Panther Spotlight

JD Riley

By Jessica Pitcock

CCN Sports

 

     JD Riley is what you call an All-American Country boy. He loves to fish, hunt, and he loves baseball. He is a member of the high school baseball team, golf team, and he is on the bass fishing team. He is a hard worker at anything he does and is always willing to help others out.

     JD is the son of Laura and Terry Riley. He has an older sister, Lauren, who is a student at Murray State University, and Kyle who will be entering sixth grade. He credits his parents as being his biggest fans. He said whatever he is doing that they are always there to support him and watch him play.

     His parents, Laura and Terry, said, “JD is a member of the CCHS golf team, CCHS bass fishing team, and CCHS baseball team. His favorite club is FFA where he was elected to serve as Reporter for this upcoming school year. JD is an All A student at CCHS.”

     “JD is a great kid with a big heart and great work ethic. He is currently working two jobs and taking care of the farming at home. He also volunteers to help others every chance he gets. In JD’s spare time, he loves to hunt, fish, spend time with his family and friends, and relax on Dale Hollow Lake,” said his parents.

     JD’s said that his most influential teacher is Lannie Willen. Lannie is the Future Farmer’s of America sponsor and teaches agriculture at CCHS.

     Willen said, “JD is my ‘other’ son. I’ve known him since he was a baby, literally. He’s one of the most well-rounded students in my program. JD is hardworking, respectful and has good personality. These characteristics will take him far in life. He is strong academically and will be a success no matter what he chooses to do as a career. He’s always been around out family and we always hold him close to our hearts. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming and thankful he our sons best friend!”

     JD said his role model in his life was his “Papa” Truesdale Crawley.

     JD said, “My Papa taught me how to hunt and fish and was always there to help coach me in baseball and basketball. I wish he was still alive today to watch me play.”

     JD said, “My favorite sports memory is when we beat Russell County in baseball this past season. They were ranked number 2 in the region and we went to Russell County and beat them.”

     Lance Willen, JD’s best friend, said, “JD and me have been the best of friends since we was old enough to talk and walk. Jd is very intelligent when it comes to common sense farm work and academic book work. He never fails to give a 100% in what he does. His work ethic is outstanding and I’m proud of the accomplishments he has achieved whether it’s in FFA related activities or Beta woodworking projects. JD is truly one of a kind.”

     If JD could spend one entire day doing what he loves, he would spend it on the lake fishing. He loves Dale Hollow Lake and is thankful he lives so close to it.

     JD plans on going to college after he graduates and plans on majoring in agriculture or turf management.

     Congratulations JD on all your accomplishments so far and everyone looks forward to seeing what the next two years will bring.