John Raffel
Sports Scene
Tylor Rhynard does a good job of catching the football whenever his number is called. That’s why he’s been such a valuable member of the Coleman football team so far this season.
Rhynard is in his second year as a varsity starter.
“We’re doing good right now,” Rhynard said of his team’s 2-1 start, which included wins over Farwell and Onekama. “I run good routes, I have speed and good hands.”
In his goal of helping Coleman’s offense enjoy success, Rhynard worked on the passing attack during the offseason.
“I improved a lot from last year,” he said “I went to a few camps.”
Rhynard has been getting attention from defenses but still has remained a dangerous threat.
“I find the open spots,” he said. “We’re doing good against the zone.”
As a defensive safety, Rhynard is also a run stopper. He has also been focusing on his defensive reads and determining where the ball is going.
Rhynard is confident the Comets can have a long season.
“I think we can make it to the playoffs if we work hard,” he said. “We’re trying to play as a team and win.”
Rhynard is among the most talented all-around athletes at Coleman. He plays football, baseball and basketball and also runs track. He figures that of the four sports, football is his best. He has played football since the pee wee level and has been a wide receiver since the seventh grade.
“I’m fast on my feet,” he said. “I have good hands.”
In track, Rhynard has qualified in the 800 and 400 relays that have earned all-state honors. In baseball, he’s a centerfielder and pitcher and batted .300 last season.
Rhynard came up big for his team in a 36-14 win over Onekama in early September.
“Tylor Rhynard took into upon himself to take up the slack left by Tim Anderson’s injury,” said Coleman coach Chad Klopf, who was referring to one of his better players (Anderson). “(Rhynard) played relentless on both sides of the ball.”
After the first three weeks, Rhynard led the team in receiving with eight catches for 95 yards and one touchdown and in rushing with 84 yards and two TDs.
“He came up with big chunks of yardage on kick return and punt return,” Klopf said. “Defensively, he led the team with six tackles and an interception. He also recorded a fumble recovery to go with two passes defended.
“He is an amazing young man with lots of talent and he is very humble.”