After a lot of hard work and determination, senior Ian Shannon is the fourth wrestler in Carlisle High School’s history to win at least 100 matches.

He accomplished this against Conestoga Valley’s Zach Caine during the semi- finals of the Carlisle Classic on December 14. He is currently ranked eighth in the state and second in the district with a record of 118-26.

According to Shannon, he came into the match “focused and determined.” He knew he had to get it because of his friends and family coming to watch him.

“As soon as I won and the match was over, I instantly was overcome with a sense of relief and excitement,” said Shannon.

CHS graduate Jayshon Wilson has the most wins in Carlisle High School with 151 wins; Shannon will come in second with the most wins.

“The goal and dream that I set when I started wrestling back in second grade was finally accomplished and everything became surreal. I looked up to the 100^th win banner on the gym wall and knew my name would be up there with many great Carlisle wrestlers and realized all my hard work had paid off and was totally worth it,” said Shannon.

Shannon gives a lot of credit to his coaches that have pushed him to his fullest potential and got him to be the wrestler that he has become.

“He is the hardest worker I have ever coached. He gives 110% every practice and every match,” said Head Coach Joey Wilson.

Shannon has helped his teammates become better athletes as well. After drilling with them over the past couple of years, their records have improved a lot.

“Ian was a good leader for the team. He was always working hard and was a good role-model,” said junior teammate Brady Meals.

Shannon hopes to continue his wrestling career at Seton Hill University while studying criminal justice.

“He wants to be a champion and he will be,” said Wilson. “As a wrestler he is so good on the mat. He has the capability to control his opponent and score points from top. That will make him successful in college.”