Intense, competitive, and determined are all ways to describe Ryan Lium as a baseball player.

"Ryan played hard no matter what the scoreboard said," commented Kevin Johnston who coached Ryan during his four years. "Most guys you need to give a little extra boost at times, but not with Ryan."

A three sport star from Westby High School, Lium played third base his freshman season, even though he had limited experience as an infielder.  Despite playing out of position, his athleticism and versatility allowed him to perform admirably.  As a sophomore, Lium moved back to his natural position in centerfield where he played the remainder of his career.   

In addition to being a playmaker on defense, Lium was a tough "out" at the plate.  He finished his career with a .303 batting average, was named first team all-conference his final three years and earned NAIA All-District honors in 1993.

Lium also was a key piece of the team's re-building process.  After winning just five games during his freshman season, Lium and the V-Hawks won 25 games his senior year and finished with a 17-5 record in conference play.

"Ryan was a popular teammate and was well respected as a player, person, and teammate," stated Johnston.  "Every day that he wore a V-Hawk uniform he had fire in his eyes and the strongest will to win of anyone I coached at that time."