Under the lights on a Friday night, Ryder Noche ‘27 takes the field as more than just another athlete. As a team captain and Colgate University commit, Noche has his name known and a target on his back.
For being one of the few committed athletes on the team, the attention to him comes easy.
“Every single time you do something, it’s always, oh, you’re that one kid. So it’s always keeping you on your toes, making sure you’re doing every little thing correctly.” Noche said.
Noche committed to Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, on June 29th. He was able to build a strong connection with the coaches through the recurring process, which helped make his decision easier.
Not only football but also Noche is excited to attend a highly prestigious academic school, which offers him good internship opportunities outside of football.
With earning that opportunity to play football in college, it comes with extra attention. Noche said that making mistakes during the game becomes more noticeable because of how well known he is around Arizona.
“But at the end of the day, everyone makes mistakes, and it’s always the next one.” Noche said
Head football coach Jason Jewell said his role on the team doesn’t only come from his commitment but also from his leadership role and how his teammates view him. Brophy’s team captains are selected by their peers, and Jewell said that responsibility comes with a different standard.
That responsibility begins even before the first kick. Noche is one of the players who walks out for the opening coin toss.
“Everything feels like it’s kind of on me to start things off right.” Noche said.
Jewell said that Noche has shown leadership beyond his captain title.
“He’s very coachable. He’ll do anything that our team asks, playing so many different positions,” said Jewell.
Noche has also received the team’s character award, voted on by the coaches, the past two years. This attention does not stop on his own sideline, though.
Noche said, “Sometimes opponents come up to me, talk about smack, but a lot of them just kind of like, say what’s up to me. Like, you know, it’s all fair game.”
Although most of the interactions on the field are out of mutual respect, some opponents see their matchup with Noche as a challenge to outperform him.
“But there’s this extreme amount of pressure.” Jewell said, “One little mistake can cost us the football game.”
For Noche, being recognized means those moments may get more attention. But it gives him an easier way to set an example for his teammates.
“You have to be that leader. You have to be the person that’s always doing everything right.” Noche said.
