On July 30, the Savannah Country Day varsity football team continued a special tradition that honors the life and legacy of former student-athlete Stuart “Stu” Sligh Jr. ’14.
Stu tragically passed away in a car accident in 2012, but his memory lives on through the Hornet football program. Every year, players and coaches gather to remember Stu and the five values he represented: Faith, Family, Character, Class, and Commitment.
Stu’s father, Stuart Sligh Sr., visited the team once again to speak about his son’s life, leadership, and impact. His words inspire the team and remind everyone of the importance of living with purpose, both on and off the field.
PHOTO: Stu’s father, Stuart Sligh Sr., visited the Savannah Country Day football team to share the inspiring story of his son, Stu Sligh Jr. ’14. The visit included the presentation of the honorary #5 jersey to senior Hayes Beaver Courtesy: Savannah Country Day Instagram page
Although Stu’s #5 jersey remains officially retired, the program allows one player each season to wear it in his honor. This player is chosen not only for their performance, but also for how they embody Stu’s values.
This year, first year head Coach Joey Blackmore announced that Hayes Beaver, Class of 2026, has been selected to wear the #5 jersey. Beaver follows in the footsteps of recent honorees Barton Mixon ’25 and John Neely ’22.
“To wear the number 5 in remembrance of Stu Sligh Jr. is, in my opinion, the highest honor at Savannah Country Day School,” said Coach Blackmore. “As coaches, we collectively agreed that Hayes Beaver will represent all that Stu stood for both on and off the field.”
Hayes Beaver was chosen because he demonstrates the qualities that defined Stu’s life. His leadership, work ethic, and character made him a clear choice to carry on the legacy, a responsibility he does not take lightly.
When asked about receiving the honor during the 5th Annual Optim Orthopedics/Prep Sports Report Football Media Day, Savannah Morning News reporter Dennis Knight posed the question that gave Beaver a chance to reflect on what wearing #5 truly means.
PHOTO: Savannah Country Day senior Hayes Beaver and Head Coach Joey Blackmore at the 5th Annual Optim Orthopedics/Prep Sports Report Football Media Day. Courtesy: Optim Orthopedics Marketing Director Matt Gemmill
“I’m not someone who defines myself by titles or awards, and that’s something that reflects the identity of our team,” Beaver said. “We don’t need outside recognition to believe in who we are. But this honor is different—I take it seriously. I’m incredibly blessed to receive it from Mr. Sligh and our coaching staff.
At the same time, I see it as a challenge, a challenge to better myself and the people around me by trying to live up to what Stu represented. There was only one Stu Sligh. He wasn’t just a great athlete—he was an incredible person, a leader, and a student.
Even though many of us didn’t know him personally, his legacy lives on with us. I just want people to understand: there will never be another Stu. But his impact is still very real in our locker room, and I’m going to do everything I can to honor that.”
The entire Savannah Country Day football program is proud to keep Stu’s spirit alive through this tradition, one that continues to guide the Hornet football on and off the field.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Savannah Country Day social medai pages and Optim Orthopedics Matt Gemmill Marketing Direcotr
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All football coverage sponsored by Optim Orthopedics!
From the gridiron to the hardwood, Optim Orthopedics stands tall as a dedicated supporter of high school athletes across Savannah. They're not just sponsors—they're game-changers, delivering top-notch medical care to nine standout schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic care, Optim Orthopedics fuels Prep Sports Report's basketball and football coverage. Because when the game's on the line, Optim Orthopedics gets you back in it!
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