Ryan Roberts

 Ryan Roberts - Valley High School – Class of 1997

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction 2019

Ryan Roberts was a 1997 graduate of Valley High School and was one of the top wrestlers in school history.  During his time at Valley High School, he earned three letters in football, four in wrestling, and one in baseball.  His head football coach, George Purnell stated, “Ryan was one of the best, pound-per-pound football players I ever coached. He never let his physical stature get in the way of being successful. In fact, he used it as a motivational factor in all aspects of his life.”

Ryan’s athletic star shined the brightest at the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament. He finished his high school career with two third place finishes and two state championships. Ryan stated that his most memorable high school wrestling moment was “winning my first state championship with teammate Mike Camenzind.” During Ryan’s dominant senior campaign, he only gave up two points throughout the entire district and state tournaments in route to the 119 pound state title. Ryan’s high school coach, Nick Modrcin described him with the following words, “Ryan was one of the best all-around wrestlers in my 27 years of coaching. He was just a fun kid to be around. When it came down to the finals at any tournament, I knew he was going to be a champion. His toughness and undeniable will to win would just take over. He won a lot of big matches for Valley during his career.” 

After high school, Ryan went on to wrestle at University of Nebraska at Kearney.  During his freshman year, he had compiled an 11-2 record before breaking his arm, effectively ending his wrestling career. Ryan transferred to the Community College of Denver earning his Associates's Degree in 2003. In 2006 Ryan started a career in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) where he compiled an 11-year record of 27 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. He fought for the Bellator Bantamweight Championship, was a 5-time Victory Fighting Championship Featherweight Champion, and fought in the UFC.  His MMA career ended in 2017 with notable career wins against LC. Davis, Jeff Lentz, and Chase Beebe.

Ryan currently works as a Senior Superintendent for ALPA Construction in Philadelphia, PA. He is the father of two daughters; Rilee (18), a freshman at Creighton University and Stella (6), a first grader at West Bay Elementary.  Please welcome Valley Terrier, RYAN ROBERTS to the DC West Hall of Fame!