoms. He had difficulty communicating and understanding questions. However, he gradually improved and was able to talk. And he became fascinated with sports. He memorized statistics, watched the sports channel, and spent hours shooting basketballs with his older brother in the driveway of their home.

Ryan really wanted a chance to play basketball on the team. When he tried out, Coach Amundsen told him he could be the boys' team manger and, if he worked hard, maybe he could play. Ryan was there every morning at 6:30, did everything from sweeping out the gym to putting out the basketballs and running the clock. He said, "I paid the price. I didn't want to quit and I wasn't going to."

Ryan earned a special white uniform and got to sit on the bench. On senior night late in the fourth quarter of a game, when the Clovis basketball team was well ahead of its rival, the students starting clapping and calling for Ryan. Coach Amundsen wanted to put him in the game, but was afraid the 5' 6" Ryan might get hurt up against the bigger players, who had quicker reactions. With less than 4 minutes to go, Amundsen decided to give Ryan his chance. With his teammates trying to get him the ball, Ryan suddenly had it and shot for the basket. It missed, clunking off the backboard.

In the final seconds, the Clovis team got the ball again. Ryan got a pass, and turned to shoot. There was complete silence in the gym. The ball sailed through the hoop. "Nothing but net!" Ryan shouted. In the stands, students and adults alike were cheering, hugging each other, and crying. Coach Amundsen said "I've never seen anything like it before and I probably never will. He'll be my example the rest of my life as a coach."

Ryan's dreams are to be a sports analyst. He says, "I know so much and people say I'm good at it." It may be more difficult for Ryan than for other people. But if anyone can make it, through sheer perseverance, Ryan can.