Micah Abernathy's Legacy

Heritage

Legacy

Roots

Jamie Dalton & Jill Morris

H

e has won big awards. He received full athletic scholarship offers from more colleges and universities than we can count. He broke several school track and field records. He was named state champion in both the 400-meter dash and the 4x400 relay…a couple of times. He was named a Super Six Athlete for both track and football. He was named an Under Amour AllAmerican. But what has made Micah Abernathy humble, impressive, teachable on the field, balanced in the classroom, and a leader of his peers?

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winter 2014/15 | gacs today

photographed by Frank Zayas

The Abernathy name carries with it not only remembrance of the Civil Rights Movement and history-making events, but it helps us see progress in our nation. At Greater Atlanta Christian, the Abernathy name brings humility, respect, and hard work to mind.

Big Shoes to Fill

M

icah has big shoes to fill. His grandfather was a leader of people, a minister, and a close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. His father is a minister, motivational speaker, and served in the Georgia state legislator as an Atlanta senator for ten years. His older brother has had a successful college football career and will join Micah at the University of Tennessee in the fall to finish out his eligibility. And Micah’s mother is the glue of the family.

“When my mom speaks, you listen. She is the wisest woman I know,” shares Micah. “I have huge respect for my family – where they’ve been and where we are going. They are all influential in their own way. Being an influence is part of my heritage. It’s so important to know where you come from.”

Micah has big plans for his future. As a recent University of Tennessee football commit, he will spend many hours

Micah's grandfather, Ralph David Abernathy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. diligently learning the ins and outs of his defensive back position for the Vols. Tackling the physical and strategic aspects of the game won’t be a problem for Micah. He is first in the weight room, and the last to leave, and he is an influence on the field with his teammates, especially the younger players. GAC head football coach Tim Hardy shares, “Micah is very teachable on the field.

He has incredible speed. His competitive drive makes things happen.”

What does he want to be when he grows up? Micah smiles and says that no matter where he ends up or what he decides to do, he wants to influence others as he has been influenced, “I want to be known for giving everything I've got, having goals and reaching them, and being respectful in all I do.”

The Abernathy influence lives on. ■

“Micah is a good role model for me. On the field he helps me learn more about the game and how to handle certain situations.

Off the field, he is one of the first people I go to for advice.”

— Alex Rowe, Junior Defensive Back

photographed by Glenn Martin

gacs today | winter 2014/15

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