South Lake Tahoe wrestler part of WFC Championships

Many in South Lake Tahoe know native son Ryan Wallace, whether it's from his starting to wrestle at age 5, being a high school and middle school coach, or from when the community pulled together in 2014 to raise funds for his new prosthetic leg. Or perhaps it was when the community was pulling for him in the Endeavor Games where he competed in powerlifting, discus, shot put and sitting volleyball.

Wallace is also known in town for his participation in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour in 2017. While there as a member of the member of the US Para Jiu-Jitsu team, Ryan came in second place behind the Brazilian national champ.

As a victim of a rare form of bone cancer, Wallace lost his leg at age 19, but he never let that prevent him from accomplishing things in life.

After being fit for the new prosthetic in 2014, he started training and rebuilding his life. Soon after Ryan became aware of Amputee Blade Runners (ABR), a non-profit organization that provides running legs for people who wish to live an active lifestyle. Wallace starting pushing towards satisfying the requirements (participating in three 5k events for starters) to owning a running blade.

Ryan is now ready for the next big event, participating in the WFC Championships at MontBleu in Stateline on February 24, 2018. He will be taking the spot local fighter, and Ryan's friend, Chris Cocores had to give up after being involved in a deadly car crash that left him with a broken back and several other injuries. Since Cocores cannot fight, Wallace is donating his share of the WFC ticket sales to his friend.

"We are very proud of the leadership and character that Ryan has exhibited both before and after losing his leg to cancer about 12 years ago," said proud dad Duane Wallace and his wife Tami.

They younger Wallace will be in the ring against David Tallent from Reno. They will participate in a ten-minute submission only Jiu JItsu match. He'll fight in the 205 lb. weight class.

"My goal is as always to show that I was worth helping when I was down, to show that Chris is worth helping now, and to be an example that it is not about the ten minutes in the ring but the hundreds of hours prepping," said Ryan.

He won't be stopped at the WFC 84. Once that is over it's back to the books, studying for his masters with the goal of helping students at Mt. Tallac High. He is also invited to go to Japan for the 2020 Summer Paralympics, a spot he earned by placing in the Endeavor Games.

Besides Wallace there are a few other fighters from Escobar Training Grounds who are going to be fighting at the WFC 84 MMA, Muay Thai & BJJ event at Montbleu Resort, Casino & Spa on February 24. Doors Open at 7:00 p.m. and the fights start at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $100 plus fees and can be purchased here: https://www.montbleuresort.com/events/wfc-84-world-fighting-championships/.