OUTLOOK: After taking a medical redshirt his freshman season, Max Shanaman returns for the 2008-09 campaign healthy, focused and ready to lead the Missouri lineup in the 149 pound weight class. Shanaman is a quick-thinking wrestler that should give his opponents fits. His skill in every position has developed and the Tiger grappler is expected to make an immediate impact in Missouri's lineup.
"The coaching staff has high expectations for Max this season," Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith said. "He's a talented recruit and he had a great summer work out. He's currently the front runner to start at 149 pounds this year. He has solid attacks and doesn't wear down. For a freshman, Max is by far one of the most mentally and physically mature wrestlers I've coached."
2007-08: Shanaman was awarded a medical redshirt due to injury.
HIGH SCHOOL: A member of the Buccaneers wrestling squad at Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J., Shanaman and his teammates earned three state titles (2004, 2005, 2006) finishing second in his senior campaign (2007). Shanaman wrestled at 135 pounds and finished third at the New Jersey State Championships in 2007, fourth as a junior (2006) and 20th as sophomore (2005). Coached by Jeff Burton, Shanaman earned All-America honors for his work on the mat as well as four letters in the sport of wrestling.
PERSONAL: The son of Mike and Karen Shanaman, Max was born Dec. 2, 1988, in Blairstown, New Jersey. He has two siblings, Zach (22) and Jesse (16).
