Published on November 5, 2025 8:55 am
Last Updated on November 5, 2025 8:56 am
The Effingham Athletic Department runs an Athlete of the Month program each month. Athletes are nominated by head coaches and then voted on by all coaches. Winners receive recognition and a Treign Athlete of the Month shirt. Nomination criteria is as follows: Stats, Accomplishments, Character, Coachability, Leadership and Sportsmanship
Mollie Niemerg – JH Girls Basketball (7th Grade)
Mollie is an exceptional student-athlete who embodies the qualities we value most in our program. Not only does she excel on the court, but she also demonstrates excellence in the classroom, earning High Honor Roll status this past quarter. On the court, she is an exceptional defender — a true bulldog who refuses to back down from any challenge. She consistently guards the opponent’s toughest players with relentless energy and discipline. Her defensive presence changes games, and her effort sets the tone for our entire team.
Beyond her performance, Mollie stands out for her character and coachability. She actively listens, responds to feedback, and works tirelessly to improve. When adversity hits, she doesn’t complain or quit — she digs in harder. She is a true joy to coach.
Mollie uplifts her teammates through encouragement, accountability, and quiet leadership. Her sportsmanship reflects maturity far beyond her age; she competes fiercely, shows respect, and represents our school with pride.
Mollie is the type of athlete every coach wants: hardworking, humble, relentless, and team-first. Her impact makes our team better every single day. For these reasons, I am proud to nominate her for Athlete of the Month. — Coach Chrissy Brown
Jared Klingler- JH Cross Country (8th Grade)
Jared has finished his junior high cross country career with incredible achievements! This season, he placed 13th overall in the 3A State Meet with a time of 11:03.76 — his best time ever on that course after six appearances. Impressively, the 3A race was the fastest of all four boys’ divisions, making his performance even more remarkable. When combining all boys’ races, Jared’s time ranked 27th out of 886 runners statewide! Jared’s time at EJHS leaves behind an extraordinary legacy:
— 2 individual State medals (All-State honors) in just three appearances
— School records in both seventh and eighth grades
— The EJHS all-time cross country record with an incredible 10:43.98
A cornerstone of the EJHS boys’ team, Jared helped lead them to three consecutive South Central Conference Championships, cementing his impact on the program’s history. I’ve never coached an athlete as dedicated and driven as Jared. His work ethic is second to none, and his passion for running will take him far. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes this spring in track — and beyond, as he begins his high school cross country career! — Coach Nancy Ervin