Sophomore Kicker Responds to the Pull of Politics

August 29, 2005

Sophomore kicker/punter Gary Sheplavy (Willowick, OH/Eastlake North) spent ten weeks this summer working in Ohio state politics.

Sheplavy has been interested in politics for as long as he can remember, so last spring he wrote to his state representative, Lorraine Fende, asking if there were any internship opportunities available.

He was interviewed in Columbus, and was accepted for the internship.

Then, Representative Fende referred him to Ohio State Senator Marc Dann, who also accepted him for an internship with his office.

While many of his peers worked the usual college-days summer jobs, Sheplavy spent the months of May, June, and July handling calls and emails from Rep. Fende's constituents and helping Senator Dann's staffers draft legislation for insurance reform that will be voted on this fall in the Ohio Senate.

Sheplavy has always wanted to work in politics, and his experience solidified that goal.

"As long as I can remember I've always wanted to help people and be their voice," said Sheplavy. "It was an eye-opening and intriguing experience. What I found most surprising was how down-to-earth the Senators and Representatives are."

Sheplavy also grew up a bit this summer. He lived on his own in Columbus, bought his own groceries, and cleaned his own place.

He solidified his plans to attend law school after graduation from Hiram, then work as a medical malpractice defense lawyer for a while before working his way into the political realm, with the ultimate goal of one day becoming a U.S. Congressman.

In the meantime, Sheplavy maintains his membership in the Young Democrats and is helping on the Ted Strickland for Governor campaign.

He has already secured his return next summer, and intends to work with U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan in the summer of 2007 in addition to working on any future Marc Dann campaigns.

"There are a lot of internship opportunities," said Sheplavy. "I'd encourage anyone who's interested in politics to write to your senator or representative. The internship really pays for itself; you get to network with some really amazing people, and living on your own helps you grow up."

It appears Sheplavy has his eyes firmly set on the goal. That should pay off in his kicking role on the football team, as well as in life.