Ian Shirk dives into Emory & Henry College commitment

Hard work takes Owen senior swimmer to the next level

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 29, 2024

Dozens of friends, family and teammates surround Ian Shirk, seated center, left, May 28, as he signs to swim at Emory & Henry College. Photo by Fred McCormick

Swimming did not come easy to Ian Shirk when he joined a local youth swim team in his hometown. Barely able to navigate the waters of the Black Mountain Pool, he instantly realized one simple thing. 

“I wasn’t going to complain,” the Owen senior said. “I knew I was going to need to just work hard and keep pushing myself.”

It became a philosophy that shaped his development with the Black Mountain Stingrays, generated success throughout a four-year career with the Owen Seahorses and will guide him when he joins the Emory & Henry College swimming program.

Shirk, surrounded by dozens of family members, friends, teammates and coaches on May 28, signed with the Wasps, extending an athletic career that seemed unlikely when he arrived at the Black Mountain Pool as a child.

“I didn’t know how to swim and I didn’t like swimming, but I needed to earn a swimming merit badge,” said Shirk, who is pursing his Eagle Scout designation this summer. “So, joining the (Stingrays) swim team was my best chance to earn that swimming badge.”

Immediately, he found enjoyment spending time with the many friends he came to know through the experience, but there was something about the sport itself that intrigued him.

“It’s so much more about improving yourself than trying to beat the other person,” Shirk said. “I’m competitive when it comes to competing against myself, and all the sports I’ve ever participated in are about racing against myself.”

Shirk was a member of the Owen cross country, track and swim teams, but the latter always presented the biggest challenge. His work ethic was tailor-made for the sport, according to Beth Rathbone, who coached the swimmer with the Stingrays and Seahorses.

Owen senior Ian Shirk, joined by brother Daniel, mother Crystal and father Conrad, commits to the swimming program at Emory & Henry College. Photo by Fred McCormick

“Ian’s drive has always set him apart,” she said. “He has never cheated himself, even if he struggled, he has always recognized the benefits of hard work and the ways it can pay off.”

As a young swimmer, Shirk was inspired by the success of his older teammates, including Sam Hey, Chloe Little and Stephen Henson, all of whom continued to compete in the sport at the collegiate level, according to the coach.

“Ian, even with limitations at the time, didn’t want to be left behind, so he just kept working even harder,” Rathbone said. “I’ve coached thousands of kids over the last decade, and he is the hardest working athlete I have ever worked with.”

Shirk climbed the ranks of the Seahorses and was named team captain as a senior, as he set personal bests in the 500 yard freestyle, 50 yard butterfly and 100 yard butterfly in the NCHSAA 1A/2A West Regional meet last February. He earned four medals—one gold, one silver and two bronze—in the 2024 Western Highlands Conference Championship meet.

His development in the sport has been remarkable, according to Rathbone.

“He isn’t built like a swimmer, but he turned himself into one,” she said. “He’s not tall, like people often imagine swimmers, but his dedication and commitment set him apart from every other athlete. It has truly been amazing to watch all these years.”

Shirk remained unconvinced that his career in the sport would continue, even as he established himself as one of the most consistent performers on the conference champion Seahorses. Pursuing a degree as a Physician Assistant was his primary goal when he discovered Emory & Henry College, in Emory, Virginia.

“We toured the college in April, saw the pool and it was really cool, and found out it was a really sports-focused school,” he said. “That made me think I could possibly swim there, so I reached out.”

Owen Seahorse and Black Mountain Stingray head coach Beth Rathbone, standing, celebrates Ian Shirk’s commitment to the Emory & Henry College Wasp swim team. Photo by Fred McCormick

Wasps head coach Will Hughes invited Shirk to join the program.

“I had been considering other options, but the more I learned about the college and thought about what I wanted to do with my life, I figured Emory & Henry would be a great place to swim and keep building myself,” Shirk said. “Swimming has been part of my life since sixth grade, and it’s had a big impact on me. It made me just want to keep getting better and that is something I want to continue.”

Shirk’s relentless approach to self-improvement will fuel his continued development at the college level, according to Rathbone.

“The way he pushes himself to succeed is something that not only helps him, but also inspires others around him,” she said. “I think that’s a benefit to any program and it’s going to be exciting to see him take that Emory & Henry.”

Embracing new challenges at the next level is something Shirk is looking forward to.

“I get to be around a whole new group of people, learn a lot of new things and have the opportunity to push myself to where I want to be,” he said. “There are still techniques and other things I need to improve, and a college program can push me beyond what I think I can do.”