Ryan Jahn never really saw wrestling as just a sport. In many ways, it has always been part of who he is.
Long before he became the new Head Wrestling Coach at Claremore High School, Jahn was a young athlete growing up in a wrestling family where practices, tournaments, and time spent around the mat shaped everyday life. His father coached him growing up. His stepfather was deeply involved in the sport as well. Wrestling became a shared experience among siblings, step-siblings, coaches, teammates, and eventually, his own family.
Now, after more than a decade helping build one of Oklahoma’s premier wrestling programs, Jahn is stepping into a new role leading Zebra Wrestling into its next chapter.
Claremore Public Schools recently named Jahn the new Head Wrestling Coach at Claremore High School, promoting a coach who has spent years investing in the culture, tradition, and relationships that define the program. For Jahn, the opportunity represents both excitement and responsibility.
“The relationships I had with my teachers and coaches growing up inspired me to pursue both education and coaching,” Jahn said. “There were teachers who made a significant impact on my life, and I found myself wanting to grow up and be like them.”
That mindset has shaped the way Jahn approaches coaching today. To him, wrestling is not simply about wins, losses, or medals. It is about building people.
Over the years, Jahn has helped guide Claremore to some of its most successful seasons in program history. During his time as assistant coach, the Zebras earned multiple top finishes at Dual State and the State Tournament while producing seven individual state champions and 39 state placers.
Yet despite the trophies and accolades, Jahn’s focus consistently returns to development.
His vision for the program centers on what he calls a “reload, not rebuild” mentality. Rather than experiencing cycles of success followed by decline, Jahn wants Claremore wrestling to sustain excellence year after year by continually developing athletes at every level of the program.
“We emphasize the mindset of reloading instead of rebuilding,” Jahn said. “Our goal is for athletes to step in and fill the gaps when needed so our program continues moving forward without experiencing a down season.”
That philosophy extends far beyond the wrestling room.
Jahn describes himself as a holistic coach, someone who believes every athlete matters, from youth wrestlers just learning the sport to experienced varsity competitors preparing for state tournaments. He believes strong programs are built through relationships, consistency, and trust.
One of the ways he plans to strengthen that culture is through intentional team bonding activities outside of wrestling. Paintball, European handball, football, and simply spending time together allow athletes to connect away from the pressure of competition.
“When athletes genuinely enjoy being around each other and feel connected, it naturally builds unity, hard work, and pride in representing the Zebra name,” Jahn said.
Academics remain another cornerstone of Jahn’s philosophy.
Raised in a household where grades always came first, Jahn carries those expectations into his program. He wants his athletes to compete not only for championships on the mat, but for Academic State Championships in the classroom as well.
“We are not satisfied with athletes simply getting by,” Jahn said. “We expect excellence.”
That balance between athletics, academics, and personal growth reflects the values Jahn believes define Claremore Public Schools. Integrity, discipline, grit, and accountability are non-negotiables within the program.
“One of my core values is integrity,” Jahn said. “Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.”
Those values are rooted in relationships that extend beyond school walls. Jahn believes being visible in the community and building genuine connections with students and families creates the foundation for long-term success.
Superintendent Bryan Frazier believes Jahn’s leadership style makes him the right person to guide the program's future.
“Coach Jahn represents everything we want our programs to stand for,” Frazier said. “He understands the tradition of Claremore wrestling, values relationships, and is deeply committed to developing student-athletes both academically and athletically.”
Outside of coaching, Jahn enjoys traveling with his wife, Amy, and their three daughters, Eleanor, Eireann, and Emmalyn. One of their favorite traditions is visiting aquariums together while exploring new cities.
As he begins this next chapter, Jahn understands the tradition he is inheriting, but he is equally focused on the responsibility of preparing the next generation of Zebra wrestlers.
Success, to him, is measured in far more than medals.
“It’s about helping student-athletes grow into leaders in their communities and become well-rounded individuals,” Jahn said. “I want them to learn how to face adversity, handle challenges with confidence, and develop the character and resilience that will serve them long after high school athletics are over.”
For Claremore wrestling, the next era will not simply be about maintaining success.
Under Ryan Jahn, it will be about building people first, championships second, and continuing a culture that has made Zebra Wrestling one of the state’s most respected programs.
It’s a Great Day to Be a Zebra.