IRRIGON — Adversity is nothing new for Ryan Hussey.

As the quarterback for the Irrigon Knights, Hussey suffered through a tough season that saw the team score 55 points in nine games and finish the season 0-9.

The COVID-19 pandemic that wiped out his baseball season in the spring was just another chink in his armor, but like everything else, it did not break his spirit.

“When we heard the (baseball) season was canceled, we went down to the field and had a little fun on our own,” Hussey said.

Hussey is a three-sport athlete for the Knights. In addition to football and baseball, the senior also plays basketball.

“He is really easy-going and nothing seems to faze him,” Irrigon football coach Ken Thompson said. “He got his first taste of varsity football in the second half against Heppner his sophomore year. He did a good job last year of keeping his head up. He was an inspiration to all the guys, and to me. In Irrigon, there has been little state success, but he plays for the love of the game and the people around him.”

The admiration runs both ways for Hussey.

“Coach Thompson makes it fun for us,” he said. “We will have some of the guys back, and we will have some younger guys who I hope have developed a little. We really try, but you can only play who you have. We make it fun.”

At 5-foot-10 and 140 pounds, Hussey has to use his athleticism to stay on the field every Friday night.

“I’m pretty quick,” he said. “I can take a lot of hits, but I prefer not to.”

This season, basketball will come first for the Knights, which Hussey said will put him in better shape for football.

Hussey is a point guard for the Knights, who finished 0-10 in the Eastern Oregon League and 2-19 overall last season.

It was a tough season for Irrigon, which won the 2A state title in both 2014 and 2015, and was second in 2013.

The Knights have not been back to state since 2018, their second year at the 3A level.

“We just need that group of guys — those guys who do everything together,” Hussey said. “We don’t have that group like they did a few years ago — guys who play sports together all the time. That’s important if you want to win.”

Though Hussey likes to play all three sports, it’s baseball that drives him.

He plays middle infield, pitches and catches for the Knights, who advanced to the state playoffs his sophomore year.

“He’s the type of kid a coach wants on a team,” Knights baseball coach Fredy Vera said. “He’s really coachable, a leader, really good in the classroom, and most importantly a great kid. I look forward to coaching him this baseball season.”

Hussey, who plans to pursue a degree in engineering, would like to play baseball in college, and Blue Mountain Community College has shown interest. He had plans for other visits, but those were canceled when colleges had to close their campuses.

Hussey spent his summer working for Peach Tree Produce and bucking hay, which kept him in shape and put a few dollars in his pocket.

“I worked a lot, which didn’t leave a lot of time to hang out with friends,” Hussey said. “It was OK because my parents didn’t want me going anywhere.”

School is back in session in Irrigon, and with any hope, basketball will begin after Christmas.

“Honestly, I’m just happy to play sports,” Hussey said.

Favorite sport to play and why?

Football and baseball. I like to play football because there is contact. In baseball, you have to think more.

Favorite sport to watch and why?

Football. My favorite team is the Green Bay Packers.

Favorite activity when not playing sports?

I do a little bit of everything. I will play video games, work, and work out with my brother Adrian (Roa).

What is your favorite moment in high school athletics so far?

My freshman year playing baseball with Adrian and Mason Gumbert. They really pushed me.

A fun fact about you that few people know?

I am a pretty good snowboarder. I like to go to Mt. Hood and Anthony Lakes. If snowboarding was a school sport, I’d give up basketball.