


March 2025
Items of Interest Vol 43 No 7
Words from GHSA Executive Director, Dr. Tim Scott
The 2025 GHSA Swimming & Diving State Championships were held Feb. 4-8 at the Georgia Tech McAuley Aquatic Center and Westminster (diving) with supportive fans during the five-day event. Congratulations to state champions and all swimmers and divers who competed. Team winners were:
Boys - Brookwood (6A, First since 2019), Johns Creek (5A, 5th straight), Northview (4A, First state title) and GAC (1A-3A, First since 2010);
Girls - Brookwood (6A, Back-to-back), Lassiter (5A, 5th straight), Marist (4A, First since 2021) and Lovett (1A-3A, First state title). Leadoff state championships by Northview & Lovett.
Much appreciation goes to Atlanta Swimming Meet Directors Franke Marsden, Matt Murphy and Evan Nylander, Georgia Tech Aquatic Center, Westminster, NFHS Network, GoFan, River Oak Photography, TeamIP, West Georgia Sports Information Services, coaches, athletes, meet officials, sponsors, volunteers, parents and fans that supported this outstanding state meet.
The 2025 GHSA Girls Team Dual Wrestling State Championship presented by US Army was held January 25 at Lumpkin County HS. Congratulations to Greenbrier (D1) and Lumpkin County (D2) who both won first-time state tiles in the inaugural season of the two division competition. View past state champions.
Much appreciation to host Lumpkin Co. HS, wrestling officials, GHSA staff, US Army, Takedown Sportswear, NFHS Network, TrackWrestling, FloWrestling, GoFan, sponsors, table workers, volunteers, teams, wrestlers and fans.
The 2025 GHSA Boys Team Dual Wrestling State Championships presented by US Army were held January 17-18 at six (6) school sites. Highly competitive finals in 2A, 4A and 5A were decided by single-digit points.
Congratulations to State Champions: Camden County (6A, 11 straight), Creekview (5A, First since 2020), Cass (4A, Three straight), Jefferson (3A, Last won 2023). Rockmart (2A, Four straight) and Social Circle (1A, Back-to-Back).
Much appreciation to the six (6) host school sites, wrestling officials, GHSA staff, US Army, Takedown Sportswear, NFHS Network, TrackWrestling, FloWrestling, GoFan, sponsors, table workers, volunteers, teams, wrestlers and fans.
The 2025 GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championships presented by US Army, were held February 13-15 at the Macon Centreplex. Congratulations to the 98 individual state champions and place winners in boys and girls divisions. The team dual winner repeated as traditional champs with the exception of 2A won by Lovett: Camden County (6A), Creekview (5A), Cass (4A), Jefferson (3A), Lovett (2A), Social Circle (1A) and Lumpkin County (Girls). View past state champions.
Staff & Responsibilities
151 S. Bethel St., Thomaston, GA 30286 Phone: 706-647-7473 Fax: 706-647-2638 Web: www.ghsa.net Office Hours: 8am to 4 pm Monday - Friday
TIM SCOTT - Executive Director - (extension 41) Administration, Interpretation of GHSA Rules, Hardship Applications, Appeals, Coaches Education Program tim.scott@ghsa.net
JAY RUSSELL - Assistant Executive Director - (ext. 23) Football, Golf, Hardship Eligibility jayrussell@ghsa.net
ROBIN HINES - GHSA Legislative Liaison/Consultant. By-law Interpretations, Eligibility, Hardship Rulings, Swimming, Bass Fishing
ERNIE YARBROUGH - Liaison/Consultant - (ext. 27) Championship Logistics, Flag Football, Lacrosse ery@ghsa.net
TANYA ANDERSON - Associate Director - (ext. 29) Literary, One Act Play, Esports, Cross Country, Track & Field, and Event Sanctioning tanyaanderson@ghsa.net
DON CORR - Associate Director - (ext. 34) Softball, Wrestling, Baseball, Sports Medicine, Post Season Ranking don.corr@ghsa.net
DARRELL LANE - Associate Director - (ext. 42) Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Officiating Department darrell@ghsa.net
PENNY PITTS MITCHELL - Associate Director - (ext. 22) Cheerleading, Game Day Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Dance, Student Leadership, Title IX penny@ghsa.net
CARROR WRIGHT - Associate Director - (ext. 39) Coach’s Liaison, Compliance & Transfer Eligibility, Sportsmanship cwright@ghsa.net
