While the Friday night lights of the football field and the packed bleachers of basketball games usually dominate the headlines, a whole world of talent thrives in the quieter corners of our campus.
Beyond the traditional big-name sports, many athletes find success in arenas that don’t always get the pep rally treatment. From bonding with a horse to the precision required to glide across a frozen rink, these students are proving that being a War Eagle comes in many forms.
Figure Skating
Our school’s figure skating team features some of the most dedicated athletes on campus. While most students are still asleep, these skaters are already on the ice practicing spins and jumps that require a high level of balance and leg strength.
Freshman, Rhea McDaniels, who has been skating since 2022, describes its challenge “I think of it like a mix of all the sports because it just requires so much skill.”
The team represents the War Eagles in interscholastic events and local competitions like the North Georgia Skate Classic. In these meets, skaters perform individual programs and team maneuvers where they are judged on technical difficulty and artistic execution.
“Our members put in a lot of work to keep and improve their skill on the rink,” says advisor Emy Palermo. By placing in their respective levels, they earn points for the school, showing that the ice is very demanding.
The skaters also take a lot of pride in representing South Forsyth, even when they are miles away from the school building. Another skater, Kohana explained her motivation for joining, “I joined the club mainly because there was no full-on team at the school, but also because I like being a part of something at our school.”
Whether they are wearing school colors at the rink or seeing the War Eagle name on the scoreboard, they feel a strong connection to the athletic community. For these girls, it’s about more than just personal scores; it’s about proving that South’s spirit and talent extend to the ice.
Equestrian
The equestrian team offers one of the most specialized athletic experiences at South Forsyth. Competing through the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), these riders have to build a unique connection with their horses that other athletes don’t do.
Beyond the physical demand, the provides a group of students who share a passion for this sport. Often seen as a solitary pursuit, the team helps support that social circle for these athletes.
As rider Mackenzie Cox noted, “Riding can be a pretty individual sport so it’s nice to become involved and bond with a team of people who also love riding.”
This year, riders put in the effort and got to compete in the Zone finals which is one step away from nationals.
Even though one person is on the saddle at a time, the support and effort the equestrian team has given to riders has proved that these school teams are worth joining because of the community it provides.
Bass Fishing
The South Forsyth Bass Fishing team represents the athletes who swaps the turf for the open water, operating under the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).
These students spend their weekends fishing at major lakes like Lake Lanier. Their advisor, Connor Rickett, explains how it works for them.
“The boys handle this pretty independently, they go out and practice on their own because we don’t have our own specific times,” Rickett said. “They work hard so that we can get the best results when it’s time for competition.”
Competitions follow a tournament format where teams of two aim to bring the heaviest five fish limit. To qualify for State, the War Eagles must battle through regional, often placing in the top against multiple boats across Georgia.
Cornhole
The South Forsyth Cornhole Club is proof that you don’t need a jersey to be part of some competitive fun. What started as a simple backyard pastime has turned into a welcoming environment for students to unwind.
“We meet every Wednesday and we just have fun playing,” says club advisor Christine Tuttle.
Rather than worrying about intense drills, the club focuses on community and building lifelong skills.
Senior, Alex Olivos shared why he enjoys the sport, noting, “It unites all of us and we learn what it means to do good sportsmanship whether we win or lose and the reason I joined this club was to try something new this year.”
Whether you whiff the board entirely or you’re a total pro, the club is simply about showing up and enjoying the afternoon with friends.
Overall, South’s athletic identity isn’t limited to the sports that fill the stadiums. Whether they are on a animal friend, on the ice, or out on the lake, these students are finding other ways to represent their school and show off their War Eagle pride.
