THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601260232
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
DONNIE SHELL, a five-time Pro Bowler and currently the director of community and player relations for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League, will be the featured speaker at the 50th annual Portsmouth Sports Club Jamboree.
The Jamboree has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, at the Holiday Inn-Portside.
Shell was a member of the famed Pittsburgh Steelers ``Steel Curtain'' defense in the late 1970s and played on teams that won four Super Bowls. He was a defensive starter for the Steelers for 11 consecutive seasons.
Five times Shell was on the AFC team in the Pro Bowl. When he retired, he was the record holder for interceptions by a strong safety with 51.
Shell was named to the all-time Pittsburgh Steelers team and to the NFL Silver Anniversary Super Bowl Team.
A 1976 graduate of South Carolina State University with a bachelor of science degree in physical education with a minor in biology, Shell went on to earn his master's degree in guidance and counseling in 1977.
He has been elected to the the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.
Shell joined the Panthers in January 1994 and immediately distinguished himself as a front office executive. Long before players started arriving for the expansion team, Shell began implementing player programs, such as financial education, family assistance, career internships and continuing education.
``All of these programs are designed to help players succeed following their on-field football careers,'' he explained.
The 43-year-old Shell and wife, Paulette, are the parents of three - April, 17; Dawn, 12; and Donnie, 9. The Shells now make their home in Rock Hill, S.C.
To be honored at the Jamboree are the Sports Person of the Year, the outstanding high school coach, the state's top college coaches and athletes, and the Sports Club member of the year.
Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer has been chosen as the male College Coach of the Year. His Hokies defeated Texas in the Sugar Bowl and were ranked among the nation's top 10 teams.
Other selections will be made in February.
Nominations for the Herb Simpson Sports Person of the Year Award will close Monday. Nominations should be mailed to Benn Griffin, 4900 High Street West, Portsmouth 23703.
Tickets to the Jamboree are $40 and will go on sale this week. Walt Jernigan is ticket chairman and can be contacted at 399-6525. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Donnie Shell, a five-time Pro Bowler, is director of community and
player relations for the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
by CNB