MARVIN JAMES - Media Director - (ext. 26) Press Releases, Media Coordination of State Events, Newsletter, Constitution & Calendar, Tennis marvin.james@ghsa.net
ROBIN BULLINGTON - Office Manager - (ext. 33) Budgeting and Finances, Playoff & Championship Finances, Staff Procedures robin@ghsa.net
JULIE JONES - Administrative Assistant - (ext. 24) Community Coach Program, Entry Notification, Dues, Paraprofessional Head Coach Program juliejones@ghsa.net
STACEY JONES - Administrative Assistant - (ext. 32) Riflery Liaison, School Contacts & School Passes, Directory, Coaches’ Clinics, Trophies & Medals stacey@ghsa.net
SHERI EUBANKS - Receptionist - (ext. 0) Lifetime Passes, School System Passes, Ejection Reports, Publication Orders, Rules Violation and Ejection Fines, Wrestling Weight Management Coordinator, NFHS Annual Participation Survey sherieubanks@ghsa.net
PAM THOMPSON - Officials' Registrar - (ext. 30) Officials' Clinic Attendance, Officials' Registrations, Test Scoring & Records, Waivers, Officials and Evaluator Passes, GHSA Recruiting Grant, Publications and eBooks, Awards, Service Plaques pamthompson@ghsa.net
LINDA CROWDER - Administrative Assistant - (ext. 21) Organizing Championship Medals, Assist with Cheerleading, Student Leadership, Literary, School System Passes, Finance Reports linda@ghsa.net
GHSA Member Schools Don't Forget Broadcast Fees In Your Financial Report
As our business department embarks on winter post season finances, we want to remind you all to make sure you include radio/web/tv broadcast contracts as you submit your final financial reports to the GHSA. We need to have your paperwork in place to match our outgoing contracts. That way, we can properly pay out the amount you are entitled to.
We also want you to make sure the media broadcast contracts for football postseason are also accounted for. We have several discrepancies between our fall records and the school reports regarding radio, web and tv broadcast that were financed outside of the NFHS. Please ensure that media broadcast were performed and checks were received in your submission package so that we can pay out your deserving monies.
Thank you for all you do!
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to Robin@ghsa.net
You Want to Be One of Our Next GHSA Officials?
GHSA is looking for the next generation of basketball officials among your graduating senior players. RefReps and the Atlanta Hawks has partnered with GHSA to offer free online course, followed by a training mentorship.
A total of 50 student athletes will be selected to take a digital RefReps course. Upon completion, GHSA will coordinate on-court training with local officials associations.
At this time over 750 high schools and universities across 43 states are actively using RefReps’ highly engaging learning experience. This curriculum, along with instruction from veteran officials provides guidance to prepare student future officials to become basketball referees to actively serve the game and local sports community.
If you have a player who is interested in becoming a basketball official, please fill out this form by March 14th.
Thanks you for all you do as a basketball coach to shape the lives of our student athletes!
Link - https://ghsa.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0666755993a823b95b4431e32&id=82c2e4856c
Congratulations Dance Team State Champs!
The 2025 Dance State Championships presented by Rebel Athletics were held February 22 at Athen’s Akins Arena at Classic Center. Congratulations to overall winners: Peachtree Ridge (6A, Last won 2023), Starr’s Mill (4A-5A, 6th straight), Heritage, Ringgold (2A-3A, Last won 2020) and Stilwell Arts (1A-2A, 5th title). All-girl and coed dance squads performed in jazz, high kick, hip hop and pom in the state championship’s fifth season (six overall, including two invitationals). Much appreciation goes to Akins Arena at Classic Center, Penny Mitchell (GHSA Dance rep), GHSA staff, Rebel Athletic, TeamIP, NFHS Network, Unforgettable Moment Photography, sponsors, volunteers, judges, dancers, coaches and fans.
