AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USESPN names Valdosta TitleTown USA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For years, it’s been called Winnersville. Now, the south Georgia town of Valdosta has another name: TitleTown USA, thanks to ESPN.
The cable sports network declared Valdosta the winner of its summer promotion that earlier this month featured the city as one of its 20 finalists for the national award.
Other cities in the running ranged from small town to metropolitan city. It included Boston; Green Bay, Wisc.; and Williamsport, Pa. The only other cities driven mostly by its high school sports tradition was Massillon, Ohio., and Parkersburg, W.V.
The cities were encouraged to offer evidence of championships at all levels and sports.
The 20 finalists were visited by film crews and highlighted on ESPN, and the winner was determined by online voting July 23-27.
The trophy ceremony was filmed July 28 at Valdosta High School’s Bazemore-Hyder Stadium and Valdosta was officially announced the winner on “SportsCenter’ later that evening.
According to the Valdosta Daily Times, Valdosta High School has won 116 region and state championships, a large chunk of them in football. The Wildcats football team is the nation’s all-time winningest program and has 23 state championships.
Lowndes High, the 2007 Class AAAAA football champion, has 94 titles, and Valwood, a private school, has 55. Valdosta State University has won another 40 titles, including the Division II national championships in 2004 and 2007.
Kick off the debate: Do you agree with ESPN that Valdosta is sports TitleTown USA? Tell us why or why not.
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Comments
By Darryl Moore
July 28, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Valdosta is #1 !!!
By Mark
July 28, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Get your facts straight. Parkersburg WV was also featured and is driven solely by it 192 High School State Championships in 103 years.
By Ben
July 28, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Parkersburg WV was ‘driven by High School Tradition’…so you may want to edit that part of your story. I think ESPN also mentioed Valdosta State as part of thier piece…so you may want to add that to your report as well.
By Herschel Talker
July 28, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
This entire ESPN promotion is stupid and absurd.
By Kathy
July 28, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I went to school at Avondale and we always had a great football team in the mid sixties to mid seventies. If we made it to the playoffs or played for state titles Valdosta was always the school we feared.
By Mike F.
July 28, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Having lived in Valdosta and attended VSU in the late 60’s early 70’s I have to agree whole heartedly. VSC as the university was known then was a regular conference champ in baseball and basketball, VHS was top dog in football and a power in other sports LHS was a football power and really good all round, Valwood was very competetive and Georgia Christian School in Dasher (just a few miles south of Valdosta) was a powerhouse in their classification. It was great going to the college and prep games because you almost always saw the local teams win and the reason was the support from the community. Lots of other towns and communities have had their turn in the spotlight but haven’t been able to stay there for all the years that the Valdosta-Lowndes County schools have. Valdosta is a great little city filled with wonderful friendly people and if I could have found a job in my field I would have never left.
By goober
July 28, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Your headline writer had it wrong. Valdosta-Lowndes County is the King of ALL sports, not just high school. That’s what ESPN’s “Title Town” means.
And Mark, a congratulations would have been nice, instead of sour grapes about a team that didn’t win.
Thanks for the acknowledgement, Todd and AJC. We are proud to represent the entire state of Georgia with this award, including Atlanta.
By Scott
July 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
This award wasn’t based solely on high school sports. Valdosta State University also had a hand in this title as well as the enthusiasm and support of the community that loves all of its sporting teams.
By Cal
July 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Valdosta won fair and square. They deserve every bit of the glory. GO BLAZERS!!!!!
By jrh
July 28, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Valdosta has always been a power house and has often been accused of recruiting for their high school team even to the point of finding jobs for parents who would bring their kids in to play ball. I have absolutely no proof of any of this information and maybe everybody is just tired of getting beat up on by Valdosta! They have always put a lot of suppor into all their sports and I do agree with ESPN’s selection.
By 21st century
July 28, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Hey Kathy, That was 40 years ago and if I’m correct Avondale can hardly field a team anymore. I think they’ve won more than four games maybe once in the 20 years. Let’s all get the facts straight, Valdosta High School is ancient news and it’s time to move on to the present.
By Mick Yuille
July 28, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
This is not the right choice, because the VSU team isn’t even the best in division 2 right now. Grand Valley is way better than them. Sure VSU won last 2 of 4, but Grand Valley won last 4 of 6, and they did that in 4 out of 5 years from 2002-2006. Plus Grand Valley has won the director’s cup in 2004,2005,2006, and 2007, and runner up in 2002, and 2003. Plus they aren’t even the best high school, so this is absurd.
By TampaDawg
July 28, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
I didn’t even know Valdosta was in the running. What a great pick…..They have huge tradition down there and always put out great football teams. Before the whole Gwinnett crazy came about South Ga was where football was and still is today but not as heavy as Gwinnett is these days. Congrats Valdosta…..
Norcross High 05’
By SGT CHRIS
July 28, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Valdosta began winning football games before many of these schools had cities in which to reside in. so in that regard, I totally agree with the decision. There is only one name when it comes to high school football, and I am a Lagrange alum. Being on the field with valdosta alone is an experience in itself, so until SOME of you armchair quarterbacks can say that, let them have their day in peace!!
By Mark
July 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
No sour grapes here goober…just stating the writer didn’t have his facts straight.
By Gerald Barnes
July 28, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
There is no other town more deserving of this honor. I would like to direct you to a book called: The Road to the Big’s in which Valdosta is given full recognition as part of a larger story about kids, sports, and the greatness of America. Google: roadtothebigs
By swamprat
July 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Guys, wait a minute. The article said “TITLE TOWN USA”, not football capital. And it is not just Valdosta High School, it includes other sporting venues, which is mentioned in the article. A couple state records were not mentioned in the article. Lowndes girls basketball team in the 70s and 80s won 126 consecutive games and 5 state chaMpionships. Also, a private school south of Valdosta, Dasher, boy’s basketball team won 125 consecutive games, also in the 70s and 80s, also with 5 state championships. I know because I was living there when that happened and attended every one of Lowndes’ home games during that strecht. They also forgot to mention that Lowndes football team has won the 5AAAAA state championship three of the past 4 years and including 2006 and 2007. Valdosta and Lowndes have also won several baseball championships. SO, CONGRATULATIONS TO VALDOSTA AND LOWNDES COUNTY FOR SUCH A HIGH AND DESERVING HONOR. VALDOSTA - MY HOME TOWN.
By Markysha
July 28, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Congrats to VSU!!!! I can honestly say that I’m proud to be a BLAZER!
By SGT CHRIS
July 28, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
hey swamprat—-I would consider valdosta a FOOTBALL CAPITAL as well hehehe
By wayne
July 28, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
There are two high schools in Lowndes county. Valdosta-the city-is no longer the great program or the best in the area. That distinction now belongs to Lowndes COUNTY High school. Is Valdosta getting the award or is Lowndes County? Besides, it only counts if you won a championship recently. Last year does not count, unless you are ESPN. Only television can ruin a good thing.
By SGT CHRIS
July 28, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
IM WAITING ON EA SPORTS TO DO A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME IN THE MOLD OF THEIR NCAA FRANCHISE
By Matt
July 28, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jealousy is a disease 21st century. They are always in the playoffs. If I remember they barely lost in the semi’s last year. You should put on a jersey or meet me somewhere. Get your stuff straight if you want to talk sh*t.
By Marcus Johnson
July 28, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
To the person who said Grand Valley was better than VSU; did they EVEN make the championship game last year? The answer is no, and we went on to beat the team that beat them!
Besides, VSU was just part of the equation. Add to the fact that Lowndes has won a number of championships and Valdosta HS is the WINNINGEST PROGRAM IN THE NATION, and it is easy to see why ESPN chose us to be the winners.
Don’t hate, just CONGRATULATE!
By Tommy
July 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Valdosta what a great pick. I am proud grad of VSU and spent the better part of the 90’s there and and lived there again for a couple years the earlier part of this decade. It’s a well deserved award for an area with such a great tradition in sports
By michael
July 28, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
of course valdosta is title town, i went to vsc!
