Ryder Schulte Named USA Wrestling Athlete Of The Week

Ryder Schulte (Glendale, Ariz./Grindhouse Wrestling Club) has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week.

Schulte capped off his appearance at the 2026 U17 Pan American Championships with three total medals: gold in freestyle, gold in Greco-Roman and silver in beach wrestling.

At 80 kg in freestyle, Schulte stormed through the bracket with all four wins coming by technical fall. Schulte shutout his first three foes before winning gold with a 16-4 victory in the final.

In Greco-Roman, Schulte went 3-0 with a pin 10 seconds into his first match, followed by a 9-0 technical fall in the semifinals. The gold medal bout at 80 kg featured Schulte outlasting Lhyman Garcia Estupinan of Ecuador, 6-1.

Schulte also took part in the men’s beach wrestling competition. He appeared in his third gold medal contest of the continental championships. After a pair of wins at 90 kg to start the beach competition, Schulte finished with a silver medal.

During the 2025-26 season, Schulte claimed gold at the 2025 Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals. The native of Glendale, Ariz., also collected silver in both Greco-Roman and freestyle at the U17 Pan American Team Trials. Last season, Schulte placed third in 16U at U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor, please email the athlete’s name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.