A Cleveland Original

“You're 5 foot nothin', 100 and nothin', and you have nearly a speck of athletic ability.”

Any fan of the movie Rudy surely recognizes those famous words, and back in the day if you happened to see a lanky Ryan Klesh striding across Lakewood Park in some ridiculous orange and blue outfit (in tribute to John Elway…..in Browns country no less!) you might have worried for his safety. Yet, though he carried fifty pounds less than most of us, Ryan was often the first person picked in our football games.

His foot speed was common for his size, but the quickness of his never ending jokes, taunts, and laughs were uniquely Ryan’s. But, what I remember most about Ryan on those wonderful afternoons was his tremendous heart. Equal parts Hanford Dixon and Clay Matthews, Big Daddy Ryan Klesh tackled everyone in sight without an ounce of fear. And he did it in style too, popping up from every pile with a smile as wide as Lake Eire itself.

From reading all these posts, it surprises me not that Ryan had that same infectious effect later on in life. He had abilities on many of life’s fields and he is certainly deserving of a more fitting movie quote:

“I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.” -Shawshank Redemption


Nolan Gallagher