Varsity quarterback Connor Ridenour, pictured above, has battled injuries throughout his athletic career.
World famous quarterback, senior Connor Ridenour – also known as C-Ride Seattle – is affectionately known throughout the Roosevelt community for his affinity for injuries. Most recently, at the Roosevelt football team’s opening home game at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 10, Ridenour sustained an injury to his wrist.
It can seem like Ridenour is somehow always hurt. It is truly a strange phenomenon. To find the root behind the issue, The Roosevelt News sat down with Ridenour to get his story.
Did you drink enough milk growing up?
Ridenour: “You know, I drank a decent amount of milk I would say, especially with cereal. Cocoa Puffs were always a thriller but, you know I probably could’ve drank a little bit more. When you get hit a lot you also tend to break more bones.”
Can you list all the sports injuries you have ever had?
Ridenour: “Sixth grade, at a soccer tryout, I landed on my ankle and it just snapped. So that’s where all the bone injuries started. Pretty traumatic incident right there. And then seventh grade I cut my head open on a water slide, I blacked out, then I was concussed. So that was pretty bad. Then I kinda took a break until sophomore year when I tore my knee. Then junior and senior year I broke both of my wrists. Last year it was fun because me and Mark [Padgett] were buddies on the sidelines… Broken wrist buddies right there.”
Which has been the most unfortunate? The one that has impacted you the most?
Ridenour “Definitely breaking my right wrist. That was last year, six months ago. I was out for three and a half months, almost four months. I was very close to needing surgery but they were able to put it back in place and readjust it.”
How often do you see Casey the trainer, on a weekly basis?
Ridenour “Like everyone else, I get taped before practice– but I mean for game day it’s always like a must. Getting taped, getting rolled out, can’t have any cramps and just gotta make sure I am staying healthy. I would say I am Casey’s best customer. Last year my parents had to give her a nice gift for all the stuff she did for me.”
What does the future look like for C-Ride and Rider Football?
Ridenour: “Hopefully a state playoff run. We will see where it goes from there.”
What is your message to anyone who is discouraged by a sports injury?
Ridenour: “They always happen and you gotta expect it. But it’s not the end of everything.”
What is your message to all football and C-Ride fans who are rooting for you to return and save our season?
Ridenour: “It’s not just me, I mean we all gotta be good, and if we just do our job and have fun there’s no ceiling.”
