Grid, Grit And Good Grades Paul Shogren’s Athletic Discipline Serves Him Well As A Top-Flight Scholar And Helped Him Win Ray Flaherty Award

Putting on a tuxedo, Paul Shogren discovered, was more difficult than tugging on a football uniform.

“The tux was a new experience for me,” he said. “I didn’t know how to put on the tie.”

In late January, the East Valley High School senior was honored at a black-tie banquet, where he received the Ray Flaherty Award and a $3,500 college scholarship, based on a combination of football ability and academic performance.

The tux was the first hint to his family that the award was a big deal.

“We hadn’t really paid any attention until a lady called and said Paul had to be someplace and be fitted,” said his mother, Helen.

Shogren was honored along with nine other finalists at the Inland Northwest Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Shogren, who stands 6 foot and weighs 190 pounds, was the smallest player at the banquet, said his coach, Jim Clements.

“It’s a cliche, but you like to see a kid who deserves it get the recognition,” said Clements. “He played the most demanding position in the offensive line.”

Attending the formal banquet and receiving the award, said Shogren, was an adrenalin rush not unlike a football game.

“I felt, being first team all-league both ways and a 4.0 student I had an edge,” he said. But when the announcement was made, “It was a shock.”

Shogren, a football and baseball player, was a two-way All-Frontier League player at center and defensive end on last year’s playoff football team.

The discipline instilled from academics carried over into football.

“I’m definitely better in sports for it,” he said.

Clements pointed out that Shogren not only had to snap the ball to his quarterback and block, but also had responsibility for the other linemen as well. He would also answer his coach’s questions about the best way to block opposition defenders.

“In certain blocking schemes, if a lineman is out of place, I had to call out and make adjustments,” Shogren said. “After the first drive I’d go to the sidelines and tell coaches what was going on.”

Athletic recognition is nothing new for the Shogren clan.

But academics comes first for Bob and Helen Shogren and their four children.

“We made sure they got the best possible education,” said Helen. “The fact of life is we expect high standards.”

But they also understand the value of activities and their children have immersed themselves in scouting - three boys have their Eagle award - and sports.

Bob Shogren, a metallurgical engineer who is in management at Kaiser, played various sports in high school. Helen Shogren, trained as a registered nurse and a volunteer in Fire District 13, has played recreation basketball, softball and soccer locally.

“I grew up at a time when there were no athletics for women,” she said. “I love sports. I wish I was out there competing.”

Oldest brother Rob Shogren was the versatile star on EV’s league championship track team who also played basketball and was co-valedictorian in 1995. He currently is majoring in engineering at Gonzaga University.

Younger brother John plays football, basketball and soccer. He could be Paul’s heir at center for the Knights next year.

“Toward the end of the year, after an injury to Jared Van Duyne, he played guard next to me,” said Paul.

Sister Sarah, an eighth grader, is a four-sport athlete at Mountain View Middle School.

“She’s pretty competitive,” said their mother. “She’d play them all if they could.”

Paul will either attend a large college, or, if Montana Tech offers a chance to play football, the engineering college in Butte.

“Each is their own person and enjoys different things,” said Helen.

That even extends to their study habits. Some get right to their homework. Paul, who calls himself a perfectionist, stays up late at night.

“Good grades don’t just come, you have to work at it,” he said. “And at my size I’ll not make a living out of football. Academics comes first.”

Knowing his time on the gridiron was limited, Shogren made the most of it. The satisfaction of playing an unheralded lineman’s position, he said, was simple.

“When you see the fullback busting 30 yards downfield for a score through a hole you made,” he said, “that’s the best part.”

Winning the Ray Flaherty scholarship in recognition for his performance in athletics and in the classroom wasn’t bad.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Photos (1 Color)