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02/07/2023 10:25 AMRyder Kropiwnicki has always enjoyed the personal responsibility facet when it comes to the sport of track and field. He has certainly been responsible for many memorable moments and accomplishments for both himself and the Branford High School track programs.
The Branford senior, who has earned varsity letters in soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track, played on the pitch from a young age. Yet once he arrived at Branford, he was influenced by his older brother Aidan to try his hand at track.
After finishing 11th in the decathlon last spring, this winter on the indoor circuit, Ryder has already qualified for states in the javelin, hurdles, pole vault, and sprint events. Thus far in the 2022-’23 postseason, Ryder was named All-SCC West Sectional in the pole vault, taking tops in the event at sectionals this season (12-6).
“Track has taught me to be someone who holds themself accountable,” says Ryder. “Track is a sport that has pushed me to push myself. The sport makes you focus on yourself because you are the driving factor that determines how well you do.”
The winter season is a unique one, as there is no dual meet phase of the campaign, and all events are held at the Floyd Little Athletic Center. And Ryder certainly loves the warm ambiance of that venue during the dark, cold days of winter as he excels on the biggest stages.
“Pole vault is something where I am confident in my abilities,” Ryder says. “The atmosphere at Floyd Little is one that is bustling, and something is always happening. Before the big events, I just take deep breaths and shake out my limbs. I then focus in, think hard about what I have to do, and then give it my all out there.”
Not all of it comes with ease for Ryder, who states that it can be a grind when trying to fly through the air or gearing up for a lengthy endurance sprint. Regardless of the challenges, he knows it is mind over matter while staying determined.
“The high jump has always given me a little bit of trouble, which can be seen as surprising because it is similar to pole vault technique-wise,” Ryder says. “It is something tedious that requires a lot of attention and practice. Long distance races can be difficult because it is another event where it is just you and the mental battle of pushing yourself.”
Noticing the personal strides he has made through the sprints in his career, Ryder remarks that he has developed into a more well-rounded and conditioned athlete, in addition to a consummate professional as an influential team leader.
“Physically, I have seen myself grow a lot. I was always tall and on the skinny side, but through working out and eating right, I became a stronger and healthier person,” says Ryder. “I have also learned about what it means to mentor the younger kids on the team and get them committed to track.”
Branford track Head Coach Rich Biondi knows Ryder quite well through the various track seasons and is aware that Ryder has the right mindset and determination to attain his highest goals.
“Ryder is an extraordinarily talented young man,” says Biondi. “Ryder is an accomplished artist, musician, student, and athlete. In the sport of track and field, he is capable of qualifying for states in the running, jumping, and throwing events. His older brother Aidan was an All-State decathlete at Branford High School. The two brothers are very close, and Ryder is driven to also earn that accolade. He has a great work ethic and the right demeanor, which I believe will enable him to compete well at the 2023 Decathlon in June.”
Ryder details that the decathlon is not as much the marathon occasion as it seems on the surface. Delving deeper into it, he found a close-knit group of fellow athletes and competitors that were eager to test their mettle in various athletic avenues.
“Every person I competed against there was very welcoming because we were all in the same boat,” says Ryder on the decathlon. “We were all just trying to do our best and have fun because you get to train in all these different events. You only think about the next event after you are finished with one. It also forces you to get outside your comfort zone and try everything.”
Ryder may be rearing to get outdoors for the spring season, though he knows there is still a lot of work to be done this winter under the roof. He is also looking forward to seeing his fellow Hornets reach grander heights.
“For myself, I would like to see myself set a few more personal records; I know I have some more left in me and that I can run faster in the hurdles,” Ryder says. “For our team, I see a lot of guys moving forward in these postseason meets, which makes me proud. I would love to see more personal records from the guys, too.”