South Georgia January 2016 Edition

BARNES, MANAC TO IN THE GAME LIFE OF A COACH’S STAY WITH GEORGIA REBRANDING WIFE: MELISSA HOLLAND IN THE GAME’S SOUTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL AWARDS BANQUET

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STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: VALWOOD, COLQUITT, CLINCH

PLAYING IN MEMORY: DEANDRE PIERCE

January 2016

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Life of a Coach’s Wife

Melissa Holland Tift County High School

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Valwood Takes Title Over Rematch Rivals

Stronger Together 16

National Stage

Darius Perry: Helps Put Georgia Basketball on the

Grayson Allen: Former ITG Standout Shines in College

Barnes, Manac to stay with Georgia

Fast Breaks: 11

WHAT IS IN THIS ISSUE orgia e G h uet t q u n o a S B 5 1 47 20 wards A l l a Footb

56 Dynamic Duo Prepares to Fol-

low in Family’s Footsteps Reed Reagin and Tate Rodemaker Valdosta Middle School

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Sideline Bond

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That Time of Year Again

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The Fight In The Dogs

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Clinch overpowers Irwin

Diera DeLoatch & Faith Starling Lowndes High School

Jon Nelson

Jordan Willis & Shedrick Cooper Thomasville Bulldogs Basketball

for Class A Public state title

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Tireless Work Ethic, Positive Attitude Pay Off for Coffee Senior Sammieya Smith Coffee County High School

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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January is one of those transition months for us. We are making a full turn from the fall sports season into the winter campaigns – almost. As I sit here and write this, it’s the day before Thanksgiving. Yes, we work on these magazines about six weeks in advance.

I’m supposed to be thinking about basketball. Wrestling is in season. The rest of the winter/spring sports will be underway soon as well.

And yet I’m still thinking about football. There are three more games to be played before a state champion is crowned. By the time you read this, you’ll already know who those champions are. We’ll probably even have some state title game coverage in this edition. But at the moment, I have no idea what will take place over the last few weeks of the gridiron postseason.

We’ve already eliminated several teams, and we’re getting down to the real cream of the crop: those teams that have

a legitimate shot at winning a championship. Several of our South Georgia teams are still in the playoffs. Let’s hope a few bring home state title trophies.

Outside of our state football playoffs coverage, our features this month reflect the shift in sports seasons. We are very basketball-heavy in January, and with good reason.

Basketball is wide open, and we have some of the best players anywhere right here in Georgia. This month, we did something a little differently.

We went outside of our typical coverage area to bring you a story on one of the top players in the country – Darius Perry, a junior at Marietta’s Wheeler High School. Perry may be a little undersized, but his frame is filled to the brim with talent.

He helped Wheeler win a Class AAAAAA state title last year and make an appearance in the national high school basketball championship tournament. His goals for this year?

Repeat as state champion and return to the national tournament in New York.

We also have a feature on Coffee High School’s Sammieya Smith, a senior for the Lady Trojans. Smith has been a varsity player since she was a freshman but hasn’t seen much playing time over the years. Through it all, she has continued to work hard and never get discouraged. This year, she’s the lone senior on a young Lady Trojans’ squad, and she will also get the opportuni-

ty to start. Smith is also a talented track athlete who is a former Region 1-AAAAAA champion.

She’s been successful through an incredible work ethic and an absolute refusal to give up.

She is indeed an inspirational young lady.

Other features include Al Schette, a Tift County gymnast who nearly won a state title last year in her first season with the Blue Devils; an interview with Melissa Holland, wife of Tift County head basketball coach Eric Holland; a “Where Are They Now?” feature with Matthew Moody, a two-time state wrestling champion from Lowndes; Capt. Al Shuette, Lee County’s rifle coach; and stories on a number of other deserving young men and women from our area.

This is a fun time of the year and, despite the long holiday season we just enjoyed, there’s not much downtime with regard to high school athletics.

The kids practiced and played through Christmas and New Year’s, and we’re honored to have been right there covering their hard work and dedication to their craft. We’re looking forward to a great winter season and an even greater 2016.

Contributors: Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner Graphics Ashlyn Peek Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Lindsi Jones Lindsi Jones Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Feature Writers Robert Preston Jr. James Washington Sarah Turner Cole Parker Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes

mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Cole Parker

cole@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Cole Parker

Tell us what you thought about the December issue of In The Game! info@inthegamemagazine.com

Barnes,

Fast Break

Manac to stay with

Georgia written by: Robert Preston Jr.

The day after the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 13-7, the University of Georgia announced that head football coach Mark Richt was stepping down. Richt, whose Bulldogs had finished the regular season 9-3, has been one of the most successful head coaches in college football over the last decade and a half.

However, many felt that Richt had underperformed in big games, and losses to Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee this season ensured that the Bulldogs would once again be on the outside looking in as far as the SEC championship was concerned.

Ousting Richt was a controversial move, one that has had the Bulldog Nation divided since the news became public. Whether or not you agree with Richt’s dismissal, the simple fact is that he’s gone. In his place is former Alabama defensive coordinator (and former Bulldogs defensive back) Kirby Smart. Georgia moved quickly, hiring Smart immediately after Alabama won the SEC championship in early December. As soon as he was hired, Smart began contacting Georgia’s recruits. He knew most of them; he had recruited many of the same

players for Alabama. His primary goal was to make sure that the recruits, many of whom were some of the top-ranked high school players in the country, remained committed to Georgia.

Among those recruits were two from South Georgia: Lee County offensive lineman Chris Barnes and Clinch County defensive lineman Chauncey Manac. Both players have been featured on the pages of this magazine as Player Spotlight athletes. And both have committed to Georgia. But would they be staying now that Richt is gone?

Barnes says he isn’t leaving. He committed to Georgia and he’s going to remain a Bulldog. “At first, I was kind of sad about Coach Richt,” he says. “I’ve talked to Coach Smart a couple of times. I don’t have a problem with it. Smart called Monday night after the Tech game. I talked to him for 15 or 20 minutes.”

Barnes had a few concerns about the changes to the Georgia staff.

He wasn’t sure who Smart would keep and who would be leaving.

Barnes also wanted to make sure Smart would still honor his scholarship. Once he had that initial conversation with Coach Smart,

Barnes was more at ease with the changes. “Everything was good.

My scholarship was still in place.

He said he wanted me to come up there ready to play. He wants a fast, strong, hard-hitting offensive line,” says Barnes.

That’s not to say that Barnes didn’t consider going somewhere else.

He spoke with his coaches and his parents but in the end, he felt like Georgia was still the place for him.

“Coach Smart is really motivated.

I’m no stranger to him at all. I spoke with him three or four times when he was with Alabama. I know what Coach Richt had in mind for me. I’m not exactly sure what Coach Smart has for me but I will still be on the offensive line,” says Barnes.

In the Game reached out to Manac but was unable to speak with him before press time. On Friday, December 11, Manac, the topranked high school player in South Georgia, helped lead his Clinch County Panthers to the Class A Public state championship. According to multiple recruiting sites, including 247sports.com, Manac remains 100 percent committed to the University of Georgia.

IN THE GAME

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Fast Break

GRAYSON ALLEN FORMER ITG STANDOUT SHINES IN COLLEGE written by: James Washington | photography courtesy of nypostw.com

In 2014, the Northeast Florida edition of In the Game Magazine published a feature on Grayson Allen, a senior standout at Providence High School (Jacksonville, Fla.). Continuing his trend of success, in his first season as a member of the Duke University Blue Devils, he captured an NCAA National Championship as the team defeated the Wisconsin Badgers (led by current NBA rookie Frank Kaminsky) in 2015.

Now, in his sophomore season at Duke University, Allen is making his presence known in the collegiate basketball ranks. As of this writing, the team is 6-1, and already has a tournament win to their credit after defeating Georgetown in the finals of the 2K 12 inthegamesportsnetwork.com

Classic in New York City.

The team has a new look this year, as his former teammates Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones, and Quinn Cook all departed for the professional ranks of the National Basketball Association. And, as expected, with an increase in playing time, Allen has blossomed in nearly every statistical category in the 2015-16 season thus far.

In his second season with the Blue Devils, Allen has improved tremendously in all aspects of the game. He is currently the team leader in total minutes played (227) and his points per game average has skyrocketed, jumping from a mere 4.4 in his freshman campaign to a current team-best 22.6.

Allen also leads the team in assists per game (3.3), and is shooting an astounding 92 percent from the free throw line. His game has come full circle; not only is he shooting over 50 percent from the floor (.511), but he is also ranked second on the team in percentage from three-point range (.486).

The staff of In the Game is extremely proud is Grayson and his accomplishments as a member of the Duke University Blue Devils, and we are looking forward to sharing more stories of his success in the future!

Fast Break

DARIUS PERRY Helps Put Georgia Basketball on the National Stage

written by: Robert Preston Jr. | photography by: Monica Klinkmueller

Here at In the Game, we often talk about state championships. We have state title contenders in several different sports among the schools we cover. Seldom, however, do we talk about national championships. For one, national titles are elusive in high school athletics. Sure, there are several national champions crowned each year; but most of the time, those are mythical championships that come from the pens of journalists, not actual national championship games or tournaments.

Things are changing. With more media attention and higher stakes in high school athletics, colleges, universities, governing bodies, and fans all want to know which teams and players are truly the best of the

best. And right here in Georgia, we have a basketball team that is considered one of the elites in the United States.

