Athlete Spotlight: Millbrook wrestler Ryan Meushaw
Posted: January 29, 2013
Millbrook High School 16-year-old sophomore
Sport: Wrestling
Weight class: 106 pounds
Parents: Don and Donna Meushaw
Hometown: Originally Alexandria before moving to Winchester in fourth grade.
Nicknames: My coach [Jeff Holmes] calls me “Moose” because they’re so huge and I’ve always been a little guy, so it just kind of stuck.
When did you start wrestling: I started in seventh grade. Football kind of intimidated me because people were growing faster and they were bigger than me. Wrestling was the only thing I saw that looked really interesting where I could wrestle at 75 pounds.
What you love about wrestling: I love that it builds strong character and I love the adrenaline rush coming off the mat after a good win, a tough match.
Biggest strength and weakness in wrestling: My biggest strength is my desire and work ethic to accomplish any goal I set my mind to. And my biggest weakness would be I second-guess myself a lot, even when sometimes I’m right.
Sport you always wanted to try: I’ve always wanted to try rugby because I’ve always thought it was crazy that those guys go right at it with no pads right on the field. It’s really similar to wrestling I think.
Most memorable moment in wrestling: Last year being a freshman and making the varsity team. It was phenomenal to be in the room with a group of wrestlers and staff like we had last year. It was awesome, they taught me a lot about discipline and dedication.
Most embarrassing moment in wrestling: I have never really had an embarrassing moment. I have had times where I’ve been really upset or mad after my performance, but never embarrassed.
Favorite athlete: I have three actually. [UFC middleweight fighter] Chael Sonnen, [U.S. Olympic champion at 74 kg] Jordan Burroughs and [Washington Nationals outfielder] Bryce Harper. Those are the core guys that I look up to and think are just phenomenal athletes.
Favorite sports team: Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: [Former President] John F. Kennedy because I’ve always wanted to ask him what it was like to sit in that position and have all the power. Jordan Burroughs because he inspires me in ever aspect, not only with his ruthlessness but also his determination, and [rapper] Wiz Khalifa. I like his music and it’s just crazy some of the stuff that he does in the studio.
Favorite Quote: “Earn, not given.” It’s something that’s gone around Millbrook since I’ve been there.
Favorite subject in school: World History because it’s very interesting to me. It seems like I learn something new in each class and I love that.
What’s on the iPod: Anything from Led Zeppelin to Skrillex, so definitely I have pump-up music and then I have music where I just like to relax with my thoughts.
Pregame routine/ritual: I like to really mentally prepare myself because it’s such a big deal. You can have a guy who’s a really good wrestler and you can mentally beat him on the mat just from how you shake his hand.
Plans after high school: At the moment I plan on going to college and would love to continue wrestling. I’m hoping to get a master’s degree in technology/computers.
— Compiled by Kevin Trudgeon