Fresno State Athletics
Stepping Out of the Ring with Ryan Beckenhauer
3/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
March 1, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - Ryan Beckenhauer, a junior college transfer from Reedley College, has experienced all the changes that go along with moving to a higher level of education. He understands that there is a process of growing up and making decisions, freedom to make these decisions, and the responsibility to be accountable. Currently, the senior is carrying 21 units in addition to his track and field responsibilities. The construction management major is happy having a direction in his academic life that he did not have when he was at Reedley.
Beckenhauer has found his support system in his belief in God, his teammates and coach at Fresno State. Throws coach Chris Campbell has helped him to improve as a thrower. This season so far Beckenhauer has thrown the shot put ten feet further than his longest throw last season. A year ago he struggled to make the change from junior college to division I competition. By coach Campbell not making him totally change his throwing form and just helping him improve on his form, he has helped Beckenhauer succeed this season. The encouragement the Fresno State coaching staff relays to its athletes, filters down through the team to fire them up and get them ready for the upcoming meet.
Joe Vasquez, a fellow thrower, is his lifting partner and his main motivator. "He gets me fired up and together we get the team fired up and ready to succeed," stated Beckenhauer. "We want our teammates to do the very best they can every time out." At Reedley, the sport was more of an individual competition compared to here where it is a team event.
"We win as a team and we lose as a team, so everyone is held accountable for how they perform," emphasized Beckenhauer. "As a unit we are solid." And the value of being a team unit is what makes Beckenhauer appreciate his time here as a thrower. "In an individual sport like track and field, we know that is important to win as a team and not as individuals. I like being here at Fresno State for that very reason."
