Article originally appeared in the October 2022 Legacy Ledger (Issue 26).
Shane Gibson (FCHS ‘89)
Shane Gibson was still just a baby in the winter of 1970-71, when the iconic term “Superhicks” was first coined. The team electrified and united the entire Floyd Central community when they reached the final four, even if they didn’t come home as state champs. Before 1971 ended, Shane’s brother Sean was born. The two of them ended up in the same year at school. Fast forward to their senior year: Shane and Sean would take FC back to the final four.
The two brothers made up a powerful trio with classmate Pat Graham, who was named Indiana’s “Mr. Basketball“ – – for the 1989 high school season. It was the second trip to the state finals for Coach Joe Hinton and the Highlanders.
Choosing to profile Shane with Rick Fox (fifteen years older) and Emily Stumler (fifteen years younger) is an intentional “compare and contrast” of these three very real people. Each of them is much more than the public roles they fulfill.
Shane completed his undergraduate degree at IU-Purdue/Ft Wayne, followed by his law degree in 1999 from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.
Today, he has already passed the twenty-year mark in public service. His career was initially divided between private practice and the Floyd County Prosecutor’s office. In 2004, Shane was appointed attorney for the city of New Albany, after the election of Mayor James Garner. He actually succeeded Rick Fox; breaking somewhat with tradition, predecessor and successor were conscientious in their review of all active matters together – – seeking to pass the baton smoothly.
Shane’s tenure as city attorney has evolved into much more than just legal proceedings and disputes. While he provides legal advice to the Mayor and for the city, he has also worked on numerous projects throughout New Albany. These are just a few examples: renovating a historic building to become the new City Hall, constructing a community pool used by thousands, and assisting in completing the Ohio River Greenway.
Shane and his wife, Shannon, live in New Albany, constantly busy raising their three Floyd Central children: Keeton ’21, Asher ’23 and Nora ’25.
-Rex Bickers (FCHS ‘70), Guest Contributor
Read the entire October 2022 Legacy Ledger (Issue 26).