Ryder Bickett: Rising Javelin Star from Carrington High School
Fargo, ND — Ryder Bickett, a standout javelin thrower from Carrington High School, recently clinched the North Dakota Class B javelin title, setting him up for a prestigious opportunity at the U20 Championships held at Oregon’s iconic Hayward Field this weekend. As he prepares for the 2024 Nike Outdoor Nationals, Bickett boasts the fourth-longest qualifying throw in the nation, measuring 211 feet and 11 inches. This impressive feat comes thanks to a supportive network he fondly calls "Fly Beta Javelin."
Ryder’s success is rooted in athletic lineage; his father, Chad Bickett, a former state champion at Carrington, still holds a place in the history books with the fourth-longest throw for Bison javelin. Ryder is following closely in his father’s footsteps, with the guidance of Chad’s former coach at North Dakota State University (NDSU), Mark Waldera.
Initially hesitant about pursuing javelin, Ryder’s high school journey took a serious turn when his father stepped in as his coach during his freshman year, further enhancing his skill set alongside past coaches like Sierra (Rosenau) Tweed. With his first experience on a tartan surface ahead of the Nike meet, he expressed gratitude for the expertise of those around him.
The Bickett family looks ahead to a promising future at NDSU, where Ryder hopes to contribute to the university’s strong javelin program. Mark Waldera noted Ryder’s natural talent, attributing it to both inherited ability and dedicated coaching.
Following the Nike meet, Ryder aims for the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, an ambition shared by both father and son. "It’s amazing for him to be able to throw like he has," Chad reflected. "It brings back a love that you forgot you had." As Ryder travels this exciting path, he exemplifies how ambition and support can shape athletic journeys.
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