Ryan Digmann is Western Dubuque football’s pancake-eating champion and selfless iron man

EPWORTH — Ryan Digmann is listed at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds.

A proper size for a linebacker and running back turned receiver. As a novice competitive eater? You wouldn’t think so, but Digmann did win Western Dubuque football’s homecoming pancake breakfast contest, chowing down 16 flapjacks in one sitting.

“He’s got a hollow leg or something,” Western Dubuque Coach Justin Penner said with a laugh. “He can certainly eat, like you would never expect out of him.”

To put the contest, and Digmann’s competitive nature, in perspective, he outlasted 6-7, 320-pound teammate Jack Lansing and avenged a loss to him a year ago.

“It was a big competition last year. I got second place,” Digmann said. “I was ready for that one so this year I took home first place. I took a good nap after that. It was tough.”

Digmann hasn’t settled for anything less than his best in any competition this season. The Bobcats’ senior is a two-way starter and developed as a contributor in all three phases of the game. Digmann has helped top-ranked Western Dubuque get back to the Class 4A state semifinals for the first time since winning the 2019 championship.

Digmann was a defensive starter last season but has blossomed into an offensive starter and a key special teams player as well. Early morning weight training, spring workouts and offseason 7-on-7 activities created gains.

“Night and day from last year to this year,” Penner said. “He has been a two-way starter for us. We’ve had injuries here and there and he’s stepped up for guys. His playing time is non-stop. He doesn’t ask to come off the field on special teams, offense or defense. He’s emerged as a really big part of our football team.

“We’re grateful for him growing into that role.”

His impact was felt in last Friday’s 21-7 state quarterfinal victory over No. 5 North Scott. He deflected a pass on a crucial goal-line stand and intercepted another late to seal the win. Digmann had one catch and led the Bobcats with a 23.5-yard average on two kick returns.

“He’s been so special in so many ways,” Penner said. “He’s a big reason we’re winning a lot of football games.”

Digmann is a selfless leader by example. A consistent and even-keeled approach is preferred to rah-rah antics. He still gets fired up but funnels his excitement into his responsibilities each play.

“I try to do more with how I play than what I say,” Digmann said. “I’m not really a big yelling and screaming kind of guy. I just do my job and hope that rubs off on my teammates.

“It’s embracing your role and doing it to the best of your ability. If everyone does their job, our defense is going to be lights out and it has been the last couple weeks.”

The Bobcats have allowed just nine points in the playoffs and two of those came on a safety against the offense. Digmann leads the team with three interceptions and is second with 35 total tackles, 30 solo stops and a fumble recovery.

Digmann transitioned from the backfield to receiving corps, stepping into the starting lineup when injuries hit during the regular season.

“It incredible,” Penner said. “I think it speaks volumes about his intelligence and his desire to learn our offense. He’s a student of the game. He’s earned what he’s gotten and he’s extremely technical.”

Penner praised Digmann for something that won’t make the box score. Western Dubuque has returned three punts and a kickoff for scores. Penner said Digmann delivered blocks to spring each of the scores.

“I love helping my teammates score,” Digmann said. “They definitely recognize it.”

Digmann is a distance runner in track. He exhibits an iron man mentality, staying on the field as much as possible. Digmann rests for extra-point attempts and gets a drink water in time for kickoffs.

“It’s fun,” Digmann said. “I’d rather be out there all the time than sitting on the sidelines.

“I’m out there playing. I don’t have time to think about how tired I am. Keep doing my job every play and we’ll be OK.”

Digmann’s eating exploits began his freshman and sophomore years. On the way back from Bobcat varsity events, they would go out to eat. Some would be all-you-can-eat meals. He would eat more than anyone and they made it a competition.

It is indicative of his overall drive to conquer, which is apparent in how he went from never playing chess to being obsessed with beating his friend who introduced him to the game.

“It’s my competitive personality,” Digmann said. “Any competition of anything, I’m trying to win.”

Western Dubuque (10-1) takes on Bondurant-Farrar (9-2) at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday. The Bluejays pose a strong threat with a physical defense and a potent offense, despite two of their best players suffering season-ending injuries.

The game could be his last, playing with some teammates since fourth grade.

“We just go out every week and play for each other,” Digmann said. “Give it our all. I haven’t thought much about it ending because we’re just focused on the next one, but there aren’t many next ones left. Hopefully, we get it done. That’s all that matters.”

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