Shields signs to play football for Southern Arkansas University

On signing day, Feb. 3, 2021, Weiser High School senior Beau Shields committed to play football for Southern Arkansas University. The defensive lineman and fullback is looking forward to playing for the Muleriders in the fall.
 Shields has wanted to play football at the college level for as long as he can remember. He first began playing football in first grade, and most of his idols throughout his childhood were college football players. Shields father, Ian Shields, is a college football coach and Beau shared that he has been a great influence on him to want to pursue that same path.  
 Shields came to play football with the Wolverines this last fall for his senior year. He played in Jacksonville, Florida his junior year, but after his father received a coaching job in Nevada, he knew he would play his senior year in a new school.
 With the COVID-19 restrictions in the state of Nevada, playing there was not an option. His mother, a Weiser High School graduate suggested Beau live with her parents, Francisco and Terry Olivo, here in Weiser so that he would be able to play his senior year.
 Although he was only a Wolverine for a year, Shields was able to be a huge contributor to the team and quickly became a proud Wolverine. Shields also plans to play baseball for the Wolverines this spring.
 “I love how much the town cares about what we do on and off the field. Weiser is such a positive place and community. I was impressed and grateful to be a part of it,” Shields said.
 Shields shared that he has made lifelong friends here in Weiser for which he will always be grateful.
 Shields chose Southern Arkansas University after visiting the campus and meeting the head coach, Mike McCarty. The culture that McCarty is building is the kind of team of which Shields wants to be a part. While visiting the campus, everything there felt like home. Shields said that after the visit, the decision was a no brainer.
 While attending Southern Arkansas, Shields plans to major in sports management and hopes to someday become a college football coach like his father.
 Shields would give any young players who also hope to play at the collegiate level the advice to develop winning habits that include things you do at home, in school, at practice and in everything you do. He said that if you create winning habits then you will not only be successful in any sport you play but you will also be successful in life as well.
 Shields also shared that none of his success would be possible without his two number one supporters: his mom and dad. He also is grateful for his best friends and brothers: Jonah and Jordan. Lastly, Shields would also like to thank Coach Tom Harrison and the staff at Weiser High School for the opportunity to join the Wolverine family.