Last year, the Wheeler Wildcats won the Class AAAAAA State Championship with a 59-58 win over Pebblebrook. Gone are three of the starting five players from that team. One of the returners, however, is guard Darius Perry, a four-star recruit who has garnered national headlines for his style of play. And while Perry would like to add another state title to his already impressive resume, he wants something more – a national championship.

Perry, a 6’2”, 170-pound shooting guard who came to Wheeler last year from Mount Vernon in Sandy Springs, has a tremendous

skill set. Think of all the basketball clichés when it comes to playmaking and shooting ability, and you can apply all of that to him. He’s not the biggest player on the court, but he can shoot on the move, which gives him an advantage when he faces bigger opponents. He’s deadly from anywhere on the court, and he can also get the ball into the hands of his teammates. He plays shooting guard for the Wildcats, but on his AAU team, he runs the point. He’s equally adept at either position, and he will find his way to the basket, no matter where he is.

“I think I have a pretty good basketball IQ but I also think I can do a lot of things well,” he says. “I have good court vision and I can shoot pretty well.”

At the time of this writing, the Wildcats had played just one game – an 8048 victory. For this season, Perry would like to win a state another state title, but he’d also like to return to the Dick’s Sporting Goods national tournament in New York. Last year, after winning state, the Wildcats traveled to New York for the national championship tournament but lost in the first round.

“We lost our first game and were out for the rest of the week,” he says. “But we had a great time. We had also beaten the eventual national champions early in the year. I’d like to get back there this year. But first, we have to win state.”

Getting back to state requires a singular focus and the ability to block out distractions. And with Perry around, the distractions are legion.

“I try to tune everything out,” he says. “When I’m on the court, I don’t hear anything or see anything. It’s just me out there. Off the court, I try to stay away from people who aren’t going to help me. My dad, Eric, helps me a lot, too. And my friends are good about keeping me out of trouble.”

He has a bright future ahead of him. A four-star recruit who already has scholarship offers from around the country, Perry isn’t quite ready to make a decision on a college just yet.

“I think about it but I don’t focus on it,” he says. “Right now, I’m just letting it all come to me.”

Darius Perry has made it a point to prepare for the future. Focused on doing the best he can for his Wheeler teammates over the next two years, he also knows that something bigger and better lies ahead. And he won’t be able to enjoy those opportunities if he doesn’t take care of his academics. It’s not easy to balance grades with his playing schedule, but he’s done a pretty good job. Perry is an A/B student and understands the role academics play in his future. “Once when my dad was coaching me, he kept me out of a game because I had a 79.5,” he says. “He wouldn’t round up for me. I got the message pretty clearly.”

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STRONGER TOGETHER “We make no bones about it: our goal each year is to win a state championship...”

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Valwood Takes Title Over Rematch Rivals written by: Cole Parker | photography by: Marque Milla Reese

There was a moment of nervous, absolute silence in Mercer’s Five Star Stadium as the ball left the tee from the foot of Deerfield-Windsor’s place kicker. A nearly perfect regular season, extraordinary playoff run, and title dreams hung in the balance as the championship-determining ball sailed through the air.

That silence, however, didn’t last.

The ball hooked outside of the left upright, the clock expired, and the entirety of the Valiant Nation in attendance erupted in jubilation.

Players, coaches, cheerleaders, and fans stormed the field to celebrate the crowning of the 2015 GISA Class AAA State Champions.

That narrow victory, by the score of 28-26, was the finishing blow to the rest of the GISA, asserting Valwood’s dominance and assuring their standing as undisputed champions. Having encountered and defeated three consecutive number-one seeds on the road, there is no ambiguity or argument left; Valwood’s 2015 senior-laden, exceptionally coached, and ruthlessly determined team is the best in the Georgia Independent Schools Association.

But this shouldn’t come as a shock. Since head coach Ashley Henderson’s arrival on campus in 2012 and prior to the start of this season, the Valiants had gone 36-3, appeared in two state championship games (winning one in 2012), rattled off 26 consectuive wins from 2012 to 2013, and never suffered a home field regular season loss. With such a strong history behind them, Coach Henderson made the goals and aspirations for his team clear entering into the 2015 season.

“We make no bones about it: our goal each year is to win a state championship,” Coach Henderson says. “The road to the state championship will go directly through our region; then you go one game at a time from there. But the goal remains the same.”

These prophetic words rang true during their march towards the title this year, moving to a 48-5 overall record and two state championships to Coach Henderson and the senior class. Over the past four years, amidst a highly competitive field of teams in their classification, as well as being located in a town with the public school powerhouses of Lowndes and Valdosta, Valwood has established a very particular brand of football: belief in their system, undying perseverance through adversity, and a wholehearted love for the game.

Their continued success on the field is a result of not only the consistent development of talent by a seasoned coaching staff, but is also a testament to the culture of the program, backing of the administration, and support of the community. This year’s team will not soon be forgotten, not only because of the title, but also because of how they earned it.

As Coach Henderson would tell the surrounding Valiants on the field after every game, “Every player, from freshman to senior,

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is vital to the success of this program, and I love each and every last one of you. Only team, no individuals. We are stronger together than we are apart, and we’ve got something special here.”

SOUTH GEORGIA’S GREATEST ROAD SHOW

One thing became abundantly clear from the start: Coach Henderson isn’t afraid of scheduling big games to test his team.

The Valiants opened the season by playing the two defending champions of GISA: Memorial Day from Class AA and Westfield from AAA. Playing two big games to start your season can either get you off to a fast start, or it can place you in a hole early. Fortunately, Valwood’s offseason and preseason preparations paid off as they earned statement wins (by large margins) over both opponents at Goddard Field.

After a stifling loss to out-of-state opponent North Florida Christian, the Valiants quickly rebounded, coasting throughout most of their regular season games. The strong, versatile ground game provided the foundation of the Valiant attack. Running backs Jack Helms, Sam Martin, Cam Walker, and quarterback Jake Parker ran behind a powerful offensive line. Linemen Matt Register, Anthony Oliveira, Kyle Dimick, Garrett Moss, Rod Hughes, and Ben Browning consistently led the offense into the end zone. However, Valwood’s defense, anchored by the hard hitting Gahnon Byington and Mark Henderson, proved to be the true strength of the team as the season progressed. Playmakers Cole McClendon, Earnest Carter, and Tyler Richards rounded out the squad, combining strength and skill to stonewall each opposing offense they faced.

That defensive unit was instrumental in Valwood’s 17-14 win against region rival Brookwood, leaving the Valiants confident as they traveled to Deerfield-Windsor in hopes of claiming the Region 3-AAA title. But turnovers transformed a hot Valwood team into a limping one, and a 34-7 loss sent them on the road for every round of the playoffs after the first. After coasting through their first round game, the tone of the season irreversibly changed. For three consecutive weeks, every game was a pulse-pounding, gut-checking battle against top seeds.

Their quarterfinal contest at Pinewood came down to a handful of game-changing plays. Led by two crucial, second half interceptions by senior linebacker Gahnon Byington, a 70-yard touchdown pass from Jake Parker to Maysoe Wiley, and the game-sealing pick-six by Cam Walker, the Valiants won the fourth quarter and the game, setting them up for heated rematch against bitter rivals and defending champion Westfield.

Westfield had not forgotten about the 55-28 pounding in their Week Two matchup against Valwood, and they came in to the game with a chip on their shoulder. Their offense was potent, and their defense was stingy, but Valwood’s Jake Parker-to-Chris Retterbush combination proved to be the decisive factor as the duo connected for three touchdown passes. Two were on screen passes in which Retterbush’s yards after catch punched past the Patriots’ defense, but the third touchdown earns Play of the Year honors. With the clock winding down on Valwood’s final drive of the game, and on fourth and long from the Westfield 35-yard line, Parker heaved a bomb to Retterbush, who complemented the perfect pass with the perfect catch. That play tied the game, John Miller’s extra point gave them the lead 27-26, and the Valwood Valiants were state-bound.

ONE LAST TIME…

After the semifinal rematch against a team that they had already defeated, it was time for the rematch that Valwood was most looking forward to: another shot at Deerfield-Windsor, the team that had already ripped one championship from their clutch this year.

But this time, on the biggest stage, they would not be denied.

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With each team knowing what the other was bringing to the table, the first half was for the offenses. After a few defensive stands and swapping interceptions to start the game, each offense found their stride, scoring against resilient but fallible defenses.

Valwood drew first blood on a three-yard Gahnon Byington run out of the famous “Big Ern” package (named after defensive tackle Earnest Carter, who is brought in for short yardage plays). Deerfield-Windsor responded with a very similar offensive style, plowing in for points behind fullback Cameron McCook, who was an unstoppable force all year as a punishing runner in short-yardage situations.

While these similar scoring styles equaled each other out, Deerfield-Windsor found their advantage through big plays in the passing game. Long balls to double-covered receivers, particularly John Samuel Shenker, were hauled in for big yardage on multiple occasions. Although Valwood never quite found an answer for the big play, they were putting up points of their own through sustained, methodical marches down the field.

Gahnon Byington, Sam Martin, and Jack Helms each had rushing touchdowns, and Jake Parker connected with Terry Carter through the air for one as well, exemplifying a balanced attack.

After taking the lead in the third quarter on that passing touchdown, it was up to Valwood’s defense to prevail over quarterback Tyler Lowe and the Deerfield-Windsor big-play offense.

