LYNN — Fans may know Shane Knowlton-Simard from his record-breaking senior season as Lynn English’s quarterback. He was the one running wild down the Manning Field sideline for about three months.
The Greater Boston League’s Most Valuable Player compiled 2,700 yards of offense and 38 touchdowns. Perhaps his most memorable outing came during a win against Everett, when he recorded 309 yards rushing and found paydirt six times.
“He’s No. 1 (in Lynn history) for sure,” said head coach Tyllor McDonald after his dual-threat gunslinger ended his English career with five touchdowns against Lynn Classical last Thanksgiving Day. “There have been a lot of great players in Lynn who I’ve seen and heard about in the past, but there has been nobody like him.”
But beyond those bleachers, Knowlton-Simard has enjoyed well-earned success. It began in December, when he was named the MIAA’s Student of the Month.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Shane for four years in my capacity as a coach, physical education teacher, and Game Day Administrator at Lynn English,” said Athletic Director Ashley Aldred. “Watching his evolution from a freshman to a senior has been an inspiration. Shane has navigated significant personal adversity, including time spent in foster care before his adoption, with grace and maturity. He does not take a single opportunity for granted.”
Being a captain didn’t stop after the football season, either. He mentors youth athletes, volunteers, and stays involved with local initiatives on top of being a three-sport athlete (basketball, outdoor track and field) with a rigorous course load.
In the classroom, Knowlton-Simard sports a 3.03 GPA and ranks No. 166 (of 516 students). His report card only shows A’s and one B.
“He is a leader in our hallways, a mentor to our youth, and a young man who embodies the ‘never-miss-a-play’ mentality in both his life and his studies,” Aldred said.
Call these extra points: He has participated in local government and volunteered his time helping a mayoral campaign, all while attending church every Sunday.
“It’s definitely tiring, but as tired as I am, it’s still a good thing to do and I’m still young,” Knowlton-Simard said. “I just want to enjoy it.”
And in the Knowlton-Simard book, his next chapter has come. He recently committed to Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn. and will earn a postgraduate degree as part of the Class of 2027.
“Coach Mac (McDonald) got in touch with a coach over there,” Knowlton-Simard said. “After visiting them and just being amongst the people there, I fell in love with it and that’s where I wanted to go. Thankfully, I did everything right, went through all the interviews, answered all the right questions, and got a full ride.”
The Wild Boars’ football team was 8-2 last fall, losing only to Phillips Exeter Academy and Avon Old Farms by three combined points. Knowlton-Simard said he’s looking at outside linebacker, edge rusher, and wide receiver, as well as some packages at quarterback.
“Whatever gets me on the field,” he said. “My goal is to go here, have a great year, and, hopefully, earn a scholarship and be able to play at a Division 1 school.”
