(Chaminade Madonna junior Shaun Shivers finishes second behind Chauncy Smart of Auburndale in a PR of 10.47w.)
Chaminade Madonna junior Shaun Shivers is one of the most electrifying two-sport athletes in the country. On the football field he's ranked as a four star prospect and 12th best RB in the country for the class of 2018. On the track, he owns the 8th fastest all conditions 100m time of 10.47 (2.8 m/s) fourth fastest 200m time of 21.13 by a sophomore. Recently, Shivers announced he will fulfill his dream to be a successful dual sport athlete at the Auburn University. We caught up with him to talk about the process, selecting the Tigers, succeeding in both sports, and more.
As a two sport standout what was the recruiting process like?
It was a little hard being that I can't receive my track offers until next year. I had to look at schools that could accommodate me with both sports.
A lot of people in your shoes might pick one sport. Why the decision to stick with both track and football. I know you are very passionate about both.
I have big dreams. I want to play in the NFL, but I also want to be an Olympic runner. I have been doing both sports since I was 4 yrs old.
Where all did you visit consider?
I've visited quiet a few schools during my summer college tour with my RB coach; schools like Auburn, Georgia & South Carolina.
You ultimately decided on Auburn. What were the factors that went into picking the Tigers?
I wanted to be sure that I would be allowed to be a dual sport athlete. These were conversations me & my mother held with coaches. My decision was made once I evaluated both football & track at the school & I saw where I would fit in both sports.Auburn is a perfect fit!
When you went there on a visit did you have a chance to talk to both the track and football coaches?
No, only football.
What did they have to say about you playing both sports?
Coach Malzahn had no problem and advised me that there were football guys that run track currently.
You are only a junior and still have a year and a half left before college. Why the decision to commit early?
Why wait?Auburn is where I felt at home and it's where I want to be.
How firm are you in your decision? 100 percent!
You still have the rest of this football season, next year, and two seasons on the track left. Do you take a break when football ends before jumping into track conditioning or is it bam bam onto the next one?
Depending on how long my football season last. I normally would like to take a break for a month or so before track conditioning. I always stay in shape so when I return I'm working on craft & endurance.
What are your goals on the gridiron and track for this year and next?
My first goal of winning the district title has been accomplished. Now I'm looking to make it state and win state in football & track. I can't leave high school without a state title. Especially in track because I twisted my ankle last year in the prelims of the 200 meter and I still managed to have the fastest times going into finals in both the 100 and 200. My goal is to better my craft, to improve my game, and to run faster!
(Photo by Teri Bernhardt-Rodriguez)
You've had a new football coach this year,and been pretty much the only one on the track team. Talk about some of the obstacles you've had in getting to where you are at now and how important it was for you to stay at Chaminade and push on despite those challenges?
Coach Jones is a perfect fit for my team. He cares about us, not just in football but in the classroom as well! I have no complaints about football and the change of coaches at Chaminade. In track, I've basically had to train myself the last two years and have been able to drop my times and be successful. Not as successful as I choose to be, but I've been successful. It seems as things are looking better going into this track season.
When all is said and done in high school what do you want people to say about Shaun Shivers?
That I'm a great dual athlete. I want them to say and remember that I've always remained humble and grateful for the talents that I've been blessed with.
What can Auburn fans expect to see in the future from you both on the track and on the football field?
Speed, explosiveness & power! They can expect to see me do great things. Since my cousin Harry Adams is an Auburn All-American in track, I will look to go in and do big things just as he has done on the track, if not bigger. My family breeds athletes so I'm ready for the challenge of both sports.
What are you looking forward to about the whole college experience maybe outside of sport?
I'm looking forward to obtaining a degree & be successful so that I can be a productive citizen in my community.
Is there anyone you'd like to say thank you to for getting you to this point?
I would like to thank my mom for being my number one fan, for her sacrifices, and unconditional love. She and my grandma love me and are always there for me no matter what. I'd like to thank my brother sister for supporting me, my family that's always supportive, my Chaminade football coaching staff, my little league coaches, and to everyone that has taken out the time to support me on my journey!
By The Numbers:
- 55m (in) - 6.62
- 100m - 10.47
- 200m (in) - 22.77
- 200m - 21.13
