Behind the Blaze

Crew: Simon Soundara, Thomas Stewart, Brayden Edmondson, Cait Salerno

Recorded and edited by Simon Soundara.

Host: Coach Brad Frasier Players: Kenny Colon and Jonah Brown Camera Operators/Audio: Thomas Stewart Beck Seadorf

In this special Basketball Edition, we sit down with Assistant Coach Isaiah Phillips and Senior Basketball Players C.J. McDonald, Garrison Eady, Dyson Elam, and Christian Johnson.

In this exciting episode of "Behind the Blaze," host Coach Malek Holman sits down with Rodney Irvin, a three-year starter for Blackman High School's football team. Rodney shares insights from their recent game against Brentwood, his personal goals for the season, and what it means to play his last first home game. He also delves into his journey from starting football in North Carolina to becoming a key player at Blackman, and his plans for the future. Tune in to hear about his preparation, leadership, and the impact of his coaches. Don't miss out on Rodney's reflections on his growth over the years, his strategies for the upcoming game against Lewis Creek, and his aspirations beyond high school. Whether you're a football fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with inspiration and excitement!

Welcome to the first episode of the new season of "Behind the Blaze" with Coach Malek Holman and Coach Josh Cunningham. This episode features an in-depth interview with senior linebacker Ethan Carson as he prepares for his final season at Blackman High School. Ethan shares his goals for the 2024 season, including proving doubters wrong after a challenging previous year. He discusses his commitment to Harvard, his focus on football, and his personal growth both on and off the field. Ethan also talks about the bond with his teammates and the influence of his coaches on his development. Get an insider's view of the team's preparation, the lessons learned from last season, and the excitement building up to their first game against Brentwood High School. Join us as we kick off the season with a deeper understanding of the players, their aspirations, and the team dynamics that drive Blackman Blaze. Don't miss out on this exciting start to the season! Go Blaze!

Welcome to Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School. I'm Justin Smith, the principal at Blackman. This episode is packed with announcements for parents and students for the week of August 19th through August 23rd. Parents, we had a fantastic first week of school. Students are settling into their routines and class schedules. We've also launched a Blackman High School Facebook page to keep you updated. Please ensure you complete the online data verification for your students in Skyward. Don't forget to sign and return the Rutherford County Schools Visitor Code of Conduct. Additionally, the federal free and reduced lunch program remains available to all families who qualify. Student laptop distribution is complete. If your student missed it, please have them visit the library. Remember to charge the laptops nightly. A protection plan is available for $20. Thank you for your cooperation with traffic flow. Only buses should drop off and pick up in front of the school. Car rider drop off is at the gym entrance only. Mark your calendars for our fall sports events, including volleyball, soccer, and our first varsity football game this Friday at Brentwood High School. Students, there are several club meetings this week, including the First Priority Club, BHS Chess Club, Blaze Buddies, and an HOSA interest meeting. Pizza and snacks are back at Dante's Snack Shack, and parking passes will be on sale starting Monday. Yearbook Picture Day is Wednesday, August 21st. The Blackman High School eSports team will have an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 20th. Congratulations to the Lady Blaze soccer team on their tie against Oakland. Thank you, students and parents, for making Blackman High School a great place to be. Have a wonderful week, and as always, go Blaise!

Welcome to Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School, hosted by Principal Justin Smith. This week, we kick off the new school year with essential announcements for parents and students for August 12th through August 16th. Parents, we appreciate your efforts in preparing your students for the new school year. Stay informed with our weekly podcast, school-wide emails, and phone messages. Follow our new Facebook page for the latest updates, and complete the online data verification in Skyward if you haven't already. Important reminders include the Rutherford County Schools Visitor Code of Conduct, the federal free and reduced lunch program, and student laptop distribution. Traffic guidelines and safety protocols for drop-off and pick-up are also highlighted. Students, don't miss out on club meetings and activities. Beta Club, First Priority Club, Blaze Buddies, and the eSports team have upcoming events. Enjoy pizza and snacks from Dante's Snack Shack and Sketch It Up, opening soon. Congratulations to the girls' soccer team for their victory against Smyrna. Support the Lady Blaze soccer team at home games, and consider volunteering as an announcer. Chess enthusiasts can join the Chess Club starting this Wednesday. Thank you for tuning in to Ignite. We look forward to keeping you informed throughout the school year. Go Blaze!