By Billy
July 28, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Very well deserved! Congrats Valdosta!!
By Atlchris
July 28, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Not only has Valdosta/Lowndes Country won all those football titles in high school football, they’ve also won in college. Also, not only have they won those titles in high school football, they’ve done it against the best of the best teams in the State of Goergia(# 4 in college prospects).
By BigTimeGaTechFan
July 28, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Very stupid of ESPN: Title Town is Green Bay’s nick name, what the …. is ESPN thinking, could they not come up with something different. ESPN has lost it.
Nothing against Valdosta, congrats and very worthy, but don’t call it Title Town. Here we go with ESPN trying to make news instead of of reporting it.
By Rich
July 28, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Hmmm….Boston or Valdosta…tough choice
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
July 28, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Valdosta!!!!
You know who to win titles vs. statistics and you should be proud!!!
Nice!
By Reeze
July 28, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Valdosta ,truely deserving award…..Good that ESPN gave the award to local home grown athlete’s rather than college or Pro athletes …..I am shocked , I didn’t think Valdosta had a chance going up against the other finalists ,…..not that Valdosta didn’t deserve it ,but going against the likes of Columbus Ohio and the others…Incredible!…Finally the state of GA is getting the recogniton for it’s athletes thats long overdue.
By Brittney
July 28, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t think so. After doing research Valdosta ruled Georgia, but not the US. There were other towns featured that had more wins. Apparently Valdosta has just dedicated the last week to online voting, which will of course get them a win! If it were based on actual winning, no… they do not deserve it!
By THE BANDIT
July 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Valdosta.
By Brittney
July 28, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t think so. After doing research Valdosta ruled Georgia, but not the US. There were other towns featured that had more wins. Apparently Valdosta has just dedicated the last week to online voting, which will of course get them a win! If it were based on actual winning, no… they do not deserve it!
By Mike bobo-Outback Bowl MVP
July 28, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I see my # 1 fan is back. How many passes in a row did I complete that day ? How many yards did my offense get against the mighty gaytors last year ?
Congrats Valdosta.
And to my biggest fan, enjoy the beatdowns this year. UGA RULES !!!!!
By Gerald Barnes
July 28, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
There is much more to the Valdosta story than is presented in this article and the comments on this page. The town, its fans, its resources, even its existence, are all improbable.
Again, I invite everyone to read The Road to the Big’s to get a more complete understanding of this exceptional town. Google: roadtothebigs
By abrown
July 28, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Are all of you people reading the article?!?! Pleae re-read the article. It’s about the CUMULATIVE titles won in that particular town vs another town. It’s not about VSU-vs Grand Valley State. Or this school-vs-that school. All the titles in a particular town added together folks, that’s all!
Good grief Charlie Brown….
By Out of choices
July 28, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
I went to high school and played football at Tift County High. It is true that they have won that many titles….so in ignoring the rules and “recruiting high school players from across the nation by finding their fathers jobs” is the way you want to view a title holder by all means Valdosta is your man. Don’t get me wrong….they were and are good…just dishonest.
By jared
July 28, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
i agree with the decision that Valdosta is the number one sports town. I live in metro atlanta, and ever since i can remember Valdosta has been winning, and winning big!!
By JimmyRay
July 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
ESPN is starting to really suck! I can’t believe they took time away from reporting about Brett Favre to even have this silly little titletown CRAP!!
By Wes
July 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Valdosta. They can thank the high schools’ phenomenal history and success. Its great seeing teams work their way to the top rather than trading, recruiting, and dishing out millions of dollars to players who play for a money and not love. GA may be getting the recognition it deserves for its athletes!
By Are you kidding
July 28, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Yes - titletown USA is a little place that 99% of the country has never heard of before. ESPN continues to be a joke of a network. What a crock!
By Big Daddy 1
July 28, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
ESPN SUCKS!
By Jea
July 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
All the hating up here is ridiculous. Apparently very few of you knew the guidelines for the award:To nominate a town, city or municipality, submit an essay or video explaining why your town should be crowned TitleTown USA. Judges will consider pride, passion, performance, heritage, history and tradition. This is what got cities nominated, not just performance. You can’t be mad at Valdosta; a- because people actually thought to get it nominated and b- you didn’t get enough votes for your city b/c your city didn’t vote. It is not that serious. BTW, as a Valdosta alum, Lowndes did not make Valdosta hince the ongoing rivalry. Lowndes is second fiddle and always will be especially considering Valdosta’s consecutive record.
By BravesFan79
July 28, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I know firsthand Valdosta recruits kids out of middleschool to come play there. I was friends with a girl who had a older brother who was a BIG guy and all i know is they packed up the whole family and moved to valdosta from Douglasville…. JUST to play highschool football.
By Paul W
July 28, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
To “Out of Choices”- shame on you for showing your sour grapes. My children went to Tiftarea and competed with Valwood, who hasn’t contributed much to this award lately, but I still recognize what that town has done.
One of my daughters is a VSU cheerleader and the other dates a former State Champion from Valdosta High, so I am proud of the award, and I’m proud that the Title is in Georgia. I attended the Valdosta-Lowndes football game in 1976 and I still have never seen anything like it.
I played HS football in Middle Georgia in the mid-seventies- won 2 Region Championships- but I must admit, if they had scheduled us against Valdosta High during that time, I would have refused to get on the bus. So let’s give them their due.
Way to go Valdosta.
By RamblinLonghorn
July 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
God, this is just as stupid as the “Who’s Now?” idiocy they aired a while back.
ESPN Extremely Subjective Poll Network
By Tiffany
July 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
As a proud 2004 graduate of Valdosta State University, I am happy Valdosta won the TitleTown USA honor. I too didn’t think it had much of a chance up against other bigger cities but Valdosta is definitely deserving of the honor. Now, if VSU would only have had that nice parking garage and apartment style dorms when I was there. :)
By Babies
July 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I cannot believe the people crying on this blog. Congrats to Valdosta. Let it be. Good lord, hard for people to be happy for others.
By TacoBellManager
July 28, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I mean absolutely zero disrespect to Valdosta or anyone who lives there or who has played for any of its championship teams. But this series — trundle out a bunch of people to cheer for a studio set — was utter crap. If ESPN wants to put undignified kewpie-doll cheerleading on the screen, that’s its prerogative I suppose, but seeing everyone else stage a pep rally for the Worldwide Leader was just sad.
By stan
July 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
I’ve been to valdosta football games during the glory years of the late 70’s and early 80’s.. I felt like it was special when I attended the games.. I know the opposition thought that is was a specail place
By Paul W
July 28, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
These haters are showing their knowledge of HISTORY- this is a well deserved award.
By THE Truth
July 28, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Valdosta, GA and Lowndes County for being the great championship-making machine you are.
All Georgia is proud of you!
By Here's a choice
July 28, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Stop being sour! I’m glad a small town in South Georgia beat out all of the larger cities that were in the running. Be proud of a city in our state, don’t fish for negative aspects, bask in the positive ones.
By Jea
July 28, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
abrown nice response and britney you need to calm down.
By SportsFan
July 28, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
H.S. football Stats. I know this award is for all titles of all sports, but I just wanted to point this out… Is this wrong?
1.Valdosta Wildcats Georgia 829-188-34 2.Washington-Massillon Tigers Ohio 774-226-35 3.Male-Louisville Bulldogs Kentucky 771-291-35 4.Little Rock Central Tigers Arkansas 766-281-48 5.Mount Carmel Red Tornado Pennsylvania 755-273-59 5.Highlands-Fort Thomas Bluebirds Kentucky 755-222-26 6.McKinley-Canton Bulldogs Ohio 750-305-42 7.Parkersburg Big Red West Virginia 735-270-33
as of 12-16-06
By not VSU
July 28, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Sorry Valdosta State fans —this title belongs to Valdosta High School —don’t try to lump your unworthy selves into the mix!
By Todd Holcomb
July 28, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Parkersburg WV was also featured and is driven solely by it 192 High School State Championships in 103 years.
