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Ryan Money’s path to college at the University of Maryland is anything but ordinary. He is applying his unique experiences as an undergrad athlete and the National Guard as a Private First-Class (PFC) to the classrooms at Maryland. Money was originally looking for an ROTC program. They have the same application process for tuition assistance. When he originally applied, he was denied. So, National Guard it was. There are two options the National Guard gave Money. They have a state tuition waiver which pays one-fourth of the tuition of a part-time student. The other part is through a website called Army Ignite Ed. which pays for another one-fourth of tuition. A native of Gambrills, MD., about thirty minutes from campus, Money came to Maryland on a GI Bill. The GI Bill came first, followed by a visit to College Park to meet wrestling coach Alex Clemsen. By the end of the trip, Money had settled on Maryland. The University of Maryland is a state school, so Money could use his waivers along with other benefits. “It was the best option for me to come here,” said Money. “The team atmosphere is amazing. We’re a family. When I came in, I was instantly accepted. Everyone works together. We are all getting beat up together in a way, so it brings us closer together.” Before his wrestling career got started at Maryland, Money starred at the Severn School, 2022 MIAA (Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association) Champion, a 2022 State Runner-Up, and was also a soccer player. He is currently in the Letter and Sciences program and looking to switch to Computer Sciences. Now in his true freshman year at Maryland, Money said the lessons learned while wrestling carry over to the classroom. “So, I started wrestling pretty much as soon as I was born. My dad (Mike) was a wrestler. I wrestled until third grade and quit. I picked it back up in seventh grade. Wrestling has taught me discipline. That’s the biggest thing.” Being a Division One athlete and being a part of the National Guard helps balance out the hard work. “We (Maryland Wrestling) talk about it here (Maryland) a lot. Working out day in and day out, repeating the process, is not something everyone is able to do every day.” Money plans to take both schedules and communicate with both sides meaning when competition comes up, he can make up his National Guard duties during the week. The military only pays for four years of schooling, so if Money was looking to expand his eligibility, that’s a coaching conversation. Money still has a few years left of school, so his plans after graduation are up in the air. “My contract is six years long. I haven’t decided if I want to do something with the military or get a different job in my major.” The University of Maryland is located in College Park, MD. “Getting food is the best part about living not just in College Park, but even in my hometown. There are so many good food places. That is what I spend some of my time doing.” “Serving our country is maybe the most honorable thing you can do. Ryan is a great kid, not surprised that he is called to that. However, the balance of life, service, school, and sport that Ryan is currently juggling is really impressive when you take a moment and really look at everything he is doing. So thankful for his and all those who sacrifice, answering that call to keep our country free. I sleep well at night knowing young men and women like Ryan exist throughout all the branches of our military today,” stated Head Coach Alex Clemsen. The Terps wrestling squad is led by head coach Alex Clemsen, assistant coaches Nick Brascetta, Devin Mellon, and Elijah Oliver. Money will compete at 165 pounds for the 2023-2024 season.