Roman Ryan, a two-sport athlete from Madison East High School, came to MATC in the fall of the 1983-84 school year. In high school, Ryan competed in football and baseball, earning all-city honors in both sports his senior season. After only one year of high school baseball, he enrolled at MATC and went out for the baseball team.
In his first season at MATC, Roman led the team in batting average with a .366 average. Ryan, who played first base, also led the team in doubles, hits, and RBIs. He excelled defensively, as well, winning the team’s Golden Glove award in addition to team MVP, conference All-Tournament, and All-State. “Roman was a very strong, line-drive hitter,” said David Schillinglaw, MATC’s Head Coach. “The third baseman knew that he had to ready when Roman was up to bat.”
In 1985, Ryan continued where he left off during the previous season. He once again led the team with an impressive .430 batting average. His single season batting average is ninth all-time in school history, while his career batting average of .404 ranks him fifth all-time. In addition to his impressive batting average, Ryan led his team in hits, RBIs, triples, and homeruns that season. His eight home runs in 1985 rank him tenth all-time in single season homeruns. He is also second all-time in both season and career triples. Ryan also claimed numerous awards including team MVP, the Golden Glove award, All-Conference, All-State, and All-Region honors. With his second MVP honor, Ryan became the first and only, two-time team MVP recipient in MATC Baseball history. In addition to all the awards and records, Ryan’s hard work and attitude made him a great team player. “Roman always put the team before any individual accomplishments he received,” said Coach Schillinglaw.
After MATC, he transferred to Milwaukee Area Technical College-West Allis where he earned a funeral service degree in 1987. Roman started with the Ryan Funeral Home family business after earning his degree and has worked there for thirteen years. On January 1st of this year he was named owner and is currently the South Central Funeral Director President. Roman lives in Madison with his wife Vicki and their two children, Casey and Allison. When Roman is not assisting his son’s little league team, he enjoys his many hobbies including golfing, fishing, and hunting.
