Local Man Makes Successful Return To State Games

More than two years after suffering a stroke, area resident Darryl Ricker Sr. was back at his home away from home this summer. He has been a competitor at the Big Sky State Games for years and he was happy to finally return to run in Billings this past July.

He said some fellow competitors were pleased to see the return of the 65 year old.

“Some of them thought I died,” Ricker laughed. “It felt good to run. It wasn’t easy. I seem to get tired faster than I used to.”

Ricker came away with seven medals at the State Games including golds in the 800, 1600, two relays and the pentathlon, which features the long jump, javelin, 200, discus and 1500. He placed second in the 200 and 400 for the 65-69 age division.

His running history includes winning the NAIA national championship in the 10,000 meters. while a student at Valley State College of North Dakota. His next goal is to compete at the ironmen’s competition in Seattle, Wash., during September.

In early 2023, Ricker said he suddenly saw blood in one of his eyes during a shopping trip in Williston, N.D. He was treated at a hospital, but later began suffering from additional problems including losing strength on the left side of his body.

Ricker went through a fivehour surgery that included cutting into his skull and then a following three-hour operation.

“It took me three years to get back,” he said of running at the State Games.

He wasn’t always confident he was going to be able to compete after the stroke. “I had to learn to walk again. I couldn’t walk or run,” Ricker said.

In his free time, he enjoys coaching youth for cross country, basketball and track in the area.

“I don’t know if I will ever be as fast as I used to be,” he said. “My balance is still kind of off.”