Apologies for the “Fast Break” title in a wrestling post. For indexing and finding stories, “Fast Break” is a reference for all of the Q/A posts that I put up.
This is an “interview” that I have wanted to do for three years. Gauge’s high school career was beyond fabulous. I have been associated with GHS athletics for the last fifty years. There have been many great athletes during the past fifty years. In my opinion, Gauge Shipp is definitely on the Mt. Rushmore of the greatest GHS athletes of all time.
Here are the numbers on Gauge-
*** First Year- 23-2, 3rd in State (Covid)
*** Soph Year- 41-7, 6th in State
*** Jr Year- 50-0, State Champ
*** Sr Year- 49-1, State Runner-Up
*** Career- 163-10, 99 match win streak, last two years- 99-1
As you read this post, you will realize that Gauge has both the mind and the heart of a champion. If you are a coach, parent, or fan- please share this post with the athletes in your life.
This blog post is for athletes who want to become champions!!
“I love it so much.”
Massey- What initially got you excited about wrestling as youngster?
Shipp- As a young kid who played multiple sports, I instantly fell in love with wrestling particularly because of the individuality that wrestling offers. I loved that it was just me vs someone else. But in all honesty, even to this day, I love it so much because it makes my family proud. I love the support and having people that respect what I do. It gives me a purpose.
“What really made the difference was what zi was doing when I was alone.”
Massey- You achieved so many great things in high school. What things drove you as an athlete?
Shipp- By the time I entered high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be a Division 1 wrestler, and I also knew what it really took to become one. Luckily, I was beyond blessed with supportive parents, family, and coaches that helped me along the way. But what really made the difference, was what I was doing when I was alone. I spent so many hours alone in wrestling rooms, gyms, running at night, and doing anything I possibly could to feel satisfied. I also wanted to put myself on the “Mount Rushmore” of Galesburg athletics.
“The reason I have gotten this far in athletics is because I enjoy the process.”
Massey- When you read about championship athletes in any sport, most of them are more focused on the “process,” vs on the “outcome.” Championship athletes seem focused on just getting better each day. Does any of that fit your experience? What was your feeling about practice? Did you like practice?
Shipp- Absolutely, and I feel like in order to become successful, in essentially anything, it takes that mindset and approach. The reason I have gotten this far in athletics is because I enjoy the process. I love that feeling of accomplishing something hard or difficult, and I think I practice and compete every day just to chase that feeling. If you asked me what my ideal practice would look like, I would probably always tell you I want to live wrestle as long as possible. I love to compete, and I love the challenge of doing something you shouldn’t enjoy.
Massey- When you read about championship athletes in any sport, most of them are more focused on the “process,” vs on the “outcome.” Championship athletes seem focused on just getting better each day. Does any of that fit your experience? What was your feeling about practice? Did you like practice?
Shipp- Absolutely, and I feel like in order to become successful, in essentially anything, it takes that mindset and approach. The reason I have gotten this far in athletics is because I enjoy the process. I love that feeling of accomplishing something hard or difficult, and I think I practice and compete every day just to chase that feeling. If you asked me what my ideal practice would look like, I would probably always tell you I want to live wrestle as long as possible. I love to compete, and I love the challenge of doing something you shouldn’t enjoy.
“I love that feeling of accomplishing something hard or difficult, I think I practice and compete everyday to chase that feeling.”
Massey- Sometimes in sports great teams and great athletes win, and then they immediately become focused on the next match. With your tremendous record and achievements, were you able to ever to stop and appreciate all that you accomplished? Do you look back now and smile when you think about what you have achieved?
Massey- Your loss as a senior was heartbreaking I am sure. Champions like you learn and grow from every experience. How has that loss impacted who you are as a wrestler now?
Shipp- That loss definitely broke me for a while. And those type of loses you never really forget. But that next week when I was stuck in a boot, really down on myself, and stuck at home, my closest teammates and loved ones were stopping by my house, hanging out with me, and keeping my mind as clear as they could. But now I am competing at the Division 1 level, those high-school credentials aren’t relevant. Everyone I wrestle in this level of athletics are state champs, national champs, some even world champs. Now the focus is to make it to nationals, become an All-American, and find a way to become dominant where I am at. Then maybe that loss will sting a little less.
