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The state championship celebrations aren’t over yet. On Tuesday morning, Troup County elected officials recognized the Callaway High School Cavaliers for winning the Class AA state football championship.

A proclamation recognizing Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, as Callaway High School Cavaliers Championship Day was read aloud at the Troup County Board of Commissioners meeting and presented to head coach Pete Wiggins. It was given on behalf of Troup County and its three cities.

In attendance were Wiggins, Troup County School System Superintendent Brian Shumate, county commissioners, Chairman Patrick Crews and Mayors Jim Thornton, Bill Stankiewicz and Steve Tramell of LaGrange, Hogansville and West Point. Callaway principal Jonathan Laney was not able to attend due to a doctor’s appointment, so assistant principal Nigel Walker attended in his place.

“We know that our own Callaway High School was very successful in their season this year, and were able to achieve the state championship … we all know that for many years they’ve been an elite program and been doing a great job, so this year they hit the pinnacle,” Crews said. 

Wiggins thanked the officials, as well as fans, parents, and the businesses and people in the community who supported the team “throughout an incredible journey.”

“We saw great adversity,” Wiggins said. “I’m very proud of our athletes, our players, our coaches, our students, our faculty, administration, both in our high school and at the county level, for supporting us and just believing in what we do.”

Callaway finished the season 12-1. 

They bested Fitzgerald in the state title game, 22-17, winning their first state championship.

Shumate emphasized TCSS’s commitment to extracurricular activities but also thanked the community for rallying behind the team. 

“What I was really proud of … this wasn’t just a Callaway thing or a Hogansville thing. This is Troup County,” Shumate said. “And I want these guys to go and compete on Friday night, the three high schools with each other and try to beat each other, I get that. But at the end of the day, the other two schools are super supportive and their school communities, their coaches were up at the game cheering on Callaway because they do represent all of Troup County. And so, this is one unified group.”

Shumate also praised Wiggins’ leadership. 

“It’s easy to follow a guy like that,” he said. “I’m inspired by leaders like him.”