There’s Something in the Water: How Small Towns Produce Big-Time Athletes
In this blog from the Sore to Soaring Podcast, Coach Leo Young and guest Brannon Sneed explore how a single region in West Virginia produced multiple world-class athletes—including Randy Moss, Jason Williams, and Bobby Howard. It’s a deeper look at how environment, competition, and early exposure to greatness can shape young athletes long before the spotlight ever finds them.
FROM TRAINING TO TRIUMPH - WHAT MILITARY AND SPORTS TEACH ABOUT LEADING, WINNING, AND GROWING IN LIFE
Coach Leo Young
3/21/20252 min read
Some towns have a magic to them
Something in the air, the soil, or maybe even the water.
When I sat down with Brannon Sneed, General Manager of Peter Boulware Toyota, we reflected on his early years growing up in West Virginia, and how it seemed like an unusual number of elite athletes came from one tight-knit community.
We’re not just talking about good players—we’re talking about names that would later become legends.
Did you grow up with a freak athlete? Drop your response in the comment section of the video, we'd love to hear from you.
A Neighborhood of Future Stars
Brannon grew up attending elementary school with Randy Moss, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. His older brother was friends with Jason Williams, who would go on to become a crowd-favorite NBA star known for his flashy passes and fearless play. Add Bobby Howard, a future Notre Dame standout and NFL player, to that mix, and it becomes clear—this wasn’t just coincidence.
As Brannon put it, “There was something in the water up there.”
And he wasn’t wrong. It’s the kind of environment where competition breeds excellence, where iron sharpens iron, and where young athletes are exposed to high-level play early—sometimes without even realizing it.
What Makes These Communities So Special?
There’s something unique about small-town athletic culture. It's not about expensive travel teams or showcase tournaments—it’s about backyard games, neighborhood rivalries, and community-driven competition.
It’s where grit is developed, not just skill.
Where you learn to play with heart, not for highlights.
And where a kid can dream big because he's already seen what greatness looks like—right down the street.
This Is Why Early Exposure Matters
That’s exactly what we’re trying to replicate and elevate through Sore to Soaring—creating environments where young athletes are sharpened by strong peers, role models, and real developmental opportunity, regardless of zip code or budget.
Brannon’s story proves something we’ve always believed: you don’t need a big city to build big talent—you need the right environment and the right people.
Key Takeaways from Brannon’s Small-Town Experience
High-level competition can come from humble places
Environment and peer exposure shape athlete development
Community culture can build world-class discipline and drive
Mentorship, family support, and role models are critical at every stage
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Disclaimer:
The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned
If you wish to learn more about Brannon Snead’s work, visit Peter Boulware Toyota at: peterboulwaretoyota.com.
