Land of Dreams: Sheldon grad headed to Oregon

Land of the free, home of the Ducks.

Sheldon High School graduate Ryan Land has landed right where he took off.

"There is not a better opportunity I can think of," Land said.

Land has committed to play baseball at the University of Oregon and he is ready to do whatever is needed.

"They just told me it's open next year and whatever they need I can fill it in. Whether it's running the bases, hitting, playing defense at certain spots in the game."

 The first team All-State center fielder was also courted by Western Oregon, Western Nevada, Santa Clara and Oregon state, but Land wasn't about to give up the opportunity to play for a coach like George Horton.

"He is legendary and there's not much more you can say about him," Land stated.

Land is in his third summer with the American Legion Eugene Challengers, where Land is able to develop his game to transform into a division-one ball player.

"The main thing was my arm from the outfield, throwing arm. Other than that they (Oregon coaching staff) said, we are going to help you out once you get here but you are pretty sound fundamentally with those other things."

Land is one of three Duck commits on the Challengers but Brett Nielsen (Sheldon) and Joe Schindler (South Eugene) are the Class of 2013.

Ryan was a standout for the Irish on the gridiron, but the diamond has always been his calling.

"I always knew I could have a shot in baseball ever since I figured out I could run pretty fast and I have pretty good hand/eye coordination so I just thought if I improve those skills and see where I can go from there since I am not the biggest guy, so baseball was my best opportunity."

An opportunity that has landed him at his hometown university.