VALDOSTA — As the current roster of Vikings played inside of Martin Stadium, the past was honored inside the cafeteria of Lowndes High Friday night.

After 26 years, Lowndes’ first state championship football team was honored with a reception and given championship rings.

Members of the football team, coaching staff, Touchdown Club and the support staff were given what they couldn’t have more than two decades ago.

Before they were presented to the crowd at Martin Stadium, the team received rings the size of paperweights.

The 1980 championship rings are silver with a maroon oval stone in the center forming the background to a large 1. Surrounding the maroon shaded 1 is the word Lowndes on top and Champions on the bottom.

While the rings were the purpose of the gathering, they weren’t the highlight. Seeing old friends and sharing stories marked the occasion.

“It’s just a humbling experience,” said Benny Culpepper, a member of the Vikings’ 1980 title team. “It also puts into perspective the times when we were young.”

While the players were receiving rings, coach Joe Wilson was telling antidotes and informing the crowd of highlights about the individuals during that faithful season.

After each coach and player received a ring, there were more hugs than at a family reunion.

“It’s a really great feeling to be around friends and socialize some, and see each other’s faces and meet the families,” Culpepper said.

For some the socializing of friends from long ago was more gratifying than receiving a token of their 26-year old accomplishments.

For others such as former running back Cedric Jones both were equally as gratifying.

Jones, like many others, came from out of state to get to the ceremony.

After his success at Lowndes, the 1980 Offensive Player of the Year went on to Florida State University and tried out with the Atlanta Falcons and the United States Football League before residing in Orlando, Fla.

The emotion and camaraderie of the evening led him to one thought. “I feel like getting ready to suit up and go out there and win another one,” Jones said.

Along with players coming from out of state, many still live in the area and see each other from day to day or week to week.

Coaches Hiram Johnson and Terry Wilkes, who also received rings as part of the 1980 team, are still a member of the current Vikings’ coaching staff.

Another current Vikings coach didn’t have to go far to receive his ring. LHS defensive backs coach Bill Cribb was a linebacker and strong safety on the ’80 title team.

After the ceremony, the players and coaches were brought on to the field prior to kickoff and sat with each other during the contest against Houston County.

“I think we’re all appreciative of it,” Wilson said. “There’s three or four who passed on and more who couldn’t be here, but we had a great turnout.

“It was really something. I don’t think any Touchdown Club in the country has done this. That’s what makes Lowndes No. 1.”