South Georgia Oct/Nov 2019 Edition

Tate Rodemaker Poised for Breakout Season

#WeGotYourBackBud Buddy Nobles | Irwin Co.

Long County's Honey Badger Treyon Davis

No. 1 Boxer in Nation Has Eyes Set on Junior Olympics Haven Brady Jr. Westover

Grand Slam: 3 Seniors Finishing a Varsity Career

Live In the Game

OCT/NOV 2019

Madi Campbell Rylee Lamb Lauren Ross Houston Co.

• Hughston’s quality patient care has kept us #1 in orthopaedics for 70 years • Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976 • Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year • Saturday morning injury clinic • Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

LOCATIONS Albany Auburn Columbus Dothan

Dublin LaGrange Macon Moultrie

Phenix City Thomaston Thomasville Valdosta

6262 Veterans Parkway • Columbus, GA 31909

1-800-331-2910 • 706-324-6661 www.hughston.com

ITG Next | 3

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Who's Next?

ITG Next What do you want to accomplish? Who do you want to become?

The work you put in now is setting the stage for what's to come.

Get In the Game.

Anna Limoges EDITOR

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4 North Carter Street Lakeland, Georgia 31635 (229) 482-3585

978 Valdosta Highway Homerville, Georgia 31634 (912) 487-1200

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You can get your copy of ITG Next magazine at one of these locations in South Georgia.

Adel Cook Medical Center Cook HS

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Limb Difference Doesn’t Slow Nabers Down

Improvement Comes From Hard Work and Hard Coaching

28

Zach Nabers

Carter Boatwright | Colquitt Co.

20

Grand Slam: 3 Seniors Finishing a Varsity Career Madi Campbell, Rylee Lamb, & Lauren Ross Houston Co.

24 Playing Up

Long County's Honey Badger

10-Year-Old Shoots Baskets for Middle School Team

Treyon Davis

Dallas Montgomery | Valwood

38

35 Tate Rodemaker

Poised for Breakout Season

No. 1 Boxer in Nation Has Eyes Set on Junior Olympics Haven Brady Jr. Westover

43

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50

Spike.

Set. Sting.

More 37

Albany State Cuts 2 Sports Teams

58

Irwin County Senior Named to Bassmaster All-American Team

Volleyball | Thomas Co. Central

60

Parker Guy

Lady Herons Plan for a Victory

Small but Powerful Nolan Grant Glynn Academy

Softball | Brantley Co.

66

71 Keeping It Simple Jeff Littleton | Bainbridge

76

79

Cheering Beyond High School

Player Profiles 19

Sergio Allen | Peach Co.

22

JQ Hardaway | Hardaway

26

Joe Almond | Tift Co.

32

Jaylon Jones | Lowndes

41

Tayshaun Shipp | Worth Co.

48

Jakobee Mitchell | Brooks Co.

56

Max Rigby | Houston Co.

65

Demarcus Barnes | Turner Co.

74

Aubrianna Hunley | Houston Co.

81

Kendrick Hawkins | Marion Co.

82

#WeGotYourBackBud Buddy Nobles | Irwin Co.

ITG Next | 11

Chase Busby, St. Simons Island, Ga.

Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road.

Last year, more than 800 children from South Georgia made a very important trip. Some were just a few days old; others were kindergartners or teens. But they all received top-ranked care from one of the best children’s hospitals in America: Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road. more 12Learn | itgnext.com

at wolfsonchildrens.com

From the Publisher Champions across all sports have one thing in common: passion. Whether it’s a passion for the sport or the passion to win, elite athletes have a desire to succeed that fuels every game, practice, and workout.

But what keeps that passion alive? How do these athletes keep going when they have nothing left to give? Athletes who pursue their passions with purpose have extra fuel in the tank. They know exactly why they do what they do, and that gives them the little bit more they need to push through to the top. Many of the stories in this issue highlight athletes who do just that.

On our cover is a father-son duo from the winningest high school football program in the country. Valdosta High School quarterback Tate Rodemaker broke three school passing records last season, and he is primed to have a breakout season this year.

Haven Brady Jr., a high school student from Albany, secured his first boxing national title in July, making him the No. 1 amateur lightweight boxer in the country. He trains at his father’s boxing gym, Beat the Streetz, a family-run operation that, combined with the South Georgia Starz Academy, aims to help underprivileged and at-risk youth through fitness programs, tutoring, and drug and alcohol awareness courses.

Dallas Montgomery, a 10-year-old at Valwood School, has been playing basketball on the middle school team since last year. Middle school coach Michael Strickland said Dallas is years ahead of other players his own age in terms of basketball knowledge and ability, something Dallas’s father attributes to a great work ethic.

Zach Nabers, 19, has played basketball his entire life, even after a traumatic accident eight years ago resulted in the amputation of his right arm below the elbow. Zach is now a basketball coach for the NubAbility Athletic Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps youth with limb differences play mainstream sports. Zach said his main goal with the organization is to help these kids realize that they too can be elite athletes, regardless of their limb differences.

Do you know someone who #LivesInTheGame and has a story worth sharing? Head to our website to nominate them to be featured in our next issue!

Follow us @itgnext on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more inspiring stories. You'll also be the first to hear about new apparel launches and upcoming ITG Next events. For exclusive South Georgia content, follow @itgnext.georgia on Instagram.

ITG Next Apparel

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Annabelle Scott Cover Photography Aaron Musgrove Player Profile Photography Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Feature Photography Aaron Musgrove Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Feature Writers Phil Jones Alex Dunn Kyle Grondin Zac Howard Copy Editors Anna Limoges Leah Morton Advertising/Marketing Andrew Pipkin andrew@itgnext.com Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit

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ITG Next is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2019 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

ITG Next | 13

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

aNNA Limoges

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

editor

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivaled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the National Championship.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss in the National Championship.

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and three semesters as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as Editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye and organizational prowess to the ITG team. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Andrew Pipkin Account Executive Born and raised in South Georgia, Andrew attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a degree in marketing and business. He is passionate about sports, especially high school football (Go Cats!). Andrew’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with businesses all around South Georgia. Like so many other Georgia Bulldogs fans, his hopes of a national championship increase every year, but in the end they are just long lost dreams.

Alex Dunn

Phil Jones

Jon Nelson

Kyle Grondin

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Alex is a VSU graduate and contributing writer for In the Game. After interning for a year, she decided to continue writing for ITG after graduation. Now, she works for the Marietta Daily Journal, where she proofreads and designs page layouts for their publications. She uses her experience as a copy editing intern for ITG to help with the sports pages the most, while also using her freelance to keep her writing skills fresh. However, she only knows how well the Braves are doing when she is placing the game finals on the pages.

Phil Jones began lending his voice to In the Game in 2017. He serves as a radio station manager and host of two daily radio shows: “The Phil Jones Show” on WJHC Talk 107.4 and “The Afternoon Sports Drive” on WJEM AM-FM and on WJHC FM. Jones is a 20year veteran of the newspaper business, serving as manager of marketing and distribution for newspapers in Tifton, Albany, and Atlanta. He was recognized by the Georgia Press Association as “Georgia’s Top Newspaper Circulator” in 2003.

Jon has been in TV for 27 years based in Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State with a B.S. in political science. Twenty-four of those years have been at GPB as a host and senior correspondent. He’s also written five books with more on the way! He is blessed with a far prettier wife, Patty, and his two furry children- a Pekingese named Trooper and a cat that acts more like a dog, Trouble. His avid following of every sports team in existence is a ploy to mask the shame of being a FSU graduate.

Kyle is a senior at Valdosta State University working toward a Bachelor of Arts in English with a track in journalism. He transferred to Valdosta with his wife from UCF and hopes to become a world class sports journalist. Most days, Kyle is taking his dog Stella for walks or playing sports at the local gym. Kyle is a bigtime UCF Knight fan, so you know he’s willing to claim himself the national champion of everything with little evidence supporting his cause.

Micki Krzynski

Eric Vinson

Contributing Photographer When it comes to loyalty to In the Game, it is hard to top Micki. Since the very beginning of In the Game, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/assistant, Jake, have become our go-to photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.

14 | itgnext.com

Marque Milla Reese

Aaron Musgrove

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Eric Vinson is a native of Lowndes County and a graduate of Valdosta High School. He recently got his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Valdosta State University in mass media. Eric loves taking photos, watching sports, and producing music.

