Greetings, Comet Nation,
It will be three years this coming summer since I started off with a "thank you" in my first AD's newsletter to this great university and community. I thanked you for supporting me, my vision and ideas for Comet Athletics, and most of all, for supporting and embracing my family with open arms. So many of you have truly made Mayville "home" for me, my wife Lindsey, and our three children, O.J., Berkeley, and little Brooklyn, who joined us a just over a year ago when she was born at the hospital in Fargo. A lot has changed, and dare I say been improved upon in Comet Athletics and for the University since the first day I stepped on campus. This has been a big goal, but as my father has always told me, "there is always work that needs to be done."
At the end of this month, I will continue to do the work that needs to be done, but in a different location and at a different university. I have accepted a great opportunity for me and my family. I will become the Assistant Athletic Director of Development at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., starting in March.
Leaving Mayville has been a difficult decision and is bittersweet, for sure, for so many reasons. Those who know me have learned that I live for my faith, family, and a competitive edge that pushes me to be my best self in all that I do. I am very passionate about what I do and am blessed to do what I love every day. Now I will have an opportunity to continue to do it at the Division I level at another great school, with the great team at Northwestern State.
"Thank you" to former MSU President Dr. Gary Hagen and the search committee who granted me this special opportunity to lead the Mayville State Athletic Department.
"Thank you" to Mayville State President Dr. Brian Dr. Van Horn for your leadership and for allowing me to do what I love to the best of my ability on a daily basis.
"Thank you" to our coaches and athletic staff who put in many long hours to make their teams and areas of the department the very best they can be each day, and to the custodians and facility workers who do the same, day-in and day-out, behind the scenes.
"Thank you" to all Mayville State faculty and staff for all your hard work, as well. It is all of you who make Mayville State so special for many, particularly our students.
Finally, "thank you" to all of the phenomenal student-athletes of Mayville State. Going to work for all of you each day is something in which I have always taken great pride. Coaches, administrators, faculty, and staff are spoiled to be in the positions we are in because we have the great privilege of helping top-notch young adults such as you achieve your goals and experience success on the court/floor, in the classroom, and in the community. You have all been amazing to work with and know. Please never hesitate to reach out to me if I can continue to help you in any way in the future.
I am grateful to so many people in this community as well. Unfortunately, I can't list all of them in this letter, but I hope all of you with whom I've developed great relationships and friendships know that I appreciate you as my family. You are a reason my family and I have cherished our time here at Mayville State. Many of you have made Mayville State and this community truly "home" by welcoming us with open arms and being by our sides in our greatest times of need from day one.
So, as I started off in July of 2018, I will end in February of 2021, with the same heartfelt "thank you" to all of you from all of my family. You hear about what a great place Mayville is to live and to raise a family, but we were blessed to have experienced it first-hand. As my family and I embark on the next challenge that is before us, please know that I will always remain Comet Proud. It's simply the Mayville Way. Go, Comets!
P.S. I have only moved across the country once, but I feel like a veteran after my first experience. I can assure you that Lindsey and I will make sure we properly get our belongings moved to our next destination with much less "excitement" than we experienced the first time.
All the best,
Go Comets!
Ryan Hall
Athletic Director
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