Quinn doing big things on and off field

September 25, 2016

By Kyle Gaudette, Lawrence Eagle-Tribune

NORTH ANDOVER -- Most of Ryan Quinn’s life has revolved around being precise, and that probably won’t stop any time soon.

For six years now, Quinn has been the kicker for both North Andover High and currently Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne, Mass. His one job has been to use his foot to direct a ball through a target.

Not the most glamorous position by any means, but it was something Quinn wanted to perfect so he could stay on the football field.

“I had two really bad concussions in high school that kind of forced me to stop playing,” said Quinn. “So I started kicking because it was the only thing I could do.”

He certainly found his niche.

Recently he was named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for the third time in his career. He is 70 for 87 on extra points for his college career and 4 for 8 on field goals with a long of 35.

Over his last two years at North Andover High, Quinn was a perfect 60 for 60 on PATS.

But outside of football Quinn has been training for something far more precise than being a kicker, and far more important.

Quinn has worked for the Onset fire department since May, where he has been training as a first responder. He became certified in Massachusetts after completing a firefighter training course in Hyannis last spring, and has been involved in “over a hundred” first responses since. 

“I always wanted to be a cop, but I got a great opportunity because my uncle (Mike Picard) is a firefighter in Haverhill,” said Quinn. “I’ve responded to everything from a simple nose bleed to a multi-car crash to house fires. My job is to assist anyone who needs help as quickly as possible.”

Just two weeks ago, Quinn responded to a call at Cape Cod Canal at Buzzards Bay after a man purposefully drove his car off a lookout deck. He assisted as the man was pulled from the water with minor injuries, and just three days later strapped on his pads to kick off the Buccaneers’ season in the season opener - a 28-24 victory over Maritime, N.Y.

“We arrived on scene and were able to get him out of the water quickly and get him to the hospital,” said the 6-foot, 180-pound Quinn. “Whether it’s a fire or someone driving off a bridge we always try to do what we can to help people and get them to the hospital.

“I try to stay away after that, though. I wouldn’t want to hear if someone didn’t turn out for the best. I just want to do my job to help assist people any way I can.”

Quinn admits to being done with football after this season, and is planning to move to Providence to work as a first responder. He will need to get re-certified in Rhode Island, a “long and lengthy” process that he is more than willing to go through.

In the Family

It came as no surprise when Quinn decided to go to Mass. Maritime.

His father Mike Quinn graduated in 1981, and was a standout running back for the Buccaneers under head coach Don Ruggeri. Both are in the school’s athletic Hall of Fame, Quinn the class of 2007 while Ruggeri was inducted in 2004.

The younger Quinn credits his father with teaching him all he knows about football.

“My dad went to Maritime and we would go to a bunch of games together when I was growing up,” said Quinn. “He really taught me how to play football. He’s been the one mentoring me ever since I was a little kid.”

There is also his uncle Mike Picard, whose service as a Haverhill firefighter got Quinn into the business.

“My uncle gave me the opportunity and I really wanted to jump on it,” said Quinn. “I couldn’t pass it up, and I’m really glad I’m doing what I am.”

Breakout Box

By the Numbers

Ryan Quinn’s Mass. Maritime numbers.

Year FGM-FGA Long PATs Points

2013 2-3 35 25-33 31

2014 2-4 27 22-26 28

2015 0-1 - 15-18 15

2016 0-0 8-10 8

Totals 4-8 35 70-87 82

Note: Missed much of junior year due to injury