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Rykovich had a storied career

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Contributed by: Nick Walter on 12/22/2006

MANITOU SPRINGS -- Manitou Springs quarterback Brady Quarry has known coach George Rykovich as far back as he can remember.

In elementary school, Rykovich slipped Quarry change for food. He also offered his future signal caller some memorable advice.

"Work, work, work," Quarry said. "He said that all he knows is work, work, work."

After 46 years as a football coach - 36 at Manitou Springs - Rykovich's work is about over. This is Rykovich's final season and Friday's 7 p.m. contest against Ellicott likely will mark Rykovich's last home game. He's compiled a record of 221-128-1. Don't expect Rykovich, 69, to produce an adieu tear.

"I can remember when my dad retired out of the steel mill," Rykovich said. "We didn't have no big hullabaloo thing over it. He put his time in. Now hopefully it's time to enjoy some other things in my life."

A celebration could take place. Rykovich said the community asked him to come to City Hall in Manitou Springs after the game. Quarry added that a bunch of alumni are expected. The community will conduct a halftime tribute.

"Someone said something about possibly doing something at halftime," Rykovich said. "I said, 'Absolutely not. You go ahead and do something if you want. I'll be in the locker room with the kids.'"

Ellicott coach Matt Janes hopes his Thunderhawks will spoil the evening. He has not coached against Rykovich. Janes is 37 and noted that Rykovich has been coaching "longer than I've been alive."

No doubt, a win against the guru would be sweet.

"It would definitely be a feather in my cap if we pull out a victory," Janes said. "He's been in the business a while and when you can assemble a team to best what he does . . ."

Janes stopped and turned.

"His kids are going to be fundamentally sound," Janes continued. "He's got a method of operation. He's not big on tricks or anything like that. We've got to be on our best game to stay with the guy."

With six children and seven grandchildren, Rykovich does not foresee a sad ending.

"I guess I'm just old-fashioned or whatever you want to call it," he said. "I don't look at this as being somebody in Hollywood who had his career and all of a sudden he's not making a movie. First of all, that's not my area anyway and I could care less about those folks, boy, and that's about it."
Such colorful comments have made Rykovich a standout personality.
Quarry, for one, will miss Rykovich.

"I mean, it's all going to be for him (Friday)," Quarry said. "We just plan on playing for Ryko."

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Submitted By: Tim Bergsten

posted on 1/18/2007 @ 11:02:18 AM

Rated Story

Ryko is one of my favorite Manitou characters. The last time I interviewed him for a sports story in The Gazette, he complained about having to do the interview then talked non-stop for about an hour. He's an interesting person with a heart of gold. Manitou Springs High School and the football team will miss him.

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