Longtime Winfield coach and educator Brian Shaw has died following a battle with cancer.
Shaw, who was the head tennis coach for Winfield High School, was a state champion doubles player for Ark City High School and noted quarterback for the Bulldogs football team. Later, he was a football coach at WHS for 11 years. He was the Vikings’ head coach from 2003-2005.
“The love of my life, my soulmate forever and the best dad I could have ever chosen for our girls, went to be with Jesus today,” Shaw’s wife, Kristi, posted on Facebook Tuesday. “I can honestly say that Brian will always be the strongest man physically and mentally I have ever known. The last 10 weeks of our lives have been living hell in the sense of seeing my sweetheart of 25 years go (through) the dying process. We truly have felt every emotion known to man.”
She also shared her family’s gratitude for the support of people in the area.
“Thank you for all the sweet texts, emails, cards and prayers — we have truly been so grateful,” she wrote. “To our USD 465 and USD 470 (Winfield and Ark City communities) friends and student athletes, thank you so much for all your kindness and to my (Advanced Cheer Crew) and Cowley family, thank you as well for everything you have done for us. It truly means so much to us.”
Shaw was 50 and had two daughters.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Brown Center on the campus of Cowley College on Sunday at 2 p.m. The family is asking attendees to wear your Cubs, KC Royals, Ark City Bulldogs, Winfield Vikings or any of the several #teamshaw cancer shirts in remembrance.