Sorry. Story is updated.
Also, I hope everyone understands that this is about sports titles overall and not limited to one sport. Valdosta High’s football team is the most famous sports outfit in Valdosta, but the success of Lowndes and Valdosta State in football and Lowndes High’s 122-game winning steak in girls basketball were critical in getting this award.
By Go Team Go
July 28, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Congratulation to Valdosta
As a ‘99 VHS Grad & ‘03 VSU Grad, I am very proud of my hometown.
Go Valdosta Go
Our Winning Tradition Lives ON!!!!
By THE Truth
July 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
are you kidding? @ 3:03
Nobody’s kiddin’, kumquat.
ANYBODY that plays or played competitive HS football has heard of the Valdosta HS Wildcats. Now, add to that SUBSTANTIAL tradition the recent multiple state titles won by Lowndes HS and the D-II National titles won by Valdosta State University and you’ve connected the dots to Title Town USA!
By Hitman
July 28, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I’m so happy ESPN made the right choice and named Valdosta Title Town. I’m so proud to have graduated from VSU. And for those of you that disagree, you’re just jealous because we won and you lost. But we knew we were going to win all along, because we always win. That’s why we got the award.
By darylj
July 28, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
yes parkersburg wv was in the running but when you consider that Parkersburg has a population of 280,000 compared to Valdosta’s 48 -50,000 the comparioson ends there. with 5 times the population its the spirit of valdosta which holds them above the rest! two 15,000 seat stadiums in a town of 50,000 30 state titles combined with valdosta-lowndes high in football and 6 national titles in valdosta high school then add 40 national titles with Valdosta state College? who can doubt the claim that Valdosta is titletown
By jevaris
July 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Figures a white school would be picked…wait until Obama is president and we’ll be front and center. Southwest Dekalb should have been there as well.
By Hank
July 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Too bad Valdosta cant beat any of the Florida High Schools they play.
By thogwummpy
July 28, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
As an Atlanta native and VSU grad; kudos to my “second hometown” on winning this ESPN honor. Debate all you want, but living down there for four years and seeing the attitude up close—-there is no doubt that small town is something special. Maybe this next football season; the Blazers will start to get their fair due in the AJC Sports section! All Georgians should be proud of their little powerhouse down the South.
By jds
July 28, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
this might not bet the dumbest thing i’ve ever heard, but it is in the team picture.
By Brittney
July 28, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Calm down? Um… ok, then. I forgot to congratulate Valdosta on the win. I honestly don’t hate any of the teams in Valdosta. Don’t really care either. I just saw the news and knew what I know and that’s that. Have a great day!
Oh, and Congratulations Valdosta again. :o)
By Brittney
July 28, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Calm down? Um… ok, then. I forgot to congratulate Valdosta on the win. I honestly don’t hate any of the teams in Valdosta. Don’t really care either. I just saw the news and knew what I know and that’s that. Have a great day!
Oh, and Congratulations Valdosta again. :o)
By Steve
July 28, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
What a joke. Valdosta residents had to stuff the ballot box, because no one in the country even knows of Valdosta except that people that travel from Atlanta to Florida or vice versa. Division II championships? Wow. Put any of the teams up against UGA, Florida, or any of the other SEC power house teams, and VSU will get their a** handed to them every time.
This promotion is almost as bad as the “Who’s Now?” crap they used to fill time on sportscenter last year. That’s all it means.
By Brittney
July 28, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Calm down? Um… ok, didn’t know I was uptight. I’m not hatin on anyone. I have stats written down of all schools in this little comptition and I as stating a fact. Tell some of the haters to calm down!
By Supes
July 28, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I live in GA but this is a joke.
Title Town USA is Boston (right now)
Pats, Celts and Sox are all winners and title winners, Bruins are playoff bound and their college team BC is pretty good in both football and basketball. Give the award to the place where in the last 5 or so years teams have dominated.
By Go 'Dosta
July 28, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Valdosta and very well deserved!
The people of Valdosta filled the stadium for a 15 second clip on ESPN showing their passion and pride. The people of Valdosta/Lowndes County view the state championships as their birthright.
Give them congratulations and don’t try to belittle their award because of jealousy. No other place in this state even comes close, so hats off to them for representing our state so well.
Its a good thing for the rest of us that Valdosta High School and Lowndes County High School do not merge; they might make the competition settle for 2nd place.
Two kids at VSU. Go Blazers as well!
By Nicole
July 28, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I’m proud to say I went to VSU. I heard about VSU, VHS, LCHS…..Valdosta all together long before I enrolled. Great programS….NOT just football… so much negativity on here…but its ok… i guess you have to understand a lil history and actually see some it for yourself to give props where its due. GO BLAZERS!!!!!
By ROBERT
July 28, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
DEFINITELY YES!! VALDOSTA IS THE SOUL OF ATHLETICS. WE HAVE KIDS IN FLAG FOOTBALL RUNNING HIGH SCHOOL PLAYS. I REMEMBER COACH NICK HYDER COMING OUT TO OUR PRACTICES WHEN I WAS STILL IN BOY’S CLUB FLAG FOOTBALL. WHEN I WAS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, EVERY FRIDAY, THE WILDCATS CAME TO OUR SCHOOL AND HELPED US WITH OUR SCHOOL WORK. YOU COULDN’T HELP BUT TO DREAM OF BEING A WILDCAT ONE DAY. I GOT TO PLAY FOR COACH HYDER FINALLY BEFORE HE DIED AND IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE. YOU WOULDN’T APPRECIATE IT UNLESS YOU KNOW AND APPRECIATE THE GAME AND ITS HISTORY.
By Cairo
July 28, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Yes. I agree the championships tell it ALL. It said in ALL categories. I think 900 plus puts them at the top. As a VSU/VSC Alum I am proud of my college alumn town. GO BLAZERS!!!
By R. E. H.
July 28, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Living in this region of the state it’s always been accepted here that there weren’t any other towns in the state that was even close, I played against more than a few from there in the 70’s who went on to star at UGA. mY FIRST H.S. baseball game was against the eventual state champs. It wasn’t bad enough that I was 15 playing left field at this level, but against the best there was almost scarred me.
By shankit
July 28, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Hank You are partially correct. VHS’s overall record is 829 wins 188 losses, best record of any team in the country. 3 of the 188 losses were against Florida teams. However, if you go back 12 of the wins were against Florida teams. VHS quarterbacks also have a 6-0 record against the Gators going back to Belue, Lastinger and Talley, including a Cotton Bowl and National championship. One of the wins was against Lincoln who by the way won the Florida State Championship that year with only one loss to VHS. I guess that made VHS Ga. and Fla.state champions.
By A.S.
July 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Holy Smokes!
After watching the piece of Valdosta I thought they deserved TitleTown. They have amazing great football teams and records!
However, knowing ESPN I was thinking it would end up being NY or Boston.
GREAT WIN FOR THE BOYS IN GEORGIA!
By Buck Belue
July 28, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I even had that Yankee John Kincade vote 127 times online for Valdosta.
By Jea
July 28, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
What a smart observation Steve, how about if VSU played the NY Giants… boy, what a game.
By John
July 28, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
After 30 plus years in the computer industry in the Atlanta area I moved to Valdosta in January of 2006 to be near my grandkids. In April of 06 I lucked up and purchased season tickets to Lowndes HS football from a holder whose son had just graduated , 44 yard line, 2nd row end seats. What a great investment! HS football here is like college football, talked about all year long. The crowds are great and it is a wonderful family atmosphere. Visiting teams are respected and everyone has fun no matter who wins. And these country boys know how to HIT! Just ask North Gwinnett. ESPN not only looked at sports but also how the community was involved and that is how Valdosta walked away with the prize.
By Yasmine-Valdosta
July 28, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
GO VALDOSTA TITLETOWN USA! I am a proud graduate of VHS Class 0f 1993 and VSU Class of 1998 & 2001. A proud player of both softball teams. All of our pain, passion, sweat, tears, determination and tenacity has been fully acknowledged. Thanks ESPN for recognizing true champions! Some said we would never make it. But Hyder taught us NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER QUIT! Valdosta-The Land where Champions are BORN!!!!
