Valdosta State University to Add Women's Soccer in 2011

Valdosta State will field women's soccer as an intercollegiate sport beginning in 2011, according to an announcement made by VSU President Patrick Schloss and Athletic Director Herb Reinhard during a press conference at the University Center Wednesday.

"I am pleased to announce the addition of women's soccer as the 12th intercollegiate and sixth women's sport at Valdosta State," said Schloss in making the announcement. "We will join the Gulf South Conference as one of nine schools to sponsor this sport. We feel that we are well positioned geographically to become a power in this sport and look forward to seeing this new team uphold the proud tradition that is Valdosta State Athletics."

Reinhard indicated that a national coaching search will begin within the next 3 weeks and that the University planned on having its newest coach in place during the later winter or early spring months of 2010.

"Our timeline includes getting a coach in here as quickly as possible," he said. "That will give whoever leads our new program basically all of 2010 and the first half of 2011 to get everything involved with starting a new program, including recruiting, scheduling and buying equipment, completed."

Both Schloss and Reinhard pointed to the support of the Valdosta State campus and Valdosta community as a major factor in choosing VSU's newest Division II program.

"I would like to say that we really appreciate the Student Government Association for their support and input as we have moved forward with adding another sport at Valdosta State," Schloss added. "Likewise, the support from our community, which has already stepped forward with offers of funding, has been unbelievable. The response from all parties has been positive and shows that they believe in this move and how it will benefit the University as a whole."

Reinhard also added that much of the infrastructure for the new program has already been put in place, making the decision to add women's soccer easier.

"We planned ahead when building the new Athletic Fieldhouse," he concluded. "The infrastructure, including locker rooms and coaches offices, was included with the new Fieldhouse. Additionally, we have the space behind that building to build a playing surface, along with two football practice fields."

Women's soccer will be the first sport Valdosta State has added since the school began women's volleyball in 1995. In addition to becoming the ninth GSC school to sponsor the sport, VSU will become the 21st NCAA institution to participate in the sport in the state of Georgia, including the seventh Division II program. One of the nation's fastest growing sports among females, girls soccer is currently sponsored by 310 high schools in the state of Georgia.

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Register now for Valdosta State's Annual Fun Run/Walk

Valdosta State University's Campus Recreation and Campus Wellness Committee have opened registration for the 4th Annual VSU Community 5K Fun Run/Walk, which will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.

Participants will meet in front of West Hall prior to start time. First through third place winners in male and female categories will receive prizes and additional items will be raffled off by random drawings after completion of the race. Farber Health Center as well as EMS representatives will be on location to ensure participant safety.

Registration is $12 for students and $15 for all other participants who sign up in advance. All participants pay $20 on race day beginning at 7:15 a.m. Register by July 31 to guarantee a T-shirt on race day.

Facilitated by Todd Smoot of Get Active, the race will begin at 8 a.m. in front of VSU's main campus and will proceed around the perimeter of main campus. Course markers will be positioned to provide directions on the day of the race, but a course map can be found on the entry form, which are available at Get Active, located in the Winn-Dixie shopping center at Five Points, Campus Recreation on Sustella Avenue and on Campus Wellness Website www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/wellness/ .

For more information, e-mail Shawn Phippen at sphippen@valdosta.edu or call (229) 245-4307.

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VSU Landscaper To Compete at Special Olympics World Games

Todd Howard, Valdosta State University landscapr, will leave Wednesday, Feb. 4, with his team to compete in the Special Olympics Winter World Games in Boise, Idaho.

Howard is looking forward to traveling cross-country with his 11 teammates to compete in floor hockey, which is similar to ice hockey, except played on a gym floor. His team has practiced every Monday and Thursday for a full year in preparation for the world games and the opportunity to join more than 4,000 of the greatest Special Olympic athletes in the world.

With more than 30 state medals, Howard has competed year-round with local Special Olympics teams for more than seven years. When coach Tammy Crosby started the team and invited him to join, he began falling in love with the sport he was first introduced to in middle school. He recently switched from center to left wing to aid the team with his speed, which will definitely be needed when facing some of the best teams in the world.

Howard is grateful to the many supporters who have given to the organization and made the trip possible. He credits coaches Crosby and Lindsay Wolfe, as well as his team members with their success and the pleasure playing has given him.

“It makes me challenge myself,” said Howard, who also speaks to schools and media outlets as a Special Olympics ambassador. “I believe in myself and have more self esteem.”

Howard said he hopes to return from his two-week trip with a medal, but most of all he’s glad to have a chance for such an amazing experience.

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Hurricane Ike Forces Postponement of Valdosta State Football Game

Due to the uncertain weather conditions surrounding Hurricane Ike, the Valdosta State football game against Southern Arkansas, which was scheduled to be played Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. in Magnolia, Ark., has been postponed.

No make-up date for the event has been scheduled as of yet, although the two institutions are exploring possible dates for later in the season.

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Saturday's 5K Still On; Wellness Committee Monitoring Conditions

The Valdosta State University Wellness Committee is still monitoring weather conditions for the Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk that will be held at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

VSU will continue to monitor Fay's path. Please check VSU News, www.valdosta.edu/news for updates.

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VSU Prepares for Fun Run Aug. 23

Get your running shoes ready, because registration is open for the 2008 VSU Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

More than 60 participants have already signed up for the event in various categories, but during the next few weeks, VSU expects approximately 200 people total to get involved. Awards will be presented to the first through third place winners for both male and female categories and additional prizes will be raffled off via random drawing after completion of the race. All participants will receive an official Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk t-shirt.

Entry fees are $10 for VSU students and $12 for all other participants until Aug. 20, after which point pre-registration will not accepted. Registration begins at 6:15 a.m. on race day and all participants will pay $20. Teams with up to 10 members can take advantage of a discounted rate of $75. Each additional member will pay the individual rate.

The annual event began in 2006 as part of Valdosta State University’s Centennial Celebration and features a 3.1-mile course that proceeds around the perimeter of the main campus. Sponsored by the VSU Centennial Steering Committee, VSU Campus Recreation, the VSU Wellness Committee and Get Active, the event promotes healthy living and staying active, while giving the participants the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of VSU campus.

Participants can pre-register by mailing a check (payable to the VSU Foundation, Inc.) and a completed entry form, c/o Shawn Phippen, to VSU Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31698. Entry forms are located at Get Active and online at www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/wellness .

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