Sumter County Middle School Football Player Aaron Kearse Named ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Male Youth Athlete of the Year
Aaron Kearse, an eighth-grader at Sumter County Middle School in Americus, Georgia, has been named the ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Male Youth Athlete of the Year, presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital. He is a shining star on the football field and is set to be a varsity starter for the Panthers this coming fall.
Though Aaron also plays basketball and baseball, football is where his father really noticed his great athletic talents from an early age.
“Aaron has always been pretty fast, so we noticed he was really good at football during his first few years of 5/6 flag football,” said Mr. Kearse. “He would get handed the ball, and once he turned the corner, it was usually over for you if you didn’t stop him before then.”
It took Aaron until he was 9 or 10 years old to hit a growth spurt, so he grew up playing much shorter and smaller than his teammates. But, once he hit his growth spurt, he became really dominating on the field because of his stature.
Mr. Kearse said that he expected Aaron to be stressed and anxious last season as it was his first year ever playing quarterback, but Aaron shocked everyone. He played well all season and handled the pressure that was thrown his way.
During the recent spring game for Sumter County, Aaron was the only eighth-grader to start with the varsity players.
“He looked like he had been playing with them for years,” said Mr. Kearse.
Though Aaron has played all over the football field from running back, towide receiver, linebacker and safety – look for him to fulfill the running back slot for the upcoming fall season.
“We have been most proud of his commitment and dedication,” said Mr. Kearse. “He is always willing to work out when no one else is. …He loves getting out there on the field and giving 110%.”
It is hard being a student-athlete, much less a three-sport student-athlete, but Aaron has been able to find that balance and succeed in school as well.
“He maintained all As and Bs last year, and look forward to him continuing that through high school,” said Mr. Kearse.
The Panthers had a tough season last year winning only one game, but with a talent like Aaron coming up into the varsity program, there should be much optimism circulating Sumter County football.
“Winning the award is a testament of the hard work he put in before and during the season,” said Mr. Kearse. “It’s always great to be recognized for your hard work.”
Congratulations to Aaron Kearse, the ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Male Youth Athlete of the Year, presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Written by: Kennedie Weems
