Bismarck, N.D. — For University of Mary Marauders freshman forward Hayden Ritter, his athletic pursuits on the ice are now complemented by a new passion taking him to the skies. The Century High School alum, now back in Bismarck playing collegiate hockey, has been actively pursuing his pilot's license this summer, finding a unique balance between the rink and the cockpit. While hockey has been a lifelong commitment, Ritter's interest in aviation has been equally strong, leading him to take significant steps toward becoming a licensed pilot.
Ritter has been a fixture on the ice since he was just two years old, dedicating countless hours to skating and developing his hockey skills. He considers the sport his "first love," a passion he has chased for most of his life. Now, as a freshman forward for the University of Mary, Ritter continues to focus on his athletic career, bringing his experience as a Century High School alum to the Marauders' roster.
His interest in aviation developed early, with Ritter noting he "grew up around planes." This summer marked a pivotal point in that long-standing interest, as he began the process of working toward his pilot's license. Ritter admitted that he felt "very nervous" when he first started his flight training. However, that initial apprehension began to dissipate during his first solo flight, an experience he described as having everything "just kind of slows down."
To date, Ritter has accumulated approximately 20 hours in the air as part of his pilot training. This practical flight time has been paired with significant academic effort, with Ritter dedicating nearly 40 hours to studying the necessary material. He affirmed that this experience has only intensified his passion for flying, a pursuit he states has "always been a passion of mine." The dual commitment to both strenuous athletic training and rigorous aviation studies showcases Ritter's dedication beyond the hockey rink.
Ritter observes distinct similarities between his two seemingly disparate passions. He points to the necessity of "being patient" in both fields. Whether it is mastering a new hockey skill or navigating the complexities of flight, Ritter indicated that success in both areas demands considerable time and methodical effort. He noted that he "have to spend hours studying" for his pilot's license, just as he "have to spend hours practicing on and off the ice" to excel in hockey. This shared requirement for sustained effort and patience underscores his approach to both endeavors.
While Ritter is still in the process of completing his pilot's license, his immediate focus remains squarely on his role with the University of Mary Marauders. He is committed to his new team and to getting back on the ice, embodying the demanding schedule of a student-athlete while diligently working toward his future in aviation.
