[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 27]
[Senate]
[Pages 36134-36135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   VALDOSTA STATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the 
Valdosta State University Blazers football team for winning the 2007 
NCAA Division II National Championship.
  The Blazers celebrated their second national championship in 4 years 
on December 15, 2007, in Florence, AL, and completed their season with 
a final record of 13 to 1. Valdosta State's playoff run included 
victories over Catawba University, University of North Alabama, and the 
University of California-Pennsylvania en route to defeating Northwest 
Missouri State 25 to 20 in the championship game.
  I am extremely proud of these talented men for all of their hard work 
and dedication that contributed to this victory. I congratulate all of 
the team members, particularly the senior class. Their leadership and 
talents will surely be missed. In addition, sophomore wide receiver 
Cedric Jones and junior safety Sherard Reynolds were both named First-
Team All-Americans. The Blazers also had seven players named to the 
Gulf South Conference All-Conference Team, including Cedric Jones, 
Gerald Davis, William Montford, Sherard Reynolds, Maurice Leggett, 
Michael Terry, and Travis Harrison. Furthermore, I would like to extend 
my appreciation

[[Page 36135]]

to all the families and fans for their continual support of the Blazers 
throughout the season.
  The success of the team could not have been achieved without the 
exceptional coaching staff, led by head coach David Dean. Coach Dean is 
in his first season as head coach of the Blazers, having been the 
team's offensive coordinator for the past 7 years. He is only the 
second first-year coach in history to lead his team to a Division II 
title.
  Valdosta, a city long known for its tradition in high school 
football, can now boast about the success of Valdosta State University, 
which has won 2 Division II National Championships in 4 years. It is my 
hope that the winning tradition at Valdosta State will continue for 
many years to come.
  Congratulations again to all of these young men and to all associated 
with the Valdosta State Blazers football program for their great 
accomplishments and hard work.

                          ____________________