By Chris
July 28, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
This is so gay. New York or Boston are DEFINETLY titletown USA this test will be bolded= Come on ESPN! Dont turn gay on me!!!
By THE Truth
July 28, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Todd, I guess we can now forgive ESPN & Herb Crackstreit for the substantial slight to UGA football last season?
I didn’t think so.
By dale
July 28, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Kirk Herbstreit named Boston title town, but an hour later he changed it to Valadosta to go along with the other folks.
He said it was very scary almost having to back up his own assertions.
By Really?
July 28, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Of course we all know this is BS. Right?
Right?
Cities have nicknames. Beantown, The Windy City, The City of Brotherly Love. It happens.
Detroit is HockeyTown, New York is The Big Apple and Green Bay is Title Town. It’s as simple as that. I don’t know how this confounds so many people. These towns got these nicknames organically, because people started using them more and more. Then it was commonplace.
The names weren’t granted by a cable television network. In fact, if I may say so, that just seems stupid. It seems like ESPN might have just been trying to…what’s it called? Oh! Boost ratings. Maybe they were trying to boost ratings during the slow summer months.
Simply because they decide that they want to pretend to give a city a new nickname (while stealing it from another city), doesn’t make it legitimate.
Seriously, people. Valdosta?
By dale
July 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Chris, were you trying to bold something? Man you’re dumb.
By dbenford
July 28, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
ESPN is ridiculous. While I am glad this is gven to a GA city I couldn’t help but gag on every “TITLETOWN” segment, much the same as I did the “who is now” segment. ESPN has become such the corporate behometh that I pretty much dismise them. They have way too much power over the voting of the finals standings in Colege football
By Jea
July 28, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Really? with all do respect Valdosta is and will always be Winnersville, don’t get it twisted. Regardless to whatever ESPN decided to name their award, we are still Winnersville.
By Schasta in Valdosta
July 28, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Guys at the top; Ben and mark, you need learn how to read. This article clearly states that Parkersburg WV WAS driven by its High School titles.
By lindsay
July 28, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
WHY IS EVERYONE SO MAD AT ESPN??…IF YOU WANTED YOUR CITY TO WIN, YOU SHOULD HAVE VOTED..LIKE VALDOSTA AND OTHER CITIES IN GEORGIA DID! IT WAS THE VOTES ON TOP OF THE TITLES THAT MAKE VALDOSTA TITLETOWN!!
By Not a Native
July 28, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
The funny thing is everyone is saying that this town or that town should have won. The facts are that voting was open to everyone in the USA and that the title is given based on this voting. Towns ten times the size of Valdosta could not get enough of their own citizens to get behind thier teams and that is why they ARE NOT title town. I am not a native of Valdosta, but I have lived here for quite some time. I have never seen a city so CRAZY about football. This is why they are title town, not just because of their records… . ALSO an interesting note —in the movie REMEMBER THE TITIANS that school was the 2nd runner up to the national title. Who was #1? VALDOSTA!!! Way to go Title Town! I am proud to be a part of this great city.
By lindsay
July 28, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
WHY IS EVERYONE SO MAD AT ESPN??…IF YOU WANTED YOUR CITY TO WIN, YOU SHOULD HAVE VOTED..LIKE VALDOSTA AND OTHER CITIES IN GEORGIA DID! IT WAS THE VOTES ON TOP OF THE TITLES THAT MAKE VALDOSTA TITLETOWN!!
By Derrick
July 28, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Too one-sided, they have only made an impact in one sport (football)!
By shankit
July 28, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Our thanks from the Valdosta community to the Atlanta Journal for spoiling ESPN’s announcement this evening at 6:00 pm. You would do better reporting on your Loserville sports teams. I can’t hardly wait for Terrence’s comments about why Valdosta shouldn’t have won this title.
By Blazer08
July 28, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
“By not VSU
July 28, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Sorry Valdosta State fans —this title belongs to Valdosta High School —don’t try to lump your unworthy selves into the mix!”
Without Valdosta State the city of valdosta would be just another run down south Georgia city. VSU brings in millions of dollars of revenue and provides the local high schools with the funding it needs to continue the traditional football powerhouse valdosta has become. Valdosta State has also been on national tv multiple times in the past couple years, valdosta high school has not been on TV since cable companies started broadcasting in color. This achievement is for everyone in valdosta not just a single high school that has done nothing in the past decade except replenish the population inside Lowndes County Prison.
By The Notorious RIG
July 28, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Valdosta, GA…”In my mind, I’m already there!”
P.S. King James was a legend on the hardwood at VSU.
By sadsa
July 28, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Valdosta? F*** awesome.
By Jea
July 28, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
lindsay and Not a Native, i could not agree more.
By Butterfly
July 28, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I think it’s great for a community like Valdosta to win the titletown award. I also believe that the reason why we won is b/c we have so many ppl that wanted this that ppl never stopped voting :-). Great job VSU!!!
By Penguin
July 28, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Gimme a break! Valdosta State University? Nobody’s ever heard of it. Definitely NOT powerhouse college sports! How utterly hilarious. How many former athletes are now in the pros? Who do they play? Definitely not nationally ranked teams! OMG! ESPN really screwed up this one.
By Josh
July 28, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
There is no doubt that Valdosta GA. has produced many of the countries finest athletes and by far has the most close nit fan base in the country. A pure power house.
By Bobby Colton
July 28, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
All I got to say is I’m glad I’m not a betting man. If that was the case, I would be on the street with no money, car, or food. I never dreamed that Valdosta would’ve had even a microscopic chance. This is a joke. Valdosta is Titletown USA? May I laugh now or later?
-Bobby-
By shankit
July 28, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Blazer 08 and the comments from someone else. Neither of you represent this community with your slanderous remarks towards VHS and VSU. Both are fine institutions and have prevailed in spite of support from the likes of you two. Take your argument some where else and get off this web site, and let the people of this community enjoy this day.
By APRYLE
July 28, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
I am so excited that Valdosta’s finally getting recognition. CONGRATS!!! GO BLAZERS!!! VSU ALUMNI 04
By SF
July 28, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
ESPN’s Titletown was an idiotic bit designed to fill time during the slowest sports month of the year.
Congrats Valdosta, you just won a beauty contest at fat camp.
By Tomahawk Kris
July 28, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Who cares about West Virginia. Nothing buy trailer parks and meth labs.
By Tomahawk Kris
July 28, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Who cares about West Virginia. Nothing but trailer parks and meth labs.
By cspen
July 28, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Valdosta! Great people! Great town! Great Spirit! Valdosta all the way!!!!
By Bobby Colton
July 28, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
What a joke!
By Old VHS foe
July 28, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
If you’ve ever been there, if you’ve ever played there, if you’ve prepared and contemplated the tradition and power behind the team you’re up against, then you like me will congratulate Valdosta on a well deserved earning of “Title Town”. On 4 Friday nights, ending 33 years ago, it was like stepping out of high school football into the college ranks. I can’t really say that I’ve been to a college game since that held a light, all things considered. I played on an opposing team that sent 3 players to the NFL, one who now possesses 4 SuperBowl rings, and still to this day, the games against Valdosta were defining events. There is no atmosphere like it. Congrats to storied program and Town.
By Andy
July 28, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to the city of Valdosta for this outstanding acomplishment. This town has exemplified excellence, sportmanship, and class for the Southern Football Experience and many other sports for High School and College for many decades. My son had the priviledge 0f playing against both Valdosta High and Lowndes a number of years ago and I remember the feeling walking into those football stadiums in awe. There is no greater place on the planet than Valdosta, Ga. and I agree 100% that they are TITLE TOWN USA. It all about tradition and living it !! You make us Georgians proud !!
