The Columbia County Board of Commissioners recognized the Harlem High School baseball team for their recent state championship win.
“I am so honored to be presenting this proclamation to the Harlem High School baseball team,” said District 4 Commissioner Alison Couch. “I am a Harlem High School alumni class of 1999 and my senior year I followed the team all around the state chasing the state title. We didn’t get it that year, but we did this year. We’re all so proud of you and thankful for your hard work and leadership.”
Couch read a proclamation from the county, stating the county wanted to honor the team for their hard work, leadership, sportsmanship and athleticism.
“Whereas, the Harlem High School Baseball Team played an outstanding season with a final record of 35-1, outscored their opponents 309-54, scored the most wins in a season by a CSRA teams and now holds the most state titles of any GHSA team in the area; and whereas, Head Coach Jimmie Lewis has led the Harlem baseball program for the past 47 years, winning 860 games, and teaching his teams the value of sportsmanship and the importance of believing in yourself; and whereas, the entire coaching staff, team parents, faculty, student body, and loyal fans were an integral part in bringing the team to victory through their unwavering support.”
Couch also read a letter from a Ringgold High School fan, which is the team Harlem beat in the state championship.
“Good day and congratulations from Ringgold, Georgia on your state championship,” Couch said as she read the letter. “I wanted to reach out and tell you what I observed and admired about how your team, students, parents and coaching staff represented your town and school. First, during the National Anthem each player stood with complete respect and attention. I knew at that moment that the game would be a struggle. It is my habit to observe the team’s behavior during the anthem…that is where you will first see a team that has been disciplined to show respect for themselves and others. Secondly, while our city showed up in droves, we’re only an hour away. Your supporters were there in impressive number. I loved seeing the city support when ya’ll got back to town after the win. I appreciate the behavior and professionalism on the field. Your band, parents and students were respectful of the official and the opposing team. You even showed class when our students showed none. I want to say that we as adults often make belittling comments regarding today’s youth. Your students exemplified class and maturity. They are a beautiful example for today’s youth.”
Harlem head baseball coach Jimmie Lewis thanked the commissioners for having them and spoke about how proud he was of the baseball team and all the hardworking they put in during the season.
“They were a team, T-E-A-M, together everyone achieves more,” Lewis said. “They pull for each other, they work hard together, they never quit, they never gave up. Probably the most joy I’ve ever had coaching a group of guys, young men. They kind of coached themselves, I kind of made sure I got out of the way and let them handle it. They did great, they never thought they were going to lose, and they didn’t. the one game they did lose was a blessing. It woke us up and got us ready to rock and roll through the playoffs and we didn’t win the region, but we all decided we would swap the region championship for the state championship. We appreciate it again and this is quite an honor.”
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
