SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — A group of standout young athletes was recognized during Effingham County Board of Commissioners Aug. 5 meeting.
The board issued a proclamation honoring members of Effingham County Sports and Recreation Services’ Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) 2025 state champion softball team and state track meet finalists. Aug. 9 was officially declared “Effingham Champions Day.”
After County Clerk Stephanie Johnson read the proclamation, the athletes joined commissioners behind the dais for a group photo.
The softball team, which defeated host Jackson County 20-0 in the July 26 title game, included Marin Brooks, Lakelyn Carpenter, Sutton Chapman, Reagan Holton, Makinley Johnson, Maelynn Sarver, Allison Smith, Eva Stahl, Avery Wiley and Avery Williams. The team was led by coaches Josh Smith and Skip Wiley.
The track team, which competed in Jackson County on April 25–26, featured the following athletes:
Mason Blicha – 10U boys 400-meter run, state runner-up; 800-meter run, state runner-up
Joshua Reason – 12U boys standing long jump, third place
Kira Rhett – 10U girls 200-meter run, fourth place; 400-meter run, fourth place
Nahla Francis – 8U girls softball throw, fifth place
Aubrey Knight – 10U girls running long jump, sixth place
Nolan Minshall – 12U boys 800-meter run, sixth place
Brynn Howard – 8U girls 800-meter run, seventh place
The athletes were coached by Assistant Director of Sports and Recreation Services Raymond Hines.
Director Ronald Smith thanked the athletes’ parents for their support and contributions to the teams’ success. He also expressed appreciation to the board.
“We are very fortunate to have a commission and county government that supports local athletes and the recreation program,” Smith said.
