Excitement is building on the mats at Lakeview High School as a new era of wrestling begins under the leadership of Coach Ryan Williams. The school recently welcomed Williams as the head of its newly formed Lakeview Wrestling Club, marking the first year wrestling has been officially organized as a club at Lakeview. With a passion for the sport and a dedication to teaching, Coach Williams not only leads the high school athletes but also lends his time to working with younger kids, helping spark interest and grow wrestling throughout the community.
After years of dedication to the sport, Coach Ryan Williams brings a wealth of experience to Lakeview Wrestling. Having spent decades both competing and coaching, Williams has seen wrestling from every angle and understands what it takes to build a successful program.
“I started wrestling in 4th grade at Liberty. Then I started coaching upon graduating in 2001. Also coached for 2 years at Fitch and 3 years at Hubbard. Then I returned to Liberty in the 2011–12 season to coach,” Williams said.
Williams’s coaching journey across multiple schools has given him valuable insight into developing athletes at every level — experience that’s helping him shape a strong foundation for Lakeview’s first-ever wrestling club. Now, he’s eager to bring that same energy and expertise to Lakeview, helping both new and returning wrestlers reach their full potential.
Now rooted in the Cortland community, Williams’s motivation is driven by a desire to grow the sport locally and create opportunities for young athletes. His reasons for starting the Lakeview Wrestling Club go beyond competition — they’re about community pride and providing accessible outlets for kids passionate about wrestling.
“I live here in Cortland now and wanted to provide opportunities for the youth in our community. Also, some Lakeview students were already wrestling elsewhere. I wanted them to have a team of their own,” Williams explained. By giving Lakeview students a place to train and compete together, Williams is building a sense of identity and belonging that will benefit both the athletes and the school for years to come.
The program’s early success shows in its remarkable growth. What started as a small effort has quickly turned into a growing movement in the community.
“Numbers. We currently have 82 wrestlers from youth to high school. Also, raising enough funds to support the program,” Williams said. The expanding interest in wrestling demonstrates the club’s positive impact on student engagement and school spirit. More participation means a stronger pipeline for future high school teams and a wider support network within Lakeview.
Williams acknowledges that none of this progress would be possible without teamwork — from athletes, parents, and volunteer coaches alike. Collaboration and community support play a huge role in keeping the program running smoothly.
“I’m lucky that a handful of dads stepped up to help with the youth team. Jr high and high school practice together and I have 3 other coaches,” Williams added.
This shared dedication highlights how the Lakeview Wrestling Club is more than just a team — it’s a community effort where families and staff come together to help student-athletes succeed.
Building the wrestling program from scratch has demanded creativity and resilience. Because the club receives no direct funding from the school, Williams has worked tirelessly to ensure the program’s financial stability.
“We are only a club at Lakeview. Basically, the school doesn’t cover any expenses for our program. I had to raise funds for: wrestling mats, singlets, warmups, headgear, mat tape, mat cleaner, tournament entry fees, bussing, youth league fees, and USA Wrestling memberships.” His fundraising efforts not only sustain the program but also demonstrate his commitment to providing every wrestler — from beginner to varsity — the resources they need to compete confidently.
Beyond his coaching and organizational skills, Williams’s personal story deepens his connection with the Lakeview community. As a husband, father, and longtime member of the area, he understands the value of mentorship and community involvement. “I graduated from Liberty in 2001. Moved to Cortland in 2021. Married with a 4-year-old daughter and twin 2-year-old daughters.” His family ties and investment in the community align perfectly with Lakeview’s spirit of inclusivity and growth, making him not just a coach but a role model for the next generation of athletes.
With Lakeview being so new to this sport, all that Coach Williams has already done for our wrestlers and community in such a small amount of time has been heavily appreciated. This new opportunity for Lakeview students will only benefit them. With that, we wish William and his team the best of luck this season and can’t wait to see what’s next for this highly supported team!