Operating on a “bend but don’t break” philosophy, the Valiants’ defense was gouged in the passing game but absolutely stuffed second-half run efforts. Making the Knights one-dimensional certainly was essential, but it was the special teams units that were the difference in the championship, as it had been so many times before during their grueling playoff run.

Valwood sophomore kicker John Miller was the epitome of calm consistency, even in the most pressure-packed, season-defining situations.

Pinewood’s missed extra point gave Valwood the 7-6 lead that won them the game (the pick-six on a last ditch effort put the final score at 14-6). Westfield’s missed extra point resulted in a 27-26 loss. Deerfield-Windsor’s two missed extra points and two missed field goals were the deflating reality that will likely haunt them all offseason.

While no one play loses a game, there was one play that very nearly won the game.

After getting the ball back on their own 30 with only 12 seconds remaining in the game, the Knights completed an against-all-odds, field-flipping halfback pass. Wide receiver Trey Young hauled in a beautiful pass before being pushed out of bounds on the Valwood 20-yard line.

This set up a chance for a miracle. One play, one chance at redemption, and one last shot for Deerfield-Windsor to be champions.

IN THE GAME

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But before the ball hit the ground, the celebration had already begun.

PAVING THE WAY

Losing 16 seniors (on a roster of forty-two), especially ones that know what it takes to bring home two state championships, will be hard to overcome.

However, reloading has not been a problem for Valwood during Coach Henderson’s tenure. Each year, he continues to develop his current players, attract outside talent from surrounding schools, and adjust his system around star players in order to put these individuals and his team in the best possible position to succeed.

Because of that, the question mark is more about leadership than talent. Only 10 current juniors are replacing the 16 departing seniors, so Coach Henderson does not have an easy task before him.

Regardless, next season will be no different; state championships have come to be expected of Valwood. The standard has been set and the road has been paved by this remarkable graduating class and its coaching staff, and the 2016 Valiants are already working to once again attain that unforgettable feeling of winning a state championship.

LIFE OF A

COACH’S

WIFE IN THE GAME

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Over the years, Melissa Holland has attended every one of her husband’s games except one.

“The one game I missed was when I gave birth to Eric Jr,” she says.

It’s safe to say she gets a pass on that one.

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While the success Coach Holland has enjoyed hasn’t changed the family, the way he conducts his program does impress Melissa. She is particularly impressed with how he motivates the kids.

“He is a very motivating person,” she says. “He’s dedicated to his job, and he loves the kids like they’re his own. He changes lives, and I admire him for that. It’s an inspiration to me. He has a passion for what he does, and I really admire that.”

“I didn’t realize what I was

getting into until I got into it!” written by: Robert Preston Jr. | photography by: Marque Milla Reese When Tift County head basketball coach Eric Holland began dating his future wife, Melissa, he did his best to let her know what she was getting into. But there are some things you just don’t fully understand until you experience it firsthand. That’s the exact situation that Melissa found herself in when she and Coach Holland started dating.

They met in Americus, where Coach Holland was coaching basketball and football. A few years later, he stopped coaching football and focused on basketball. The couple moved to Turner County and, eventually, to Tift County. Earlier this month, they celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary.

“When we married, I didn’t realize all that it entailed,” Melissa says.

“I didn’t know I would have to hold the household down while he was away. I didn’t know the extent to which I’d have be both Mom and Dad.” The journey has been challenging, but rewarding. In the process, the Hollands have had two sons; Eric Jr, 11, and Aiden, 5. Through it all, Melissa has remained her husband’s number one fan.

“I see my role as being his top fan and supporter,” she says. “I support him all the way, all the time. I’m a very positive person, and I seldom look at negatives. The biggest challenge is tuning out the negativity. But that’s more of a motivation than a challenge.”

Melissa Holland is very much a part of the Tift County basketball team. She schedules the concessions and makes sure the concession stand is stocked. She views the kids as her children when they’re with the team, and each one holds a special place in her heart.

“I’m a team player,” she says. “We’re all on the same team and we’re all in this together.”

Still, it’s not easy being a coach’s wife, particularly when your husband is a high-profile coach in a high-profile sport. Eric Holland has experienced tremendous success at Tift County, winning a state title in the highest classification in a sport traditionally dominated by the metro area teams. It means long hours, a long season, and constantly being under public scrutiny.

“There are nights when the kids don’t see Daddy,” she says. “There are some mornings when they don’t see him, either. They understand.

And he tries to get home before bedtime and see them before they go to school. It’s difficult, but we make it work.”

The attention her husband has gotten over the last few years hasn’t been a distraction, either. She says that she conducts herself the right way, no matter where she is or who is watching. Melissa remains positive and upbeat, no matter what’s being said or how the team is doing.

“I always do the right thing regardless of whether someone’s looking at me or not,” she says. “I’m always going to portray myself in a positive way, no matter who’s watching me. I try to turn every negative into a positive.”

At the end of the day, the team’s success hasn’t changed much for the Holland family.

“Yes, he won a state title and yes, he runs a great program,” she says.

“But he’s still Eric Holland to me, my husband and daddy to my boys.

The success hasn’t changed us at all.”

IN THE GAME

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2016

Happy New Year from

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TWICE

is oh so

nice written by: Robert Preston Jr. | photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Packers win second consecutive state championship I remember the 2008 football season well. It was Rush Propst’s first as head coach of the Colquitt County Packers. (It was also the last time my home team, the Coffee Trojans, beat the Packers.) Propst barreled his way into Moultrie, bringing with him the kind of attention – both good and bad – that comes with being a celebrity. Many armchair coaches – and South Georgia is full of them – were skeptical of Propst and his tactics. “That Alabama stuff won’t work here,” some said.

“You can’t throw it that much and win down here,” said others. The naysayers took Propst’s 4-6 inaugural campaign as proof that his wide-open, throw-first spread wouldn’t translate into wins in South Georgia’s toughest region.

Now, eight years, 85 wins, 31 playoff games, and two consecutive state championships, and a national title later, Propst has proven that his methods not only work but are the blueprint for building the best public high school football program in the state. Saturday, December 12, the Packers finished their second undefeated season in a row with another state championship. They defeated anothIN THE GAME

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er unbeaten, the Roswell Hornets, 30-13 in the Georgia Dome to claim Colquitt County’s third ever title. A little over a week after winning the state championship, High School Football America released its final 2015 poll.

And the Packers sat atop the rankings.

“It’s easy to lead this group because they’re such a class act. They’ve been chased all year. Last year, we were the ones doing the chasing. We were climbing that ladder, we were hungry, and we’d been denied. We had that door we were ready to kick down, which we did.

This year, we were the bar, which we set high. To do what we just did is a remarkable thing. It’s something I’ve never done. To win 30 in a row in Georgia, in the competition this state has, is unbelievable,” said Coach Propst following the game.

The 2015 Packers set record after record after record, both as a team and as individuals, throughout the season.

One of the most interesting milestones is the following: Colquitt County was the first team since 1971 to win a state title in Georgia with more passing yards than rushing yards. Maybe that Alabama stuff does work after all.

Early in the game, the Packers looked like they may have their hands full. The Hornets struck almost immediately. On the second play of the game, quarterback Quinarius Neely found wide receiver A.J. Smith for an 81yard touchdown pass. The Hornets, who had a penchant for putting up a lot of points, were on the board first.

With 11:14 left in the first quarter, Roswell was up 7-0.

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The Packers remained unfazed and answered the Hornets’ challenge. Led by quarterback Chase Parrish, who had spent the first part of the week in the hospital battling a bacterial infection, Colquitt roared back. Parrish guided his offense on an 80-yard drive that ended when receiver Kiel Pollard took a direct snap and, thanks in large part to a lethal stiff-arm at the goal line, hopped one yard into the end zone. Luis Martinez’s point-after was good and Colquitt had knotted the score at seven with 8:56 left in the first quarter.

After forcing a Roswell punt, the Packers picked up where they left off, marching 56 yards to score again.

Once more, Pollard took a direct snap at the one-yard line and found the end zone. After Martinez did his work, Colquitt held a 14-7 advantage.

The Packers would never trail again for the rest of the game.

On their next possession, the Hornets breached the Colquitt County 20-yard line but could only muster a 20yard field goal by Turner Barckhoff. Late in the first quarter, the Packers were holding on to a slim 14-10 lead.

Both teams traded punts during the first half of the second quarter. On the Packers’ fourth possession, they struck again. Roswell had backed Colquitt up to their own 24 after a good punt, and if the Packers were going to score, they would have to cover a lot of real estate to do so. Parrish and company, however, were up to the task.

Once again, the Pack moved methodically and efficiently

downfield. Parrish wrapped things up with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Ty Lee. It was his 40th touchdown pass of the season, the 70th of his career, and the touchdown set a new Georgia high school football scoring record. Martinez’s extra point was nothing more than a formality, and with 6:05 left in the half, the Packers were up 21-10.

Roswell attempted to answer, and did a good job of moving the ball. The Hornets drove inside the red zone once again. And that’s where the Colquitt defense stiffened. Roswell couldn’t make the most of its opportunities and had to settle for another field goal, this one from 20 yards. As halftime neared, Colquitt led 21-13. Those three points would be the last Roswell would score for the remainder of the game.

The first half statistics would tell an interesting story.

Roswell had more total yards and a longer time of possession. Colquitt had more passing yards than rushing yards (210 to 59) and had more first downs (15 compared to nine) and third down conversions (three of six compared to just one of six) than Roswell.

