Commerce's all-state fullback Ryan Sienty, who helped the Tigers to the Division II Class 3A state championship, is expected to sign with hometown Texas A&M University-Commerce. Sienty was one of three 1,000-yard rushers in the Tigers' offensive backfield. Commerce went 16-0 and downed Sealy 17-10 in the state title game.
Exert from Greenville Herald Banner
02/02/00
By Warren Morrison
02/03/00
Herald Banner staff
COMMERCE -"The Moose" will not stray far to play college football.
Ryan Sienty, who helped the Commerce Tigers win the 1999 Class 3A Division II state championship, signed a letter of intent early Wednesday morning to continue his football career at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Surrounded by some of the Commerce coaches, assistant principal David Welch and his family, Sienty signed the letter in the high school library shortly after 8 a.m., becoming one of the first high school players to sign on the first day they can do so.
"It sure is a relief," said Sienty, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the Tigers' 16-0 championship run for head coach Steve Lineweaver. "Now, I can just go along with my high school (activities) and fun."
He added that another reason was watching his brother, Erik, go through a more stressful decision-making period two years ago.
Sienty, an all-state selection this year and a two-time District 10-3A most valuable player, said staying close to home was not the biggest factor in his selection of A&M-Commerce over the other schools that expressed an interest in him.
"It was Coach (Eddie) Brister, a very upbeat kind of person. He' s a lot like Coach Lineweaver," the six-foot, 220-pounder said. "It was a lot of options I weighed that made me choose this. It was a great decision and I'm happy to make it."
Lineweaver also was pleased with Sienty's decision.
"I think it's a great fit to join Eddie Brister and his group at the college," said Lineweaver, who Tuesday announced his intention to resign from Commerce and accepting the head coaching position at Euless Trinity.
"It will put a boost in the interest at the college because of the following the 'Moose' has had. I'm excited for Eddie Brister and the Sienty family," he added.
Five of the Commerce assistant coaches are A&M-Commerce alumni and Sienty's signing brought a smile to their faces.
"It's a wonderful day and it's double the excitement," said assistant coach Joe Spinato. "Being an alum of the university, I'm excited to see Ryan go out there. The program has taken some positive steps in the last year and a half."
Brister has indicated to Sienty that he will continue as a running back and wear the same number - 44 - he wore during his Commerce career.
"I'm going to try my best to do a lot of the same things I did for (Commerce) for their program," Sienty said. "Hopefully, with Coach Brister and his staff, I will be a great addition and help them out."
Sienty has helped the Commerce teams to a 58-8 record since the seventh grade and four consecutive district championships. He and his brother were members of the 1997 state finalist team.
Sienty's mother, Sarah, is an instructor in the A&M-Commerce secondary and higher education department. His father, Andre, is a teacher in the Quinlan Independent School District and received his master's degree from the university.
Sienty said he is not overlooking the convenience having his family close means.
"If I get hungry or need money, I can always drop by her office," he added. "I can always drop by her office. I don't have to call from four states away and send me some money."