Milla was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always see things differently than others as he drew on his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka, Milla is living out that dream as a key contributor of ITG. With that said, the cries of “War Eagle” from them both have fallen strangely silent since 2010.

Originally from Live Oak, Florida, Aaron found his home as a multitalented photographer and graphic designer after moving to Valdosta in 2007. As the lead graphic designer at Colquitt Regional Medical Center since 2010, Aaron has found his passion in corporate graphic design and commercial photography, but he also loves capturing the unique dynamics of sports with ITG. Fortunately, his notable lack of any sports career that lasted more than a single day does not impact his sports photography.

Lacey Crandall

A native of Tampa, Florida, Kendra is a recent graduate of the University of North Florida (Swoop!). Playing soccer most of her life, she is excited to work for a company that highlights student-athletes. She is currently living her dream of combining her love of sports and journalism into one career. When Kendra's not busy crying over the Bolts’ loss to the Caps last year, she is a dog mom to her sweet pup Sandy.

Lacey is a senior mass media student at Valdosta State University. She was born and raised in Deland, Florida, and discovered VSU through being recruited to play softball at the collegiate level. Her plans after graduation are still undecided, but she hopes to follow the sports media/videography pathway that she’s currently on. She hopes to have better luck in her future than the Washington Redskins have had with quarterbacks.

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Leah Morton

Annabelle Scott

Journalism Intern

Graphic Design Intern

Morton graduated from Southern Regional Technical College in June 2016 with an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education. She enrolled at Valdosta State University as an English major in August 2016 and has since picked up a concentration in journalism and editing. She has held various positions, including editor-in-chief, managing editor and creative director, on VSU's four student-run publications: The Spectator, Odradek Literary Journal, On Tap Magazine, and Omnino Undergraduate Research Journal. Morton hopes to build a career in editing, writing, and designing for publications upon graduating in December 2019.

Annabelle Scott is senior public relations major at Valdosta State University. She is originally from Live Oak, Florida, and is currently pursuing her passion for strategic design as an intern at ITG Next. She is a competitor at heart and is always working to set and exceed her life goals. A Georgia fan by marriage, Annabelle can be found on any given Saturday in the fall quietly reading a book while her husband, Aaron, cheers on them Dawgs.

Soccer T-Shirt Go to www.itgnext.com to Get In the Game today!

Want to Join the Intern Team?

Apply online at itgnext.com

Graphic Design

Journalism

Marketing

Social Media

Photography

Videography

BE IN THE GAME

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

ITG Next | 15

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ITG Next | 17

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What advice would you give to a younger player who aspires to be where you are today?

I would tell younger guys to separate yourself from the childishness and soak up all the info on the game and everything from older guys.

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PEACH CO. TROJANS ITG Next | 19

Improvement Comes From Hard Work and Hard Coaching Written by: Alex Dunn Photography by: Micki K Photography

Awards and titles are not the only things athletes strive for.

Improvement in any aspect is almost always a goal to be reached.

A most improved athlete is someone who puts in the time and work to get in the game and become better on the field. Colquitt County High School senior Carter Boatwright, who has played football for 10 years, exemplifies what a most improved athlete is all about by his defining trait of taking challenges head on.

“He (Boatwright) has worked so hard in the offseason on his frame and size, has worked at and improved his blocking at (tight end), as well as his route running,” said head football coach Justin Rogers, who began coaching the Packers in May following the departure of Rush Propst.

While football is and always will be his passion, Boatwright also frequently played baseball before he decided to focus on only one. He decided that it was time to stick with one and become the best athlete in that sport he could be.

“I played baseball, but I quit and really started to focus all of my attention on football,” he said.

Boatwright also has the advantage to claim he is a versatile player due to all the different positions he has played on the team, including tight end, defensive end, and outside linebacker. He doesn’t favor any one, however.

“I don’t really have a favorite,” he said. “They are all fun to play. As of right now, I play tight end.”

“He has worked so hard in the offseason on his frame and size, has worked at and improved his blocking at (tight end), as well as his route running.”

— Justin Rogers

“Good qualities for an athlete (are) being a leader, hard work, and dedication.

Also, having the right mindset about things.

Every day I’m trying to improve my game in every way that I can.”

— Carter Boatwright

Boatwright worked hard to take his already good qualities as an athlete and bring them to the next level. It wasn’t easy, but he was willing to put in the extra work to get where he wanted to athletically.

“I think Coach Rogers... has seen how hard I have worked this offseason to become a better football player,” Boatwright said. “I have gained right around 30 pounds since last season, and I have gotten stronger and become a better blocker.”

While building muscle and honing football techniques gives an improved athlete more of an edge on the field, Boatwright believes there are other qualities that make a good athlete. Some he already has in the bag, but he said that there is always room for improvement.

“Good qualities for an athlete (are) being a leader, hard work, and

dedication,” he said. tions, repetitions." Rog“Also, having the right ers said. "(They) must mindset about things. have banked reps to Every day I’m trying to build muscle memory.” improve my game in evBoatwright took this ery way that I can.” coaching in stride and While improvement honed his practices to depends mostly on the make them count for evathlete's own effort, erything they were worth. having a good coach “He (Boatwright) unto instruct and offer ad- derstands the value of vice to the player counts practice, (is a) very hard for a lot too. Boatwright worker and humble, (is) agrees that he wouldn’t very competitive, and be where he is today doesn't have (a) problem without having a good with work ethics," Rogers coach at his back. said. "(He is a) great kid “Coach Rogers and and a joy to coach.”

I have a good connecFor others wishing tion, and he coaches to improve their skills me hard, and on the field, Boatwright exthat’s what “Coach makes me Rogers and I plained that all better,” Boat- have a good it takes is dedconnection, and ication and wright said.

Rogers has he coaches me motivation to implemented hard, and that’s achieve goals. a coaching what makes me “The adtechnique for vice I would better.” all his players, give is to nevwith the goal er give up if — Carter to make them it’s something Boatwright bigger and you really better on the field. want,” he said. “Every“Repetitions, repeti- thing in life you have

to work for. It’s going to take dedication and hard work.”

Boatwright is currently signed to play for Florida State University.

Although he has yet to

decide which major he wishes to pursue, he is heavily considering a business degree.

No doubt he will improve on that too.

ITG Next | 21

JQ Hardaway CORNERBACK Height

Weight

6’2”

170

HARDAWAY HAWKS What advice would you give to a younger player who aspires to be where you are today?

There is absolutely nothing that you can’t do. You can do anything that you set your mind to.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My mom, dad, and uncle make sure that I make it to each and every practice and keep the right mindset.

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ITG Next | 23

Grand Slam:

3 Seniors Finishing a Varsity Career

Written by: Kyle Grondin | Photography by: Eric Vinson

For three years, Riley Lamb, Madi Campbell, and Lauren Ross have represented Houston County High School from the diamond. Now, they aim to bring the team to its biggest height yet: state.

Last season, the Lady Bears lost in the state tournament to Greenbrier High School.

They finished fifth overall. New coach Scott Lamb, who is also Riley Lamb’s father, sees the sky as the limit for the team this season.

“I think it could be our best season yet,” he said. “Our team is deep and well balanced this season, and we’re focused on our goal.”

The team has proven leaders. Riley Lamb and Campbell have started since their fresh-

24 | itgnext.com

man year, while Ross has been on the roster every year since her sophomore year.

Lamb, one of the Lady Bears’ starting pitchers, finished last season with a record of 8-6 and a 3.51 ERA. She was one of the top pitchers on the team and continues to build on that in her senior season. In the team’s first 13 games of the 2019 season, Lamb has established a 7-1 record with a 2.51 ERA and has made seven starts and four complete games, making her one of the top pitchers in the region.

“I’ve really learned how to play competitively and focus over these four years,” she said. “It is a new experience playing for my dad (as the coach), but

it’s been really fun so far. He can be tough, but I still love the experience.”

Campbell, an outfielder for the Lady Bears, is also one of the top players in the region, as she is the lead-off hitter for the team.

Last season, she hit for a .530 batting average, getting 44 hits in 94 plate appearances.

She has continued that streak into 2019 with a current .489 batting average.

