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Kody Everett, a senior at Effingham County High School, began his senior year for the second year in a row as the cross-country team captain. On a record note. Everett claimed the school’s cross-country record early in the cross-country season this year. Back on August 24th at the Fleet Feet Savannah/Savannah Arts Academy Saucony XC Kickoff Classic, Everett ran a time of 17:02.0 to set the school record.  At the GHSA Region 6A cross country meet. Everett qualified for the GHSA State meet by finishing sixth. Everett in the spring of 2019, as a junior on the Rebel track team, qualified for 2-AAAAAA Sectionals in the 1600 meter run with a time of 4:50. The goal was to improve on that time this year. Kody and his teammates would not complete the 2020 GHSA track season. The GHSA cancelled all spring sports because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As far as Kody getting his start in sports. It was at an early young age. Everett tried them all and loved playing, but running was the sport he excelled in. Kody knew after his freshmen season as a Running Rebel he was hooked. During Everett’s four years he would accumulate a lot of awards. 

Kody this past season made the GHSA Coaches All-Region 2-AAAAAA cross country first team. Kody made the second team on the 2019 Savannah Morning News  All-Greater Savannah Boys Cross-Country Team. Kody’s teammates voted him the 2019 Most Inspirational Cross-Country team member.  Effingham County High School’s chose Everett as the Vince Dooley Award Winner. The organizations Athletes for a Better World and the GHSA oversee the Vince Dooley Award. To qualify, the athlete must have certain qualities.  Such as discipline, work ethic, sportsmanship, develop positive relationships, inspire teammates and win and lose with dignity.  

Everett’s Cross Country Coach Pamela Richards stated, "Kody's running legacy at Effingham County High School will extend beyond his school record for Cross Country; his commitment to the sport compelled me to become a better coach and his teammates to become better runners, and he compelled all us to love and work with each other as a family. We will miss his competitive prowess next season; however, we will just miss him.” You can tell by Kody’s awards, his cross-country teammates choosing him the most inspirational and his coach’s comments he is an impressive example of the Vince Dooley Award.

Off the cross-country course and track, Kody was very successful and active in school. Everett was an honor roll student every year in school, belong to several clubs and societies. The societies were National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. Clubs were the Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America and the Athletic Leadership Team. As far as school spirit. Everett was the leader of legendary Rebel Rousers for this past school year.

Everett’s dad has had the biggest influence for him in his athletic career. Kody stated, “My dad has always been there for me, through thick and thin, my injuries, and especially during the highs and lows. He has taught me almost everything I know about running and I love to get to run with him.” Family and friends have also supported his efforts in the classroom and on the course.

Kody feels he has been successful as a student athlete because of family and friends.  Everett said, “I feel like I am successful because I have so many of my friends and family supporting me through everything.  I can’t thank them enough because without them I would not be where I am today and would not be fulfilling my dream of being a college athlete.” Kody has a personal quote that has motivated him to stay on track. “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14” 

Kody reached the prize as of right now in his life and will continue his academic and athletic next fall. Everett Committed to Jacksonville University to run cross-country and track.