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Steve Ryan - Waunakee - Assistant coach

03/01/2009, 12:00am CST
By Wisconsin Sports Network

STEVE RYAN
Inducted in 2009

Steve was born to Wilford and Joyce Ryan of Bellevue, Iowa, on October 26, 1956. His siblings are Stan, Joe, Jane and Cathy. Coach Ryan graduated from Lancaster Senior High School In Lancaster, Wisconsin, in 1975 where he participated in football, wrestling and baseball.

Steve continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse earning a double major in Health Education and Physical Education in December of 1979. Ryan began his teaching and coaching career in the Waunakee School District in Waunakee, Wisconsin, in January of 1980.

Coach Ryan's high school football coaching career began as an assistant coach under WFCA Hall of Fame coach, Gayle Quinn In the fall of 1980. Coach Quinn retired in 1992 after a brilliant career and then Pat Rice became Head Coach In Waunakee and Steve enthusiastically became a long time fixture as a member of one of the most successful coaching staffs In the history of Wisconsin high school football. Steve’s primary responsibilities with the Waunakee program were as a defensive coach.

Steve was part of the Waunake High School football coaching staff for 28 years (1980-2007). During his tenure the Warriors captured 10 conference championships, made the WIAA football playoffs 13 seasons, were WIAA State Quarter Finalist three times (2004, 2006 & 2007), were WIAA State Semi-Finalists four times (1997, 1998,2000 & 2003), finished as WIAA State Runner-Up twice (2001 & 2005) and were WIAA State Champions twice (1999 & 2001). As a member of the Waunakee football coaching staff Ryan helped the Warriors go 41 - 1 In his last 42 conference football games of his coaching career and won 59 consecutive home games that spanned 10 years (the streak includes playoff and regular season games played).

The Waunakee High School football coaching staff was named ESPN Badger Conference Coaching Staff of the Year 7 times (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006),Milwaukee Journal State Coaching Staff of the Year In 2002. Coach Ryan was named WFCA District Assistant Coach of the Year in 2000.

Coach Ryan also served as Waunakee's Head Varsity Fastpitch Softball Coach for 25 years compiling 297 wins and won the 1987 WIAA State Softball Championship.

Tag(s): Hall of Fame