Massey- What do you hope your high school teammates and coaches would say about you? Besides wins, what impact do you hope you had on Galesburg wrestling and your teammates?
Shipp- I hope I become known as a great leader. A lot of my closest Galesburg teammates, I either convinced them to join wrestling when we were younger, or I encouraged them to start coming to extra practices or tournaments with me. I hope I set a good example for the youth, and gave them a good guide to what it takes to accomplish your goals. Like I said, I consider my former teammates my brothers and sisters, and they all know they can reach out to me and I would be there for them, and that goes both ways.
Massey- Sometimes in sports great teams and great athletes win, and then they immediately become focused on the next match. With your tremendous record and achievements, were you able to ever to stop and appreciate all that you accomplished? Do you look back now and smile when you think about what you have achieved?
Shipp- Something I may regret, is not appreciating some of the big moments. But I had such a great high school wrestling experience. I met so many teammates that I can call my brothers to this day, and those are forever bonds that we will always have. We had fun, I made so many memories, and I learned so much. When competing in highschool, I was chasing perfection. I didn’t want anyone to score on me, I wanted to pin everyone, and I spent every day thinking how I could accomplish that. But other than not appreciating the moment, I cannot say that I have any regrets.
“Then maybe that loss will sting a little less.”
Massey- Your loss as a senior was heartbreaking I am sure. Champions like you learn and grow from every experience. How has that loss impacted who you are as a wrestler now?
Shipp- That loss definitely broke me for a while. And those type of loses you never really forget. But that next week when I was stuck in a boot, really down on myself, and stuck at home, my closest teammates and loved ones were stopping by my house, hanging out with me, and keeping my mind as clear as they could. But now I am competing at the Division 1 level, those high-school credentials aren’t relevant. Everyone I wrestle in this level of athletics are state champs, national champs, some even world champs. Now the focus is to make it to nationals, become an All-American, and find a way to become dominant where I am at. Then maybe that loss will sting a little less.
“I hope I became known as a great leader.”
Massey- What do you hope your high school teammates and coaches would say about you? Besides wins, what impact do you hope you had on Galesburg wrestling and your teammates?
Shipp- I hope I become known as a great leader. A lot of my closest Galesburg teammates, I either convinced them to join wrestling when we were younger, or I encouraged them to start coming to extra practices or tournaments with me. I hope I set a good example for the youth, and gave them a good guide to what it takes to accomplish your goals. Like I said, I consider my former teammates my brothers and sisters, and they all know they can reach out to me and I would be there for them, and that goes both ways.
“He was willing to do anything to help me get there.”
Massey- Your parents have been very supportive of you during your career. As a coach, I have sometimes seen parents who struggle to encourage their son/daughter athletically without the parent becoming demanding and turning the sport into a high pressure thing? How were your parents able to walk that line and support you but letting you still be in charge?
Shipp- Unlike a lot of youth athletes, I was never pushed into my sport. I was not born to become a great wrestler, I was not put on mats as soon as I could walk. I played lots of sports when I was young, and my grandpa actually took me to my first wrestling clinic which was in Galesburg. I credit my parents for so much when it comes to my wrestling career. My younger sister as well. They have sacrificed so much for me, and I love making them proud. My dad has been my coach since I was little, and he never pushed me like lots of dads would. He knew what I wanted to accomplish and what my goals were. And he was willing to do anything to help me get there and did a great job. My mom was my number 1 fan, and it was extremely rare she missed a match. She helped me diet growing up, and I could always rely on my mom. My little sister Rylyn has also spent so much time in bleachers watching me, and I am very thankful for her as well. I have a great family and have been extremely blessed.
Massey- Your parents have been very supportive of you during your career. As a coach, I have sometimes seen parents who struggle to encourage their son/daughter athletically without the parent becoming demanding and turning the sport into a high pressure thing? How were your parents able to walk that line and support you but letting you still be in charge?
