Different paths lead to Rams

Rams add a provincial commit and an international commit to their Class of 2018.

Fullback Colin Stumborg from the Saskatoon Hilltops (CJFL) and linebacker Peyton Ryder from Christchurch High School come from vastly different lands, have had vastly different careers, but despite all this, they can agree on one thing, they both really appreciate the University of Regina Rams coaches.

Colin Stumborg

Courtesy of Colin Stumborg.

After spending most of his life playing in his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Colin Stumborg decided it was time for a change of scenery.

“I chose to commit because I believe in the culture and the program. The commitment of the coaching staff and players, and the emphasis on the need for education, really appealed to me,” he said. “The coaching staff is incredible, almost no other way to put it. They are just incredible people.”

Stumborg spent five seasons with the Saskatoon Hilltops where he won four straight national championships from 2014 to 2017. The 5’11, 230lbs tight end and fullback will be taking police studies.

While the new season is still a few months off, he said that, “I’m excited for the opportunity to be apart of one of the best teams in Western Canada.”

Peyton Ryder

If you’ve never heard of Christchurch, Virginia, you probably aren’t alone. It is probably as foreign to Saskatchewanians as Regina, Saskatchewan is to Virginians. But don’t worry, Peyton Ryder will be introducing a legion of Rams fans to the small community.

Courtesy of Peyton Ryder.

“I chose to commit to the Rams because they believe in my abilities and are giving me a chance to prove myself. The staff is the reason why I committed. Head Coach Bryce and his staff made me feel like I was almost home. Everyone was extremely welcoming and nice,” Ryder said.

There was one exact moment, however, the sealed the deal for Ryder. “Coach Gary and I sat down and watched film and I saw the way the defence flew around and that’s when I made my decision to commit,” he said.

“When I went on my official visit, I had a great time. I got to see the university, facilities and some guys from the team,” he added. “They have a family atmosphere in their locker room and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Ryder is originally from Newport News, Virginia, which is on Atlantic coast. He played with the Phoebus High School Phantoms before transferring to the Christchurch Seahorses (Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association) in his final year.

The 5’9, 210lbs athlete is a three-time All-757 1st Team defensive player. He has named to the 1st Team All-Conference defense twice and the 1st and 2nd Team All-Defense twice. He is also an All-State linebacker. The three-time captain was ranked 93rd in Virginia’s Top 100. He helped the Seahorses capture a VISAA State championship last season where he was named as the defensive player of the game. When he played with the Phantoms, he started as a true freshman.

In his career, he has over 350 tackles and he led the division in tackles this past year with 107. He also doubled as a fullback and running back where he had 566 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2017. When he wasn’t playing football, he found himself as a two-time baseball factory Under Armor All-American and made the 1st Team All-Conference as a pitcher and catcher.

During his visit, Ryder sat down with an academic advisor who helped him understand how classes worked at the University of Regina. While he is unsure as to which program he will be taking, he is interested in sports administration.

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