Football has been important for most of Apache Junction High School senior Ryan Sigler’s life.

He’s played organized football for the past seven years.

“I play football because it teaches you to channel your aggression, and that experience is unmatched in any other sport,” Sigler said. “It also helps me to be relentless on and off the field.”

That attitude will go far for Sigler in his post high school job when he ships off for basic training in the U.S. Army.

Sigler enlisted in the Army under the delayed entry program that allows high school seniors, and in some instances juniors, to enlist prior to graduation. Sigler considers the Army an easy transition based on his football experience.

“On our team, we all view each other as brothers, having all gone through rigorous training throughout the year,” Sigler said. “I think that attitude correlates perfectly to Army life.”

When asked about memorable experiences in football, Sigler’s is a little out of the ordinary.

“My greatest moment was my first varsity game as a sophomore,” Sigler said. “I finished on the ground a lot and felt like I was hit by a train, but I absolutely loved getting beat up on varsity.”

Sigler credits his family as his biggest influence.

“My family has always supported me whenever I needed it throughout my seven years of playing organized football,” Sigler said. “I also give a lot of credit to my coaches over the years for pushing and making me a better player.”

Sigler is quick to admit that the Prospectors are coming off a rough start this season.

“I have nothing but confidence in this team finishing the season strong,” Sigler said. “We’re turning around Apache Junction one week at a time.”

Note: The U.S. Army is an AIA partner. aia365.com will occasionally post stories about Arizona high school student athletes who are preparing to join the U.S. Army. 

                       Apache Junction senior Ryan Sigler stops a Skyline High School tight end in his tracks during a preseason scrimmage. Singer is off to Army basic training after graduation.