Syrupmaids got a boost from pep talk by the school’s most acclaimed alumna

Just before Friday afternoon’s Final Four match up with Troup County, Cairo’s Teresa Edwards visited by Zoom with the Syrupmaids to offer some encouragement and advice.

“The work is in, you are ready, now go out there and have some fun,” Edwards told the team. The four-time Olympic Gold Medal champion, former Syrupmaid and University of Georgia Lady Dawg shared some of her experiences during her career. She recalled her team’s championship run in 1982 for Cairo, the last time a Cairo team made it this far.

“I remember being a little nervous, but my teammates stepped up and we played our game,” said Edwards.

Edwards also shared with the team the motivation she received walking in the old gym every day and seeing the accomplishments of individuals and teams before her on the walls. “That really pushed me to be my best,” Edwards added.

The 40-minute conversation concluded with a few questions from the current Syrupmaids and one final comment from Edwards. “Go out there, play your best, don’t worry about how you will stop them, make them worry about how they will stop you,” she said.

Cairo went on to win the Troup County game and will play for state championship today, March 10, at 5 p.m. in Macon against Carver High School of Columbus.