| Jack Ryan |
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General: A returning starter who converted from the midfield where he played his freshman campaign and started all 16 games last season for the Tar Heels on close defense...was in his first full year of playing defense in 2007 after playing in the midfield as a freshman...picked up the defense very quickly...a rare combination of size, speed and agility.
2007 Season: Was one of the team's most pleasant surprises in 2007...started all 16 games at close defense and was a solid defender while picking up only three penalties in the 16 matches...shared the Kevin Reichardt Memorial Award for Most Improved Player...had 16 ground balls and four caused turnovers...had a season-high four ground balls versus Denver.
2006 Season: Saw action in two games as a freshman...played against Pennsylvania and Fairfield.
Prep: A 2005 graduate of Darien High School...a tremendous all-around athlete in lacrosse, football and basketball...four-year letterman in lacrosse, starting in the midfield his last three years...named to Connecticut Super Junior Select team...second-team All-Conference as a junior...first-team All-Conference and All-State as a senior...played on teams which won conference championships his freshmen, junior and senior years...as a senior his team won the state championship and went 23-0...lettered three years in football as a tight end, linebacker and on special teams...led the team in tackles his senior year...second-team All-Conference as a junior and senior and honorable mention choice as a sophomore...senior captain...Most Valuable Player of traditional Darien-New Canaan Thanksgiving game...four-year letter winner in basketball...started three years as a forward...team captain as a junior and senior.
Jack's Journal
Given Name...John Thomas Ryan
Preferred First Name... Jack
Parents...John and Cindy Ryan
Birthdate and Birthplace... December 30, 1986 in Norwalk, Conn.
Siblings...One brother (David, 22), one sister (Anne, 19)
College Major... Economics
Post-School Ambition... Eventually continuing the work of Steve Erwin
Hobbies... Watching the Discovery Channel, shooting fireworks, mudding, sleepwalking, drinking chocolate milk, eating lots of protein, washing clothes
Athletes I Most Admire... Bas Rutten, James Van Der Beek
Person Who Has Had the Greatest Influence on My Athletic Career... John David Ryan
Favorite Book... Hop On Pop
Favorite Magazine... E Lacrosse Online Magazine
Favorite Food... Chocolate Milk
Favorite Movie... Roadhouse
Favorite TV Show...Walker Texas Ranger
