If you’ve been to the Highland Games in Johnson City, Tennessee lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a blur of energy and grit tossing heavy things like it’s no big deal. That would be Ryan Hughes, affectionately known around town as the Wee Beastie. Don’t let the nickname fool you. He may not be the biggest guy on the field, but he has some of the biggest heart, hustle, and a whole lot of competitive fire.
Ryan had been dreaming of competing in the Highland Games for over a decade, but never quite knew how to take that first step. That changed when the manager at his gym handed him a flyer for a local HG training clinic hosted by the Appalachian Highland Celts and SHAG. It was practically down the street, and that was all the nudge he needed. One clinic later, he was hooked. Fast forward a year, and he’s all in and loving every minute of it.
During competition, Ryan proudly sports the New World Celts tartan, a nod to his Scots-Irish heritage. It’s more than just a pattern, it’s a way of honoring where he comes from and carrying that legacy into every throw.
His favorite events? Weight Over Bar (WOB) and Lightweight for Distance (LWFD), where he’s proven he’s got the timing, technique, and tenacity to hang with the best of them. And get this—he’s mostly self-taught. No formal coach, no fancy training plan. Just a whole lot of YouTube, trial and error, and generous advice from fellow throwers. It’s the kind of DIY athleticism that makes you want to root for him even harder.
But beyond the numbers and personal bests, what really fuels Ryan is the community. According to him, the Highland Games crowd is the kindest, most supportive group of athletes he’s ever encountered—and that’s saying something. Whether it’s sharing tips, cheering each other on, or just having a laugh after a long day of heaving cabers, it’s clear this “Wee Beastie” has found his people.
Catch him at the Appalachian Highland Celts Festival in Johnson City, TN this August!
