Dynamic Duo Destroying Blue Knight Records
Gehlert and Quinn nearing and crushing career marks in their senior year
By Torri Blanchard, Urbana Sports Information Intern

During their four years on the gridiron at Urbana University, seniors Ryan Gehlert and Barry Quinn have formed a great quarterback/wide receiver bond, setting up a spectacular final season.

Gehlert, who has played quarterback all four years as a Blue Knight, has already experienced what it is like to see records fall. Last season, as a junior, he became Urbana’s career touchdown passing leader with 35, surpassing Frank Carrico’s 28 (1995-98). He keeps padding his record and currently has hooked up with receivers for 43 career TD passes. Gehlert also recently broke Carrico’s career record for pass completions (409). He has 440 and counting.

According to Gehlert, words could not describe the way he felt when he set his first record. “At the time I knew I was near breaking the passing record, yet it was so surreal when it happened.”

“As a true freshman, Gehlert competed for the starting quarterback position. It is not a surprise he has already broken two records,” said Mark Hall, running back, quarterback coach and co-offensive coordinator.

Gehlert is also nearing the career mark for career passing yards. He has thrown for 4,783 career yards and needs just 168 to pass Carrico’s record of 4,950 yards to become the new career leader.

With 16 touchdowns under his belt, Quinn has been one of Gehlert’s favorite targets at wide receiver over the last four years and is one shy of becoming Urbana’s all-time leader in career touchdown receptions. Quinn has 1,546 career yards on 115 receptions under his belt.

“Over the past four years Barry and Ryan have been focused and playing extremely hard. They have been determined to be successful and it is paying off,” said Deon Doster, Blue Knight wide receiver coach and co-offensive coordinator.

Developing an early interest in the game as youths, Gehlert and Quinn are bringing their football dreams to life. For both players, the tender age of eight is where their dreams of stardom first came to be.

Gehlert, who idealized Bret Favre took a strong interest in the game when he realized he had a natural ability to throw the football. “My first pee-wee football game I threw for two 40-yard touchdowns and the rest was history,” said Gehlert.

After witnessing his first football game at the age of four, Quinn knew the football field was where he belonged. “Once I was finally able to play it was like heaven on earth,” said Quinn.

Quinn, an Urbana hometown favorite, is very humble of his on-field accomplishments.

When asked how it felt to know he was near setting a new record Quinn responded, “I’m thrilled, although I can’t take all the credit. I owe much of my success to my family, coaches and teammates who have been patient and supportive of me.”

Both Gehlert and Quinn are creating everlasting memories of their collegiate careers. Together they are assisting in making the 2007 season a hallmark year for Urbana Blue Knight football.

“Dynamic Duo is the only way to describe those two guys when they are on the field together,” said Doster.

According to Hall, “There is such a strong comfort level between Ryan and Barry when they are on the field together that it helps to put the entire offense at ease.”

Ultimately, setting records are wonderful accomplishments for any player, but to Gehlert and Quinn their records will always be on the back burner to their team success.

The Blue Knights (5-2, 2-1 MSFA), ranked No. 22 in the nation, host No. 12 Malone (6-1, 3-0 MSFA) this Saturday, Oct. 20 at Ellis Field at noon.

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