Welcome to this engaging episode of Behind the Blaze podcast where we unearth the infinite potential and opportunities offered by the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. Learn how JROTC, far from being a military recruitment program, plays a crucial role in the character development of its participants. Hear from participants on how it offers avenues for a variety of career paths and builds lifelong skills. Also, discover the team spirit and camaraderie cultivated through various extracurricular activities and competitive events organized by the program. Dig deeper into the often misunderstood aspect of the physical training (PT) with a high-ranking cadet. Get a first-hand account of fun activities designed not only to foster physical agility but also to inspire team building and enjoyment within the squad. Enjoy a grand account of the prestigious annual Military Ball, a spectacular event where cadets interact with the corporate world, manage logistics and financials while inculcating the values of inclusivity and recognition. Not to forget, the crowning moment of becoming the Military Ball King! Counter your apprehensions by learning about the core objectives of JROTC and debunk the misconceptions. Explore how being part of JROTC is not about donning a uniform or direct military recruitment but is about seeking a life-enriching experience. Learn how the program caters to high school students seeking diverse life skills and experiences that are bound to impact their post-high school career and personal life. Lastly, get a peek into leadership transitions within JROTC and warm moments being shared between seniors and new staff. Get encouraged as the guests invite incoming recruits to join the JROTC family and discover the remarkable program that lies before them. Join us in this captivating exploration of JROTC's transformative journey "Behind The Blaze" and discover a world beyond the tactics.

Welcome to another episode of Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School. In this episode, we're happily welcoming students back on campus after spring break as we plunge into the final two months of the school year. Listen in as we take you through our announcements for the week of April 1st - 5th. Find out about our impressive jump in ACT scores and the upcoming important dates to mark on your calendars, including progress report release and EOC TCAP testing timelines. We also discuss the non-negotiable rule of uninterrupted testing sessions and share tips for parents to ensure their wards don't miss out on crucial exams due to appointments. A gentle reminder about the school closure on April 8th due to a district-wide eclipse watch concludes the parents' section. Students, listen up for opportunities to meet representatives from MTSU to facilitate you through the dual enrollment application and grant process. Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) representatives will also be available for their dual enrollment applicants. Details about coursework, the meeting with counselors about the application process, and the benefits of this program are all detailed in this segment. We wrap the episode with an announcement of the forthcoming HOSA meeting and a hearty welcome back note to students.  As always, Go Blaze!

Welcome to another episode of Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School, where we bring you all the latest updates and happenings straight from the principal's office. In this episode, we focus on the key events scheduled in the upcoming week. On Tuesday, March 12th, our 11th graders will be taking the all-important ACT, a significant milestone in their academic journey and a state requirement. While our junior students are engaged in the ACT, our 9th graders will be tackling their district benchmark exams in English Language Arts and Math. Additionally, our 10th graders won't be left out as they will be preparing for their CERT benchmarks to gain valuable insights for their forthcoming ACT test. In a bid to optimise our schedule, 12th graders will have the option of spending their day learning about real-world skills through an optional college day or a job shadow day. The fourth quarter initiates this week for all students, with the third quarter report cards being posted on Skyward come Friday. We further remind parents about the upcoming parent-teacher conference on March 18th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. We encourage all parents to book an appointment through the BHS website for this important event. Important announcements for this week include the success of our JROTC Blaze Battalion Drill Team in the Rutherford County Drill as well as the upcoming HOSA meeting. We'd also like to extend our congratulations to our students who excelled at the Technology Student Association's state conference. As always, we continue to encourage everyone's commitment to safety and following the prescribed procedures for student drop-off and pickup. Thank you for your continual support as we strive to give our students the best learning environment. Here's to a great week ahead at Blackman High and as always, Go, Blaze!

