Mormon Lineman, Ryker Mathews, Receives Army All-American Award

Mormon Lineman, Ryker Mathews, Awarded Army All-American Award

October 27, 2010

Amid a stirring ovation and applause, a moved crowd of students, faculty, Army personnel, military cadre, family and friends at an American Fork High School’s singular assembly this morning, lineman Ryker Mathews was selected as the Army All-American player of the year—one of high school football’s highest honors. Thanking God, his family, his mother, his teammates, and his fans, Ryker graciously accepted the award, granted officially by the Chief of Staff of the Army games.

Representing the Chief of Staff, Army officials mentioned that these athletes chosen for this award have demonstrated a commitment to excellence on the field and in their daily lives—“representing the same strengths and values demonstrated by Army soldiers including loyalty, respect, honor, and integrity.” Alluding to those and like Mormon values, Rebecca Rothey, Ryker’s mother, remarked just after the award ceremony, that in fact  her very  joy stemmed largely from the “choices Ryker has made that have led him to this point.”

Ryker has been officially invited to the prestigious Army football three-day learning experience featuring NFL and NCAA coaches, as well as to participate in game-week activities, culminating in the Army All-American Bowl scheduled for January 8^th, 2011 in San Antonio.

Ryker Mathews presents tall, big and tall; his 6-foot-6-inch, 285-pound filled-out frame, offset by his unpretentious smile and genuine demeanor, make him more like an approachable teddy bear off the field, and a daunting lineman on.  After his difficult decision between joining Utah or BYU’s line up as one of the top offensive lineman in the nation, Ryker recently committed to play on the Cougar side of the line. Ryker conceded that his particular rapport with Coach Weber eased him over the decision-line to touch down on the side of the Cougars. Of BYU’s Coach, Ryker stated:

I really love Coach Weber. I love how he works with his players, I love how he acts and how he talks to you. He’s a very funny guy, but he knows how to work and get the best out you.

Matthews will join the Cougars in January of 2011, transferring mid-year, in time to gain momentum for spring practices.

Ryker Matthews embraces not only this great award as well as his offensive line position at BYU but the standards’ package and the code of ethics that governs his life.  On and off the field, Mormon athletes obey an honor code, abstain from drugs, and engage in wholesome activities and decent language. They commit to serve and to strive for excellence. Their vision includes striving for the victory now and the great spiritual win eternally. Of Brigham Young University, Mathews remarked:

I love everything they have to offer. I love the atmosphere, the coaches, and the school. I have met some of the players and that also helped influence my decision.

At the Nike camp last summer, a storm of Division candidates and hopefuls blitzed around the playing field. One reporter stated:

Among the top offensive lineman performers was Ryker Mathews. Mathews dominated in every category the camp had to offer. He was clearly the best offensive lineman in attendance.

Not surprising that Army eyes were upon him as well.  The community extends to him their support for a great year as he goes forward representing a faith and a family and an offensive fever for the field.

Additional Information:

Recognizing BYU Nike Camp MVPs

RB Bryson McKenzie – Timpview High, UT

WR Colby Jorgensen – Timpview High, UT

LB Adam Pulsipher – Temecula Valley High, CA

DB Sateki Finau – Rancho Cucumonga High, CA

OT Ryker Mathews – American Fork High, UT

DT Daniela Tupou – Archbishop Murphy HS, WA

by Karen R. Trifiletti

The More Good Foundation

Questions: Email kt@moregoodfoundation dot org

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