The Polaroid Podcast with Michael Codrington

Episode 21 (62): James Lewis Jr.

James Lewis Jr., affectionately known as Jlew ventured to Andover Massachusetts in the Fall of 2016 to better himself. As a basketball player, as a student and most importantly as an individual. Hailing from Mt. Holly, North Carolina, James comes from a family-oriented background with strong morals and electric hoops. Originally doubling as a football and basketball player, as he transitioned to High school Lewis focused on the latter. His 6’1 frame needed some filling out to say the least, but he had the mentality from day one. Bully Ball. James began morphing into a walking double- double while competing through nagging injuries. Every so often, it seemed to be something. His Senior year at Northside Christian he enjoyed to the tune of 16 points and 12 boards a game, but again missed many games with injuries. Despite having a litany of offers and interest, he bet on himself going prep. It was there where we would cross paths, and he would put together a magnificent 18/11 season. He lead a talented Andover team in scoring and helped gut out a big win over NEPSAC AA Worcester Academy. The fruits of his labor materialized in a scholarship to Chattanooga and a #78 ranking in all of New England(NERR). His Freshman season saw instant success, starting nearly every game for the Mocs. He transferred to Appalachian State, where after a redshirt season played 4 strong years. In 2021, the Mountaineers were victorious in the Sun Belt Conference and had a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Although he entertained a contract overseas, James opted for a job offer where he can utilize his degree in computer information systems. Lewis Jr. secured both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Appalachian State. Recorded: 12.16.24

Episode 20(61): Mi-ah Watkins

Current sport scientist at the university of Nebraska Mi-ah Watkins stopped by the Pod! Mi-ah and I are former teammates (during the 2018-19 season) and both share New York ties. The oldest of 3, Watkins remembers often undergoing trial by fire. Mi-ah was heavily involved in sports growing up, particularly enjoying gymnastics before specializing in track and field. Mi-ah joined a loaded throws group in the Fall of 2015, redshirting to focus on the hammer throw. She fondly recalls her conference championships in 2017, where she grabbed a bronze medal. Despite larger team dramatics at the time, which were indicative of the changes to come, Watkins was among those who grabbed hardware. Mi-ah put together a string of strong performances over her final two years, including a then- school record in the weight throw in 2018. After graduating with a B.S. in human performance, Watkins struggled with direction. She spent some time enrolled in a masters program at VCU, before realizing that it did not align with her interests. Mi-ah was able to immediately get into coaching, but it wasn’t her day job. She worked and worked… and worked. Eventually, she was able to intern at William and Mary, getting an up close look at her future career. Watkins reflects on the management of the athletes and the tracking of progress; the marriage of analytics and expertise. Her time there ,under former Howard S&C coach O’mary, helped her realize that there was a seat at the table with her name on it. Watkins received her masters degree in exercise science, and continued to accrue knowledge and experience. She made stops at Maryland and most recently UCONN, working with various teams. All roads led Watkins to Lincoln Nebraska, where she currently works with the Olympic sports at the University. Mi-ah is blazing her own trail, prioritizing her work and her players. Thank you to her for rapping with us and thanks to you all for listening!!! Recorded: 8.8.24

Episode 19(60): Chase X Drewery

Chase is Maryland to the bone, spending time in Waldorf and Laurel both. He even spent some time at DeMatha Catholic. Despite eventually transferring, he fondly remembers his time there. He forged invaluable connections and began creating and editing his own skits. He crossed paths with other creators who he was able to work closely and collaboratively with. His biggest takeaway: DIY. Create for yourself and opportunities will hopefully arise. That’s exactly what happened for Chase X, as he played pivotal roles in the Wolfgraphic made Netflix Dreams, released in 2020-21. Drewery received two acting credits in 2022, wilding different projects that each uniquely contributed to his skill set. Off to college in the Fall of 2021, Chase was far from your normal college freshman. He was already a standout on the jumps runway(s) to this point, and had entered with a rare class. They not only boasted Drewery, who would become a conference champion and school record holder as a freshman, but each of the other 3 jumpers would go on to become conference champions themselves. His aforementioned record jump was a collegiate coming out party for Drewery, who this past season was a regional qualifier. He is eager to prepare for his final season, where he hopes to go out with a bang. How does Drewery maintain an acting career you might ask? One day at a time. Chase tells a priceless story about being called in to reshoot for Power Book II: Ghost during regionals. Despite having to actually be in two places at once, he made it work. You can find Chase on the mid-season finale of the hit TV show. Chase has a phenomenal future ahead of him, and he takes the cake for best end of show questions! Take a shot everytime I say obviously 🙂‍↕️ Recorded: 7.23.24

