What Thanksgiving means to three area athletes

One of the great national traditions each year is Thanksgiving.

It’s a day of giving thanks and really just being thankful for so many things, even in a world where being thankful has somewhat lost its luster. It’s being able to wrap your arms around great news, life-changing moments, relationships, friendships and so much more.

As I worked on this story and reached out to kids, I couldn’t help but think about what I'm thankful for.

It’s really the friendships, the community and everyone who has been there for me over the past year or so. You never realize how tight a community or an area is until you're put in some tough situations, and then you feel it, hear it and see it in action.

I couldn’t be more thankful for you all, your support and your consistently checking in on me, even when things felt tough. You kept my spirits up and helped keep me rolling. I can’t personally thank you all enough for that.

As for my favorite traditions and food, it’s really just hanging out with my friends, who are like family to me, and eating baked corn. I also enjoy taking in the beginning of area basketball. Who doesn’t like a little Barn Ball Classic inside the famed Wilbur Berkey Fieldhouse?

Now looking around the area, I spoke with Orrville’s Trey Mosley, Triway’s Julia Root and Dalton’s Jaxon Ryder.

Trey Mosley

Mosley, a Red Riders standout, is tough as nails on the football field and is a human highlight reel at times as his playmaking skills shine under the Friday night lights. Helping lead the way this fall, he helped the Red Riders to a 7-5 record, a road playoff win over Clear Fork and advanced to the second round of the Division IV playoffs.

So what does Thanksgiving mean to Mosley?

“It helps me reflect on all the blessings I have,” he said, “look at what I’m thankful for, as it is a blessing from God. It really is.”

What is Mosley most thankful for and his favorite tradition?

“Most definitely family, friends and the grace of God,” he said. “My favorite tradition is watching football on my grandparents' couch with my dad, grandpa and uncle after we are stuffed from the meal.”

As for his favorite Thanksgiving food? Hawaiian rolls with some butter.

Julia Root 

There were a lot of reasons to smile this year for the Triway girls soccer team. From the winning to the maturation of a program into a contender, a lot of that was spearheaded by seniors like Root. The talented forward helped set the pace in the offensive third and was a spark plug on the pitch for the Titans. After helping to win the program’s first-ever sectional title this fall, there is plenty for Root and her family to be thankful for.

“It’s being around the people I am most thankful for and the people God blessed me with,” Root said, “as well as reflecting on the year and being thankful for the blessings and hardships God put me through to be the person I am.”

As for who she is most thankful for and her favorite tradition?

“My kind and loving family,” Root said. “My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is celebrating a birthday on Thanksgiving as well, either mine or my grandma's, or watching the Charlie Brown movie each year.”

Her go-to food at the Thanksgiving table is cheesy potatoes or green bean casserole, both of which she enjoys greatly.

Jaxon Ryder 

For Ryder, a running back, it’s been a tough year. He missed some of the season due to an ACL and PCL tear. After returning to the gridiron, he was on a mission, racking up 835 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground and helping out defensively with 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss and one sack. His tough, gritty play helped the Bulldogs advance to the third round of the Div. VI playoffs.

When asked what the day means to him, Ryder said he embraces all those around him.

“Thanksgiving to me is all about thinking about everyone around me,” he said, “just appreciating all that they do.”

That really led into who he is most thankful for this season.

“My family and friends, who show up and give an overwhelming amount of support in everything I do,” he said.

His favorite tradition revolves around the above.

“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is getting together with my family,” said Ryder, whose favorite food is mashed potatoes, “just us all eating together.”