Cindy Pitts| The Observer

Mother Alice Shippy, left, and father Jimmy Shippy, second from right, watch as son Jimmy Shippy signs to play with Newberry College. Also looking on is Newberry High Principal Katrina Singletary, first row right, and second row, left to right, Newberry High Athletic Director Chad Cary, Head Football Coach Phil Strickland and coach Lindsey Stribble.

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Newberry County’s player of the year has signed on to continue his college career at Newberry.

Jimmy Shippy had many accomplishments on the Newberry High football team and hopes for just as many as he signed Wednesday to play with the Wolves.

Shippy was named as the Newberry County Touchdown Club’s player of the year in November, as All-Region and the fullback was selected to play in the North/South All-Star game.

But the modest Bulldog said as he signed on Wednesday that he was honored just to be good enough to play college ball.

Shippy had 129 rushes for 925 yards with 7.2 yards per carry on average and scored eight touchdowns during Newberry High’s regular season.

“Jimmy is a quality fullback,” said Newberry High School head football coach Phil Strickland. “He not only ran the ball well, he developed into an extremely good blocker.

And while Shippy is excited about heading across Wilson Road to play at Newberry College, his mom is just as thrilled.

Alice Shippy has been known for creating some noise for her son and the Bulldogs while sitting in the stands at Newberry High and she plans on doing the same at Newberry.

“I got him at home again and close by,” says the proud mother.

Alice Shippy, who works third shift at Wal-Mart, says with Jimmy Shippy going to school at home she can continue to go to all of his home games and still work.