BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Prior to the start of the 2025 Valdosta State football season, Blazer football and baseball team chaplain David Madison was honored Friday evening as the VSU Hometown Hero at the Week Zero Labor Day Kickoff Classic. 
 
The Blazers opened the 2025 slate on Saturday at historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., versus Clark Atlanta and came away with a thrilling 31-28 victory.  
 
Madison was nominated for the award by the VSU Athletic Department as a hometown hero was selected from each of the four institutions playing on Saturday, VSU, Clark Atlanta, West Alabama and Fort Valley State.
 
"Dave has had a huge impact on our players," Blazer head baseball coach JD Hulse said. "He is not only spreading the Word to them, but he also is there for our guys if they need support off the field.  The players trust him and they all appreciate the time he spends with them."
 
Madison and his wife Trish have been married for 39 years and relocated to Valdosta from Orlando, Fla., in 2020 to be closer to family. They have one daughter and two grandsons.  Madison was the Chief Operating Officer at a software development company prior to coming on board with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).  
 
Accepting the Lord at 12 years of age, Madison felt a calling into sports ministry due to his passion for athletics and love for the community.  He is excited to minister to and through coaches to impact both coaches and athletes alike with the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ.  
 
Madison has been involved with the VSU Athletic Department for over three-and-a-half years.  He handles Coaches Huddles, Athlete Huddles, Multi-Sport Huddles, Athlete Discipleship, while sending athletes to collegiate leadership camps.  He organizes athlete service opportunities within the community and serves as the Chaplain for the football and baseball teams.

"Dave Madison is an incredible asset to our football program and to Valdosta State athletics," VSU head football coach Graham Craig said.  "His consistent support of our coaches and student-athletes makes a tremendous impact every single day."

Stay up to date on all Blazer news by following @VState_Blazers on Instagram and X and by liking the "Valdosta State Blazers" Facebook page. Also, the Blazer Athletics Mobile App is available on iTunes and Android featuring exclusive content, the latest news and updates, schedules, rosters, gameday notifications and more.