UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In all six years of his collegiate wrestling career, Shakur Rasheed never thought it would end like this.
The 197-pound senior battled injury after injury, fluctuated his weights to meet the team's needs and surmounted every conceivable obstacle thrown his way. And as the NCAA Championships loomed ahead, Rasheed buckled down for his final career performance.
Stepping into a starting position previously occupied by Kent State transfer Kyle Conel, Rasheed always felt like he had something to prove. His eyes were dead-set on the March tournaments and little could shift his focus – that is until an unprecedented pandemic swept through the nation.
"We went from preparing for the biggest tournament of the year to going home and doing pretty much nothing," Rasheed said. "There's not much to do because everything's shut down. I am able to go to the field and work out, but it's hard to find motivation without a tournament to look forward to. You just have to do it for yourself."
Luckily, six years of constantly overcoming adversity have prepared Rasheed, both mentally and physically. He's been taking time to relax with family but finds himself missing the structure and discipline he had during the season. To stay motivated, Rasheed plans on continuing his rigorous workout regimen.
"No matter what I just want to be my best self. I don't need wrestling to do that for me," Rasheed said. "I want to be in good shape because I enjoy working out. It's kind of like a peaceful mind state for me. It's my way of meditating."
Aside from maintaining his Nittany Lion physique, Rasheed has a newfound schedule free of commitments, practices and traveling. The senior has been prioritizing this time spent with family, while also spreading his message of positivity with his fans and supporters.
"I've just been hanging out with loved ones and making my relationship stronger with God," Rasheed said. "The only negative thing about this is the reality of why we're trapped in the house. These are hard times, but there's plenty of positive that could come from this."
One of Rasheed's top quarantine distractions are a quainter pastime: puzzles.
"We went to Walmart and got some puzzles. That's not really anything I've ever done, but I like stuff like that," Rasheed said. "And all the bad is easy to forget when you're surrounded by people you love. The best thing for me to do is focus on the positive."
Despite the demand from fans to continue an international wrestling career, Rasheed thinks he'll leave his wrestling shoes on the mat.
"My plan has always been to leave and close that chapter in my life after collegiate wrestling. I want to accomplish big things in different ways, not just in wrestling," Rasheed said. "But if this truly is it, I don't think you'll see me as a nine-to-five guy. I want to continue performing and doing something that I love."
While Rasheed searches for some kind of certainty, he often finds himself reflecting on his time spent inside Rec Hall.
"I wore those Penn State colors with heart and represented it the best way I could. Of course, there are things I wish I could've done better, but you can't really go back in time. I know what I've done, and I think a lot of people know I could've done better when it comes to awards, but when it comes to heart in general, I've definitely given it my all," Rasheed said. "That's what I'm happiest about."
Shakur's Quarantine Checklist
Favorite Netflix Movie:Top Gun
Favorite Music:90's R&B
Favorite Video Game:Darts on Game Pigeon
Favorite Meal:Peanut Butter Captain Crunch
Favorite Thing to Do When Bored:Hanging out with loved ones