(Player Spotlight) - Darren Rysden #83 - Wide Receiver and Specialty Teams

Darren was our redhead wide receiver. In 1984, he was in his 4th year of football and seasoned on the gridiron. He made big catches and big plays when we needed them. Darren had great hands and agility as a receiver. He never dropped the ball. He was always in the game and in the mix. Darren would deliver stinging hits and blocks to opposing players, putting them on notice. He started playing football with a group of us back in 1980. Darren played four seasons of football with us and played on three undefeated teams, including the 1980 Travis Redskins Pop Warner undefeated 11-0 team, the 1982 unscored-upon 9-0 JV team and the 1984 12-0 Section Champs. Darren played on teams that recorded a record of 38-4. I enjoyed my time on the gridiron with Darren because I knew when he was on the field, he would get the job done. When opposing linebackers or cornerbacks tested him, Darren usually came out on top. When he was going for what appeared to be an uncatchable pass, many times he pulled it in for a reception, giving us the yardage we needed. He was one of the guys on the team who was lighthearted, and that made the game fun. Darren could make us all laugh with his wit, and he always had something funny to say. Thanks for the memories, Darren. You took names.