Ending his high school wrestling career at Pitt’s Fitzgerald Field House could not have been more perfect for Travis Shaffer (H.M. @ 140). And doing it for the Pennsylvania team in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic was more than he could have expected.

Shaffer, a senior at Derry Area High School, was originally selected to compete in the preliminary match on the WPIAL All-Star Team at 140 pounds. But an injury to Solanco’s Dan Neff (No. 5 @ 135) gave Shaffer a chance to wrestle for the Pennsylvania squad at 135 pounds against the United States All-Stars.

Shaffer (147-22), a three-time WPIAL champion and four-time PIAA place-winner, made the most of his opportunity. He came up with a 7-2 decision against Hunter Stieber (No. 1 @ 135), a four-time Ohio champion from Monroeville High School.

“It’s unbelievable to have my high school career end this way,” Shaffer said. “Pound-for-pound, Stieber is one of the best wrestlers in the country, in any weight class. It’s incredible to beat a kid ranked No. 1 in the country. There’s nothing to lose when you face a kid with his credentials.”

For his incredible performance, Shaffer was voted Outstanding Wrestler for the Pennsylvania team, which surprised a heavily favored United States team with a 27-18 victory.

For Complete Article by Ken Wunderley, Tri-State Sports & News Service