Who’s That Bulldog? It’s Mason Riley

Senior Mason Riley is a six-foot- two, 200-pound wide receiver and linebacker on the Bulldogs football team.  He is the son of Mike and Holly Riley.

Mason started playing tackle football with the Whetstone Valley Youth Football program when he was in third grade.  When he was a freshman, he joined the varsity roster on special teams, but didn’t see much action until he played this year.  “I didn’t play football last year as a junior,” he says, “but my friends and teammates talked me into coming out this season. They knew I could play.”

“I like going out there, competing, and having fun. I’m a hard worker and play for my team and nothing else.” He also takes his senior leadership role seriously. “As a senior, you have to take over when times are rough. You have to lead and get everyone on the right page.”

Mason says he’s proud to put on his Bulldog uniform. “There’s actually a lot of pressure — you’re a Bulldog. We’ve been great for years, and you want to keep that alive. So, you have to put forth 100 percent effort and give it your all. We hope to make a good run at the playoffs (this Friday).

Mason is also involved in band, choir, and basketball.  Basketball, he says, is his favorite sport. He loves it so much he plans to make it his career. “I want to coach,” he said, “and teach math.”  He plans to pursue his secondary teaching degree at either Northern State University in Aberdeen or at Black Hills State in Rapid City.

In his spare time, Mason likes to play basketball with friends or frisbee golf. “I’ve probably played 20 different courses,” he says. Mason enjoys being outdoors and works at Dewey’s Lawn Care and Landscaping.  He’s also looking forward to the boys’ tennis season next spring. “We didn’t get to play last year, and I really missed it.”

Photo by VPD Studio