Senior Shawn Holmes to sing the national anthem at Homecoming
Released: October 2, 2006
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior Shawn Holmes, long the go-to crooner for impromptu performances at track meets and football practices, will sing the national anthem when the UW-Whitewater Warhawks host the Eagles of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse at this year's homecoming game, 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct.14.
Holmes, an Oak Creek, Wis. native majoring in human health performance and recreational coaching, is enthused about this performance. "I'm really excited to sing for UW-Whitewater as an athlete and a student." Endowed with vocal skills, he has utilized his gospel tenor tone to sing at weddings and a host of other athletic competitions.
Crooning is not Holmes' only strong suit-- he is also an adept runner. Holmes is one of the swiftest sprinters on the UW-Whitewater men's track team. Holmes, who does not confine himself to networking with members of his primary sport, has engaged in friendships with football players and others involved in intramural sports.
Initially, it wasn't Holmes' idea to sing the national anthem. It was the idea of several of his friends on the football team that he perform at Homecoming. Holmes then spoke with Paul Plinske, UW-Whitewater's athletic director, about a possible performance, and Plinske concurred. Final approval came from Glenn Hayes, the band director, who was elated to have a student perform.
"This is an example of athletics trying to engage more of our students by utilizing their talent," Plinske said. "He's got a wealth of support from us." So, as Homecoming inches closer and Holmes prepares for his performance, it is the hope of the university that Perkins Stadium will be brimming with fans. Take it from Plinske, "It is my hope that people will come out and pack the Perk."
- LeQuez Spearman,spearmanlt22@uww.edu
