VALDOSTA, Ga. - In recognition of the outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Valdosta State Athletic Department in years past, Athletic Director
Herb Reinhard and Valdosta State University Interim President Dr. Cecil Staton formally inducted eight new additions to the Valdosta State Athletics Hall of Fame last weekend at VSU's annual Hall of Fame ceremony.
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The induction ceremony, which took place in the Ballroom at the Student Union on the campus of Valdosta State and was attended by numerous alumni, boosters, and former inductees, featured comments by Dr. Staton and Reinhard before each of the 2016 honorees offered acceptance speeches. Baseball, softball, women's basketball, football, and men's tennis were among the sports represented by the inductees, a complete list of which can be viewed below.
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2007 Blazer Football Team: This team, led by Head Coach David Dean in his first season at the helm, put together a historic season that included 13 wins against just one loss. The squad went 7-1 in Gulf South Conference Play, and put together a thrilling come-from behind win in the National Championship game to defeat NW Missouri State 25-20.Â
Coretta Bloom (Women's Basketball – 1975-79): Coretta Bloom ranks 8th all-time in Valdosta State women's basketball history with 1,659 career points. She helped lead the Lady Blazers to the GAIAW Division I finals in both the 1975-76 and 1978-79 seasons. With an average of 13.8 points per game in her career, Bloom led her squad to a 100-22 record from 1975-79.Â
Robert "Bob" Hagan (1980-Present): Robert "Bob" Hagan has been a supporter of VSU Athletics since 1980. A 1979 graduate of Valdosta State, Bob's financial support of VSU Athletics has impacted the lives of hundreds of Valdosta State student-athletes and helped them reach their potential both on the field or court and in the classroom. Bob was recently recognized for his support when the court in the Complex was named the "Robert W Hagan Court" in his honor. Bob was also named the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for the College of Arts and Sciences and was honored for this achievement during this past fall's homecoming weekend. In addition, he is also proudly serving as the District Governor for Rotary District 6900.Â
Dominique Ross (Football – 1992-94): Known as one of the best running backs in Valdosta State football history, Ross was named the Running Back of the Decade on the VSU Team of the Decade in the 1990's and ranks second all-time in rushing TD's at Valdosta State. He put together three straight seasons as Valdosta State's leading rusher with 734 yards in 1992, 1,030 yards in 1993, and 1,473 yards in 1994. This dominant ball carrier led the team in scoring in both 1992 and 1993.Â
Hal Mumme (Football – 1992-96): Hal Mumme served as the Head Coach for Blazer football from 1992 through 1996. During that time, he compiled a 40-17-1 record for the third-most wins in school history and directed the Blazers to the first two Gulf South Conference Championships in Valdosta State football history in 1994 and 1996. Coach Mumme's ability to bring out the best in student-athletes was reflected by the individual accomplishments of four All-Americans and 38 All-GSC honorees under his leadership.Â
Leos Jelinek (Men's Tennis – 2007-09): As a Blazer from 2007 through 2009, Leos Jelinek helped the Blazers extend their reputation as one of the top teams at the Division II level. His efforts in 2009 helped earn him All-American honors. Jelinek led the Blazers to both the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament in 2008 and an appearance in the NCAA South Region Finals in 2009.Â
Brandon Decker (Baseball - 2009-10): In just two years as a Blazer, Decker set a new mark for career batting average at .413 and for slugging percentage at .792. His outstanding hitting display in two short years included 27 doubles, five triples, and an on-base percentage of .532. In addition, Decker set a slew of single season records with 84 RBI's in 2009 and 44 extra base hits and 175 total bases in 2010. With 43 home runs and 163 career RBI's, it's no surprise that Decker became a two-time All-American and was drafted by Major League Baseball following his career as a Blazer.Â
Kristina Ely (Softball - 2007-08):Â As a two-time first team All-Gulf South Conference player, Ely posted a .327 career batting average. She hit 23 home runs in her career, 19 of which came in her 2008 season, which ranks as the 10th most in GSC history. Her performance in 2008 led to All-American honors and capped off a two-year career at Valdosta State that included 106 hits, 18 doubles, and four triples.
