The three-time All-American wrestler, Meyer Shapiro, recently penned a heartfelt note, explaining his decision to enter the transfer portal, having doubts, and highlighting how difficult it has been to shake off the previous NCAA loss. This comes amid Shapiro’s move into the portal, which sent shockwaves all over the wrestling world.
Shapiro is considered the star wrestler for the Cornell team, where he wrestled for three years in the 157 lbs category, holding a 62-10 record, while also being a two-time Ivy League Wrestler of the Year. This, however, came with a major disappointment starting in 2026, as the Cornellian faced multiple back-to-back losses during the NCAA Championships.
As Shapiro has now entered the transfer portal, he sent a message to the wrestling community, shedding light on his move while opening up about the aftermath of multiple NCAA setbacks.
“I’m not the guy I know I can be, and that hurts a lot. The endless pursuit of glory never ends. After my third attempt at the NCAA tournament, I fell short of the goal I’ve been chasing but I’ve realized that winning was never my goal. Growth was continuing to get better,” he said.
He went on to elaborate that joining the transfer portal came with great uncertainty, but also forced him to step outside the mat he was most comfortable on.
When Meyer Shapiro Chose between Folkstyle and Freestyle
Meyer Shapiro has been a freestyle king on the mat, as demonstrated thoroughly during his massive wins in events such as the U20 World Championship at 70 kg in 2023 and the U17 cadet. However, during an old interview, Shapiro spoke about the grit each style brings to the table, preferring both based on the situation.
“I tend to just like doing what I like at the time. I really enjoy folkstyle, but as soon as it ends, I’m like “Wow i was just figuring this out”, and this also happens with freestyle, but I would say I defeinetly enjoy the gaming of freestyle, because of just the idea of so much can change so fast in freestyle,” he said (16:18).
He, however, highlighted how college folkstyle is a lot more about grinding and taking whatever you can to go ahead.
With this transfer portal season running wild, it remains to be seen where the 3X All-American heads to and which elite programs have already locked their eyes on the Cornell star.
Read more:
Iowa State Wrestling Coach Kevin Dresser Breaks Silence On Rumours of Leaving Program
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
