March 9, 2012
Our new weekly feature "Behind the Bricks" allows DePaul letterwinners a chance to tell the DePaul community a little bit about themselves, a brief reflection on their time as a Blue Demon student-athlete and where they have gone since stepping off the court, field or diamond.
This feature was renamed "Behind the Bricks" to coincide with the dedication of the John and Dale Melbourne Herklotz Letterwinners Plaza and Champions Courtyard. With the plaza filled with 3,800 bricks representing DePaul's student-athletes since 1926, each brick has a story. "Behind the Bricks" will allow letterwinners to tell their "DePaul Story".
Name: Luke Rygh
Sport: Cross Country/Track and Field
Years Participated: 2006-2011
What does being a DePaul Letterwinner mean to you?
I had many teammates and friends come and go during my five years on the cross country team. Not only did it make me proud to be a Blue Demon, but to know that I had chosen the right school is something I take pride in.
Why did you choose DePaul?
I grew up a DePaul fan, as my sister's running career here coincided with the beginning of my running in junior high and high school. Visiting her also helped me realize Chicago is where I wanted to be.
What was your favorite memory while at DePaul?
Living in Sanctuary my sophomore year. It was three of my teammates and me, with our neighbors being athletes. Dorm life isn't anything I would go back to, but it was a good experience to have and I wouldn't want to change my sophomore year for anything.
What did receiving a scholarship from DePaul mean to you?
I was extremely happy and satisfied. I did not know what I would receive scholarship until after the state cross country meet my senior year. I was completely devastated with my performance that day, and before I talked to anyone, Coach Gordon Thompson smiled and told me not to worry, my letter of intent is already in the mail.
What was your funniest memory at DePaul?Well, teammates are always good for a laugh (Rob Morgan). But nobody could top Coach Savage. He's got 1,000 cousins, they all live in Ireland, and they all have 100 stories. Give the guy a few minutes, or more, and he could get anyone to laugh.
Brief Summary of your life from graduation till now:
Has not been a long time. I graduated in June of 2010, worked at the Athletic Center at Fred's Camp, and now I am working for facilities and finishing up my master's degree.
Is there a recent highlight that you would like to share with Alumni and friends of DePaul Athletics?
I actually started running again. Not just running, but waking up at 6:30am before work to go for a run. Shocking, I know.
What advice would you give to a current or future student-athlete?
Stay positive, things may seem like people are against you or don't like you, but take a step back and realize the opportunity those same people are giving you and remember they are here to make you better.
Favorites
Travel destination: Copenhagen
Books: A Heart Breaking Work of Staggering Genius
Author: David Halberstam
Movie: Hoosiers
Sports movie: Hoosiers
Quote: "Because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion"
