I got a chance to write my first wrestling feature of the season for today’s paper. It’s on Ryan Osleeb of North Salem. Osleeb, a 119-pound sophomore, is the only member of his school’s varsity team. He lives a different athletic existence than Section 1’s other wrestlers.
Osleeb can’t participate in dual meets. He has to travel to a different school, John Jay, every day for practice. At tournaments, he’s the only one in North Salem blue.
Osleeb practices with and sometimes travels with John Jay, which is the closest school to his. Coach Bill Swertfager welcomed him in three years ago and he’s become close with the Indian wrestlers. His uncle Jim McGinty, who nudged him toward wrestling a few years ago, is a John Jay assistant. But ultimately Osleeb is an island.
You can read my story here. I think it came out pretty well. What do you think? Did I miss anything? When you click that link you’ll also see a video box in the upper right corner. Hit play and there’s a short interview with Ryan, as well as footage of him at Saturday’s Beacon tournament.
10 Comments
what a great story lol, ive often heard his name but never heard of anyone else from that school i guess i know why. thanks jake it was funny and entertaining
Love this kid’s focus and hope he does well again in Sectionals/States. As a former JJ wrestler from the late 70s-early 80s now living in MD, I appreciate keeping in touch via your reporting/blog. Keep it up!
Jake
Great article. Well done
Hi Jake,
where can we find the small school ranking?
Jske,
Great article . Ryan Osleeb , his dad and uncle are all a class act. You could not have picked a better Section One wrestler for your story.
Keep up the good work !
Ragman
wRESTLING fANS…Do you mean the Division II state rankings?
Same story with Israel Henry out of Peekskill. They cut the program at the school and now he’s been training with Hen Hud. Look out for that kid because he is something special!
What tournaments has Israel Henry won this year?
No . They mean small school rankings.
Excellent article Mr. Thomases. Entertaining,factual and pro wrestling…...