This past Friday night, Mountain Lakes runningback Kevin Ryan ran nine times for 133 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Lakers in a 28-0 shutout over Hopatcong. His touchdown runs of 20, 37 and 42 yards were impressive enough. But coming off of two ACL surgeries in a row, he has earned himself NJAC Sports Centers Week 1 Player of the Week Award.

In the middle of his is sophomore season Ryan, who is also a very good lacrosse player, was sidelined with a torn ACL. He rehabbed himself back to playing form to have a very nice junior season when, the game before the State Final, he re-injured the same knee.

Now Ryan is back for his last year and as evident by his performance in his first game, he means business. NJAC Sports Center caught up with Ryan to talk about bouncing back from two ACL surgeries, what its like playing for long time Laker coach Doug Wilkins and who his role model is.

How does it feel to notch the first win of the season? It feels great to get that first one under our belts. We were all so anxious to play. The fact that we got to hit someone other than ourselves was something that we all got fired up for.

Does your team put much weight into your 14 game win streak?
No. We don’t really think too much about games we played last year. We are all about the next game coming up.

How high are expectations coming into this season, after winning the States in '08?
Our expectation every year is to go 12-0 and win the State Championship.

What is it like playing for such a legendary winner like Coach Wilkins?
He instills such an overwhelming sense of assurance in us. He not only coaches us how to do well on the field but also how to succeed off the field.

Why do you think he is so successful year after year?
Coach is so successful because he is concerned about the players in the off season as much as he is during the season. He brings out the best in you and when everyone is playing at the top of their game; his teams are tough to beat.

You are coming off two ACL surgeries to your knee. What is recovering from those injuries and do you feel you they set you back?
It was very hard for me to deal with the ACL injuries because playing sports was what I had done since I was a kid. Not being able to play for six months during my sophomore year and 6 months during my junior year was horrible. It also helped me though. As a result, I developed a stronger work ethic and a greater appreciation for my teammates because they helped me get through both of the injuries.

Did these surgeries force you to change your running style?
No. My running style has always been the same throughout. I try and play like there was never anything wrong with my knee.

Who is your role model?
My brother, Chris, is my role model. He was a great high school athlete who played the same sports that I do. He showed me what it takes to be a great athlete.

Who is the unsung hero on your team?
Grant Davies, who plays End, is one of many unsung heroes on the team. We don’t really pass the ball much but Grant does not let that affect him. He goes out and blocks hard and when he gets the opportunity to catch the ball, he does.

Who keeps the team loose through humor?
Chris Prevoznik always has something funny to say. He can really lighten the mood when things get tough.

What was the funniest thing that Coach Wilkins said so far this season?
“You gotta make that block or else our back’s gonna get killed and we don’t want that ‘cause we’re always lookin’ out for our buddies in the backfield.”

What game does you have circled this seasoned?
To us no team is better than the other. We respect each team we play knowing that they could end our dream of a perfect season.

Okay Kevin, we always try to throw some pop culture questions at our Player of the Week's. Here you go:

_____________ is a must have album. Freedom by Akon


I really should have _____________ this summer. Had a job.
Song playing in my iPod right now. Beautiful by Akon

First thing I ate this morning. Taylor ham, egg & cheese on an everything bagel.

Favorite reality show. Hard Knocks

_____________ should play my coach on the big screen. Jon Voight

Kevin, congrats on earning our Week 1 Player of the Week award!  Best of luck the rest of the way and stay healthy!

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