SHELBY — The Shelby community showed up in a big way this week.
From parents and grandparents to former players and lifelong fans, Whippet Nation filled our inbox with messages of pride and encouragement.
Below is a collection of heartfelt messages from Shelby fans celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime team.
As the Whippets land in Canton for their first state title appearance, we hope they feel the full force of the support behind them.
Steve and Kim Geary
Fans from Ontario, who used to live in Shelby, and are still Whippet fans today!!
“GO WHIPPETS “!! You’re making history..
Stay focused and lock in and EXECUTE,
EXECUTE, EXECUTE!!:)
Miss D
Alumni, retired teacher.
Enjoy the experience first and foremost. You started the season in Canton and now you get to finish it there. Go out there and play Your game. Victory is bound to come. Behind you All the way. Whip-it. Whip-it Good.
Lola Clabaugh Cline
Alum, Class of '72
So proud of our Shelby Whippet football players, coaches and fans! Go Whippets!
Laura y
Parent
Let’s show Glenville the size of the fight in our dogs !!!! Go Whippets, bring home that state title !!!!!
Wayne and Patsy Lautzenhiser
Fan
We are so proud of you Landon Folz and the entire Shelby football team. What a dream you all are living. Go out there and bring home a State championship.
Richard Russell, Shelby Whippet Fan
Plymouth Grad, Bellevue Area Resident
Proud to be a fan of the Whippets! The first high school football games I went to were at Skiles Field when my cousin played back in the ’60’s. And I had a rural Shelby address for more than half my life.
Looking forward to watching the game and seeing the Shelby team bring home a state football championship!!
Jim and Sally Dunbar
Shelby residents and alums
Let’s go!
Your determination has been amazing!
So proud of you!
Cindy Cline
Alumni Class of 1975
Good Luck, Shelby Whippets. Bring it all home guys!! The talent and athleticism on this team is superb. You are a real treat to watch on both sides of the ball. Soak it all in!! You’re making history ❤️🩶
Lauren
Shelby alum and parent
I am so proud of every single one of you. You boys have earned this. Every rep, every practice, every setback brought you here. Play with heart, play for each other, and leave the field with no regrets, like you always do. You’ve already made history—now go finish the story!
Ryan Craft
#51 ILB SHS ‘98 NOL Champs
Just as bloodline family has limitless pride and love, as does the brotherhood of Shelby Football.
Seek perfection on every play, for your brothers. Play with perfection and this last game will be a 48 minute celebration.
The Whippet brothers of the past, present, and future. We are here for you. We are family. We are Shelby Football.
Abra Dunn
Shelby resident and alum
Way to go Shelby! You are making history. The entire community is so proud of your grit and determination. Congratulations on making it to the state finals! Soak it all in.
Barbara Driscoll
Shelby Resident
Wishing Shelby Football team a win but in Shelbys way you are all considered winners!!! The best to you all!!!! Go Whippets!
Cindy Cline
Alumni Class of 1975
Good Luck, Shelby Whippets. Bring it all home guys!! The talent and athleticism on this team is superb. You are a real treat to watch on both sides of the ball. Soak it all in!! You’re making history ❤️🩶
Frank S
Resident
YOU GOT THIS GUYS! You have all of the Shelby residents Whippet PROUD! GOOD LUCK at State! ROOTING FOR YOU!
Jack Dunbar Coachjdd
Alumni
A graduate of the class of the ‘74 and Player on Coach Bill Varble’s first team in 1973 I am so proud of this team. Congratulations to this Shelby Whippet championship team. I was a varsity player in 1973 but a Whippet long before that as were most of you!
Go Whippets
Shout out Kyler Williams
Maunaka
Shelby resident
Good luck at state finals! You’ve come this far, just 1 more win!
Thank you to the Coaches, cheerleaders & the band on a well played season!
Holly Sampsel
Gavin Baker’s mom
Let’s go boys blow them out of the water Friday!!!
From all of us at OhioHealth Shelby and Mansfield
Fans
We believe in you! Your dedication and spirit inspire our entire community. Go out there and make history—we’re cheering you on! Go Whippets! Shelby Proud!
Amanda Lambert
Parent
Each of you worked so hard to be where you are! Congratulations and enjoy it! I keep telling folks this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it truly is! Be proud!
Ronald Starrett
Former Shelby resident who LOVES the Whippets
Remember to play hard and fast but also enjoy and have fun while playing!!You gentleman are awesome
Terry and Meagan Garrett
Jr. High Coach and Football parents.
We want you to know we couldn’t be more proud of every player and coach. We want you to know that you didn’t just earn this game, you belong in this game! Every game, every snap, every practice and agility has brought you to this moment! It’s an important and historical moment but it’s not too big for you. You were built for this, forged in fire for this time. Now flip the switch and go get what belongs to you.
We all believe in you and support you, the 12th man will leave it all in the bleachers as you leave it all on the field of battle. Go Whippets!
Jim Driscoll
Shelby Alum
Let’s Go Whippets, bring that championship home!
The Bill Kehres Family
Alum & Shelby resident.
Go Whippets! Make history with a win!!
Bruce, Dean, & Dennis Kehres families.
Alums
Good Luck Whippets!
Bernie Adkins
Mansfield
I’m predicting a state title these guys earned it go WHIPS get that title!!!!