#NationalSigningDay: Quarterback Leyh signs to become Shippensburg Raider

Bailey Bennett

Ryan Leyh signs his National Letter of Intent to play football at Shippensburg University.

When he introduced Ryan Leyh to the crowd, Coach Rick Conner joked, “Ship happens.”  Shippensburg has called, and Leyh has answered.

On February 6, Leyh signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Raiders.

Conner said,  “We’ve got some shoes to fill.”

Leyh was a three-year varsity starter at the quarterback position. During his senior season he made 31 touchdowns during 14 games, 24 of which were passing and 7 were rushing.

“When I took my official visit to Shippensburg, it just felt like home. I really fit in with the guys. I had eight other offers, but the other schools just didn’t feel right for me,” said Leyh.

Leyh has gone to multiple camps this year and started looking at colleges when he was a sophomore.

“We wanted to make sure that Ryan was confident in his decision,” said Rob Leyh, Ryan’s father.

Leyh’s biggest supporters have always been his parents. “We’re very proud. There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into this, not only on the field.  We did a lot of extra training outside of what he did at Linganore,” said Rob Leyh.

According to Conner, Leyh was a strong team player who everyone could count on.

“When we would play and we knew that Ryan was going to be involved, he was more than likely going to pull it off,” said Coach Conner.

Leyh plans to major in either business or sports marketing.  “I’m more excited than nervous. It’s going to be a big change for me, it’s a big change for anyone.” said Leyh.

Division II Shippensburg is coached by Mark Maciejewski and ended the 2018 season with a record of 6-5.

Leyh will join former Lancer, Josh Gontarek, on the team.