Campbell is also a terrific base runner, stealing 19 bases over the past two seasons and only getting caught stealing once. She is signed to play next season at Georgia Southern, where she is pursuing a criminal justice degree. She finished off her summer by winning an international tournament with

Lauren Ross

Riley Lamb

Madi Campbell

her travel team in Canada, something she referred to as one of her biggest achievements.

“Playing these four seasons has been an awesome experience to say the least,” Campbell said. “The girls and I had a lot of fun, and now we’re focused on leaving a mark on the school by winning our region and hopefully winning a state championship.”

Ross, the starting leftfielder for the Lady Bears, is another one of the team’s top hitters and defensive players. Last season, Ross hit for a .431 batting average and had 14 doubles, giving her one of the best slugging percentages on the team.

She is also a dynamo on defense, having four putouts her junior year and committing only two errors over two seasons. Ross attributed her growing confidence in her per-

formance to teammates Campbell and Lamb.

leaders of the team. Their experience will go a long way in helping the younger players be successful this season and after they graduate.

“Leadership is going to be the key for us this season,” Campbell said. “We really

“I know these two will always have my back,” Ross said. “They continue to tell me to stay confident in myself because when I’m confident, then the rest of the team is confident.”

While the effects of a senior season can be exhausting, coach Lamb sees a capable team and has continued to keep them focused.

“Our number one goal is to win our county,” he said. “We don’t want to overlook our county or our region and start looking to state because winning those games can give us a huge upper hand when we do get to state, so it’s just about focusing on the first goal.”

Lamb, Campbell, and Ross, now in their final season, all talked about being the new

have to train the underclassmen like we were taught ourselves in how to be successful. That is how we focus on winning the region and winning a state championship.”

For now, though, these young women prioritize playing on the field with each other and remembering the experiences they share.

“These girls really keep me on my toes and push me to become a better player, a better leader, and a better friend,” Lamb said.

ITG Next | 25

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Limb Difference Doesn’t Slow Nabers Down Written by: Alex Dunn Photography by: Eric Vinson

Zach Nabers, 19, has played basketball all his life. The athletic future that was ahead of him was bright until he experienced a test of strength and motivation.

Following a traumatic accident that resulted in the amputation of his right arm below the elbow, Nabers’ ability for ball control and handling suddenly came into question.

At 11 years old, Nabers was helping his grandfather put their boat on the water. While holding onto the boat’s rope to prevent it from floating away, the rope became tangled on the guide pole on the back of the trailer that brought the boat in. The rope was around Nabers’ wrist, and he became trapped when his grandfather began to drive the trailer away. He was caught between the pull of the trailer and the weight of the boat.

“I was pulled about 20 yards before the truck and trailer stopped,” Nabers said. “The weight and pull caused all of the tendons in my arm from my shoulder down to my hand to be damaged. I was transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville (Florida), and, ultimately, the dam28 | itgnext.com

ages were so severe that it resulted in amputation being the best option for my future.”

Nabers, who has been active with not only basketball but football all his life, was forced to reevaluate how he could perform normal, everyday tasks in addition to how he could handle a ball. He decided to stick to one sport after middle school.

“It was a constant struggle to continue playing basketball,” he said. “I first had to learn how to do most basic life skills and then was able to focus on ball handling and shooting.”

Because of Nabers’ struggles and his mother's want to give him the best life opportunities possible, Nabers’ mother, who has been a strong support system for her son, decided to do some research on opportunities for kids and athletes with limb differences. She finally came across NubAbility.

NubAbility Athletic Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Illinois that helps youth with limb differences play mainstream sports.

Its mission is to encourage, inspire, and instruct youth and make them feel strong and able to play sports, according to

“It was a constant struggle to continue playing basketball.

I first had to learn how to do most basic life skills and then was able to focus on ball handling and shooting.”

— Zach Nabers

the organization's website. Nabers decided to attend a camp to see what NubAbility could offer, and he quickly realized this was the place he wanted to be.

“The program allows kids to select a focus sport that they wish to excel at and then alternate sports that they are interested in learning about,” he said. “I always played basketball and, after attending several years, knew I wanted to help other kids like me reach their goals.”

NubAbility not only offers a camp for youth with limb differences, but also has do it, too. an all-volun- “The program After four years of atteer coaching allows kids to tending and playing at roster of certhe camp, Nabers was tified athletes select a focus able to become one of with limb sport that they these coaches. He first differences. wish to excel became a junior coach According and, after some time, ulto its web- at and then timately became a varsisite, these alternate sports ty coach. After so many athletes are that they are years of impacting fellow able to travel athletes, Nabers has realfrom around interested in the world to learning about.” ized what a difference he can make to inspire and participate — Zach Nabers motivate others. in NubAbility “Learning to play events and show athletes with limb basketball by someone who is also differences that they can missing a hand makes it easy to un-

The NubAbility® Athletics Foundation

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“The only obstacle you face is yourself. If you believe you can do something and you work hard, you can achieve it.”

— Zach Nabers 30 | itgnext.com

derstand and demon- he loves and become strate the skills,” he a better person and said. “The main goal is athlete for it. He underreminding kids that they stands that having a do not have to walk limb difference does not away from their goal of make people less capabeing an elite athlete ble if they have the will just because they have and motivation to face it a limb difference.” head on.

Nabers “ T h e e x p l a i n e d “The main goal only obstacle you face that even is reminding t h o u g h is yourself,” kids that they do he said. “If the coach and athlete not have to walk you believe may have away from their you can do something the same goal of being an type of ailand you ment and elite athlete just work hard, limitations, because they have you can coaching achieve it.” a limb difference.” requires a While — Zach Nabers N a b e r s ’ certain technique to bem o t h come the best at it, just er found NubAbility like any other sport. He through research to help explained what methods her son after his accihe uses to be the best dent, the organization is coach he can be. also reachable through “Not taking it its social media preseasy on someone just ence and advertising opportunities. Nabers because they have a explained that the best difference,” Nabers way to spread NubAbilsaid. “There won't be ity’s message is through any pity shown on the word of mouth.

NubAbility also partcourt or the field, and ners with other organiyou have to practice zations that share the that way to keep them same goal, such as Amfocused on getting putee Blade Runners, better and stronger.” Never Say Never, and Hands to Love.

Having the opportunity to coach has given Nabers the ability to share his experience with others and the opportunity to take his limitations head on.

After playing as a shooting guard at Lowndes High School for four years, Nabers signed to play the same position at Valdosta State University his freshman year. He was a red shirt walk-on but was unable to play during games, which led to his transfer to Greenville University in Illinois for his sophomore year. He reported in late August to start his athletic career there.

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PLAYING UP

10-Year-Old Shoots Baskets for Middle School Team Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Dallas Montgomery was destined to play basketball from an early age.

A fifth-grader at Valwood, Dallas got an early start from time spent with his father, Buster Montgomery, and Montgomery's nonprofit agency, Rebound Ministries.

Rebound Ministries, which is based in Nashville, Georgia, aims to give kids an opportunity through athletics and academics, all while sharing the word of God through a positive mentoring environment. It’s designed to help kids who may not have gotten the chance to showcase their basketball skills otherwise.

As Montgomery's ministry traveled across the southeast, Dallas traveled with him.

“Dallas would sit right beside me on the bench for hours, never moving …

He would just sit right there, totally locked in, and would watch these young players as they went up and down the court, never taking his eye off the action,” Montgomery said. “I could tell right away that he really enjoyed the game of basketball. He really developed a love for the game at an early age.”

That love for the game of basketball continued to grow in Dallas, so much that he would play night and day.

“Dallas has a work ethic like I’ve never seen,” Montgomery said. “I actually have to shut him down sometimes.”

Dallas began playing organized basketball in local recreation leagues at age 6, and, according to his father, he really began to display his skill level at age 7.

“You could tell that’s when he truly fell in love with the game of basketball,” Montgomery said.

Dallas started taking his love for the game to new heights. He was invited to a tryout for NBA star Chris Paul’s AAU team, Team CP3, based in North Carolina.

Dallas made the cut, so from February through July, he plays for Team CP3, which was nationally ranked No. 1

for most of last season.

In addition to his AAU team, Dallas plays on the middle school team for Valwood.

