A Pella wrestler who finished his career on the podium nearly passed up on the chance to do so after losing a loved one.

Ryan Van Donselaar placed 6th at 160 pounds in Class 3A, but this past fall, he nearly ended his senior season before it began, due to the grief of losing his older brother Zach unexpectedly in October. Zach was a varsity wrestler with the Dutch prior to graduating from Pella High School.

Head Coach Jay Pike says Ryan was an inspiration to his teammates, even before the heartbreak, and became even more of a leader as he worked through the challenges.

Van Donselaar joined teammate Kody Huisman at Wells Fargo Arena in February at the state tournament, with both earning podium finishes.