As a bright eyed SIUE freshman stepped onto the mat for the first time in his collegiate wrestling career, Ryan Yarnell had nothing but glory in mind. Unfortunately, there was no glory that day. Instead, Yarnell tore his meniscus in his very first collegiate wrestling match against Indiana last November. 

Yarnell said, “Rehab after my injury last year was difficult because it was my second time going through it in a year. I was kept out of the sport I love for over a year. It was also much different than the injury my senior year because I was unable to walk for six weeks. It was very painful to work out with a leg that isn’t in walking condition.”

After all of the hours spent into making sure he came back stronger and better than ever, Yarnell felt proud of himself and was happy with the results early in this season. Yarnell, who was an undefeated state champion during his senior season at Windsor, lost his first match of the 2019-20 season. However, he then went on to win his next four matches.  

Yarnell said, “I felt like I really needed the wins in Pennsylvania because I hadn’t won a match since state my senior year. I was voted captain with two of my amazing teammates and I felt the pressure to perform. Getting a win against a kid as good as that (from West Liberty) really helped my confidence.” 

Yarnell is currently 6-6 on the season. After a year of rehab, Yarnell is still getting back his conditioning, so he should get stronger as the season progresses. 

Yarnell said, “My goal for the rest of my career are the same as they were in high school. I want to stand on top of the podium by the end. This year, I am focused on qualifying for the NCAA tournament and being a leader on this team. Keeping grades up and enjoying the process is also really important to me.”