Shannon's dream becomes a reality

Colby Shannon would rather do his talking with his actions on the field than in person. However, the spotlight always seems to be on the Comanche senior with the quiet demeanor who just wants to play ball, whether it might be football, basketball, or baseball. 

On Wednesday morning, Shannon signed a letter of intent to play football at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany at a school-wide ceremony in the high school’s new commons area.

“This day means a lot, I’ve been wanting to play college football for a while,” Shannon said. 

He was more than ready when the opportunity came to sign with the Crimson Storm.

“I like that it is a Christian school and I like their coaches, staff, and everyone I met there,” Shannon said. “I went to campus on game day and when I went there on my official visit, they offered me a scholarship.”

He is the son of Ritchie and Kelly Shannon. He has two siblings, Garrett and LynnLee.

Shannon played quarterback for the Indians. In his senior year he passed for approximately 1,400 yards and rushed for 800 yards, accounting for 19 touchdowns.

Comanche head coach Gary Robinson has spent 31 years coaching football and said Shannon was one he will always remember.

“Physically, Colby is one of the best athletes that I’ve ever coached,” Robinson said. “He’s elusive with the way he runs. He was a great quarterback for us, and I think in college he’s going to make a good quarterback or slot-type receiver just because of his athleticism. I would have liked to have had him out there at receiver and throw a screen pass to him to get him out in open space.”

On their “X” (formerly Twitter) account, SNU has Shannon listed as a wide receiver.

“He was just one of the best leaders we’ve had, not a vocal leader, but he leads by example,” Robinson said. “He’s a doer. I don’t think he ever missed a single practice. When he stepped on the field, he didn’t have to say anything, you knew he was there. I knew right from the beginning when I came here two years ago that he possibly was going to be a college football player.” 

Not every high school athlete who signs to play sports in college will make it all the way through, but Robinson thinks Shannon has the qualities that will allow him to see it to the end.

“I’ve had a lot of kids sign out of high school who don’t stay or don’t make it all four years,” Robinson said. “They come home or do something else and I never thought about that with Colby. I think he has the grit and determination to make it. He just wants to play football so bad. I don’t think there is anything you could throw at him that he couldn’t handle.”

Robinson noted all the things that are expected of a college athlete.

“There’s meetings, meetings, more meetings and practice, so you’re just constantly busy,” Robinson said. “I think that’s what gets to a lot of kids and that’s something Colby thrives on and enjoys. He’ll take it on as a challenge. I can see Colby starting as a sophomore, maybe sooner.”