SHAWN SHIPMAN Jr.
Champlin Park • football
The junior running back is reaping the results of his offseason work.
On Friday he rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns, including scoring runs of 42 and 40 yards, in a 45-8 victory over Anoka. It was his second 200-yard effort of the season, giving him 713 yards in five games for the 4-1 Rebels.
"I expected to have a breakout year because I trained so hard this summer," Shipman said. "I wanted to become a more complete player: Eliminate mistakes, catch the ball better. But most of all, be a better leader."
Shipman's compiled his numbers Friday is just over half of the game. He was removed in the third quarter with his team comfortably ahead.
A logical decision, he acknowledged, but it took a little discipline because he was having such a great game.
"I was like 'Coach, put me back in,' " he said with a laugh. "But I understand. It's about keeping us healthy and giving someone else a chance to play."
A sprinter on the track team who has run an 11.2 100 meters, Shipman prefers to lead by setting an example. But he's willing to speak up if needed.
"I try to be a role model, but I'll also lead verbally," he said.
