Thomas Wrestling Academy (TWA) was founded by Sheldon Thomas under the philosophy that wrestling is an art as much as it is a battle, and that the connection between mind and body is essential for finding success as a wrestler.

Thomas was a three-time NCAA Div. I All- American for the Clarion Eagles where he also won a NCAA title at 118lbs. in 1996. During his four years as a starter for Clarion, Thomas posted a 124-12 career record.

Sheldon has served as an assistant wrestling coach at his alma mater, Clarion, and was a club coach at Lock Haven University. He was an assistant for the University of Pennsylvania, where his role was to develop and train the lightweights. A few years after Sheldon began at UPENN, Matt Velenti made a name for himself by winning two national titles at 125lbs. and 133lbs.

A highly accomplished freestyle wrestler as well, Thomas finished fifth at the Olympic Freestyle Trials in both 1996 and 2000. In 1998, he made the USA Senior National Team, and was a three-time Junior National Champion during his high school years. Sheldon wrestled for St. Mark’s High School, where he earned four individual state championship titles. Thomas was recently inducted into the Delaware Wrestling Hall of Fame.