Hall of Fame
The late Michael J. Ryan from Media Pennsylvania had a long and distinguished career in the Navy following graduation. He reached the rank of captain before his retirement.
Ryan was a center and linebacker for the football team in the mid-30s. He was team captain in 1937. The Capt. Michael J. Ryan Award, which goes to the outstanding freshman male athlete on campus, is named in his honor.
While Ryan was on the team, the Red Raiders won the conference title in 1935. The team also set school records for shutouts in a season with six in both 1935 and 1936. The team gave up only 25 points in 1936 for a school record 1.87 points per game. The 1935 and 1937 teams allowed only 18 points each season.
During his freshman year in 1934, Shippensburg posted a 5-2 record. Two losses at the end of the season after five straight wins prevented the team from winning the conference title. The team was 7-1 in 1935, 7-1 in 1936 (a 9-7 loss to Lock Haven in the season finale cost the team the conference title) and 5-1-2 in 1937. He was captain of the 1937 team.
Ryan set the school career record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns with three. Only a handful of players in collegiate football history have ever accomplished that feat. The NCAA Division I record is five touchdowns while Division I-AA and II mark is four.
