Comments on: Barkley vs. Shields

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 10 May 2008 05:28:06 +0000

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.

By: Barkely sucks

Barkely sucks — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:19:36 +0000

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

By: Stephanie Dufour

Stephanie Dufour — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:42:11 +0000

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.

By: Fred

Fred — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:28:57 +0000

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.

By: dalbano

dalbano — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:31:57 +0000

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.

By: Smokey

Smokey — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:21:39 +0000

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.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:53:45 +0000

Tom Shields deserves it more because swimming takes more talent and perseverance…..without a doubt.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:51:16 +0000

Yeah this guy is a future olympian. Can you say that for Barkley?

By: SportsFan

SportsFan — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:36:35 +0000

Hey Dan……Consider Fixing Your Comment.
Matt Barkley: Might be the Tom Shields of Orange County Swimming.

By: Henry Joel

Henry Joel — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:06:19 +0000

This would be hilarious if he got knocked out first round