Shawn Lyman carries the ball for his school and his country.

A senior running back on the Westfield State College football team, Lyman is having a great season on the football field, carrying the ball for the 9-0 Owls, who are enjoying their first perfect regular-season record in the 20-year history of the program. Off the field, Lyman is devoting 60 to 65 hours a week to his country as an activated member of the Air Force Reserve. And, Lyman is on track to graduate on time.

The September 11 attacks changed the lives of thousands of reserves, but so far Lyman has been able to do it all. He handles the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift at the Westover Air Reserve Base five times a week, and at press time he was the fourth-leading rusher in Division III, averaging 143.9 yards and nearly 30 carries per game.

"I'm trying to fit in some sleep and organize a set schedule, and what they teach you (in the military) is to set goals," Lyman said. "But I'm pretty good at it, too."

Lyman, who joined the reserves out of high school, hopes to attend officer school someday.

"I know I might be sent somewhere (to fight), and if so, that's my job," he said. "That's why I signed up."

The Owls played Nichols College November 10 for the New England Football Conference Championship, with the winner advancing to the NCAA tournament. Tournament bid or no, all of the Owls have learned something from this season and from Lyman's sacrifice and dedication.

"Everyone on the team is backing him 100 percent," said Westfield State defensive end Tim Corr. "When we think of what he's been through every week, it makes us all try a little harder so we can give it back to Shawn."

Here are known student-athletes who have been called into active service along with Lyman:

Sirena LaBrake, senior field hockey player at Roanoke College, U.S. Army Reserves

Agyie Pittman, football defensive back at Clark Atlanta University, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Dwight Williams, football defensive tackle at Clark Atlanta University, U.S. Special Forces

Lindsay Zella, junior soccer defender at the College of Wooster, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

-- Kay Hawes