Mowery-Shields making name for himself at South Putnam

Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 9:22 AM

By Paul Gable

After a football season that saw him emerge as one of the top defensive players not only in Putnam County, but in the state, Keenan Mowery-Shields has been putting forth the same effort on the wrestling mat this winter.

The South Putnam sophomore standout hasn't been wrestling that long, but he is proving his worth for the Eagles this season.

"I got into wrestling my eighth grade year when I was wanting to try something different from basketball. A couple people had convinced me to try wrestling. From then on, I just never stopped and continued to do it," Mowery-Shields told The Putnam County Post.

A season ago, Mowery-Shields found himself in contention for a state berth and admits the experience has provided all the motivation for this winter.

"This season has been going okay. I had some slight injuries lingering from football, so that has taken some time to recover from. I haven't fully been able to be out on the mat all year. My body is recovering and feeling very good, so I can't wait to see what the rest of the season has to bring," Mowery-Shields said.

Despite the injuries, he heads into the new year focused on making it to state.

"My goal for this season is to, ultimately, make it to state. Being so close last year has fueled me and made me want it that much more," Mowery-Shields said.