VYPE: What grade are you in and what sports do you play?

Ritson: I am a sophomore at Elgin High School and I play football, baseball, and I wrestle.

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?  

Ritson: Playing sports has taught me how to be a better person overall. Life is not easy, you have to work for your successes.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you? 

Ritson: My brother, Kason. Coming into the high school program and being a grade below me and coming up in my shadow and how he just kept his grind up and worked every day to make a name for himself and found a spot on a good baseball team’s lineup and is contributing a lot to our success this season. 

VYPE: What is your favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete?   

Ritson: My favorite part is all the support from the community. My freshman year, our team was able to turn the football program around and put Elgin on the map. 

VYPE: Which professional athlete do you look up to?  

Ritson: Elly De La Cruz because I just love watching him play the game. His swagger and just being able to be loose out there playing the game how it’s meant to be played. He’s a beast and one of the best in the league and that’s what I strive to be like.

VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you? 

Ritson: “Pressure makes diamonds” I love being that guy that when the game is on the line give me the ball or put me up to bat in the last inning! I love the rush I am very confident in myself and that quote has just stuck with me.

VYPE: Who inspires you?  

Ritson: Easily my dad if he didn’t push me hard I wouldn’t be anywhere close to my skill level that I am at today…I couldn’t thank him enough. Of course like all little kids I always thought he was being way too hard on me and needed to chill out but I understand now that I have a 7 year old little brother and he does not listen so I have to lay down the law from time to time. 

VYPE: What has been your favorite memory of playing? 

Ritson: Winning Dual State Championships with my team as a freshman and going on to win individual state that year as well! I also love when the younger generation comes up to me and is like “oh my that’s Ritson Meyer” the smile on their face makes my day every time! I like being a role model and giving back to the youth!

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade? 

Ritson: Mrs Hill because she is super nice and has a great way of connecting with students.