Written by Aldean Starr, Staff Writer

Valdosta State University is hosting its 20^th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Brunch. Valdosta State is welcoming eight inductees into the Hall of Fame. The inductees this year include the 2007 Valdosta State football team, Hal Mumme, Leos Jelinek, Brandon Decker, Kristina Ely, Dominique Ross, Bob Hagan and Coretta Bloom.

The 2007 Valdosta State football team finished its season 13-1 and won the second NCAA Division II championship in school history against Northwest Missouri State. The team brought a myriad of accomplishments, highlighted by David Dean becoming the second first-year head coach to win a national title in D-II history. The 2007 Blazers also were recipients of AFCA & Schutt Coach of the Year honors, had three All-American recipients as well as the Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year honors.

Hal Mumme is a former head coach of VSU football from 1992-96. His record was 40-17-1 with two playoff quarterfinals appearances in 1994 & 1996. Mumme also spent time as the head coach at the University of Kentucky and New Mexico State University. Mumme is credited with the development of the air-raid offense.

Leos Jelinek was a VSU tennis star from 2007-09. Jelinek was an All American in doubles competition and had a 63-15 overall record. He was also key in a couple of GSC championships by the tennis team.

Brandon Decker was an All-American outfielder for VSU baseball from 2009-10. Through Decker’s career he was a recipient of South Region Player of the Year, All-Region honors, batted .413 and hit a total of 43 home runs which was second most in school history. In 2010, Decker was drafted in the 27^th round of the MLB Amateur Draft by the Los Angeles Angels.

Kristina Ely was an All-American second baseman at VSU from 2007-08. She was a two-time All-Conference selection and Blazer Student-Athlete of the Year. Ely was also previously a holder of the school’s home run record with 19.

Dominique Ross played running back at Valdosta State from 1992-94. After experiencing success under Mumme, Ross played for the Dallas Cowboys in 1995-96.

Coretta Bloom was a women’s basketball player for the Blazers from 1975-79 and is a member of the 1000 point club in Valdosta State history. In 120 games, Bloom scored 1659 points and averaged 13.8 points per game over her career.

Bob Hagan is a long time booster for Valdosta State and has been involved since 1980 and is still a supporter of VSU and its athletics.

The Hall of Fame Ceremony will be Saturday, Feb. 13 at 10 A.M. It will be in the student union ballrooms and is $25 per person.