Brian Ryherd, '84, earned his B.A. in theology/Biblical languages from Concordia. He earned his Master's degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston in 1990.
Ryherd lettered in football for four years, track and field for three years and wrestling for one year. In track, Ryherd was a 1982 national qualifier in the discus and went on to place 15th in the nation. He holds the top three throws in school history with his throw of 156' 11", achieved in a 1982 meet at Concordia Ann Arbor, remaining the school standard through 2010.
Ryherd was a four-year starter on the offensive line, playing three seasons at center and one at tackle. He earned all-district recognition in 1981 and 1982 as well as Illini-Badger all-conference honors in 1982 and 1983. Ryherd's line play was an important factor in the 1983 Cougars averaging nearly 25 points per game and finishing 5-3-1, the team's best record in 14 years.
Ryherd has served in Lutheran education for the past 25 years beginning with nine years as a teacher, coach and Dean of Students at Lutheran High School North in Houston. In 1993, he became principal and teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Ryherd later served as principal at Our Savior Lutheran School in Springfield, Illinois from 1996 to 2003 before taking the position of Superintendent of the Lutheran School Association in Decatur, Illinois. In 2009, Ryherd accepted the position of principal at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis.
