Suarez Leads St. John In Continued Success

by Mallory Kennedy

December 3, 2009 - Ryan Suarez is Senior at St. John of Plaquemine, and plays Outside Linebacker and Tight End for the Eagles under Coach Barry “Tut” Musemeche.

MK: When did you start playing football?
RS: 5th Grade.

MK: How did your early years in football shape the player you have become today?
RS: I played both Offense (Receiver) and Defense (Defensive Back) but really liked defense much more. I was on the scout squad my freshman year and Ro James liked to hit even in practice, it toughened me up. I moved to linebacker last year after I started to get a little bigger.

MK: What draws you to the sport of football?
RS: The traditions, the competition, being part of the team, and the challenge of doing my best.

MK: Is there anyone who has influenced you throughout your years of play?
RS: My brother Justin played at St. John and then Catholic High his senior year. He had ex-LSU and All Pro Dan Alexander as his line coach in St. John Middle School and learned a lot of techniques from him. He is always trying to teach me what to think, how to get off blocks, and the little things to improve.
My oldest brother Brandon was a great example of setting goals. He set a goal to become an Air Force pilot his junior year of high school and is now a 2nd lieutenant training to be a pilot in Del Rio Texas.

MK: What has been your proudest moment?
RS: It’s hard to pick from being elected Team Captain this year, holding Livonia and Dustin Dixon to 35 yards rushing in the 1st half last year, back to back goal line stands against U-High this season, holding Dutchtown to two touchdowns, and going to the Superdome our freshman year.

MK: How have your coaches helped you develop as a player?
RS: They moved me to Linebacker last year and they taught us that each position has a job and we must focus on doing that job.

MK: What is it like being on your team?
RS: St. John has been good for a long time, we have a tradition of success, so you want to play hard.

MK: What would you like fans to know about you and your team?
RS: All the players like and respect each other. We all work hard and strive for the best. We have really good coaches who do a good job of developing the younger players.

MK: What do you do for strength and conditioning?
RS: We lift weights on Mondays and Wednesdays and run the day after games. I sometimes go run on the levee.

MK: What was your off-season program like?
RS: We lifted weights four days a week and ran those days too. We played 7 on 7 every Wednesday.

MK: What are your personal goals for the 2009 season?
RS: To do my job on every play and win a State Championship

MK: What are your plans after high school?
RS: I plan on going to college, and play football if possible.

MK: What is your favorite stadium to play in?
RS: Our home stadium at Plaquemine High and the Superdome.

MK: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
RS: The night before a game our team gets together to eat out. On game day I take a nap and listen to music.

MK: Who is you favorite pro team?
RS: The Saints, I grew up with my family watching every Sunday.

MK: Who is your favorite college team?
RS: LSU

MK: Favorite Player?
RS: Trindon Holliday

MK: What is the best advice you have ever been given when it comes to the game?
RS: Treat sports like a Nintendo game, reset after every play. Play as hard as you can on every play and then reset and go do it again. Mostly remember it’s still a game and even if you lose, your friends and family will still support you.