Shippensburg University Athletics

2022 (Junior): Saw action in four games as a reserve running back… finished with 23 rushing yards on 16 carries…carried the ball a season-high 12 times for 18 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders’ win over Seton Hill Sept. 10…also recorded a pass reception against the Griffins.
 
2021 (Sophomore): Played in nine games as a reserve running back at California (Pa.)…ranked third on the team in rushing yards…totaled 118 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 30 attempts…caught six passes for 37 receiving yards and one touchdown…set a season high with 57 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown against Lock Haven…registered 41 rushing yards on 10 carries at Gannon…hauled in a 15-yard touchdown pass at Bloomsburg.
 
2020 (Sophomore): No season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
2019 (Freshman): Appeared in nine games as a reserve running back and special teams player at California (Pa.)…ranked third on the team in rushing yards…totaled 141 rushing yards and a touchdown on 39 attempts…set a career high with 59 rushing yards and a touchdown versus Shippensburg…amassed 40 rushing yards in debut at Saint Anselm…ran for 28 yards on three carries at Slippery Rock…earned multiple carries in six games…was a member of Cal U AD Honor Roll (Spring 2020).
 
Middletown Area High School: Competed at the varsity level for the Blue Raiders as a senior under head coach Brett Myers…earned All-State honorable mention…named to the Mid-Penn Conference First Team at three positions as a senior: running back, defensive back and return specialist…selected to the Mid-Penn Conference Keystone Division Second Team as a junior at Red Land…totaled more than 1,500 all-purpose yards as a senior, scoring 25 touchdowns…recorded six interceptions on defense as a senior…recognized as a Top 25 finalist for the Mr. PA Football Small-School Award…was a member of the state finalist team at Middletown after previously playing at Red Land…also played basketball and competed in track & field.
 
About Sykes: Full name is Richard Sykes Jr…is the son of Rich and Natalie Sykes…majoring in finance...has one sibling, Yavon Fonoti.