Clarion Athletics

Wrestling - 1997 Clarion University Grad - Geography.

Sheldon Thomas, a nationally recognized 118-pound wrestler at Clarion, carved a place in Clarion NCAA Division I wrestling history as one of the all-time mat greats with the Golden Eagles. Sheldon wrestled at Clarion from 1994-97 and posted an incredible career record of 124-18, a winning percentage of 87.3%. A three-time D-I All-American, he won the NCAA title at 118-pounds in 1996, placed third in 1997 and was fifth in 1995. As a freshman Thomas was 26-7 and won PSAC & EWL titles. In 1995 he was 31-5 overall, placed second at PSAC’s and EWL’s and was fifth at nationals. In 1996 he was 32-4 overall, won PSAC’s and EWL’s, then went to nationals and won the D-I title at 118 defeating Iowa’s Mike Mena in the semi’s and Iowa State’s Jason Nurre 6-4 in the finals. In 1997 he was 35-2 overall, won his third PSAC and EWL titles, and placed third at nationals. Twice invited to the NWCA All-Star match, he was EWL “Wrestler of the Year” in 1996. A three-year captain, Thomas helped lead Clarion to two EWL (1994, 95) and one PSAC (1994) team title. A native of Newark, Delaware, Sheldon was a 1992 graduate of St. Marks High and is currently an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania