By Nick Hampton

Tradition can play a big part in a team’s performance. And for Savanna High School senior Ayden Fry that tradition runs deep. “My grandfather, James Bond, was the coach here for 28 years so I grew up around the game,” said Fry. “I think he set a standard for our team to uphold here at Savanna and we need to do our best to live up to that because it still means something to the people who played here before.”

Fry is a four-year starter at quarterback for the Bulldogs. He passed for 1,100 yards last season and ran for 600 more with a total of 18 touchdowns. The tradition that his grandfather established carried through to the people who have been Ayden’s role models. “Several of the kids my grandpa coached from here have been role models throughout the years and a lot of them have become successful and we still have connections with them today.”

Ayden’s athleticism and smarts have helped make him a successful football player according to new head coach Rick Cherry. “He’s a very smart player football-wise and in the classroom. His knowledge of the game makes my job a lot easier,” said Cherry. “He’s a natural leader and picks up the game to control all the folks around him. The younger guys look up to him and the older ones listen to him. He’s always the first at the front of the line to lead drills and he’s always willing to help the younger guys if they need it.”

In addition to football, Fry also plays basketball and is a two-time state qualifier in the high jump despite a setback last year. “I had knee surgery last March and was released in April just before regionals so even though I hadn’t jumped all season long, I was able to do well enough to qualify for state again,” said Fry.

As coach Cherry mentioned, Ayden already has a good handle on leadership, but Fry was passionate as he talked about his leadership style. “I’m not crazily hard on people but if there’s something we need to do, we’re going to get it done. I don’t beat around the bush, and I like to be pretty blunt. If you’re not doing something right, I’m going to let you know, but I’ll also be right beside you to help until the wheels fall off and I’m not going to hang you out to dry. I’m going to hold you accountable to doing your best to give us the best chance of winning a football game.”

Ayden is also a standout in the classroom where he carries a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. As he approaches his senior year, Ayden has a couple of goals in mind. “My brother, Christian Dalpaos, was the first player ever from Savanna to make All State and I want to be the second. I also want to get us back to having a winning record and making the playoffs this year and become the school record holder for passing yards and touchdowns,” said Fry.

Ayden has visited some colleges on football visits including UCO, Pitt State and Western Missouri as he looks to the future and says he has worked hard during the summer to build up his leg strength and agility and rehab his knee.