Ryan Ringler received the title of “All American” after placing in the top eight at the Fargo National Wrestling Tournament this summer. Courtesy photo.

Cedar Springs junior Ryan Ringler, 16, the son of Paul and Jane Ringler, is an outstanding athlete who qualified for the Fargo National Wrestling Tournament this summer. He placed in the top eight in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman Cadet level, and received the title of “All American” wrestler.

Team Michigan, consisting of one to three wrestlers from each weight class, traveled to the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota on July 13, for the highest level of wrestling competition for high school wrestlers in the U.S. This prestigious eight-day competition is unique. It is the largest, most competitive wrestling competition, and it is common to see as many as 150-plus extremely tough competitors in a particular weight class. Competing in Fargo is invaluable for a wrestler who wishes to excel at the highest level, such as collegiate or international levels. College coaches and scouts attend looking for the best up and coming talent. Ringler was approached and invited to lunch with a group of college coaches.

This was Ryan’s first time to qualify and attend Fargo. As intimidating as the competition can be, he did exactly what he set out to accomplish, which was to place in both styles of wrestling. He placed 7^th in freestyle, taking his first loss immediately and having to do something that is rare, which was to win his way back six consecutive times to place.

Ringler’s determination and upper body strength is remarkable. He was able to place third in Greco-Roman with just one loss to the Illinois Cadet Greco champ, who media claimed was unstoppable. Ringler was dominating this important match with the only points scored; however, after a throw by Ringler and being awarded two points, Illinois challenged it and the two points were removed from Ringler and four points were awarded to Illinois. Illinois gained another point due to Ringler’s head position. Ringler scored the last two points, but time ran out before Ringler could score another 2 points to win. The match ended 4-5. The sting of losing to the Champion by one point was tough, but placing top three and being awarded membership into the USA National team was a goal realized.

Up next for this amazing student athlete is football, where he plans to lead the Cedar Springs varsity team in tackles for the third consecutive year. Then it’s back to training for high school folk style wrestling and researching colleges to attend and wrestle for.

Ryan Ringler, age 11, son of Paul and Jane Ringler of Cedar Springs, has learned from a early age what it takes to be a champion. When many kids are enjoying video games and watching TV after school, Ryan and his brother Jordan are on a wrestling mat. The Ringler boys began wrestling as early as their preschool days. Over these years, the boys have become accustom to starting the season in November and practicing most days of the week for half of the year. This commitment and determination leads them to the annual spring state finals and also the national tournament for youth wrestling—the two largest and most meaningful competitions for every wrestler.

All the time, effort and hard work paid off just two weeks ago, when Ryan accomplished his goal by taking state champion, for the third time, for Michigan. He pinned every opponent. And this past week, he attended the national competition and was awarded the National Champion title for the 100-pound weight class. This was Ryan’s first individual national title. Only the top four wrestlers in each state could participate in this prestigious competition.

Ryan is no stranger to a national championship. This past winter, he tried out and was accepted on to the elite, (MyWay) Michigan, travel team. They battled against several elite, out of state teams. At the end of these duals, Michigan conquered and took home the champion title. Ryan had contributed to this national victory, as he pulled out a win every time he took the mat.

When asked about the state and national tournaments, Ryan never questioned if he could do it. He believed in himself and this was his year. He prepared and worked out, even on those days he didn’t feel like exerting himself. Given the tough, frustrating, contact sport that wrestling is, and the practice time that it takes to be successful, Ryan showed commitment, respect for his fellow wrestlers and for the officials.  He continually presented a good attitude and sportsmanship. That is what his family is truly proud of.

Ryan’s older brother Jordan also made the national team. Both boys will continue to travel with these teams this summer. Jordan placed 3rd at the state finals and should be given much credit for Ryan’s success, due to the motivation and help given to his younger brother all year.