Senior tight end Ryan Wynn played a key role in Oswego’s journey to the Class 8A state championship game last year. His contributions did not go unnoticed by those who matter. “He started every game for us,” Panthers coach Brian Cooney said. “He often functioned as a sixth offensive lineman.”
Since then, Wynn has continued to evolve. He received three Division I scholarship offers and committed to South Dakota State in June. Standing at 6-foot-4 1/2 and weighing 225 pounds, Wynn demonstrated his potential in a recent 44-22 home victory over Neuqua Valley. He recorded three catches for 108 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Drew Kleinhans during the second quarter, which was one of four lead changes in a tightly contested first half.
“I had six catches last year, and I think my total yardage was somewhere in the 80s. I was primarily a blocking tight end,” Wynn said. “But this season, I aim to show more and prove to South Dakota State that they made a solid choice.”
Junior running back Ammar Banire recognized Wynn’s growth. “Ryan has been working hard, improving his athleticism, gaining muscle, and getting taller,” Banire stated. “We can expect great things from Ryan Wynn.” Banire, weighing in at 190 pounds and standing 6-1, also excelled with 276 yards and five touchdowns, including runs of 19, 93, 62, and 12 yards. He added a 41-yard touchdown reception from a screen pass.
Kleinhans completed five of ten passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Senior fullback Graham Schwab chipped in with 119 yards on nine carries. Oswego’s experienced offensive line, with seniors Alejandro Acosta, Gabriel Guzman, Nathan Overstreet, and Ryan Stork, got crucial support from Wynn, Schwab, and senior wide receivers Jalen Walker and Caleb Miller. “There were blocks downfield, which are challenging,” Cooney mentioned. “We excelled in that area.”
Wynn enjoys his role as a blocker. “Blocking for Ammar, I love it,” he said. “I always suggest he go outside, and I’ll seal off a defender. Ammar is great at reading blocks and, obviously, he’s fast.”
For Neuqua, junior receiver Will Kalish registered 174 yards and three touchdowns, connecting on eight passes from senior quarterback Drake Mennecke. Cooney acknowledged Kalish’s impact. “He was challenging for us all night,” Cooney remarked. “Our defense wasn’t nearly adequate.”
Wynn’s father, Adam Wynn, is 6-6 and a former Oswego baseball player, suggesting Ryan may still grow. “Last offseason, I worked out 14 times a week,” Ryan shared. “I’d lift weights after school and do speed and agility training at Acceleration Sports Performance in Yorkville.”
“His progress is the result of daily dedication,” Cooney said. “He’s always had the physical build. He has grown confident with our offense. I saw his potential and he manifested it. His catches and blocking were pivotal in major plays.”