Ravenel G. “Rabbit” Weitman
March 17, 1917-August 20, 1989
2003 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Effingham Academy Graduate 1935 – Excelled in Baseball, Basketball, Track & Field.
Basketball: Played in 1934 District Tournament-consistent High Point Man & Outstanding Player. Nicknamed “Rabbit” by Principal R. B. Eleazer for his famous running & jumping.
His 1935 GHSA Medals and Awards include: District 1st Place in High Jump, District 2nd Place in 220 Yard Dash, District 2nd Place in 100 Yard Dash. State of Georgia High Jump 1st Place. 1st Place District Team Relay for Effingham Academy with 3 other runners.
Effingham Academy won GHSA Silver Cup 1st Place in Athletics for 1935 with Ravenel’s Speed & skill in various sports contributing to the accomplishment.
He played Left Field & occasionally First Base on many Baseball Teams including: Dixie Crystals Baseball Team in the 1930’s; Millen Ogeechee League Team, playing Semi-Professional ball in the Ogeechee League from 1940-1946 & 1949-1950; The Effingham Crackers Team from 1946-1949; and The Savannah River Baseball League in 1951-1952.
He began playing Golf in 1953 until he was unable. He won 1st Place in 1968 first Flight
Tournament & 1st in 1972 Second Flight Tournament for Briar Creek Country Club.
Pauline Exley Weitman was his wife of over 49 years. They have a son Terrell and daughter Nancy Carlson and 4 grandchildren. He retired from the Savannah Sugar Refinery after 40 years of service. Ravenel was active in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield serving in many capacities including: Sunday School Superintendent, Church Councilman, Congregational Vice-President and longtime Church Treasurer.
He played and coached Church softball, baseball & basketball. He shared his enthusiasm and zest for life with everyone he met and influenced many young lives positively by his own example.