Richard Rylee is a 2003 MTHS graduate who was the school's most dominant football lineman of all-time.
A two-way starter, Richard was the type of offensive lineman who the Redbirds could run behind non-stop. On defense, he constantly caused opposing coaches nightmares trying to game plan how to run away from him.
Richard was part of three Redbird teams that compiled an overall record of 34-5, including 21-0 in the Mid-Illini Conference. His teams played in 12 playoff games in three years, finishing 2nd in the state in 2000, a semifinalist in 2001, and a quarterfinalist in 2002. He was named to all-conference, all-area, and all-state teams.
Postseason accolades in football are often reserved for players who gain yards rushing and / or passing. However, Richard was so incredibly dominant in 2002 that he was named the Peoria Journal Star Player of the Year, the first lineman in the award's history to be so honored.