Olivia Sanders and William Bates, two outstanding senior studentathletes from Ware County High School, were recognized as the 2025 Mickey Rigsby Scholar-Athletes of the Year by the Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame.
Sanders, a cross country standout, and Bates, a standout in football and tennis, were honored in March at the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony and again last month at WCHS Senior Honors Night.
The award honors the male and female senior athletes at WCHS who have achieved the highest GPA while excelling in their athletic pursuits. Sanders was Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 while Bates ranked third in the class of 353 seniors.
Sanders, the daughter of Brian and Lealane Sanders, excelled in cross country throughout her high school car eer, qualifying for the state competition each year as a varsity runner. Her athletic accolades include the Most Improved Award and the Gator Award for cross country.
Bates, the son of Russell and Stacy Bates, was a three-year starter in football as a punter and placekicker and a four-year member of the tennis team.
He had the football team’s highest GPA in each of his four seasons.
Bates received a host of honors in football, including being named 2024 All-State Punter by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and 912Sports Special Teams Player of the Year. He was also a multiple all-Region selection.
