Standing tall at 6'5" and 240 pounds, Shawn Melland was a formidable force as an Outside Linebacker for the University of Mary Marauders. Wearing number 9, the Watford City, North Dakota native poured his heart into the program from 2005 through his senior season in 2008. Today, Melland lives in Bozeman, Montana, where he channels the grit he learned on the gridiron into his family life and business ventures.
Proving Them Right
The University of Mary was the only college program to offer Shawn a football scholarship, a gesture that meant the world to him. Driven to prove the coaching staff right every single day, he gave the game absolutely everything he had. Shawn's biggest personal challenge was building himself into the caliber of athlete he knew he could be, a goal he attacked by bringing a fierce edge to the weight room, the practice field, and the film room. His hard work paid off in a major way during a standout game in Bemidji. On the opponent's homecoming, Shawn returned a fumble 85 yards for a score, securing an upset victory. He recalls that phenomenal team performance as the moment they finally "kicked the door down in the NSIC".
Brotherhood and Sideline Antics
Football is as much about the bonds formed off the field as the plays made on it. Shawn’s pre-game ritual featured a go-to meal of pancakes and sausage in the cafeteria, followed by the pure electricity of the locker room when Tommy K would blast Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight". By the end of his career, Shawn and his tight-knit crew practically took over a local spot called Jorgy's, cementing it as their absolute favorite hangout in town.
The camaraderie naturally came with hilarious moments. Shawn's funniest memory involves a tight game against Moorhead when teammate Brian Finnegan desperately needed to use the restroom. The squad encouraged Finnegan to pee his pants right there on the sideline, simultaneously squirting him with water bottles to camouflage the accident. Beyond the laughs, Shawn was deeply shaped by his mentors, especially Coach Clem. He views Clem as a big brother, a second father, and an incredible coach wrapped into one amazing human who strongly influenced both his playing style and his character.
From the Gridiron to Entrepreneurship
After finishing his University Studies major, Shawn secured an opportunity to chase his lifelong dream by playing for the San Francisco 49ers. Though he didn't make the fall roster, he kept his NFL aspirations alive via the IFL, playing for the Fairbanks Grizzlies under head coach and fellow Marauder, Robert Fuller. Shawn was off to a fantastic start to the season and was generating serious interest from multiple NFL teams when he broke his leg during a game. Devastatingly, this injury coincided exactly with the day of the NFL lockout, which eliminated the preseason and ended free agency that year, ultimately bringing his professional football career to an abrupt end.
Channeling his resilient mindset, Shawn spent over a decade as an entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry. Just last year, he pivoted into the strength and conditioning space by launching his company, Workbuilt. Backed by amazing business partners, he absolutely loves what he does today.
Life Beyond the Field
Shawn has achieved some incredible feats since graduating, including his NFL pursuits and becoming a highly accomplished bow hunter who embarks on adventures across North America. However, he is quick to note that his proudest accomplishment is being a father to his four kids: Lauren, Colt, Raigen, and Rush. He considers them the best thing in his life and is incredibly proud of the young men and women they are becoming.
The lessons Shawn absorbed on the football field continue to guide his professional and family life. He frequently leans on the teachings of Head Coach Myron Schulz, particularly the mantras "Cowboy up" and "65 and sunny". To Shawn, these phrases are constant reminders that your attitude and your effort will dictate your outcomes.
Honored from the bottom of his heart to be welcomed back by the program, Shawn offers one crucial piece of advice to the current Marauders team: love your teammates and let that love guide you. He believes there is nothing better than a tight band of brothers, and with that foundation, a team can accomplish anything.