Elite Athletes of the Month for December 2018
Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH.
Each month, local high schools are provided opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
Recipients for December 2018:
Marcus Gary -- Cartersville HS Robby Poston -- Excel Christian Academy Madgie Robinson -- Woodland HS
James Standridge -- Adairsville HS Eli Wilhoit -- Cass HS
The December 2018 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cartersville High School is Marcus Gary. The Class of 2019 senior is the starting running back for the Hurricanes 2018 Region 5-AAAA champion and state runner-up football team. The son of Marcus Gary Sr. rushed for 18 touchdowns and 1,600 yards in an outstanding senior season. “Marcus has been a great Hurricane for all four years of his high school career,” said Cartersville head football coach Joey King. “He worked really hard this past off-season and as a result had a tremendous senior year.”
Robby Poston is the Excel Christian Academy Elite Athlete of the Month for December 2018. A junior forward on the Eagles’ basketball team, Poston had accumulated three double-doubles in his team’s first five games. “Robby continues to grow into a valuable leadership role for our young team,” said ECA head coach Shannon Boatfield. “His development on the court has been big for us and he will be an important contributor for us as we get deeper into region play this season.” Poston has a 3.71 GPA and plans to attend Lee University to study theology on his way to becoming a pastor. He is the son of Pete and Melanie Poston.
The Woodland High School December 2018 Elite Athlete of the Month is Madgie Robinson. A senior guard on the Lady Cats’ basketball team, she is the daughter of Ralph and Carla Robinson. “Madgie is a four-year starter,” said Woodland head basketball coach Kyle Morgan. “It has been my pleasure to watch first-hand as she has matured into the fine young lady she has become both on and off the court.” Robinson also serves the Woodland girls team as team captain. “Madgie is a true student-athlete who gives her best effort both in the classroom and on the basketball court,” continued Morgan. “She possesses many qualities that are guaranteed to ensure success after she graduates high school: intelligence, great work ethic, selflessness, respect for others, and a competitive spirit.” Robinson, who plans to attend Georgia State University to major in journalism, is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She is also a Woodland Scholar Athlete Award winner. “Madgie has given a ton to the Lady Cat basketball program. She will be greatly missed after this season,” Morgan concluded.
The Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School is James “Squeaky” Standridge. A junior wrestler competiting in the 132-pound weight class, Standridge is the son of Karen Davenport and Eric Irish. “James has not only been one of our leading point scorers for the Tigers with a 31-8 record, he takes a personal interest in encouraging and supporting his teammates to accomplish their very best as well,” said Adairsville wrestling coach Ryan Torrence. Standridge — a leader with his team and in the school building — plans to serve our nation by joining the U.S. Coast Guard after his high school graduation. “James helps out with other teammates at practice and always stays after to assist coaches and make sure daily tasks are completed. He is respected not only for his accomplishments, but also for his commitment to his teammates and the program. He is on a mission to improve his skill and character level every day,” concluded Torrence.
Elijah “Eli” Wilhoit is the Cass High School Elite Athlete of the Month for December 2018. The son of Jamie and Brandon Smith, Eli is a senior member of the Colonels’ swim team. The 2018-19 team captain competes in multiple events including the 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay. Wilhoit has worked his way to be the Cass boys top performer in at least three events. He won the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 100 Fly events this season at Rome, Calhoun, Darlington, and Cass meets. He is the Bartow County champion is the 100 Free and 200 Free Relay. He is also the Northwest Georgia Region and Atlanta Metro champion in the 100 Freestyle. “Eli has shown continual improvement over the past three seasons,” said Cass swim coach Danny Fairbanks. “His commitment, work habits, and leadership for our team is immeasurable. He works with our less talented swimmers, helps them improve and is extremely valuable in that respect. He also practices throughout the year with the Cobias Swim Club.” Wilhoit, who has a 3.4 GPA taking Honors and A.P. courses, plans to attend college but has not yet made a college decision. He plans to major in business and/or agriculture and plans to join a collegiate swim team.
Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply, LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF.