Merchandise
State championship merchandise can be ordered from TeamIP.
Photos
Unforgettable Moments is the official photographer for GHSA Dance State Championships. Select photos will be placed on GHSA Photo Gallery in near future.
Video
On-demand viewing on NFHS Network available three days after event. Digital downloads available to order at NFHS Network.
2025 GHSA Dance State Championships
Final Team Standings
1A Stillwell Arts
2A-3A Heritage Catoosa
4A-5A Starrs Mill
6A Peachtree Ridge
Congratulations to the 2025 GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Champions
The 2025 GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championships presented by US Army, were held February 13-15 at the Macon Centreplex. Congratulations to the 98 individual state champions and place winners in boys and girls divisions. The team dual winner repeated as traditional champs with the exception of 2A won by Lovett: Camden County (6A), Creekview (5A), Cass (4A), Jefferson (3A), Lovett (2A), Social Circle (1A) and Lumpkin County (Girls). View past state champions.
Much appreciation goes to the Atlanta Takedown Association, Macon Centreplex, US Army, Takedown Sportswear, NFHS Network, TrackWrestling, FloSports, sponsors, officials, table workers, and fans. Special recognition to Krystal Montalvo, who became the first female wrestling official to work the Traditional Wrestling State Tournament!
Photos
Amber Cloy Photography was the official photographer at GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championships. Select photos will be placed on the GHSA Photo Gallery in near future.
Video
Watch matches on NFHS Network free on demand three days after the event. Digital downloads available to order at NFHS Network.
Merchandise
Takedown Sportswear merchandise is available to order online (TBA)
Final Results
View final results on TrackWrestling.
GHSA Throwback: Jake Fromm, Houston County Two Sport Star
GHSA Licensees
This month’s featured licensees are: Honig’s Whistle Stop (honigs.com) Cliff Keen (cliffkeen.com), Smitty Official’s Apparel (smittyusadyesub.com), Officials/umpires uniforms, apparel and equipment; Rebel Athletic, Exclusive competition cheer and dance apparel and accessories. ( RebelAthleticCheer.com);; Snapphound, event photo platform that empowers schools and nonprofits to unlock valuable marketing and fundraising opportunities. (ghsa.snapphound.com/events); Gipper, official social media Graphics. Gipper empowers anyone at a school to create effective and compelling content for social media in just a few clicks. (gipper.com); View complete list of GHSA licensees at www.ghsa.net/licensing.
2024-25 NFHS Performing Arts Educator Award Recipients
Section 3 – Monica Turner McCarley, (Bremen HS)
Monica Turner McCarley has spent more than three decades cultivating a thriving theatre and speech program in Georgia, leaving an indelible mark on her students and the arts community. From founding drama clubs to directing award-winning one-act plays, Turner has consistently provided her students with opportunities to shine. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she has hosted numerous regional and state competitions and served as a respected adjudicator for the Georgia High School Association.
Turner’s programs are known for excellence, with her students earning state championships in literary competitions and one-act plays under her guidance. Her ability to inspire young artists and create a culture of collaboration and creativity has made her a beloved figure in the arts community. Even after her official retirement, Turner continues to serve as Bremen City Schools Fine Arts Director, ensuring her influence endures. Her contributions to theatre education are a testament to her passion, talent and unwavering commitment to her students’ success.
Mario Herrera (Midtown HS)
Mario Herrera of Midtown High School in Atlanta has spent more than three decades advancing speech and debate education. Under his leadership, Midtown has earned state championships in every competitive event and has seen numerous students achieve national recognition. Herrera’s commitment to building a culture of excellence and mentorship within the forensics community is reflected in his students’ continued success and personal growth.
Cheddar Up is proud to partner with the Georgia High School Association as your Official Payment Partner. As a GHSA member, you receive a FREE Cheddar Up Team Plan – designed to make managing team payments and collections a breeze.
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Take advantage of your free team plan and see how Cheddar Up can make your season more streamlined and stress-free.
