April 13, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - Missouri wrestling Head Coach Brian Smith announced today that New Jersey native Maxwell (Max) Shanaman has committed to the Tigers for the 2007-08 campaign. Ranked 19th nationally out of all weight classes combined, Shanaman is expected to compete at 141 pounds for Missouri.

A 135/140-pound grappler at Blair Academy, Shanaman finished his high school career with a 140-14 record and is ranked fourth in the nation, at his respective weight class, according to Intermat.

Shanaman is a three-time National Prep Champion (2005, 2006, 2007) and two-time Wilson Champion (2006, 2007). Included among Shanaman's honors are two runner-up finishes at the Beast of the East (2005, 2006) and a fifth (2005) and first place (2006) showing at the Ironman tournament. A two-time Junior National Freestyle All-American in 2005 and 2006, Shanaman claimed 2004 Cadet All-America honors and finished fifth at Senior Nationals in 2007.

"Max comes from a premier high school wrestling program and we're excited to have him on board for our upcoming season," Smith said. "Blair Academy has some of the top recruits in the nation and Max is a prime example of the strength they have in their wrestling room. We're pleased that Max has chosen the University of Missouri to continue both his academic and wrestling career."

Shanaman rounds out a group of eight high school seniors who have committed to the University of Missouri for the upcoming campaign. Earlier in the season, Smith announced the signing of Dom Bradley, Trever Collins, Troy Dolan, Dorian Henderson, K.C. Pescaglia, Michael Schmitz and Brandon Wiest.