By ROBERT L. LEE

RESERVE – Following in the footsteps of his older brother Kenneth, and soon to be competing against him at track meets, East St. John High School graduate Roy Sheppard signed a scholarship with Grambling State University.

Based solely on grades, video tapes and times from recent track meets sent in by head track coach Louis Holloway, Grambling coaches sent scholarship papers to Sheppard. Colleges such as Alcorn State University and others from across the country handed the graduating Wildcat offers, but the availability of the TOPS program and desire to attend a school in the Southwestern Athletic Conference kept him in Louisiana and on the road to Grambling.

“Coach Holloway and my dad talked with them, and when they offered a scholarship with a chance to play football, I couldn’t resist,” said Sheppard. “It really helped my decision when they let my play the two sports I love the best.”

He said he visited the campus a couple years ago and plans to meet the coaches face to face again in about two weeks.

The family ties will be stretched when the two sons meet at the track or on the football field.

Both of Sheppard’s parents attended Prairie View A&M University in Texas, a competing SWAC school, while his brother Kenneth runs for another SWAC school, Southern University at New Orleans. Sheppard said he has always tried to out perform his older brother in many of the same events, such as the 400-meter race, which earned him the district champion title, the 4-by-200 and the 4-by-400 relays.

He joked that his parents would probably root against him during some events and for him in others.

His father, Roy Sheppard, said he attended all of his son’s games and meets through high school, and plans to do the same through his college career.

“This shows hard work pays off,” said Sheppard.

While a student at East St. John, Sheppard earned the most outstanding athlete award from the VFW Post 5004 in Reserve, was the all-River Parish MVP in track, and received the Wildcat award for his efforts as a cornerback on the football field and in the outfield on the baseball team. Aside from his athletic accomplishments, Sheppard finished with academic honors, was a member of the Beta club.

The scholarship set him among the top three students in the school for scholarship money received.

“I was speechless when he received the scholarship. He’s a hard worker and really deserved it,” said Holloway.

“He has guts and determination, those qualities will keep him ready for football, track and life.”

“It’s going to be a big step, but if I keep my goals in mind, I can accomplish them,” said Sheppard.

He explained that when he first tried out for the Wildcats’ football and track teams, he was told he was too slow and couldn’t make the cut.

Since then those remarks have fueled his efforts. Now his motto is “the sky’s the limit.”

Sheppard said he plans to earn a degree in computer science or drafting. Also on his college checklist, to continue winning awards, namely help Grambling win a SWAC championship.