Governor Perdue recognizes the City of Valdosta on being selected as a finalist on ESPN's "TitleTown"

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued a proclamation today congratulating Valdosta, Georgia as being selected as one of ESPN’s 20 finalists for the honor of being named “TitleTown USA.”

ESPN’s “TitleTown” is an ongoing contest featured on ESPN’s flagship show, “SportsCenter,” where sports fans throughout the nation were allowed to submit nominations for what they considered to be “TitleTown USA.” In all more than 3,000 different applications were received and out of those ESPN selected 20 finalists. Valdosta, the only city in Georgia to be named a finalist, is competing against major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston and Detroit. The winner will be selected by sports fans throughout the nation who can submit their vote on ESPN’s website.

Valdosta was selected due to the city’s unprecedented athletic achievements. In all, the city of Valdosta claims 439 championships of some type. The city, aptly nicknamed “Winnersville,” is most notably known for football giants Valdosta High School, Lowndes High School and Valdosta State University.

The City of Valdosta will be featured tonight on “SportsCenter” at 6pm.

VALDOSTA, GEORGIA

ESPN TITLETOWN FINALIST

WHEREAS:           Valdosta, Georgia has been selected out of more than 3,000 applicants nationwide as one of ESPN’s 20 finalists to be voted on as America’s TitleTown.  Valdosta is synonymous with champions and is the epitome of TitleTown USA.  Throughout the city’s illustrious history in athletics, Valdosta, in Lowndes County, has produced 439 championships so far, most notably from Valdosta High School, Lowndes High School and Valdosta State University.  The town is appropriately nicknamed, “Winnersville;” and

WHEREAS:           Valdosta High School, over the past 86 years, has established itself as the winningest high school football team ever,  amassing 838 victories, with an overall winning percentage of over 80%.  In their history, the Wildcats have captured 40 region championships, 23 state championships, and 6 national titles; and

WHEREAS:           Lowndes High School has also had its fair share of success on the football field.  The Lowndes High School Vikings are the reigning Class AAAAA state champion and have 5 state titles to their name, most notably winning 3 out of the last 4 state championships; and

WHEREAS:           Valdosta’s tradition of winning titles has not been achieved only at the high school level.  Valdosta State University is the reigning Division II Football National Champion.  The Blazers also have an additional national title to their credit, having won this honor in 2004; now

         THEREFORE:        I, SONNY PERDUE, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby recognize and commend the city of Valdosta as a city worthy of the honor of being named ESPN’s TitleTown USA.  The community’s athletic achievements have been nationally recognized, and, through their many accomplishments, each championship team has been a fine ambassador for the state of Georgia throughout this great nation.  Valdosta, Georgia will forever be known as “Winnersville,” but with the help of the people of Georgia, as well as sports fans throughout the nation, it may also be appropriately given the honor of being named ESPN’s TitleTown USA.

                                    In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 16^th day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand eight.

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