Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Ryan Rothrock was the driving force behind the first national championship in Embry-Riddle Athletics history, leading the Eagle men's basketball team to the 2000 NAIA II National Title in his first season with the Blue and Gold en route to one of the best careers in program history.
 
The Illinois native transferred in to Embry-Riddle from Central Florida Community College and immediately took over the mantle of floor general and team leader. Rothrock helped weather the storm early in the 1999-00 season when the Eagles lost a pivotal player to injury, and was inducted into the ERAU Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the national championship team that reached the pinnacle of NAIA II men's basketball in Branson, Missouri in 2000.
 
Rothrock had a way of running the Eagle offense and distributing the ball to three future ERAU Athletics Hall of Famers (Kyle Mas – Class of 2011; Harold Pierson – Class of 2013; Jason Cruse – Class of 2015) that allowed the Eagles to have the most successful three-year run in program history with an 87-18 (.829) record.
 
Rothrock was a two-time first team NAIA All-American, a two-time first team All-Florida Sun Conference selection, the 2002 FSC Player of the Year, a member of the 2000 NAIA National Tournament Team and a 2001 Academic All-Conference honoree.
 
"Rock" was a do-it-all point guard, amassing 1,347 points (19^th all-time), 660 assists (2^nd all-time), 231 steals (3^rd all-time) and 315 rebounds in just three seasons, all while shooting 48 percent from the field and 43 percent from three (5^th all-time). His career 2.2 steals per game average ranks second in program history, while his career 6.3 assists per game still stands as the program record.
 
Rothrock graduated from Embry-Riddle in 2002 with a degree in Business Administration.
 
"Ryan distinguished himself as truly one of the very best in the history of Embry-Riddle basketball during his three-year playing career. His on-the-court accomplishments are very impressive, however, his greatest impact to the outcome of any game was his leadership ability. It would be fair to say that Ryan's level of discipline and his knowledge of how to play the game was off the charts. Nobody could outwork him in the weight room, classroom, in conditioning, or on the court.
 
"Ryan was the mentally toughest student-athlete to ever wear the Blue and Gold. He was a special leader who cared so much about the team and his teammates. His leadership was impactful because he led by example. He built a level of trust with everyone who came into contact with him and especially for those who had the honor and privilege to play with home or coach him."
Steve Ridder
Head Men's Basketball Coach (1988-present)
 
"Two words sum up why 'Rock' had the career he did: NO EGO. He came into an already successful program and made it measurably better. His attitude and work ethic infected the entire team immediately. He was clearly the best player on the court most nights…he dominated the game by setting everyone else up where they could shine. It was never about stats to Rock, it was about winning."
Kyle Mas
Embry-Riddle Men's Basketball (1997-01)
Embry-Riddle Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2011
 
"During my tenure as Sports Information Director for the Eagles, several athletes distinguished themselves as leaders both on and off the field of play, but few rose to the level of Ryan "Rock" Rothrock. Ryan's quiet and gentle demeanor off the court stood in fierce opposition to his amazing skill and leadership on it, and it the latter that I believe has earned him the right to be acknowledges as one of the best in the history of Embry-Riddle Athletics."
Dwayne Leach
Embry-Riddle Sports Information Director (2000-03)