Huntsville, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville showcases its athletic prowess with a five-part video series sponsored by Gatorade, documenting Columbia High School’s football season. Amidst notable achievements from Huntsville High, including Eric Moore’s recognition as Gatorade Alabama Boys Cross Country Player of the Year and Caleb Holt’s accolades in basketball, the local schools highlight the dedication of their student-athletes. The series aims to inspire hope and resilience as Columbia aims to end a lengthy losing streak, symbolizing the spirit of high school athletics.
Huntsville is set to showcase its athletic talent with a five-part video series sponsored by Gatorade, focusing on Columbia High School’s football season in 2025. This series aims to document the team’s quest to break one of the nation’s longest high school football losing streaks and capture the resilience and spirit of the players.
Columbia High School’s initiative comes amidst a remarkable season, where the potential for triumph provides a narrative of hope for the athletes and their supporters. Gatorade’s involvement is part of a broader strategy to highlight high school athletics and the dedication of student-athletes across the nation.
Recent Athletic Achievements in Huntsville
In addition to Columbia High School’s upcoming season, Huntsville High School has celebrated the athletic achievement of Eric Moore, who was named the 2024-25 Gatorade Alabama Boys Cross Country Player of the Year. Notably, Moore is the first athlete from Huntsville High to receive this prestigious honor, marking a significant milestone for the school.
Caleb Holt from Buckhorn High School has also made headlines as the 2023-24 Gatorade Alabama Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Holt is the first athlete from his school to earn this accolade. In an exceptional season, he averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.4 assists per game, leading his team to a 28-5 record and a Class 6 state championship, where he scored 16 points and captured 13 rebounds in the final match. Furthermore, Holt is a member of the Under16 Men’s National Team, clinching a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Americas Championships. ESPN ranks him as the nation’s No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2026, underscoring his potential and talent.
Beyond basketball stats, Holt maintains a 3.17 GPA and is actively engaged in community service initiatives through his church and the organization Groceries on God, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.
Bob Jones High School’s Notable Recognition
Bob Jones High School’s Braden Booth follows suit with a remarkable achievement as the 2023-24 Gatorade Alabama Baseball Player of the Year. Booth becomes the first athlete from Bob Jones to receive this recognition. His performance on the pitcher’s mound was exceptional, boasting a 13-1 record and a 1.51 ERA, with an impressive 127 strikeouts over 83.1 innings. His offensive contributions were equally impressive, achieving a .429 batting average, 10 home runs, and 49 RBIs, positioning him as a dual threat on the baseball field.
Booth highlighted his capabilities in the Class 7A State Championship Series, where he batted .700 with three home runs, earning him the MVP title. He has a 3.68 weighted GPA and has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Mississippi State University, which reflects his dedication both in sports and academics.
About Gatorade’s Player of the Year Program
Gatorade’s Player of the Year program recognizes outstanding athletes across various sports, including baseball, basketball, and cross country. This initiative not only highlights individual achievements but also supports social impact through grants totaling more than $4.9 million to various beneficiaries identified by the winners.
As Columbia High School gears up for its impactful football season, local sports enthusiasts can enjoy a unique deep-dive into the world of high school athletics, witnessing the dedication, trials, and achievements of athletes throughout Huntsville.
FAQ
What is the focus of the Gatorade video series featuring Columbia High School?
The video series will document Columbia High School’s football season in 2025, with a particular focus on breaking one of the nation’s longest high school football losing streaks.
Who were the recent Gatorade Player of the Year award winners from Huntsville?
Eric Moore from Huntsville High School was recognized as the 2024-25 Gatorade Alabama Boys Cross Country Player of the Year, while Caleb Holt from Buckhorn High School was awarded the 2023-24 Gatorade Alabama Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
What notable achievements did Caleb Holt attain during his season?
Holt averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.4 assists per game, leading his team to a 28-5 record, and he helped win the Class 6 state championship, gaining recognition on a national level.
What are Braden Booth’s accomplishments in baseball?
Braden Booth achieved a 13-1 record and a 1.51 ERA with 127 strikeouts. He also had a .429 batting average and garnered MVP honors in the Class 7A State Championship Series.
What does the Player of the Year program by Gatorade entail?
It honors exceptional athletes in various sports and provides grants to support social impact partners, with over $4.9 million granted to winners for philanthropic purposes.
Summary of Key Features
| Athlete | School | Achievement | Stats/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Moore | Huntsville High School | Gatorade Alabama Boys Cross Country Player of the Year | First honoree from Huntsville; recognized for his running achievements. |
| Caleb Holt | Buckhorn High School | Gatorade Alabama Boys Basketball Player of the Year | Averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds; secured Class 6 state championship. |
| Braden Booth | Bob Jones High School | Gatorade Alabama Baseball Player of the Year | Posted a 13-1 record; awarded MVP in Class 7A State Championship Series. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Columbia High School Football Documentary
- AL.com: Eric Moore Gatorade Player of the Year
- WAAY TV: Caleb Holt Gatorade Player of the Year
- WAAY TV: Braden Booth Gatorade Player of the Year
- Your Conroe News: DJ Lagway Gatorade Player of the Year
- Wikipedia: Gatorade
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
