Tommy M. Arden

2004 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Born June 18, 1950 in Guyton. Raised in Springfield by his parents Milton (Joe) and Nina Lou (Varnell) Arden.  Have three daughters, Angela Wheeler, Elaina Zeigler and Leslie Thompson. Six grandchildren: Justin, Jared, and Josh Lancaster, Kyle, Trent and Melanie Zeigler.

Association with Recreation sports started in 1956 while playing little league baseball with the Effingham County Youth Athletic Association and lasted until 1962.  Participated in Pony League (Junior) Baseball in1963-64 then played Colt League (Senior) in 1965-66.  Participated in youth football coached by past hall of fame George Ulmer in 1957 & 1958.

Attended Effingham County High School and was an honor graduate in 1968.  Only ECHS athlete to letter in 5 different sports (football, basketball, baseball, track, and tennis). Led 1967 ECHS baseball team to the State Championship in class A where they finish second.  Inducted to ECHS Hall of Fame in their first induction ceremony.

Attended Georgia Southern College with a baseball scholarship where he lettered all four years and was captain in 1971 and 1972.

Participated in Open league county softball from 1972-1983 with Bubba’s Sport Shop, Arden Chevrolet (which sponsored the team under the leadership of his father), Patriots, and B & B of Sylvania.  He played left center and was a key player on many great team.

Started coaching girl’s softball teams in 1980 with an 8 and under girl’s team and continue

Each year until he coached the 15 & under team in 1987.  He carried 4 different teams to state tournaments and claimed 1 state championship, 2 state runner ups, and 1 4^th place finish.  The state Championship came in 1987 in Toccoa, Georgia.

Now coaching his grandchildren in recreation football and basketball and winning championship in both sports. He plans to continue coaching his grandson’s in all sports for the next five years until granddaughter becomes 6.  We’ll will see from there.