Ryan Schafer, born January 24, 1971, is a SHS graduate of the class of 1989. While attending Sterling High School, Ryan earned a total of nine varsity letters - one in track, two in baseball, two in football, and four in wrestling. As the Roscoe Eades Award recipient, Ryan was voted Most Valuable Player once in football and all four years in wrestling. At the state wrestling competition, he captured fifth in 1986, fifth in 1987, first in 1988, and third his senior year. A High School All-American, four time Regional Champion, and three time sectional champion, Ryan made SHS history as the first four-time state place winner. He also obtained the SHS record for the most wrestling wins of 155. He set state records for the highest margin of victory of 17-5 at 126 pounds in the championship match, fastest technical fall in the IHSA State Meet at 125 pounds, second highest amount of state tournament wins with 15, and had 22 technical falls his senior year. In football, Ryan led the team in rushing and had a total of 14 touchdowns throughout his high school career. Ryan also set the state record in football with a kick-off return of 94 yards in Sterling's first playoff win in 1988. Upon graduating from SHS, Ryan continued his education and wrestling career at the University of Oklahoma. While there, he participated on the varsity wrestling team all five years. After receiving collegiate commencement in 1994, he was employed by Rizzuticom as an Account Executive and also worked as a TV Commentator for the University of Oklahoma. Ryan passed away on December 31, 2014, and is gone but not forgotten.