Okay, people, gather ’round! Whether you’re a star athlete or just a everyday Holy Family goer, it’s time you met our one and only Athletic Trainer, Ryan Lawhead. If you’ve ever had a “boo-boo”-that’s a technical term for any injury, according to Mr. Yunt, Ryan is your guy.
Before we get to carried away here lets get this out of the way. Ryan is a superhero in the world of Holy Family High School sports. Take Batman or Spiderman and your personal therapist and have a baby, who at that point in his life decided to start helping out 19 different sports teams. That’s Ryan. He comes to school every day making it count, even though he may be sick or tired, taking it one step at a time at the beginning of every season. Now, dealing with kids from 19 different sports? That is no small challenge. It’s like trying to herd cats, only these cats are high-energy student athletes that sometimes seem like they are always jacked up on rootbeer and Chocolate. And Ryan? Never short on enthusiasm. He’s got a gift for turning any minor complaint about an injury into 
a full-blown comedic routine. Pulled a muscle? Ryan’s got a snark comment. Twisted an ankle? Well, he’s got a sarcastic remark up his sleeve.
Let’s be real: Ryan’s job doesn’t usually come with a lot of fanfare or flashy awards. When the athletes are in tip-top shape, it’s easy to forget there’s a hero behind the scenes making sure that happens. But then an injury occurs, and the importance of Ryan becomes crystal clear. He’s the man you want to show up on game days, practice sessions, and even the emergency calls; he will be there, smiling, and perhaps with a couple of jokes to get you through it.
But his work encompasses so much more than injury treatment and rehabilitation. He is motivator, part-time therapist, and arguably the heartbeat of the Holy Family’s sports world. He is there not only to mend the physical wounds but also to keep athletes from losing their minds over a twisted ankle or pulled hamstring.
It’s his commitment that makes him the unsung hero of our athletic programs. You might not see him on the scoreboard, but every win and every goal achieved by our student-athletes is a testament to Ryan’s hard work. He is the behind-the-scenes magician who makes sure everyone can perform at their best-and look good doing it… well for some people. Not to mention the peace of mind he brings into the picture. Knowing that a person of Ryan’s caliber oversees their care lets our athletes focus on their game and not stress over every little thing that hurts. He’s the safety net to make sure their focus is on the field, not on potential mishaps.
So here’s to Ryan Lawhead, our athletic department’s secret weapon and the unsung hero of Holy Family High School. Maybe he does not always get the recognition he should, but his heart, expertise, and commitment form the foundation of all of our success in athletics. It is time someone gave this man a well-deserved shout-out. Ryan, you rock, and we are all so grateful for everything you’re doing.
