Senior varsity wrestler Ryan Forrest enters his final year with great expectations. He trained over the summer in order to have a successful season.

Forrest has won three individual district championships and placed third in the state tournament last year with a 41-1 record and 29 pins.

South Lakes has never won a district championship nor had a player win states since 1998-1999, a drought which Ryan aspires to change.

“Getting so close to winning [states] is a real driving force,” said Forrest, “I may miss some South Lakes matches for the tournaments, but I need to prepare to win states by facing national caliber opponents.”

Forrest receives help from some notable wrestlers to help him reach this goal.

Most recent South Lakes state champion and ACC champion from The University of Virginia Paul Bjorlo and 10-time world champion wrestler Wade Schalles aide Forrest in his training.

“I have been working hard at practice and training on Sundays with Schalles, which has definitely improved my wrestling,” said Forrest.

“Bjorlo comes in every once in a while as well. He’s always fun to work with and a good friend.”

Even with his athleticism, Forrest understands the importance of academics.

Forrest is an IB Diploma candidate and received an academic letter this year. He hopes that wrestling, combined with his intelligence, will assist him in applying for college.

“For Ryan, wrestling and school just come hand in hand,” said South Lakes wrestling head coach Bruce Hall. “He is as much of a good learner in the classroom as he is on the mats.”

“Wrestling could potentially help me get into a college that I could not otherwise go to, which I am thankful for,” said Forrest. “High school athletes can get so caught up in their success that they forget how important it is to get a good education.”