Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame
In the history of the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame, there may not be another inductee with greater devotion to the college and sport than Ryan Carlson from the class of 1999.
After a record-setting All-America football career, Carlson’s love for the Linfield football program continued to expand to the point that his present-day contributions serve as a major focal point in the recruitment of student-athletes.
A second-generation Wildcat, Carlson came to Linfield as a quarterback out of Yreka High School in northern California, but found himself hovering near the bottom of the depth chart. His natural size and athletic ability could not be overlooked and by his sophomore year, he was flipped to the defensive side of the ball. It was there where he blossomed into a menacing pass-rush specialist, who at his peak, was the most dominating player in the Northwest Conference.
Carlson starred at Linfield during an era when defense was paramount to the Wildcats’ sustained success. The Linfield offense was struggling to score points consistently, placing greater pressure on the defense to hold opponents out of the end zone.
Brian Higgins, a fellow northern California quarterback who arrived at Linfield the same fall as Carlson said: “I’ve been fortunate to know Ryan in many capacities since we first met as seniors in high school. He’s a fierce competitor, hard-working teammate, funny prankster, fun-loving groomsman, and trusted friend.”
By the time Carlson’s football career came to its natural conclusion, he had carved his name atop the Linfield record book. His 18½ quarterback sacks, including five in one 1997 game, broke the previous single-season standard of 14 and stood for another 13 years before being broken.
As a result, Carlson “became the standard by which we have measured all pass rushers since,” said Linfield football coach Joseph Smith. “We were able to perfect his unique swim technique and it’s become a staple move that two generations of defensive ends have now been taught. I believe his play was the foundation for three other defensive ends who followed him – Eric Hedin, Brynnan Hyland and Alex Hoff – to eventually lead the country in sacks.”
A two-time all-conference performer, Carlson received honorable mention NAIA All-America honors as a senior in 1998.
“Ryan’s best games were our most important games,” recalled Smith. “The bigger the game, the more dominant he was.”
Wanting to continue his relationship with the program in which he experienced such great on-field success, Carlson began converting old game film into video highlight reels, and eventually shooting his own video from the football sidelines. That spawned an online “video vault” and eventually a blog that soon took on a life all its own.
With the nifty moniker ‘catdomealumni.com,” Carlson found his niche as an informed insider who immersed himself not only in Linfield football, but in all that pertained to the Northwest Conference and NCAA Division III football scene.
“What Ryan has given to our program since his playing days cannot be overstated,” said Smith. “I cannot imagine where we would be without his videography contributions and connecting our alumni on his websites. The enhanced experience he has given our athletes has been immeasurable as our players look forward to the videos he shoots and produces. The time he gives voluntarily is staggering.”
While attending Linfield, Ryan met the love of his life. He and wife, Kelly (Bradstreet) Carlson, a graduated Wildcats basketball star, are proud parents of an eight-year-old daughter, Grace.
“I’ve also seen from a distance what a great husband and father Ryan is,” said Higgins. “He has always shown great courage when taking on challenges. His loyalty to his family, friends and to Linfield, is as strong as they come.”
Ryan graduated from Linfield with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1999. Currently he is the business development manager at TTR, Inc.
