Balancing Courts and Fields: Rugby Ryken’s Dual-Sport Journey

Being a college athlete takes focus, organization and determination. This is especially true for Yankton native Rugby Ryken '27, who plays basketball and football for Mount Marty University (MMU). "I think it's worth pursuing both sports because of the joy I get from both sports and the relationships I have made within my two teams," said Ryken. "Both groups are extremely understanding of the type of schedule and work I have to do, and I am extremely grateful to have these two families." 

When he was seven years old, Ryken started gaining experience in these sports. "I started playing organized basketball when I played in a 3-on-3 league with my cousins Mac and Drew, [and] my first action of football was playing in a flag football league in Yankton. ..." Ryken said that even before playing on organized teams, he learned by playing in his front yard with his father and brother, Rex, or watching Rex's practices. Mac and Drew Ryken are sophomores at MMU, and Rex Ryken '22 is currently attaining his master's in education from Mount Marty.

His love of sports was one of the reasons Ryken found himself at Mount Marty. "I chose MMU because I had an opportunity to stay close to my family here. Also, Coach Michaletti and Coach Authier have given me a great opportunity to be able to play and contribute in two sports here." John Michaletti is the head football coach, and Collin Authier is the head coach of men's basketball.

This past Saturday, Ryken competed in both basketball and football on the same day. He said, "Playing back-to-back games was extremely fun," with the only downside being some subsequent soreness. "Coach Michaletti and Coach Authier have been the reason this has all been possible for me," said Ryken. "They have been willing and accepting to help me get along with the transition from one sport to another." To keep organized between classes and playing two sports, Ryken values communication with his coaches and professors to keep everyone "in the loop" and "up to date."

"Athletes like Rugby are rare," said Michaletti. "What he did Saturday is a testament to his dedication, toughness and love for competition. To step on the football field in the afternoon and then contribute on the basketball court at night shows not only his physical ability but also his mental toughness and team-first mentality. It's a special accomplishment, and we are all proud of him."

Authier concurred. "Playing two sports in college is a challenge. Doing so at such a high level like Rugby has last year and this year is nothing short of remarkable. Most people can understand the physical toll this can have on an athlete, but the amount of mental preparation that goes into something like what happened on November 16 cannot be emphasized enough." Authier recounted Rugby's dependableness with practices, dedication to making time to watch, learn and ask questions, and diligence to research and scouting reports to support his team. "I'm not sure any of this would have been possible without the relationship that myself and Coach Michaletti have. We met at least once, if not twice, a week throughout the football season. We both kept tabs on the workload and made sure Rugby was feeling good both physically and mentally. ... He completed a historic football season and remained 'healthy' while doing so. I could not be more proud of the athlete and person Rugby is. We are blessed that he chose to stay home and represent Mount Marty University in such a first-class way!"

Ryken is currently a sophomore in basketball and a red-shirt freshman in football and values the Mount Marty core value of community. He knows his friends and family are always there for him, and he appreciates bonding with his teammates. "Just continuing to persevere when our team or myself goes through hard times. We know to rely on each other when struggles hit." Ryken is especially passionate about having the opportunity to play in his hometown. "It's special for me since I'm able to stay in the town of Yankton where I grew up, and I'm hoping and striving to leave Mount Marty in a better place than when I got here."

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.