By Steve Williams
Like everything else, the costs to honor the Careacter Star Athletes this year have gone up.
Award T-shirts and packages have nearly doubled in price.
When Dave Moore, the director of the CSA program, gave coaches the news, they understood that something had to change.
“Only half of the specific loyal sponsors that we’ve had for all these years were continuing to contribute,” said Coach Moore. “Then it hit me – I remembered sitting in Pat Summitt’s office in 2000 proposing the program (CSA) to her and she said, ‘We are all in,’ but she had one suggestion – to recognize less players because it would mean more, and it’s quality over quantity that stuck with me and that’s what we’ve done!”
So this year the number of Careacter Star Athletes will be the Top 5 instead of the Top 10.
“We have to cut back,” said Moore. “But I’ll also say this: We will always have the Careacter Star program, even if we have only one honoree in each sport.”
In addition to the honorees listed this year by each team, four coaches recognized one athlete from their team who had displayed exceptional ‘good character.’
CSA honorees in girls basketball and boys basketball will be announced in The Focus’ next two issues.
RECOGNITION OF GOOD CHARACTER
HARDIN VALLEY ACADEMY
“Dylan Umansky was the starting quarterback for us during his junior season. He moved positions to defensive line for his senior year and displayed an unwavering selflessness and high character to lead our team from another position.”
Head Coach Tyler Wynn
CONCORD CHRISTIAN
“We have had several youth camps over the last year and Gavin Guinn has been to every one, offering support and encouragement to the young campers, not only helping them with football instructions but also tips about life in general.”
Head Coach Steve Matthews
GIBBS
“Case Daniel is always willing to help with anything on and off the field. He is selfless and leads by example even as a freshman. He is committed to our community and volunteers every chance he gets. He’s a great student and has a very bright future in Gibbs football and the Gibbs community.”
Head Coach Brad Turner
GRACE CHRISTIAN
“Evan Pritchard was an All-State player for us during his time at Grace and was always positive and brought a joyful attitude to our program.”
Head Coach Justin Price
2025-2056 CAREACTER STAR FOOTBALL ATHLETES
AUSTIN-EAST
Spencer Moore
Nymire Jackson
Tyler Jackson
Victor Haynes
David Weaver
BEARDEN
Will Taylor
Grant Cross
Seth Henry
Alonzo Sanchez
Paxton Parrott
CARTER
Trent Tenbrook
Jayve’ion Morgan
Jake Coffey
Justin Umbarger
Carson Cross
CATHOLIC
Brogan Corley
Brooks Johnston
George Mancini
Mitch Cannon
Mack Bartholomew
CENTRAL
Kaden Long
Zach Brown
Dejay Merchant
JJ Smith
Bryce Johnston
CAK
Gabe Linkous
Cooper House
Benton Blevins
Tucker Darga
Kyler Cook
CCS
Andrew Lumsdaine
Allistair Middlebrook
Eli Wolfe
Jude Wiggins
Pedro Sabat
FARRAGUT
Owen Petoskey
Noah Haag
Fletcher Haddad
Aaron Heatherly
Ryan McCue
FULTON
Justin Burris
Yashon Love
Mason Lawrence
A.J. Parrish
Cayden Turner
GIBBS
Mikel Van Pelt
Camden Beeler
Evan Brewster
Case Daniel
Clay Phillips
GCA
Colton Brooks
Blake Perkey
Jace Ballard
Parker Whittaker
Evan Pritchard
HALLS
Aman Lethgo
Cooper Faust
Noah Partin
Zakary Carver
Parker Crittenden
HVA
Samuel Mann
Brody Lamb
Dylan Umansky
Andrew Perkins
Mikeal Arce
KARNS
Austin Slover
Jonas Zimmerman
Cameron George
Weston Ritter
Keegan Teffeteller
POWELL
Caleb Lanius
Caleb Acres
Luke Lindsay
Mark Stewart
Alex Grande
SEYMOUR
Madden Guffey
Baylor Creswell
Lucas Small
Kenny Haley
Andrew Wolf
SOUTH-DOYLE
Benson Brang
Reed Reynolds
Jeremiah Smith
Sean Hall
Cole Snyder
TSD
William McKinney
Brandon Guzman
Erik Guzman
WEBB
Shavar Young
Marvin Hicke
Michael Pemberton
Jay Lowery
Baxter Johnson
WEST
Ned Sawyers
Jack Rappe
Evan Fields
Bryson Crawford
David Mebane
