“Classical singing” and “wrestling” are not two things that normally go hand-in-hand.
But in the case of Republic High senior Shayne Piles, they very much do.
Piles is a classical baritone/bass singer who has loved music his entire life. On the mat, he’s reached the no. 2 ranking in the state for heavyweights thanks to a 37-2 record through Feb. 8.
“Overall, this is the best season that I’ve ever had,” Piles said. “I’m really proud of where I’m at right now. I wouldn’t say that I expected to be here, but just with hard work, it’s a reward to be where I am.”
The 285 lb. senior is the only heavyweight on the team, which has required some creativity in practice.
“It’s kind of been my own little project,” Piles said. “There’s not a lot of other guys in there that have my size.”
His coach says, despite the appearance, Piles is more of the “gentle giant” variety.
“You look at him and you’re like, ‘Man, that’s a big man,’ but then you get to know him and he’s more of a kid,” said Republic head coach Jerry Morton. “That childish nature comes out in him. He likes to goof around.”
To the point that sometimes he forgets how big he really is, according to Morton.
“So I have to remind him all the time, like, ‘Shayne, you’re a big guy,’” he said, laughing.
As for the signing, Piles credits his dad for the talent, and his mom for the love.
“When I was really little, she was taking me to daycare, and we were signing one of our favorite songs,” he said. “I leaned up and I was like, ‘Mom, it’s ok. Let me do it,’ because my poor mom can’t carry a tune in a bucket. I love her so much. That’s why I say she gives me the love for signing and not the talent.”
College is the next step for Piles, and that’s where he plans to devote all his energy to music. He’s choosing between Missouri State, Mizzou and Arkansas, and after that, he has international ideas.
“I really want to perform on stages of Europe,” he said. “That’s my big goal, my big dream.”
Until then, he’ll ply his trade at Republic High in choir and in the school musical, which he’s participated in for three years.
And even, before his wrestling meets in a Seinfeldian “world collide” moment.
“He sung our national anthem for us at every duel,” Morton said. “He was asked then by Branson at districts this year to sing the national anthem also.”
Piles is hoping he’ll be singing from atop the wrestling podium this year, then across the pond in years to come. Shayne Piles is our latest Arby’s Athlete of the Week.
