I never know which way my day is going to go and what stories I will even have time to share. There are so many I want to tell. One that kept coming up and needed to be told is the rising story of young student athletes who are forced to make a choice. A choice between their future, their sport, and their family. And not their family like their Mom and Dad or Brothers and Sisters but their child. We rarely talk about what happens to a Prep Athlete, boy or girl, once they have a kid. So I am going to shine a light on it but not in the way you might think.
Sam Riddle of Century High School was the #1 High School QB in Oregon in 2012.
Kids having kids! It’s a bad thing most people say. You here it from religious groups, from social workers, from the guy on the street. But I want to pose to you a different thought. It is what its is…. it is life happening. And since when was life a bad thing?
The realities of waiting for the “right time” and “not having sex until your older” and all of that from the 1950’s still runs deep in American culture. But when it happens our young people and their families are more and more embracing the reality that it is not taboo.
Maybe hundreds of thousands of kids with college MBA’s working at menial jobs, and bankrupted cities, and a broken government, and a Million other realities that shattered the perfect iconic American Dream life has done it. Maybe this generation has figured it out that Uncle Sam is just a Snake Oil salesmen and that the guy selling the “dream life” after college is full of BS and has never worked a day in his life at a real job.
Or maybe this generation just gets it. Here is Part 1 of a 4 Part series On This Important Topic.
Sam Riddle Gets It
You had to be under a rock that last 2 years not to have heard the name Sam Riddle. Week after week the Century Jaguars QB pulled off small miracles and put up huge numbers. He revitalized and energized and always found a way to win if it could be done. He was so good at the QB spot that he earned a full ride to University of North Dakota and a chance to have his school paid for. He also had the chance to earn the “D-1” Title that is so sought after by almost every kid that plays Prep football.
On the 1,500 mile drive to Grand Forks, North Dakota that Sam took less then a month ago he new it was going to be tough to leave Briahnna behind. The two had been together quite a while even though Sam is still just 18. Worse then that Sam could not stop thinking about Mason; his two month old son. And he wondered as the miles went by and the tears continued to fall if it was all worth it.
Three weeks into his time at UND the question he had asked himself was answered. No amount of Facebook and Skyping could every bridge the gap and distance between the three hearts.
“I had to come home. There was no way to stay away from my son and my girl. This was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. To leave behind a fully paid college degree and a chance to shine on a D-1 Stage,” offered Sam as we spoke today by phone. “But this is the best decision I have ever made.”
Same Riddle seen here in June with his son Mason and his Gal Briahnna Krokum!
A little more then 31 hours ago he got on a train and headed back. He watched out the windows and dreamed about all that was behind him and all that was ahead. His heart was full… not empty. His eyes were clear. After only a few days baby Mason had stolen his heart. After a few weeks his son was calling to him to come home and although he thought he could deny the feelings he was having he gave in. Sam came home.
“Briahnna and I are engaged. I am holding my son now and with the people I love most. Family is the most important thing; but Football is a real close second,” he added.
His Cake and Eat It Too…
Luckily for Sam Riddle he had applied to Linfield College. He had taken his visits and done what smart people had told him to. He had kept all his options open. The Baby was not planned of course and was born May 28th, 2013 just a few days before Sam led the North squad in the annual Les Schwab Classic. And as he finished that game and prepared to leave the Linfield Coaches called.
“The staff their stayed in touch and they knew what I was going through. They called to wish me well just as I was preparing to leave and let me know they wanted me to succeed and make it at UND. And I always felt that feeling of Family at Linfield. That always stuck with me and even when I took my visit I felt this could be the place for me.”
As it turns out Sam is going to get to have his cake and eat it to. He is enrolled and has been accepted into Linfield and plans to play football this year. He can be a star at the Division 3 level and because he dropped down 2 levels from the D-1AA he will not loose any NCAA eligibility. And Financially it will not be that big of a blow.
“I was able to get a lot of help to enroll at Linfield and will probably spend $13,000 or so to be there this season which includes me living in the dorms and eating meals there and all. Then in my Sophomore year we can get that cost way down and will probably live off Campus together. To go to college, play football, and have my family with me is a dream come true!”
What about he and Briahnna? Is their a wedding in the future? Sam say for sure there is. They are very close and he put it best, “We were made for each other. That seems clear to both of us at this point.”
Reality Sets In
Sam talked openly with us about this “baby” that has come into his life…into their lives. And we wondered what that had to have been like when he found out during his season last year.
“At first when I found out I was thinking there is no way this will work. Then a little time went along and the Baby Shower came and I began to realize that this was happening and embraced it. I rolled with the punches and learned we have to take things as they come. When the baby came I was scared because I am terrified of needles and hate to see blood and all that. As the baby came my emotions took over and it was just the best thing ever. I love my son so much and am so excited to be here all the way to see him grow up and be a part of his life in every way.”
Has the Baby changed Sam?
“Yes for sure. It has a made me grow up, to be focused on what is most important, and to want to work even harder to get my degree and make something out of my life. There is nothing I would not do for my family,” said Sam. “Being home today is the best day I have had for a long time. I am a very luck guy!”
Sam posted on his Facebook page as he left the UND this message:
“I want to thank the University of North Dakota for the opportunity that they gave me. Unfortunately it wasn’t the right fit for me and my family. I will always support them. I wish them the best of luck. The people that I met like Hunter Wharton made this decision even harder.. Thanks Hunter for always being there for me. You became one of my best friend within this past month. I am attending Linfield College this fall. What made me make this decision was my son. He means the world to me and the separation from him was driving me crazy. Thank you to everyone that has supported me this whole time.”
[socialpoll id=”13943″]
- Where a Dad should be if he can be is with his kids according to Sam.
Follow Dirk Knudsen and Northwest Prep Report On
Catch The Most Reviewed List Of Top NW Prep Football Prospects for 2014 Right Here
NW Regional Analyst Rivals.com – Editor OregonPreps.com & WashingtonPreps.com
