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WAHPETON, N.D. — Ray Ruschel was busy collecting autographs on a helmet from members of his favorite football team, the North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats on Thursday, Dec. 8.
The team just returned to campus after losing by two points in the national championship game.
"It was a little heartbreaking, but at the same time it was a tremendous experience to even go to nationals," said Ruschel.
The 49-year-old is a defensive linemen on the team.
"I never thought it would blow up the way it is," said Ruschel, who's a business management major taking 15 credits this semester.
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At night, Ruschel works the graveyard shift full time at Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative.
The father of two grown children is also a Sergeant with the North Dakota National Guard.
His insane schedule caught the eye of ESPN's College GameDay which in turn caught the eye of Kristie Berg, who is a member of the Red River Valley Quilters.
"He had something to prove to his younger teammates that he can serve his country, serve himself, and serve his school," Berg said.
His resume includes three deployments including Afghanistan.
"His story was not shared completely with us, because I think he saw things he maybe did not want to share with us," said Deb Mitskog, also a member of the quilters club.
The Red River Quilters Club on Thursday wrapped Ruschel with a Quilt of Valor during a special ceremony at the school with his teammates in the stands.
"Knowing the support, and handcraftness and the love that these ladies put into this stuff is truly an honest and favorable thing," Ruschel said.
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While he's living the dream playing college football, Ruschel said he would never trade his experience in the military for anything in the world.
"It has given me the perspective, the discipline and drive that I need in life," he said.
Ruschel hopes to make the team again next season to once again inspire others with his message of if you want it to go for it
"If you want something you have to take the steps to achieve the things you truly want, it's never too late in life," said Ruschel, who's on track to graduate in December 2023.