During the second half, both defenses would toughen and keep each other out of the end zone. The Hornets couldn’t score and the Packers managed just three Luis Martinez field goals (31, 26, and 42 yards) as they increased their lead to 31-13. Martinez’s last field goal was the 34th of his career – another Georgia high school record. Parrish completed 28 of 39 passes for 306 yards and a touchdown.

Pollard, Colquitt’s top receiver, scored twice on direct snaps and Lee, who finished the game as Colquitt’s leading rusher, caught Parrish’s lone touchdown pass.

Colquitt’s win over Roswell was the Packers’ 30th in a row. Neither of the teams that repeated as state titles in Georgia’s highest classification, the 2004 and 2005 Lowndes High Vikings and the 2008 and 2009 Camden Wildcats, did so with back-to-back unbeaten records.

After the game, attention turned immediately to an-

“It’s easy to lead this group because they’re such a class act.

They’ve been chased all year. Last year, we were the ones doing the chasing. We were climbing that ladder, we were hungry, and we’d been denied...”

other of Propst’s goals – winning a national championship.

At the moment, there is no avenue in place to declare a national high school football champion on the field. The national title remains a mythical one, determined by any one of the various national polls out there one decides to believe. The most prominent – but certainly not the only – is the USAToday poll. MaxPreps is another poll that carries significant weight. “I think our body of work has been enough. We’re the best team in Georgia, we’ve definitely got the best program in the state. We’re one of the best teams in the United States of America,” said Coach Propst following the game.

When the smoke cleared, however, at least one national poll placed the Colquitt County Packers at the number-one spot. High School Football America, which uses an entirely computer based ranking system, released its final poll of the 2015 football season on Dec. 20. After De La Salle defeated former number-one Corona Centennial in the California Open Division title game, HSFA’s computer gave the nod to the Packers. Coach Propst and the Pack can now add a national championship to their already impressive resume.

When the smoke cleared, however, the Packers were denied their national title; USAToday had Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas at the number-one spot, with Colquitt ranked second. MaxPreps put Centennial of Corona, California, at its top spot. Once again, the Packers were ranked second.

That 2008 season seems a distant memory now. Propst took that first losing season on the chin. Even though his 4-6 record was an improvement over Colquitt’s 2-8 2007 campaign, posting a losing record didn’t sit well with him. While the naysayers enjoyed their moment in the sun, Propst remained focused on building the Packers into a power. Now, all these years later, the naysayers are still there. They’re still voicing their opinions. If you listen closely, you’ll still hear them. But you’ll have try really hard to hear them over the cheers of the Colquitt faithful.

And those cheers are what winning two state titles and 30 games , and a national championship in a row will do for your program.

“...We had that door we were ready to kick down, which we did. This year, we were the bar, which we set high. To do what we just did is a remarkable thing...”

“... It’s something I’ve never done. To win 30 in a row in Georgia, with the competition this state has, is unbelievable.”

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DeAndre

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Pierce Turner County Senior

Plays in Tribute

written by: James Washington | photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Turner County High School’s DeAndre Pierce is a pillar of the Rebels’ basketball program. Though he only stands at 5’10”, which would be considered small by many basketball enthusiasts, his determination and talent have helped him pave his way into the hearts of Ashburn’s faithful fans.

“I just love learning,” DeAndre says. “There’s always something new that you can add to your game every day.

It’s always changing, and you have to change with it.”

A four-year letterman for the Rebels, DeAndre’s talents extend far beyond the hardwood. He also suited all four years of high school as a wide receiver, punter, and kicker for the varsity football team, and in the spring, he played in the outfield for the varsity baseball team during his freshman and sophomore years.

In the classroom, he is equally, if not more, impressive.

His outstanding grades have already garnered the proper attention. Not only has DeAndre been accepted to Mercer University (Macon, Ga.), he was also offered an academic scholarship. He is also currently weighing the possibility of joining the Armed Forces after graduation; his first choice is the Army, of which his father is a veteran.

“If I do decide to go to Mercer, I would like to either study math, business management, or electrical engineering,” he says. “I haven’t decided what I am going to do yet, because I would like to play basketball in college if given the opportunity. I haven’t gotten any athletic offers yet, though.”

On the court, DeAndre suits up at either the guard or forward position. His preferred position is small forward, and he prides himself on his defense. He credits his love of defense to a very special inspiration.

“People say my sister was all about defense,” he says.

“Are you familiar with the term ‘beast’? They say that was her. She was really aggressive defensively.”

DeAndre’s older sister, Ronalda, was an outstanding center during her time at Turner County High. After graduating in 2003 as the all-time leading scorer in TCHS history and Class AA Player of the Year, the 6’5” star would go

on to start as a true freshman at Florida State University.

Her talent on the court was highly noticed; she was even projected to go to the WNBA after her time as a Seminole.

Sadly, she passed away on June 8, 2004 due to a ruptured aorta that was believed to have been possibly brought on

by Marfan’s Syndrome, a rare and undiagnosed genetic disorder. The pain of her loss was felt by many; most of all, the Pierce family.

“She’s the reason I got into the game,” DeAndre says.

“We were close; she took me under her wing. I was pretty young when she passed, but I do remember seeing her on the court, and that’s what made me want to play.”

Although his memory of his sister may not be as strong as everyone else’s, according to DeAndre, the Ashburn community constantly reminds him of just how special Ronalda was, both on and off the court.

“I hear it all the time,” DeAndre says with a laugh. “On the court, they say she was unforgettable. They say she was a really smart player. As a person, they tell me she was a really generous person, and she was very respectful and intelligent. It makes me proud to hear things like that.”

In his final season, DeAndre wants to leave a lasting legacy in Turner County. He credits his love for Ashburn and the Turner County community to all of the support that the school and its teams have received over the years. He says that he wants to be remembered as a hard worker.

He says that he wants to be remembered as a player that came along and was able to be “great”. But most of all, he wants to be remembered as a link in the chain that bonds the Pierce family.

“People around here will always remember my sister,” he says. “When I graduate, I want people to remember that what she meant to this city, this community…she meant even more to me. I’ll never forget how important she was to everyone here.”

IN THE GAME

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written by: Cole Parker | photography by: Marque Milla Reese

New Name, Same Game Undeniably, sports radically impact culture. People of all kinds, in every part of the globe, are united under the banner of athletics. The competition breeds passion from athletes, coaches, and fans alike, brought together with unrivaled commitment to not only their chosen team, but to the ideals of the game. Children are raised in it. Students and young adults actively engage in it. Adults never can abandon it, even as time takes its toll. From generation to generation, the passion, drive, and dedication anchored at the very root of sports are ingrained into individuals, families, and communities.

Perfectly exemplifying these ideals, high school sports provide the gateway to this cultural phenomenon. And while there isn’t a lack of coverage of high school sports, there is a lack of capturing the community. What makes high school sports so special is the unique, local environments that foster the support, development, and success of student-athletes. Direct interaction within local communities allows true, genuine, and lasting connections to be made.

That’s what we at In the Game Sports Network are all about: connection. In a world of ever-increasing accessi-

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bility and connectivity, we seek to not only connect you to our content, but to connect you to the people. As a sports media company who primarily focuses on high school athletics, we specialize in providing extensive coverage and recognition for local student-athletes, coaches, and fans amongst strong communities who recognize the value of sports tradition.

High school sports are an endless source of compelling stories, and the on-the-field happenings aren’t even half of the story. Tales of unbelievable victories, personal triumphs, undying perseverance, and heart-wrenching losses are not confined to the field of play, but often have roots in the home, school, and community.

Our mission is to discover, document, and display these stories in a way that accurately represent and honor those involved while actively engaging those not involved. No matter the medium, professionally presenting our content is at the forefront of our focus so that we provide no hindrance in highlighting the stories of remarkable people.

From our launch in 2007 to present day, our company name of In the Game High School Sports Magazine be-

Our mission is to inform, inspire, and connect you with our content and your community. We relentlessly strive to discover, document, and display captivating, sports-inspired stories in a way that accurately represent and honor those involved while actively engaging those not involved. came increasingly unrepresentative of who we are as a company and what we offer to the local communities we engage. True to our new name, we are a network of sports media. Our flagship products, print magazine publications, are complimented by our constantly updating website, weekly newsletter, seasoned TV show productions, social media engagement, frequent events, and community connections, all of which are geared towards these ideals of quality, involved coverage.

This involvement comes from proximity; the locality of our brand is the key to our success. For the most part, distant and removed coverage lacks the intimacy that high school athletics encompass. To resolve that, In the Game Sports Network embeds itself into local communities by finding individuals that are willing to invest their full time, energy, and efforts into areas that harvest strong sports traditions. While we don’t limit ourselves in the content that we cover simply due to geography, we believe that often the greatest stories are best told from someone immersed in the local community.

With that in mind, we seek to positively inform and impact local communities by discovering and showcasing stories of student-athletes, coaches, and fans at the high school level. Connected, positive, and passionate. It’s what it means to In the Game.

So we encourage players, coaches, and supporters alike: Get In the Game. Stay In the Game. BE In the Game.

But what does that mean?

Get In the Game

Inspiration is the origin of action, and high school sports are bursting with it. Although we are sure to highlight onthe-field successes, the off-the-field lives of student-athletes, coaches, and fans are where the true stories come to light.

These stories that push us to examine ourselves and take action towards personal change and self-improvement.

That is what it means to Get In the Game: be inspired, be motivated, be active, be determined, and constantly be progressing towards your goals, hopes, and dreams.

