VALDOSTA, Ga.- Valdosta State men's cross country junior Parker Jackson and Blazer soccer freshman Sydney Foy were named this week's Steel's Jewelry Athletes of the Week. This marks the first weekly honors for both Jackson and Foy while it is the first time this season a member of the Blazer Cross Country and Soccer team have received a Steel's Jewelry Athlete of the Week nod.
 
Jackson opened his Blazer career in style, as he sprinted away with a victory in the sixth annual VSU Border Clash. Despite the wet and rainy conditions, the Valdosta, Ga. native finished the 7.25k in 24:54.2. The transfer from Arizona helped lead VSU to victory, as it was their first team win since the event started.
 
Foy played all 180 minutes in two shutouts for the Blazers at center back this week in the 3-0 win over Middle Georgia and the 1-0 win at North Greenville.  Foy helped the Blazer defense with the two shutouts as goalkeeper Emma Pruett faced just nine shots with three saves in the two matches.  Foy also had one shot for the week. For her excellent play last weekend, Foy was also named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week
 
Jackson and the men's cross-country team will head to Charlotte, N.C. to compete in the Queen's City Invite on Friday, Sept. 13. Meanwhile, Foy and the VSU soccer team will head to Embry-Riddle for a mid-week matchup on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. before returning home to host Georgia College on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 5 p.m. For more information on Blazer cross country and soccer as well as all things VSU athletics, visit vstateblazers.com.