Shane Valko, the 2010 NCAA Division II National Champion, National tournament Outstanding Wrestler and NWCA National Wrestler of the Year, joined Coach Pat Pecora's staff prior to the 2011-12 season.
Valko is a former four-time National Qualifier and three-time All-American. Prior to winning the national title as a senior, Valko placed fourth as a sophomore in 2008 and was the National Runner-up in 2009.
He won a pair of East Region championships and was named the 2009 East Region Outstanding Wrestler.
In 2008-09, Valko set Pitt-Johnstown’s school-record for falls in a season at 133 lbs. with 18. He finished his career with 48 falls and had double-digit pins in each of his four seasons as a Mountain Cat.
Valko wrapped-up his Pitt-Johnstown career ranked ninth on the Mountain Cat All-Time Wins List with a 115-30 overall record.
Valko came to Pitt-Johnstown after a stellar career at Forest Hills High School where he posted a 164-17 record and was a three-time PIAA AA State Place winner with two fourth-place finishes and a third-place finish in 2005.
In 2010, Valko earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from Pitt-Johnstown.
Valko also serves as the Pitt-Johnstown men's and women's cross country coach.
He is the son of Mike and Rosemary Valko of Windber, Pa.
