"There are definitely jobs as a technician that do not require a degree, but will give you experience that could lead to a systems administration job. Particularly if you're willing to do shift work."

This is probably your best "in" if you don't want to go to college. You'll make less, but if a company is willing to take you on as a technician and you do good work, it can lead to promotions to the positions you actually want. Getting the college degree is definitely the more "sure" way to get hired, and if you're going to get the degree get an internship with a good company as part of it. That's how myself and most of my co-workers got our jobs. Many companies look at internships as a "trial period". They're MUCH more willing to hire an intern they've had for 6 months to a year over someone from outside the company.
 
  Another way to go is a contract to hire position. This is similar to the internship, but without the college sponsorship. Contact a contracting company in your area (many of the hiring companies on Monster are contracting companies) and get on a list of interested people. You can always apply and interview for a lot of jobs. If anything, the experience of learning HOW to interview well could overcome the lack of a degree.