Nov. 20, 2015
By Logan Mayo, Strategic Communications Student Assistant
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-- Shakur Rasheed (Coram, N.Y.), one of the highly touted red-shirt freshmen in Penn State's line-up this year, began his collegiate career last weekend in duals against Lock Haven and Virginia Tech. The talented New York native has lofty goals both on the mat and in the classroom.
Longwood High School alum, Rasheed was a two-time New York State Wrestling Champion. While compiling over 130 pins during his high school career, his most memorable win, becoming the New York State champion during his senior season was done in front of his new coach, Cael Sanderson.
"I had actually verbally committed that day [of State Championship finals] so it was a really big deal," said Rasheed. "My emotions were already high from making the commitment and then once I won, I knew the next step for me was going to be coming to Penn State."
When asked about his decision to become a Nittany Lion, Rasheed smiled and simply pointed to the Lorenzo Wrestling Complex. He knew that coming here meant that he would have the opportunity to train with the best and achieve the goals his has set for himself.
Outside of the wrestling room, a determined Rasheed focuses on his studies and earning his degree in business and theatre.
"I am in between options right now, such as RPTM which is Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, and Business," said Rasheed. "One day I would like to own my own business, preferably a fitness chain."
Penn State provides courses and opportunities throughout campus; which has benefitted Rasheed as he embarks upon the path to his degree.
For student-athletes, time is not something that is too accessible. Between practices, lifting, conditioning, classes and the studying that follows, being able to create a balance between it all is just another victory that students work towards during their time here at Penn State. Rasheed is grateful for his team and coaches, instilling discipline in him to be responsible and on schedule.
Focusing on time management as a personal skill from the moment he arrived, he has learned a lot since high school about where his duties lie and the obligations he has to remain a viable contributor to the Nittany Lions and the Penn State community as a whole.
"I go to tutors. They help me more than anything," said Rasheed. "My teammates and coaches help me a lot by making sure I am on top of my work and responsibilities."
The support offered to the student-athletes has effectively overwhelmed red-shirt freshman Shakur Rasheed. Being away from home, and having brief moments of homesickness, having the encouragement, daily reminders and a family within his team, has made his transition to college a lot easier.
"Our team is very different. We have a lot of different types of people. It helps out a lot when anyone needs help with something, there is always at least one person who has expertise in that field," said Rasheed. "We also have the club guys here, people who have already been through all of this and have the experience to help us adjust."
An extremely family-oriented young man, Rasheed put emphasis on how important his family and their support has meant to him. Coming from a large family, he has always had an extensive fan-base throughout his wrestling career. One fan in particular, his father, has been his role model since he was younger.
"My dad has always given me the best advice," said Rasheed. "He is very intelligent and has always had something new to teach me."
In his spare time, Rasheed likes to play ball and hangout with his friends but outside of athletics, his passion lies within acting. Growing up with five brothers who all enjoyed entertaining one another with their self-created acting scenes, since the age of 10 years old, Rasheed has dreamt of becoming a star on the movie screen.
Echoing the same message in his wrestling career and acting career, Rasheed hopes to collect a lengthy list of accolades during his time here at Penn State and post-graduation. Besides being full of wit and comedic relief, having the wrestling season underway, Shakur Rasheed is determined and ready to showcase his talent on the mat.