Stay In the Game

High school sports find their magic in the fact that it is young men and women during times of extraordinary development. They are influenced and molded by the people around them, not just their experiences. Their family, their coaches, their teammates, their classmates, and their community all play vital roles in shaping their character, values, and pursuits in life, and it is this environment in which we insert ourselves. Coming alongside each of these role players in this vital stage of life, ITG helps everyone Stay In the Game by identifying and promoting excellence on a consistent basis. Getting In the Game isn’t always the hard part; it’s staying In the Game. For the players and coaches, we help them Stay In the Game by showcasing their feats, constantly acknowledging great achievements and efforts.

For our fans and followers, we help them Stay In the Game by frequently engaging them with all of this latest news in high school sports across our numerous platforms. This combination brings to fruition the inseparable bond between on the field and off the field contributors.

BE In the Game

Being In the Game is embodying the brand. Although our brand’s values of hard work, commitment, perseverance, teamwork, discipline, passion, and family originate from the sports world, they transcend on-the-field play and instead saturate the entirety of one’s lifestyle. We certainly don’t mean that sports are everything, but what we do mean is that the lessons learned and values instilled from sports are universally beneficial and admirable. Therefore, being In the Game applies to sports-lovers worldwide, and especially for our current and prospective employees. Be In the Game while at practice, at home, at school, at work, or wherever you may be; we support consistency in effort, integrity, and character, regardless of circumstance.

IN THE GAME

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WHERE THEY ARE NOW

Matthew Moody written by: Robert Preston Jr. | photography by: Micki K Photography

The biggest lessons wrestling taught Moody were self-confidence and patience.

Matthew Moody, a 2014 graduate of Lowndes High, doesn’t wrestle anymore. For many years, the sport defined who he was. During his four years at Lowndes, he was one of the best wrestlers in Georgia. Twice – as a sophomore and a junior – he was the best in the state. Even though his career on the mat is over, he still loves the sport, and more than anything else, he would like to pass that love of wrestling on to a younger generation.

Moody began wrestling when he was in the third grade.

His older brother, Andrew, wrestled, so he decided he’d wrestle, too.

“I went to all his tournaments and matches,” Matthew says. “So one day I told my dad I wanted to try it.”

He wrestled in the USA Wrestling program for many years. By the time he reached high school, he was a seasoned competitor who knew how to win.

“I always liked the individual aspect of the sport,” he says.

“It was on me if I won, it was on me if I lost. The coaches I had made it fun, too.”

There were some pretty big expectations on Moody when he reached high school. But nobody thought he would accomplish what he did as quickly as he did. As a freshman, 42

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WHERE THEY ARE NOW

Moody placed sixth in the state in the 135-pound class.

The next two years, he won state titles in the 145-pound and 152-pound classes. Moody’s senior year, he was state runner-up in the 160-pound class.

“I think people expected me to win eventually, but not as fast as I did,” he says.

When Moody graduated from high school, he had several scholarship offers from smaller schools, but he really didn’t want to wrestle in college.

“I was burnt out a little and I just wanted to relax in college,” he says.

Moody’s goal was to attend the University of Georgia. His plan is to, again, follow what Andrew did, which is spend two years at Valdosta State and then transfer to Georgia. In the meantime, he has something else keeping him busy.

This year, Moody is a community coach with the Pine Grove wrestling program. He says he missed wrestling and wanted to give back to the sport that has meant so much to him.

“I had a great experience wrestling, and I want to help others have a similar experience,” he says. “Watching the

kids work and get better is the most enjoyable aspect of coaching. Wrestling is a tough sport and seeing the kids work to improve is a lot of fun.”

The job isn’t without its frustrations, of course. Often what separates a champion from the pack is attention to detail. And that, according to Moody, is what’s so hard to get the kids to realize.

“The details are the difference between the good and the bad,” he says. “If they can master the little things, they will be good.”

At the time of this writing, Pine Grove had competed in one match. Moody was pleased with the team’s results; they had two first-place finishers, and four others came in second.

The biggest lessons wrestling taught Moody were self-confidence and patience.

“When I went on the mat, I knew I could beat my opponent,” he says. “That gave me confidence in other areas in my life. It made me a harder worker in the classroom and outside of school. It also taught me to respect other people and be patient; to let the match develop in front of me.

I want to pass those same lessons on to others.”

IN THE GAME

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CONGRATULATIONS!!!

www.vereencent

ter.com

GHSA AAAAAA STATE CHAMPIONS...AGAIN!!!

229-890-3553

2015 South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

IN THE GAME

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2015 AWARDS BANQUET

In The Game Honors Area Players and Coaches at Annual Football Banquet written by: Cole Parker | photography by: Marque Milla Reese and Micki K Photography On December 15th, 2015, In the Game Sports Network gathered the greatest football talent across South Georgia into one room in order to recognize and honor the players and teams responsible for an unforgettable 2015 season. Schools from across the region united to remind us what this great sport is all about: the development of young student-athletes into better men and members of society.

Despite the presence of an abundance of talent and trophies, humble gratitude filled the room. Thomasville Ford’s Dave Rose introduced keynote speaker Brian

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Jordan, former star of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves, who led the charge and set the tone for the evening. He preached to over three hundred players, family members, and coaches about goal setting, relentless pursuit of their dreams, and how his faith powered it all.

Following that, each of the twenty schools awarded their Offensive and Defensive Most Valuable Players of the Year, noting incredible leadership and performance on their respective teams. Then, taking it one step further, In the Game Sports Network and our sponsorship

partners crowned the top players and coaches across all of the schools in seven different categories.

As a night filled with inspiration, laughter, and fellowship, it was a suiting end to remarkable 2015 season. We wish the best of luck to each and every one of these young men as they move forward in their careers and their lives.

2015 AWARDS BANQUET

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Community Award DJ Pollard

Tift Regional Health System Academic Player of the Year Barry Bennett

South Georgia Medical Center Special Teams Player of the Year Luis Martinez

Valdosta Orthopedic Associates Defensive Player of the Year Octavius Morris

Colony Bank Offensive Player of the Year JD King and Chase Parrish

Hughston Clinic Coach of the Year Rush Propst

Tyler Storey, Offense and Calvin Isom, Defense: Bainbridge High School In The Game Sports Network

Devyn Harris, Offense and Caleb Rowland, Defense: Berrien High School Vereen Rehabilitation

Valdosta Toyota Middle School Player of the Year Ghetti Brown

Luis Martinez

Colquitt County

IN THE GAME

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2015 AWARDS BANQUET

Demontay Jones, Offense and Tyvonte Maxwell, Defense: Brooks County High School Vereen Rehabilitation

Cale Deese, Offense and Scott Saunders, Defense: Brookwood School In The Game Sports Network

Koby Pyrz, Offense and Malik Taylor, Defense: Cairo High School In The Game Sports Network

Demetrius Davis & Quan Grady

Coffee County Shannon Young, Offense and John Mincey, Defense: Clinch County High School Farmers and Merchants Bank

Demetrius Davis, Offense and Quan Grady, Defense: Coffee County High School In The Game Sports Network

Kiel Pollard, Offense and Dee Walker, Defense: Colquitt County High School Vereen Rehabilitation

Brandon Doe, Offense and Chris Kinsey, Defense: Cook High School Cook Medical Center

Lecitus Smith, Offense and Darrius Hampton, Defense: Fitzgerald High School Dorminy Medical Center

Thomas Cornelius, Offense and Ricky Trejo, Defense: Georgia Christian School Vereen Rehabilitation

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2015 AWARDS BANQUET

DJ Pollard, Offense and Jared Johnson, Defense: Irwin County High School In The Game Sports Network

Robert Zirkle, Offense and Eathan Hampton, Defense: Lanier County High School In The Game Sports Network

Austin Dixon, Offense and Logan Neeley, Defense: Lowndes High School Farmers & Merchants Bank

Mondo West

Tiftarea Academy Kelias Williams, Offense and Derrick Brock, Defense: TCC High School Vereen Rehabilitation

RJ Merriweather, Offense and JT Graydon, Defense: Tift County High School Georgia Sports Medicine

Mondo West, Offense and Conner Kozma, Defense: Tiftarea Academy Georgia Sports Medicine

Tamorrion Terry

Turner County Seth Shuman, Offense and Todd Bradley, Defense: Valdosta High School Sutherland Ohysical Therapy

Jocob Parker, Offense and Gahnon Byington, Defense: Valwood School Advanced Dental

Tamorrion Terry, Offense and Lorenzo Bolden, Defense: Turner County High School Vereen Rehabilitation

IN THE GAME

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Congratulations

Ghetti Brown

Valdosta Toyota 2015 Middle School Player of the Year

Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Congratulations

Barry Bennett

Tift Regional Health System 2015 Academic Player of the Year

Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Congratulations DJ Pollard

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College 2015 Community Award

Online Student Manual Advising instrument and guide for students interested in enrolling in an online or hybrid course at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Congratulations

Luis Martinez

South Georgia Medical Center 2015 Special Teams Player of the Year

SGMC Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Luis Martinez Colquitt County

Congratulations

Octavius Morris

Valdosta Orthopedic Associates 2015 Defensive Player of the Year

Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Congratulations

Rush Propst Hughston Clinic 2015 Coach of the Year

Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Congratulations JD King

Colony Bank 2015 Offensive Player of the Year

Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Congratulations

Chase Parrish

Colony Bank 2015 Offensive Player of the Year

Presented by In The Game Sports Network December 15, 2015

Reed Reagin on Tate Rodemaker: “On the field, Tate’s our quarterback.

