Manila's Michael Shedd inks letter of intent with Lyon College

Manila golfer Michael Shedd fulfilled a life-long dream Thursday afternoon at Manila, signing a letter of intent to play collegiate golf at Lyon College.

"This is a great opportunity for me to get a quality education and play golf," said Shedd. "Lyon College is a great school. I am glad to be considered as a student at Lyon and getting a scholarship to play golf is even better. I want to help and be part of the team at Lyon. I would love to pursue a career in professional golf, but if that doesn't work out, or if it is not in God's will, I will be happy working with young people as a golf coach."

"I think he will help us immediately," said Julie Church, head men and women's golf coach at Lyon College. "We have gotten better, and I think Michael will be an asset to our team. He is a good golfer and a good person. I am excited to have him sign with Lyon. Michael's scores speak for themselves. I think he will be a good fit for the program and the campus."

"Michael has been a pleasure to coach for the last four years," said Manila golf coach John Deaton. "I don't deserve any credit. Lyon is getting a great kid and a great golfer who is also a good student. This is something he has always wanted to do, play golf in college, and I am proud he is getting the opportunity. Michael has been a leader of the team ever since he was in the ninth grade. I couldn't be prouder of him."

Shedd led Manila to a second place finish in the district last season as well as helping the Lions finish third place in the regionals and fourth in state competition. Shedd was named All-State and finished fifth in the individual standings of the state tournament.

Shedd fired a 74 in the Class 3A State Tournament at Hot Springs Village, just three strokes out of a four-way tie for first. The senior was a four year starter at Manila, and won the individual medalist honor at the Regionals in 2007.

On hand for the signing were members of the Manila golf team, as well as Michael's parents, David and Trena Shedd along with sisters Mikayla and McKenzie. Shedd's grandparents, Wayne and Linda Shedd of Manila and Van and Barbara Gilbert of Valley View, were also in attendance. Bernice Cook of Batesville and Winston and Lillian Morrison of Beebe (aunts and uncle) were on hand for the signing as well.