Whether on the mat, or in the stadium, junior Dayven Shinhoster dominates his competition.

Shinhoster, who is one of the high-profile athletes at Barrington High School, goes straight into the wrestling season after his completion of the final game in the football season.

“At first, it was a whole lot to deal with,” Shinhoster said. “But, I learned to take it one practice at a time, and focus on football during football season, and wrestling during wrestling season.”

Shinhoster’s approach has led him to become one of their key players on the Broncos defense, as well as an IHSA state placer in wrestling.

“Placing in State this year for wrestling was a huge deal to me,” Shinhoster said. “It was a perfect example of what love and hard work for the sport can do for you.”

Despite this, Shinhoster plans on taking his athletic talents to a Division One football program following his graduation.

“I love both sports,” Shinhoster said. “But football is definitely my favorite right now.”

Although unsure about where he plans on attending following his graduation, Shinhoster plans on taking the recruiting process slow, and wants to focus on picking the best school for him, both academically and athletically.

“I am really looking forward to playing football at the next level,” Shinhoster said. “It’s been a long time in the making so it feels good knowing that I’m gifted the opportunity to continue chasing my dream for four more years after high school.”

Even though football comes first, Shinhoster accolades on the mat speak for themselves. As a state placer and Varsity “Moral Team Captain”, many members on the wrestling team look up to him.

“We get a little chippy sometimes,” junior wrestler Kai Conway said of his relationship with Shinhoster. “But at the end of the day, I look up to him because of his insane work ethic and leadership skills.  

Dayven is not the only member of the Shinhoster family who is planning on playing a sport at the next level, either. Jaritt Shinhoster, brother of Dayven, is a member of the Wrestling team at The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

When asked about his brother, Jaritt described “Little D” (Dayven) as having the “maturity of a five-year-old, but the work ethic of a professional athlete.”

However true that may be, Dayven considers his relationship with his brother to be very valuable, and credits it for much of his athletic success.

“Having a brother that gets the everyday grind you go through is definitely helpful,” Shinhoster said. “At the end of the day, he’s my training partner and best friend.”

Shinhoster carries that same positive attitude with him through his everyday life, which many of his peers admire.

“He’s always dancing before his matches,” sophomore Marko Hennin said. “I guess it’s just his goofy personality, but honestly I guess it’s just a part of what makes him so special.”