Welcome to Episode 110 of The Darlington Podcast!
In this episode, Ryland Scott ('23) talks with varsity coaches Reid Owens (tennis), Justin Bruce (girls' golf), Jared Willerson (boys' golf), Kevin Hunt (track and field), Matt Larry (baseball), Mallory Collier (girls' lacrosse) and Sam Clark (boys' lacrosse) about the spring athletic season at Darlington. You'll hear a little bit about each team and their highlights of the spring season, from the preseason to team bonding to their accomplishments and more. Note: This episode was recorded on May 9. After recording, the girls' tennis team went on to win the GHSA Single A Division I State Championship title, and Gus Gammage ('23) won a GHSA Single A Division I State Championship title in shot put at the state track and field meet. The baseball team made it to the Final Four round of the state playoffs, where they were eliminated by Prince Avenue Christian.
Reid Owens has taught Spanish at the Upper School in addition to serving as head boys' and girls' tennis coach since 2017. He holds a B.S. in International Business Management and an M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics, both from the University of Alabama. He also studied abroad at Universidad de Grenada in Spain and participated in international service learning initiatives in Uganda, Haiti, Costa Rica and Panama.
Justin Bruce has served as registrar and as a learning specialist. He has served as a learning specialist at the Upper School since 2016 and holds a B.S. in Collaborative Special Education from Auburn University, a Masters in Special Education Adaptive Curriculum from the University of West Georgia, and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.
Jared Willerson has taught history at the Upper School in addition to serving as head boys' golf coach since 2017. He holds a B.S. in Business Finance from the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga and an M.A. in Teaching, Learning and Corporate Training from Lee University.
Kevin Hunt has taught P.E. and coached at Darlington since 2007. He is the assistant head football coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He is also the head girls' and boys' track and field coach. Kevin is a graduate of the University of West Georgia, where he played football.
Matt Larry has served as Pre-K to 8 physical education teacher and head baseball coach since 2015. He is also an assistant softball coach. Matt holds a B.S. in Social Science from Shorter College and a Master of Science in Education from Jacksonville State University.
Mallory Collier has taught Upper School English since 2022 and serve as head girls' lacrosse coach. She holds a B.A. in English from Berry College and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Counseling and Care with an emphasis in Traumatology at Liberty University.
Sam Clark has taught Upper School English, served as a college advisor, and served on the residential duty staff since 2017. He coaches volleyball in the fall and boys' lacrosse in the spring. Sam holds a B.A. in English from Rhodes College, where he also played lacrosse and worked as an editor for two newspapers, and is currently pursuing an M.A. from the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English.
The thrill of competition. The rush of a championship. Our athletic program offers you everything you'd expect from a private school. However, the Darlington athletic program is so much more. CLICK HERE to learn more about athletics at Darlington or schedule a private tour and see our facilities for yourself.
The Darlington Podcast is a collaboration between the communication and advancement teams, and is hosted by various members of the school community. Episodes are released each Thursday morning and available on most podcast platforms (search for The Darlington Podcast in your podcast player). Once new episodes are posted, you'll also be able to find them at www.darlingtonschool.org/podcast. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll get the latest episode each week!
The Darlington Podcast intro music was written and performed by Elliot Luitwieler ('22) and Kathryn Davidson ('22). Leigh Hadaway, Upper School history teacher, lends her voice, and editing and production is handled by Maddie Chastain, content manager.
If you have ideas for future episodes or have any questions about The Darlington Podcast, please email communications@darlingtonschool.org.
