“I wanted to have the first official high school sports theme song in our nation’s history,” proclaimed Cathedral High School senior Tevin Studdard.
The 17-year-old smiled warily, yet was full of confidence while explaining the meaning behind his inspiration for composing and recording the rap songs “Irish Nightmare” and “Pre-game.” Both songs were written in regards to the Cathedral Fighting Irish football team, of which the Indianapolis native plays linebacker.
Studdard’s goal is now his reality. According to Studdard he will go down in history for having the first original songs for a high school sports team. “Irish Nightmare” was first debuted at this school year’s homecoming game.
“Irish Nightmare” is an up-tempo song that gets the players adrenaline running and prepared to aggressively play football. “Pre-game” is a remix of “Irish Nightmare” which mentions NFL commissioner Roger Goodell along with local professional athletes such as Indiana Fever All-Star Tamika Catchings and Colts Pro-Bowler Bob Sanders.
According to football coach Rick Streiff, “Irish Nightmare” started off as a motivating slogan to encourage the team to perform well before each game. Streiff said he would tell the team “lets go out there and be their nightmare – their Irish nightmare.”
“After I said that the kids eyes would light up and I guess (the slogan) just stuck,” explained Streiff. “Tevin has taken that and ran with it. We try to be family-oriented and he pulled everyone on the team and made them a part of it.”
Studdard wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the feat if he had not regained his niche sophomore year. He entered a poetry contest and later competed in a talent show. Studdard said he received a great vibe from the audience; currently he is receiving sentiment from people all over Indianapolis.
Frank Myers, a friend of Studdard’s, said the teen inspires him and is a prime example of someone having the ability too do anything – as long as they work hard.
“Tevin is the man,” said Myers. “I can see myself buying his CDs in the future. His freestyles are better than Lil’ Wayne’s and he’s just a great guy.”
According to Studdard he recorded both songs in “The Legendary” Mr. Kenny Washington studio. Washington has worked with artists such as Kirk Franklin, Omarion and Soulja Boy.
“I was speechless and just excited to go in the studio and record,” Studdard said. “Washington said I passed with flying colors the first time I stepped in the studio.”
Streiff says he has no doubt Studdard will make it.
“He has a tremendous passion for (rapping),” Streiff said. “Anytime you have a passion for something in life, you are going to accomplish it.”
