TENNERTON — In continuing to bring you the best sports coverage in Upshur County, the My Buckhannon sports department is pleased to bring you yet another exclusive feature — Raising the Jolly Roger With….

In ‘Raising the Jolly Roger With…’ the My Buckhannon sports department will interview a senior student-athlete from Buckhannon-Upshur to get to know them better and what makes them tick both on and off the field.

Our first student-athlete is with Shelby McDaniels…enjoy!

1. Please list all the sports you have played at B-U and what year you played them?

I played volleyball my freshman, sophomore and senior year. I have played basketball my freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year. I played softball my freshman and junior years and will play my senior year.

2. What has been your favorite athletic moment at Buckhannon-Upshur that you participated in?

My favorite athletic moment so far was my freshman year of softball, we lost the first game of sectionals to a hot University team. We went on the road to beat Preston High School. We continued to play well and we beat University and Morganton to make it to the sectional championship, but we lost. Although the loss was tough to take, it was one of my best memories.

3. Describe your toughest practice at Buckhannon-Upshur. What sport and who was the coach?

The toughest practice I have endured would have to be a recent one if I’m being honest. Many people would think layups are one of the easier shots in basketball. Well, this day our team just could not buy a basket in the paint. Coach Kittle got so fed up with us missing layups. He had already made us run sprints and eventually he told us to just start running until he told us to stop. It felt like we ran for 30 minutes straight — by far, the toughest practice I have been a part of.

4. Do you have a favorite saying from one of your head coaches?

I have been blessed with great coaches who give me great advice, but I think a saying that all of my coaches have said to me and has stuck has been, “Remember, games are supposed to be fun,” meaning no matter what happens, you have to enjoy and have fun when you play.

5. What was or is your favorite class you have taken at Buckhannon-Upshur and who taught it? Why was it your favorite? My favorite class has probably been either my Civics or Contemporary Studies class with Robert Carr who taught both. I really enjoy his classes and I learn a lot when I am there. So, I think when I am excited to come to a class, his class and the subject he teaches, are my favorite.

6. What is your favorite thing about being a Buccaneer?

My favorite thing about being a Buccaneer would have to be the people I get to share being a Buccaneer with. Over the years, I have made many friendships with fellow Buccaneers that I will cherish forever.

7. If you were asked to play another sport, what would it be and why?

If I were to play another sport, I think I would choose football because of my short-lived powderpuff career as the B-UHS powderpuff quarterback.

8. Who is your hero and why?

My hero would have to be my Grandma Janet McDaniels. She resembles everything I hope to be one day. She is kind, strong in her faith, intelligent, beautiful, funny and she makes the people around her feel good. I want to be like her when I grow up.

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

At the moment, I am not sure what I want to be when I grow up. I do know I want to be someone and do something that will please God, my family and my community.

10. What are you initial plans after graduation this spring?

My initial plans are to attend college and play either softball or basketball. I am not sure which one or where at; I am keeping my options open.

11. What question do you hate to answer?

I hate being asked which sport I like better.

12. Who is the best athlete in your family?

This is hard to answer because there are many good athletes in my family who I have learned from, but I think the best athlete in my family is my grandpa or my dad.

13. Do you have a favorite vacation locations? If so, where?

My favorite vacation spot is anywhere on a beach with my family and friends.

14. What is your favorite food and the what is the one thing you won’t eat?

I don’t think I have a favorite food, but I love anything breakfast. The one food I will not eat is broccoli.

15. What advice would you give to a young athlete ready to start his/her time as a Buccaneer?

My advice would be to set goals and work every day to achieve them in the classroom and in athletics. Always do your best and cherish every moment you spend with your teammates, classmates and best friends. These four years will be so much fun, so don’t forget to enjoy it.