Not many high school wrestlers make it to the vaunted 100-win plateau.
Still, an even fewer number go on to wrestle competitively after high school.
And, an even smaller number can call themselves national champions.
But former Lake Orion wrestler Shane Tobin fits into all three categories, after helping Gloucester County College to their sixth Junior College Wrestling National Championship in 15 years earlier this year.
Tobin, a 2006 LOHS grad who went 113-33 in his high school career, turned down several offers to wrestle at bigger schools to attend GCC, where he is majoring in art.
His father, Tom, said Shane has hopes to transfer to an art school in the Midwest after his sophomore year next year.
Tobin moved with his family to New Jersey after his senior year with his family to help take care of his grandmother and enrolled at GCC, located just outside of Philadelphia.
Shortly after starting classes, Tobin was diagnosed with diabetes, which put his wrestling career in some doubt.
‘This was the first time in 30 years that I’ve dealt with something like this,? said Tobin’s heavyweight Coach Van Lynch.
Lynch said every wrestler brings something unique to the table, but Tobin’s situation was completely different.
‘He had some scary moments,? he said. ‘He was having trouble at times keeping it regulated.?
‘He learned through both experience and his doctor how to deal with those episodes,? the coach added.
One of Tobin’s biggest obstacles was a significant loss of weight, attributed to the diabetes.
College weight classes jump from 197 pounds to 285 pounds, which is considered the heavyweight division.
‘His biggest problem was that he was basically a 225-pound heavyweight,? Lynch said. ‘He was often giving up 50 pounds or more to his opponents.?
Tobin adapted to his new medication and diet and regained his strength and stamina.
‘He ended up 15-12,? Lynch noted. ‘His production was outstanding for a freshman.?
Among Tobin’s big victories was a pin of Brian Pierson, who ended the season ranked seventh in the country.
‘He beat some decent wrestlers,? Lynch said. ‘He showed a lot of promise.?
As a freshman, Tobin split time in the GCC lineup with a senior, getting some valuable training in the process.
But his coach noted that Tobin was equally as valuable when it came to helping his teammates get better, a conclusion the pair came to after their run to the title.
‘He realized that he had helped us at so many levels,? Lynch said. ‘He really helped his teammates improve.?
Lynch said Tobin is now doing better than ever, and he has plans to return to Lake Orion to train this summer.