By K
July 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t going to write anything directed at one individual, but after reading the post from Jevaris I have to. “Figures a white school would be picked…” What are you talking about? First of all, it wasn’t a school that was picked, and second, other than private schools, there isn’t a school in Valdosta that could be called a “white school.”
As for everyone complaining about the big cities that didn’t get the title. Here is the thing about Valdosta: It is driven by sports and by titles. When most people think about Boston, NY, LA, or the other larger cities, the first thing they think about is not sports. Is Valdosta known about all over the country? No, but when you find people who do know about it, you can bet that they are going to be talking about the sports history and all the titles.
When you have a town where 10% of all the people show up for the taping of the contest, or more than 25% of the town shows up for a single football game, then you know it is something special. All the big cities already have numerous other things they are known for, quit complaining about not winning this one, because Valdosta is TitleTown
By steve
July 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I have nothing against Valdosta. They certainly have enjoyed a lot of success over the years.
However, I just think this “Title Town” promotion from ESPN is incredibly stupid and pointless. How many more promotional gimmicks can this network come up with?
I have long gotten tired of ESPN and its endless need for silly promotions. Why can’t they just cover sports anymore?
By Eddie
July 28, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I think they made the right choice. I agree Valdosta should be #1 after all they dont call it Winnersville for nothing. To all of you that lost well. Stop whining,crying and all. Dont be a sore loser, Get your head out of your a$$ and play ball. Win some games and maybe next time you might get the title. GO VALDOSTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Priest
July 28, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
CONGRATS Valdosta! As for all the people saying ESPN is crazy for CHOOSING Valdosta and that some other city should have been CHOSEN, I have this to say: The polls were open for 4 days for people worldwide to VOTE on this. ESPN didn’t CHOOSE anything, the people of Valdosta just supported their town better than any other town mentioned in the Top 20. Which furthermore solidifies the fact that VALDOSTA, GA really is TITLETOWN, USA. GO VALIANTS!
By Blazer
July 28, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Congrats Valdosta Thanks C. Hatcher goodluck GS
By Rebecca Norman
July 28, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
YES!!!!! Valdosta is definitely the best choice for this title. I lived in Valdosta for 22 years and I am very proud for all the great teams that made this possible.
By shannon
July 28, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
What time does UGA kickoff on the 30th???
By craig gatlin
July 28, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Yeah valdosta is title town. the other cities that we went against like new york, boston, and L.A. were bigger cities but they bought all there titles with money valdosta titles were home grown. its not all about valdosta high (dont forget i attended valdosta and won football champonship in 1998) its about the whole community in whole from lowndes high, valwood n the other private schools and also valdosta state where i attended also do valdosta true title town grabbed that name from green bay we deserve it GO VALDOSTA
By WHITEDAWG
July 28, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
HEY JEVARIS ARE YOU EVEN EDUCATED ENOUGH TO VOTE? ARE YOU WAITING FOR OBAMA TO INCREASE YOUR WELFAIR SO YOU CAN BUY YOUR FIRST COMPUTER?
By Big Man
July 28, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Statesboro should be Titletown.
By Greg Kirkland
July 28, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
CONGRATS VALDOSTA! I’m a 1995 graduate of Valdosta State University as well as a former Valdosta High School Football Coach. I’m happy for everybody that had a hand in this RIP Coach Hyder.
By Greg Kirkland
July 28, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
CONGRATS VALDOSTA! I’m a 1995 graduate of Valdosta State University as well as a former Valdosta High School Football Coach. I’m happy for everybody that had a hand in this RIP Coach Hyder.
By Cody
July 28, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
id just like to say that ur ignorant for statin that bret favre doesnt deserve to have time takin away from talkin about himself i say hes a good ball player but screw him VALDOSTA is the winningest football team in the nation and deserves this its about time one of the favorite states werent payed to be crowned title town we won it and dont even have a PRO team so all i can say is send ur team on in to valdosta and we will see who comes out smilin
By Cody
July 28, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
id just like to say that ur ignorant for statin that bret favre doesnt deserve to have time takin away from talkin about himself i say hes a good ball player but screw him VALDOSTA is the winningest football team in the nation and deserves this its about time one of the favorite states werent payed to be crowned title town we won it and dont even have a PRO team so all i can say is send ur team on in to valdosta and we will see who comes out smilin
By keanu
July 28, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
I’M from Georgia big up’s to Valdosta but I like Tucker Ranked number two in the state and I think we can crush Valdosta!!!!GO TUCKER!!!
By Steve
July 28, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
There is more to this story than just titles. It is about the community and fans. I was in the Air Force stationed in Germany and my son played football over there. A colonel saw him play and highly recommended that I look at the great powerhouse high schools when requesting an assignment back to the states. He described several powerhouse high schools with air bases nearby: Midwest City with Tinker AFB, Lompoc with Vandenberg AFB, Niceville with Eglin AFB, etc. He kept coming up with Moody AFB and Valdosta. Amazing since before Germany I was at Fort Walton Beach when Choctahatchee High School (a Florida power house) got plastered by Valdosta. So Moody was it. First question out of the real estate agent’s mouth was does your son play football? Not anything about housing. Yes, there is more to Title Town than just Valdosta High School. I graduated from VSU. I still go watch their games. Lowndes may be county but are you in the city limits? I have seen the high schools coaches go to the middle school and eat lunch with the kids. I think every kid in Valdosta and Lowndes knows they can play football. The greatest deal in a college experience is not UGA or Tech. No, it is Valdosta State. It is not just football but a quality education. Well deserved and no ONE can take it away. You know you are great when you hear a lot of whining about your accomplishment. Congratulations.
By Candy
July 28, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Valdosta..the seem deserving..but I still think Gainesville should have owned it..GO GATORS!!!
By Drew
July 28, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Titletown USA can take a hike. Who cares about high school championships.
By LarryMcCain
July 28, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
As a ‘90 graduate of Valdosta High School, a ‘95 graduate of Valdosta State, and a teacher for six years at Valwood (Go Valiants), I am proud to claim that I am from Valdosta, and although I moved to Alabama, I know the true spirit of healthy competition from my time in V-Town.
“Titletown” or not, Valdosta is filled with people who support their sons, daughters, and neighbors.
Congratulations to Winnersville, USA - a city full of winners, on the field and off!
By kraw
July 28, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
who cares about high school football?!?!?!?
By Wes
July 28, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Give me a break…Valdosta, GA?
By By Josh (huge Boston fan)
July 28, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Boston is such a better titletown than any other nominee. This is a town who’s won the NBA Finals, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Stanley Cup, and many other championships! The Patriots are in their prime right now, winning 3 Super Bowls in 6-7 years. The Red Sox are also in their prime, winning 2 world series in 4 years. The Celtics are probably going to win 3-5 more championships before the BIG three retire. So Titletown U.S.A. should definitely be Boston!
By GB
July 28, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Green Bay is and always will be Titletown. What’s the next lame poll ESPN runs. Who is America’s team? Oh wait, no one can touch the Cowgirls.
By alan
July 28, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
To start off with ESPN sux and they care more about BRETT FARVE more than anyone , he is done so let him go , gezzzzzzz drop him….and as far as title town….Valdosta/Lowndes county is it… come on espn run the clip and tell whos the town….sure is no green bay…nothing but snow and old people there. come on
By Eric
July 28, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Back in the 80’s when i played Valdosta would come to town on a friday with about 12 long nose buses, The band had 8 the footall team had 4. Lowndes High Did the same.That fear by it’s self. Titletown is the right name for Valdosta.
By By Josh (huge Boston fan)
July 28, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Valdosta is sooo not Titletown U.S.A., I mean please they’re just a college team. If anything it should be New York, L.A., or Boston.
By Darius A.
July 28, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
CONGRATULATIONS VALDOSTA! After all, I am officially a VSU FRESHMAN BLAZER!!!
By EW
July 28, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
It’s fun to read the above and see the cultural sports fan versus the real sports fan. Anybody who has followed sports history knows Valdosta and the influence it has not just on high school sports but college and on up. To rocohnize Valdosta as Title Town U.S.A. shows the respect for the dominance this one town has had for many years.
