By Gary Van Cleave

JETMORE - The seed was planted at an early age for Hodgeman County High star Hazen Rydquist.

 

That seed of hope and love for the game of basketball.

 

“I remember being a little kid at all the high school games,” Rydquist, KGNO Radio’s March Athlete of the Month, said. “I couldn’t wait until that was me. I remember always sitting in the student section and talking to all of the cool high schoolers. I just hope that I am that cool high schooler to some other little kid.”

 

He’s now beyond cool and collected. He’s leaving his mark on Longhorn athletics in a big way as the basketball season enters postseason play.

 

“Hazen is a prototype of what any coach would want from an athlete,” Longhorn coach Gustavo Flores said. “From day one four years ago, I always knew Hazen had knack about him. He was smooth, had some swag, understood basic basketball, and was the best player on their junior high team. The only flaw per se was he was winless in his basketball career racking up zero total wins in junior high.”

 

That didn’t deter Rydquist, who has known nothing but winning in high school.

 

“That flaw was actually what shaped him into who he is today,” Flores said. “Being hungry to get better. Hazen spent some time in the weight room and time in the gym to improve his game especially during his first two years of high school basketball all while having to play under the upperclassmen.

 

“While he made vast improvements as a starter his sophomore year, his junior year is when he started to contribute statistically but helped the most with his composure, maturity, and understanding of the game. This then carried into his senior year where he had no choice but to lead a very young core of teammates and has made the most of it.”

 

After going winless in junior high, Rydquist has been a part of three 15-win seasons, including a 15-6 campaign entering Monday’s sub-state game against Cheylin. The Longhorns have amassed a 58-30 record in the past four seasons.

 

“My coaches have always pushed me to be the best I can be, even when I feel like taking a day off. They’re there to make sure I am giving my 100% effort,” Rydquist said. “Playing multiple sports together, my teammates and I have a really strong bond and we would do anything for each other. We are constantly working harder and harder pushing each other to be the best we can be. Our second team probably doesn’t get the credit they deserve for working as hard as they do and maybe not getting as many minutes.”

 

“Hazen to me is a great teammate,” freshman Kody Ruff said. “Always pushing us, making us work harder, making us be the best we can be. Never putting anyone down or yelling at anyone. A calm and composed man. I love my Hazen.”

 

Rydquist is averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. In his career, Rydquist has been a part of 556 points, 215 assists, 205 rebounds and 85 steals.

 

“Hazen is a leader and picks up the team after a loss and the first to say good job after a win. He is always picking everyone up,” sophomore Ian Reece said.

 

“Hazen is a positive role model for our team and someone that the younger kids can look up to,” junior Devan Shank said. “His knowledge and understanding of the game of basketball has led our team to the success we have had this year. Hazen always comes to practice with a positive attitude and mindset which sets the tone for practice everyday.”

 

Rydquist calls himself hardworking, determined, coachable and a driven, team player.

 

“I watch a lot of KU basketball and I strive to make my game like Dajuan Harris,” Rydquist noted.

 

“Hazen is a great leader and is always picking everyone up,” sophomore Tyson Younger said. “If there is someone that needs help in practice, he will give them some tips to improve. He also always shows up to practice ready to work hard and keep the energy up.”

 

He plans to attend Fort Hays State University and major in accounting.

 

“Hazen is someone who wants everyone to be their best and wants to help them get there,” sophomore Brody Schroeder said.

 

“Hazen always knows how to turn the guys on,” senior Jay Morgan said.

 

Rydquist will always remember Friday Night Lights.

 

“The adrenaline of playing under bright lights in a big game is unmatched,” Rydquist said. “The feeling of playing at home with a loud crowd makes that even better. It’s awesome to look into a packed house and see the amount of support we get from the community.”

 

“I’ve always preached to my teams that we will only be as good as our worst player,” Flores said. “Hazen knew this and i would always see him working with some of these kids and encouraging them. Whether it was during a drill, a water break, or even after practice. He was always pulling these guys aside and talking to them one on one or giving them any knowledge he could share.”

 

Rydquist concluded.

 

“I want to inspire others to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I want people to remember me as a hard worker and leader not because of my stats or ability to play,” he said.

 

“Success,” Rydquist added, “is more than just winning. Success is getting better every day even on days when you’re tired and sore.”