When the odds are stacked against you and the crowd starts to thin, who do you count on to spark a comeback? For Dowling Catholic senior Ryan Bobo, the answer is simple: dig deep, believe in your team, and never lose your sense of fun, especially if there’s pickle juice involved. From adrenaline filled Friday nights to offbeat pregame rituals, Ryan brings a unique spirit wherever he goes.
Ask anyone at Dowling Catholic about the most electric game in recent memory, and Ryan’s all time favorite instantly comes to mind: the triple overtime thriller against Ankeny Centennial his junior year. Down 21-3 at halftime and with fans already heading out of the stands, Ryan and his teammates refused to quit. Their determination paid off big and by the final whistle, the Maroons had pulled off an epic comeback, and Ryan had the game of his life.
Ryan’s football journey began way back in first grade at St. Pius, alongside his elementary school friends. “It’s a great way to build friendships, push yourself, and learn life lessons,” he says. Track also became part of his life in sixth grade, where he thrived in relays and sprints. Now, he plays defensive end on the football team and competes in the 100m and 200m on the track team.
When it comes to mentors, Coach Jack stands out. “I was scared of him at first because he yelled a lot and was intense,” Ryan admits. “But now, he’s taught me countless lessons and supports me in everything. He’s intense, but also caring, funny, and inspirational.”
Balancing academics, athletics, and a social life isn’t easy, but Ryan has it down to a science. “I try to finish all my schoolwork at school and avoid procrastinating. If you do what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it, balancing it all isn’t too difficult.”
Here’s a fun fact: When he’s not tackling opponents or sprinting on the track, Ryan is strumming away on his ukulele, a hobby he picked up in May 2025. “It’s an awesome instrument with a lighthearted sound. I’m still learning, but it’s a great way to relax.”
His goals for senior year are ambitious: earn the presidential honor roll, make National Honor Society, be 1st team All-State in football, and win state titles in both football and track. He’s also aiming to bench four plates by the end of his senior year.
Ryan’s training schedule is packed: three or four football practices, walk-throughs, film sessions, yoga, and weightlifting. But it’s not just the grind that makes his experience special, it’s his teammates. “They welcomed me when I was shy and helped me become confident. They continue to inspire me and are some of my closest friends,” he says with a smile forming on his face.
Dowling’s community means a lot to Ryan. “Everyone is friendly and loving,” he shares. “Dowling always strives for excellence in everything.”
Before every game, Ryan has a unique ritual: he and his position group cheers with pickle juice and chug it down. Mentally, he prepares with prayer, confession, music, and warm-ups.
Outside of sports, Ryan loves basketball, cooking, reading, yoga, lifting, dancing, and hanging out with friends. Whether that means pickleball, swimming, or making s’mores. His proudest accomplishment? Being voted captain of the football team. “It’s an honor I worked hard to earn.”
Looking ahead, Ryan has an offer to play football at Drake University and is considering studying exercise science or business. But no matter where he goes, the lessons and memories from Dowling will stick with him.
His advice to underclassmen says it all: “Be kind to everyone. Do what’s right, not what’s popular. Take care of your physical and mental health, and have fun!”
If you ever see Ryan in the hallways, never be too afraid to say hi because he will always welcome you with open arms and a smile. Ryan Bobo carries the true values of what it means to be a Dowling Catholic maroon and will carry that with him for the rest of his life.
