Arthur Williams Middle School eighth-grader Nolan Grooms will enter a new realm of athletics next season when he begins his high school football career. While the experience will be something to get used to, history has him well prepared. His father, Jody, is the head coach of the Wayne County High School Yellow Jackets.
“I have only missed one of my dad’s games since I was born. My mom carried me to games in heat, rain, and even the snow. When I was little, I would sit in front of my Xbox and act like I was the sports commentator. My mom would act like she was cleaning up or something just to stand and hear me entertain her. I am a sports junkie and have always loved playing, watching, studying, and reading about them,” Grooms said.
It’s no surprise that a coach’s son would love sports. They get a front row and back room view of what it takes to be the best. He has always watched film with his dad, and it’s even easier now with all the film on HUDL.
“My first memory of my dad coaching football was when I got a chance to run out of the tunnel with the team with my helmet on,” Grooms said. “I would charge onto the field, and my grandfather would carry me into the stands with him. I have ridden a lot of buses, visited a lot of stadiums, and have seen a lot of great players. Friday nights are family affairs in our house; they always have been.”
It can be one of the best ways to grow up on the sidelines, but it also can be challenging seeing older players that are able to do things that you can’t yet; to know that, regardless of all the time you spend, you still aren’t officially part of them. However, just being around and seeing the process it takes to achieve greatness made Nolan really appreciate the experiences.
A three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, he doesn’t have a favorite sport; if it’s in season, he plays it and excels at it. He has already thrown for over 200-plus yards in the first month of middle school football. A humble individual (Grooms simply describes himself as “normal kid”), he enjoys sports, school, plays video games, and works hard in the weight room.
“I have been lucky to see a lot of great players over the years. Wayne County, Lakeside Evans, and Anson County produced multiple Division I players. I have been very fortunate to see them up close in person on Fridays, and have watched them play all over the country on Saturdays, too. We have been to college stadiums all over the country on official visits and college game days. I have sat in Coach Spurrier’s office, Coach Bowden’s office, and Coach Frank Beamer’s office. He even gave me a handful of Hokie-colored skittles for a snack,” Grooms said.
Grooms is an outstanding presence for the AWMS athletic program. His efforts are appreciated and lauded by everyone that has the pleasure of being around him.
“Nolan has consistently exceeded all expectations at Arthur Williams. He has set a new standard for the term ‘student-athlete’. Along with being a student body leader, he is a general on the football field, basketball court, and baseball diamond, as well as one of the most vocal guys in our weight room. He has earned every accolade that he gets, and I know his parents (Jody and Sharon) are extremely proud of him. Nolan is one of the kids that comes along every 10-15 years and does it the right way without having to be told, because that’s the right way to do it,” said Arthur Williams Middle School Athletic Director Jordan Mullis.
Perhaps more impressive than his athletic ability, however, is the standard to which Grooms holds himself in the classroom.
“Nolan is truly an exceptional young man, athletically, academically, and personally. In addition to being an extraordinary athlete, Nolan was also the second-ranked student academically in his class with a 98.645 grade point average at the end of last school year. Through the first grading period of this year, he is the top-ranked student in his class with a 99.0 GPA. He is a member of the National Junior Beta Club. Nolan is the type of young man that others can aspire to be; he is polite, respectful, and always willing to help in any way he is asked. He is also one of the news anchors for the school news crew which broadcasts a show each morning via closed-circuit television,” said Arthur Williams Middle School Principal Dr. Reggie Burgess.
Grooms’s favorite player is former AAAAA state champion quarterback DeShaun Watson, who is from Gainesville (Georgia) and currently plays for Clemson (which happens to be his favorite school). His goal at the end of his high school career is to be at the top of Death Valley to rub Howard’s Rock before playing a big game.
“I would love to drain a three in Game Seven of the NBA finals for the win, throw a TD pass to win a national title for Clemson, or make a diving catch to win Game Seven for the Yankees; you know the stuff that all kids dream of,” Grooms said. “But, my parents have always told me that the most important thing that someone could ever say about me was that I was a good person. They have always encouraged me in athletics, but they have pushed me academically and they have preached right and wrong a whole lot more than athletics. One of my favorite quotes that I strive to reflect in my own life was spoken by (former Florida State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner) Charlie Ward. He said to ‘use the game to strengthen your character and to test your resolve, don’t let the game use you.’”
His father’s son
By John Wood
