By By TOM NYHUIS / Edwardsurg Argus
EDWARDSBURG – Edwardsburg High School senior Brent Shuttleworth has signed a letter of intent to further his education at Michigan State University.
Shuttleworth has been offered a scholarship to be a member of the Michigan State University Track and Field team for his abilities as a high jumper.
Brent's interest in the high jump began in the seventh grade. "I always watched my brother and he started working with me," Brent said of his start in the sport. "I started lifting everyday in my sophomore year during the summer and lifted in the mornings before school at 6 a.m. Eventually I got better and better and building up and this opportunity came up and took it. I've always wanted to go to State."
Shuttleworth caught the attention of the Michigan State coaches after attending a summer jump camp at the university last summer. Shuttleworth also qualified for the high school track and field regionals last year but an illness prevented him from participating at the state meet.
Brent is the youngest of three sons of Marty and Lora Shuttleworth of Edwardsburg. All three of the Shuttleworth boys, Brent, Doug and Craig, have high jumped for the Eddies and it is brother Craig who holds the current high school record.
Brent has his eyes set on having a standout season in his senior year with the hopes of staying healthy and making another qualifying leap to get the opportunity to make it the state meet this season. Last year Brent's best season jump was 6-foot-5 and during camp he jumped 6-foot-6.
Brent's education plans include majoring in marketing and he currently attends the Business Academy at Southwestern Michigan College and he currently carries a 3.30 GPA at Edwardsburg High School.