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Broken arm, gender not obstacles to football player
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Shermaree Pitts (right) lines up as a defensive end in Thursday's game at the Effingham County Recreation and Parks Department. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

SPRINGFIELD -- Even though Shemaree Pitts suffered a broken arm in her youth football debut, the injury didn't break her spirit.

Pitts, an 11-year-old Effingham County Middle School student, still yearns to block and tackle for the Wildcats, her 12-and-under Effingham Parks and Recreation Parks Department team. Her desire to play is so strong that she played on the defensiveline Thursday night in the Wildcat's first game since she was hurt.

"I like to hit people," she said after her team topped the Blue Jackets 18-0.

Pitts recevied an apprehensive OK to play football after conferring with Clarence Morgan, director of the Effingham Coiunty Recreation and Parks Department.

Having seen her excel in other sports, Morgan was confident Pitts could hold her own. Now others, including her mother, are getting on board.

See the Oct. 4 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.