News
Local Special Education Wrestler Breaking Boundaries at State Championship
<p data-start="78" data-end="350">Ryan Broderson, a 9th-grade wrestler from Grand Junction, has recently made waves in the wrestling community by participating in a unified match at the state championship in Denver. The experience was nothing short of emotional for Ryan, his family, and everyone involved.</p>
<h2 data-start="352" data-end="387">A Passion That Defies Challenges</h2>
<p data-start="389" data-end="696">Ryan’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite facing a traumatic brain injury, intellectual disability, and being nonverbal, he has found solace and joy in the world of wrestling. For most people, wrestling is a physically demanding sport, but for Ryan, it’s become a place of empowerment.</p>
<p data-start="698" data-end="1067">His mother, Jo Stratton, shared how meaningful the experience was for Ryan, stating, “It was super exciting, super emotional, but it was such a great opportunity for Ryan. It was just an experience that I can’t explain how wonderful it was.” This unified match at the state championship wasn’t just a victory for Ryan—it was a testament to his hard work and resilience.</p>
<p data-start="698" data-end="1067"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10221" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Special-education-wrestler-state-championship.jpg" alt="Special education wrestler state championship" width="826" height="531" /></p>
<h3 data-start="1069" data-end="1108">A Journey of Struggles and Triumphs</h3>
<p data-start="1110" data-end="1597">Ryan&#8217;s journey in wrestling began about four years ago, but it hasn’t been without challenges. &#8220;Lots of different struggles, just losing all the time is a huge struggle,&#8221; Jo explained. &#8220;But he just stays so positive and so tied to the sport. He loves it so much that he doesn’t even care.&#8221; His positive attitude, despite setbacks, has become a beacon of inspiration for others around him. Wrestling, which can be an incredibly tough sport, has become a passion Ryan refuses to let go of.</p>
<p data-start="1599" data-end="1889">One of the key factors in Ryan’s success has been the support of his teammates. Jo Stratton couldn’t emphasize enough how much they’ve embraced Ryan into the team. &#8220;They just treat him like he’s one of their own. Central has just taken him in. It’s been a wonderful experience,&#8221; she shared.</p>
<h3 data-start="1891" data-end="1916">A Family’s Commitment</h3>
<p data-start="1918" data-end="2259">The Broderson family’s journey with Ryan began when Jo and her husband, Eric Broderson, became foster parents to him at just 5 years old. After spending several years together, the family officially adopted Ryan in July 2024. This supportive, loving environment has played a crucial role in Ryan’s growth, both as a person and as an athlete.</p>
<p data-start="2261" data-end="2553">Ryan’s passion for wrestling has only deepened over time, and it’s clear that the sport has become more than just a hobby—it’s a source of self-esteem, joy, and connection. The unified match at the state championship was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and community support.</p>
<h3 data-start="2555" data-end="2580">Looking to the Future</h3>
<p data-start="2582" data-end="2837">Despite the hurdles he’s faced, Ryan has no intention of giving up on his wrestling journey. “Ryan plans on wrestling again next season,” Jo said with a proud smile. His commitment to the sport is unwavering, and it’s clear that he’s just getting started.</p>
<p data-start="2839" data-end="3028">For Ryan, wrestling represents far more than just wins and losses—it’s about the community, the support, and the opportunity to prove that no matter the obstacles, boundaries can be broken.</p>