The pride of Galesburg wrestling is taking his talents to Hofstra University. Gauge Shipp announced he will wrestle for the Hofstra Pride during a signing ceremony Thursday afternoon in Hegg Performing Arts Center at Galesburg Junior/Senior High School.
Shipp, who holds most every record in the Silver Streaks wrestling record book, is coming of a season that saw him go 46-1 and earn a second-place medal at 132 pounds in the IHSA Class 2A State Wrestling meet. As a junior, Shipp went 50-0 en route to winning a state championship at 132 pounds..
Hofstra is a NCAA Division I school located in Long Island, New York.
“Hofstra is a perfect fit,” Shipp said. “I loved how the coaches communicated with me — they seemed really invested in my future.
“I’m familiar with the program through a friend who wrestles there. I visited in January and fell in love with the program.”
Shipp won a school record 96 straight matches over his junior season and senior seasons.
He announced his decision Thursday with his parents and sister by his side and in front of a large crowd of teammates, students, friends and family. One by one, Shipp eliminated framed photos of his six final schools — a list that included Navy, Indiana, West Virginia, McKendree and Bellarmine of St. Louis.
“I’ve been committed to Hofstra for a couple of weeks, but I’ve been able to keep it a secret until today,” Shipp said.“Hofstra is a really prestigious university right outside of New York City and I think it’s going to present a lot of opportunities for me.
“I’m not sure if I will red-shirt or not, but I’m ready to wrestle anytime they want me to.”
Shipp said around 25 Division I programs reached out to him during the recruiting process.
“The recruiting process was really unique and something I’ve never felt before,” he said. “People reaching out and really wanting you — it’s really crazy. All of the schools I visited were really great, but there are so many little variables you have to consider.
“The last year has been really stressful, so I’m relieved to have this over with. It’s the biggest decision I’ve ever made.”
Shipp, who posted a record of 172-10 during his Streaks career, is the first Galesburg wrestler to earn four state medals adding a 3rd his freshman year and 6th his sophomore year to his 1st as a junior and 2nd as a senior.
Streaks wrestling coach Greg Leibach said he is “thrilled” about Shipp’s decision to attend Hofstra.
“I think he’s landed at a great spot,” Leibach said. “I can just tell he’s lighting up about what’s in front of him.
“Gauge was part of a really special senior class, and within that class, he has a personality that has brought others along. I believe a lot of kids have tried the sport for the first time because of their contact with Gauge. A lot of younger kids are inspired to invest more deeply in wrestling because of what Gauge has shared and shown them.”
