Ryan Ringler, 9, son of Paul and Jane (Flachs) Ringler and brother to Hannah, Jordan and Grace Ringler of Cedar Springs, did what most young wrestlers dream of. He won the state champion title through the Michigan Youth Wrestling Association (MYWA).
Ringler wrestled the 01/02 age bracket at 82 pounds. As expected, it was a battle down to the finals with the central region champion. Ringler 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. Ringler competed two full days with 25 wrestlers who qualified, through all regions of the state.
Ringler’s older brother, Jordan, also took a coveted place, taking third in the 97/98 age bracket at
65 pounds.
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. Ringler is experienced with the intensity and anticipation around this tournament, as he is a two-time MYWA state champion, as well as in the top three in previous years, and Michigan’s freestyle state champion in 2007. He 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, Ringler understands that it’s not the amount of wins that determines 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.
• • •
Comments by our Readers