Please, Donate To Ring Project — By Tommy Purser

Years ago, the Georgia High School Association had in its constitution and bylaws that athletes could not be awarded rings for state championship efforts.

Of course, the rule was widely ignored as are many GHSA rules, and communities routinely raised funds to buy championship rings for their athletes who won state championships. Finally, the GHSA Executive Committee realized the folly of their prohibition on such awards and changed the rules.

We’ve been fortunate here in the last few years to have teams who have worked hard, along with their coaches, and won state championships. We’ve had two state track championships, one in boys track and another in girls, and key members of the team now have state championship rings to cherish for their accomplishments.

And, of course, our baseball team won state championships in 2017 and again this year. As a media supporter of the baseball program, I was to be “given” a ring in 2017. But that didn’t sit right with me. There were hundreds of loyal supporters who helped the team to its achievement. So, I told Coach Paul Glass, during the fund-raising efforts for the rings, that I would pay for my own ring as my donation to the cause.

This year, I’m doing the same thing. Personally, I don’t think the Dugout Club should have to pay for rings for anyone other than the players and coaches. But, I do want a ring to go with my 2017 award and I will pay for it.

In fact, I’m working to pay for the ring that my grandson will receive. It’s the least we can do. Won’t you join the effort and donate to the cause?