2004 All Star West
Ryan McDonald
Offensive Guard
6’5″ 260 lbs.
High School Coach: Jim Caserta
High School, Class: Holland West Ottawa, A
College: University of Illinois
Ryan was a three-year starter on the offensive line for West Ottawa, leading his team to a 21-10 record during that time. In 2003, Ryan was a captain and also started at defense tackle, making 59 tackles, including five for losses. In 2003 the team led the conference in scoring and averaged over 400 yards and 37 points per game. The team also set school records for wins and points scored in 2002 and 2003, and made the playoffs both years.
Ryan was also a two-year starter for West Ottawa’s basketball team. He was a captain on the 2003-04 team, which finished with a 16-6 record and won the conference championship. Ryan had a 3.99 gpa and received the school’s Scholar Athlete Award for three consecutive years. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Ryan will attend the University of Illinois on a football scholarship this fall, and will major in Engineering.
“I would like to thank God, and my mom, dad and brother, above all others. The old saying goes, ‘Just as iron sharpens iron, one man strengthens another’ and I must say that my family has been wonderful. A special thanks also to my coaches, especially Jim Caserta and Ron Achterhof, as well as all of my friends that have supported me through it all. Thanks again!”
Awards
All Area, 2002
All Conference, 2003
All Zeeland Record, 2003
Dream Team, 2nd Team, Grand Rapids Press and Holland Sentinel, 2003
Super Prep All Region, 2003
Nominated for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, 2003
Fab 50 #15, Detroit Free Press, 2003