William F. Ryan

{{Short description|American checkers player}} {{For2|American politician|William Fitts Ryan|American designer|William F. J. Ryan}}

'''William F. Ryan''' (1907–1954), nicknamed '''The Bronx Comet''', was an American checkers player who won national titles in 1939 and 1946.<ref>[http://www.usacheckers.com/excerpt-ryan.php USA Checkers]</ref> He considered Sam Gonotsky a mentor and friend.<ref>[http://www.wylliedraughts.com/Gonotsky.htm Wylie Draughts]</ref> Ryan was renowned as the champion of "blindfold checkers" and authored several books on the game. He also worked on a draughts magazine and once played against musician Benny Goodman. In 1954, he died due to a cerebral hemorrhage.<ref>[http://www.checkerworld.com/scans1.html Checker World Profile]</ref>

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ryan, William F.}} Category:American checkers players Category:People from the Bronx Category:1907 births Category:1954 deaths Category:20th-century American people

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