“I want to thank the football coaches, Athletic Director Tim Novotny, and the entire South Carroll Athletics Program for allowing me to be their sponsor and donor. I believe it when I say we have THE BEST introduction, program, and community in the state. Go Cavs!”
If you’ve attended a home game at any time over the past two seasons, you may have noticed a brand new tunnel in the end zone – providing hype and excitement for the player introductions on game night! The tunnel is only one generous contribution from Cavalier Alum Kyle Gavin, a member of Teams 48 & 49 who is now a fixture on the sidelines in a different capacity – dedicated Booster! We sat down with Kyle to discuss what led to his return to South Carroll as a sponsor.
As an Alum of both the Cavalier football and baseball programs, what are your memories of your time at South Carroll?
South Carroll has always been rooted in tradition, and I was lucky enough to be a part of history. On the football field, we made the state playoffs twice. I was a part of 2 county championships, a regional championship, and we were state semi-finalists. I was also grateful enough to play alongside my brother, (Coach) Chris Gavin and watch him break the Carroll County single season rushing record in 2014 which still holds today. On the diamond, I helped guide my team in 2015 to a county championship, regional championship as well as a state semi-final appearance. My Junior year of high school, I was a regional champion in both sports, which has always been memorable.
I thank all of my coaches for pushing me to be successful and strive to be better which helped me to the next level, playing baseball at McDaniel College.
In addition to the tunnel, Kyle donates his time on away game evenings helping to transport the team’s equipment to and from the school in his company’s branded moving truck. To add to that, Kyle has established a scholarship that has been awarded in 2022 and 2023, ‘The Kyle Gavin w/ VSells & Associates of Compass SC Football Program Scholarship,’ awarded to the player who best exemplifies academic excellence, leadership within the football program, and athletic accomplishment.
What if any experiences stick with you to this day helping to shape the person you’ve become?
Losing. Obviously, nobody likes to lose a game. What is more tough is being one win away from the big game and falling just short? Losing to me builds character and makes you stronger. You learn to pick yourself back up. You learn to lean on your teammates, coaches, family and friends when things don’t go your way. You will have many losses in life, but to me, how you handle a loss is most important. You take a step back and ask yourself what can I do now to be better the next time, and trust me the next time, you will be better.
What advice would you have for current high school athletes in general, or this year’s seniors specifically?
To all athletes, embrace the moment. Since coming back into the South Carroll Athletics community, I have realized there is nothing you want more than to play one more down, pitch one more pitch or play one more minute in front of your community. The memories you are creating today will be talked about with your peers forever. Embrace it.
What prompted you to want to help sponsor the football program?
Giving back to the community is a huge part of my business. South Carroll is my home. Carroll County is my home. I have lived here for 25 years and have grown so many memories within the South Carroll Community. I remember the varsity team running out of the inflatable helmet years before I was even at South Carroll. I thought to myself “wow, I want to be on that field one day”. While playing, the feeling of running out of the inflatable helmet, looking at the packed stands on a Friday night is unmatched. I knew I wanted to give the program, players, students and fans something to talk about and memories to be made.
