A quarterback on the field, a student in the classroom, and a brother of three younger Shearers in the house, Austin Shearer’s roles as a teenager go well beyond the football field. He comes from a great family, exceptionally admirable when looking back upon the college days of both his father and grandfather.
“Two of my biggest inspirations for the love of football would have to come from my Dad, who played at Temple, and my Grandfather, who played at Pittsburgh. Both my Mom and Dad have always been great role models for me. They are hard workers and good people, and I try to make them proud in everything I do.”
Shearer grew up playing a handful of sports, specifically football, baseball, and basketball. He always enjoyed watching football as an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but his favorite quarterbacks to watch do not come from Steel City.
“I would have to say Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are my favorite quarterbacks to watch because obviously they are elite forces at their position, but they have great determination and exceptional character. I try to reflect that sportsmanship myself on and off the field.”
So far this season, Shearer has led the Knights to a 9-3 overall record, 7-0 within the North Penn’s Continental conference. The team has been clicking exceptionally well throughout the last time 9 games.
“The team chemistry is great, especially since we are on a nine game winning streak. We have all grown much closer as a whole this season. I consider my teammates brothers and I’m sure they feel the same way.”
Last year the Knights ended the regular season with a 6-4 overall record. The Knights were stopped short of a playoff appearance. This year the quarterback admits that hard work during the off season has paid off.
“After a disappointing 2012 season, I think all of this year’s seniors, including myself, knew we had something to prove. We were determined to prove that North Penn is still a force to be reckoned with, and I believe we are on the right path,” said Shearer. “The coaching that North Penn has put me through has shown me many things, but the most important thing would have to be the idea that it is never too late to improve. Every week is an opportunity to better your game.”
Shearer’s teammates admit that his leadership behind center heavily contributes to recent success that the team has showed on the field.
Senior full back Luke Berry commented “Austin has been playing very well lately, making other teams worry about a potential dual threat offense. He’s a great team leader, especially after our 0-3 start when we needed someone to step up. Now we’re in the playoffs and our success can definitely be attributed to his leadership.”
“He is no doubt the biggest leader on our team. He’s an awesome guy that I love working with on and off the field every week to get better. He has a great arm, and I can always count on him throwing a catchable ball” commented senior wide receiver Justin Hudimac
The Knights look to continue their playoff run Friday night as they face the Vikings of Perk Valley in the semifinals of the PIAA Quad A district playoffs.