Newberry Touchdown Club Celebrates Local Football Talent
On a delightful evening in Newberry, excitement filled the air as the Newberry County Touchdown Club gathered for its October meeting. This monthly event, held on October 14 at the Central United Methodist Church, was special—it was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of local student-athletes in the ongoing 2024 football season.
A Special Guest: Bobby Bryant
The highlight of the night was a captivating talk by guest speaker, Bobby Bryant, a true legend in the world of football. Bobby hails from Macon, Georgia, where his athletic prowess flourished during his time at the University of South Carolina in the mid-1960s. Not only did he shine as a defensive back, but he also showcased his talent on the baseball field as a pitcher. Though he was drafted by prominent baseball teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, he chose to follow his passion for football, leading him to the Minnesota Vikings in 1967.
Impressive Accomplishments
During his remarkable 14-season career with the Vikings, Bobby left an indelible mark on the game, securing the title of all-time interceptions leader with an impressive 57 picks, including six in playoff games—also a team record. His accolades extend beyond statistics; he was inducted into the Vikings’ Ring of Honor in 2024 and is a proud member of the Georgia Hall of Fame, South Carolina Hall of Fame, and Gamecocks Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Bobby’s resume boasts four Super Bowl appearances, making him a key player in the Vikings’ history.
A Message of Faith and Family
During his time at the meeting, Bobby shared inspiring stories from his journey to the NFL, memorable moments on the field, and wisdom about life. With a warm presence, he emphasized the importance of faith, family, and football. Joined by his wife, Stephanie, Bobby took the time to sign autographs, snap pictures, and engage with the enthusiastic student-athletes attending the event. It was a true testament to his character and dedication to mentoring the next generation.
Recognizing Local Talent
In addition to Bobby’s inspiring speech, the club took the time to honor exceptional athletes from the four area high schools and Newberry College, who demonstrated outstanding performance on the field throughout September. Each school recognized three players as Players of the Month, celebrating their hard work and dedication:
- Mid-Carolina High School
- Offense: Jamarian Dewalt
- Defense: Heyward Fellars
- Special Teams: AD Basnight
- Newberry Academy
- Offense: Javon Conway
- Defense: Thomas McLean
- Special Teams: Gabe Slight
- Newberry High School
- Offense: Kenton Caldwell
- Defense: Jared Acosta
- Special Teams: Daniel Teran
- Whitmire Community School
- Offense: Kayshaun Schumpert
- Defense: Sam Moore
- Special Teams: Brian Steele
- Newberry College
- Offense: Cooper Trnavsky
- Defense: Devron Williams
- Special Teams: Bryce Earley
Looking Ahead
The Newberry County Touchdown Club continues to be a vital supporter of local sports, promoting the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship among student-athletes. The next meeting is scheduled for November 11, and all are invited to join as the community comes together once again to celebrate its rising football stars.
For more information, feel free to reach out at 803-768-3117 or on X @TheNBOnews. See you next month!
