By Caleb Thomas

Troy football kicker Scott Taylor Renfroe has known Troy’s new baseball player Drew Nelson for as long as he can remember.

Renfroe and Nelson grew up together, won state championships in multiple sports together at Pike Liberal Arts High School in Troy, Alabama, and pushed each other to be better in all areas of life. Nelson, a left-handed pitcher who played his first two years of college for Auburn, is transferring to Troy for baseball this season.

“I owe so much to Drew,” Renfroe said. “He always pushed me in kicking and I pushed him in baseball.”

“We always did something together and there was a lot of competition.”

Renfroe recalls a memory from 10th grade when Nelson, his placeholder, said something that has stuck with him ever since. He missed a kick and criticized Nelson for his grip.

Troy native Scott Taylor Renfroe is Troy’s returning field goal kicker.

“He just looked at me and said, ‘Hey, dude, you’ve got to execute and make the kick,'” Renfroe said. “I’ll never forget him reminding me that I was good enough to make any kick he made.”

“That’s the kind of support we have for each other. I was convinced he would knock out any opponent who tried to punch, and he was convinced I would make any kick.”

Nelson said Renfroe was part of his decision to transfer to Troy.

“Having Renfroe in Troy made it easier,” Nelson said. “I know I’ll have friends and family around me and someone to help me heal.”

Both mentioned that it was their dream to play at the same school.

“We’ve been saying since freshman year of high school that we would play for the same team in college,” Renfroe said. “Now that it’s a reality, I’m super excited.”

Troy native Drew Nelson is a pitcher at Auburn. (Photo courtesy of Auburn University Athletics)

However, their friendship goes beyond sports. Their parents have known each other since high school and the families have grown closer over the years.

“We raised our children together and are really good friends on many levels,” Al Renfroe, Scott Taylor’s father, said of the Nelsons. “We have always been able to trust that they have the same expectations and values ​​as we do, and that has led to a strong relationship.”

Drew’s father, David, says he is happy to have Drew return to his hometown.

“I tried my best not to influence his decision, but I’m glad to have him back,” David Nelson said. “Both my wife and I went to school in Troy and we’re excited about how far the baseball program has come.”

“It was great to watch them both grow and see them accomplish the goals they set for themselves,” Al Renfroe said. “It’s not common for middle schoolers to sacrifice their weekends to train together, but (Scott Taylor and Drew) both worked hard and accomplished these things.”

Their friendship goes beyond sports, as Scott Taylor and Drew have grown together in all areas of life.

“Scott Taylor and Drew are both godly young men with great character,” said David Nelson. “It’s been great to see them encourage and hold each other accountable over the years.”