Ram Nation was shocked and saddened when beloved Lady Rams basketball manager Bryan Reynolds passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 28.

Bryan meant a lot to the Lady Rams and Coach Jeff Lonnon, and, despite the ongoing season, they paused to reflect on Bryan´s contributions to the team. 

“Bryan was our team manager all four years of his high school days. He loved sports, especially Mt. Vernon sports so he embraced his role with us immediately,” said Coach Jeff Lonnon.

Reynolds loved watching sports and being involved in sports was always something he enjoyed.

“While in high school Byran suffered a serious medical event that ultimately put him in the hospital in St. Louis for many weeks,” stated Coach Lonnon

Even with a serious medical event that pushed him back from seeing the Rams play, Coach Lonnon allowed Reynolds to return as team manager.

Even after graduating, Reynolds continued to be team manager for 8 years.

“Reynolds left a happy impact on the team,” Kamaree Pollard, ‘25

He was a very smiley and happy person who brought laughter and joy to the Lady Rams when he was able to come to the games,” Pollard added.

 Over the years Bryan was a part of many great memories that the players and coaches hold dear to their hearts. 

Pollard stated, “My favorite moment I remember having with Reynolds is when we were in the Benton tournament last year, and right before the championship game Reynolds came into the locker room and told us to win the whole dang game and that’s what we did.”

“The smile on his face, I can still remember till this day, was just beautiful,” added Pollard.

The Lady Rams were playing in the 2023 Benton Girls Holiday Tournament when Reynolds passed.

The Lady Rams would go on to win the tournament for the third straight year, defeating the Civic Memorial Lady Eagles, 58-52.

Moving forward, fans may see the Lady Rams playing with a chip on their shoulder, that being Reynolds. 

“Every game is now for Bryan,” said Tiara Johnson, 24.

Mr. Reynolds was such an inspiration to the Lady Rams and to all our faithful Ram fans.

“Reynolds was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day,” said Pollard

 He had a good heart and knew how to make somebody smile.

Reynolds was a person who always had a smile on his face when he was with the Lady Rams.

“Bryan had no idea how many friends he ultimately had when he passed,” stated Lonnon.

Hundreds of people in our community were at Bryan’s funeral service.

“It will forever be ‘Long Live Bryan Reynolds, Our Manager Forever,’” stated Kamaree 

Pollard, ‘25

“Bryan was a friend to not only the MVTHS community but the entire town,”  Coach 

 Lonnon added.

Reynolds always knew how to hype up the team.

“GO RAMS!!!! LET’S WIN THIS THING,” stated Tiara Johnson,’24.