Monday’s SWAC football coaches’ call was somber after Mississippi Valley State linebacker Ryan Quinney’s sudden and tragic death. Coaches and media personnel all sent their well wishes to Delta Devils head coach Kendrick Wade, who paid tribute to, by all accounts, a special young man and a popular person.
“Ryan was a real likable kid, personality through the roof. Any room he stepped in was better,” Wade said. “A great, respectful young man. Very popular kid around campus, hardworking, and very talented. I was talking about him being the guy to come with me to SWAC media day next year. Great kid, he’ll be missed for sure.”
Quinney, 20, died in a car accident in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Friday, the day before MVSU was scheduled to take on Jackson State in a SWAC East football game. The Delta Devils surprised the Tigers with an early 14-9 lead, but the SWAC East leaders eventually took control for a 51-14 win.
Wade said his players have not had any football-related activities since Quinney’s passing, instead focusing on grieving a beloved member of their program.
“We brought our pastor in, and we’ve got professionals coming in to make sure the kids are in a good headspace,” he said. “Players loved being around him. He was gonna dance and crack jokes. I just have to give respect to his mom for how she’s handled this. I’ve talked to her every day. She raised a great young man.”
The coach admits that it’s been a tough 72 hours, but as the program’s leader, he knows what the task at hand is.
“It’s tough as a head coach because I’m hurt, but I can’t walk around with my chest down because if I look defeated, then they’re going to do the same thing. I have to be strong for those kids,” Wade explained.
