Louisiana Tech Media Relations

Tech and the Bulldog football program suffered a tragic loss Friday when former offensive lineman Shannon Willie Babineaux died at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport.

According to a hospital spokesperson, at 1:45 p.m. Friday, Babineaux, 25, lost his three-day battle in the intensive care unit at Willis-Knighton following a freak accident that occurred during a recreational softball game Monday night.

"All of the Tech family grieves over the tragic loss of Shannon," Tech Athletics Director Jim Oakes said. "He was a true Tech man: loyal, dedicated and beloved by all that knew him. His big smile, wonderful spirit and tender heart will never be forgotten."

While playing slow pitch softball last Monday night, Babineaux was accidentally struck in the temple by a throw while running to first base. According to published reports in the Monroe News-Star, Babineaux sat in the dugout the remainder of the game with ice on his head. After returning home following the game, Babineaux experienced problems and his wife took him to Willis-Knighton where X-rays were taken.

The X-rays revealed nothing, and as Babineaux was about to leave to return home, he collapsed. Emergency surgery followed, and he was put on a respirator in the critical care unit where he remained until he died Friday afternoon.

"Obviously, the Tech football program has lost one of its own, and Shannon will be greatly missed," Tech's head coach Jack Bicknell said. "It's a tragedy to lose such an incredible person like Shannon who was so young and had so much to offer. He will always be remembered for the incredible influence he had on those of us who knew him."

Babineaux, who many of the Tech coaches, players and administrative staff visited with on April 24 when he ventured to Ruston for Tech's annual spring football game, signed with the Bulldogs in 1997 after a stellar prep career at Breaux Bridge High School. Babineaux played on both the offensive and defensive lines for coach Mike Moward while earning all-district, all-parish and all-state honors as a senior. He also lettered for the Tigers track and field team, throwing the shot put and discus.

"Shannon was the type of guy that you just felt great being around," Tech's Assistant Athletic Director in charge of academics Stacy Gilbert said. "He was such a great role model for young people, and he was so excited about the opportunity to teach and coach. We are honored to have him as a representative at Louisiana Tech University."

The Breaux Bridge native red-shirted during the 1997 season at Tech and then saw action in five games on the Bulldogs offensive line in 1998. Battling knee injuries during his entire collegiate career, Babineaux missed the 1999 season while rehabbing and then played the first four games of 2000 before injuries sidelined him again. Babineaux served as a student assistant with the Bulldogs during Tech's title run at the 2001 Western Athletic Conference championship.

During his five years as part of the Bulldog program, Babineaux developed a reputation among his teammates and coaches as a leader and a true team player. Babineaux and his future wife, Jessica Willis, were both extremely active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during their collegiate days.

"Words can not express what an incredible young man Shannon was," Tech's Athletic Media Relations Director Malcolm Butler said. "Not only did he exemplify what a student-athlete should be, but he was an example for all of us of what a human being should be. I'm a better man for having known Shannon."

Although his college playing career was cut short, Babineaux continued his education, earning his bachelor's degree from Tech in 2002 in health and physical education. Following his graduation, Babineaux married Jessica in 2002, and the couple recently welcomed their first child, Caleb, over two months ago.

The son of Larry and Ginger Babineaux and older brother of Gina spent the past year teaching at Bossier High School, where he was coaching varsity football and track.

"When I saw him a few weeks ago, he was showing me pictures of Caleb," Gilbert said. "He was so proud. He will be missed as a loving husband and a proud father. The world will miss an amazingly kind and exceptional human being. Our hearts and prayers are with Jessica, Caleb and his family."

Tech athletics has established a Shannon Babineaux Memorial Scholarship Fund, and memorials can be sent to the Louisiana Tech Foundation. For more information, call Ronny Walker at 257-2933.