
GRAY MILITARY ACADEMY









"To ALL my Coaches, Friends and new family in this great state of South Carolina. Thanks for the amazing southern hospitality and welcoming me as your own. This Virginia boy will never forget my experience here at Gray Military. I'm a better football player from the training I received but most of all I've grown as a Christian because of the coaches that have touched my life and have helped me with this part of my journey. You have now become my new extended family forever. I will stay in touch and never forget any of you. War Eagle!"
-Wide Receiver #11 DJ Myers
Former Player Feedback
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
-Isaiah 40:31
Born out of a men's bible study and inspired by the book and movie, The Blindside, GMA is a Post-Grad Christian-Military Prep School. Our number one goal is to get our student-athletes qualified and placed with the four year college or university of their choice. Our second goal is to help them obtain a scholarship. We are also going to raise the bar and standards to insure they are the very best that they can be. We are going to make sure they are going to be prepared physically, mentally and spiritually to make that jump to the next level. While at GMA our students will not only work to get the grades and test scores needed to move on, but they will also get the leadership, character education and life skills training to help them be successful in life as well. All in a Christian environment with the military structure and discipline to go along. Regardless of the win/loss records of our teams, our ultimate mission is to produce "Good Husbands, Good Fathers and productive Christian men."
We also offer an exceptional education for students who have unique learning styles. We can assist and educate students with a variety of learning disabilities which we know as differences. “Not everyone learns the same”. This means students-athletes who have ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia and the list continues, are all welcomed here.
Student enrollment may be for a minimum of 30 semester hours of college-level course work to earn the GPA required by the designed academic program at the receiving college. Other students may desire or need to earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree prior to transfer. While some students may need to complete their high school diploma or GED. Whatever academic track you are on, in most cases, we can design a program that is right for each student.
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Welcome to GrayMilitaryAcademy.org
Home
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
-Phil. 4:13

GMA Highlights & Benefits:
Academics
"Blessed is the man who keeps on going even when times are tough."
-James 1:12
To attend GMA simply fill out the enrollment application and email, fax or mail back to admissions along with your high school transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores if you have taken those test.
GMA offers three different academic tracks. 1.) Post-Grad Prep, for those students just needing a higher qualifing test score, 2.) Junior College track, for those needing to get transferable college classes or an associates degree in order to transfer, and 3.) Diploma/GED track for those students that are close, but need to finish high school.
While at GMA our student-athletes will not only work to get the grades and test scores needed to move on and move up, but they will also get the character education/life skills classes and training to help them be successful in life as well. We also offer an exceptional education for students who have unique learning styles. We can assist and educate students with a variety of learning disabilities which we know as "differences." “Not everyone learns the same."This means students-athletes who have ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia and the list continues, are all welcomed here!
Student enrollment may be for a minimum of 30 semester hours of college-level course work to earn the GPA required by the designed academic program at the receiving college. Other students may desire or need to earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree prior to transfer.
Email: admissions@graymilitaryacademy.com
Fax: 803-569-1425
Mail: Gray Military Academy
PO Box 3355
West Columbis, SC 29171

