With the 2009-2010 sports season in progress, it’s worth looking back
at the 2008-09 season. The Shelby Athletic Programs found themselves completing
a typical year…..highly successful, improving facilities, and continued
community support and involvement.
Of last year’s high school student population, 305 students were actively
involved in at least one sport. They accounted for over forty-one percent of
all Shelby high school students. Additionally, thirteen percent of those athletes
were committed to being three-sport athletes. Their successes on the field were
highly visible and well documented. During the fall and winter seasons, our
teams won three NOL titles: Girls Tennis, Girls Basketball, and Girls Swimming.
Further, no Shelby varsity team finished lower than fourth place in their respective
sport. These successes earned Shelby an astounding 18 point lead over the next
closest school in the NOL All-Sports Trophy race entering the spring season.
Many teams and individuals advanced to District, Regional and State tournament
events highlighted by our football team qualifying for the State football playoffs.
Our spring sports programs continued Shelby’s dominance over league opponents
by extending the all-sports race lead to 20+ points. In doing so, both the boys
and girls defended their NOL track championships.
Despite last fall’s flood, our Bill Wilkins Stadium hosted its home opener
as scheduled just nine days after the catastrophe and successfully defeated
Lexington. The use of new play clocks and a new scoreboard highlighted the evening
as well. The Bill Varble Scoreboard was dedicated several weeks later. Flood
damage was not restricted to the stadium as Central gym and the middle school
auditorium suffered total losses to the playing surfaces. Both floors were replaced
and in operation for winter activities. Additional facility upgrades and improvements
include the resurfacing of our tennis courts and track. In just its second year
of use, the need for our field-house continues to be evident. It serves as an
outstanding practice facility for our high school wrestling program during the
winter season and is home to a large number of fall and spring teams.
The outlook for the 2008-09 seasons looks equally optimistic as athletes and
coaches continue to strive to improve. Parents and athletes will have the opportunity
to meet fall coaches at the upcoming mandatory parents/athletes meeting. The
meeting will be held on July 29th in the high school Dave Jones Little Theater
at 7pm. All fall athletes and at least one parent must attend. Subsequent winter
and spring sports meeting will be held. This year marks the first time in a
decade that ticket prices have been raised. Although student and senior ticket
prices will remain the same, adult admission will be $6 while football and boy’s
basketball reserve seating will run $7 per contest.
Certainly it is my privilege to serve this District’s students, parents,
coaches and community members. Lastly, may I extend a special thanks to all
of our volunteers who make Shelby athletics possible.
Pat
Lewis (Click
to email) 419.342.6586 Phone, 419.342.5095
Fax
Shelby Whippet Athletics has a strong tradition dating back over 100 years.
Offering eighteen varsity sports for our student-athletes, Shelby has won the
Northern Ohio League All-Sports Trophy 16 times since 1970. The community has
great pride and high expectations for all athletic programs. The community support
is tremendous.
Student-athletes are expected to succeed in academics as well as athletics.
Athletics and academics work together to help mold our student-athletes into
quality persons, preparing them for the future.
