Three Indians Sign to Compete at the Collegiate Level

Three Vidalia High School student-athletes took the next big step in their academic and athletic careers on Monday, signing letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level. Cash Driggers and Emily Kicklighter are headed to the University of West Georgia to run track and cheer, respectively, while Kalli Jo Roberson signed to cheer for Georgia Southern University.

Cash Driggers

Driggers leaves behind a distinguished legacy for the Vidalia cross country and track programs. His tenure includes two All-Region selections in cross country, an All-State nod, and four team Region Championships. He notably broke a 50-year barrier by becoming the first VHS runner to clock under 17 minutes in a 5k cross country race. Alongside holding several school records, Driggers also placed in multiple events at the state level. Coach Mandy Godbee highlighted his resilience and leadership throughout his high school career, 'He has had some bumps, but has never backed down from the challenge,' Godbee said. 'He has stepped up for this team and his teammates over and over again. We have asked a lot of him and he has just come through for us, and he has done it all with a smile on his face. He has set the standard here at VHS.' Driggers expressed gratitude as he prepares for the transition to Division 1 competition, 'I feel good about today. This is a great opportunity for me and I'm thankful God gave me this chance,' Driggers stated. 'I look forward to going to compete at a Division 1 level, and I thank Coach Bailey at West Georgia. I know I am going to have to work for it and I am going to give it my all. I have to thank my Lord Jesus, my parents for all they have done, they have done so much, to all my coaches at Vidalia, especially Coach Godbee. She will push you harder than you thought you could be, but it makes you better.'

Emily Kicklighter

Kicklighter heads to West Georgia with an impressive resume built across Game Day, Competition, and Sideline cheer. She is a two-time State Champion in Game Day Cheer, a four-time All-Region selection, and a two-time recipient of the Coach Award. Coach Ann Michelle Toole praised her composure and relentless drive to improve, 'Emily has worked tirelessly, and has traveled many miles working on her skillset,' Toole noted. 'She has made this a better program and has made the rest of the girls better on the team. She is a great representative of this school, and is a very composed young lady. She is very driven, and is joining a team that she will thrive in at West Georgia.' For Kicklighter, joining a top-tier collegiate program is the culmination of years of dedication, 'I am feeling really great. After cheering for 12 years, to know that I am going to be a part of the #1 team in the nation just means a lot,' Kicklighter said. 'Watching them compete just makes me want to work as hard as I can to be a part of the team. I want to thank my family for all of the hours and sacrifices, my brother for his support, and my coaches for all they have given to me over the years.'

Kalli Jo Roberson

Roberson will take her talents to Statesboro to cheer for Georgia Southern. Her high school career mirrors Kicklighter's success, featuring two State Championships in Game Day cheer and four All-Region selections. She has been a fixture in Game Day, Competition, and Sideline cheer while earning multiple team awards. Toole emphasized Roberson's vital role as a catalyst for the squad's overall energy and work ethic, 'She has a presence that has made this team better. She is our hype girl, just always full of energy,' Toole said. 'She was also the girl that pushed everyone to be better and to keep working hard. She has a great work ethic and I think that she will fit in great at Georgia Southern.'

Roberson reflected on the path that led her to signing day and her future with the Eagles, 'I am very excited and very grateful to be signing to cheer,' Roberson stated. 'This has been a long journey to decide where I was going to be, but I think that this is where the Lord wants me to be, and I look forward to this opportunity. I want to thank Coach Toole for making me who I am today. She has pushed me to be better and I am thankful for her. I want to also thank my family for all of their support over the years.'

Emily Kicklighter will be cheering for the University of West Georgia.Photo by Mike Branch

Kalli Jo Roberson will be heading to Georgia Southern to cheer for the Eagles.Photo by Mike Branch