Let Cheddar Up handle the logistics so you can focus on coaching. Your free plan is just a click away!
The 2025 GHSA / Dr. Ralph Swearngin Basketball State Championships, presented by Breda Pest Management, will be March 5-8, 2025 at the Macon Centreplex. All games will be streamed live on NFHS Network. Tickets will be available on GoFan.
See complete Boys and Girls basketball state champions.
When
March 5-8, 2025
Where
Macon Centreplex
200 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
Directions
Spectator Information
* No Re-Entry Policy
* View Clear Bag Requirement
* No Posters or Signs Allowed
Click here for Hotel Info
Media Registration Instructions
Visit Macon: With its rich music history, stunning architecture, Southern charm and a diverse culinary scene, Macon, Georgia is "Where Soul Lives." Plan what to do on your Macon visit today! https://visitmacon.org/
Tickets
All Tickets available ONLY on GoFan!
Please purchase your tickets before you arrive at the venue.
How Fans Buy Tickets
Schedule
March 5 - 1:00 PM Private Girls - 3:00 PM Private Boys - 5:00 PM 3A Girls - 7:00 PM 3A Boys
March 6 - 1:00 PM 2A Girls - 3:00 PM 2A Boys - 5:30 PM 4A Girls - 7:30 PM 4A Boys
March 7 - 1:00 PM A-D2 Girls - 3:00 PM A-D2 Boys - 5:30 PM 5A Girls - 7:30 PM 5A Boys
March 8 - 11:00 AM A-D1 Girls - 1:00 PM A-D1 Boys - 3:00 AAASP - 5:30 6A Girls - 7:30 6A Boys
NOTE: March 6 Co-Ed 3-Point Contest after 2A Boys, March 7 Girls 3-Point Contest after 3A Boys, March 8 Slam Dunk Contest after AAASP Game
Video
All games will be streamed LIVE on NFHS Network to any device. Streaming rights are exclusive to the GHSA and the NFHS Network. No other live broadcasts are permitted on social media or any other online platform!
Live Stats
Click here to get live statistics and play-by-play from each game courtesy of West Georgia Sports Information Services.
Brackets
Boys Brackets
Girls Brackets
Congrats to the 3Point Contest Finalist sponsored by BSN
The finalists for the 2025 Girls and Coed 3-Point Championship Finals were determined during semifinals competition at Lowndes High School, Mundy's Mill High School, and Cherokee High School February 22 & 23. Competing in the Coed Championship at the Macon Coliseum on Thursday, March 6 will be Ca'Miya Hancock and Innocent Piercy from Griffin HS, Ayana Thomas and Holden Hiers from Lowndes HS, and Alex Whitecliffe and Chase Turner from Cherokee HS. Competing in the Girls Championship on Friday, March 7 will be Saniya Sharper from Archer HS, Taylor Bland from Toombs County HS, and Reagan Mulligan from River Ridge HS. The GHSA 3-Point contest are sponsored by BSN.
And we also look forward to the Slam Dunk Competition as well. After some solid competition, the top 3 vote winners are now advancing to the finals to be held Sat., March 8 at the state championships in Macon.
- Sam Mobbs, Trion
- Jalyn Sweat, Bradwell Institute
- Olurermi Guerro, Druid Hills
Important March Dates to Rememeber
Football Schedules due to GHSA Office no later than March 1
(1) Deadline for entry in ALL sports for 2025-26 - Semifinal Round State Basketball
(4) Complete Riflery Semifinals, Hardship/Appeal Meeting, GHSA Office
(5-8) Finals State Basketball - All Classes
(8) AAASP/GHSA Wheelchair Basketball State Championship - Complete Region/Area Literary
(8) Bass Fishing Qualifier #3 - Clarks Hill
(10) File Literary Results with GHSA by 9 a.m.
(15) State Riflery Finals - State Literary Meet (Classes TBD)
(18) Hardship/Appeal Meeting, GHSA Office
(19) Student-Athlete Leadership Conference in Macon
(22) State Literary Meet (Classes TBD)