Since he could walk, Lawton Rikel has had a passion for sports that has never wavered.
The 2019 Canyon graduate was a multi-sport athlete for the Eagles that led to a college career playing football for Friona graduate and now head coach Colby Carthel at Stephen F. Austin State.
But now Rikel is venturing into sports through a different lens.
Following an extensive interview process, the 23-year-old, earned a spot on a pro sports team entering the business side of things for the Texas Rangers organization in late July as a CRM analytics coordinator. He spends his days at Globe Life Park, eats his lunch in a Rangers suite at times and enjoys every minute of his day-to-day duties.
“When I received the call that I got the job it was hard to contain my excitement,” Rikel said. “Being a part of a pro sports team is surreal. The work is so much fun, and the co-workers are even better. Globe Life is an amazing ballpark, and I just have to remind myself I work for the Rangers every day.”
Hard work paying off to gain such a valuable opportunity is nothing new for Rikel.
During his playing days at Canyon, Rikel was a three-year starting quarterback for the Eagles highlighted by a senior year in 2018 where he was recognized as an All-State honorable mention player.
That hard work caught the eye of Carthel, who offered Rikel a walk-on spot at SFA. At that time, Rikel didn’t know if his dream of playing college football would go more than a season, however, Rikel turned into a scholarship player for the Lumberjacks over his superb five-year career.
During his five years, Rikel made his mark for a growing SFA program playing in a career 50 games, snagging 87 balls for 1,024 yards with 10 touchdowns.
“I loved my time at SFA,” Rikel said. “We got the program going in the right direction and won a conference championship. I’d run through a wall for coach Carthel. I appreciate what he has done for me. I just enjoyed everything about going to SFA.”
Carthel is equally appreciative of Rikel’s time he spent with the program.
“Lawton is an ultimate over achiever,” Carthel said. “He earned a scholarship for us and he was a valuable player for the program. He’s been a winner on and off the field since day one. That doesn’t surprise me with who his family is.”
Canyon head football coach Todd Winfrey, who was Rikel’s offensive coordinator, agrees with Carthel and couldn’t be happier to see the achievements of his former athlete.
“I feel the same about Lawton like I do about my own daughters,” Winfrey said. “He’s been like a son to me. When he went to SFA I immediately got ESPN plus because I promised him, I wouldn’t miss a game. We always texted after his games. He had his ups and downs and battled injuries, but he persevered and I’m so proud of him.”
Not only was Rikel a key player at SFA, but he also graduated with an undergrad in Kinesiology and earned a master’s in business administration.
Today, he’s utilizing that degree to do his job to the best of his ability in Arlington.
“I wanted to coach for the longest time,” Rikel said. “I then got a little burned out from football. I love taking trips and you don’t get that coaching. My dad (Randy) helped me get my MBA in sports and it just fit me. I will say some of the perks are great. I get some discounts to the concessions and team store and vouchers for home games. It’s just cool to be a part of this organization.”
Rikel knows he wouldn’t be where he is today if he never “Played for the C”. He holds Canyon near and dear to his heart and always will.
“I always keep up with the Eagles,” Rikel said. “I keep up with the coaches and I’ll give coach Winfrey a call on game weeks. Those coaches are pivotal growing boys into men, and I will always do what I can to keep up and be a part of the Canyon Eagles.”