Sam Shames recently wrapped up his career at MIT as a four-time All-American at the NCWA level. Despite MIT dropping wrestling to club status prior to his arrival on campus, Shames wrestled four years for coach Tom Layte. He's now using his degree in Material Science and Engineering to launch a start-up company with a few other MTI grads. Shames is also working on a project called Wrestling Stories, a collection of personal statements about the importance of wrestling and how it's shaped people's lives.

Hear the answers to these questions and more with Sam Shames on Episode 93 of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast.

  • How did you first discover wrestling and what did you like about it?
  • Graduated from MIT with a degree in Material Science and Engineering. What the heck is that?!
  • You were an NHSCA All-American in high school. What other schools were giving you a look?
  • You got a chance to wrestle in the NWCA All-Star Classic as one of the exhibition bouts a few years ago. What was that experience like?
  • As a senior, you ended up having a wild match with Ryan Diehl, who was a Division I recruit for Maryland but ended up at Liberty. Even though you lost the match, was that type of bout a match that gives even more legitimacy to the teams and athletes within the NCWA?
  • Jaes Jones is another guy people might remember, he was a champ in Fargo at the Cadet level from Utah and he ended up at MIT. Do you ever have conversations with your teammates about other schools they might have wanted to compete at had they not gone to MIT?
  • Now you're working on a project called Wrestling Stories where you collect testimonials and personal statements from people who have been involved in wrestling. Where did this idea come from?
  • Who are some of your favorite Wrestling Stories you've been able to get thus far?
  • What is the main reason behind developing Wrestling Stories?
  • How has the response been so far?

Short Time is sponsored by Flipswrestling. Share your attitude and be heard at Flipswrestling.com

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