Shaler wrestler works to build confidence with eye on postseason success

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Shaler junior Anthony Jones believes he has the tools to be a good wrestler.

His work on the mat says it. Jones is a two-time WPIAL Class 3A qualifier who placed seventh as a freshman at 107 pounds.

What Jones is searching for is the mental strength to take the step toward becoming a state qualifier. Jones’ performance at WPIALs last season left him wanting more.

Jones won his first match but dropped his next two and failed to reach the medal stand.

“I feel like my lack of confidence is holding me back,” Jones said. “I feel comfortable wrestling on big stages. It was just (Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling), but I placed in seventh grade. In ninth grade, I was ecstatic to place at WPIALs. I feel like it’s another mental block. I can’t grasp that I can be better than I have been. I hold myself to so much pressure that it won’t allow me to become that good.”

Jones, who is 56-12 in his career, finished 26-4 last season. Jones said that he gets plenty of encouragement from his coaches at Shaler and at his club, the Quest School of Wrestling.

Shaler coach Mickey Moran understands the pressures that come with postseason wrestling. Moran, who was 124-19 during his career with the Titans, won the WPIAL at 160 pounds in 2003. He also was a three-time state qualifier, placing second in 2004.

Moran would like to see Jones focus on the small steps.

“You can’t wrestle in the WPIAL and put yourself under the microscope for every single match,” Moran said. “You have to treat each match as an opportunity to build toward the end of the year and keep improving on things. It’s important to use those 30 or so matches to figure out what you need to do in order to get over the hump.”

Moran knows Jones has put the work in. He will be able to be in a good position in most matches.

“Anthony’s has pretty much all of the tools,” Moran said. “He’s cerebral about the sport. He knows the sport and how to win. He took some time off in the offseason, and he’s in a place now where he can make a run at going to states.”

This offseason, Jones prepared himself to be more physical as he goes up in weight. Toward the end of last season, Jones felt like the weight cutting was wearing on him.

“I’m always more on the offensive side,” Jones said. “I’m not more of a defensive-type person. During my freshman and sophomore year, I was able to get my shots in off the rip. This is the most physical I’ve had to be. I actually collar-tie people more than I had to in the past. I haven’t liked being in those positions having to bang on people’s heads and inflict pain, legally.”

Jones said he believes Shaler has potential as a team as well. The Titans, who finished 12-5 overall and 2-1 in section last season, made the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs before being eliminated by Connellsville.

“We have three seniors, and they help get us hyped for our matches,” Jones said.

“With our weights and how we line up, I feel like we could make it farther. Our whole team is skilled and disciplined.”

Tags: Shaler