Admissions
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge him in all things and he will direct your paths."
-Proverbs 3:5-6
Contact Us: 866-531-7613
Fax: 803-569-1425
Email: admissions@graymilitaryacademy.com
Mailing Address:
Gray Military Academy
PO Box 3355
West Columbia, SC 29171
Tuition Contract
Financial
Breakdown
By clicking "Buy Now" you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the tuition contract.
GMA's tuition varies depending on which academic track you are on and whether or not you are a day student versus one that is full-time and requires room & board. Please contact a GMA adviser today to discuss which option best fits your needs and situation.
Payments can be made easy online below by using a debit or credit card.
Below is a PDF file of the 2012-2013 Tuition Financial Break-Down. Once accepted by Gray Military Academy, a $500 commitment fee is required to hold your spot in school and to lock down your roster spot on the team. This fee does go towards your tuition, however, it is a non-refundable fee if you decide not to attend Gray Military Academy for any reason. War Eagle! You can pay this fee below.
PAY TUITION INSTALLMENT HERE
Tuition & Fees
As a Competitor – Athlete, Coach or Fan, you are a skilled person. You have talents and abilities. You have expectations and deliver results. But for a Christian Competitor, being skilled is just the beginning.
A Christian Competitor aims to become like Jesus Christ - the greatest competitor of all time. He is the greatest competitor for the souls of men … the greatest champion to hang on the cross … the greatest teammate to lift up those around him … the greatest captain to build a lasting team.
If you want to play like Christ every time you put on your uniform, lace up your shoes or walk out of the locker room, then you are ready to sign The Competitor's Creed.
This is a Creed for Christians who want their love for sports to become evidence of their love for Christ. This is a Creed that declares your membership on TEAM FCA - the Team that wears the jersey of Jesus.
Gray Military Academy students will now have the opportunity to lease apartments at Riverside Apartments complex in Cayce, South Carolina. Riverside Apartments is very close to Gray's main campus.
Riverside Apartments are for college students only. They serve as housing for the University of South Carolina, Midlands Technical College, and Gray Military Academy. Riverside apartments offers many features and ammenties that will make your home away from home very comfortable. To view Riversides' website, click the logo below.

Student Life
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11
Please fill out enrollment application and email as attachment (link to the right) to Admissions at admissions@graymilitaryacademy.com or
fax to 803-569-1425.
If you are unable to make payment via paypal, print and mail back into us along with the application fee. Mail to PO Box 3355 West Columbia, SC 29171.
*Click the button below labeled Enrollment Application to view and print the document.*
Application
Board of Advisors
Board of Directors
President and Founder of Athlete Advantage, Coach Dorton has a unique blend of expertise both on and off the field. Having a coaching background coupled with successful business experience, Coach Dorton has the administrative abilities to run the
financial aspects of The Academy, and the player promotion expertise of his coaching background is what gives Gray Military athletes the best chance of getting to the next level. While coaching at Irmo High School in Columbia, SC, Coach Dorton noticed talented student athletes being overlooked in the recruiting process, so began promoting his own sons to college scouts. His oldest signed with Appalachian State and is currently playing for Emory & Henry while his younger signed as a two sport athlete with Stevenson University for football and lacrosse. Soon other players and sports followed.
Coach Dorton played football at Midlothian High, attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA., with a Physical Education/Coaching background. Before moving to South Carolina in 1994, he played Semi-Pro football for the Lynchburg Jaguars of the Mason Dixon Athletic Conference.
Coach Dorton has also founded and run several successful businesses in his career and has earned many honors and awards. The highest honor and achievement is being CEO of his own family: Married to Betsy for 25 years with three children; Nathan (22), Nolan (19) and cheerleading daughter, Nikki (18).
Business Administrator - Wes Dorton
Contact Info: Phone:803-361-3487; Email: wesdorton@athlete-advantage.net
COL(R) Jacobs began his military career in the United States Marine Corps in 1968. While serving in the Marines, he served as a rifleman in the 1st BN 9th Marine Corps Regiment in Viet Nam. After the Marines he attended York Technical College graduating in 1971 and went on to Winthrop University to earn his BS in Business Management in 1974 and Masters in Education Administration in 1977. He began his civilian career in 1974 teaching and coaching football at McCormick High School and served as an assistant coach at Union High School and Brookland-Cayce High School. He entered the South Carolina National Guard in 1977 and graduated from Palmetto Military Academy in 1981 and was commissioned a 2nd LT. In 1983 he became the Head Football Coach at Keenan High School and left in 1989 to become the Head Football Coach at Silver Bluff High School winning the 2A State Championship in 1990. On Saturday following the State Championship he was called to active duty as a Captain in the 251 Rear Area Operation Center in support of the XVIII Airborne Corps operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He returned to South Carolina and won the 2nd State Championship in 1991. He left Silver Bluff High School to be the Head Football Coach at Thomson High School in Thomson, Ga. He left Thomson in 1999 to be the Head Football Coach at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School and retired from teaching and coaching in 2003 when called to active duty as the Commander of the 51st Rear Area Operation Center in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 Taji, Iraq. He served with the First Calvary Division as the Camp Taji Mayor. At the end of his tour in Iraq he received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal and was promoted to Colonel. He was assigned as the Regimental Commander 218th (Leadership Regiment). After 8 months he asked to retire and was assigned to the Inactive National Guard and went to work as a contractor in Iraq for Kellogg, Brown, and Root. He was again called to active duty with the 218th BDE in the largest deployment of South Carolina troops since WW2. While in Afghanistan he opened and directed the COIN (Counterinsurgency Academy) and remained on active duty until passing the mandatory retirement date. For his efforts in the COIN Academy he received his second Bronze Star. Upon retirement he received the Legion of Merit and promotion to BG (Honorary). Since retirement he has worked as a defense contractor and been deployed in Qatar, Dubai, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Oman. COL(R) Jacobs is married to the former Madge Ramsey and they have 2 children (Dr. Ashley Gunter (MAJ John Gunter), Anna Schafer (Ed Schafer, JD) and 3 grandchildren William Gunter, Olivia-Grace Gunter and Harlan Schafer. They expect their 4th grandchild in December 2012.

