RBR's Ryan Lloyd Wins State Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Award

Each year, the New Jersey Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes presents a scholarship to the male and female member who have most triumphed over adversity. This year’s recipient of the Sam Mills Memorial Scholarship award (for young men) was bestowed upon Red Bank Regional senior Ryan Lloyd.

Ryan Lloyd entered high school full of enthusiasm and promise. He became the Vice President of the Class of 2014 in his freshman year, played football, ran outdoor track and bowled.  He found a very happy home in RBR’s Academy of Sports Medicine and Management, concentrating on a subject he hoped to pursue in college. By June of his sophomore year, he was chosen to be the schools HOBY Ambassador for leadership. He was an active volunteer in his community where he served as a camp counselor 20 hours a week at his hometown’s summer recreation program since he was in eighth grade. 

One day in 2011 when he was riding his bike home from his volunteer job at his town’s recreation program, he was hit by an SUV. He suffered a serious head contusion and endured a painful recovery suffering debilitating headaches from the injury. But, his spirit was buoyed by the love and well-wishes of his community and school who visited Ryan often.  No longer able to play football, he turned his enthusiasm for the sport to the role of team manager and mascot and donned the costume of the RBR BUC at every game.  Acting as RBR’s biggest sports fan, Ryan soon learned he liked playing the BUC, even more than playing football.

Following his recovery, Ryan made the most of his high school experience and participated in the Key Club, Indoor Track, Men’s Choir, and was selected as a Student-to-Student Peer Leader, and of course, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which over time became very important to him.

He states, “We discuss topics in the bible and sports and how it relates to life. It gives me courage and perseverance.”

That perseverance was essential to Ryan when tragedy touched him again during last school year, as SuperStorm Sandy seriously damaged his home and displaced him and his family for over five months.

Approaching the end of his high school career, Ryan could barely contain his enthusiasm with his acceptance to his number one choice, St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Ryan, having family roots in the area, is the biggest Philadelphia sports fan—whether it be the Eagles, Philles, Flyers, or Sixers—he loves them all.

He states, “The school is perfect for me as it is located in my favorite city, is a Jesuit school, and has a great sports management program.”

The Sam Mills Scholarship will help fund Ryan’s studies in sports marketing.

Ryan’s counselor Chris Desiere comments, “He is an amazing student who reminds us all that anything is achievable. The energy and enthusiasm he brings to school every day is something we should all emulate.”