McBride Ready for Next Level of Competition
As a 15-year-old high school freshman at Vidalia High School, Nate McBride is like most young men his age looking forward high school and to driving his first truck on his own. On the sports field, however, McBride is an extraordinary athlete who is garnering a lot of attention.cl ff 09-13 01 Last year as an eighth-grader McBride had one of those special years for an athlete. He showed his strengths on the football field, where in one game he ran a quarterback sweep for a 90-yard touchdown, followed by a 37-yard touchdown run, and then for good measure, he passed for another 35-yard score. McBride was named MVP for his ability to make the necessary moves. Transitioning into spring sports, Nate won the 100- and 200-meter runs as well as the discus at the regional track meet. His winning time of 11.4 seconds for the 100 meters is just another indicator of an athlete with true speed.
In a rare accomplishment, McBride won the Middle School track High Medalist while his brother Nick was the High School Region High Track Medalist. McBride credits his father, Jason McBride, who is the strength and conditioning coach at Vidalia High School, for their success. “Nate has always been a naturally good athlete participating in all types of youth sports. He is lifting more than his brother did at this age, and he is already an inch taller than me,” says Jason McBride, as he and his son stood side by side. Nate McBride’s 6’2”, 185-pound athletic frame already exhibits the effects of his commitment to working out and conditioning. Ladsen Helms, McBride’s eighth-grade football and track coach, says, “Nate is one of the best competitors I have ever coached. When we needed a play on offense or defense he seemed to always make it happen. He is one of those guys who says ‘give me the ball’ when a play is needed. A natural athlete who can play any position on the field, Nate is an especially talented runner who has a very bright future.”
Head coach Lee Chomkis sees McBride following his brother’s footsteps as McBride begins his freshman year for the Vidalia Indians football team. Nick McBride played for Vidalia last season and was named the Georgia High School Association Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. As a linebacker, he was all over the field and held the school record of 26 tackles in one game. He will be starting his athletic career at Furman University this season.
Nate McBride is focused on making the varsity team as a receiver and/or defensive back. He will also play quarterback and maybe some running back for the junior varsity team as he looks to work within the allowed six quarters a week of football for young athletes who play both JV and varsity teams. “I want to contribute this year to the Indians varsity team and continue to work on my skills at the JV level this season,” says McBride.
McBride knew from an early age that he was destined to be a football player. “When I was in youth football around eight years old,” he recalls, “I had people tell me I had good running instincts with the ball.” From those encouraging words McBride has built a passion for the sport that he hopes will take him through a successful High School sports career, and just like his brother, to play at the collegiate level.
McBride is also a member of the BETA Club. He says he knows that good grades are important and he prioritizes his busy weekly sports schedule around a proper amount of study time. “Our family is into sports for sure but academic achievement is also expected,” says McBride as he discussed how he kept up his grades with the amount of hours he puts into practice. In many ways McBride’s academic success has further enhanced his leadership characteristics. He was quick to say, “that means doing the right things at the right time.” He further explained that leadership not only about “being on time, committed and working hard but was also about encouraging those around you and showing respect for your teammates and others.”
“I have a strong spiritual life, I am respectful of others, I take my education serious,” says McBride, “but when you cross that white line onto that playing field it’s all business.”
McBride’s confidence and anticipation of proving himself at the high school level is evident. Stating his goal of wanting “to break all my brother’s records,” it is certain that McBride will capture a lot more attention. 
