Senior shines in Ironman competition

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 28, 2015

By Kevin Eckleberry

keckleberry@civitasmedia.com

Callaway’s JT Wortham won the team’s Ironman competition. Kevin Eckleberry | Daily News

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2015/07/web1_7-28-wortham.jpgCallaway’s JT Wortham won the team’s Ironman competition. Kevin Eckleberry | Daily News

HOGANSVILLE – Callaway’s JT Wortham took care of business.

Wortham, who’ll be a senior defensive lineman for the Cavaliers this season, went out and won the team’s annual Ironman competition, which tests the players in a number of different areas.

When head coach Pete Wiggins announced the winner at the close of Monday’s practice session, Wortham’s name was called as his teammates cheered him on.

Wortham finished with 224 points to out-distance Javoski Leverette and Mike Freeman, who finished tied for second with 204 points.

“It feels pretty good, being a senior and coming up and winning the Ironman,” Wortham said.

Wiggins wasn’t surprised.

He’d seen how much effort Wortham put in during the offseason, and he knew the senior was ready to deliver that sort of performance.

“He’s worked so hard since last season ended,” Wiggins said. “It really shows in his play out here on the field, and in the weight room. He’s doing a lot of good things.”

Wortham is hoping to enjoy that same sort of success when a new season begins on Aug. 21 when Callaway plays LaGrange.

Wortham will be an anchor of the defensive from his defensive end position where he’ll try to make life extremely uncomfortable for opposing offenses.

Wortham may also get some time in on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end.

“I’ll get some reps at tight end,” he said. “It’s a lot of blocking.”

Wortham was a part-time player on defense in 2013 when the Cavaliers made it to the Class AAA final four, and he moved into the starting lineup a year ago and came through with a productive season.

Wortham is part of a talented group of seniors who have been a part of some special moments over the years.

Over the past three seasons, the Cavaliers have won 29 games, and they’ve won at least one playoff game each year.

Wortham said he and other seniors will try to make sure this is another memorable season.

“We have to lead the team, try to win a championship,” he said. “Just make sure to keep the team in check, and be a leader.”

Here are the results of Callaway’s Ironman competition

1 – JT Wortham (224 points)

2 – Javoski Leverette (204 points)

3 – Mike Freeman (204 points)

4 – Cortney Laye (203 points)

5 – Travis Taylor (199 points)

6 – Cedric Maynard (193 points)

7 – Dre Martin (190 points)

8 – Brandon Boddie (187 points)

9 – Joe Brown (186 points)

10 – Keegan Woods (186 points)

Reach Kevin Eckleberry at (706) 884-7311 or on Twitter @lagrangesports