It was a pretty mild day for mid-winter. On this particular day, February 1, 2020, as warm as it was outside, the back-and-forth battle between the Northland College LumberJack Men's Basketball Team and the host opponents from Martin Luther College made the gym feel like it was an oven. Yet, LumberJack senior Ryan Rawlings, a sophomore at that time, would keep his cool throughout the tightly contested game.

"He really had his offense going that day," said LumberJack Head Coach Scott Sorenson. "He was 5 for 9 from the field, including 3 threes. He grabbed 6 rebounds. Dished out 3 assists. He was settling into a groove that we hadn't seen thus far. When time came to set up a game-winning play, there was very little doubt whose hands we would put the ball in."

A Martin Luther bucket with 6 seconds remaining gave the Knights a 1-point lead. During a subsequent timeout after the score, Sorenson made it known that Rawlings would be the one to make a play to win it.

"We knew they were going to shadow Jordan (Brennan) and Benny (Larry) pretty tight." Sorenson said. "I felt like if we could get Ryan going downhill and maybe set a ball screen for him at half court to free up just a little space for him, he would get a clean look. Lucky for us, that little bit of space was all he needed."

Rawlings took the inbound, raced down court, using the screen just enough to force Martin Luther to switch defenders, got to the left elbow, and lifted up a pull-up
jump shot that fell through just as a horn sounded.

Legacy begun.

"I think that's when we all knew he had a chance to be something special," said Sorenson.

"Has to be one of my favorite basketball memories of my lifetime," added Rawlings himself. "My teammates never doubted me. My coaches trusted me. I felt like I needed to reward their belief by making sure I finished that shot. As much fun as the shot itself was, the celebration in the locker room after was the best part."

As the son of a Northland College Athletics Hall of Fame member (Bryan Rawlings, Class of 1979), the younger Rawlings journey to Northland had its fair share of twists and turns. Multiple other colleges, opportunities at different levels, deciding what to study…all obstacles that Rawlings had to overcome. However he got to Northland, his coaches and teammates sure are glad he did.

"Ryan is one of the most talented basketball players I have ever played with," said fellow LumberJack senior George Butvilas. "When he's got the ball in his hands, there's not many people who can stop him. As a great of basketball player as he is, he's an even better person off the court. He has always been a great teammate, mentor and friend!"

Rawlings's teammates have learned to appreciate the many years and experiences he brings to the team. It's helped Rawlings become an undeniable leader year-in and year-out. As much as his play on the court will be part of his legacy, his impact on the program will continue long after he finishes his basketball career.

"I swear he's youngest old person I've ever met," joked LumberJack sophomore Kevon Powell. "He's incredibly smart in the traditional sense, but he also has a wisdom far beyond his years."

LumberJack junior Kayden Palmi continued, "Ryan has always helped me get better and better every year. My freshman year he would yell at me non-stop whenever I wasn't doing the right movement or in the right spot. He's always held me to high standards and expects the absolute best out of everyone."

Rawlings himself admits that he's learned that there's a lot more to life and basketball than just winning and losing.

"At the end of the day," said Rawlings. "it's possible to leave a lasting legacy even if you don't accomplish all of your goals. I honestly hope that when this is all said and done, I left my teammates, my coaches and my school with an appreciation of everything I've given to them. Because I know just how much I appreciate everything they've given me. The team has always been family to me. The campus community has been home."

Legacy complete.