It’s fitting for him. He’s smart, and he’s a leader. He takes charge. Away from the field, he’s dependable. I’ve known him for a couple years now, and I him consider a great friend; my best friend. I know that I can count on him, no matter what.”

Reed’s Most Memorable Moment: “It would have to be when I caught my first touchdown pass in seventh grade. Everybody was so excited for me. It was a great feeling.”

Valdosta Middle

DYNAMIC DUO Prepares to Follow in Family’s Footsteps written by: James Washington | photography by: Micki K Photograhy

In a city known for its widespread gridiron success and accomplishment, it goes without saying that it takes time to craft a champion. While Valdosta, Georgia is known for the six national, 23 state, and 41 region titles of the Wildcats of Valdosta High School. Also since 2004, Valdosta State University has earned three Division II national championships (2004, 2007, 2012), Lowndes High School has won three state championships (2004, 2005, 2007), and private Valwood School has taken home titles in 2012 and 2015.

Ask any local, or anyone familiar with the area, for that matter, and they will tell you the same thing: the judiciously-named “TitleTown, USA” breeds champions. And the key to creating champions is to start when they are young. Such is the case with Tate Rodemaker and Reed Reagin. Both eighth-graders at Valdosta Middle School, the duo is primed to make a splash once they hit the high school ranks.

“I really appreciate the football programs in this city,” Reed Reagin says. “They prepare you and make you want to try your best all the time. That is probably the one thing that I will always remember and appreciate about Valdosta Middle School.”

Reed is a three-sport athlete at Valdosta Middle. The son of Ron and Marcy Reagin, he was a member of the football and baseball programs in his sixth-grade year.

Beginning in seventh grade, he added basketball to his resume and has played all three sports since.

“I would say that baseball is my favorite of the three,” he says. “I love the pace of the game. It’s intense, and it’s a highspeed game. You have to always be paying attention.”

He began playing sports at a young age; he recalls starting out with tee-ball at the age of 5. While on the field, he suits up at third base, first base, and pitcher; he has also played the same positions for his traveling team, the Southern Guns, since he was 9 years old. His talent does not go unnoticed; just this past summer, he was called up to play with the ninth-grade team.

Before baseball season rolls around, he will have said his goodbyes to his other two middle school sports. Football season has ended, and basketball season will follow soon after. A tight end on the gridiron and a combo guard/big man on the hardwood, Reed has decided that he will let basketball go upon entering high school.

Joining him will be his partner under center, Tate Rodemaker. Ending his middle school career as a three-sport athlete as well, Tate has been a presence on Valdosta Middle’s football, basketball, and baseball teams. He suits up at quarterback in the fall before playing at shooting guard during basketball season. He rounds out the year as a definition utility player.

“I play a little of everywhere,” Tate says.

“I am comfortable in a lot of places. I just go where I’m needed.”

Tate says that his favorite sport of the three is football, and with good reason.

He is the latest in a line of Valdosta talent; his father, Alan, currently serves as the defensive coordinator at Valdosta High, and his brother, Bo, recently wrapped up his senior season as a Wildcat receiver. To add to the athletic prowess of the family, Tate’s mother, Leah, was a basketball player in high school (at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega, Georgia) and college (at Presbyterian University in Clinton,

South Carolina); she held the Presbyterian scoring record for a decade.

“My dad was a quarterback in high school, so he helps me out when we’re in the yard throwing around,” Tate says.

“He’s also talked to me about possibly giving free safety a try in high school.”

Tate is not the only one with ties to the Wildcats; upon entering high school, Reed will be reunited with his sister, Emily Kate, who is currently a sophomore at Valdosta and participates in varsity cheerleading.

While college is still a few years away, both of these young men have started thinking about their respective futures.

Reed is an avid University of Florida fan, and has considered studying math or science should he attend the school. Tate has his eyes in the opposite direction; living a portion of his younger years in North Carolina, he has grown fond of North Carolina State University. He would like to possibly study either science or social studies.

One thing is for certain: Both Reed and Tate are tremendously talented student-athletes, and before even setting foot on a high school campus, they have made the Valdosta community proud.

They have expressed the utmost gratitude for their school, their teammates, and their coaches and teachers.

Having made their way through middle school together, the transition to the next level should be seamless for the duo. High school can be a scary beast, but anything is easier when you’ve got a trusted friend and teammate beside you for strength and support.

Tate Rodemaker on Reed Reagin: “He’s my best friend. We met in sixth grade, and we’ve been friends ever since. On the field, he’s my go-to. He rarely ever misses a pass that comes his way. Off the field, I know I can trust him and depend on him for anything.

I know he’ll always be there for me.”

Tate’s Most Memorable Moment: “During our seventh-grade season, we were down against Coffee. We had to go for a twopoint conversion because we didn’t have a kicker. I was able to roll out and find Reed, and we connected on the two-point conversion to win the game.”

IN THE GAME

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Tireless Work Ethic, Positive Attitude Pay Off for Coffee Senior

written by: Robert Preston Jr. | photography by: Micki K Photography

For some people, everything comes easy. Whether it’s academics, athletics, a talent such as music or acting, or a combination of them all, there are a few people who don’t have any trouble at excelling.

Sammieya Smith, however, isn’t one of those. At first glance, you might think she’s a gifted athlete and student. She’s the lone senior on the Lady Trojans’ basketball team this year and, after three years in the program, will finally start. Smith also is a talented track athlete who holds the Coffee High record in the 400-meters (59.36 seconds) and won the region championship in the 400-meters when Coffee was in Region 1-6A. But that doesn’t mean that it has come easy. Smith is the kind of student-athlete who has had to work, claw, and fight her way through everything – track, basketball, and academics. Nothing has come easy to her, but she has never given up. Each time an obstacle stood in her way, she faced it head long and overcame. As a result, she’s one of the best student-athletes at Coffee High.

“She does everything asked of her,” says Thomas McAboy, head coach of the Lady Trojans’ basketball team. “Sammieya always does the right thing, and people just gravitate toward her. She wants to excel, and when she’s struggling, she doesn’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Smith didn’t start playing organized basketball until 58

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“

I just feel like if I’m going to be a part of a team, I have to give my best. That’s what the team deserves,

her freshman year of high school.

“I wanted to try something new,” she says.

She enjoyed being a part of the team and the relationships she made with her teammates. Smith earned a varsity roster spot but didn’t get much playing time. In fact, she hasn’t played much at all for three years. This year, though, will be different.

“It feels great to finally start. I’m excited about giving our team a chance to win,” she says.

Smith’s attitude has helped her as much as her shooting ability or playmaking skills. According to Coach McAboy, she has always been a great teammate and embraced any role assigned to her – whether it involved actual playing time or not.

“She has a great attitude,” Coach McAboy says. “She works hard and loves the game. She does her best, and that’s on the court and in the classroom. This year, she’s going to provide senior leadership. I need her to be a vocal leader and be a positive influence on her teammates.”

Smith has been running track for much longer than she’s been playing basketball. She started track in the seventh grade.

“I didn’t consider myself to be very fast, but running was something I enjoyed doing,” she says. “So I decided to run track.”

Smith runs the 400-meters, 800-meters, and the 4x100

”

relay. She made an immediate impact as a freshman and sophomore. In her ninth-grade year, Smith was Region 1-6A runner-up in the 800-meters. A year later, she won the same region in the 400-meters.

Last year was a bit of an off year for Smith, but she’s been in the gym since last season ended. She’s focused, determined, and ready to get back to the top of the region track heap – though this time, like last year, it will be against 5A competition.

“When she trains, she almost overtrains,” says Kevious Johnson, Coffee High’s women’s track coach. “She goes as hard as she can on every single rep. You don’t see her level of competitiveness and work ethic very often.”

As Smith prepares for basketball and track, she is focused on doing her best so she can continue competing beyond high school.

“I want to make it to state this year and get a scholarship to run track in college,” she says.

That shouldn’t be a problem; college programs crave the qualities she has. Smith competes because she loves it and because she wants to win. In the process, she makes her teammates better.

“I just feel like if I’m going to be a part of a team, I have to give my best. That’s what the team deserves,” she says.

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Sideline “I live for the rush,” Faith says. “I love adversity. Clutch moments; sinking that game-clinching free throw or making that key stop…those are the types of moments that make me love this game.”

eBond

Teammates Lend support THrought Injury written by: James Washington | photography by: Lindsi Jones

Regardless of the sport, the most successful teams share special characteristics and traits that separate them from their competition. Through countless hours of training, practice, and travel, players get to know one another on a personal level. In fact, it can be argued that the most successful teams are built away from the venue of competition. Over time, a team can become a second family.

Coaches care for their players, and vice versa. Such is the case in Valdosta, Georgia.

Lowndes High School senior Diera DeLoatch has been a key component of the Vikettes’ basketball program since her arrival as a freshman in 2012. In her sophomore year, she was a major piece of a team that took home a region championship. For her efforts, she was named the team’s best rebounder, as well as earning a spot on the All-Region Second Team.

“I just love this game,” Diera says.

“Everything about it. But most of all, I love the energy; the excitement. It’s such an uptempo game and it requires your best at all times.”

However, just a week before school tryouts in 2014, it would be that same intensity that would end up setting Diera’s high school career back beyond expectation.

“I was playing in an AAU exposure tournament,” she says. “I was on a fast break, and I attempted to finish with a layup on the left side (of the rim).

