Get in touch
555-555-5555
mymail@mailservice.com
Thomas Heyward Rebels
Thomas Heyward Academy Sponsors
Ridgeland - As a former player and graduate of the school, Jay Taylor has a special affinity for the baseball program at Thomas Heyward Academy . His son, Walker, also played for the Rebels and baseball has been a big part of the Taylor family. Fan and parent Taylor has a new roles at Thomas Heyward this spring as he takes over as the varsity head baseball coach. Taylor feels the 2024 Rebels will be competitive. “It’s a good group of kids and they seem to love baseball and love competing,” said Taylor, who played two seasons of professional baseball after his college career. “The thing I tell them is to have fun, enjoy playing the games and enjoy their teammates. I will teach them what I know but I feel like if they are enjoying the game, they will have success. I truly believe we can be competitive.” The Rebels split a pair of preseason tournament games, losing a close game to Dorchester Academy and posting an 11-8 win over Colleton Prep. “We are still piecing things together but we have the players to compete. We just need some time to come together and get on the same page,” Taylor said. The Rebels have five seniors that will be called upon the lead the way. Dylan Stuckey, a first baseman, returns with significant varsity experience. Stuckey also is playing on the golf team this spring. Thomas Heyward reinstated golf after not having a team for several years. “He loves golf but he also loves baseball,” Taylor said. “He says baseball comes first and I am fine with him playing both. He’s a high school kid. I want him to enjoy his senior year.” Outfielder Caleb Stoddard is a transfer from John Paul II. Ethan Palazzo is expected to work in the outfield as well. Senior third baseman Ryder Smith is one of the most complete players on the roster and will be a key performer offensively and also as a pitcher. Senior Brody Crider is another complete player who will play shortstop. Taylor feels Crider, a varsity player since his freshman year, is the best all-around player. Junior Colton Young, a transfer from Hilton Head Christian, is expected to see time in the middle infield as a starter. The starter behind the dish is junior Beau Pinckney. Sophomore Dalton Martin also may see time at catcher and in the outfield. Working on the mound are young, but talented arms, Sophomore Dodge Peeples and sophomore Drew Willis will get time, along with Crider. Sophomore Mackie Bowers will work in the outfield.
Ridgeland – From one alum to another. The Thomas Heyward Academy football program is keeping it in the family. Tony McGeary, a 1982 graduate of the school, has returned to take on duties as head football coach this fall. He replaces Nic Shuford, also an alum, who is now the head coach at Beaufort Academy. McGeary brings a championship pedigree back home. He retired in 2019 after 31 seasons as a coach in Utah. He guided Lone Peak High School in Parkland, Utah to the Class AAAAA state championship in 2011 and was 51-12 in five seasons there. He retired from coaching as the bead coach at Provo High. After retiring from coaching, McGeary returned to Ridgeland with no ideas of coaching again. “I was very comfortable in retirement but when your alma mater calls, you listen,” McGeary said. “I m happy to be here and looking forward to winning games and competing for championships.” Thomas Heyward has done plenty of winning lately. Shuford guided the program to five straight championship game appearances, winning four titles. But the roster is different this fall and with a new system, there will be a period of transition. Thomas Heyward lost their opening game, 28-21, to John Paul II on Aug. 18. “We had our chances to win, just didn’t cash in on the opportunities,” McGeary said. “We made some mistakes but they are all fixable. We have some work to do but I like this team. We’re excited to build for the future.” Senior Caleb Snyder is the starting quarterback this season. Snyder is a transfer from John Paul II and threw for 123 yards in the season opener. One major returning offensive weapon is sophomore running back Tony O’Banner, a key performer in last year’s run to the state finals. O’Banner rushed for 85 yards on 10 carries in the first game. “He’s still learning the game but we will lean on him as much as we can,” McGeary said, Senior Cutter Williams is back at receiver and will get touches in the run game as well. Junior twin brothers Nicholas and Donovan Robinson also return as receivers and will start on defense as well. Anchoring the offensive line is junior Beau Pinckney. Senior Dylan Stuckey also starts up front, along with sophomore Dodge Peeples and promising freshman prospect Dawson Drew, a 6-5, 240-pound tackle. Pinckney also leads the defense at middle linebacker and had 12 tackles in the opener. Williams starts at corner while Nicholas Robinson starts in the secondary. Donovan Robinson is a starting linebacker and sophomores Josh Gibson and Mitchell White are getting work in the secondary.
About us
Recognizing the achievements of young athletes in South Carolina since 1986.