North Penn to honor Doc Ryan with January 9th ceremony
December 19, 2014
TOWAMENCIN – A living legend at North Penn is retiring, and the rest of the school would like to thank him for his years of dedication. Athletic Director Donald “Doc” Ryan is retiring this January after 46 years at North Penn, 33 as athletic director, and the school will be honoring him between basketball games on January 9th, 2015.
“Originally there was supposed to be a boys’ home basketball game, but the girls’ coach said, ‘Oh, I want to be here for his last day,’ so Mr. Huston and I decided to make it a double header,” said assistant athletic director, Mrs. Melanie Seeders. “The girls varsity team will play at 5pm, then we will do our tribute in between, and the boys will play at 7:30pm.”
The tribute will be open to all members of the community, with tickets being sold at the door, for $5, and pre-sold to students during the days preceding, for $3.. There will be a few speakers, but the tribute is for all of Ryan’s students to give their congratulations and final goodbyes.
“I have been working closely with Mr. Ryan for the last fourteen years, and the work he does is hard to even put on paper. Some athletes may not even know he exists, but he is working for that athlete, whether they know it or not.,” said Seeders. “It’s not always just about the X’s and O’s, but also about instilling responsibility and camaraderie in players.”
“He’s very humble, and always caring for his players and coaches. He’s such a wonderful friend, mentor, and embassador of North Penn, and I will miss him greatly,” Seeders reflected.
Be sure to come out to the Girl’s basketball game on January 9th, 2015, and help to honor Mr. Doc Ryan, a true icon in North Penn history.
WHAT – – DONALD C. “DOC” RYAN TRIBUTE
WHEN – – FRIDAY, JANUARY 9th, 2015 – Following 5:00pm girls basketball game
WHERE – – North Penn High School Gymnasium
WHO: All are welcome with purchase of ticket. Tickets available at the door.
Bruce McKelvy • Jan 7, 2015 at 1:32 am
Doc, I just want to thank you for everything you did to help our two sons through their athletic careers at NP. The coaching they received in each sport, Swimming, Water Polo, track & field and football was top in the nation and I know you had a lot of influence in recruiting, nurturing and running interference for those coaches, so they could focus on their athletes. Behind the scenes you made it all flow smoothly to the benefit of each and every athlete. I know they both have the utmost respect and admiration for you. I had the unique perspective to see you operate as a member of the school board and as a parent of two athletes. You always were fair and honorable in your dealings at all levels. Enjoy your retirement and I look forward to seeing you around the community. The “Admiral” and “Tiny” both are eternally grateful for all you have done for them.