‘It’s pretty bittersweet’: Gaines leaving Hannibal, returning to hometown to be head football coach at Battle

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | April 21, 2025
Shawn Gaines has been an assistant coach with the Hannibal football team for the past six seasons. | Photo courtesy of Shawn Gaines

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Shawn Gaines’ introduction to Hannibal High School football came not as a player or coach but as a spectator. Gaines, who grew up in Columbia, Mo., graduated from Columbia Rock Bridge in 2012 and in May 2016 from Culver-Stockton College, where he played linebacker. He made the trip to Porter Stadium to…

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‘It’s pretty crazy’: Norm Stewart Classic provides full circle moment for Hannibal’s Gaines

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | December 14, 2024
Hannibal girls basketball coach Shawn Gaines talks to his team during a timeout during Friday's game against Rock Bridge in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Norm Stewart Classic

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Friday started just like any other day for Hannibal girls basketball coach Shawn Gaines. “I woke up at my normal time. I typically wake up about 4:30 a.m.,” Gaines said. “I went to exercise, then I came home.” When he returned home, though, the nerves were flowing a little faster than normal.…

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