Ry’keljan “Spanky” James has become far more than a versatile contributor for the Wildwood Middle High football team. To coach Rhett Caruthers and his staff, this young man represents the standard they want every Wildcat to meet.

“Spanky means a lot to Wildwood football,” Coach Caruthers says. “He makes me and my staff want to be better coaches, husbands, and fathers. The way he carries himself and the example he sets goes far beyond the football field.”

Spanky began playing football in 2015. He takes tremendous pride in wearing the Wildwood uniform. “It means a lot,” he says. “A lot of people can’t say they represent Wildwood on the football field and I’m proud to say that.”

His uncle, Rashad Bailey, introduced him to sports and remains his primary role model. “He always told me the rights and wrongs, off and on the field,” Spanky says. “I will forever be thankful.”

On the field, Spanky’s values start with selflessness. Coach Caruthers calls that trait his biggest attribute. “He genuinely cares about others and is willing to do whatever is necessary to help his team succeed. He puts the team before himself.”

That approach allows the staff to use him at multiple positions. “We can put him anywhere on the field, and he will find a way to do it very well,” Caruthers says. “He is versatile, dependable, and willing to do whatever his team needs. Having a player like that is a tremendous advantage.”

Spanky leads primarily through actions rather than words. “He simply does everything the right way,” Caruthers says. “He lives by God’s Word, leads by example, and doesn’t have to say much to make an impact on the people around him.”

The same consistency shows up in the classroom. Spanky carries a 3.3 GPA, and teachers speak highly of him. “He is respectful, dependable, and takes pride in doing things the right way in the classroom just like he does on the field,” Caruthers says.

Spanky credits the Wildwood program with teaching him life lessons. “Football has taught me life skills and how to trust others to do their job,” he says. Caruthers, in particular, has left a lasting mark. “Coach Rhett has taught me how to be a man off the field and how to take care of people no matter where they are from.”

While many memories are made playing the game of football, Spanky’s favorite thing remains the camaraderie with his team. “My favorite thing about playing football is playing with my brothers on the field and having fun. Just so much excitement,” Spanky says. Another one of his fondest memories dates back to his Pop Warner playing days when his team won a Pop Warner Championship and also defeated Leesburg.

Despite the production and character, Spanky currently has no college offers. Coach Caruthers is working to change that. “I truly believe the right college is going to see what we see in him,” the coach said. “His character, academics, versatility, work ethic, and selfless approach to the game make him the type of young man any program would be fortunate to have. We’re going to continue working to get his name in front of the right people and make sure he gets the opportunity he deserves.”

With Spanky now a senior he wants to make sure to share advice to younger players who look up to him. “Be yourself and be confident in everything you do,” says Spanky.

Wildwood is gearing up for a big season ahead. The Wildcats start the season against Marathon High School on Friday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. at Wildwood Middle High School.

Photo Credit – Coach Woulard