Sophomore running back enjoys stepping up game on, off field

Ryan Cole knows nothing in life is guaranteed.

"You've got to put in the hard work to reach the goals you set for yourself," he admitted. "It's going to be a dogfight every day for me and the other running backs this fall. Every practice offers a new set of plays to prove yourself."

"I learned some amazing things from (former senior running back) Anthony (Sims)," he added. "It's not just what he did on the field. A big part of it is the way he presented himself in every situation."

Cole understands the value of giving it all he has. The high school program that prepared him for life with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics powerhouse was a burgeoning star of its own. The Saints of St. Ansgar High School cornered the gridiron market in the Corn Bowl Conference including winning 11 games in 2019 and 2020 during Cole's upperclassman years.

"We may never have won a state title, but our program was a good beginning for me in getting to see how a championship team operates," Cole noted. "There is a definite mindset in being a football champion. It carries into life, too."

Cole scoured the collegiate landscape in the Hawkeye State to find a similar situation where he could resume learning a championship way on and off the field. A visit from the Morningside University coaching staff followed by a campus visit was all that he needed.

"It's exactly where I wanted to be," he reflected. "The guys I met from the team were awesome, and a small school was also what I was looking for."

His decision was backed up during his freshman year. "That first game against Concordia with Sims and (former running back Matt) Strecker out sick, I got a chance to split reps," he reflected. "The hard work I put in and the drive to be on the field was paying off. I got a chance to show everybody what I could do and contribute to the team."

A 13-carry, 38-yard offering in the 2021 opener which included two touchdowns led to more opportunities. Cole registered five 50-plus-yard outings and six multiple-touchdown efforts.

Cole has also realized being in a championship mindset isn't just about success on the field.

"That Louisiana mission trip we took last spring was something a lot of us needed to see," he said. "It was so eye-opening about what other people are going through. Even though the hurricane hit several years ago, things are still pretty bad. It was rough."

"That's what I enjoy about (head) Coach (Steve) Ryan's program," he added. "It shows what we need to be thankful for. Not everything in life is easy. You have to persevere through it."

"A lot of us have been born lucky with what we have," he added. "However, life can be difficult, and you have to fight for everything."

Just like the mentality within the Morningside football program - working hard on and off the field to provide and share successes in every situation they encounter.