MADISON- As a pre-teen, Korey Shively spoke often of how he hoped his talents as a cross country runner could pave his way to college or possibly beyond. Now, at age 18, Shively hopes to continue to run in college as a walk-on, after he was accepted to the University of South Alabama’s (USA) Medical School.

A recent ceremony was held at James Clemens High as Shively was honored for his academic accomplishments for his Early Acceptance into the USA Medical School.

“I want to thank all of my teachers, my running teammates and numerous schoolmates who have helped me in my journey,” said Shively. “I’m looking forward to this next challenge in my life.”

For Shively, who carries a 4.7 grade point average (GPA), which puts him within the top 50 in his senior class at James Clemens, his opportunity to attend medical school to become a surgeon or doctor of diagnostic radiology came within a flash of never occurring.

Last October while riding his bicycle, Shively was struck by a car. Among his injuries, he suffered a broken left collarbone causing him to miss three months of intense training for his participation on the Jets’ cross country and track teams. Much like his work in the classroom, he dedicated himself to return to action and actively be a part of what he has liked since sixth grade.

“I always played baseball and a neighbor friend of mine asked me to try running,” said Shively. “I did try it just to stay in physical shape, but soon fell in love with the sport.”

In 2013, he participated in the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Oahu, Hawaii. The half-marathon course was located at Kualoa Ranch taking runners through some of the most diverse and scenic terrain on the planet. He won his age division a full six minutes over his nearest competitor claiming the title as World Champion.

His quest to become entrenched into the medical world includes his inclination to watch the current TV show The Resident. The program tells of untold stories of the emergency room through real life stories. He also reads. Shively said, “I read on-line gruesome cases and summary of different operations.”

Shively has been a part of the James Clemens’ Health Science program allowing students to have first-hand experience in local medical locations. “With the correspondence we have in the Health Science program we have learned to do many of the basics of practicing medicine. I’m now certified to do many things in the hospital,” added Shively.

His parents are Sean and Lisa Shively and his younger brother, Kody, a sophomore, runs cross country and plays baseball for the Jet’s athletic program at James Clemens.

Shively’s trek into the field of medicine came about after he chose to follow his father in the field of engineering. Midway through his first class in engineering, Shively said, “Nope, not for me.” He changed to health and soon began having the dreams of becoming a doctor. “I’d like to be an orthopedic or general surgeon,” said Shively.

His application for the Early Acceptance at USA began with an essay and resume. From there, 55 possible selections were called in for an interview with the USA program. Only 15 were chosen.

“I’m anxious about going to USA as I’ve verbally committed to run for the school as a walk-one,” said Shively. “