A visit with WPIAL wrestling champion Ryan Sullivan
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Background Info: Ryan Sullivan is a senior at Shaler High School who has made two appearances in the WPIAL and PIAA finals. Sullivan broke into Shaler's starting lineup as a 106-pound freshman and posted a 12-5 record. He competed at the same weight as a sophomore and advanced to the WPIAL and PIAA title matches, but had to settle for a silver medal on both occasions. He lost 3-1 in overtime to Norwin's Kurtis Phipps in the WPIAL final, then dropped a 5-2 decision to Downingtown's Doug Zapf in the PIAA final. Last year, he moved up to 113 pounds and won WPIAL and PIAA titles. Sullivan posted a 42-1 record last season, with his only loss coming in the Powerade Tournament, and has a career record of 93-10. Sullivan will continue his athletic and academic careers at Pitt. Ryan Sullivan's WPIAL and PIAA experience as a sophomore "It was great to make it to the WPIAL and PIAA finals, but losing both matches was disappointing, kind of embarrassing. That inspired me to work even harder to get ready for my junior year. It was a good stepping stone, a good place to start." Ryan Sullivan's WPIAL and PIAA experience as a junior "It's an awesome experience to win WPIAL and PIAA titles. Wrestling in front of big crowds at Canon-McMillan and Giant Center is something I will never forget. The experience I picked up in both title matches that I lost really helped. I was motivated and ready to go." Sullivan's thoughts on having a bullseye on his back as a returning champ "I'm just focussing on my wrestling. It's my senior year. I just want to wrestle and have fun. I don't feel any added pressure." Sullivan's thougts on choosing Pitt and having the NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh "I committed to the University of Pittsburgh. Coach (Keith) Gavin is doing a great job with the program. Having the NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh is pretty cool. Hopefully, I will be competing in them in the near future." |