Episode 18(59): Dylan Beard

This time last year, Dylan Beard was fresh off of his first professional victory. Having closed the book on a decorated 7 year collegiate track career, Beard now entered the professional ranks. He qualified to represent the USA at the Pan- American games in the 110h. This early success was indicative of the growth that Beard would continue to make in the sport. Despite not making the NCAA finals during his last year at Howard, Beard ran 13.31,13.43(x2) and 13.29(+3.6w), his fastest times yet. Upon graduation, Dylan was able to find an opportunity to train professionally in North Carolina. Luckily, he has some family in the area that make up his support system. But financially, Beard was not signing a Shohei Ohtani level contract. He has still be grinding 5 days a week at Walmart, training and running when the opportunities present themselves. One such opportunity was a slot at the famed Millrose games in February. Beard lined up against world champion medalists, NCAA champions and Nike and Adidas sponsored athletes. None of that seemed to matter, as he shattered the facility record in 7.44 for a win in the 60h. The victory helped propel Beard to new heights within the sport, appearing on TV and publications such as flotrack. Leading up to trials, Beard ran a 13.10 pb , a time that only Grant Holloway had run faster than at the time. Dylan thoughtfully recounts his trials experience this past year, and will continue his season on the professional circuit. He has reached a lucrative deal with Walmart that will allow him to continue following his dreams on the track, and Dylan Beard is certainly a name to look out for at the 2025 World Championships. Recorded: 7.17.24

Episode 17 (58): Ozioma Scott

Ozioma Scott was born and raised in Guyana before moving to the Bahamas. She details her childhood with fond memories and blue skies. Her childhood also included an 8U championship on the track. Despite being a small island, this was clearly an indicator of greatness. She did not dedicate much focus towards track in high school and instead, was focusing on ways to pay for school. It just so happened that that avenue for Scott was the Howard track team, during the first year of Coach Oliver’s tenure. Timing is everything. Had Scott tried to walk-on to the team in say,2024, with her PR of 65 seconds, the chances of her making the roster would be slim to none. But she got to work that Fall, joining the 200/400 training group “G2”. They were notorious for their grueling workouts, but Scott had the will to stay. Not just stay, but thrive. Scott established herself as a mainstay on the 4x400 relay, running the 1st leg for nearly 5 years. In February of 2020 during Scott’s Junior year where she served as G2 captain, the relay stepped to a runner-up finish at conference. It was a marker of greatness to come. During the bulk of the pandemic, Scott was back home in the Bahamas. She returned during the 2021 “Covid season” to once again lead the 4x400 on their campaign. The program was making impressive strides, with more regional qualifiers than ever. Scott herself doubled up at regionals with the 400m open and relay. They ran their fastest all season, and took an 11th place finish into nationals. Scott gives her perspective of not being able to run at nationals due to a personal issue, the feelings associated, and how she took those feelings into her 5th and final year. Regardless, Scott and co. were all-Americans with an expectation to return in 21-22. Not only did the four go on an unheralded run which included a big win at Texas relays, but each member had illustrious individual moments. Scott herself made the finals at regionals, running a lifetime best sub-53 time. Off the track, Scott is leaving Howard with two degrees. She earned her masters during an 18 month accelerated program, and balanced graduate school with track for the beginning portion. Scott is also currently undertaking an innovative business venture with her brother, in which they are offering plant-based fruit snacks to the public. Though obviously an athlete can benefit from this greatly, the average person will feel better and more energized when eating cleaner. Perfect for on the go! She has gone into business with her older brother, and you can find more on their instagram page @tropittwists Thank you to Ozi for stopping by the Pod!! Recorded:5.6.24