Black History Month: Tyler Ledbeter

Tyler Ledbeter (Somerset, Wis.) was a four-year defensive back for UW-River Falls Football from 2013-16. In 37 career games, he compiled nearly 200 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and five interceptions. He received the team's Newcomer of the Year award as a freshman in 2013, and followed up with the Defensive Production and Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2014. In 2016, Ledbeter broke up eight passes with nine tackles for loss, and was named to the All-WIAC First Team Defense and was again named the team's Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

Q: When you think about your time as a Falcon, what sticks out as the most memorable? What do you miss most?

Ledbeter: My friends and acquaintances that I met and made at UWRF. I miss living and being around some of my best friends everyday.
 
Q: Do you stay connected with your former Falcon teammates and/or coaches? What do those relationships mean to you?

Ledbeter: There are a handful of my teammates who I stay in contact with. There's a few more where we talk every once in awhile. I coached college football for a few years and would see my old coaches at coaching conventions. Very cordial interactions every time I see them. I can't thank Coach [Matt] Walker enough for all of the opportunities that he has given me. Rocky Larson, Wade Smethers, Jake litecky, Michael Koch, and Nick Flesland; all UWRF alumni. I coached with them at Mayville State University in North Dakota. During my time at River Falls I played with, was coached by, coached with and even coached them. Without our time at UWRF, we wouldn't be as good of friends or even friends at all.

Q: Growing up in nearby Somerset, Wis., what led to your decision to attend and play football at UW-River Falls?

Ledbeter: The price, being close to family, and the care Coach Walker has for his student-athletes.

Q: What advice do you have for your former self or current UWRF student-athletes?

Ledbeter: College is a good networking place. Go to social settings and make friends and acquaintances. Those are the people who are going to give you a job or give you a recommendation. I haven't needed a resume for any of my jobs because I knew the people or had people who knew the hiring committee. Since I have graduated I have had two jobs, and both are with UWRF alumni that didn't require a formal hiring process. Those are also the same people who you are going to invite and have in your wedding.

Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most during your time at UWRF?

Ledbeter: The late great Bruce Larson. He was also a UWRF alum and my high school football coach. I grew up without a father, so he was a great male role model. Not just for me, but for hundreds more. His main goal was not to make you the best football player you could be, even then he did that, but to make you the best friend, husband/wife and father/mother you could be.

Q: How did your time as a UWRF football player add to your overall experience and eventually help you in your postgraduate career?

Ledbeter: If it wasn't for football I would not have met [UWRF Director of Athletic Performance] Carmen Pata, who is the smartest man I met when it comes to strength and conditioning. The athletic program wouldn't be where it is today without him. Because I met Coach Pata, he got me in contact with one of his former teammates who I am working for currently. I have worked for my current employer for five years. 

While I was at UWRF, the Health, Physical Education and Recreation professors were wonderful. They allowed you to grow into a young adult and be patient through all of your mistakes. I wouldn't be where I am today without them as well. Coach Walker and Wiss [Jake Wissing] have seen the dog days of UWRF Football and stuck around to what we see today. Coach [Alex] Wood played during those transition years and Coach [Scott] Imrie decided to join and make UWRF Football the powerhouse program it once was when he was in school. I can't totally speak for today's administration and faculty, but I hope all of them realize how important athletics is to the UWRF student-athletes.