Athlete of the Week: Central Cambria’s Ryan Chappell a ‘game-changer’
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Name: Ryan Chappell
School: Central Cambria
Age: 16
Grade: Junior
Sport: Football
Athlete of the week achievement: Chappell had 28 carries for 170 yards and three touchdowns for Central Cambria in a 32-22 win over Central.
Season update: Chappell has run for 1,052 yards on 158 carries and has nine touchdowns. He is also tied for the team lead with 50 tackles.
Coach Wade Klezek's quote: "Ryan Chappell is an absolute game-changer for us. He's been such an important part of our team, and we're really proud of how well he's played. He runs so hard and has true breakaway speed once he gets out into the open. On defense, he's a true alpha and has set the tone with his physical play. He's made big play after big play for us and has been so much fun to coach. He's one of the best two-way players in the LHAC, and we're lucky to have him. He's everything we want in a Red Devil. His work ethic is elite, he plays every snap like it's the most important play of the game, and he truly cares about his teammates."
Favorite teacher: Timothy Miller or Shane McGregor
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: "Friday Night Lights"
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite song: "Welcome to the Jungle" by Kanye
Outside interests: Lifting or hanging out with friends
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athletes most admired: Marshawn Lynch and Saquon Barkley
Best athlete I ever competed against: Not sure
Most influential person on my athletic career: Wade Klezek and Shane McGregor
Proudest athletic achievement: Leading the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference in rushing
How I got my start in football: Working every day lifting and field work when it wasn't mandatory or when no one was watching.
Future goal: To play college football