Welcome to another riveting episode of 'Behind the Blaze,' where we delve into the sweat and determination of the state wrestling championship journey. Coach Bowdy Boyce chats with leading wrestlers: Aslan Nadeau, Thomas Rubio, and Sebron Colson. Each lay bare their highs and lows, the grit and grind it takes to survive and thrive in this intense sport. Starting the conversation is 2023-2024 state champ Thomas Rubio, who outlines his challenging run from the start of the season to bagging the title amidst unexpected victories and defeats. He emphasizes the importance of smart wrestling and staying composed during the pressure-laden moments. Motivated by the prospect of improvement, Rubio continued to fine-tune his techniques throughout his journey, culminating in his victorious performance at the state championship. Next is Aslan Naidoo,, who shares his preparation and determination leading up to his third-place finish. He highlights the importance of treating each practice as preparation for the competition and the mental and physical toughness needed to keep pushing past limits. Naidoo also reflects on the invaluable lessons from wrestling that one can apply in life beyond the mat. Shifting gears, we hear from two-time state finalist Severin Colson, who despite not clinching the title, showcases an unwavering spirit and dedication to excellence. His journey echoes resilience, goal-setting, and camaraderie, reflecting that each wrestling bout is more than just a match—it is a testament to personal growth and commitment. Colson shares his plans for the future, valuing the lessons that wrestling taught him about exceeding his own limitations. Furthermore, the athletes offer insights on how they approached fending off academic stress, maintaining weight, and managing performance anxiety, underlining wrestling's quintessential nature of mental strength. Lastly, Rubio is back in the spotlight, speaking candidly about his training regime and future aspirations as a sophomore state champ. His unwavering resolve to perform better at the national level and aim for more state titles is a testimony to his exceptional dedication to wrestling. This episode isn't just about winning or losing. It vividly captures the essence of wrestling as a mental game where the will to persevere through adversities is a victory in itself.

In this week's episode of Ignite, the official podcast of Blackmon High School, principal Justin Smith recaps a successful weekend for the school's wrestling and basketball teams and provides reminders of upcoming school and extracurricular events. This week, Blackmon High School basks in its recognition as a Reward School for the State of Tennessee and honors the achievements of our boys' and girls' wrestling teams that saw twelve students qualify for the State tournament, including one State Champion. Our basketball teams had a victorious weekend and their journey continues in the next round of the region tournament. Extracurricular activities such as the spring musical and sport events are in full swing with our dedicated students practicing tirelessly for their respective season. Acknowledging our student's academic commitments, we discuss the scheduling of the ACT boot camp, an all-day event with follow-up workshops on following dates. We also draw attention to the Jason Foundation's presentation on suicide prevention, happening at our school auditorium in the evening. This week, a prom dress event was held for students in need this past Saturday and there will be a head start into Graduation season with cap and gown pictures being scheduled for our seniors. Important reminders include attention to parking lot safety and an advance notification about a no school day due to election on Tuesday, March 5th. We close off with student-specific announcements including club meetings, competitions and the upcoming blood drive. We thank students and parents for their continued co-operation and untiring efforts as we blaze towards another successful school week!

Welcome to the latest episode of the Ignite Podcast, the official channel for updates and celebrations from Blackman High School. Mr. Justin Smith, the principal at Blackman, brings you the latest announcements for the week of February 19th through February 23rd. In this episode, we celebrate Blackman High School's recognition as a reward school by the state of Tennessee. This elite academic award is a testament to the hard work of our teachers, staff, and students, as well as the support and investment of our parents. Highlighting other noteworthy accomplishments, we honor the success of our wrestlers, basketball teams, JROTC, and culinary arts team in their various competitions. Mr. Smith also applauds the individual efforts of our students who have made us proud. Diving into the announcements, Mr. Smith provides important updates about the ACT boot camps for juniors and sophomores, the rescheduling of a parent information session on suicide awareness and prevention, the guidelines for student drop-off and pickup, details about the career fair at Stewart's Creek High School, and more. For our students, information about Black History Month events, a free prom dress event in collaboration with Rachel's Closet, and the visit of Evita Arts and Sciences Institutes is shared. The episode wraps up with a hearty expression of gratitude towards all parents and students that are making Blackman High School a great place every day and wishing everyone a fantastic week ahead.

