Nov. 17, 2000

LARAMIE, Wyo. -

University of Wyoming head wrestling coach Steven Suder has announced the signing of Tyson Shatto of Douglas High School in Douglas, Wyo., to a national letter-of-intent.

Shatto was the 3A State Champion last year at 125 pounds, compiling an overall record of 35-1. Along with finishing first at regionals, Shatto also placed first in all seven of his regular season tournaments. Wrestling USA magazine had Shatto ranked 16th nationally during his junior season.

Shatto enters his senior campaign with an overall record of 102-14 for Douglas head coach Bob Bath. As a sophomore he finished second at the state championships in the 119 pound weight class, helping lead Douglas to the team title. In his freshman season Shatto led Douglas in wins with 34 on his way to placing fifth at state at 112 pounds.

A four-year letterman in wrestling, Shatto also earned letters in football and track. Projected to wrestle at 133 pounds for the Cowboys, Shatto is the son of Gary and Jan Shatto. Shatto has a brother, Tanner, and a sister, Tanisha, who currently attend UW.

"We have had the opportunity to watch Tyson for a few years now and believe that he is exactly the type of person and athlete we need in this program," said Suder. "Tyson's credentials are about a mile long. He is spoken of very highly all over the state and is considered by many to be one of the top prospects in Wyoming. He comes from great stock in terms of family and the program he has grown in. Coach Bath does a great job with his teams and has prepared Tyson well to take this next step."

"The wrestling program at Wyoming is everything I wanted," said Shatto. "I knew that Wyoming was where I wanted to go. The coaches are down-to-earth and I felt very comfortable around them. There are some really strong young guys in the program and I wanted to be a part of that as well."