By Joe O’Leary
The Mountain Times
Amongst a very promising group of young men and women that walked across the graduation stage from Sandy High School in June, incoming Mount Hood Community College freshman Ryan Hoffman is certainly one of the most determined of the bunch. He is going to college to participate in track and field, which he did for his final three years at SHS, as well as working to achieve an Associate degree in engineering. Of the options Hoffman had after high school, the route he took was the only one that included furthering his athletic career.
“I was just bored, honestly,” Hoffman explains, “It was sophomore year and I needed a sport to do, I got cut from basketball, and track and field seemed like the way to go.” From a young age, Hoffmann possessed a knack for finding something to dedicate himself to. During 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoffman and a few of his friends from around his neighborhood formed a street basketball league, a very lackluster showing of a friend groups’ talent on a lowered rim. Everyone took the league surprisingly seriously, recording statistics from the games and holding a yearly playoff.
“The late nights after getting home from school and waking up early to play was truly amazing and I took it all for granted. There was a determination we all showed day in and day out, a battle for greatness,” Hoffman said. At the time, basketball on the road with friends was something that kept the young man’s wheels turning.
As the world reopened and organized sports returned, however, Hoffman found his groove with the Pioneer’s track team, after stints trying school football and basketball. In his senior season, Hoffman was most impactful in the 400 meter, the high jump, and the 4 x 400 meter relay. Placing 16th at districts in the high jump, as well as being part of a 4 x 400 team that placed 7th, Hoffman fought all season to give the team his best.
“Even through injuries all season, I held firm in believing in myself and my training,” Hoffman said. This summer Hoffman has been constantly working in the gym to get stronger and faster as well as working for himself as an independent landscaper. Starting the business, which he advertises on the Sandy community Facebook forums, Hoffman was simply looking for a little money on the side, to supplement his service job at Red Lobster. Two months later, he was making more than enough money from the endeavor to justify quitting his job.
“It turned into my full time job. I have fun meeting new people but mostly I just love making people feel happy about their yard,” Hoffman explained. Looking towards college, Hoffman hopes to continue to improve his ranks on the track, as well as keeping his business alive for many summers to come. It’s clear that as he has progressed through life, Hoffman has been constantly able to find something to dedicate himself to, whether it’s trimming hedges or participating in community college track. It’s an admirable trait that seems less common every day. And, as he continues to dedicate himself to his athletic goals, it’s hard not to root for someone with the dedication of Hoffman.