Ryan Shaw enjoys being able to compete in several sports, but lists Australian Rules football as his favourite.By Marc McGowan
SPORT has always offered great opportunities, and is about to reward Narre Warren North’s Ryan Shaw in the best possible way.
In just his second year as a cross country runner, Shaw, 13, has been invited to compete in the United States during a 15-day itinerary in various cities across the country.
“It’s a big surprise because I’m just a little runner and now I’m going over to the States,” the year eight St Francis Xavier College student said.
“I’m pretty nervous, but I’ve tried not to really think about it.”
Shaw, who runs for Casey Little Athletics Club, came under notice after solid results at last year’s Victorian All-Schools Cross Country Championships and he enters the trip not knowing what to expect.
“I’m just going over to do my best and I’ll be doing exactly the same things as I do in Australia,” he said.
“It’s pretty amazing for me because I’m only young.”
There is more to Shaw than just his running, and he also pulls on the boots for Fountain Gate Junior Football Club in winter and the cricket whites for Narre North in summer.
And he is equally as successful at those sports as well.
Shaw played his 100th game of football for Fountain Gate in its under 14 Blue side’s 26-point defeat in last month’s Dandenong District Junior Football League grand final.
“The grand final was weird because there were a lot of people there watching,” the diminutive backman said.
“I didn’t think I’d play my 100th game until next year, so it was good to do it in a grand final.”
Shaw is also adept with the willow and scored a half-century in just his seventh match of cricket, but football remains his number-one priority.
His mother Marie is beaming with pride about her son’s achievements and said sport played a big role in his life.
“Ryan’s one of those kids that does everything and he never comes first, but he always does well,” she said.
“He loves all sports and (being invited to the US) is a great opportunity for him … he’s one of those kids that has a finger in everything.”
For now, however, athletics is the focus for Shaw and he will draw on the advice he has received from Casey Little Athletics mentor Rod Prime.
“It’s pretty exciting and it’s keeping me fit and healthy,” Shaw said.
“Rod Prime has helped me a lot, putting me through hill work on Thursdays and showing me how to position myself and what to do in the first 100 metres of the race.
“I’ve definitely improved since I started.”
