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Prep Mania profile: Ryan Van Handel

Dennis Semrau covers prep sports for 100.5 ESPN and ESPN Wisconsin.com

Ryan Van Handel, Verona Area High School

Year: Senior.

Sports: Football, basketball, baseball.

Sports highlights: Ryan is a returning letterwinner and a two-year starter in basketball as a forward. A first-year co-captain as a senior, he leads the Wildcats in scoring at 15.4 points per game and with a team-best 41 3-pointers. He averaged 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game as a junior.

He lettered and started at tight end in football as a senior. He caught nine passes for 73 yards and a touchdown and caught one two-point PAT pass. He earned All-Big Eight Conference honorable mention honors. He also played baseball and was an outfielder as a freshman.

Pre-game ritual or superstition: Normally get in a power nap and eating something light.

Cumulative GPA: 3.9.

Favorite subject/class: Mathematics.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Tiller (Environmental Science).

Quick quote: “Competing in sports has taught me to take advantage of every opportunity you get and never give up.”

Three words to describe me are: Outgoing, positive, caring.

I got my start in sports: From my dad and older brother. I played football, basketball, baseball and soccer growing up. I started playing basketball when I was five years old.

I wish I could play: Golf.

My most memorable moments in sports: Playing at the seventh grade basketball state tournament where we placed seventh and I received all-state recognition.

I like about high school sports: Being able to represent my school and my community.

I enjoy playing basketball because: I’ve grown close with so many of my teammates and coaches over the years and those bonds have made me love basketball even more.

Advice: “Make the most of every opportunity and do what makes you happy.”

My role models are: My parents, Reed and Joanna, my brothers, John and Tommy, and Coach Mike Fulton.

Most inspirational teammate: Reagan Klawiter.

My family also includes: Our dog, Lilly.

Nickname: Bryan.

Words to live by: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” -- Michael Jordan.

Favorite athlete: James Harden.

Favorite team: Chicago Cubs.

Favorite opponent: Middleton.

Favorite facility/site to compete in: Verona’s Curtis Jones Field.

Favorite movie: ‘Step Brothers’.

Favorite TV show: ‘The Office’.

Favorite food: Hot wings.

Favorite fast food place and/or restaurant: Draft House.

Favorite sport on TV: Football.

Favorite place to visit: Arizona.

I want to visit: China.

Top three favorite songs: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’; ‘Money Longer’; ‘Craving You’.

Primary news source: Twitter.

Favorite website: Hudl.

I drive: A Kia Optima.

Dream car: A G-Wagon.

I can’t live without: My family and friends.

I like Verona High School because: Everyone is very friendly and you get to know so many different people.

If I could change anything: I wish I would have played football since my freshman year instead of just going out this year.

I wish we could play: Mount Horeb.

I wish I could meet: Michael Jordan.

Dream date: Just chill and watch a movie.

Dream gift: A new car.

Preferred brand of shoe: Adidas.

My perfect day: Wake up around noon, play a basketball game around 2:30 p.m., go out to eat after, and then hang out with friends at night.

I like to read: My Twitter timeline.

This and that: Member of National Honors Society … National Honors Society Committee leader … worked at ‘The Legend’ at Bergamont … used to participate in Choir … volunteer work includes: Freshman Mentor, school food drive and working the scoreboard, officiating and working concessions at youth basketball games and tournaments … earned Academic Honors for basketball … played AAU basketball with the Wisconsin Blizzard for three years and with the Wisconsin Bluebirds for the last two years.

Hobbies: Playing sports, hanging out with friends and playing video games.

Post-high school plans: Attend either UW-Madison or University of Minnesota to study Marketing.

Did you know? I have extremely good vision.

Career goal: Do something in the business field that involves sports.