You read that right. Even though Dallas is still only 10 years old and attends elementary grade classes at Valwood, he has actually been playing for the Valwood middle school team since his fourth-grade year.

Now is in the fifth grade, Dallas is “light years ahead of anyone else his same age with his basketball knowledge and ability,” according to Michael “Strick” Strickland, the middle school team head coach, who has worked with Dallas since Dallas was 7.

“He is a special kid with his skill level and his love for the game,” Strickland said. “When I first saw him, I was blown away. His dribbling skills, his love for the game, his basketball IQ is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been around the game of basketball my whole life.”

Last year, Dallas averaged between eight and 10 points per game, according to Strickland.

“He averaged double digits, and that was with almost every opponent boxing him in with double teams,” Strickland said.

Strickland also expressed his joy in coaching a player who loves the game as much as Dallas. Strickland said that he can’t wait to see what awaits the young basketball prodigy as he grows into the game of basketball.

“We’ll all be watching,” Strickland said. “You can be sure of that.”

Dallas’s mother is Leslie Montgomery. He also has a younger brother, Eli, a third-grader at Valwood who is active in sports as well.

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Albany State Cuts 2 Sports Teams Written by: Kyle Grondin

Over the summer, Albany State University made the decision to cut its men’s golf and men’s cross country teams, which will go into effect for the 2020-21 season.

These cuts were a part of a widespread cut to the athletic budget within the school.

The news is a sad turn of events for the school’s athletic program. The Golden Rams golf team has come off winning its third straight SIAC championship and will hope to finish its final season with a fourth.

Universities across the country cut sports programs from their schools for a variety of reasons, but mainly due to budget.

In a press release, Albany State said: “The cost cutting move will save the $112,000 it costs annually to run the two programs plus the additional savings once the student-athletes have completed their time at ASU or transferred to another institution. This academic year, ASU athletics will realize a planned reduction of an estimated $600,000. Budget reductions and realignment of resources began in the 2018-19 academic year.”

Albany State also stated that these programs were determined based on “data compiled from every sport,” from which the university “developed a strategy that included cost savings, compliance, limiting the impact on student-athletes and personnel, and continuing the development of a world-class student-athlete experience.”

Clearly, the cost of maintaining these programs was not creating enough income or notoriety for the school, even with the golf team’s success. The next step of the plan is to keep the rest of the athletic department running and to create a more viable program.

For the 13 student-athletes in the two programs, the school also stated that their scholarships will be honored through their graduation, and they’ll get their final year of golf before the school closes the programs for good next season.

The school said it is cutting back scholarships and funding for many of the other athletic programs still in operation as well.

The good news is the NCAA backs athletes in situations like the one at Albany State. Many of the athletes will be granted immediate eligibility permission to transfer schools, if playing sports is something they still desire. Many of the athletes can transfer to nearby schools and continue their playing careers until they graduate.

Photography courtesy of asugoldenrams.com

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Long County's Honey Badger Written by: Zac Howard | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Modeling his game after one of the NFL’s most dynamic safeties, Treyon Davis is determined to help Long County football establish a winning culture.

“It’s stressful at times because I know I’ve got to live up (to) the name, but it gives me confidence. I know if he can do it, I can do it.”

38 | itgnext.com

— Treyon Davis

Anyone perusing the Long County High School football roster may not take note of Treyon Davis. With a relatively ordinary name, height and weight, at 6 feet and 170 pounds, they could be forgiven for overlooking him at first glance.

Those in attendance watching the Blue Tide play on a Friday night this fall will have no trouble identifying him, however.

Once the ball is snapped, Davis’s speed, acceleration, and tenacity will get spectators out of their seats.

“He’s not going to stand out until he starts playing,” Long County head coach J.T. Pollack said. “He is a physical, hard-hitting football player.”

Fittingly, Davis models his game after another undersized, yet fearsome, defensive back: Tyrann Matthieu, now in his seventh NFL season at 5 feet 9 inches and 175 pounds.

“I always modeled my game after him,” Davis said.

Matthieu even inspired his jersey number selection of 14.

“I couldn’t get seven, so I got 14 because seven plus seven is 14,” Davis said.

While Pollack admitted Davis didn’t blow him away physically when the two first met, his intangibles stood out from day one.

“You could tell he had ability and some things that naturally people don’t always have,” Pollack said.

Davis’s older brother, Jamin, is a sophomore linebacker at Kentucky and figures to play a prominent role on the Wildcats' defense this season. Already holding a Division I scholarship offer from Stetson, as well as offers from Tusculum, Cincinnati Christian, and others, Davis said coaches

“He’s taken the team on his shoulders.

He’s accepted that leadership role and really thrived in it.”

— JT Pollack

at Power 5 schools intimated they will offer him in 2020, once the season is over.

The brothers prefer to go head-tohead, rather than team up, any time they get the chance in a pickup game. That could explain why they both enjoy exchanging playful trash talk while competing — a sport in and of itself.

“We always compete, even if we’re bowling,” Davis said. “I try to beat him in everything I do. I always wanted to be better than him, even in just the small things.”

Older sibling success can sometimes be a double-edged sword, even in the healthiest of families, but Davis insists the benefits far outweigh the downside of weighty expectations.

“It’s stressful at times because I know I’ve got to live up (to) the name, but it gives me confidence,” he said. “I know if he can do it, I can do it.”

Pollack sees no younger brother insecurity in Davis, nor any signs of stifled identity.

“I think he’s done a good job of establishing his own personality,” Pollack said.

“He doesn’t compare himself to his brother. I’ve told him, ‘Treyon is the one I know.’

We want him to be Treyon.”

Since Pollack never coached Jamin, the slate was blank for Davis and his new head coach when they met in 2017. The two share a conspicuous passion for transforming the Blue Tide’s reputation.

“He’s taken the team on his shoulders,” Pollack said. “He’s accepted that leadership role and really thrived in it.”

The appreciation is mutual.

“He lets me be a leader on the field,” Davis said of his coach. “He’s always got my back.”

A coach is only effective when team leaders buy into the message, and Pollack acknowledges how Davis’s impact extends beyond the big plays he makes on the field.

“He sets an example for the younger players on the team” Pollack said.

“When he’s angry, you know there’s a good reason why, and you’d better step out of his way.”

Davis agrees.

“When I’m mad, I’ll show it because I know somebody is going to feed off my energy,” he said. “Everybody knows we haven’t had a glorious past, but I just keep pushing forward because I know it’s a different future and that’s behind us now. I try to get my teammates to realize that.”

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a culture of winning isn’t instilled overnight. It takes time for the uncompromising standard of excellence effused from coaches and embodied by team leaders to saturate a locker room and permeate throughout the region.

Before heading off to college, Davis is determined to finish his senior season on a winning note. Still, he already sees a change in attitude since Pollack arrived after Davis's freshman season.

“Everybody’s started to adapt,” Davis said. “They feed off what I’m doing.”

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No. 1 Boxer in Nation Has Eyes Set on Junior Olympics WESTOVER HIGH SCHOOL Written by: Kyle Grondin | Photography by: Milla Creationz Photography

Boxing is a sport that requires talent and discipline. It’s a one-on-one matchup to prove you’re the best. If you’re too aggressive, you risk being counterpunched.

If you hesitate, you risk being knocked out. It is a chess match of will and mental fortitude unlike any other sport.

For Haven Brady Jr., a kid so naturally gifted at everything, it’s a challenge he relishes. A world-class athlete and honor roll student, boxing creates a physical and mental game that he can appreciate.

A lot can happen in 17 years, and so is the case for Brady Jr. The lightweight fighter, up to 132 pounds, out of Albany, Georgia, won his first national title in the Junior Olympics in July by defeating his opponent, who had beaten him earlier in the tournament, in the final. The victory also ranked him as the No. 1 amateur lightweight boxer in the country.

For now, though, Brady Jr. is focused on handling his training and being an honor roll student at Westover High School.

“His ability is incredible when you consider what he balances,” said Haven Brady Sr., Haven’s father, trainer, and boss at Beat the Streetz boxing gym, where Brady Jr. works as a trainer. “He has been an honor roll student his entire life, and now we have to travel around the country for training. Haven has trained in cities like Miami and New York with some of the best trainers in the world.

It truly makes him a dangerous fighter and a great kid out of the ring.”

