Shawn Fayette of Miamisburg High School in Ohio has given a verbal commitment to Northern Illinois University. Fayette was an Ohio Division I state champion as a junior at 130 pounds and a state-runner-up at 125 pounds as a sophomore. He has 124 career victories.

Fayette talks about his decision to wrestle for the Huskies.

"My dad received a call from Zach Niebert's dad on a Sunday night and he asked him if I had decided on a college yet. I said no. I had a paid and unofficial visit to OSU and was leaning towards them but had no offer. I then received a call from the assistant coach at Northern Illinois, Ryan Ludwig, telling me he had talked with Zach and that I was a hard-working kid and that I could be a good fit for the team. He then proceeded to tell me why NIU, after checking into the facts about me, was willing to make a substantial investment in me. Although this sounded great, I remember what Coach Wineberg told me, was one of the pieces to the puzzle in the recruiting process and that was to try to make sure where you go is a right fit. That being the guys on the team, the coaches, the whole package.

After an offer to go out and visit, I spent time with the team, coaches and checked out the academics. It seemed like a great fit. But, things may not always seem what they are, so I held back and told the coach I would have to let him know in about two weeks. After 1200+- miles and visits to numerous colleges, NIU was the one school that really had a plan for my future at the next level and was in touch with me during the whole process always telling me how important it was to them to be part of their team. The head coach, Coach Grant, called me Tuesday night but I was busy helping my dad get some chores done at our lake property. I called him back and we talked about my disappointment at the Super 32, my other visits and what not. He asked me, 'So when are you going to become a Huskie?' I told him I needed to talk to my dad and would let him know soon. After driving over 1200 miles during the week, we discussed the positives and negatives of our choices. The bottom line, NIU had no negatives. That is why I chose them.

I only hope that after my high school career, I can go to the next level and make the city of Miamisburg, Coach Wineberg, Coach Turner, and Coach Pittroff proud. I also want to thank NIU, Coach Grant, and Coach Ludwig for the opportunity. I also want to give special thanks to the Nieberts for mentioning me to NIU and look forward to working with Zach and the rest of the Huskies to make NIU the best it can be.

To the ones I love most: Lauren, my older sister who is my biggest critic and biggest fan. My little brother, Nick, who spent many hours going to tournaments to watch me. My grandma and grandpa (who passed 4/3/09 but fought cancer until that time to watch me win a state title). My mom, she is truly a saint for dealing with me when cutting weight and supporting me and helping with all the wrestling needs of the team. My dad, who has taken me everywhere to help me reach my goals and always believing in me. Without the commitment they have made over the years I would not have this opportunity."