Not to long ago the Brookwood coach made the comment that “the road to the championship does not go through Valdosta anymore”. Well that was before they got pummeled on the Ga Dome turf, while Valdosta was on it’s way to another title. Throw in Lowndes Co High, VSU, Valwood, etc and you have the dominant city in history in any sport.
People can say Boston, New York, etc all they want, they simply do not follow or understand sports out side of pop culture.
By jon
July 28, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
This is absurd. the only people arguing for valdosta are people from there. title town should be about 1A college sports and Professional sports. Does valdosta house any? some lame little high school, that excelled in one sport 40 years ago, does not warrant even a title town nommination. Boston has one more professional championships this millenium than any other city. espn really dropped the ball on this one.
By Mike
July 28, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Valdosta is number 1!! I’ve been to Parkersburg. They’re a bunch of pansies like Mark.
By Langston
July 28, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
ESPN was played. Did you see the disparity of votes? That is automated voting for sure. Statistically provable too, as they found out with All-Star game online balloting a couple of years back. Oh well, now we will never know…
By NYMan
July 28, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
The only title Boston deserves is for ugliest beeches. Have you seen those cows!! Word to your mother Bosux!!!
By steve
July 28, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
What the hell. new york and La not even in the top five, and boston was only fifth? if the rest of the country doesnt know about your small hick town, you are not title town usa. jon is right, espn really dropped the ball. well hell, i guess us in boston can just go back to being reigning world champs in the NBA and MLB. no big deal.
By Courtney
July 28, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to the city of Valdosta and Lowndes County. I use to live in Warner Robins before moving to NC about 8 yrs ago and I know Valdosta has been a dedicated football town.
By IMHO
July 28, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Judging from all the negative comments about Valdosta (the town) being titled Titletown USA, it appears that there are a lot of Metro ATL football supporters reading the article. Metro ATL, especially Gwinnett Co, can’t stand the fact that they were outshined by Valdosta (and Lowndes Co HS) AGAIN. ParkWho? BrookWood Not (and COULD NOT)!!!!! Props to Valdosta. VSU Blazers, Valdosta HS then and Lowndes Co HS now. These two programs are the main reason that GHSA took the semis out of the dome and made it where only the finals were in the Dome. They want the Metro ATL school that has to run the Valdosta/Lowndes gauntlet has somewhat of a home field advantage in the finals. They (GHSA) is tired of having to send that silver trophy to a school SOUTH of Macon.
By Courtney
July 28, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to the city of Valdosta and Lowndes County. I use to live in Warner Robins before moving to NC about 8 yrs ago and I know Valdosta has always been a big football town.
By Charlie C
July 28, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Come on People! Get over it. Spew your hatred and jealousy over the winningist city in the nation, and well deserving I may add. This was the culmination of all sports teams from all the schools in Lowndes county and yes they are Titlesville USA!!! Congratulations Valdosta. Newnan Georgia
By EW
July 28, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
For those saying Valdosta is not known nationally, I was sitting in Tunica a couple of months ago talking with some guys around a poker table and when they found out I was from South GA the first thing out of their mouths was about the good football down there and how they had heard about Valdosta’s football program. Those guys were from Missouri.
Two weeks ago, I was in Vegas (playing poker again) and nearly the same discussion happened with some guys from Oregon.
Get over it guys, when it comes to sports in Georgia on a national level there are only two towns Athens and Valdosta.
By robinsfootballfan
July 28, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
1st)congrats valdosta,Warner Robins Ga recognizes your place in history.Job well done. 2nd)title town is not about what pro teams can pay millions so a player(likely from the SEC)will come to play for a particular city or town to make a name or earn a championship for them.Of all the players that played on great pro teams from Boston or other major cities how many are from there or would live in that “environment”after retirement.I’ll answer for you slim to none. 3rd)You cry babies had your chance to vote and didn’t.That alone speaks volumes about what title town is all about. 4)It’s about the people of a community and how they pull together. 5)if you don’t like what I said…vote next time and don’t come recruit players from Ga.for your championships.
By CommunistAJC
July 28, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
ESPN is a bunch of biased crap. I’m happy for Valdosta State but there were a lot of places left off the list. South Bend and Tuscaloosa are two of them. 13 NT for Notre Dame in football alone. 12 for Bama. Gainsville was on there for petes sake. That school has TWO NT for football. Two or three for basketball. How about Miami? College and pro sports. I mean, Chicago was on there. For what? Basketball? Because their baseball teams have not done a whole lot. Bears? ONE Super Bowl. Kansas was on the list. WHY? IT is more about recent championships when it should have been about winning over the years. Whatever. Glad to see Valdosta win.
By By Josh (huge Boston fan)
July 28, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
All of you Valdosta fans out there, Valdosta shouldn’t even be considered a nominee for Titletown U.S.A. I mean come on Valdosta fans and Espn, isn’t there something better to do then joke about Valdosta being Titletown U.S.A.!!!
By JHenry
July 28, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
For all of you who posted negative comments about the honor bestowed upon the city of Valdosta which includes Lowndes County Schools and other schools in the area including VSU, I say,”Stop Hating!” I think it was a great promotion for ESPN to do. Not only did it recognize a well deserving town, it promoted community unity and cooperation. The guidelines were clear, so don’t get upset because the city of Valdosta/Lowndes County has great fans! All the issues about recruiting, and Grand Valley (how absurd to even bring up), and other stuff has nothing to do with the award. So get over it! Valdosta/Lowndes County is Titletown USA! CONGRATULATIONS!
By The Nerd
July 28, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
I believe congratulations are in order. Valdosta deserves to be named Titletown USA. It’s not about the pro level, it’s not about the college level, it’s about ALL levels. (Do you hear that Detroit, Boston, New York, Philadelpia, Atlanta and (my hometown) Athens?)
By gman
July 28, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Valdosta. It’s a distinction well deserved. Now it’s time to acknowledge that Valdosta High is living in the past. Lowdnes High now is by far the best team in Lowdnes County Georgia. Valdosta hasn’t done anything in 10 years. Buck Belue,Lastinger, Bond, and all the great players are long gone. Coach has retired.The best players are now going to Lowdnes.
By Michael
July 28, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
I think a lot of you are missing the point of the award. It’s not who has won the most awards, and certainly isn’t about who won the most football titles. Yes winning tradition is part of it, but it’s also about community support for your town. I grew up in central Alabama, where football rules all conversation, and daily life. We live and die with each passing seasons record, and if you lose to the other team, have to eat it all summer till the new season starts. I lived near Boise ID for 5 years where they have great tradition and the “Blue Field” like the eifle tower, the Empire state building, or the statue of liberty one of the sites you should see with your own eyes before you die, and have visited many of the other major cities that were nominated.
Until I moved to Valdosta GA a year ago I have never seen anything like the atmosphere that this city and county has for their sports teams, high school, college or otherwise. It is VERY worthy of the “Winnersville” title that they have bestowed upon themselves and the “Title-Town USA” award that has now been bestowed upon them by all the wonderful people of this community, the state of Georgia, and ESPN. So until you have been here to experience the excitement, love, and support of this community, You have no idea what it’s like and no inkling of what it really means or takes to be “TITLE-TOWN USA” pride, passion, performance, heritage, history and tradition all here and very prevalent. I couldn’t have picked a better place to be, and will sorely miss it when it is time for me to move on to another place.
Congratulations Valdosta and Lounds County. You make this community well worth being a part of.
By WILDCAT 4EVER
July 28, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
FACE IT PEOPLE YOU WERE JUST OUT VOTED! EVERYONE THOUGHT THIS SMALL TOWN OF LESS THAN 70,000 WOULD NOT COME TOGETHER AND VOTE OUT THE OTHER BIG CITIES,BUT THEY DID. IT WAS NOT JUST THE CITIZENS OF VALDOSTA, BUT ALSO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WHO EVER HAD A CHANCE TO BE A PART OF SUCH AN EXTRODINARY TRADITION. STOP SMELLING YOURSELVES AND GET OVER IT!