His skill set is what sets him apart. Brady — Haven Brady Sr. Jr. talked about how he’s always been taught to stay “disciplined in the ring, knowing when to throw shots and when to back off.” But the best part of his game is his ability to change styles and be unpredictable in the ring.

“He can fight almost any style you can think of,” Brady Sr. said. “He’ll pressure his opponent and then can switch to a defensive, counterpunching style. Then, he’ll even switch to southpaw in the

His ability is incredible when you consider what he balances. He has been an honor roll student his entire life, and now we have to travel around the country for training.

ITG Next | 43

middle of a match, and that just comes from training and concentration.”

The ability to fight southpaw is a major advantage in boxing. It involves switching from your left foot forward to your right foot forward and fighting the match left handed. The style confuses opposing fighters because fighting southpaw requires all of your footwork to be done backwards, allowing that split second of hesitation for Brady Jr. to capitalize and stay aggressive.

“One of my favorite fighters today is (southpaw fighter) Gervonta Davis,” Brady Jr. said. “His powerful left hand and ability to fight so aggressively is something I try to do every fight.”

Brady Jr.’s accolades and talent have caught the eyes of multiple promotion groups around the world. In a sport like boxing, promoters are essential to maximizing your potential and going professional in the sport.

“He’ll go professional soon, but we’re going to wait until he finishes high school so he can graduate,” Brady Sr. said.

Brady Jr.’s next fight comes in Columbus, Ohio, this October. He is the favorite to come home with the title for the Eastern Qualifications for the Junior Olympics.

“His goal is definitely to come home with a championship,” Brady Sr. said. “He should win in about 98% of his fights, so just coming out on top for the last two fights will be the difference.”

As for Brady Jr., he’s just enjoying the training in boxing and getting the opportunity to work with his father.

“I love boxing, and I want to train as much as I can every day,” Brady Jr. said. “School is important, and I’ll always find time for it, but I want to spend as much time in the gym as I can.”

His father has helped him accomplish that goal through Beat the Streetz and the South Georgia Starz Academy, a family-run operation through Brady Jr.’s parents, Kiva Hall-Brady and Brady Sr. When they moved to Albany from Atlanta, Brady Jr. began to take up boxing at a local gym when he was 6 years old. His talent was undeniable, and he quickly began to rise up the ranks of amateur boxing.

But in 2017, tragedy struck. A vicious tornado swept through Albany, leaving unspeakable damage to the town, including Brady Jr.’s gym.

“The entire place was destroyed,” Brady Sr. said. “I knew we had to find a place to train and help make a difference for people.”

Through hard work and donations from the Albany community, Beat the Streetz opened as a nonprofit for underprivileged youth in the area. Along with South Georgia Starz, the Bradys keep at-risk youth off the streets and offer programs and tutoring. They have boxing and basketball programs, a tutoring and classroom center, and drug and alcohol awareness courses and rehabilitation.

Brady Sr. said that Beat the Streetz works — Haven Brady Jr. with about 45 kids today. As a trainer, Brady Jr. helps improve the next wave of talented boxers. He helps teach the kids a lot of what his father taught him.

I love boxing, and I want to train as much as I can every day,” Brady Jr. said. “School is important, and I’ll always find time for it, but I want to spend as much time in the gym as I can.

44 | itgnext.com

“My father always taught me important lessons for in and out of the ring,” Brady Jr. said. “He taught me that not every fight is a good fight and when to pick my battles.”

Brady Jr.’s discipline sets him apart from other boxers in the country. Staying disciplined in school, in the ring, and with training, he certainly has characteristics to become one of the best boxers in the world when he does decide to go professional.

“Boxing is one of the most difficult sports in the world,” Brady Sr. said. “Him being so disciplined is important because other kids can’t compete with a disciplined fighter. If you overcommit, he’ll counter your moves. It takes a lot of hard work and mental preparedness to be a great boxer, plus you’ve got to be in incredible shape to be able to get hit.”

Boxing has opened a lot of doors for Brady Jr. and offered him an opportunity and passion that not a lot of kids have been given. For now, he has goals to accomplish in and out of the ring.

— Haven Brady Jr. “My father always taught me to be a good person in and out of the ring,” Brady Jr. said. “I want to go professional and win a championship belt one day, and I want to be able to graduate college as well.”

With his talent and discipline, it’s clear that Haven Brady Jr. has the willpower to accomplish anything he sets his mind to.

My father always taught me important lessons for in and out of the ring,” Brady Jr. said. “He taught me that not every fight is a good fight and when to pick my battles.

Boxing Olympic History The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3000 B.C. The sport was introduced to the ancient Olympic Games by the Greeks in the late seventh century B.C., when soft leather thongs were used to bind boxers’ hands and forearms for protection.

Later, in Rome, leather thongs were exchanged for the cestus – a glove studded with metal. Unfortunately, this did not help the gladiators involved, as boxing matches of the era usually ended with the death of one contestant.

Information courtesy of olympic.org/boxing

With the fall of the Roman Empire, boxing came to an abrupt end. It resurfaced in 17th-century England, and organized amateur boxing officially began in 1880.

When boxing made its Olympic debut at the 1904 Games in St. Louis, it was the U.S., the only country entered, that took all the medals. American continued to dominate boxing, winning 109 medals (including 48 gold) out of the 842 up for grabs, closely followed by Cuba and Russia.

The rules have evolved since the 1980s.

1984 in Los Angeles: protective helmet obligatory 1992 in Barcelona: set-up of an electronic scoring system to strengthen the objectivity of refereeing 2007: standardized point scoring

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Tate Rodemaker Poised for Breakout Season Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Aaron Musgrove

The storied Valdosta Wildcat football program has a reputation of fielding winning football teams throughout the last 100 years, during which time they have claimed dozens of region, state, and even national championships.

In fact, Valdosta High School remains, to this day, the winningest high school football program in the United States, with a record 919 total program wins.

Of course, when you talk about the winning program and all those championships, it was all possible because of great coaches and talented players.

Whether it was offensive or defensive players, every position on the field contributed to the success of the Wildcats and in making Valdosta a household name when it comes to high school football greatness.

But, fair or not, the one position that always seems to get more attention than any other on the football field — and that’s with any football team, not just Valdosta — is the quarterback. And boy, has Valdosta had some great quarterbacks throughout the years. John Bond, Buck Belue, Ted West, John Lastinger, Greg Talley, Seth Shuman — the list goes on and on.

The current starting quarterback for Valdosta has already made his mark as one of Valdosta’s greatest signal callers ever, shattering three school records for a Valdosta quarterback last season, and is poised to have a breakout season in 2019. Meet Tate Rodemaker.

The son of Valdosta head football coach Alan Rodemaker, Tate is blessed with all the tools that a good quarterback needs: height, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall; speed, running a 4.63 time in the 40-yard dash, the signature measurement of all football players' abilities; and a strong arm. He also has recorded a 35-inch vertical jump, a sub-4.4 shuttle run, and a greater than 10-foot broad jump.

However, even with being blessed with all the ath50 | itgnext.com

“The best thing about Tate is that he’s very even keeled. He is the same after throwing a touchdown pass as he is after throwing an interception. Tate is a confident guy, but he is still humble enough to know that he has things to work on as well.”

— Alan Rodemaker

letic tools necessary to play and excel on the football field, coach Rodemaker said it’s still not the number one thing that makes his son a standout quarterback.

“The best thing about Tate is that he’s very even keeled,” coach Rodemaker said.

“He is the same after throwing a touchdown pass as he is after throwing an interception.

Tate is a confident guy, but he is still humble enough to know that he has things to work on as well.”

Tate grew up in Wendell, North Carolina, where he began playing football at the age of 6. He played running back in his first year of organized football.

But then the family moved to Duncan, South Carolina, the next year, and Alan Rodemaker became coach at Byrnes High School. In Duncan, Tate changed positions, moving to quarterback. He never changed positions again and has played quarterback ever since.

While he played quarterback on the football field, he also played basketball, baseball, and track. He continued to play those other sports in addition to football until middle school, when he became disinterested in baseball.

“Baseball was just too slow for him,” coach Rodemaker said.

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Tate slowly dropped the other sports one by one; he stopped running track just this past year. He needed to concentrate fully on football and the offseason programs that contributed to his development as a top-rate quarterback, such as 7-on-7 camps that he attended all over the South.

