Local athletes named region’s Most Positive

Positive Athlete Georgia recently announced their 2024 Most Positive Award winners in the Northwest Georgia region and several of the winners came from the CatoosaWalker County area.

Tucker Henderson of LaFayette was the winner for boys’ cross country, while LaFayette’s Sydney Kruger claimed the award for flag football. LaFayette’s Nicole Harris also was honored as the Most Positive girls’ coach.

Ridgeland’s Braylon Pritchett was the winner in boys’ alternative sports, while each of the Catoosa County schools had one winner. LFO’s Christina Gass won for girls’ basketball, Ringgold’s Maddy Lee won for softball, and Heritage’s Avah Morrison won for girls’ track.

The Northwest Georgia region, one of 14 different regions recognized by the organization, includes Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Pickens, Polk, Walker and Whitfield Counties. Statewide awards will be presented later this summer.

Founded in 2011 by former University of Georgia and Pittsburgh Steeler standout Hines

Ward, Positive Athlete is “a celebration of young athletes who have overcome difficult circumstances, given back to their schools and communities in a significant way, or just have an infectious positive attitude that makes everyone around them a better person,” according to the organization’s website.

Coaches are also recognized by the organization.

Winners receive awards, corporately-sponsored scholarships and other unique opportunities, including having their stories told by CNN Sports in the hopes of inspiring other athletes.