Left to right Shawn Hamilton, Ryan Sullivan, Sharon Hamilton and Joel Shrenk. | Caleb Suggs

Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

It was a joyous day at Falkville high school as senior student athlete Ryan Sullivan signed a scholarship to play football at Faulkner University. Sullivan played quarterback for the Falkville Blue Devils and will head to Faulkner to compete for the same job. It was a special occasion, as Sullivan became the first player to sign a football scholarship in close to 30 years.

A celebration was held in Sullivan’s honor in the library of the school as family, friends and teammates gathered to celebrate his signing.

Principals and coaches, such as head football Joel Shrenk, of Falkville spoke kind words of Sullivan before his signing. “From the moment he stepped into the program he was locked into to do whatever he could to make himself and Falkville better.”

Sullivan is excited to take the next step in his career at Faulkner. “I chose Faulkner because it was close to home which is a big plus and also because it was the most similar to Falkville.” Shawn Hamilton, who is Ryan’s guardian, was very elated to see this day come. “We got Ryan when he was about 9 years old and to see how he has grown and the man he has become is something special.”  “Ryan is a hard worker and has set a great example here at Falkville” Shrenk said, “Hopefully more students here at Falkville will follow in his footsteps.”

Sullivan has played quarterback for the Blue Devils since his sophomore year and holds a 21-9 record as a starter. Sullivan led the Falkville team to a 9-3 record this past season, which included 8 straight wins to start the season.