By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
SEHS wrestling, cheerleading teams honored at the state capitol
SEHS wrestlers, game day cheer at Capitol
The South Effingham High School varsity wrestling team and the game-day cheer squad were invited to the Capitol last week to celebrate their second consecutive state championships in 2024. Pictured with both teams and coaches on the steps of the Capitol are State Rep. Bill Hitchens and Speaker of the House Jon Burns; Principal Dr. Torian White, ECSD Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford, board member Jan Landing and board chairperson Vickie Decker. (Submitted photo.)

By Donald Heath

Special for the Effingham Herald

 

Athletes push themselves to win state championships. Honors often follow as part of the prize.

South Effingham’s wrestling team and game-day cheerleading team have experienced back–to-back state titles and experienced something few champions see – recognition at their state capitol March 13.

The Mustangs teams had their special day in Atlanta.

“It was one of those things where I think all of us were in awe of all the attention we were getting,” SEHS wrestling coach Christopher Bringer said. “We’re ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

The Mustang teams were guests of State Rep. Bill Hitchens (R-Rincon), who read a proclamation in the chamber of the state house of representatives to honor the teams’ achievements. House speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) is a native of Effingham County.

South’s wrestling program won Class 6A dual titles in 2023 and 2024, then captured another championship during the traditional season, which ended in February.

Individually, Ashton Anderson won his second state crown in the 285-pound weight class and teammate Eli Wood claimed the title at 135 pounds.

The SEHS game-day cheer team won its first Class 5A/6A championship (for the 2022-23 school year) in February, 2023. The Georgia High School Association moved the team cheer season to the fall for the 2023-24 school year and the Mustangs again rose to top with a title in December, 2023.

Bringer said the teams had a chance to tour the state capitol building and go inside the house chamber to see the workings of government.

At the end, the teams posed for pictures on the steps.

County school board of education members Jan Landing and Vickie Decker along with school district superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford accompanied the teams.

It was a whirlwind week for the Mustangs wrestling team, which held its team banquet at the Ebenezer Retreat Center the night before on Tuesday (March 12).

Bringer said they left on a bus for Atlanta at 4 a.m. on Wednesday and returned home about 7 p.m.

It was a long day but special for the Bringer family. Coach Bringer’s wife Analyn is an assistant on the team and his sons Brandon “Moose” Bringer and Brayden “Bear” Bringer were keys to the 2024 team that posted a 37-0 record.

Last summer, the Bringer family went to Washington, D.C., on vacation and toured the US Capitol building.

Now, the unplanned tour.

“To be honored (at the state capitol), I think that’s a moment we’ll all never forget,” Bringer said.