Athlete of the Week: Ryan Rasmussen

By: Samantha Lefebvre

Posted: 2/10/10

Year at UMD: Sophomore

Major: Undecided (looking into Criminology)

Hometown: Waupun, Wisc.

First picking up a basketball at an early age, playing against dad in the driveway, traveling to weekend tournaments and now a key player in the Romano Gymnasium at every home UMD basketball game, Ryan Rasmussen's focus on team unity, family support and optimism has taken him off the Bulldog's sixth man duty and boosted him into a starting position this season.

Having offers at other schools a bit closer to home, Rasmussen initially decided on UMD because of a close bond with influential head coach gary Holquist.

"People don't always realize that basketball is a team sport because individual players will score a lot of points," Rasmussen said. "But it really is a team game. You have to rely on everyone, on every possession. I like that it's a game that's all about team unity."

Before coming to UMD, Rasmussen always had a strong family support system. This support has not gone away despite the long five hour drive from Waupun to Duluth.

"They are always really supportive, which made it a lot easier," Rasmussen said. "They wanted me to be doing it, so it just made everything easier on me. They still try to come up to every home game, which is really cool."

Playing on a team that is talented, but young and seeking improvement has put Rasmussen on the front burner.

"It's kind of neat cause I'm young, but I'm still getting the chance to put up shots," Rasmussen said. "You know it is cool, but I'd obviously want to win. I'd change all my points for a team win."

With only five games left in the regular season Rasmussen seems nothing but optimistic and hopeful for their young team.

"You always have a chance as long as you come and compete and play hard," Rasmussen said. "You always have a chance to win."