By CINDY CROSBY
Cindyc4@yahoo.com
Colleton County Cougar Football standout Ian Shark signed Tuesday Feb. 2 to continue his academic and athletic career at South Carolina State University. Shark plans to contribute on the offensive line for the Division I Bulldogs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Shark received offers from Alabama State, North Carolina Central, Newberry College, Savannah State, Benedict College, Erskine College, and a preferred walk-on at The Citadel.
Shark is a four-year varsity letterman for the Cougars. He was named to the AAAA All-State roster and was twice-named Region VII-AAAA All-Region. Additionally, he was named to the South Carolina Senior Bowl and the Blitz Border Bowl.
Shark said his recruitment to attend South Carolina State came after a family friend, Art Williams, sent his film to the head coach. “They liked my film and offered me a full scholarship,” said Shark. “They have a young football team that is incredibly good, and they were looking for offensive lineman. The coach said he sees me helping early on. They have a strong business program and put many players in the NFL.”
“I would love to thank my parents the most and Coach Howell, Coach Sean Lyons, Coach Coby Peeler and Coach Scott Wheeler,” said Shark.
“I am so very proud of Ian for signing with SC State,” said Coby Peeler, Cougar Football head coach. “All of our guys who signed, are great kids and have a bright future ahead of them, Ian is no exception. Ian is a testament of what hard work can do for you. Ian used the weight room, and an incredible work ethic to make himself into a great football player. It is a testament to himself, his wonderful family, and our coaches, and the job they do as well. It is Ian’s character and personality that distinguishes him and makes him attractive to schools as well. Ian also began to have a lot more doors open to him because he gave himself more options by his academic success. I cannot stress enough to these guys that academic success will open more doors than any highlight film. Ian understood that, bought in, and made it happen. I cannot wait to see all of our guys at the next level, and with SC State being so close, I definitely hope to catch a couple of games.”
Shark is the son of Charles and Cassandra Shark of Walterboro. He currently maintains a 3.3 GPA. He plans to major in business management.