Shipp- Unlike a lot of youth athletes, I was never pushed into my sport. I was not born to become a great wrestler, I was not put on mats as soon as I could walk. I played lots of sports when I was young, and my grandpa actually took me to my first wrestling clinic which was in Galesburg. I credit my parents for so much when it comes to my wrestling career. My younger sister as well. They have sacrificed so much for me, and I love making them proud. My dad has been my coach since I was little, and he never pushed me like lots of dads would. He knew what I wanted to accomplish and what my goals were. And he was willing to do anything to help me get there and did a great job. My mom was my number 1 fan, and it was extremely rare she missed a match. She helped me diet growing up, and I could always rely on my mom. My little sister Rylyn has also spent so much time in bleachers watching me, and I am very thankful for her as well. I have a great family and have been extremely blessed.
“He is a great coach because he cares for his athletes not just as wrestlers, but in life.”
Massey- As an outside looking in, the wrestling program has really taken off the last 4-5 years- the number of wrestlers winning championships, the number of wrestlers working in the off-season, and the total number of wrestlers going out for the sport. What has Coach Leibach done to build wrestling? What has the entire staff down to build it up?
Shipp- Coach Leibach is the best. Just his overall character, he is a role model of mine, qnd I have so much respect for him and his family. He still reaches out and checks on me, calls me, and the rare occasions that I am home, we always connect and either roll around on the mats or go get dinner and catch up. He is a great coach because he cares for his athletes not just in wrestling, but in life. And he is always willing to take the program as far as his wrestlers would like. I think the combination of my dad and coach Leibach, and hopefully some influence from me, the Galesburg wrestlers understand that in order to succeed, it cannot be a 3-month sport. The extra work is mandatory. And I think know that wrestlers have figured that out, Galesburg wrestling has become a culture that will stay for a very long time.
Massey- As an outside looking in, the wrestling program has really taken off the last 4-5 years- the number of wrestlers winning championships, the number of wrestlers working in the off-season, and the total number of wrestlers going out for the sport. What has Coach Leibach done to build wrestling? What has the entire staff down to build it up?
Shipp- Coach Leibach is the best. Just his overall character, he is a role model of mine, qnd I have so much respect for him and his family. He still reaches out and checks on me, calls me, and the rare occasions that I am home, we always connect and either roll around on the mats or go get dinner and catch up. He is a great coach because he cares for his athletes not just in wrestling, but in life. And he is always willing to take the program as far as his wrestlers would like. I think the combination of my dad and coach Leibach, and hopefully some influence from me, the Galesburg wrestlers understand that in order to succeed, it cannot be a 3-month sport. The extra work is mandatory. And I think know that wrestlers have figured that out, Galesburg wrestling has become a culture that will stay for a very long time.
“I have been soaking in every opportunity that comes my way.”
Massey- Can you share how your first year in college wrestling has gone? What adjustments do you have to make to college wrestling?
Shipp- Since getting to Hofstra, I have just been soaking in every opportunity that comes my way. I took my redshirt year this year, meaning I have four more years of college eligibility. So I was able to compete at open tournaments and started in a few duals, but I have learned so much in such little time. I picked a great place with coaches dedicated to developing me. Right now I am living my dream, traveling the country and doing what I love at the highest level.
Shipp- Since getting to Hofstra, I have just been soaking in every opportunity that comes my way. I took my redshirt year this year, meaning I have four more years of college eligibility. So I was able to compete at open tournaments and started in a few duals, but I have learned so much in such little time. I picked a great place with coaches dedicated to developing me. Right now I am living my dream, traveling the country and doing what I love at the highest level.
“You have to love it.”
Massey- Sometimes as coaches and as athletes, we get so locked into our individual sports, but I think there is so much that we can learn from other sports and athletes in other sports. What advice would you give to any athlete who wants to win championships? What would you say are the “secrets” to becoming a champion?
Shipp- I would say that you have to love it. If someone is making you do it, or you aren’t finding enjoyment in what you are doing, then it is not going to work. I can think of so many wrestlers that used to beat me up when we were little, that I passed up as we got older, because talent only takes you so far. You have to love it, and you have to have some passion towards it.
Shipp- I would say that you have to love it. If someone is making you do it, or you aren’t finding enjoyment in what you are doing, then it is not going to work. I can think of so many wrestlers that used to beat me up when we were little, that I passed up as we got older, because talent only takes you so far. You have to love it, and you have to have some passion towards it.
Great interview! I think it would be a fun debate on who would be on the Mount Rushmore of Galesburg sports
ReplyDelete