By bgh
July 28, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Now hear from someone a tad bit older —-A VHS Grad.,1964 and VSC. GO ‘DOSTA GO!!!! The pride, spirit and fan support was and is still the reason Valdosta is so deserving of the TITLE TOWN USA Award. They showed up!!!!!—-they voted!!!!! Supporters from all the local schools brought to light the accomplishments of these kids in many sports over the years! Don’t forget it was the coaches and players who won those games—-give them their well-deserved kudos! Still proud to be a “Wildcat”.
By jimbo
July 28, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Green Bay Wisconsin is Title Town USA trademarked! Suck it, there is no other.
By neal
July 28, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
wow really stop all the whining for god sake. valdosta high,lowndes high, valwood,VSU all as a entity of lowndes county all deserve this title.the people of this county love their sports like no other.so please just say good job,and we support the decision that was made.super support valdosta,lowndes,valwood,and VSU GREAT JOB!!!!!
By Clint D.
July 28, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Valdosta,is my hometown! Titletown. An Titles are something thats given to Champions. An we have 439 of those. No make that 440-(Titletown). Win, loose or draw, we play with heart an soul! leave our best on the field. An if a championship happens to fall our way, then our best was good enough that day. An Valdosta, today our best was good enough. Titletown today is yours. So to Valdosta State, Valdosta an Lowmdes High, Ga. Christan, Valwood, an Open Bible, Pinevale, an Dasher High, your winning sprit an love of sport has shown through the years, decades, an comming up on a centry. So I’ll carry the two names wih pride. Winnersville USA- Titletown USA…An the winning contuie….
By Bobcat VHS 1990
July 28, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Let me also remind you - Jason Nichols / second string QB for VHS still holds the Region Record for Tea Bags at Mason Elementary School.
By hopedmccarty
July 28, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
quit beiing haters!! valdosta is the best!!
By dayne
July 28, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
This is disturbing, I’m not from Valdosta. So let me give you some unbiased info, Valdosta has it all. None of the big cities compare in terms of history or winning percentages of all sports from highschool all the way up to College. The fact that individuals would disrespect this is less than human and quite disturbing. I just don’t get it. congrats Valdosta, you guys are what it’s all about. Don’t you find it interesting that the naysayers all have some excuse or lack of research or but. but.. but… to add, They’ll never understand. As a multi-sport athlete from highschool to semi-pros I could also tell you the opinion of some disrespectful fan means “squat”. The beauty in this is it’s not a liberal media love afair, but a community dedicated to it’s sports arena, not a fake fairweather event. Putting down others good fortune is so attractive, wth. Did you individuals not have moms, I mean if you have nothing good to say don’t say anything, just say congratulations or nothing at all. Pathetic.
By Farsider
July 28, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
I just don’t know how the designation “titletown USA” could go to Valdosta, which is a one-sport specialist town, if there ever was one. Their success begins and ends with football. When was the last time Lowndes County High or Valdosta won a state championship in anything other than football? The true test is how these schools compete in ALL sports. I seriously doubt if either Lowndes County or Valdosta has ever finished in the top 10 for the All-sports trophy (Director’s Cup). Titletown? Give me a break.
By plowboy
July 28, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Valdosta is title town because of the community as a whole. I’m a late 80s grad from Lowndes living in Statesboro. I’ve found my self defending the hated cross town rival on more than one occassion. Almost to the point of blows and the last was at a Sunday school social recently.
By Sara
July 28, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Valdosta/Lowndes County certainly deserves to be Titletown. Even one of our businesses—Cass Burch Chrysler Dealership—has won a national award as #1 car dealership.
J.D. Drew of Lowndes County was recently named MVP at the All Star Game—More winners keep coming in Valdosta and Lowndes County.
It is a great place to raise a family!!!!
By Lauren
July 28, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
To Brittney:
Just an FYI…It’s good going for Valdosta in dedicating the last week to voting….that’s how you show town spirit and win what you deserve….You have to prove you want it, the town has to prove they have the spirit to earn the title and that’s exactly what we did. We took the time and did our share of voting and we got what we deserved!!! Maybe if there was something you cared about as much, you would put in the time to vote as well, otherwise don’t hate on us for voting for and believing in what we want and deserve!!
By CARL "TWO"
July 28, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
I WAS ON THE VHS FOOTBALL TEAM FROM 1947 TO 1952. WE WON TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WAS RUNNERUP ONCE. I AM PROUD TO BE FROM VALDOSTA, GA. I DON’T AGREE WITH THE “TITLETOWN” LABEL, BUT DO WITH “WINNERSVILLE”. CONGRATULATIONS VALDOSTA. TWO
By Bill
July 28, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
this is for Daryl, your info on the population of Parkersburg is just a tad bit off. Parkersburg has a population of 32,000 (at best), not 208,000. I tip my hat to Valdosta for winning the Titletown honor. Their tradition and dedication is worthy of the honor.
I am sure your loyalty to your community is as strong as mine…Go Big Reds, Patriots, and Crusaders! Your runner-up status says volumes for such a small community!
By Lauren
July 28, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
To Farsider:
You also need to broaden your view to the college as well, the college has a lot of titles in other sports, we have titles in tennis, basketball, baseball as well as others, those of us who support VSU and Valdosta as a whole, know these things. I personally attended games from every sport during my college years at VSU as well as attending Lowndes High games and I can assure you, we have have the heart, soul and spirit of many different sports down south and I”m proud of our well deserved title!
By Lauren
July 28, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
To Farsider:
You also need to broaden your view to the college as well, the college has a lot of titles in other sports, we have titles in tennis, basketball, baseball as well as others, those of us who support VSU and Valdosta as a whole, know these things. I personally attended games from every sport during my college years at VSU as well as attending Lowndes High games and I can assure you, we have have the heart, soul and spirit of many different sports down south and I”m proud of our well deserved title!
If you read the article about Valdosta at ESPN.com you will see a list of our titles from over the years…just for reference…..
By bob
July 28, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Something is wrong. Yes i am proud of Ga. high schools for there accomplishments but what happened to Parkersburg, WV. I see they had 192 team state championships not counting almost the same amount in sectional and regional titles. And this was just High schools not college or pro teams. I dont live in either state but there is something wrong with this picture. I had to vote for Parkersburg just on there State Championships alone. No one came close. Go Parkersburg !
By Lauren
July 28, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
To those of you from the big cities (Boston, LA, NY, etc.):
You are all just jealous and p** a good ole small town beat you out for what you think you deserve. Titletown is about the town spirit and community as a whole, not about all of your pro teams and big city crap. It’s about the spirit behind the teams and judging from the way some of you display your sportsmanship, most of you don’t deserve to be in a category with towns who are full of good sports, not poor sports with bad attitudes!
And if you think I’m some small town hick with nothing better to do, I was raised in Atlanta and live back there now and I am a proud alumni of Valdosta State and loved spending my college years there. The sense of community and town togetherness is something I’ve never seen before and I’m proud and hell of what we’ve done. We are true TitleTown winners, despite what you jealous and rude people think about us.
By LowndesGrad
July 28, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Way to go Valdosta/Lowndes! My theory, based on living there for 6 years and graduating from Lowndes and attending VSU, is that there isn’t much else to do down there but raise some athletes and attend some games. Seriously, on Friday nights all the sidewalks that don’t lead to one of the stadiums get rolled up.
I love it that even though we live in Atlanta now, we always get to attend a game or two at the Dome each year. But it’s a tradition for us to attend a Lowndes home game every year. If you’ve never been, take the kids and head south one Friday- you won’t regret it.
BUT, I do have to say that even though I think Lowndes/Valdosta is worthy of the title, it was voted on by folks visiting ESPN’s site. Words spreads like wild fire in small towns and I can assure you, every single person with any kind of internet connection in south Georgia voted. Not knocking it- just saying it’s not like it was completely decided upon by ESPN.
