Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Ryan Duckett of St. Edmond wrestles against North Linn's Cade Cook on Friday in Des Moines. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — Ryan Duckett’s love of wrestling goes beyond wins and past state experiences.

His passion for the sport has driven himself and his body past normal limitations.

The St. Edmond senior’s final match didn’t go the way he wanted it to on Friday, but the process and the journey was well worth the sweat and tears.

“It’s heartbreaking, knowing I’ll never wrestle in the Green singlet or scrap with the guys in the room again,” Duckett said. “I’m going to miss every single element of this sport. I have given everything I have to wrestling, and it was worth every bit of it.

“The lessons I have learned and the people I have met will remain with me for the rest of my life.”

Duckett (17-7) lost to North Linn’s sixth-ranked Cade Cook in the 120-pound consolation match, ending his prep career.

The Gael senior battled every step of the way with two battered knees the past two seasons.

“It wasn’t necessarily the result I was looking for to end my career, but I still believe fighting through all the pain was worth it all just to be able to be on the mat a little longer,” Duckett said. “I had a blast down here at state, and I did what I came here to do — to wrestle my heart out.”

Duckett injured his knee and missed the end of his junior year. He injured the opposite knee this season, but fought through the pain.

“Sitting up and down on a chair was painful,” said SEHS head coach Eugene Carlson. “His pain was like taking a hammer and smashing your foot with it.

“It was nothing but sheer willpower to do the best he can.”

The St. Edmond wrestling program has been fighting low numbers in recent memory, but Duckett has been the one constant in the room.

“Seeing our guys go out and win, and continue to improve, makes me much more proud then when I get a win myself,” Duckett said.

The Gaels competed with less than 10 wrestlers this year, but have some young athletes in the wing.

Carlson has enjoyed the fact that Duckett has been in the room during this lean stretch, showing the way for the younger athletes.

“Ryan has been the one stable force in a program despite our low numbers,” Carlson said. “His dedication to the sport during the year and offseason has been remarkable.

“He is an example of what a wrestler needs to do to be a state qualifier.”

Wrestling may be considered an individual sport, but with every competitor, the team aspect and brotherhood is a huge motivator.

“Out of everything I’ve achieved in a singlet, I’m most proud to be a helping part in saving the wrestling program at St. Edmond. Having even the small numbers, we do feel great,” Duckett said. “I just hope I made an impact on some of the guys in the room like the others have impacted me.

“Every time I convinced someone to join the team all I could do is smile, because I know that someday they will realize that it’s all worth it. I’m now at my someday, and the love I have for this sport is never ending.”