Shannon joined the Tri-Masters program while he was in middle school. The early training in the program helped cultivate his skills and was the foundation for his interest in football and track and field.

Shannon graduated from Mount Carmel High School with a 3.5 grade point average and is a member of the Elysian Chapter of National Honor Society. He participated in football and track and field for four years. He was voted the Most Valuable Wide Receiver on his football team and was also named captain of the track and field squad.

Shannon, now a top hurdler at the University of Arkansas and a success in the classroom as well, is pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering.