By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
Riley Einck, Slayton, is becoming a bit of a celebrity. In September of 2018, Riley was invited to go behind the scenes of a Minnesota Gopher football game as part of the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation. The foundation gifted Riley with an AffloVest to aid in his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Riley received a signed oar from Gopher head coach P.J. Fleck as well as having a photo with former bachelor Colton Underwood.
Last Wednesday Riley, the son of Joey and Tara, signed a letter of intent with the Southwest Minnesota State University football team. Tara shared that although Riley knows a lot about sports, he didn’t realize signing letters of intent was a ‘real thing’. Therefore Riley didn’t quite know what to expect when asked to be a part of the National Day of Signing. Mom says that Riley isn’t the kind of kid that watches cartoons but instead prefers to watch a full football or basketball game. As part of the signing process, a lengthy video was played. Riley was engaged in the video and enjoyed learning about the recruits as well as the program. “He felt right at home,” stated Tara, “because at home all he does is watch football.”
The seven-year-old watched as tidbits of the 41 recruits were shown on a big screen. As Riley’s own story was shared with the room full of people in Marshall a big smile came across his face. Riley, himself, kept his press conference short and when asked what’s the most exciting part about becoming a Mustang, he simply smiled stating…’ Being on their team’.
In partnership with Team IMPACT and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Riley officially became the newest member of the Mustangs program with a special Draft Day celebration. Coach Sauter said Riley is the youngest player to sign with SMSU and although this is the first time the school has participated in such a program, they are excited to be a part of Riley’s adventure.
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