Roy Griffin, Jr. & the Effingham Bulldogs: “V” is for Victory & Village

Roy Griffin, Jr. is the founder and basketball director of the Effingham Bulldogs. He has also coached for the Effingham County Recreation & Parks Department, under the leadership of Athletic Director Clarence Morgan, for 13 years. Roy, an Effingham native, has long possessed a true heart for kids—to inspire, to mentor, to coach. “I feel I owe it to God, and then myself, to help when I can. He’s put it in my heart,” said Roy.

The Bulldogs are Born

About three years ago, Roy was motivated to start his own travel basketball organization, feeling that it would be a rewarding opportunity for kids in the community. And the Effingham Bulldogs were born. The Bulldogs began with two groups at the time: a varsity team and a fifth-grade team. Travel sports are usually played at a more competitive level than regular recreational sports. Over time, the program grew, and Roy recruited a variety of talent, ranging from fifth to eleventh grade.

“Coaching and mentoring has always been my passion. I felt it was a good idea to give kids the opportunity to play a game that they love and to keep them occupied,” he said.

Roy is grateful to Clarence Morgan and staff for “providing facilities to practice and develop the players.”

The season workouts usually begin in January. Prospective players are introduced to various drills and skill-related evaluations. Regular practices commence, and tournaments normally begin in March.

Roy coaches his eighth-grade group, but he is proud of his entire organization, especially after seeing all their growth and development over the years. “We had to learn how to lose before we could learn how to win,” he joked.

Hard Work Has Its Reward

The Bulldogs have become very familiar with winning. In fact, this season has been phenomenal:

• In late March, they competed in the Inaugural BJ Classic Tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, where the ninth-grade boys’ team and 10th-grade girls’ team placed 2nd.
• In April, the group participated in the Garden City Jam Fest in Augusta. There, the seventh-grade boys placed 2nd, and the ninth-grade boys won their first championship.
• In early May, the teams traveled to Jacksonville again to compete in the River City Classic; the seventh-grade boys placed 2nd, and the eighth-grade boys won the championship.
• In mid-May, the Bulldogs competed in the Mega Hoops Session in Atlanta; both the eighth-grade and ninth-grade boys’ teams brought the championship home, while the 10th-grade boys placed 2nd.
• Following all those wins, the teams went to a basketball “showdown” in Charleston, South Carolina.

“My eighth, ninth, and 10th-grade boys and girls all won the championship in Charleston. That was three in a row for the eighth-grade boys and two in a row for the ninth-grade boys. That’s never happened in our organization. It was definitely something to be proud of,” Coach Roy declared.

As a reward for winning the championship, the Bulldogs earned a free bid to select an upcoming tournament to participate in. They chose the USC Aiken Tournament, held at the end of July in Aiken, South Carolina.

The Bulldogs recently hosted their own tournament in Springfield at the new Clarence E. Morgan Gymnasium. The sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade boys all won the championship; the 10th-grade girls won 2nd place.

“We defended our home court,” the proud coach stated.

Due to their fantastic season, the Bulldogs were invited to the 2021 United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) National Basketball Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida. Some of the most talented young athletes from around the country, including Puerto Rico, traveled to “compete under one roof.” In an impressive showing of skill and fortitude, the sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade boys made it to the semi-finals; the ninth- grade boys and 10th-grade girls placed 2nd.

“It was a proud moment for the organization. They represented well. It was a great experience for the kids. They stayed at a lovely resort, so they had a little fun, too,” Coach Roy said.

Beyond the Ball Game

Roy loves teaching his players about the game, but he loves inspiring them to be well-rounded young adults even more.

“Everything isn’t about winning. It’s about developing life skills—being able to network with different people and work with each other for a common goal. It’s about having respect and putting in the work. It’s about leadership, responsibility, commitment to life’s endeavors, and never giving up on dreams,” he stated.

Having an organization of genuinely dedicated individuals has made a lot of those dreams a reality. Roy is sincerely appreciative to everyone who has helped to make the Bulldogs a success.

“I have the best support cast that I could ever ask for. My coaches are one of a kind, hands-down. The work they put in speaks volumes. I’m so proud of how faithful this group has been—the coaches, parents, and kids. The coaches work hard, the parents support the vision, and the kids are committed. The Bulldogs are one, big family,” he remarked.

Roy is chairman of HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) OUTREACH MINISTRIES, INC., an organization designed to help young people live positive, productive lives. Whether hosting back-to-school drives or offering other beneficial resources, the organization has been an asset to many children in the local area.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with kids in the community. It has truly been a blessing and is so fulfilling,” he said.

Giving Credit Where it is Due

Roy is forever thankful to his family, including his loving wife Chiaketa, daughter Rokayla, and two sons Dantevius and Jabari, all of whom have supported his dream and vision over the years … every meeting, practice, or out-of-town tournament. Roy is also immensely grateful for his parents Roy and Delma. He is certain he could not do it without them all and feels utterly blessed.