Hall of Fame
Mark Murphy forged his legacy as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Shippensburg University history. Competing from 2004 to 2007, Murphy became just the third Raider to earn NCAA Division II All-America honors three times and one of only two in program history to qualify for the national championships in all four seasons.
He began his collegiate career as a 165-pound freshman, compiling 17 victories including seven by fall and placing second at the East Region Championships to earn his first NCAA tournament berth.
Despite a shortened season, Murphy earned his first All-American honor as a sophomore by placing fifth at nationals.
His junior season in 2005–06 proved to be his most dominant. He set career highs with 28 wins and 15 falls, the latter ranking second all-time for a single season in school history. At the 2006 NCAA Championships, he placed third and was recognized for recording the most falls in the least amount of time: four falls in just 8:40. That year, he helped lead SU to a historic third-place team finish: the best in program history.
In his final season, Murphy captured the NCAA East Region title at 184 pounds and was voted the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler by opposing coaches. He finished the season with 16 wins and eight falls, placing sixth at the NCAA Championships.
Known for his signature headlock, Murphy concluded his career with 34 falls – the third-most in school history – and 67 career victories, just outside the all-time Top 10 at Shippensburg.
Beyond the mat, Murphy was an active contributor to campus life. He worked with the athletic equipment staff, served on the SU grounds crew, and participated in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Following graduation, Murphy returned to his alma mater, Northern York High School, where he served as head wrestling coach from 2010–13. He spent a decade as an assistant coach within the Cumberland Valley wrestling program and still remains involved in the sport as a PIAA official.
Murphy earned his degree in human communication studies with a concentration in organizational communication in 2007. He currently serves as the operations manager for Blue Diamond Pool Service in Carlisle and lives in Dillsburg with his wife, Jennifer ‘15.
