VALDOSTA —
The Valdosta State University Blazers were outstanding Saturday as they eclipsed the Mavericks of Minnesota State-Mankato to earn another berth in the NCAA Division II National Championship Game.
The Blazers are returning to the big game for the fourth time in their history, earning the National Championship title twice in three tries. With the team’s strong momentum, they’re looking to take that third championship trophy on Saturday.
The Blazers have stepped up to the challenge this year and are playing well on both sides of the ball. Head Coach David Dean and the coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for putting the right players at the right positions and working with the team to make them one cohesive unit.
To their credit, Blazer fans are already buying up tickets for the big game, with nearly two thirds of the 1,000 tickets available through the VSU Ticket Office sold as soon as they went on sale Monday. The remainder of the tickets are expected to sell out this week, but those wanting to make the trip to Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Ala. can also purchase tickets through their website, www.d2championship.com.
Those who cannot attend the game in person can watch on ESPN2 Saturday, with kickoff slated for 1:04 Eastern time. The Times will announce the venues around Valdosta hosting special game-day events and viewing parties.
Good luck to the Blazers on a terrific season and for going the distance, all the way to Florence!
What We Think
Go Blazers!
- What We Think
-
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To all South Georgia graduates. Congratulations on your success in completing school and best wishes on your continued success in the future.
-
New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
-
Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
-
Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
-
Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
-
On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
-
Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
-
Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
-
Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
