Wrestler of the year: Hunter became hunted, but Wood's Shiley still won it all (03-27-07)
112-pounder repeated as state titlist, ending his career just shy of 200 wins -- By Tommy Keeler Jr. (Daily Staff Writer)
WINCHESTER — S.R. Shiley loves the outdoors.
Whether it's fishing, hunting or helping out on his parents' farm, he simply enjoys spending time in nature.
"I hunt and fish as much as I can," he said. "I didn't hunt as much this year because of wrestling. I like to fish when it's warmer out. I like any kind of outdoor sports. I like to play golf [and] tennis. I ride my four-wheeler."
Shiley isn't sure how large the biggest fish he ever caught was, but there's no doubt he caught the big one for the Colonels this season. For the second straight year, he won the Group AA 112-pound title.
Last year, Shiley was the hunter; this year, he was the hunted — making his road much more difficult. Since he still found success, Shiley is The Northern Virginia Daily's Wrestler of the Year.
"It was a lot harder winning it this year," he said. "Last year, I felt like it was a walk in the park until the final. This year, I really had to earn it."
Finishing with 199 career victories, Shiley set a James Wood record. For all of his accomplishments, coming up just shy of 200 wins still bothers Shiley.
"I was a little ticked that I didn't get that," he said. "A lot of people like to celebrate their 100th; I wanted to be able to celebrate my 200th."
The match that cost him was the Region II final, when he lost to Millbrook's Wes Heavener. Shiley had defeated Heavener three times earlier in the season.
The loss worked out perfectly.
"I think it really motivated him," James Wood coach Greg Walker said. "He was very focused that whole week of practice leading up to states."
Shiley started the year at 119 pounds so he could face tougher competition. As the season progressed, he returned to 112, his natural weight class.
He finished 60-5 and won his fourth straight Northwestern District title. Not only did Shiley do well, but so did his teammates.
James Wood captured both the Northwestern District and Region II titles. It was the Colonels' first district title since 1993 and first regional title since 1972.
"We accomplished a lot," Shiley said. "Hopefully they can keep the success going next year."
While the Colonels will have to move on, Shiley hopes to wrestle in college. He is considering Division II Shippensburg (Pa.); Shiley said he is still waiting to get his SAT scores back to see how large of a scholarship he would receive.
"It's a good school," he said. "They're known for their wrestling program. I think it would be a great experience for me. We'll have to see how it will work out."
Walker said Shiley will have to stay focused to succeed at a school like Shippensburg.
"It's a whole 'nother level when you're wrestling at a Division II or Division I school," Walker said. "You've got to really be committed to wrestling and off-season conditioning. It's a totally different world."
Shiley said he is proud of what he accomplished at James Wood.
"I feel good about what I've done," he said. "In my freshman year, I had some good wrestlers like [Kyle and Danny Artusio] and Brian [Scott] that I looked up to. They really set the example for me.
"Hopefully I've done the same thing for some of the younger guys on our team."
