POLAND, OH- In the heart of football season, there’s no better place to catch the energy and insights of high school sports than YSN’s Pullman Bulldog Show. Recently, Matt Romeo sat down with Ricky Madeline, a standout athlete from Bulldogs Bar and Grill, to discuss his love for history, the challenges of balancing academics and sports, and his thoughts on the upcoming NFL season.

When asked about his favorite school subject, Ricky was quick to reveal his passion. “Oh, I’m a big history guy,” he shared with enthusiasm. Exploring the past and understanding current events seem to capture his interest deeply. “I just, like, I just kind of like knowing, like, everything that’s going on in the world, pretty much everything from the past, what’s going on now,” Ricky elaborated.

As a student-athlete, Ricky faces the demanding task of juggling schoolwork and football. He described his approach deftly: “You kind of got to take it as, like, two separate workdays, pretty much.” His strategy involves dedicating his mornings to academics and then seamlessly transitioning to football. “In the morning, you know, you got to dial in. You got to lock in for the books and stuff like that in the morning. And then when the bell rings, you know, you go out and you suit up every day. You just. You just play football,” Ricky said.

This disciplined approach demonstrates Ricky’s understanding that both academics and athletics require full commitment and focus. He views each part of his day with responsibility, akin to a full-time job. “Absolutely. Like it’s a full-time job, right?” Matt chimed in, to which Ricky agreed.

Reflecting on a memorable moment from a recent game, Ricky explained how the team handles on-field setbacks. After a challenging turnover, the team’s immediate reaction was crucial. “Our coaches, when something like that happens, we all scream ‘sudden change’ on the sidelines. Everybody’s got to know that something big just happened, and we got to lock back in,” Ricky recounted.
This mentality, deeply ingrained through rigorous training, is essential for maintaining focus and composure. “We kind of just got to take it step by step, kind of just get there and make sure nothing happens,” he added.

Concluding on a lighter note, Matt connected with Ricky over their shared enthusiasm for the NFL. Ricky revealed his allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers and admiration for star player TJ Watt. “I’m a big Pittsburgh Steelers guy,” Ricky said. For his fantasy football picks, he championed Justin Jefferson as his top choice, showcasing his eye for talent in the league. “Me, I’m probably going Justin Jefferson,” he advised, endorsing the receiver’s dynamic playstyle.

As the interview wound down, Ricky’s humility and dedication shone through, especially when asked about his own celebratory acts on the field. “You ever think about [doing the gritty dance] when you score a touchdown?” Matt asked. Ricky’s honest and disciplined response was, “No. Coach would rip my head off.”

Ricky Madeline’s conversation with Matt Romeo on the Pullman Bulldog Show was a rich blend of personal insights and disciplined routines, underscoring the balance required to excel as a student-athlete. From his love of history to his strategies to manage dual commitments, Ricky embodies the grit and focus that define a true competitor.

To catch more of these inspiring conversations, tune in to the next episode of YSN’s Pullman Bulldog Show. Ricky’s journey offers valuable lessons to aspiring athletes and scholars alike, reminding us that dedication and balance are keys to success both on and off the field.

PRESENTED BY