Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Jackie Ryder, New Trier football

Jackie Ryder is a senior quarterback for the Trevians. He has thrown for more than 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns to help New Trier to a 6-1 record. Ryder is committed to Purdue University.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Every gameday I get picked up 12:30 and leave school, go home, eat some chicken and take a nap until 4, and then I start getting ready for the game. That’s just my routine before games.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Purdue?

I’m definitely looking forward to developing and getting coached. I love football and football is a lot of fun, so I’m happy to compete at that level.

3. Outside of professional quarterback, what would be your dream job?

I’d probably want to be in private equity. It seems like that’s a job that could get you some good money.

4. What is your earliest memory of football?

My first memories are playing catch in the backyard with my dad (Brian) when I was little. Just watching the Bears and watching Arizona State football, where my dad played.

5. What is a sport you wish you played when you were younger?

That’s tough, I kind of played everything. Maybe I wish I played more golf. That would help me now. I’m not very good at golf. I wish I played when younger.

6. So far, what’s been your favorite moment on a football field?

Definitely beating Naperville North my junior year, my first varsity start. I think that was a huge shift in the New Trier football program. We were coming off three straight losing seasons, losing to Naperville North the year prior and then going down and beating them on their home field. That’s definitely my favorite football moment.. I threw the game-winning touchdown pass late in the game. My whole extended family was at that game too.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I played baseball last year. Playing baseball, other than hanging out with my buddies. I’m a huge baseball player, but won’t be playing anymore since I’m leaving early for Purdue.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

If I had a couple bucks, I would buy some Kit-Kats and an Arnold Palmer.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I didn’t start playing quarterback until I was a freshman in high school. I always played receiver growing up and decided to play quarterback freshman year.

10. What are the keys to this team finishing strong?

It starts with having belief. We are in a great spot right now. Going forward we have to know we need to get better week in and out and believe that we can make a run. This is one of the most talented New Trier teams top to bottom and if we believe we can do damage, we will do that.

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