|
|
Ryan Going for 4th Title in '09, Going to GCU in '10 |
| Print | |
E-mail |
Show Low wrestler Ricky Ryan has accepted a scholarship offer to join the Grand Canyon University Antelopes wrestling team next year. The senior is beginning the final season in what has been an illustrious career for the Cougars, including three state championships so far.
 Ryan is trying to become the first wrestler in Show Low history to win four state titles. Currently he is one of just two wrestlers to ever win three titles. The other was 2005 graduate Sean Seymore, who lost in the state finals his freshman year. Seymore is an assistant coach at Show Low. If Ryan can win state this year he will join a group of just 21 other wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat.
After finishing second at the 3A East Regional as a freshman, Ricky went on to win the state championship at 112 pounds and finish with a 33-8 season record. As a sophomore, he won the regional and went 54-2 overall to win the title at 119. Last year as a junior, he went 50-3 and collected his third title, this time at 125.
Show Low Head Coach Tim Williams appreciates the value of Ryan to the Cougar wrestling team. "He's a great kid, a great wrestler and great to have in the room. He's very dedicated and works hard and that work is paying off for him." He went on to say that Ricky should continue to experience the same kind of success at the next level, "If he shows the same dedication he has throughout his high school career, he'll be a great college wrestler. He outworks every opponent. If he continues with the same work ethic then he will continue with the same success."
Entering his final season with a 137-13 record and three titles is very impressive, but there is one more record Ryan has in mind. Former Cougar Sean Seymore, mentioned earlier as the only other Show Low alum with three titles to his credit, also owns the state record for takedowns at 300. Ryan is planning to take a shot at breaking that record.
If Ricky can match his personal best for wins in a season, 54, that would be enough to move him into fourth place in state history for career wins. Regardless of the season total, a healthy season should lead to placement in the top 10. The record is held by Jarrod Tavasi of Mingus Union who finished with 201.
Ryan is joining a relatively young program at Grand Canyon. The Antelopes are in just their third year of existence. Though they are Division 2, they will have the chance to wrestle ASU, Embry Riddle University and many other top programs. The scholarship offer to Ryan amounts to a full ride.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