Commandant - COL(R) - Butch Jacobs
Contact Info: Phone:803-606-9029; Email: bjacobs@graymilitaryacademy.com
Coach Rod Lorick has been named Athletic Director at Gray Military Academy. He has been with GMA since opening in 2011 with football duties as Tight Ends/Receivers Coach in 2011. In 2012 he continued his football duties as well as being promoted to Associate Athletic Director, helping with fundraising and day to day operations.
Coach Lorick was born and raised in Cayce-West Columbia, where he started his athletic career under his famous father Coach Carroll Lorick. He played his high school football at Brookland-Cayce high school and while at BC high, Rod went on to earn numerous honors. In football Rod was selected to All-Area, All-Region, All-State teams and his highest honors being reached his senior year when he was selected to the Shrine Bowl and a Blue-Chip All-American. After high school Rod signed with the University of South Carolina but was a Prop48 Student-Athlete and started his college career with Gardner-Webb University in 1988-1992. While in college Rod went on to have a successful career being named a Honorable Mention Little All-American in 1992 and participated in the NAIA National Championship Game. After college Rod went on to play 5 years of professional football making several stops,(1993-1994 NFL Practice Squads, Arena and 1995-1997 with the Carolina Cardinals of the NAFL).
Rod received his Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Art in Physical Education and was inducted into the BC High School Athletic Hall Of Fame in 2010. Rod also serves as an Ambassador for the Native American Indian Affairs Commission and was appointed by former governor Mark Sanford.

Athletic Director - Rod Lorick
Contact Info: Phone: 803-569-5452; Email: rlorick@graymilitaryacademy.com

Coach Helms led the War Eagles to an 8-3 record during their inaugural season of football. The season was highlighted by a win over the #1 ranked team in the country. He also has over twenty-five years of coaching experience and involvement in sports throughout the Midlands of South Carolina. He has coached at both the high school and college level and has worked numerous football combines (Nike, Rivals & SC Varsity) and college camps over the years. He has the unique background and experience as a business, military and civic leader as well. This combination gives him the leadership qualities that would be an asset to any program. Prior to going into coaching full-time, he had been a top sales producer in the business world and understands that just as sales is the "life blood" of any business, recruiting great players and coaches is the same to any sports program. He has served our country as a military leader for 27 years in the SC Army National Guard and US Army Reserves. He has honorably served during that time as an officer in military campaigns Desert Storm, Operation Nobel Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and was last mobilized in 2008 in support of the Global War on Terror. As a civic leader, Coach Helms was an elected official on the local school board. He also has served on several other boards and commissions in the Greater Columbia area and is a "Paul Harris Fellow" in the Rotary Club. He is a member of the Harvest Church in Lexington, SC and is married to the former Samantha Caulder of Saluda, NC. He is the proud father of five children. Kathryn (20), Tyler (18), Hunter (11), Caroline (2) and Virginia Ray (1).
CEO & President - Todd Helms
Contact Info: Phone: 803-569-8508; Email: thelms@graymilitaryacademy.com
Leadership
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© Gray Military Academy 2012
webmaster: nathandorton@athlete-advantage.net