He began playing quarterback with the varsity Wildcats program as a freshman. According to his coach, it was then that Tate began to show signs of being able to handle the position.

“As a freshman, he played really well splitting time at quarterback,” coach Rodemaker said. “He actually played some wide receiver that season and showed promise at that position.”

It wasn't until his sophomore season that Tate began to show the signs and makeup of a quarterback. According to coach Rodemaker, Tate was third on the team’s position depth chart as a quarterback.

But Tate always got a shot at the end of games, either with the ‘Cats leading or behind, to show his stuff.

He entered the games and showed promise as he drove the team down the field. So, the staff had seen enough to finally give him a shot.

The staff decided to start him in the final regular season game versus Houston County High School, where he threw three touchdowns and passed for 240 yards in a 51-20 victory over the Bears. For Tate, it was a great moment for a number of reasons.

“It felt great to be able to help my team get to the playoffs that year, and I think I earned some respect from everyone after throwing three touchdowns that game,” he said.

That was the moment, according to coach Rodemaker, that he and his staff knew Tate was ready. In a season that had been disappointing, to say the least, his first start led Valdosta to its most points in a single game all year and provided a snapshot of better things to come.

As the Wildcats went to work in the offseason, prior to last year, Valdosta hired new offensive coordinator Josh Crawford. It was Crawford who spent the most time with the team’s quarterbacks, including Tate. According to Crawford, he was impressed with Tate from the beginning.

“The first thing I noticed about Tate was his physicality,” Crawford said. “He looked the part. But it was during our first meetings that I realized that Tate also had the mentality and smarts to be good at the position.”

Despite being impressed with the eyeball and face-to-face tests in the meetings room, Crawford knew that it would take him witnessing Tate in action to form a final opinion.

“It was at the old high school that I had my first throw session with Tate,” Crawford said. “I wanted to assess his arm strength and accuracy.”

The verdict?

“Tate passed every test with flying colors,” Craw52 | itgnext.com

ford said. “He demonstrated that he could make every throw.”

Coach Rodemaker said that Crawford has meant more to Tate's success than he could’ve imagined.

“Coach Crawford has really put Tate in a position to be successful,” coach Rodemaker said. “His offensive scheme allows Tate to utilize his strengths, which helps Tate and our entire offense be successful.”

“We want to be multiple with our offense," Crawford said. "That means putting our quarterback in the shotgun, under center, and having him on the move, throwing the football. And Tate can do all those things very well.”

Last season was the year Tate got his chance as the team’s starter. This was the moment he has been preparing for his whole life.

It’s one thing to be named the starting quarterback for any school, let alone at Valdosta, knowing that the constant comparisons with all of those great quarterbacks will always be there. But the tall junior was not intimidated. He came out and promptly led the ‘Cats to an 8-5 season — against what was arguably the toughest schedule in the state of Georgia’s Class 6A — and to a second-round appearance in the state playoffs.

With Tate under center, Valdosta’s offensive output improved dramatically, going from a paltry average of 18 points per game in 2017 to 39 points per game in 2018.

When the dust cleared, Tate stood taller than his 6-foot-4-inch frame as the new record holder of not one, not two, but three Valdosta High School passing records: 1) single game passing yards, with 491 yards passing versus region rival Northside (Warner

“It felt great to be able to help my team get to the playoffs that year, and I think I earned some respect from everyone after throwing three touchdowns that game.”

— Tate Rodemaker

Robins); 2) number of touchdowns in a single season, with 31 passing touchdowns; and 3) the most passing yards by a Valdosta quarterback in a single season, with 3,518 passing yards.

He wound up with 233 completions in 378 attempts with only 11 interceptions. In addition to the impressive 2018 stats, his career stats in just one full season and a partial season are 238 completions in 386 attempts (62%) for 3,682 yards with 33 touchdowns.

Looking back on his very first varsity start and last season, the rising senior is confident in his abilities, but understands that he’s got to be ready for what lies ahead.

As far as last season, he credits his coaches for helping him succeed.

“I think it was a pretty good season for me, but every game Coach Crawford has a very good game plan, and we go over it numerous times during the week, which makes things a lot easier on Friday nights,” he said.

As far as improvements, Tate thinks he still has work to do.

“This offseason, I was throwing almost every other day,” he said. “I really wanted to improve the touch on my deep ball, so that’s the part of my game I wanted to see get better, and it has. I can tell a difference.”

He’s not the only one who can tell the difference. Tate has already received at least one firm ITG Next | 53

offer to play at the next level, after just one full season as a starter, from the Bulls of the University of South Florida.

With his senior season still ahead of him and the senior signal caller set for a breakout year, you can bet there will be more offers coming his way. But, for himself, Tate said there is still some unfinished business to take care of.

“I want to break the same records that I broke last year,” he said, about the three school records that he set in 2018.

Of course, there’s that other goal that he and the entire Wildcat squad want to take care of.

“The main goal this year is to win the state (championship),” he said.

No matter if the ‘Cats do win it all or not, it’s time to add the name Tate Rodemaker right up there along with the great Wildcat quarterbacks.

Tate Rodemaker

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Irwin County Senior Named to Bassmaster All-American Team Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography courtesy of Joshua Guy

Parker Guy, a senior at Irwin County High School, has had a passion for fishing since he was 11 years old. After competing in several high school fishing competitions, he has been named to the Bassmaster All-American High School Fishing Team, an honor only 12 student anglers from across the nation get to experience each year.

Guy’s last four years of competing with the Georgia Bass Nation High School Trail; the Wiregrass Student Angler Trail, which consists of Georgia and Alabama teams; and the Fishing League Worldwide trail have been notable. Additionally, he has placed in the top 10 Angler of the Year point standings for three consecutive years for Georgia Bass Nation. This year, he ended the season fourth in AOTY standings for Georgia Bass Nation and claimed first place AOTY on the Wiregrass Student Angler Trail.

Guy’s last competition was the national championship tournament on Kentucky Lake. He didn’t win, but he said that there are many factors that can contribute to a win or loss.

“There are endless factors that play into how well you perform on tournament day,” he said. “From weather changes to gear issues, fishing is never just as simple as showing up and casting and catching fish.”

Guy, who started his competitive bass fishing career in the eighth grade, went into more detail on how a typical tournament goes.

“Teams are made up of two anglers and an adult boat captain,” he said. “The boat captain is responsible for running the outboard motor when the team is moving between locations, but once they reach the spot they are fishing, the boat captain does not participate in the fishing process. The typical time limit for the fishing tournament is eight hours. At the end of the eight hours, the angler team is allowed to weigh in their five largest fish. As teams present for weigh-in, a leaderboard is established. Once all teams have weighed in, the results are calculated ,and the top 10 teams are announced.”

Guy’s father, Joshua Guy, has coached his son throughout his high school years. He shared how blessed he feels to be able to coach his son while also being able to spend time together doing what they both love.

“We have traveled all over the country fishing,” Joshua Guy said. “It has been an incredible journey to watch him develop as a fisherman, or should I say a competitive fisherman. We have been able to spend so much time together while traveling and fishing these competitions. As the coach, I am able to help my son practice before the tournament starts.

Together, we come up with a plan on how to approach the tournament.”

Guy has now begun to prepare for the 2019-20 season. He is looking forward to what it will bring. “(I am) very thankful for being able to do what I love and find success in doing it,” Guy said. “When I look back at all of the different experiences I have had these past four years, I feel both humbled and grateful.”

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Spike Set Sting THOMAS COUNTY CENTRAL Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Micki K Photography

While high school volleyball continues to grow as one of the most popular varsity sports in metro Atlanta and North Florida, the sport still has some catching up to do in the areas between. That would be, of course, Central and South Georgia. But there is a developing nationwide trend that points to a changing landscape in female participation in high school sports.

According to a recent report from the National Federation of State High School Associations, there were more high-school–age girls choosing to play volleyball over basketball, with over 450,000 high-school–age girls playing volleyball.

Whether that trend continues remains to be seen. But a few South Georgia high schools are working hard to further promote the sport of volleyball.

Among them is Thomas County Central High School.

