The Sumter Touchdown Club, presented by FTC, celebrated the achievements of student-athletes from across the region at its annual banquet, highlighting both on-field excellence and academic success.
Founded more than 30 years ago and becoming an independent organization in 2011, the Sumter Touchdown Club meets every Friday morning during the high school football season at the Sumter County Parks and Recreation facility’s Jasmine Hall. The club, which features a catered buffet breakfast, a weekly devotional, and guest speakers, recognizes area high school football players throughout the season. It also supports student-athletes through its growing scholarship program.
During the banquet, Club President Lee Glaze announced the recipients of 15 $1,000 merit scholarships, recognizing standout athletes for their academic achievements and leadership within their schools and communities. Since becoming a scholarship organization in 2013, the Sumter Touchdown Club has awarded 111 scholarships totaling more than $95,000.
“All of these student-athletes were nominated by their respective schools as representatives of the ‘Best of the Best’ that their schools had to offer,” Glaze said. “Every one of these merit scholar recipients are leaders in their schools and on their teams. High academic achievement is the norm with these Merit Scholars along with significant school and community involvement.”
Among the 2024 Merit Scholarship recipients were local athletes from Clarendon County, including Manning High School’s Lucas Peters, East Clarendon High School’s Whit Nesbitt, and Laurence Manning Academy’s Drew Ferriell. Other scholarship winners included Cedric Cisse (Lakewood High School), Chris Bentley (Sumter High School), Conner Lane (Lake City High School), Cory Bailey (Sumter High School), Daniel McKenzie (Carolina Academy), Fredrick Wade (Crestwood High School), Lorenzo Smallwood (Crestwood High School), Malcolm Salters (Kingstree High School), Noah Brazell (Lee Academy), Owen Meyers (Wilson Hall), Thomas Creech (Wilson Hall), Tyler Berry (Lee Academy), William Caulder (Williamsburg Academy), and Wyatt Floyd (Williamsburg Academy).
In addition to scholarship recognitions, the Club named Manning High School’s Jeffrey Ceasar as the 2024 Special Teams Player of the Year. Ceasar, who was also named the Region 7-2A Player of the Year, made a significant impact in all phases of the game. Offensively, he recorded 39 receptions for 530 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, he intercepted seven passes. His special teams contributions were particularly outstanding—of his 14 kickoff returns, three resulted in touchdowns, and he returned four of his eight punt returns for scores, averaging 39 yards per return. Ceasar also represented Manning in the prestigious Shrine Bowl and was a two-time Sumter Touchdown Club Player of the Week.
Clarendon County was also well represented in the All-Area Team selections. Manning High School’s Isaiah Hamilton (offensive line), Jalynn Coard (defensive line), and Lamar Hilton (linebacker) were named to the SCHSL All-Area Team. Laurence Manning Academy players recognized on the SCISA All-Area Team included quarterback Grainger Powell, athlete Scoop Dennis, receiver Drew Ferriell, offensive lineman Tristen White, defensive back Zy Dennis, and punter Mason Huggins.
As the banquet concluded, Glaze thanked the club’s sponsors and members, whose support enables the continued expansion of scholarship offerings and the recognition of student-athletes.
“We had over 85 sponsors that supported our club this year,” he said. “That’s over 85 businesses or individuals that believe in giving back to our extended community in the form of investing in our high schools and their student-athletes.”
With growing sponsorships and participation, Glaze expressed optimism for the future. “It is the hope of your Board of Directors to continue to increase this part of our club’s mission as we continue to grow the sponsorship and membership levels of our club,” he said.
