Jordan McCallum Named Delta Dental Athlete of the Week

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 13:41 GMT by The Burlington Free Press
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Vermont High‑School Athlete of the Week: Delta Dental Champion Shines on the Gridiron

The Burlington Free Press, in its latest “Varsity Insider” feature, spotlighted the standout achievement of Jordan “Jordy” McCallum, a senior running back for the Williston High School Wildcats, who has been honored as the Delta Dental Athlete of the Week for the state’s high‑school football program. The award—presented in partnership with Delta Dental of Vermont—recognizes the athlete who has not only delivered exceptional on‑field performance but also exemplified sportsmanship, leadership, and academic excellence over the course of the season.

Who is Jordy McCallum?

McCallum is a 6‑foot‑1, 210‑pound senior who has been a central figure in the Wildcats’ offense since his sophomore year. Beyond the football field, he is a dual‑major student in Biology and Spanish, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while balancing a demanding schedule of varsity practice, community service, and study sessions. The article emphasizes his “composure under pressure” and his habit of mentoring younger teammates, describing him as the “glue” that holds the offensive line together.

The Season in Numbers

During the 2025‑2026 season, McCallum amassed:

• 1,245 rushing yards – the most in the league
• 18 rushing touchdowns – leading the state
• 3.1 yards per carry – ranking 3rd statewide
• 5 receptions for 110 yards – demonstrating versatility

The Wildcats, coached by Coach Marcus "Mack" Thompson, finished the season with a 9‑1 record, securing the top seed in the Vermont State Championship playoffs. The article notes that McCallum’s performance was pivotal in the Wildcats’ 42‑21 victory over the reigning state champions, the Montpelier Trojans, in the semifinals.

The Delta Dental Award: What It Means

Delta Dental’s “Athlete of the Week” award recognizes one high‑school player across the entire state who has exhibited outstanding athletic achievement combined with exemplary character and community involvement. The award is presented during the weekly “Varsity Insider” segment on the Burlington Free Press website and is often accompanied by a plaque, a stipend for the athlete’s school, and a feature in the weekly newspaper.

McCallum’s receipt of the award was highlighted as a culmination of “years of hard work, disciplined practice, and an unwavering commitment to both the team and his studies.” The award also underscores the Delta Dental Foundation’s investment in promoting healthy lifestyles among youth and supporting local sports programs.

Coaching Perspective

Coach Thompson praised McCallum’s “leadership in the trenches” and his “ability to read defensive schemes,” noting that his maturity on the field set a standard for younger players. “He doesn’t just run the ball,” Thompson said. “He knows where to position the line, where to block, and how to adjust in real time.” Thompson also highlighted McCallum’s involvement with the school’s Health and Wellness Club, which runs free nutrition workshops for students—an initiative that aligns closely with Delta Dental’s mission.

Student‑Athlete Insight

In an interview, McCallum reflected on his experience: “Winning the Delta Dental award feels amazing, but it’s a reminder that football is a team sport. I wouldn’t have reached this point without my teammates, my coaches, and the community that supports us.” He also credited his older brother, Tyler McCallum, who played wide receiver at the University of Vermont, for instilling in him the importance of discipline and balance.

McCallum expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming state championship game, noting his focus on a “balanced offense” that will test the Trojans’ defensive front. He added, “I’m proud of the team, but the real story is how we’ve grown together. That’s what this award means to us.”

Academic and Community Contributions

The article devotes a section to McCallum’s academic achievements and community outreach. As a member of the varsity cheerleading squad, he has contributed to fundraising efforts for the “Kids and Kittens” shelter, raising over $2,500. In the classroom, McCallum is part of the Science Olympiad team that placed second in the state, underscoring his well‑rounded profile.

Delta Dental’s involvement extends beyond the award itself; the foundation sponsors several health‑related initiatives at Williston High, including free dental screenings for students and educational seminars on oral hygiene. McCallum’s recognition therefore carries a dual significance: a nod to his personal accomplishments and a testament to the partnership between the school and Delta Dental in promoting student well‑being.

The Broader Context: Vermont High‑School Football Landscape

The Burlington Free Press article places McCallum’s award within the broader Vermont high‑school football scene. It mentions the rise of the Williston program under Coach Thompson, the competitive balance between traditional powerhouses like Montpelier and the emergent dominance of smaller schools such as Burlington‑East. The author also links to an earlier feature that examined the 2024 state champion team, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the state’s evolving competitive dynamics.

Moreover, a side note in the article references Delta Dental’s new initiative aimed at encouraging youth participation in sports by offering discounted memberships and free sports equipment to low‑income families. The partnership with the Burlington Free Press ensures that these programs receive local media coverage, thereby broadening their impact.

Final Takeaway

Jordan McCallum’s designation as the Delta Dental Athlete of the Week reflects a blend of athletic excellence, academic prowess, and community engagement that exemplifies the ideals of Vermont high‑school sports. The Burlington Free Press’ coverage offers an in‑depth look at how individual achievement interweaves with school culture, community support, and corporate partnership to create a narrative that goes beyond statistics and into the heart of what it means to be a student‑athlete in Vermont.

For anyone following the 2025‑2026 high‑school football season, McCallum’s story is a compelling reminder that success on the field is amplified when it is rooted in character, dedication, and a supportive network—a lesson that extends well beyond the gridiron.