Ranger of the Week: Shane Gantz

The Parkside wrestling team travelled to Indianapolis over the weekend to compete in the 43rd annual Midwest Classic hosted by the University of Indianapolis.

The Rangers, ranked No. 11 in Division II, brought their 10 starters, including four ranked wrestlers. Leading the way for the Rangers was redshirt senior Shane Gantz, who is ranked No. 1 at 165 pounds. Gantz went 5-0 en route to taking first place. He had two pins and a victory over the sixth-ranked wrestler in the country. As a team, the Rangers took fifth place out of 43 teams.

About Shane

The two-time All-American is off to another stellar season following his runner-up finish at the NCAA Division II Championships last season in which his lone loss came against the top-ranked wrestler out of Nebraska-Kearney in a 1-0 decision.

Gantz has opened the 2022-23 season by winning all 21 of his matches, including two wins over ranked opponents, seven major decisions, two technical falls and three pins. An impressive 77-15 at Parkside, he has held the No. 1 ranking throughout the entire season as he looks to make a run once again at the national title.

Gantz began wrestling when he was in kindergarten, following in the footsteps of his older brothers who were also wrestlers. One of his older brother attended Parkside for a year.

Why Parkside?

Gantz chose to attend Parkside because of how close the school was to his home and family as well as the fantastic wrestling program. “This year has been exciting to see everyone’s growth, including my own,” Gantz said.

Up next for Parkside

The Rangers will enjoy the holiday break before traveling to St. Cloud, Minn., to face top-ranked St. Cloud State in a dual on Jan. 17.