When I came down, I landed with my right leg straight, and I heard a ‘pop’.”

As she went to the floor, her fears

began to resonate in many voices in the crowd.

“There were a lot of (college) scouts at the tournament,” she says. “As soon as I went down, I could hear a lot of them saying that they knew exactly what it was.”

What it turned out to be was a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee. From injury to full medical clearance to return, she would miss approximately eight months.

“I went through a lot to get back on the court,” Diera says. “After basically having to learn to bend my leg again, I was in rehab about three times a week. Eventually, I worked my way back into running, jumping, and working on quick movements; jabs and things like that.”

With such a debilitating injury, most players would feel discouraged and lack the enthusiasm to return at full strength. Diera is an exception; from the moment her injury was diagnosed, her mind was focused on returning to the court. And while her own determination was more than enough to get her back to action, she would receive additional support from an unlikely source a mere days after her injury.

Senior forward Faith Starling is also a huge cornerstone of the Vikettes’ basketball program. Suiting up as a forward, she provides an irreplaceable fire for the team that is hard to replace.

“I live for the rush,” Faith says. “I love adversity. Clutch moments; sinking that game-clinching free throw or making that key stop…those are the types of moments that make me love this game.”

However, the team’s morale would once again be put to the test early in the 2014-15 season. In their annual Thanksgiving tournament, Faith felt as if something was out of place. Her usual high level of energy was severely diminished, and she could barely sprint up and down the court.

“It felt like I had the flu, to be honest,” she says. “I was just really sluggish. I pushed as hard as I could, but I just didn’t feel like myself.”

That night, she decided that perhaps she just needed rest. But in the middle of the night, Faith was awakened to a terrifying dilemma.

“Sharp pains,” she says. “It was probably the worst pain I had ever felt in my life. Honestly, it felt like somebody was stabbing me in the right side of my chest. I could barely move.”

After being rushed to the hospital and taken through a series of tests and scans, it was discovered that Faith was suffering from a pulmonary embolism, or a blockage in the main artery of her right lung. Expectedly, she was immediately sidelined from all physical activity, especially basketball.

“I was told that for that first six weeks, I needed to refrain from everything,” she says. “Eat, walk, and sleep; that was about all I could do.”

Faith was cleared to return to all activities in May of 2015, but even before she was fully cleared, she did everything she could to stay involved in the game that she loves.

“The doctors told me early on that I couldn’t make full contact or exert myself too much,” she says. “So, at

Coach Bell on Diera DeLoatch: “Diera is such a serving person. She doesn’t hesitate to do for others, and she always puts the team first. She’s wonderful to watch because she has a passion for the game that you don’t see often.”

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the early practices, I would work on set shots. I was averaging about 500 set shots per practice until they fully cleared me.”

The girls also received a great deal of support from their teammates and coaches. Lowndes head coach Brittany Bell made it a point to include the girls in everything she could; she made sure they traveled to games and suited up, even though they would not set foot on the floor for game action.

“Diera and Faith are just as important to this team as everyone else,” Coach Bell says. “I wanted to make sure that they knew that. They love this game, and the season wouldn’t have been the same without them.

They worked hard to make the team, so we wanted to make sure that their hard work was recognized.”

While both girls had ample support

from the team, coaching staff, and community, they would come to find that their strongest support came from each other. As the season progressed, Faith and Diera would continue to suit up for every game, home or away, and cheer the team on as they completed the 2014-15 schedule.

“We kept each other going,” Faith says. “Diera and I both love this game, and we were there for each other in that time of need. We even had regular talks that we called ‘Motivation Mondays’ where we would give each other support and encouragements.

We were already good friends, but I feel so much closer to her now that we’ve endured that trial together.”

Like Faith, Diera is equally grateful for the support of her teammate.

“Having Faith there with me helped so much,” Diera says. “While our reasons for not playing can’t really be

compared, the fact is that we both had something that we loved, the game of basketball, taken away from us. And that hurt. But I know it would have hurt worse if Faith wasn’t there by my side. We called each other for support and constantly talked about how we would come back strong in 2015.”

Faith Starling and Diera DeLoatch had to endure the pain of missing out on a year of high school basketball. In losing something they truly love, they found something just as valuable: the irreplaceable bond of a teammate.

They went out of their way to keep each other’s spirits lifted, and now that both girls have made full recoveries, they are back to doing what they love: leading the way for the 2015-2016 Lowndes Vikettes basketball team.

Coach Bell on Faith Starling: “I don’t think anybody on this team works harder than Faith. She is ultra-competitive, and she absolutely hates losing.

She’s that player that wants to win at all costs, and it’s so valuable to this team because her personality is infectious. Her teammates see her determination, and it pushes them to want to do everything possible to leave the court with a win.”

It’s that time of year: the turning of the page… written by: Jon Nelson

So, it gives us a little time to look back and think about what happened this past football season.

My first thoughts are to the champs, who have made it to the dais at the Georgia Dome and can take the trophies home to their campuses and hang them, front and center, in their trophy cases.

But, remember, we’re only five weeks from National Signing Day and, a little while after that, it will be time for spring conditioning. Remember, the sport isn’t what we grew up with; it’s practically year-round now, and every move forward is made in hopes of equaling or improving what was done last year.

That brings me to this part of the column: the tips of the hat for 2015 (and there are a lot of them)…

Programs like Bainbridge, Telfair County, Turner County, Glynn Academy, Ware County, Fitzgerald, and Colquitt County (and that’s just off the top of my head while I type) were on full display this year, as teams made great strides. Their success makes me think of a question: What team made the greatest strides that you were able to personally experience?

Was it your team? Was it a team you played against?

Let me know here at In The Game. You can give your opinion through the Facebook page for the magazine, on their Twitter account, my Twitter account (@OSGNelson), or any other way to tell your tale for the season past. Be a part of the conversation and let everyone know what you think.

My next observation: Individual performances were tremendous.

You can’t go wrong with talking about Colquitt County

quarterback Chase Parrish (the idea that only Samford is pursuing him at the next level is stunning to me), Packers running back Ty Lee, Lee County’s signal caller Garret Morrell, Fitzgerald running back JD King, Valdosta quarterback Seth Shuman, Clinch County’s Chauncey Manac, and all the athletes that made impacts this season on and off the field.

This brings me to my second question: What athlete made the most impact on you this season? This could be for something on the field as an individual in a game you saw, in the classroom, or in the community (because the latter is just as important).

And finally, what do you think about the 2016 season?

Who makes the strides that were started in 2015? (We’re talking both teams and athletes here.) I have a few programs in mind, but let me know what you think about the season ahead and what we need to look forward to in the offseason (which, in reality, isn’t even really an offseason anymore).

Oh…one last question before I go…

What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever gotten? The worst?

Happy New Year, y’all!

Play it safe, everyone. I’ll talk you soon.

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THE FIGHT IN

THE DOGS Cooper and Willis Aim for the Top written by: James Washington | photography by: Lindsi Jones The dynamic duo of Shedric Cooper and Jordan Willis came to fruition in sixth grade, when the two first met.

Ever since, they have dominated courts together, and they have placed the Thomasville Bulldogs on the map as perennial title contenders in Class AA. The two welcomed basketball into their lives at an early age. Both have spent time playing on various Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams in Georgia and Florida, and have learned unfor-

gettable lessons in the process.

“I’ve learned that procrastination is not an option,” Cooper says. “I’m a hard worker, and I know that nothing worth having comes easy. And having a teammate like Jordan, he pushes me to do better. We work out together, and we’ve got each other’s backs.”

Willis shares a similar sentiment with that of his teammate.

“You have to be prepared for anything,” he says. “There’s constant

PAST

change in this game. Things happen, and you’ve got to be ready for them when they do. It takes focus; you can’t let distractions get in your way.”

Since entering high school together, the duo, both four-year lettermen for Coach Benjamin Tillman’s Thomasville High School Bulldogs, have amassed a current record of 56-33, including playoff appearances in every year since their freshman season (2012-13).

About Jordan Willis: While his on-court ability is earning him countless awards, it is Willis’ performance in the classroom that makes him so special. A student of Thomasville High’s Scholar’s Academy, he carries a 3.3 grade point average and has completed numerous Advanced Placement and Honors classes throughout his high school career. His efforts will be thoroughly rewarded; he will earn an Associate’s Degree upon graduating in 2016.

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The Bulldogs had an impressive showing in the 2014-15 season. After starting the year losing two of their first three, they would go on a tear; they reeled off 10 straight wins between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, including blowouts over Brooks County (Quitman, Ga.), Berrien (Nashville, Ga.) and their cross-town rivals, the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets.

Their momentum followed them into the 2015 GHSA State Playoffs, where they made their presence known, defeating their first two opponents, McIntosh County Academy (Darien, Ga.) and Greene County (Greensboro, Ga.) by an average of

13 points per contest. However, the third time would prove not to be a charm as the Bulldogs fell, 80-65, to the eventual state runner-up Crawford County Eagles (Roberta, Ga.).

At the conclusion of the season, the team had its share of individual accolades, led by Willis being named to the All-State team for his efforts throughout the year. But in the end, the ultimate goal was missed, and that is something that Bulldogs have not forgotten.

“We’re hungry,” Cooper says. “That loss hit all of us pretty hard. This year, we won’t accept anything less. We just have to grind it out and take what

we know is ours.”

With a state championship as their end goal, the Bulldogs are off to an impressive start; they are undefeated on the season after a 37-point win in their season-opening scrimmage against Mitchell County Eagles (Camilla, Ga.) and sweeping a homeand-away series against the Valdosta Wildcats (Valdosta, Ga.).