Welcome to the latest episode of Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School where you catch the latest school announcements and highlights for the week of February 12th through February 16th. This week, we celebrate the successes of our alumni and current students on the national and local stage, from Super Bowl feats to academic recognition and beyond. The Super Bowl saw a former Blackman student, Jawan Jennings, etch his name into the sports annals as only the second player in history to throw and catch a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. In fact, he was even on the shortlist for the Super Bowl MVP. Despite the outcome of the game, we are proud of his accomplishments, which brought a nationwide spotlight on Blackman high. Our students continue to shine, with the Varsity Co-Ed cheerleading squad finishing second in their national competition, our boys and girls basketball teams heading into district and region, and a notable mention to our students awarded the coveted Buchanan Fellowship at Middle Tennessee State University. Stepping into academics, we have a variety of updates. Note that our ACT Bootcamp signups continue for juniors, with remaining spots opening up to sophomores if available. This is a unique chance for students to receive substantial, subject-specific guidance to improve ACT scores from specialised BHS teaching staff, all at no cost. Remember to check your child's progress as we are at the halfway point of the third quarter. We also inform you of changes to our district events calendar, mainly the rescheduling of the Suicide Awareness and Prevention parent meeting initially marked for February 12th. Lastly, we remind all parents and visitors about the approved student pickup and drop-off areas. We reinforce that these areas are strictly the gymnasium and all others, specifically behind the school and in front of the school, are off-limits. For our students, several important events are coming up, including soccer tryouts and Black Student Union activities. Please pay careful attention to the meeting times and requirements for participation. Thank you, parents and students, for your continuous support and dedication to Blackman High School. Here's to a great week. As always, go Blaze!

Welcome to another exciting episode of Ignite! On this week's rundown from Blackmon High, we have crucial updates ranging from ACT readiness programs to upcoming school events. We are gearing up to start our winter CERT benchmark, a personalized ACT readiness program during our Impact classes. This program aims to help 10th and 11th graders maximize their ACT scores with tailored tools. We'll be running ACT boot camps on Saturday, March 2 and follow-up workshops from March 4-11 after school. Last year's boot camp helped students bump their scores above 21, and we're excited to welcome more students this year. Alongside our academic endeavors, we're also supporting our co-ed varsity cheerleading squad competing in the National Championships in Florida and celebrating Senior Night for our basketball team. There's also a band concert slated on Thursday and a soccer team parent meeting. This week marks the midway point of the third quarter, and progress reports will be available on Skyward. Parents, please remember to look out for the next district parent series focusing on Suicide Awareness and Prevention, held at Blackmon High on February 12th. On the student front, expect tryouts for soccer and softball, a German club meeting, and pre-selling Valentine candy grams by the school newspaper. And in recognition of Black History Month, our Black Student Union has an impressive lineup of activities that will be announced soon. Thank you for being an essential part of the Blackmon High community. As always, Go Blaze!

In this episode, we provide announcements for the week of January 29th to February 2nd. We discuss the happenings and opportunities for parents and students alike, including our EPSO (Early Post-Secondary Opportunities Night), registration of students for the coming year, and upcoming academic events. Parents are encouraged to learn more about how their children can earn college credit or industry certifications before leaving high school. We also provide details about the upcoming ACT boot camp on Saturday, March 2nd and the following after-school workshops on March 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get subject-specific help on improving their ACT score. Sign-ups are currently open on the school's website and priority will be given to Junior students. On Tuesday, January 30th, we will be holding our Homecoming event, with games against Riverdale at home and a special ceremony during halftime. Some special lunch options will be available during the day; however, this will be a cash-only event. In addition, we have some rescheduled basketball games, and we give a shout-out to our boys' and girls' wrestling teams. Lastly, we make a reminder for parents regarding drop-off and pick-up locations and safety measures, and we also announce some activities and meetings for the Spanish, Softball, and German clubs.