SHELBY — Shelby Whippet football dates back to 1894. It’s never seen a season like 2025.
An entire city’s emotions let loose on Thursday morning during a pep rally in the high school gymnasium, fueling a undefeated Whippet team that plays Friday morning in its first ever state championship game.
The emotions, passion and school spirit that a time like this creates were on full display inside SHS.
A sea of red and gray packed the place for an event kicked off by the city’s mayor, Steve Schag, who offered motivation for the team that faces perennial power Cleveland Glenville in Canton in the Division IV state title game.
“Over this spectacular season, you have proven yourselves as fearless competitors and athletic ambassadors,” Schag said.
“As ambassadors, tomorrow morning, you will be representing your families and coaches who have passionately invested in your lives year after year, so that you may take hold of this rare opportunity that lies before you,” the mayor said.
Shelby (14-0) must handle an 11-3 Glenville team playing in its third title game in the last four years.
“You will be representing a community that has consistently demonstrated support for its beloved Shelby Whippets. A community that bleeds red and gray,” Schag said. “For all of us, this is history in the making.
“The game of games is upon us. We bid you Godspeed. Let’s go Whippets.”
Below is a video from Thursday’s districtwide pep rally and community send off. The story continues below.
Richland Source reporters, editors, photographers and videographers will be all over the stadium Friday bringing you the best possible coverage. Follow the blog linked below before, during and after the game for all of the details on the Whippets.
DIV. IV STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE BLOG
Countywide support shown for Shelby
The pep rally included performances from the Shelby Whippet Marching Band and chants led by the high school cheerleaders.
Arms went up across the gym holding up signs with messages of support, while others waved red rally towels.
“Thank you to the band, cheerleaders and all the students and staff who have supported us this whole year,” Shelby coach Rob Mahaney said. “We are going to go out there (Friday) and represent this community to the best of our ability.”
“We are forever grateful to wear Shelby on our chest.”
— BRAYDEN DEVITO, SHELBY SENIOR QB
District staff and students lined Championship Drive following the pep rally to send the team on its way to Canton. Shelby traveled Thursday since the Whippets play Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
The team was escorted from the school through downtown Shelby and all the way to U.S. 30 in Mansfield by safety service departments from all around Richland County, including Shelby, Ontario, Mansfield, Lexington and Plymouth. The Richland County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol also joined the escort.
“Way before the state championship, this community has shown out for us and we are so thankful,” said Shelby senior QB Brayden DeVito. “We are forever grateful to wear Shelby on our chest.”
From parents and grandparents to former players and lifelong fans, Whippet Nation and supporters from around the county filled our inbox with messages of pride and encouragement.
Click the link below to read the full collection of heartfelt messages from Shelby fans celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime team.
FAN MESSAGES FOR SHELBY
Read fan messages for Shelby ahead of historic state title appearance
Shelby rallies for the Whippets’ first state title run — read heartfelt fan messages and cheer them on!
Below are photos from Thursday’s districtwide pep rally and community send off. Credit: Brittany Schock
