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Shawn Taylor, a Top National Talent, Heading to WVU Wrestling
With a name like Shawn Taylor, it’s likely the first thing people think of is the late Washington Redskins hard-hitting safety. One of the toughest, raddest athletes the NFL has ever seen.
But someday soon, and even as time goes by each day, the world is learning more about the kid from Imperial. The now high school junior who took fourth in states at 160 pounds while representing West Allegheny High School.
The WPIAL star is committed to wrestle for the West Virginia University Mountaineers of the Big 12, a school that will see him team up with high school teammate, Ty Watters, in the coming years. Ranked eight in the nation at 160 pounds by MatScouts and 13 by FloWrestling respectfully, the young Taylor is confident heading into his junior year that he will have gold around his neck by seasons end.
It’s hard to argue as after falling in the third place match in the state tournament last season, he turned around and defeated the same opponent handily in nationals on way to a club national championship while representing the Gladiators, his club wrestling team coached by Justin Watters.
Since the fifth grade, Coach Watters has been one of the biggest mentors in Taylor’s life and wrestling career. Taylor and many of his original Gladiator teammates sport a matching tattoo to showcase the brotherhood they’ve built over the years.
Coming off a season in which he finished with 42 wins, bringing his total to 55 so far over two varsity seasons, the goal will always be to stand at the top of the podium in Hershey in the nations top state for wrestling. With his commitment now set to WVU, he’s excited to continue the focus on the task at hand of improving every day both in the wrestling room and the weight room.
To wrestle for Mountaineers Head Wrestling Coach, Tim Flynn, a Penn State wrestling alumni and former longtime coach for the Edinboro Fighting Scots, Taylor is excited to compete for someone with roots similar to his. It’s also a unique opportunity because it’s a program close to home, but one that travels halfway across the country for Big 12 showdowns. This was an aspect that excited Taylor as his travels through his club have never taken him to this part of the country.
With junior year awaiting, Shawn Taylor is excited for the possibility of inching closer to 100 career wins, proving he’s worthy of the national rankings, and helping to make history for the West Allegheny program as a hopeful only second ever state champion in wrestling.
Good luck as you move forward in your career, Shawn! Thank you for the chance to highlight your commitment and accomplishments to date 🤼♂️
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