Barkley vs. Shields
May 7th, 2008, 12:00 pm · 11 Comments · posted by tharmonson
What athlete should advance to the next round: Mater Dei’s Matt Barkley or Edison’s Tom Shields?
Check out what the ocvarsity.com staff had to say about them:
Matt Barkley
Mater Dei football
Comment: “He looks like a college quarterback. A very, very good college quarterback.” — Adam Maya
Tom Shields
Edison swimming
Comment: “Might be the Matt Barkley of Orange County swimming.” — Dan Albano
Mater Dei’s Matt Barkley vs. Edison’s Tom Shields
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May 7th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I just wanted to see someone else recognized, so I voted for Shields
May 7th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
This would be hilarious if he got knocked out first round
May 7th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Hey Dan……Consider Fixing Your Comment.
Matt Barkley: Might be the Tom Shields of Orange County Swimming.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Yeah this guy is a future olympian. Can you say that for Barkley?
May 8th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Tom Shields deserves it more because swimming takes more talent and perseverance…..without a doubt.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Tough call. Barkley’s already been selected national athlete of the year at his position. Shields is world class in his sport which is largely thankless until you get to the Olympics.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
World class is correct - Shields did hold off Australia legend Grant Hackett in a meet in Australia prior to the high school season. But as much as I like Shields, he is not a lock for county swimmer of the year. Beckman’s Charlie Rimkus could factor big time. Charlie does need get a little nuts Friday night — just like I expect Shields to do. Big-timers need to rise up when it counts. Kinda of like Barkley did when he was pressured against Servite but instead of falling for a safety, threw the long TD.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:28 am
What happened to Barkley when they played Crespi? He def didn’t step up there? Tom Shields has back to back CIF championships and going for his third while Barkley was the favorite for state and didn’t even make it to CIF Finals.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Tom Shields is an inspiration to ALL the student athletes, not only because of his skill but also his character. His swimming ability and attitude has inspired all of Edison High School’s athletes to rise above their competition and to perform at a higher level. We don’t know Matt but no doubt Tom deserves this award more than any athlete we know.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
stick any quarterback behind a line that are the size of goliath and they will put up the same numbers if not more. Tom Shields deserves some respect
May 9th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
As someone who follows all high school sports, has played the team sports (football, basketball and baseball), and has raised a gifted swimmer, I would have to give the nod to Tom Shields. I saw him swim when he was 11 and knew he was special then. In my opinion, special swimmers have the most exhausting workouts and schedules of any other athlete in this day and age. To keep it up, and excel, requires tremendous character and personal fortitude. What Tom has done is incredible. Not to take away from Matt (he’s clearly a great athlete) but when I look at the dedication and commitment (as well as the mental aspects associated with the daily, year-round grind) of both sports, I see that swimming at the level that Tom swims at is much more worthy of this award and its recognition.