The 2024 sports season has been one for the record books in Savannah, with local teams and athletes shining in various championships. Savannah's athletes showcased talent, perseverance, and teamwork from the wrestling mats to the track.
Wrestling Dominance at South Effingham
South Effingham Wrestling made headlines again by winning back-to-back state championships. Wrestlers Eli Wood and Aston Anderson claimed gold medals at the GHSA traditional wrestling tournament. In his fifth year of coaching, Christopher Bringer led the team intending to win the state title in both the duals and the traditional state championships – a goal they achieved.
St. Vincent's Academy Defends Swim Title
St. Vincent's Academy's 200-yard Medley Relay team continued their winning streak, capturing the GHSA State Championship for the second consecutive year. The team of Camryn Baraniak, Lilly Gayle Helton, Avery Nelson, and Ella Nelson defended their state title.
St. Andrew's School Freshman wins three Gold Swim Medals
Jossy Thompson won three gold medals at the GIAA championship for St. Andrew's School in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, and 100-meter butterfly.
Habersham Girls Tennis Three-Peat Boys Win State Doubles Title
The Habersham School girls' tennis team celebrated after winning the GAPPS Division I Tennis Girls State Championship for the third year in a row. The team finished the season with an impressive 16-2 record. The state champions were Faith Devey, Lucy Kelly, Anna Cadle, Georgia Reed, Betsy Kelly, Izzy Arvin, and Lindsey Norman.
The Habersham School also won the boys' doubles title, as seniors Hamilton Colley and Ike Barry went undefeated 19-0 this season.
Savannah Christian Girls Golf – Three in a Row
Savannah Christian's girls' golf team continued its dominance, winning its third consecutive state championship. After claiming the Class A title in 2022, the team went on to secure back-to-back 3A state titles in 2023 and 2024. The 2024 team members were Mary Miller, Ava Cottis, Rylan Hurd, and Charlotte Goodman.
Savannah Arts Academy and The Habersham School Cross Country Champions
The Savannah Arts Academy girls' cross-country team did it again, winning the GHSA state cross-country championship. This marks the second title won in the past three years. The team was comprised of Leah Nyce, Frances Tedder, Elle Harward-Grant, Laura Bennett, Ava Treece, and Morgan Irvine.
The Habersham School Varsity Girls' Cross-Country team won the GAPPS State Championship this season. The Patriots girls' cross-country team included Sadie McGarity, Gaby Kenard, Eliana Beckman, Holland Hogan, Zoie Hohnerlein, Ivy-Ann Hogan, and Lauren Beaumont.
Track and Field Excellence
Savannah area athletes earned gold at the GHSA state track and field meets, earning seven individual titles and one relay team gold. Notable performances include:
- Billy Cunningham (Richmond Hill) – Boys Long Jump (Class 7A)
- Coray Stafford (Jenkins) – Boys 100 Meter Dash (Class 5A)
- Benedictine 4x200 Relay Team – Class 4A (Jack Ganem, Stanley Smart Jr, Na'Seir Samuel, Chris Frazier)
- Jaidyn Hayes (Liberty County) – Girls Discus (Class 3A)
- Jadyn Singleton (Savannah Christian) – Girls Long Jump and Triple Jump
- Jamari McIvory (Savannah Christian) – Boys 400 Meter Dash
- Andrew Wynn (Savannah Country Day) – Boys 300 Meter Hurdles
Forest City Juniors' National Success
The Forest City Juniors continued their dominance in clay shooting, winning their fifth straight SCTP National Championship. The team consisted of over 80 athletes who participated.
These championship moments reflect the dedication of Savannah's athletes, coaches, and schools, every year reinforcing the area's reputation as a powerhouse in prep sports.
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