Minnesota Storm Team Member / Augsburg University Graduate / Cannon Falls HS
By Chad Otterness
Ryan Epps is a Cannon Falls High School and Augsburg University graduate. Ryan has been busy competing and training as he pursues his Olympic goals.
Ryan was a three-time All-American at Augsburg University and two-time National Champion.
Ryan Epps just competed against the Wisconsin RTC wrestling club and picked up a 6-2 victory over three-time NCAA Division I qualifier Rickey Robertson of the Wisconsin RTC.
Ryan previously wrestled in his first USA Senior level Greco-Roman and Freestyle Nationals tournament in Coralville, Iowa. Ryan came away with a fifth place finish in the Greco portion of the tournament going 4-2 at 77 KG (169.4 LBS). Ryan also wrestled up a weight class and went 1-2 in freestyle at 86 KG (189.2 LBS).
Q: How and where have you been training to prepare for Senior Level tournaments during the Covid period?
I have been practicing with the storm four to five days a week. Lifting and running five to six days a week on my own. I am helping to coach at Augsburg with guys one on one.
Q: What weight(s) do you plan on competing?
77 KG (169.4 LBS) in Greco and 79 KG (174 LBS) in freestyle.
Q: Will you be training for both styles or focusing on Greco or freestyle?
Both Greco and freestyle, at the moment I have been practicing more Greco, but I plan to put more time into freestyle.
Q: How has the transition gone from folkstyle to Greco and freestyle?
The transition from folkstyle to Greco and freestyle has been good, but I have been able to get into the practice room and feel better in particular technical areas.
Q: Are there any areas you feel you need to improve?
I need to keep improving on Par Tarre, Lifts offense and defense. I want to improve on getting to my tie up positions.
Q: What are your goals as you compete in the Senior Event Tournaments?
My goal is to compete and have fun. My goal is to place high enough to qualify for the Olympic Trials. I need to work everyday to improve to make the trials. My plan is to wrestle in U22s and wrestle well enough to qualify for the Olympics and World Team Trials.
Q: What events are you looking to compete in the Senior Level Tournaments?
U23s, any National Level Tournaments.
I want to thank everyone that has supported me through this process!
Ryan Epps
3x NCAA All-American
2x NCAA National Champion
5th Place USA Open Senior Greco-Roman
6th Place U23 USA Nationals Greco-Roman