The Ozarks has never been short on sports passion. Friday night lights, packed gyms, and communities that show up no matter the score. What makes those moments last, though, is the voice telling the story. And one of the voices quickly becoming part of that tradition is Ryan Retone. Still a senior at William Woods University, Retone is already building a name for himself behind the mic, calling games at every level and staying deeply connected to the Ozarks sports scene that shaped him. His journey is moving fast, but it’s firmly rooted right here. He joined the guys on The Starting Lineup to share his story, LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE BELOW:

From Local Gyms to Big Moments

Ryan’s broadcasting path began early with Nixa Live, where he spent multiple seasons calling high school games and learning the craft in real time. Those reps mattered. Night after night, he learned how to prepare, adjust on the fly, and give moments the energy they deserved, not just for athletes, but for families and fans listening in. That foundation set the tone: high school sports aren’t just games. They’re community. What sets Ryan apart is perspective. While developing as a broadcaster, he was also a college athlete, balancing classes, practices, and game calls. That dual role sharpened his understanding of pressure and preparation, and it shows in his delivery. His calls feel informed, grounded, and connected to the moment.

Chasing the Right Opportunities

Ryan didn’t wait for the perfect break, he took every chance to get better. His voice carried across Mid-Missouri, through playoff runs, big wins, and tough losses, each stop adding experience and confidence. That work ethic led to a major role at one of the state’s longest-running radio stations, where he’s helping usher in a new era of local sports coverage. Even as his reach grows, Ryan hasn’t drifted far from home. From premier high school showcases to plans to return to familiar gyms, his focus remains the same: telling local stories the right way. When athletes hear their names called with excitement and respect, and when families can tune in from anywhere, that impact goes beyond the scoreboard.

Growing Something Bigger

Ryan’s story is closely tied to the evolution of Nixa Live, a program that’s grown from humble beginnings into a forward-thinking broadcast platform. With passionate people behind it, the production continues to level up, proving that top-tier sports coverage can start at the high school level. Ryan Retone is early in his journey, and that’s exactly why this moment matters. The hunger is there. The work ethic is obvious. And the voice is only getting stronger.