A Tar Heel by birth and schooling, Ricky Dean Shew wrestled at West Wilkes High School in Millers Creek, North Carolina, before heading 30 miles west to Boone, North Carolina, to continue his education at Appalachian State University.

Graduating in 1978 with a teacher's certificate, Shew headed to Hanover County, north of Richmond, where he lived an interesting life that combined teaching physical education and training horses with coaching wrestling and football.

An outstanding wrestler himself, Shew devoted many years to coaching wrestling and football, including leading Stonewall Jackson (now Bell Creek) Middle School from 1984-95 to 11 undefeated undefeated seasons and a 127-7 record in dual meets.

Sending many high-quality wrestlers to Lee-Davis (now Mechanicsville) High School, Shew eventually followed them and built a regional power from 1995-2002 and 2004-06. His teams won eight Capital District titles and six Central Region titles. In his last year, his Confederates finished second in the tough American Division of the Virginia Duals. Two of his middle school wrestlers, Aaron Bradley and David Atkins divided eight regional and three state championships between them.

Says Bradley of Coach Shew, "He was the ultimate recruiter and motivator.”

Longtime assistant coach Randy Hale notes that wrestlers coached by Shew and inspired by his example went on to be coaches at all four Hanover County high schools.

In addition to education and Athletics, Shew trained Morgan Breed horses at his farm in King William County and formed an award-winning equestrian drill team.

The old coach is fondly remembered for being the horseman who loaned his mounts to carry brides to the altar at weddings.