The nickname came from his father, but the legacy is becoming his own.
Around Putnam County, Bill Waters isn’t just known as a standout athlete — he’s “Ice Man,” a calm, composed competitor chasing one final goal that has steadily come into focus over the last three seasons: a state championship in the high jump.
After finishing sixth at state two years ago and third last spring, the senior has positioned himself within reach of the top spot. Now, in his final season, there’s no hiding what he’s after.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to win state,” Waters said.
What makes Waters’ rise even more impressive is how quickly it’s happened.
According to head coach Kedric Manning, Waters didn’t arrive as a polished track athlete. He arrived as a project.
“We got him around 10th grade. He had never done high jump before,” Manning said. “When he first came in, he was jumping maybe around six feet … around 6-foot-2.”
The progression since then has been dramatic.
Last year, Waters consistently struggled to clear 6-foot-4, but now, he owns the school record at 6-foot-6 — a mark he matched in his first meet this season.
“He’s been working really, really hard,” Manning said. “He’s come a long way, learning how to channel his energy, stay focused on the task at hand.”
High jump is equal parts technique, timing, and mental toughness, something Waters has learned to embrace.
“It’s a love-hate relationship,” he admitted. “There are days where it’s like, ‘Man, I don’t feel like doing this,’ but you’ve got to come in and be ready.”
If there’s one thing that defines Waters, it’s his mentality.
Miss a jump? Reset. Miss again? Refocus.
“Next play. Next jump,” Waters said. “Everything’s not going to go right the first time … but you always got another try. You never give up.”
That approach has helped transform him from an inexperienced jumper into one of the program’s leaders.
“He was a phenomenal leader on the football field, but he’s an even better leader on the track,” Manning said.
This season has added another layer of difficulty, as Waters has been battling a nagging knee injury that has affected his explosiveness.
“It’s been hurting his extension and his lift,” Manning said. “We’re trying to limit his jumps and things like that.”
Even with the setback, Waters remains focused on the bigger picture.
“I’m really on recovery right now,” he said. “But as I go through the season, I’m pretty sure I’m going to win state.”
For Waters, a state title would mean more than just standing atop the podium.
“It’s going to be very emotional,” he said. “Knowing this is my last time running track for this school… knowing the legacy I’m going to leave behind.”
That legacy already includes a school record and a rapid rise through the state ranks. But there’s one piece missing.
And his coach knows it. “He’s not too focused on the region championship,” Manning said. “He wants a state championship very, very bad.”
As Waters heads into the postseason, the goal is pretty straightforward: stay healthy, stay sharp, and make the most of every jump.
Manning hopes that along the way, more opportunities open up at the next level.
“I just hope he starts getting some looks in track pretty soon, because he deserves it,” he said.
For now, Waters is keeping his options open, including a potential chance to continue his football career at Georgia Southern University.
But before any of that, there’s unfinished business on the runway.