Clarion’s Shae Bloom, one of most successful high school wrestlers in Pennsylvania during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, died Thursday, Clarion officials said.
Bloom was 22. The cause of death was not disclosed.
During his two years as an active wrestler at Clarion, Bloom compiled a 15-6 record in 2018-19 before suffering an injury that lingered into this season when he finished 0-3.
Bloom, a junior business management major, was 140-21 while wrestling at Curwensville and DuBois high schools. He qualified for the PIAA tournament four times, finishing fifth as a junior and senior. He also was a four-time district and a two-time regional champion.
“The Clarion University family is deeply saddened to learn of the death of junior Shae Bloom,” Clarion president Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson said in a statement. “The coaches, faculty, staff and students are supporting one another during this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”
Clarion athletic director Wendy Snodgrass said, “Shae was a talented and hard-working young man who embodied the exceptional spirit of being a student-athlete at Clarion.”
Coach Keith Ferraro said Bloom “was absolutely one of the toughest kids I’ve ever had the privilege to coach.”
“He set an example for all of his teammates by being ready to stand up to any challenge that came his way. Shae was a part of our family, and we are devastated by his loss.”
