by SULPHUR, OK – The National Deaf Interscholastic Athletic Association has recognized Oklahoma School for the Deaf’s RyJan Reininger as player for the year for all schools for the Deaf in the nation.
Reininger from Midwest City excels in studies and athletics as a member of academic and robotic teams and top player on the football, basketball and track teams. He earned the 2021 Oklahoma School for the Deaf student of the year award at People with Disabilities Awareness Day from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
“RyJan is the best athlete and best leader on my team,” head football coach Jason Sledd said. “Once he plays at the game, he is really a beast. He can play multiple positions. Linebacker is the reason why he was very good at it at a high level.”
Reininger, who has broken OSD records since 2011, averages 19.1 tackles per game with a total of 153 tackles based on eight games this year.
Reininger, who has broken OSD records since 2011, averages 19.1 tackles per game with a total of 153 tackles based on eight games this year.
“I’m proud of him for earning the national player of the year, which is just exactly like the Heisman Trophy for college level,” Sledd added. “He is basically the best player in the entire deaf schools in the USA.
“My strong belief is to build and encourage all my kids to do anything they can without a barrier,” he said. “It will happen by football discipline and good leadership. With them, it will lead to winning, guaranteed.”
Keep up the great work. You proved that with your dedication and spirt that a person can accomplish anything they wish. Congratulations 🎉