The Lady Yellow Jackets have fielded a team since 2016, according to head coach Lisa Guyton. Former coach Hannah Shierling, along with current assistant coach Michelle Outlaw, started the volleyball program at Central that year. According to Guyton, Volleyball has been a slow progression since that first season and has been without a feeder program to lend support.

“We do not have a middle school program,” Guyton said.

“Many of the girls’ first and only exposure to the game of volleyball is through their PE (physical education) block.”

Despite the lack of a true feeder system, Guyton said the varsity squad

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has still drawn a lot of interest from the students.

“This year we had over 80 girls try out for the team,” she said. “For many of them, it was the first time playing.”

Guyton grew up in Ohio, where she played volleyball from a young age through high school. She was chosen All-Area and All-State and was recruited to play collegiately, but decided against it. She later moved to Georgia and ultimately landed in Thomasville.

She was an assistant coach last season under Shierling and was named head coach this year. Guyton reflects on the growth of soccer in South Georgia.

“The growth of volleyball in South Georgia has been major,” Guyton said. “The gap between Atlanta and Florida is getting smaller and smaller.”

Guyton has noticed an increase in the number of South Georgia teams her team competes against in just the short period of time she has been in this area.

That list includes Tift County, Ware County, Thomasville, Brooks County, Sherwood Christian, Baker County, Colquitt County, Lowndes County, and Valdosta.

Thomas County Central participates in GHSA Region 1-5A, along with Harris County, Veterans, and Warner Robins, and is currently 2-2 on the season. Guyton said her team’s goal is to try to finish strong in the region in preparation for the state playoffs this October.

The Lady Yellow Jackets have a lot of experience on this year’s roster. Of their 19 players, 11 are seniors. Guyton is hopeful that one of her key players will return at some point this season.

“Sadly, we lost All-Region libero Megan Curry to a torn ACL,” Guyton said. “But I wouldn’t put it past her to be back before the season ends.”

Guyton points to other key players she’ll be counting on.

“Gabby Hough is a senior and is our All-Region middle hitter and blocker,” Guyton said. “She has been one of the keys to our offense due to her agility and speed to the ball. Bri Turner is a smart and dependable player. Bri is a key for us on both offense and defense. Gabby Hoffs is a senior, All-Region selection, and serves as our captain.

Gabby (Hoffs) is a setter who is both an offensive and defensive threat. She is an extremely bright player with great vision and instincts.”

Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2019 season, Guyton said the goal is pretty simple.

“Our number one goal is always to improve on the previous season,” she said. “Our teams always strive to set a positive example on the court, in the classroom, and in our community.”

62 | itgnext.com

“This year we had over 80 girls try out for the team.

For many of them, it was the first time playing.”

— Lisa Guyton

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Lady Herons Plan for a Victory Written by: Kyle Grondin Photography by: Eric Vinson

Brantley County’s softball team has seen a remarkable turnaround over the last two seasons.

Last season, the Lady Herons improved their win total by eight, finishing with a 24-6 record, and made it to the 3A state playoffs. From there, they lost to Sonoraville High School in the double elimination tournament that saw them finish fourth overall.

“We were a very gritty team last season,” head coach Zac Anderson said. “We found a lot of ways to win close games, and these girls showed great character in being able to pull out victories.”

The team was in great sync last season, as they won 18 of their last 19 games on the way to the playoffs. Now, the team hopes to continue that success into 2019 and possibly win a state championship.

“We have players that are used to winning and being successful, and every one of them is going to have to contribute to win a state championship.”

— Zac Anderson

“Our goal is always to compete at the highest level every day and get back to Columbus (for the state tournament),” Anderson said.

The Lady Herons have the talent and experience to build on a successful campaign. Junior pitcher Lindy Lowther, the Region 1-3A pitcher of the year, returns alongside All-State senior infielder Jordan Harper and junior catcher Abby Flowers. But the biggest strength of this team is its depth.

“What separates us is the fact that players one through 12 in the lineup can all step in and make an impact,” Anderson said. “We have players that are used to winning and being successful, and every one of them is going to have to contribute to win a state championship.”

95 Lauren Chamberlain Oklahoma Sooners 2012-15 85 Leah Braatz Arizona Wildcats 1994-98

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83 82 Jessica Warren Sierra Romero FSU Seminoles Michigan Wolverines 2015-18 2013-16

Brantley has had a strong start to the season, which saw a 10-2 record in August. The cohesion of the team has really started to set in.

“The team has great chemistry now,” Anderson said. “The girls really know how to play well with each other and make each other better.

Our number one goal has always been to eliminate the mental mistakes and do everything we can to not beat ourselves.”

The Lady Herons now have their sights set on bigger goals, and their ability to achieve them comes from their growth on the softball diamond.

Through their first 12 games, they have scored 68 runs on the season, compared to only 30 runs surrendered. Their most impressive win early in the season has to be the 10-2 victory over Glynn Academy, in which they scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure the victory.

“Our team has shown a great deal of maturity over the years, growing as a team and continuing to find success,” Anderson said. “The senior classes have always been great examples of leadership and push the team to want to improve each season.

They’ve done a great job of watching other teams, learning from their mistakes, and becoming a great softball program.”

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Small but Powerful GLYNN ACADEMY Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Eric Vinson

It’s usually the big the biggest player on the guys who get the at- field, but he breaks tacktention when walking les from defensive guys onto the football field. twice his size. Nolan can After all, when coaches stop and start on a dime. are sizing up their op- He is an incredible workponents, the first thing er, and he never takes a they look for is the over- play off. He sets the exall size of the team. ample for his teammates So, imagine when on the field and in the Nolan Grant walks onto weight room. All the stuff the field for his pre-game that you want and look workouts standing at 5 for in a football player, feet 6 inches and weigh- Nolan has it.” ing 170 Hidalgo pounds. referenced “Nolan can stop and a n o t h e r Opposing teams more start on a dime. He is smaller back than likely who starred an incredible worker, in college don’t pay the running and he never takes football in state of back much a play off. He sets the attention.

Georgia. the example for his “Nolan However, you can be reminds me teammates on the sure they of Robert field and in the weight G o d h i g h notice him once he room. All the stuff that from Georgia Tech,” he touches you want and look for said. the ball and runs over, Godhigh in a football player, through, played runNolan has it.” ning back and around opposing for Georgia — Rocky Hidalgo teams’ deTech from fenses.

2009 to That scenario has 2013 and was awarded likely played out on foot- the Brian Piccolo award ball fields all over Geor- for most courageous playgia, ever since Grant er in the ACC in 2013. started playing football Grant has overcome in recreation leagues, any perceived disadand it continues today. vantages because of his Grant is a hard-nosed height to become, just senior running back for flat out, a great football the Glynn Academy Red player. Not only does he Terrors. A three-year have the overwhelming starter, he has become endorsement from his the go-to guy in head head coach, but he has coach Rocky Hidalgo’s the accomplishments, offense. stats, and recognition to “He is a heck of a back it up. player with a dynamic Grant was selected as package,” Hidalgo said. an All-Region 2-6A hon“He is compact and not orable mention selection ITG Next | 71

in his sophomore season ning the ball is what he’s and was a First-Team always done.

All-Region selection in “I played running back his junior campaign. He and slot from the beginwas also selected to the ning," he said. "That’s Coastal Georgia All-Area where I love to play.” football team for his perGrant also runs track formance last season, for Glynn Academy. leading his Glynn Acade- He was a part of the my team in rushing yards 4x400-meter relay team with 871 yards and four that represented Glynn touchdowns.

Academy in the state So far, Grant’s ca- track and field champireer totals include 1,178 onships last season. yards rushing along with As far as the op57 yards receiving and portunity to play past 11 touchdowns. He has the high school level, been a big part of Glynn Grant has just received Academy’s consecutive his first offer: to play for Region 2-6A champion- Lenoir-Rhyne College. ships, the Red Terrors’ According to Hidalgo, fourth straight overall.

Grant has what it takes So far this season, to play at the next level. the sample size is small, “There’s no doubt but Grant is showing that he’ll play college foothe’s ready ball someto pick up Hi“I played running where,” right where dalgo said. back and slot from he’s left off.

