SHELBY – Fall sports in Shelby were particularly exceptional this past year – so much so, that a number of fall athletes were specifically recognized by the city of Shelby on Monday night.
Mayor Steve Schag read a proclamation during Shelby City Council on Monday evening honoring golfers, cross country runners and football players’ outstanding athletic accomplishments this past season.
“The thing that I love about our sports programs is it’s not only what happens on the track or on the field, but we’re teaching these students life skills,” Schag said. “I’ve been very proud and pleased to follow the sports programs here in Shelby.”
The sports team earning the most fanfare in the postseason this year was the Shelby Whippets football team. Led by Coach Erik Will, the team finished with an 11-2 record and brought home the State Division IV Regional runner-up trophy.
“You could not ask for five better young men to lead this program,” Will said of the five team captains attending Monday’s ceremony. “The legacy that specifically these four seniors have left behind is incredible; they saw the football program go from 1-9 to 11-2, and their leadership was very instrumental in that.
“I love them to death, and I think the city and the school owes them a tremendous amount of respect from that standpoint.”
Will also touched on the dedication his football team showed during times of struggle. Shelby’s 10-man senior class won more games this fall than in their first three years combined.
“There were a lot of people bailing when the boat was going down,” he said. “These guys said they were going to not only stop the leaking, but build a new boat. I couldn’t be any more proud of them.”
The proclamation also honored Coach Brad Ruminski’s girls’ golf team placing third at state, and Alexis Jones as runner up and Claire Korbas in sixth place both earning All-Ohio recognition. It also recognized golfer Brock Kehres, under the tutelage of Coach Justin Schroeder, earning the distinction of district medalist and placing 13th at State.
In cross country, McKenna Heimlich was a state qualifier under the training of Coach Bob Delauder, and finished 77th at the state finals. On behalf of Delauder, Coach Will praised Heimlich for her accomplishments both on and off the field.
“She is phenomenal,” Will said. “She had an incredible year, but more importantly she’s an unbelievable student.”
As part of the proclamation, Schag officially declared Dec. 6, 2016 as “Shelby Senior High School Athletics Achievement Recognition Day.” He noted in the proclamation that athletics are an integral part of high school life, and recognized student athletes’ diligent work to improve their skills as well as learn the importance of teamwork and sacrifice.
“I join our community in congratulating these student athletes upon their outstanding accomplishments, and their fine representation of Shelby Senior High School with class and character,” Schag read.
