Edinboro natives advance to 'American Ninja Warrior' semifinals, and a fall wedding

Two General McLane High School graduates advanced to the semifinals of "American Ninja Warrior" on June 13.

Ryan Sanders, 23, and Jennifer Stefano, 22, now of Columbus, Ohio, made it through a qualifying round at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, to compete again at Universal Studios Hollywood.

"American Ninja Warrior" pits athletes against a series of extreme obstacles in a quest for a $1 million top prize. If either Sanders or Stefano wins, they'll share the money. The couple will marry in September.

Alicia Tavani-Candela: Another Erie 'American Ninja Warrior'

"A million dollars would make a lot of financial things easier," Stefano said, including paying for the wedding, settling school loans and buying a house.

Stefano competed twice before on "American Ninja Warrior," in 2020 and 2021, but did not qualify for the semifinals.

Anxiety attacks held her back.

"It was a major part of why I didn't do well last year. This year I wanted to overcome that. I had a lot of anxiety that morning, but Ryan being there helped me a lot," she said.

From 2019: 'Undercover Billionarie' dishes up gift to help Erie

"Qualifying this year was actually kind of mind-blowing," Stefano said. "I went into the season trying to relax and have fun. I obviously wanted to qualify, but it was not a worry of mine, so when it happened, it was super exciting. It was my third season on the show but my first time competing with my fiancé, so it was so much more fun."

Sanders got emotional watching Stefano compete.

"It was honestly incredible to see her go out again this year, after last year. It really affected her," Sanders said. "I was super proud of her for even applying to be on the show this year, and super proud seeing her step onto that starting platform. She conquered her fear and anxiety going out there, and she crushed it."

It was Sanders' first time competing on "American Ninja Warrior." He was accepted for the show in 2020, but later was dropped when the competition was scaled back because of the pandemic.

"Competing, for me, was a dream come true. I've been watching the show since the first season started in 2009," Sanders said. "I was a little kid, but the first time I saw it on TV, I knew I wanted to do it some day."

Making the dream a reality was a long time coming. But Sanders completed the course.

"I'd been applying for the show the last five years. It's super challenging even to get selected," Sanders said. "To be selected, get out there and hit the buzzer the first time on the show to qualify for the semifinals was awesome."

Sanders started the couple on their "Ninja" quest.

"Ryan had always been a fan of the show and after graduation, when we were done with sports, wanted something more to do," Stefano said.

Sanders competed in cross country and track and field at General McLane. Stefano played soccer, ran the mile and competed in pole vault.

Digging for truth: Unraveling the mysteries of Oak Island

"Ryan said, 'I think I'll train for 'American Ninja Warrior.' I said, 'OK ... sure.' I knew nothing about ninjas or how the show worked. He built obstacles at his house and we used to train there," Stefano said.

Both later were ninja coaches at Sinai Sports in Millcreek and now are coaches at Movement Lab Ohio in Columbus. Sanders also is a physical therapy assistant.

Sinai Sports opens in 2019: Ninjas in training

"American Ninja Warrior" episodes that began airing in June were filmed during the qualifying rounds in March. The semifinals were filmed in April and the finals in May, but competitors aren't allowed to share results before the episodes air; it would spoil the broadcast suspense.

The June 13 episode can be seen online at American Ninja Warrior.

Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNmyers.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie 'American Ninja Warrior' couple advance to semifinals, fall wedding