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The Callaway High School athletic program holds itself to a high standard. That standard has raised some eyebrows around the state and the Cavaliers were named among the 2024-25 GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award winners.

“I’m really, really proud of all the teachers and staff that do such a great job instilling these traits into our kids day in and day out,” Callaway athletic director Pete Wiggins said. 

GHSA says that the award honors schools that demonstrated impeccable sportsmanship during the 2024-2025 school year. The award has been given out since 2006. The GHSA region secretaries select winners based on sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the school year.

“Congratulations to all the regional recipients of the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award for the 2024–25 school year,” stated Dr. Tim Scott, Executive Director of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). “Being chosen by their respective regions for this honor is a testament to the exemplary conduct of these member schools. Embracing the principles of good sportsmanship is essential in guiding our youth to become responsible and productive adults. The GHSA commends these schools for their achievement and extends gratitude to Georgia’s Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) for their unwavering support of this distinguished recognition program.”

Wiggins sees all the work that all the members of Callaway athletics put in, from staff to students, to be upstanding people. For Wiggins, his coaches, and students, getting recognition from others outside of the school system is special.

“Anytime that there’s recognition from outside of our school, it’s a tremendous honor. I’m very, very proud of our coaches, and what they teach on the field and during the games and just the you know the attitude, the positive attitude, that they bring to our kids bring to the field, to the competition each week, so it’s very exciting for our coaches and for our staff,” Wiggins said. 

The Cavaliers take great pride in not just winning region and state championships, but also in the everyday tasks. To be a Cavalier is to put the school and the program before self.

“Really proud of our athletes at Callaway High School and how they represent our school and our community on the field and off,” Wiggins said. “I think it’s a great statement in how we play each week, and then how we practice every day. I’m very proud of our kids.”

Wiggins knows that the sportsmanship and character building that students at Callaway High receive will carry on with them for the rest of their lives.

“There is so much more than just what you see on the field. I mean, there’s lots of integrity built, there’s work ethic, there’s a lot of traits that kids gain throughout years of practice, that they can carry with them for their lifetime,” Wiggins said.