Football Team Is Honored at Capitol
February 23 was a special day for many involved in Piedmont Academy’s football program including the team, coaching staff, managers, ball boys, and cheerleaders when they were invited to the gold dome of Georgia’s state capitol.
House Representative Susan Holmes of Jasper County and Senator Johnny Grant of Baldwin County recognized the team for its accomplishment of winning the GISA AA state title and completing a undefeated 13-game season.
When the students arrived at the capitol wearing their championship rings and pendants, they were greeted by Rep. Holmes and her husband, Paul. They were escorted to the house chamber where Georgia State Patrol Trooper Moses Little greeted the group to be seated in the gallery of the House chamber.
House Speaker David Ralston of Fannin County called the session to order.
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Rev. Jay Shaw of Valdosta gave a devotion and opening prayer. This was followed by the introduction of the House doctor for the day. U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop of Muscogee County gave the session and guests a motivational speech pointing out how to make the most of each second of the day because the citizens of Georgia were depending on each of them to represent their districts.
He stated, “Time, being so precious, it is delivered to you second by second.”
House Speaker Ralston requested of the session to pass House Resolution 110, “commending the Piedmont Academy Cougars football team on winning the GISA Class AA State Championship and inviting them to be recognized by the House of Representatives and for other purposes.
“Whereas through perseverance and iron determination, the Piedmont Academy Cougars Football Team earned the top ranking in the state….” The resolution was passed unanimously and a standing ovation given to the team members.
At this point in the morning, Paul Holmes, escorted the group to the senate chamber where Sen. Grant welcomed the group. While in the Session gallery, the group enjoyed a discussion among the fellow senators with freshman Senator Jason Carter of DeKalb County who was speaking in the well. Senator Carter is the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter.
Senate Resolution 109 was passed collectively after being presented by President of the Senate Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. Part of the resolution stated, “Whereas the phenomenal performance of the team is a clear indication of the outstanding athletic ability, the dedication and hard work, and the unity of purpose and spirit of each member of the team; their superb offensive and defensive talents; and the astute direction of Head Coach Rhett Farmer and coaches Bubba Nelson, Wes Tanner, Joel Sauls, Keith Mason, Josh Daher, and J.C. Dunagan….”
Head Coach Rhett Farmer addressed the Senate and thanked the members for honoring his team and school with the state resolution and the role they play in our state’s government. Team members Dakota Collins, Dylan Collins, Justin Wilson, and Zach Benjamin were introduced on the House and Senate floor.
The group left the capitol and as everyone gathered just outside the building, Mr. Holmes reminded the young adults of their “time” as Congressman Bishop touched on earlier in the day.
He said, “Successful days will make successful weeks, and successful months, and successful years and into careers.” Mr. Holmes stated he knew two groups of people, “winners and whiners” and the Cougar football team was definitely “winners” in his heart!
The team traveled to the famous Atlanta restaurant, The Varsity, and enjoyed lunch provided by the Holmes’. Representative Holmes’ assistant, Susan , was also in attendance during the day’s activities. The two resolutions are on display in the school’s main lobby for viewing.
Pictured in the front row are Rep. Holmes, Gov.Nathan Deal, Head Coach Rhett Farmer, Coach Keith Mason, and Coach Wes Tanner. Members of the team pictured (not in order) include Peter Lawson, Malik Reid, Alex Hall, Blake Hammock, Britton Bailey, Nick Dimsdale, Mills Smith, Evan Harvey, Zach Benjamin, Dylan Collins, Rhett Roberts, Sam Cleary, Patrick Berg, Glade Tuggle, Tyler Cullum, Michael Berg, Dakota Collins, Josh Brennan, James Marks, Daniel Leinweber, Jakey Dunagan, Austin Corley, Seth Harvey, Justin Wilson, Willy Roberts, and Carl Gonsalves-Barreiro.
Also, McKenzie Brittain, Garrett Richardson, Zach Whitwell, Nina Blackshear, Angelia Brown, Dallas Fletcher, Andie Lewis, Katie Odegaard, Samantha Ramsdell, Lucy Strickland, Morgan Brooks, Leigh Hicks, Briana Bailey, Lacy Adamson, Amy Anuszczyk, Katie Brennan, Audrey Cleary, Halley Hedrick, Jordan Hicks, Clare Maloney, Amberly Moseley, Kalie Perkins, Brittnee Phillips, Caitlin Tillman, Ashley Young, Shianne Witcher, Cheer Coach Elizabeth Davis. Mary Ashlynn Dennis; Asst. Coaches Bubba Nelson, Josh Daher, Joel Sauls, and J.C. Dunagan; Mack Brady, Preston Tyler, Judy Nelson, Headmaster Tony Tanner made the trip but are not pictured.
