BRENT VINSON…SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW

Growing up as the son of a Police Officer, a child will quickly learn right from wrong.  Discipline, hard work, respect and dedication to the job also come into play for the children of police officers.  Such was the case for 16 year old Brent Vinson.  The Ardrey Kell High School Junior has used the lessons learned from his father Alex  to become one of the top student-athletes in the school.  Alex recently retired after 27 years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and spends a lot of his free time mentoring Brent and other students at Ardrey Kell. Along with wife Betty, the Vinson’s have done a fine job raising Brent.

This past football season, Brent was called upon to be a leader for the Knights.  Without a senior class, Head Coach Marty Woolbright recognized the challenge ahead and called for the Juniors to step up and act like Seniors for the football team.  Brent was quick to answer the challenge and became one of the top players at Ardrey Kell.  His efforts in the defensive backfield with 85 tackles led to a position on the All-Conference Team.  Brent was also named Defensive Most Valuable Player for the Knights.

The Knights may have only won one football game, but the team always tried hard and worked to improve.  Brent gave 100% effort and played both offense and defense.  With nine years of football experience, Brent’s knowledge of the game was valuable for the team.

“This year was a learning experience, I didn’t enjoy losing, but we are going to be better next year. Everyone is working hard to become stronger and bigger next season.  We had a lot of first year players this year, and only one person had ever played varsity football before coming to Ardrey Kell.”

After football season concluded Brent elected to join the wrestling team to stay in shape for football.  With no prior wrestling experience the sport has provided a unique challenge. With each match Brent sees improvement wrestling in the 171 pound class.

This spring Brent will be a key member of the Track and Field team and conclude his junior year as a three-sport varsity athlete.

One year from now, Brent hopes to be in position to sign a college football scholarship. 

“My goal is to play college football, I am working real hard right now on my speed and technique.”

Brent also has been told many times by his father that “someone is always watching you.”  Brent has learned to carry himself in a positive manner and show respect at all times.  Being a leader at Ardrey Kell has placed Brent in a very visable position. 

“The move from Providence to Ardrey Kell has been very good for me.  We have a great school and with no senior class, it has allowed a lot of the juniors to really grow.”

As the school year moves forward Ardrey Kell will continue to develop their own identity as a top-level high school.  With students like Brent Vinson, a solid foundation will be built for the future.

As Brent and others have been taught, someone is always watching.  This past season they watched the young man wearing jersey # 1 have a super season, next season will be even better.