Shawn Reilley was a three star athlete, serving as a captain on the football field, the wrestling mat and on the track. Reilley, a two-year starting member of the SWC champion football teams, was a captain in 1982 and an All-SWC and All-Lorain County first-team selection. He was also named an All-Ohio special mention and selected to play in the Ohio North/South all-star game.

A two-year starter for the Shoremen wrestling team, Reilley was a SWC tournament champion and All-SWC first-team selection. He compiled a 33-4 record with 25 pins.

Reilley furthered his academic and athletic career at Miami (Ohio) University where he was a four-year letterman and football team captain. He helped lead Miami to a Mid-American Conference championship in 1986, earning an appearance in the California Bowl. A two-time All-MAC second-team selection, Reilley was the first Miami football player to achieve his MBA while under scholarship.