Hall of Fame honors Fannin athletes
The Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame (FCSHOF) banquet celebrated the achievements of student athletes in addition to its annual induction of new members July 26.
Attending the ceremony at Fannin County High School (FCHS) felt “ecstatic,” said Yvonne Sams, the grandmother of participant Karli Sams. “I’m very proud of her.”
Karli Sams was being acknowledged for winning four medals at the Georgia State Championships for cross country and track.
Several FCHS students received scholarships from the FCSHOF.
These included Madison Pelfrey, Carson Callihan, Cooper Born, Blair Deal, Lindsey Holloway and Jacob Dye.
The Male Athletes of the Year awards went to Carson Callihan, Lawson Sullivan and Cooper Born.
All three were captains on the football team and took part in weight lifting. Additionally, Sullivan and Born were in track and field, and Callihan was in baseball.
Callihan captured the all-time single season rushing record for the Rebels with 1,880 yards, and also the all time career rushing record.
Sullivan has the most rushing touchdowns in FCHS history, the third most passing yards in a season and the second most career yards gained by passing.
Born was the FCHS all time leading tackler with 339 total tackles.
All these athletes have many other achievements too.
“These were wonderful young men who served our program well,” head football Coach Chad Cheatham said.
The Female Athletes of the Year awards went to Karli Sams and Lindsey Holloway. They were both participants in track and cross country.
“These two ladies did not just rely on talent, which they have plenty of,” Coach Dr. Lucas Roof said. “Instead, they decided to outwork the competition over the past few years.” Sams and Holloway are the two best distance runners in the history of FCHS.
Both made it to the podium at the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State Championships.
Both girls ran a 5K in under 20 minutes, broke 12 minutes in the 3200 meter track event, and broke 5:20 in the 1600 meter.
They are the only girls in FCHS history to do so.
Both made the Rome All-Area High School Cross Country First Team and ran in the Georgia Meet of Champions.
Sams is the 19th-best upcoming senior for the 1600 meter run in Georgia, Roof said.
During her high school career, Holloway achieved 11 medals and state podium finishes as well as many other achievements.
The event also honored Braxton Cheatham for being named Track and Field’s Most Valuable Athlete.
The Lady Rebels basketball team received recognition for winning the state championship.
Its members included Avi Ethington, Callie Ensley, Emma Holloway, Maggie Ledford, Reese Lewis, Izzie Jabaley, Brooklyn Owenby, Albany Cole, Emma Buchanan, Saige Turner, Sadie Patton, Toccoa Hampton, Kendall Gaddis and Morgan Holt.
Inductees to the Hall of Fame have to be 30 years of age, have “notable success” in FCHS athletics and demonstrate strong character and integrity.
Saturday’s inductees in the order they were introduced included Karly Thompson, Jim Crawford, Candace German, David Nichols, Alexis Collis O’Neal, Carl Beavers and the FCHS women’s basketball team of 1995 to 1996.
This team included Heather Housley, Sabrina Gibson, Leslie Jabaley, Katie Collins, Melissa Holler, Roxie Reed, Stacy Parris, Kim Jones, Ashley Herendon, Jodie Thomas, Leigh Muse and Tara Dillinger.