Ed. Note: Ryan Breakall is this week’s Northwestern feature athlete, as the New Carlisle News continues the summer series featuring top returning athletes.

With new football coach Shane Carter in the process of turning the Northwestern into a competitive program, senior Ryan Breakall is looking to end his athletic career with the Warriors on a winning note.

Breakall, a senior lineman on the Northwestern football team, has been a part of a team that has seen the win scarce over his career, including a single win last season. As the summer progresses, Breakall is focused on getting the Warriors near the top of the league, while improving his own game.

“As a team, going 1-9 last year, it was a bad year,” he said, as the Warriors are leading up to two-a-days practice which starts July 31. “But we’ve worked harder than ever, and have our eyes on the playoffs this year.”

While he wants to earn a banner this season with his team, he also has his sights set on an individual goal for the Warriors.

“My individual goal for the season is to lead the CBC in sacks or tackles,” he said. “Being a defensive end, reaction time needs to be the best it has ever been. Also being 190 lbs, hitting people that are 250 lbs, and on the line, speed is key.”

Breakall is a multisport athlete, as he wrestles in addition to his Friday nights on the football field. It isn’t hard to determine which sport is his favorite.

“Football is my favorite,” he said. “What I like most about it is the energy from our student section on Friday nights. Whether my team is winning or losing, the fans are always giving us motivation. The next thing I like is how our teammates always have each others back on and off the field.”

Breakall has spent his summer preparing for his senior year, and has used his time wisely.

“In off-season workouts we have worked on strength, agility, and conditioning,” Breakall said. “If there isn’t a workout scheduled, then I go to the nearest gym. There’s is only 1 day of the week I don’t do anything. I have thoughts about taking my football career to the next level and playing in college. As far as taking it to the next level after that, probably not.”

Also this winter, Breakall will be on the mats for the Warriors with the wrestling squad.

“I started wrestling at age 5 and fell in love, but football was a different story. I started playing in 2nd grade and I didn’t immediately love it. It was something that grew on me over-time. It’s what I love now.”

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