Shepard “Shep” Pittman was a well-known and highly respected figure in Missouri wrestling circles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His impact on the sport extended far beyond his accomplishments as a competitor, encompassing club and high school coaching, mentorship, and a distinguished career in education.

Shep began his wrestling career at Beaumont High School in St. Louis, where he capped his senior season with a third-place finish at the Missouri State Championships. Following high school, he continued his wrestling career at Forest Park Community College, where he was mentored by legendary coach Jack Crider. During his time at Forest Park, Shep earned NJCAA All-American honors twice, placing sixth and third nationally.

Shep continued his collegiate career at the University of Missouri, where he qualified for the NCAA Championships twice after consecutive third-place finishes at the Big 8 Conference Championships. During his senior season, he won 46 matches, establishing a long-standing University of Missouri school record for victories in a season. Shep and his Missouri teammates also helped establish a significant milestone for the Tigers in 1984, when Mizzou finished 10th at the NCAA Championships—the first Top Ten national finish in program history.

His competitive career continued after college. In 1985, Shep represented the United States in sambo and earned a bronze medal at the World Sambo Championships, further demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest levels of combat sports.

Perhaps Shep's greatest and most lasting influence on wrestling came through his work as the founding coach of Team St. Louis. From 1984 through 1990, he led the club to three AAU National team titles and helped establish Team St. Louis as one of the premier developmental wrestling programs in the region. Under his guidance, the club became a virtual “who’s who” of outstanding St. Louis-area wrestlers. Among the many wrestlers influenced by Shep were Brian Jackson, Nick Purler, Tony Purler, Sammie Henson, Jim Prendergast, and Scott Schatzman. Collectively, Team St. Louis wrestlers went on to capture numerous Missouri high school state championships and collegiate All-American honors.

In addition to his accomplishments at the club level, Shep enjoyed successful coaching careers at both Ritenour and Kirkwood High Schools. His leadership, dedication, and ability to develop young athletes earned the respect of the wrestling community and ultimately led to an expanded role in education.

Shep eventually transitioned from coaching into educational leadership, where he continued to serve young people and their families. He spent many years as an administrator in both the Kirkwood and St. Louis City school districts, bringing the same commitment