The Pioneers recently lost one of their all-time greats, running back Nick Ryan. A member of the class of 1955, Ryan played in an era when offenses were less dynamic than those of today, and a quality back was of utmost importance. He certainly fit the bill, finishing the 1954 season as the #12 rusher in the country, setting the single game rushing record in the process. Ryan finished as Grinnell's single-season and career rushing leader.
Many current Pioneers were able to connect with Ryan in the fall of 2014. Long overdue, Ryan was inducted into the Grinnell Hall of Fame in August, and we were able to hear of some of his exploits at a social gathering later in the fall. It was great to hear from one of the all-time greats, but also comforting to hear that players of that era experienced many of the same high's and low's we do today.
Nick remained a fixture on campus and in the community, and his smile and energy will be missed.
