Bob Jones Wrestler Sheldon Sharp Competes at Nationals

Junior grappler faces tough field at NHSCA Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:02pm

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Bob Jones High School junior Sheldon Sharp, the reigning AHSAA state wrestling champion in the heavyweight division, recently competed at the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Nationals in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Sharp opted to drop down a weight class to 220 pounds to face some of the top wrestlers from across the country, but fell short of earning All-American status despite several close matches.

Why it matters

Competing at the prestigious NHSCA Nationals is a major accomplishment for any high school wrestler, as it provides an opportunity to test their skills against the best competition nationwide. Sharp's participation highlights the strength of the wrestling program at Bob Jones High School and the individual talent of the junior grappler.

The details

In his opening match, Sharp lost 10-5 to Greg Stull of Graham High School in Ohio. However, Sharp bounced back with an 8-1 decision over Camani McDaniel of Connecticut and a narrow 5-4 win over Fred Brown of South Carolina. Sharp then defeated Brennen McGill of Louisiana 8-2 before falling 9-1 to Kenneth Hamilton of Virginia in his final bout.

  • The NHSCA Nationals were held in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
  • Sharp competed in the tournament on April 1, 2026.

The players

Sheldon Sharp

A junior wrestler at Bob Jones High School who is the reigning AHSAA state champion in the heavyweight division.

Greg Stull

A wrestler from Graham High School in New Carlisle, Ohio who defeated Sharp in the opening round of the NHSCA Nationals.

Camani McDaniel

A wrestler from Connecticut who Sharp defeated 8-1 in his second match at the NHSCA Nationals.

Fred Brown

A wrestler from South Carolina who Sharp defeated 5-4 in his third match at the NHSCA Nationals.

Brennen McGill

A wrestler from Louisiana who Sharp defeated 8-2 in his fourth match at the NHSCA Nationals.

Kenneth Hamilton

A wrestler from Virginia who defeated Sharp 9-1 in his final match at the NHSCA Nationals.

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What they’re saying

“I went down a weight class in the Nationals and the difference in weight and my opponent having quick reaction time threw me off a bit and I didn't have as much advantage with mobility compared to competing in the heavier weight class.”

— Sheldon Sharp, Bob Jones High School Wrestler

“In my first match on the second day, scoring equipment failure at the end of the first period caused a 30-minute delay, but in the second period I had a takedown and near fall and went on to an 8-1 decision.”

— Sheldon Sharp, Bob Jones High School Wrestler

“I could tell he was getting tired and won it at the end.”

— Sheldon Sharp, Bob Jones High School Wrestler

“It was a close match until the end, but I had him on his back most of the third period.”

— Sheldon Sharp, Bob Jones High School Wrestler

“I went into desperation mode late in the match.”

— Sheldon Sharp, Bob Jones High School Wrestler

What’s next

Sharp's wrestling and football talents will be highlighted in the upcoming May issue of the Madison Living Magazine.

The takeaway

Despite falling short of earning All-American status, Sharp's participation in the prestigious NHSCA Nationals demonstrates his continued growth as a wrestler and the strength of the Bob Jones High School program. The experience will undoubtedly help him prepare for his senior season and another run at a state championship.