He Taught History – And Made It
From his birth in 1926 until his death in 2004, Don Monn was one of Shelby’s own.
He graduated in 1944 after playing football for the Whippets. After military service, Mr. Monn earned a bachelor’s degree from Otterbein. He returned to SHS in 1955 and taught history, government and driver’s education. And, with distinction, he coached football and baseball until retiring in 1983.
Remembers an alum, “Mr. Monn taught and coached with great zest and splashes of humor.” He coached eight undefeated reserve football teams and compiled a record of 203 wins, 46 losses and 10 ties. During one span, his teams won 42 straight games.
Additionally, Mr. Monn launched the SHS girls softball program, serving as the first coach from 1977 to 1985. His teams compiled a win-loss record of 183-41.
Observes an alum, “He was an outstanding teacher, a great mentor as well as an excellent coach.”
Mr. Monn served as an active member of the SHS Alumni Association planning team until his death in April of 2004.