Ritter uses special teams play to earn him starting job

While special teams mistakes have cost Lawton High School at times, it has opened the door for one player to work his way into the starting lineup for the Wolverines.

When LHS hosts Ponca City Friday for a 6AII contest senior Dean Ritter will be in the starting lineup.

“I had three tackles against Putnam City on special teams and the coaches felt like I had earned a chance to start,” the 5-8, 160-pound senior said Tuesday prior to practice. “We did make some mistakes on special teams against Eisenhower but we’ve worked hard to get better.

“We didn’t change any personnel, we just worked with the same guys but the coaches worked on how we needed to improve our hands team. I am usually on the back row so it didn’t affect my role but we all needed to do a better job on special teams.”

While Ritter isn’t very big, he has gained strength since arriving at LHS.

“I have been working a good deal on my speed and I have been hitting the weights more,” he said. “I was a quarterback last season but moved to wide receiver and one thing I needed was to get stronger.”

Ritter also runs track and that’s helped him improve.

“I run the mid-distance races like the 400 and relays,” he said. “I think it helps to play more than one sport because it keeps you busy and you stay in better shape.”

One thing that has become critical for the Wolverines is simple; they have to stay healthy.

“We don’t have very good depth, so it is important to keep our best players on the field,” Ritter said. “We haven’t had many problems with cramping and I think that is a tribute to the work we put in during the summer.”

When it comes to the classroom Ritter is taking a class that most Lawtonians probably don’t know has found a place at LHS.

“I’m taking an aviation class and it’s really interesting,” he said. “We learn how to fly planes and find out what makes them be able to operate.”

Ritter is not sure whether he will focus on a career in aviation or he may follow a path to the military.

“My mom was in the military and I might do the same,” he said. “I’m not sure whether I might join the Army or the Air Force. I just want to explore all my options.”

When it comes to eating, Ritter can appreciate a big order of spicy Buffalo Wings and make a good meal out of them while watching sports at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Most often Ritter is eating with twin brother Hawk and while they are identical, they haven’t tried to play any twin pranks of fellow students or teachers.

“My brother has a tattoo on his arm and that allows people to figure out which one they are talking with,” he said. “I’m older by one minute.”

The brothers spend plenty of time together.

“We play Fortnite a good deal and we usually play together against others or we go against each other,” Dean said. “I also spend time lifting weights when I have spare time.”

When it comes to his job as a receiver, Ritter is eager to get on the field and make an impact for the Wolverines.

“My favorite route is the dig, which is where I go 10 yards downfield, plant my foot and make a sharp turn back toward the quarterback and give him a good target,” Ritter said.

Ritter was asked if LHS can still make the playoffs and he didn’t hesitate with his answer.

“Yes, we can make the playoffs but this week is a very important game for us,” he said. “We have to be consistent and move the ball and when we get chances we have to score. We just have to work hard and play with focus and passion.”