Tom Ryan GARY ABBOTT’S MATSIDE CHAT WITH...
A native of Long Island, N.Y., Ryan followed his brother Frank to Syracuse, where he won an EIWA title as a sophomore. Ryan transferred to Iowa, where he was a two-time All- American, placing second and third at the NCAAs. Ryan returned home to become Hofstra’s head coach and built Hofstra into a national contender. In 2006, he became Ohio State’s coach, leading the Buckeyes the last nine years. This past year, he coached Logan Stieber to his fourth NCAA individ- ual title, and led Ohio State to its first NCAA team title.
USA Wrestler: How does a 19-year-old Ohio State freshman win a Senior World freestyle gold medal? How did Kyle Snyder do that? Ryan: There are so many parts to this accomplishment. It
starts with a Big Dream. A Big Vision. Kyle is a big vision per- son. As a young kid, Kyle had a hunger to be the best in the world. He aches for it. This "ache" in him is intense. His actions are in direct correlation with his goals. Follow him around for a week and you see that this guy is extraordinary. He gave up his senior year in high school and moved to the Training Center to be around the top freestyle coaches and partners in the world. He learned. He improved. He grew. He sacrificed. So did his family. He's courageous and bold. He understands suffering and its relationship to growth. He brings an unmatched energy into every practice. He's easy going off the mat but also a fearless competitor. Ohio State was the perfect place for him. He came because he knew he had partners that would expose any areas that needed to be exposed. He trusted his coaches. He grew in his faith in God. He learned from Tervel Dlagnev to focus on positions and enjoy the journey. He loves the sport.
USA Wrestler: Let’s go to your start. How did you get involved in wrestling, why did you like it and who were your early influences in the sport? Ryan: I began wrestling in seventh grade after getting cut from the basketball team. I was bummed because I averaged 13 points a game from second to sixth grade. I thought I was headed to the NBA. My brother was a huge influence and encouraged me to wrestle. I didn’t like the singlet but gave it a shot. The first day in the room I was hooked. An older teammate Kenny Meadows went to the JRob summer camp and then my brother and I started going. Those camps made me a tougher person. Jim Heffernan was a big influence on me. He was my camp counselor. I loved watching him wrestle. He made it look so easy, smooth with great skill. He came to my high school and taught us. That was cool.
USA Wrestler: Long Island has strong high school wrestling. What are you most proud of about your Wantagh High career? Ryan: My fondest memory was when we defeated cross town rival Bethpage HS in a dual meet. I guess the simple things can make a lasting impression. The gym was packed and it was for the League title. The stakes were high. I was only an eighth grader wrestling varsity but I clearly remember the team need- ing me to perform well. We had to win my match to win the dual. At least I felt that way. It was nice to have the respect of
24 USA Wrestler
Tom Ryan coached Ohio State to the 2015 NCAA Div. I team title, its first national wrestling championship.
guys older than me who I looked up to. It felt good. It gave me a sense of pride and self confidence. I delivered with a win. I was the 103 pounder, the first weight class. My love for the sport was molded in the team aspect of the sport. I like the "bigger than ourselves" outlook. I have since learned that it's a God- inspired design.
USA Wrestler: Why did you attend Syracuse, and what was the program like for you for the years you were there? Ryan: My brother was my idol. He was a first class person in every way. He continues to be a great example. He is now one of the top Intellectual Property attorneys in the World. I'm not surprised. He went to Syracuse and I followed two years later. We were starters at 150 and 158. We were roommates and best friends. Wrestling allowed us to connect in many ways. I enjoyed my two years at Syracuse with Frank. We won the EIWA team title. That was fun.
USA Wrestler: Why did you decide to transfer to Iowa, and how did the program meet your expectations? Ryan: I was raised pre-internet. Knowledge was only gained from books, people or experience. I had to experience it. There was no way of knowing what was happening at Iowa without being there. That’s what I was thinking. They just won a lot. I spent every summer from eighth grade on at camp out there. I was willing to do whatever I needed to stand out in the sport. I enjoyed hard work. After a 2-2 performance as a sophomore at NCAA's, I kind of panicked. There was a sense that my dream of becoming an NCAA champ may not come true. It didn't mat- ter that Iowa had a sophomore All-American at my weight. I had to insert my desire into Gable’s system. Despite my strong bonds at Syracuse, I felt compelled to leave. Wrestling for Dan
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