“What these two young men bring to this team, it’s hard to put into words,” Coach Tillman says. “They are hard workers, they’re great teammates, and most of all, they’re humble. They don’t let success go to their head.”

PRESENT

About Shedric Cooper: Aside from his talent on the court and in the classroom (where he holds down a 3.3 GPA while taking primarily AP courses), Cooper takes pride in giving back to the community as well. Prior to the Thanksgiving break, the entire team partnered with the local police department to serve meals to members of the community. “This year, we probably fed about 500 people,” Cooper says. “It’s just a great feeling, to know that you can make that kind of a difference. I’m proud to be a part of this community, and it’s events like this one that I’ll never forget.”

Willis on Cooper: “Shedric is probably the best on-court leader I’ve ever played with. He’s demanding, but he leads by example. Off the court, he’s exactly what a leader should be.

He’s respectful, he works hard, and he stays out of trouble. And as long as we’ve known each other, he’s always been there for me. I see him as family.”

Cooper on Willis: “He’s such a hard worker. Back in middle school, I looked up to him; I wasn’t as polished then and I used to watch things he would do so that I could get better. He’s just a great teammate. And off the court, he’s an even better person. He’s like a brother to me; anything he ever needs, he knows I’m there for him.”

Being the final season for Cooper and Willis, eyes are already looking to the next level for both of these young stars. Both have garnered interest from collegiate programs; Cooper has drawn attention from Florida A&M, University of Mobile, Thomas University, and Valdosta State, while Willis has heard from Murray State and Valdosta State (among others).

“Only time will tell, but as far as the next level goes, I’m willing to bet we will see both of them there,” Coach Tillman says. “It’s only a matter of time before they’re offered scholarships to play college ball. I’m sure.”

While both players have seen in-

terest from numerous schools, neither has made a decision as to where he would like to attend.

“It’s still up in the air,” Cooper says.

“I’m not sure where I’ll be going, but I do know that I would like to study business and computer science.

Eventually, I would like to use that education to start my own computer programming business.”

Likewise, Willis is unsure of his destination, but knows the path that he would like his future to take.

“I plan to major in nursing,” he says.

“I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I know that I want to, one day, work at a big-time hospital. I just want to know

that I can help people in need.”

One thing is for certain. The Thomasville Bulldogs have two tremendous student-athletes leading the way for the 2015-16 basketball season. And win or lose, the school and the community are extremely proud of the duo of Shedric Cooper and Jordan Willis.

“Jordan and Shedric work so hard,” Coach Tillman says. “They’re both incredibly focused, they are well-mannered, they don’t take any nonsense, and their respect for others speaks volumes. I am proud to call them Bulldogs.”

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CLINCH OVERPOWERS IRWIN For Class A Public State Title written by:Robert Preston Jr. | photography by: Sheena Hill, The Clinch County News and Cady Studios

The Clinch County Panthers won their sixth state football championship on Friday, December 11, at the Georgia Dome by defeating the region rival Irwin County Indians 24-7. The Panthers finished the season 13-1; their one loss came on September 18 against Irwin County in Ocilla.

The two schools, which are 56 miles apart via Highways 90 and 441, made the long trip up I-75 to Atlanta to see which team was the best in Georgia’s Class A Public classification. Irwin, the Region 2-A champion and playing in its second-straight state title game, fought valiantly against Clinch. The Panthers, however, were just too big and too fast for the Indians.

Operating out of an archaic single-wing offense, the Panthers steamrolled Irwin all afternoon long.

They kept the ball on the ground, controlled the clock, and made timely plays on defense to frustrate the region champs. Clinch struck first when South Georgia’s top-ranked player, defensive lineman Chuancey Manac, blocked an Irwin punt early in the first quarter. Clinch recovered on the Irwin 29

and moved steadily toward the end zone. Shannon Young capped the drive with a one-yard run for a touchdown. Clinch’s two-point conversion was unsuccessful. However, with 7:12 left in the first quarter, the Panthers were up 6-0.

Irwin responded two possessions later when Ziaire Andrews broke loose and ran 93 yards for an Indians touchdown. The point-after sailed through the uprights and with just seconds left in the first period, Irwin had taken a 7-6 lead.

The Panthers answered with another Shannon Young touchdown, this time from two yards out. After another unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt, Clinch had a 12-7 lead. On Irwin’s next possession, the Indians pushed the Panthers back and had a first and goal situation. Twice the Clinch defense held the Indians. On third and goal, quarterback Zach Tolar attempted to throw to tight end Cully Jones, who was wide open in the end zone. Clinch defensive back Jervonta Johnson read the play and jumped in front of Tolar’s pass before it crossed the goal line. It was his fifth interception of the year and it set up a IN THE GAME

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long and methodical drive that wiped out the second quarter but yielded no Clinch County points. At the half, the Panthers led 12-7.

Clinch opened the third quarter with a 68-yard drive that ended when freshman sensation Trezman Marshall scampered five yards into the end zone. Another two-point conversion came up short; however, the Panthers had what was becoming a very comfortable 18-7 advantage.

Clinch added another touchdown with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter when quarterback Charles McClelland ran 36 yards for a score. For the fourth time in the game, Clinch went for two. And for the fourth time in the game, the attempt didn’t work. Still, Clinch led 24-7. Irwin and Clinch would both turn the ball over on downs on their ensuing possessions. Finally, with

time running down, Irwin began moving the ball again and made it inside the red zone one more time. The Panther defense simply proved to be too much for the Irwin offense. The Indians turned it over on downs and Clinch took over with 46 seconds left. The Panthers ran out the clock and claimed the program’s sixth state title and the third of Jim Dickerson’s head coaching career.

“I’d like to congratulate the Irwin County Indians. They had a great year and I think we both represented Region 2 well today. I want to thank all the people who made the long ride up here. We love you and thank you for giving us this opportunity. There are gonna be a lot of smiles in little places like Fargo, Cogdell, Pea Ridge, and Homerville today! We’re gonna celebrate this one!” exclaimed Coach Dickerson following the game.

“We’re gonna celebrate this one!”

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The

myth(s) of college athletics written by: Robert Preston Jr.

College athletics. I always reserve billions. That’s right – billions. what goes on behind closed doors regardone question about college athletics for At the small college level, athletics ing these major-college sports programs. the student-athletes I interview. Playing often mean money for the institution in But where there’s money, there’s corrupin college is a goal for most of the kids terms of increased enrollment. The pro- tion. And when it comes to the NCAA, I talk to. Many have had their sights set gressive colleges and universities know this there is A LOT of money floating around. on a college scholarship from their ele- and use athletics as an easy way to grow There have been calls for a change in mentary school days. Playing in college is the institution. I’ve said it many times be- the way college athletics are structured. a tremendous honor, and all sports fans, fore, and probably in this very space, that Several people have traveled to Europe to whether consciously or not, hold tremen- football transformed not only then-Georgia study how their nations develop elite-level dous respect for college athletes.

Southern College, but also the entire region athletes. Sports are big across the pond, as Interestingly, the concept of it is just about everywhere. But college athletics is almost en- I think college sports provide opportunities European countries use club tirely American and not someteams and various levels of prothing you’ll find in most other for kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to fessional leagues to develop nadeveloped countries. If you attend school and better themselves. tional- and international-caliber study the education system of talent. It’s an interesting model, other nations, you’ll find that it designed to around Statesboro. Now Georgia Southern one that completely separates education educate, not entertain. In the United States, University and home to a Division I football and athletics. however, colleges and universities are in program (that nearly beat the hapless GeorThat will never happen in the United the business of entertaining the masses. gia Bulldogs this year on Senior Day in San- States. College athletics are ingrained in And they do so through athletics. ford Stadium), it must be stated that none our society and in our colleges and uniI find college sports to be an interest- of that would have been possible without a versities. But I believe changes need to be ing beast. First of all, let me state that I am a championship football team. Along with the made. The NCAA operates under the guise huge fan of college athletics. I follow a few growth of the community came the growth of amateurism and love of sport. Nothing, professional teams, but for the most part, I of the college/university. The number of stu- however, could be farther from the truth. enjoy college sports far more than I do the dents increased. The median grade point It’s a money-making organization, and it’s pros. I think college sports provide oppor- average rose as well. It was a win-win for making gobs of money at the expense of tunities for kids who otherwise wouldn’t be everyone involved. student-athletes who, in many cases, can able to attend school and better themselves.

However, college athletics are not with- barely afford to survive while at school.

At the same time, however, college out their issues. First of all, the NCAA is The marriage between education and athletics aren’t about education. They’re itself a difficult organization to define. Of- athletics has always been an interesting – not about opportunity. They’re not about ficially, it’s a not-for-profit, non-taxed entity. and rocky – one. There is plenty of room breaking cycles of poverty or any of that. In spite of that, according to a 2014 article for improvement in how college sports It comes down to, quite simply, money. At that appeared in The Columbus Dispatch, are sanctioned and governed. However, the major college level, the money comes the NCAA showed a $61 million surplus despite our best efforts and intentions, I from merchandise and television contracts two years ago. When you’re dealing with don’t believe that significant reform will for broadcasting games. Television con- that kind of money, there are bound to be take place. There’s just too much money tracts for the college football playoff and problems – for both the governing body being made for that to happen. the NCAA basketball tournament are in the and the schools. Most of us don’t know

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