Spiro senior Gannon Shackelford has played sports since he was about three. He played basketball and baseball until his junior year when he gave up basketball to devote more time to his baseball skills.

“I still like both sports, but I think I chose baseball because I like the competitiveness of it because you have to be focused on every pitch and when I’m catching, I feel like I have control of the game.”

His baseball coach DJ Gist has been a part of Gannon’s sports life for several years.

“I’ve coached him in some form or fashion since sixth grade whether it was in baseball or basketball. He’s a great kid and is in the top 10 percent of his class. Right now, he leads us in most of our offensive stats including batting average where he’s hitting over .600 as well as leading us in RBIs. He’s played catcher and third base most of the time but last year we were short of infielders and needed him at shortstop and to pitch some. I know that wasn’t his preference but he’s a good athlete and team player and he ended up with the best record among district pitchers at 7-1. At the plate he’s a good contact hitter and reliable stick in the lineup. This year as one of three senior leaders, he’s probably the most vocal. I coach these leaders to be encouragers because the kids get enough negativity with me yelling at them. But there are times when Gannon will step into a teammate in order to get them focused.”

Shackelford says he grew up being a Texas Rangers fan and in particular liked to watch Michael Young and Adrian Beltre. In addition to his athletics, Gannon is also vice president of the senior class, is in FCA and takes part in FFA where he has worked in farm business management, and is also active in his church youth group and helping out in the community. Following graduation in May, Gannon will set his sights a few miles south where he will move on to play catcher for Carl Albert next season.