Ryan Ringler, age 9, of Cedar Springs, did what most young wrestlers only dream of—he won the state champion title through the Michigan Youth Wrestling Association.  Ryan, son of Paul and Jane (Flachs) Ringler and brother to Hannah, Jordan and Grace Ringler, wrestled the 01/02 age bracket at 82 lbs. As expected, it was a battle down to the finals with the Central Region Champion. Ryan was able to pull out the win with a score of 4-0 and take the title.

Almost 3,000 wrestlers from around the state came together at the Battle Creek Kellogg Arena the end of March to vie for the top eight and the opportunity to continue on to the national tournament. Ryan competed two full days with 25 wrestlers who qualified, through all regions of the state. Ryan’s older brother, Jordan, also took a coveted place, taking 3rd in the 97/98 age bracket at 65 lbs. The top three wrestlers in each age bracket and weight class were awarded a specially designed 2010 MYWA singlet, which means more than the large medal to most young wrestlers.

Ryan is experienced with the intensity and anticipation surrounding this tournament, since he is a two time MYWA state champion, and in the top three in previous years. He was also Michigan’s Freestyle state champion in 2007. Ryan has been the MYWA Western Region Champion for a number of years.

Even though this wrestling season had some very special moments and taking the state title was the icing, Ryan understands that it’s not the amount of wins that determine success, but how those losses are handled. Ryan and Jordan’s family are very proud of them both for working so hard all season, giving it their all, and believing in themselves.

Ryan and Jordan are not continuing on to the National tournament, as they plan to do some fishing, archery and goofing off this spring, as well as, taking a very memorable family vacation to Alaska for some more fishing.  Congratulations Ringler boys!
Read how other youth fared at the state championship in our sports section on page 9.