BRIAN SHAY
1977 –
Inducted – 2002

They said Brian Shay was too small to be a successful college football player. NCAA Division I schools turned their backs on him. All that Shay did during a four-year career at Emporia State University (1995-98) was become college football’s all-time leader in rushing yards (6,958), all-purpose yards (9,301), touchdowns (88) and points scored (544). Shay ended his spectacular career at Emporia State with 17 records and won the 1998 Harlon Hill Trophy – signifying the top player in NCAA Division II – with the most first-place votes ever. His 2,265 yards rushing in 1998 was an all-time Division II record and he was named first-team Division II All-American in 1997 and 1998. Following his playing days with the Hornets, Shay was selected to play in the Senior Bowl All-Star Game. He played for the NFL Europe’s Berlin Thunder in 2000 and the Orlando Rage of the former XFL in 2001. Shay was also dynamic in high school, leading Paola High School to an unbeaten season and the Class 4A state football championship in 1994. He was also a two-time state champion wrestler. Born February 22, 1977, Paola. Graduated Paola High School – 1995; Emporia State University, 1999.