Grinnell College Athletics

Nick Ryan ’55 was a standout football player for the Pioneers and was considered one of the greatest running backs to ever play for Grinnell. A proud 1951 graduate of Missouri Valley (Iowa) High School, he was a four-time All-State band drummer. At Grinnell College, Ryan was named First-Team All-Midwest Conference as a halfback. Ryan also set the single-game rushing record that stood for nearly 20 years while also holding the record for season and career rushing. The single-game mark was against the undefeated conference champion, Carleton College, where he outgained the entire opposition’s backfield. For the season, he was 12th in the nation in rushing yardage. Grinnell coaching legend John Pfitsch called Ryan the “best open field running back” he’d seen at any division level. He was also a member of Grinnell’s track and field team, participating as a sprinter and long-jumper. However, his greatest contributions to Grinnell may have been off the field. Following a tour as an aircraft carrier qualified naval aviator, he served as an admissions counselor for Grinnell from 1959 to 1966, director of placement and student aid from 1966 to 1970, and finally dean of admissions and student financial aid until 1978. Professional activities included The College Board and College Scholarship Service, Educational Testing Service committees, regional review panel for campus-based programs with the U.S. Office of Education, president of the Iowa Association of School, College and University Staffing, secretary of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, president of the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administration, and president of the Iowa Association of College Admissions Counselors. His contributions helped recruit a number of talented student-athletes to Grinnell College. Additionally, he was a member of Grinnell Chamber of Commerce. He ended his career as a student financial officer for the University of Iowa before retiring in 1990. He lives in Grinnell, continuing to give back to the community.