Shadryon senior feature
by McKenna Poling
Out of all the words in the dictionary, what word would you like to describe yourself? Smart? Talented? Attractive? How about humble? In a way, it’s a double-weighted adjective. First, it's definition implies that you have something that you could be arrogant about. Whether that be a talent, an item, or being a force to be reckoned with in football and getting third at state wrestling. Second, it means you don’t gloat about your talent or achievements, something that is very challenging to many. It’s a word many people strive to be, but for Shadryon Blanka, a senior at SFCHS, being humble is just something that comes naturally.
“I think Shadryon’s best trait that would describe him would be humble. He cares for his teammates and others before he thinks of himself,” said Trent Kinen, a family friend. “He’s the guy that would help out somebody before he would himself and I think that speaks volumes in a person. You don’t see a whole lot of that in this day in age and I respect that.”
Kinen and other members of the community have been able to watch Blanka not only evolve as a player but also as a person. They describe him as a selfless leader, a hardworking teammate, and a compassionate friend.
“He’s a really good athlete and a really good teammate,” said Colton Neitzel, senior and friend of Blanka. “He helps guys out and always does his best.”
Neitzel and Blanka have known each other for as long as they can remember. The pair have chemistry on and off the field. They share many memories together, but Neitzel’s favorite was the time they set off a fart bomb in Blanka’s house.
Coach Scott “Hoagie” Carmichael said Blanka is a generous person.
“While most people have witnessed what an exceptional athlete and tough competitor he is, he has really become a great teammate and leader,” Carmichael said. “He also has always been one of my three or four kids, that when asked to help people in the community, he always volunteers to help. ‘Shady’ is an exceptional person as well as an athlete.”
According to Carmichael, Blanka is a joy to coach. Carmichael calls him a sponge when it comes to listening to coaching and says every coach that has had him would agree. Considering his devout passion for athletics and sports, it makes sense that Blanka plans to continue his football career after high school, and signed to play football for Kansas State University. He is planning to major in Animal/Beef Nutrition with a desire to work for feedlots in western Kansas as a Beef Nutritionist.
“I’ve enjoyed watching him grow up and succeed in the way he has in everything he has done,” Kinen said. “I know he will continue to do great things in life because of his family, coaches, and teachers he has had along his journey. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him, and he will always have the support of the hometown he grew up in along with his family and friends.”