Hard Work: Interview with Michigan Wolverine Commit Shawn Conway

It is quite ironic that I caught up with Birmingham Seaholm WR, Shawn Conway, after the “Sound Mind, Sound Body” camp he attended last weekend, because that is exactly what this kid has —outstanding athletic ability, coupled with a good head on his shoulders.

On Monday, I was able to speak with Shawn about the camp, how he has been spending his summer, and what his plans are for the upcoming year.  Outside of that, we talked Michigan football, his abilities, and some of his favorite components of the Wolverine program.

I must say, after speaking with Shawn, I remain very impressed. 

When asked about what he learned —he referenced hard work. 

When asked about what he planned on doing in the future to get better —he referenced hard work. 

Just about every chance he had —he referenced hard work.

If he is able to hone in on his athletic abilities like he plans, and keep the outstanding mentality he has, there is no doubt he will one day be a superior contributor for the Wolverines. Perhaps even one of those special athletes I can say I interviewed “back when.”   

In part one of this two part interview, Conway and I talk about how he has been spending his summer, the “Sound Mind, Sound Body” camp from last weekend, and what he feels he can bring to the table at Michigan.

Ryan McNish: Tell me a little about your weekend this past weekend?

Shawn Conway: Well Thursday I went up to the "Sound Mind, Sound Body", and I only went for Thursday because Friday was my birthday. So, I just stayed for a day.

[A moment to wish Shawn a Happy Birthday]

But, you know, it was a great competition out there.  Me and DeAnthony (Arnett), we were out there talking a little junk to each other.

Ryan McNish: Oh yeah?  How'd that go?

Shawn Conway: That went really well.  There was a whole lot of college coaches out there.  I actually got a chance to show everybody, you know, that I'm "there."

Ryan McNish: The concept of the sound mind sound body is to work on the two different aspects of being an athlete, and that’s both the mental toughness, as well as the athletic toughness.  What would you say that you took away from that camp, or that you learned from that camp, on both sides of the field?

Shawn Conway: To keep your composure.  Hard work. You know it takes hard work to be one of the best players that you can be.  As far as on the field, there was Coach Dews from Michigan and one of the coaches from Iowa.  They were teaching us a bunch of the different demo moves on your routes that I kind of picked up on.

It was just a great all around experience for me.  Coach Blackwell, he is the person who ran the camp, he actually coached my seven-on-seven team.  He was just preaching basically that it's more than on the field —that there is life after football and stuff like that. 

Ryan McNish: When it comes to your summer, how have you been spending your summer other than at camp?

Shawn Conway: Working out and I have summer school.

Ryan McNish: Are you enjoying that?

(With the small laugh expected out of every high schooler)

Shawn Conway: [laugh] Enjoying it?  No.  But, it's got to get done.  It has to get done.

Ryan McNish: What are you looking forward to the rest of your summer?

Shawn Conway: Football with my high school team.  We have our first seven-on-seven this Wednesday, and getting ready to get back out there with my team.  We really have something to prove this year.

Ryan McNish: When you committed to Michigan, you committed pretty soon after they offered you.  Did you grow up a Michigan fan? Were you always a Michigan fan?

Shawn Conway: Yeah.  My whole family were always Michigan fans.  We used to watch them play against Michigan State and Ohio State since I was a kid. 

Ryan McNish: That must be pretty exciting for you then.

Shawn Conway: Oh yeah.  It is a once in a life time opportunity for me. 

Ryan McNish: When it comes to you coming to Michigan, what is the number one thing you think you bring to the table as an athlete? 

Shawn Conway:   Hard work.  Big play capability.  I'm just a play-maker.  That's what I've always sold myself as, and that's what I've always shown. I just come to make plays and to give Michigan a deep threat, and then we work from there.

In part two, Conway and I talk about his goals for his senior season in High School and his preparation for Michigan next year.  Perhaps more importantly, we get a chance to discuss Conway’s life history as a Michigan fan.  It will include his favorite thing about the school, his favorite football player while growing up, and memorable games that he has attended. 

Until then, here is a video of Conway at the Badger Sport/New Level Athletics seven-on-seven event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSNCHjnFlaI