Coach Shields receives National Honor

Before the Wrestling meet against Kiski on December 14, Coach Josh Shields was honored for his induction into the Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame. Shields is a home grown Burrell kid. He grew up wrestling with his brothers and continued to do so throughout high school. 

His sophomore year, he finally reached the podium at the state tournament by finishing 8th. His senior year, Shields was a runner up at the PIAA State Championships and ended his career with a record of 147-39. He decided to continue his career at Mercyhurst University and major in International Business. 

As a collegiate athlete at Mercyhurst, Shields was a 2009 National Champion at 165 pounds. He qualified for nationals three times in his career. In 2010, he advanced to the national title bout. He was a two-time regional champion and finished with a 106-22 career record, including an unbeaten mark in home dual matches. 

He holds the school record for career winning percentage at 82.8 percent and his 37 victories in the 2009-2010 season are tied for 2nd most in a single-season in Mercyhurst history. He defeated 28 All-Americans and six NCAA champions in his career. Shields was also a four-time National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) First Team Academic All-American.