Clean finish: Penn Hills native calls it a career after 35 years in the ring

The end of last year was the end of an era for a Springdale man.

Shawn Patrick, known in Western Pennsylvania pro wrestling circuits as “The Pride of Springdale,” is putting away his bow tie and suspenders after 35 years as a referee.

The 1983 Dynamo grad and former Springdale Band Parents Association president celebrated his last match as an official during Keystone State Wrestling Alliance’s December Fan Fest and toy drive.

“I thank all the fans that I have had the pleasure of working in front of through the years,” Patrick said after the event. “I reffed for dozens of wrestling groups over the years. … I’m just too injured from years of bumping around the ring.”

KSWA officials presented Patrick with a Hall of Fame wrestling belt and rounds of applause for his service last month. He was inducted into the hall in 2018.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Shawn for many years,” owner Bobby Orkwis said. “His knowledge of wrestling history and his passion for the sport are just a couple of reasons why he was great at his craft and also a deserving inductee into the KSWA Hall of Fame. I’m honored to call Shawn a friend after all these years as he is a true gentleman outside of the ring.”

Patrick grew up in Penn Hills and moved to Springdale in 1978. He has been with KSWA since 2012.

Legendary ring announcer and wrestling historian “Trapper” Tom Leturgey often would highlight Patrick’s accomplishments when introducing the senior referee at KSWA events.

“I’ve always loved sharing the ring with Shawn Patrick,” said Leturgey, current KSWA executive vice president. “When I’d introduce him, I would play up his various accolades. Shawn loved and appreciated the fun.

“As a pro’s pro, Shawn always looked out for the other referees, and would suggest guys for openings and opportunities elsewhere. KSWA has the best referees in all of professional wrestling, and that’s a testament to those gentlemen and Shawn Patrick. Patrick led by example, and with a quiet humbleness that betrayed his stardom as the most respected guy in the referee game.”

One of the refs Patrick mentored was Mark Charles III, who joined KSWA in 2021 after attending one of its outdoor events in Homestead called Brawl Under the Bridge.

“During intermission, Shawn approached me in the crowd with a big hug and a friendly ‘hello,’ ” Charles said. “By the next Brawl event, I was in the ring with him. But time is fleeting and there’s never enough of it. For these past two years, I have been fortunate and grateful to learn from, and work alongside, this incredible man whom everyone loves, and I’m sorry to see him leave the ring.”

Some career highlights

Patrick, 58, started his career in sports entertainment in 1988.

He was working a data entry job at Mellon Bank when “Gentleman” Joe Perri began training him in the industry.

Perri, a Penn Hills native and 1977 graduate, served in numerous roles in numerous promotions.

He was mostly known as a trainer, manager and advocate of pro wrestling in Pittsburgh.

He also rented a wrestling ring for events throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. He died May 28, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. He was 61.

“Joe was working for a security company and spotted a wrestling magazine on my desk,” Patrick recalled. “I was a huge fan, subscribed to all the Apter mags, went to all the WWE/NWA shows at the Civic Arena. I had never heard of independent wrestling until I met Joe.”

Patrick’s first match as a ref was a Tri-State Wrestling bout featuring the late Brian Hildebrand, a Pittsburgh-born wrestler and referee who sometimes went by the name Mark Curtis.

Hildebrand provided Patrick tips on how to make it in sports entertainment.

Patrick said he likely would not have had such a career without Perri and Hildebrand’s guidance.

“Brian took me by the hand and lead me down the path that I am on now. Joe Perri opened the door and Brian pulled me in,” Patrick said.

He often would be seen helping set up wrestling rings and even made repairs to help ensure athlete safety.

Patrick’s last match as a ref was a tag-team title bout. Edric Everhart and Dennis Gregory defeated “The Regent” Joshua Kavod and “The Rev.” Ron Hunt.

Helping the alma mater

Patrick brought up the idea of partnering with KSWA to raise funds for the Springdale Junior-Senior High School marching band and color guard several years ago.

This March marks the fifth anniversary of Springdale Slam, a pro wrestling show at the district’s Donald C. McGhee Fieldhouse.

Band parents work the concession stand and ticket booths.

Proceeds help offset costs for band festivals, equipment and trips.

The event has raised more than $4,200 for the band to date after expenses.

There currently are 42 students in the program including color guard.

Susan Michelle Blanchflower, president of the booster club, said Patrick has been a tremendous help to the students and an even better friend.

“I have known Shawn since we were in high school together,” Blanchflower said. “Even at a young age, he was always the person that you knew you could count on. He was always the first person to volunteer, help someone in need, etc.

“Shawn volunteered throughout the entire time that his children participated in the Springdale Marching Band. Whether it be volunteering in the concession stand or being president of the boosters, Shawn was always present and the first person you knew you could call.”

When not in the ring, he works in Gibsonia for TFH USA building sensor equipment for people with autism.

It is unclear what comes next for Patrick. He pledged to remain the liaison between the school district and KSWA for future fundraisers.

Orkwis said he would welcome Patrick to the KSWA front office as a special adviser and lauded his wealth of knowledge.