Valdosta State cross-country has a confident new leader this season as new head coach Clinton Bell takes over for departed Todd Smoot. Bell brings his decorated track record from Big East powerhouse Pittsburgh, where he served as an assistant track and cross-country coach. “I’ve had the opportunity to be with some good programs,” Bell said. “Whether it’s Division I or ...

By: Chris Kessler Valdosta State’s season opening 36-21 victory put the team on the right track, but the Blazers won’t get to take the field for another week due to their bye. The Blazers handled Fort Valley State convincingly. Despite the score, head coach David Dean was disappointed in the Blazers’ second half performance. “I thought we kinda lost a ...

By: Alex Tostado No. 25 Valdosta State women’s soccer team (2-0) begins its conference schedule this weekend at home against Union University (1-0-1) on Friday evening and Alabama-Huntsville (0-0-2) on Sunday afternoon. The Blazers are nationally ranked for the first time in its young history. Head coach Mel Heinz has been working on increasing the confidence of her team as ...

By: Chris Webb The Valdosta State University golf team is set to tee off their 2013-2014 season Monday, Sept. 23 at the Jay Jennison Memorial. The event is set to take place at The Palencia Club in St. Augustine, Fla., the par 72 layout features 7073 yards of golf. This will be the Blazers first appearance at the tournament since ...

By: Shane Thomas It’s always exciting when results equal expectations. It’s even better when results exceed those expectations. Though the volleyball season is only in its first week, it’s hard to not be impressed by a 5-0 start. The VSU Lady Blazers are fresh off their home opener victory against the Albany State Golden Rams in what was a 3-0 ...

Written by Eric Jackson  After previously playing football for two junior colleges, the misunderstood standout thinks it’s safe to call Valdosta his final stop. The Blazers’ newly acquired wide receiver considers himself blessed to be granted another opportunity. “I’m trying to make this a home run,” Downs said. “That’s what I’m coming in for, to make this the best out ...

Written by Chris Kessler   VSU’s quest for a consecutive National Championship starts Saturday at Fort Valley State in the “Macon Heritage Classic.” Despite a decisive 62-14 victory over the Wildcats a year ago, VSU is not taking its season opener lightly. “We’re in a situation that we can’t take anyone lightly, and we’re going to get everyone’s best and ...

by Neil Frawley   After countless hours of practice, the VSU volleyball team is just about ready for its season-opening West Georgia Invitational in Carrollton, Ga. this weekend. Seven teams will be on display at the tournament, and three represent the Gulf South Coast Conference, including host team West Georgia, West Alabama and VSU. The two-day tournament will have the ...

by Alex Tostado   This weekend, the VSU women’s soccer team welcomes Florida Southern and Florida Tech in hopes of winning the two games. “We have to be really competitive on the ball and off of the ball,” VSU Head Soccer Coach Mel Heinz said. Coach Heinz also said that increasing scoring from last season has been one of the ...

by Neil Frawley   With a new regime intact, the VSU volleyball team welcomes seven new players to its family. The seven newcomers include: Natalia Campos (Fr.), Taylor Holder (Fr.), Danyelle Drummond (Fr.), Marissa Woodworth (Fr.), Kelsey Hedman (So.), Jessica Codato (Jr.), and Jenna Kirkwood (Jr.), making it a total of four freshmen, one sophomore, and two juniors. Aside from ...