When 2020 graduate Shane Susnak was the starting quarterback for the Foxes football team, he helped lead it to the playoffs in his senior year; broke the previous school passing record with nearly 2,000 yards; and was named the Big 56 first-team quarterback for the Northern Conference.
Now an upcoming sophomore at Notre Dame, Shane is no longer an active player but is very much looking forward to a new chapter in his life when he will return to the field – only this time as a student manager.
“I thought it would be a great way to stay close to the game, learn more about it, get to know the players, and meet new friends,” says Shane, a business major who was selected as a student manager in the spring.
Once the field of applicants was narrowed down, some individuals were invited to spend a couple of days at spring practices, where they shadowed experienced managers and worked with a position coach. About two dozen students, from freshmen to seniors, are eventually selected.
“In the spring they evaluate your basic knowledge of the game and how well you interact with everyone,” explains Shane, who was hoping to mostly work with the quarterbacks and ended up doing so.
Quickly, the coaches recognized Shane’s expansive football IQ and strong communication skills, and told him to start coming to practices every day. Later, he was officially invited to join the team for the 2021-2022 season, and he was thrilled with the opportunity to remain close to the game.
“I do miss the athleticism and competition of playing and being around some of my best friends whom I had played with for years,” says Shane of his high school days. “This position gives me a chance to stay close to the game and the action on the field; it’s about as close as I can get without actually playing.”
Since he is not too far removed from his days playing for Fox Chapel Area, Shane still has many fond memories. He recalls one of them that is at the top of his list.
“I’d say one of my best memories was getting Coach (Tom) Loughran his 200th win when we played Hampton. I think we were 0-4 before that, but that game started us on a winning streak that got us into the playoffs.
“Besides that game, some of my best memories were just practicing and playing with my best friends. I think when you are still in high school, you take that for granted sometimes.”
His advice for the current members of the team, which happens to have the largest roster in many years, is this: “I would tell them to remember how fun it can be to play and to have fun. I know when it gets to mid-October it can be a grind to go to practice, but it really does go so fast.”
“This is a new opportunity for Shane to give back as a coach,” says Coach Loughran of his former player who has always had great ability as a teacher. “I’m sure he will continue to excel, just as he always has in the classroom and on the field. He is someone who has a great ability to relate to the kids, and that will help them go a long way. Whatever it takes to do the job, Shane has that special ‘it factor’ to do it well.”
So, this fall, if you happen to be watching a Fighting Irish football game, be sure to take a close look when the cameras are focused on the offense and quarterbacks on the sideline. You just might see Shane taking advantage of a cool opportunity – and having a great time doing it.