Feb. 16, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Shane Simmons, a transfer from the University of Idaho, has signed a scholarship agreement with Western Washington University and will begin attending classes spring quarter.

Simmons, a 6-2, 210-pound linebacker from Kent (Kentlake High School), played in three games with the NCAA Division I Vandals last season as a true freshman, making eight tackles, including one for loss, before leaving school for personal reasons.

He is immediately eligible to practice with the Vikings once enrolled at Western, but his availability to compete in games next fall is uncertain pending a waiver appeal to the NCAA.

Simmons was a first-team all-South Puget Sound League pick as a senior on both offense and defense at Kentridge, also being a Seattle Times White Chip selection. He was the SPSL North Division Offensive Player of the Year as a quarterback, completing 49-of-96 passes for 1,052 yards and eight touchdowns, and rushing for 638 yards and 11 scores. On defense, he had 73 tackles, two interceptions, two blocked punts, and a fumble recovery.

Western was 6-4 last season, and returns 35 letter winners and 14 starters.

SHANE SIMMONS
Outside Linebacker
Sophomore, 6-2, 210, 19, 8/9/85
Kent, WA

COLLEGE: Transfer from University of Idaho ... Played in three games for Vandals as true freshman ... Credited with 8 tackles, 1 for loss of minus-1 yard.

HIGH SCHOOL: First-team Seattle Times, Seattle P-I and Tacoma News Tribune all-Area pick as senior at Kentlake High School ... South Puget Sound League North Division Offensive Player of the Year as quarterback ... First-team all-league both ways ... Listed among Seattle Times Top 100 (white chip) state high school seniors ...Selected to play in East-West all-star game ... Completed 49-of-96 passes for 1,052 yards and 8 touchdowns, and ran for 638 yards and 11 touchdowns ... Had 73 tackles, 2 pass interceptions, 2 blocked punts and 1 fumble recovery ... Helped Falcons to 9-2 record, SPSL North Division title and second round of Class 4A state playoffs ... Team co-captain and MVP ... First-team all-league as safety as junior, despite missing five games with broken leg ... Honorable mention all-league on offense as junior and defense as sophomore ... Started both ways and lettered three years ... Also earned two letters in baseball ... First-team all-league as sophomore.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in business.