At this In the prepoint the beginning; that’s career,in hisit season loss where I love to play.” would be a to Valdomistake for sta, Grant — Nolan Grant anyone to accounted for the doubt NoRed Terrors' only offen- lan Grant’s abilities on sive touchdown, a 71- the football field. yard scamper late in the Grant was born and third period. In the sea- raised in Brunswick son opener loss to Fort and is the son of father Dorchester, Grant had 16 Okera Grant and mothcarries for 64 yards. er Terra Wright. He has Grant has loved the three brothers, includgame from the beginning. ing older brother Tyler, “I’ve played football who also played at Glynn since I was 7 years old, Academy and graduated starting with flag foot- in 2018. His other brothball, and I fell in love with ers are Okera and Kaleb. it,” he said.

Grant also has an older Offense is where he’s sister, Tiera. always played, and run-

Nolan Grant CLASS OF 2020 Running Back 5'6'' 170 lbs

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Football Banquet 2019 ITG Next | 73

What advice would you give to a younger athlete who aspires to be where you are today?

Don’t ever give up on your dreams. Hard work and dedication will make them achievable. Our team has the motto “Faith Over Fear.”

Aubrianna Hunley HOUSTON CO. BEARS COMPETITION CHEERLEADER 74 | itgnext.com

Keeping It Simple Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Micki K Photography

Bainbridge head appearance in a chamfootball coach Jeff Lit- pionship game overall tleton led his bearcat as a player and coach. team to one of the most He played in two state improbable victories championship games in GHSA history in last while in high school at year’s state champion- Worth County before appearing in two more ship game.

After starting the sea- as an assistant coach son with a 3-4 record, with Cairo and then the team went on one of leading Bainbridge to the most incredible runs the title last season as a in the history of Geor- head coach. gia high school football.

These are all cerStarting with an impres- tainly highlights in Littlesive 49-0 his “I was looking for ton's victory 25-year over Har- a school that was coaching ris Councareer, on my list, and ty, Bainwhich beb r i d g e Bainbridge was on gan after r e e l e d my list. They had he graduoff seven ated colconsecu- great facilities, lege with tive wins, and Bainbridge the intent includof starting ing one was a nice town. a career in of the It was where I business. biggest He figured wanted to be.” victories out quickin school that — Jeff Littleton ly h i s t o r y, coaching a playoff win at Buford was where his heart was, High School. so despite having just From there, Little- earned a bachelor’s deton and the Bearcats gree in business, he decapped off a dream- cided to go right back to like season with a 47-41 school to earn his teachtriple-overtime victory ing credentials to be eliover Warner Robins in gible to coach.

Mercedes-Benz StadiLittleton said the first um, where the southwest two years of coaching were Georgia school earned strictly a labor of love. its second state champi“I reached out to onship ever. coach Milt Miller at It was Littleton's first Lowndes, and he alstate championship as a lowed me to volunteer head coach, but his fifth coach for two years,” Lit76 | itgnext.com

tleton said.

Littleton had played for Miller at Worth, where Miller coached before going to Lowndes.

Littleton’s first opportunity to land a paying position was with Dooly County, where he spent two years as a position coach. After that, Littleton landed coaching jobs at Worth County, Tift County, Worth County again, and then Cairo, where he coached prior to being hired at Bainbridge. It was his first time as a head coach.

Even though Littleton wanted to eventually land a head coaching position, he knew it had to be the right place.

“I wasn’t really looking to simply take the

first head coaching job that came available,” he said. “I was looking for a school that was on my list, and Bainbridge was on my list. They had great facilities, and Bainbridge was a nice town. It was where I wanted to be.”

Littleton was hired as the Bainbridge head coach in 2013. He has since led the ‘Cats to a 47-27 record. The 2019 season will mark Littleton’s seventh season at Bainbridge and his 26th season overall as a football coach. He said his coaching style and philosophy have been molded by the men he has worked with and for along the way.

“I’ve taken a little

from all the coaches that I’ve worked with throughout my entire career,” he said. “I would say that I’ve learned the most from the coaches that I both played for and coached with: Milt Miller and Randy Hill.”

Hill was Littleton’s position coach at Worth County.

Littleton said his philosophy is to “just keep it simple.”

“I love to mold young men,” he said. “I like to let them know that the joy of playing football is a mix of hard work and having fun.”

itgnext.com

Cheering Beyond High School

Written by: Kyle Grondin

For many high-schoolers, cheerleading is a great sport and activity for competing, getting involved in the community, and meeting new people. It’s one of the only all-inclusive sports, as you get to participate at other school sporting events while also preparing for your own trophies. But what options exist after high school?

In college, many schools have cheerleading programs similarly built to high school programs. These schools mostly offer programs through auditions rather than recruitment. But once cheerleaders make the team, scholarships become available for them to use while completing their educations.

Schools such as Georgia Tech and Florida State may offer book and meal stipends to these athletes while allowing them to compete at the highest level of cheerleading.

College cheerleading has many competitions that take place around the country and world. The UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship is held yearly at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest tournaments in the world where major universities, such as UCF, Kentucky, and more, compete and win awards. This is just one of the many events, plus school events, a college cheerleader will get to experience every year.

After that, there’s still opportunities for cheerleaders to stay with their love of cheer. They can get into coaching high school and college cheerleading, and they can also try out to cheer for a professional sports team. The NFL and NBA each employ cheerleaders, with many programs offering positions through auditions.

But cheerleading professionally is not held as a full-time job and requires a lot of work and training. On average, it is reported that cheerleaders make between $50 and $150 per game. They also get paid for special events and promotional events they attend, which puts a yearly salary for a cheerleader close to $3,000 on a season.

In addition to the wages, competition is immense to become a professional cheerleader, with just 26 squads for NFL teams and 28 squads for NBA teams.

Cheer careers don’t have to end at 18. The level of competition is tough at the professional level, but the options for cheerleading, and even coaching high school and college teams, after high school are there.

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5’10”

190

MARION CO. EAGLES Who is your biggest athletic inspiration?

My biggest athlete inspiration is LeBron James. I chose him because you never see him getting in trouble and he’s always working.

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What is something you hope to improve on over the course of this season?

I hope to improve on my explosion through tackles.

ITG Next | 81

#WeGotYourBackBud Written by: Jon Nelson | Photography courtesy of Irwin County Indians via Facebook

Fitzgerald and Ocilla, the hearts of Ben Hill and Irwin counties respectively, are 10 miles apart as city limits go.

Crossing the line from Ben Hill into Irwin, you’ll touch one city with a Par-5 approach to hitting in a straight line.

Irwin County head coach Buddy Nobles has coached in both places and still lives in the town where he was assistant to current Coffee head coach Robby Pruitt. As the head coach at Irwin, Nobles has been at the top of the “Region of Doom” in single A and has frequently made it to the last game of the year, the most recent opposing fellow region mate Clinch County in 2018.

But Nobles is fighting another foe right now: stomach cancer.

When Pruitt gives you that kind of news in his coach’s office, it takes you a little more than a second to do anything after the initial jolt.

But when you catch up with Nobles, the one thing he tells you is that this will not be one of those “woe is me” moments. He instantly feels for his seniors, as they chase another title, and the high school community, both on the field and off. It reminds you just how tightly woven the community is.

Coaches reach out, and now Nobles’s phone blows up on a regular basis with encouragement. His administration provides support, something Nobles is incredibly grateful for. His principal and superintendent have let him know, in no uncertain terms, that if he needs anything, it’s his. If he needs to go to his office, he goes. If he needs to go to an appointment, he goes.

In the second week of the regular season, the two counties faced off in Irwin, but the stands lacked team colors. Instead, fans flooded the stadium with white to show Coach Nobles and his family that it’s a unified front going forward.

And it doesn’t end there. Street signs proclaim that anyone in Coffee, Irwin, and Ben Hill counties are there for the family as well. And if you see the hashtag #WeGotYourBackBud, just know that’s what it’s all about from this moment forward.

It will be a long road. That is we all know. And, sadly, some of us know more than others. But if Irwin County is on your favorite team’s schedule, make a point to send the Indians the best vibes you can and keep the Nobles family in your thoughts. No one should go through a journey like this alone. Thanks to the community, the Nobles family won’t.

But this is another round that, if we all stand up and aim our best in one direction, Irwin County will feel — all year long — for someone who knows his time is his, even if, at times, it’s not as the season rolls along to the fall and winter.

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

82 | itgnext.com

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