Courtesy of Westfield State Sports Information

Westfield, Mass. – With the hopes of scoring just one more collegiate touchdown, it seemed that the goals of Westfield State University's junior running back Ryan Wilder (Turners Falls, Mass.) had come crashing down after suffering a back injury before the start of the 2015 season.

In the 2014-15 season, prior to the upsetting injury, Wilder ran for a total 265 yards and averaged about four yards per carry as the Owls change of pace back behind then senior teammate Michael Mercadante who ran for a total 1289 yards. Wilder was a strong asset to Westfield's success on the field.

In March of 2015 during one of his weekly workout routines, Wilder suffered an injury resulting in torn ligaments and muscles in his lower back. The running back did his best to continue the workouts at a slower pace. He tried to participate in spring ball, off-season football practices and scrimmages with the team, but it was too much to handle and only made the injury worse. Wilder was later forced to red-shirt during his junior year season.

Wilder did his best to stay involved with the team by attending all meetings, practices and games. The student athlete partook in rehabilitation on a weekly basis but the injury lingered all year.

When asked about his involvement with the team, Westfield State's head football coach Pete Kowalski said, "He did everything his injury allowed him to, his supportive nature at team functions demonstrated his dedication to his fellow teammates."

It was hard for Wilder to stay positive while the injury seemed to linger for months on end. When asked what he did to prepare for this year's season the running back responded, "Not a whole lot, I originally told Coach Kowalski that I wasn't going to play again due to the back injury."

"I tried everything from chiropractors to acupuncture; physical rehab, you name it" Wilder replied.

Luckily with time and rest, the injury finally began to subside in August, a couple weeks before preseason camp had begun.

"I realized that I only get to play football once in my life" said Wilder and returned to the field for the 2016 season.

In the season opener against Nichols College, Wilder ran for 18 yards and a 1-yard TD rush that gave Westfield a 24-14 lead. The Owls won 34-21 starting the year at 1-0. His goal of scoring one more touchdown had come true in the first game of the season.

Westfield got 86 yards rushing from Wilder in their third game against UMass Dartmouth.

"He is approaching where he was prior to his injury" said Coach Kowalski and feels "it's a fine line between giving him the opportunity and being concerned about his well-being."

When asked what his key components to the success he's had on the field so far this season, Wilder said, "mindset, staying focused and not letting this set-back get to me."

Going forward, Wilder hopes to increase his strength and hopes to do all he can to help the team win.

"We see him being a critical part of our offensive game plan and an important part of special teams" said Coach Kowalski.

After reaching his initial goal in the opening game, Wilder now hopes to "continue to makes strides and to be the best player I can be" while "getting better on the field and helping out the young guys as much as possible."

As for the future, Wilder says, "It's up in the air. I want to finish this season strong and see where it takes me."