By all measures, Ryan Knostman II’s rise to the top of Yorktown High School’s track and field program has been years in the making.
What began as a middle school athlete with a natural ability to “throw things far” has evolved into one of the most decorated throwing careers in school history; one defined not just by records and medals, but by persistence, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
Knostman’s dominance in both discus and shot put has rewritten the Yorktown record books. In discus, he broke a relatively recent school record set in 2020, surpassing Corey Partmann’s mark of 153 feet, 8 inches with a throw of 1568 at the District 3132AA Area Meet on April 10, 2025. At the regional meet this season, Knostman pushed his own record even further, launching a throw of 172-7 to place second and secure his spot at the state meet.
It was on that stage, the Class 2A State Track Meet, where Knostman delivered the defining moment of his career. Competing against the best throwers in the state, he earned a bronze medal with a throw of 165-3.
“For me, the moment that stands out the most was qualifying for state and then standing on the medal stand,”Knostmansaid. “Breaking the school records was something I had worked toward for years, but being able to represent Yorktown at the highest level and bring home a medal meant even more because of all the time, work, and support that went into it.”
That performance capped a steady climb. Knostman qualified for the regional meet in discus last year, placing third as a junior before breaking through to the state level as a senior. Along the way, he consistently placed among the top competitors at every stage: district, area, and region, demonstrating both growth and consistency.
In shot put, Knostman’s achievements are equally impressive. A four-time regional qualifier, he claimed the area title this season and placed fourth at region, narrowly missing another trip to state. His throw of 50-10.25 at the Karnes County Invitational on March 26, 2026, broke one of the oldest records in school history, a mark set in 1964 by Rodney Strattman.
The accomplishment underscored not only Knostman’s physical strength, but also his attention to the technical precision required in throwing events.
“Right before I throw, I try to stay calm and focused on my technique instead of the moment around me,” Knostman said. “At a meet that big, it’s easy to get caught up in the atmosphere, so I remind myself to trust my training. I try to compete against myself more than anyone else.” Knostman went on to break his own record with a throw of 5010.5 later in the season.
That mindset has been critical to his success, particularly at high-pressure meets. Competing at the state level,hesaid,reinforced the importance of mental toughness. “There are a lot of talented athletes there, and everyone has worked hard to get there,” he said. “I learned that even when things don’t go perfectly, you have to stay confident and keep competing. It showed me that all the early mornings and long practices were worth it.”
Behind that success is a foundation built on years of repetition and refinement. Knostman credits his development to time spent not just in competition, but in preparation, hours in the weight room and countless throws focused on improving footwork, balance, and timing.
“A lot of it came from trusting my coaches and focusing on the small details,” he said. “Strength is important, but technique makes a huge difference.”
Those close to him have watched that growth firsthand, including hisfather,Ryan Knostman, who also serves as Yorktown’s athletic director.
“It’s an enormous amount of pride,” he said. “Not just because of the success he’s had, but because of his work ethic and dedication to the craft. He had times where he plateaued, but he kept working and eventuallybrokethrough to another level.”
That belief in his potential dates back years.
“It was right when he started throwing in seventh grade,” his father said. “He had a natural talent, and I believed if he stuck with it, he could be special.”
Knostman, who is the Yorktown Class of 2026 Valedictorian, will next take his talents to the University of Texas at Austin, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering. While his academic future is set, he has not ruled out continuing his track and field career at the collegiate level.
“I’m interested in seeing where that opportunity can take me,” Knostman said.
Regardless of what comes next, Knostman’s legacy at Yorktown issecure.Through years of steady progress, record-breaking performances, and a defining moment on the state podium, he has set a new standard for excellence.
