—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla St. Edmond's Ryan Duckett is competing in his senior year with the Gaels.

Nothing involving Ryan Duckett or the sport of wrestling has ever gone smoothly for the St. Edmond senior.

Yes, Duckett has experienced much success along the way, including a run to the state tournament as a sophomore, but injuries have cut short his career in a Gael singlet.

Through it all, though, Duckett has persevered and continued to push forward as the unquestioned leader of the SEHS program.

“(As a junior) my injury ended my season and that caused many mental blocks,” Duckett admits. “But fighting through that made me so much stronger mentally. I will not let this year and this injury end my season without a fight.”

Duckett was set to step into the St. Edmond lineup for Senior Night. Inclement weather caused the meet to be postponed for the time being. He has missed the past few weeks while recovering.

Over the past four seasons, Duckett has taken on more of a leadership role within the Gael program. That has helped him grow as both on and off the mat.

“It’s meant everything to me watching the team go from me being the only middle school wrestler to having a small, but close unit,” he said. “I would like to be known for carving a path for these other wrestlers to grow and succeed moving forward.”

His wrestling success has led him to being selected as part of the 2018 Iowa National Dual Team along with numerous high school tournament titles.

Duckett has also started his own business, taking several of his skills learned in wrestling to the next level.

“I think lessons I’ve learned from wrestling have actually helped me in my business,” he said. “Always fighting to be the best and putting in work to achieve that.”

As a freshman, Duckett won 28 matches, following that up with 25 as a sophomore including an appearance at state. Last year, he secured a 15-1 record before his injury and is 11-3 this season.

Vacation: Hawaii.

People I would like to have dinner with: Warren Buffett and Luke Combs.

My sports role model: Jordan Burroughs.

My everyday role models: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: Jack’s Pizza.

Favorite road trip: with friends to a concert in North Dakota.

What are you listening to right now: Moonwalking in the Calabasas by DDG.

Class: Investments.

Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Team: Minnesota Vikings.

App: Snapchat.

Movie: White House Down.