Issac Becket | ibecket@uwsuper.edu

On August 16, 2021, Ryder Woodworth tragically lost his life in a car accident days prior to starting preseason for University of Wisconsin-Superior men’s soccer team. This accident left shock and sadness throughout all the men’s soccer team. A now senior from Waunakee, Wisconsin, Zach Tiemeyer, who had played against Woodworth in high school, took the number 12 which was meant to be Woodworth’s, in his honor.

Ryder Woodworth memorial plaque in men’s soccer locker room.
Photo by Yellowjackets Athletics

On Saturday Oct. 19, the UWS Yellowjackets hosted Bethany Lutheran in one of their most important games of the season, being first vs second place. For this game, Mary Woodworth, Ryder Woodworth’s mom, travelled up to watch the Yellowjackets compete at the new Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium.

In the 21st minute of the competition, who else but Tiemeyer would open the scoring for the Yellowjackets. “Ryder and the Woodworth’s will always hold a special place in the Yellowjacket family. Mary and I have become very close over the past few years, and she has remained close with our team. She’s been to a few of our games now, but this was the first time we won with her there. The fact that Zach scored the opening goal while wearing the number 12 made the day that much more special,” said Joe Mooney, UWS men’s soccer head coach. “We continue to feel Ryder’s presence with our team, and we are so grateful for the relationship we have with the Woodworth family.”

UWS men’s soccer team with Mary Woodworth after game against Bethany Lutheran
on Oct. 19 at SCCU Stadium.
Photo by Holden Law | Yellowjacket Athletics

With Mary Woodworth in the stands and Tiemeyer scoring the opening goal wearing number 12, it was a wonderful moment for everyone involved in the UWS men’s soccer team and Woodworth’s family.

“I was able to meet all of this year’s players and received a hug from every player,” Mary said. “To top it off, number 12 scored a goal in the first half, my eyes teared with joy.”

This moment demonstrates how important college sports are for people beyond just the two teams competing. “It is the most important goal I will ever score in my life; those circumstances can never be replicated,” Tiemeyer said.

It was a moment for everyone that demonstrated how light can come out of the darkest of situations.