By War Eagle
July 28, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Kathy is correct, Avondale was a stronghold in sports especially football and track in 60s and early 70s. Carrolton should be runner up to Valdosta with 5 football titles, 50 plus region titles and 32 State Track championships…
By Roger
July 28, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Jennifer, …Never mind! There is no point arguing with people who don’t even read the qualifications. Don’t just look at state championships. Look at the towns that—-year-after-year—have high schools ranked in the top ten nationally. We played them—and let me tell you they were tough. But if I were to choose any other town—based on high school alone—it would be Massillon, Ohio. And I can’t believe any other town could have more fan support and spirit than Valdosta, Ga. And it’s been that way since the 1940’s.
By Jim
July 28, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Shouldn’t Titletown USA go to a place that at least 5% of the country has even heard of?
By LR
July 28, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
To those of you who are p** about the way it turned out, maybe you should have actually shown support for your team by voting for them. If you all actually had support for you towns and fans you would have done what it took to vote and win. That’s exactly what we did. We sat there day in and day out and did everything in our power to earn what we deserved. The winner was based on votes from fans, not statistics about titles or how big we are….it’s about the heart and soul of our town, the way we support each other and our teams (in all sports!!!) that we proved we had by voting our butts off and earning what we deserved. You all claim to be fans, but you couldn’t take the time to vote? That’s why we’re different, we do everything we can and we earn what we deserve!! Get over your loss, it’s your own fault!!!
By VSU2008
July 28, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I’m proud to be a Valdosta State University cheerleader and glad to say Valdosta is TitleTown USA!!!! We pride ourselves on the fact that not only does our entire community rally around the VSU Blazers, but also the Lowndes High Vikings as well as the Valdosta High Wildcats! Go Valdosta!
By from research
July 28, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
From research relating to other articles, compiled in early 2005, so the statistics are through 2004. Foootball wins, losses, ties, year began play, win percent: U.of Michigan 842/275/36 1879 .7459 Yale Univ. 826/320/55 1872 .7103 Valdosta(GA)HS821/174/34 1913 .8144 U.Notre Dame 802/263/42 1887 .7435 U.Nebraska 793/317/40 1890 .7070 u. of Texas 790/307/33 1893 .7137 The NCAA counts a tie as a half win and a half loss.
Also “google” Barrow, Alaska, football Cathy Parker. The lady from Jacksonville, FL that accomplished the blue astro turf is a native of Valdosta, also her husband. She graduated from Lowndes High, 1983, and participated in the first Winnersville parade in Valdosta in 1981. The ESPN reporter received an Emmy??? for his documentary on this subject. All should read/watch these items on the Alaske turf project and you will see the spirit of heart in the tese championships, and see why Title Town for Valdosta is much more than championships.
By katie
July 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
WHOOHOOO!!! VALDOSTA IS TITLE TOWN!!!! I always knew we would win it. Congrats!
However I dont understand why there are so many people “hating” on this victory. I mean everyone who is mad about it, doesn’t even live here. The dont know what it is like to live in Winnersville. They dont come to our rival games or VSU games. They dont cheer with us. So it really doens’t matter that they are mad. I mean we are the ones who voted our @$$es off. We made shirts to raise money for support, made flyers, sent out emails, flew banners and it all payed off. It was about the voting end the end and i know that i personally voted every chance I got. I have unlimited texts and when i heard about that my outbox to ESPN overflowed with votes for Valdosta. Even though we won it doens’t mean that those bigger cities don’t deserve all of their titles and victories. It just means that finally and for once VALDOSTA is recognized for all of our titles and victories and now we will never be forgotten.
So CONGRATS VALDOSTA! WE ARE TITLE TOWN USA!!!!
By Alan
July 28, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Good lord at the whiners. Valdosta, GA is a fine and deserving pick. My brother was area basketball player of the year in 1994 averaging 29.6 points per ground. Although Atlanta is now my home, Valdosta is home to many winning high school programs and one winning college program. And then there is the sportsmanship the local teams exhibit. BTW, Lowndes (the county high school) is located in the city near the mall. Martin stadium is visible from I-75 near the Hwy 94/Mall exit.
By parker
July 28, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
total joke period
By 10sace
July 28, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
I know there isn’t room to mention all sports awards, but - I went to Valdosta High in and won two state championships in tennis. You don’t get much recognition for that being in a football town. My point is that its not a pure football “contest” - its called Titletown - meaning all sports and all levels combined. I also attended VSC/VSU before they even had a football team. They have achieved alot in a short time.
By Joe Mac
July 28, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
You folks who call ESPN’s Titletown idea stupid should consider the fact that the promotion got tons of people riled up on this message board alone. The idea: get people talking and debating the issue before and after the winner is announced. Taking this into account, ESPN’s Titletown gig achieved its goal by a landslide regardless of the winning city.
By GatorFan
July 29, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Too bad Gainesville is the s**!!! =)
By edward
July 29, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Ok guys and girls. It is called TITLETOWN,USA. It isn’t about Valdosta and Lowndes seperately. It is the whole town. It is about titles won in our town. VSU, Valwood, and Ga.Christian are in that too. Yes, this is a silly promo from ESPN who make tons of silly promos. But honestly, when i heard we were chosen, I was very proud to be from Valdosta. (ok born in Adel). I live in Pittsburgh,Pa. now and the people here thought they had it all wrapped up with the 5 superbowl wins. Well, guess what? They didn’t even crack the top 6!! Think about it, a tiny drop on the map beat the supposed mighty SteelCity!! As a Georgian, you should feel proud that something like this, as silly as it may be, was bringing the good out about our state. Finally something good being said about us!!
By charles breedlove
July 29, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
espn sucks
By Vince
July 29, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Anyone who can get a ticket to a Valdosta-Lowndes game should go. It is unlike anything else in high school football. It rivals Michigan-Ohio State or Auburn-Alabama except on a smaller scale. As for all the Valdosta haters, well how did Dale Earnhardt put it “second place is just second loser.”
By Greg Tibbets
July 29, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
By Alex
July 29, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
For all of you that truly believe Valdosta is TitleTown USA, look up the entry on Wikipedia for Green Bay. There you will see that Green Bay has the phrase “TitleTown USA” trademarked, so as far as I am concerned, Valdosta is NOT TitleTown USA, it is Green Bay.
By julia
July 29, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
Valdosta is just a beautiful place to be, friendly people. Congrats valdosta Horray Blazers.
By Angel
July 29, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
I’ve never even heard of this place, who cares about high school and AAAAA football. This place can’t even be found on a map, enjoy the garbage title with all 18 people that care.
By Andrew
July 29, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this
This is a joke for ESPN. Valdosta is a town I’ve never heard of until “titletown” started. These titles that Valdosta has mean nothing to 95 percent of the country.
Congrats to Valdosta. I’m sure this means a lot to them, but to the rest of America this means no more than who wins the WNBA title.
By Somewhere in Bosnia
July 29, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this
I read through many of the entries and I see that there are three recurring problems:
1) ESPN did NOT choose Valdosta as the winner of Title Town. Each of the 20 city finalists were voted on by the public over a 4 day period.
2) Valdosta could not stuff the ballot box due to the fact that each computer voting was assigned its own ID allowing ONE vote (read the ESPN web site…) 3) Anyone taking any information from Wikipedia as gospel needs to investigate further to see that ANYONE can submit information (accurate or not) to the website.
Ultimately, Valdosta/Lowndes Co/VSU pride beat out the other 19 contenders. Yes, I am a VHS and VSC(U) alum. That said, I also spent the 1990s teaching in several citites throughout the South East and never came across anything like the sports frenzied fans of Valdosta.
Having spent the better part of the past 10 years in Europe, I would rank Valdosta/Lowndes Co/VSU fan support with soccer fan support throughout Europe…
Congrats Valdosta
By Allison
July 29, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this
Wow what a hornets nest espn has stirred. It was my understanding that this contest was based on all sports. This being the case valdosta/lowndes county is truely deservent of this award. Being a transplant to that area for 8 years and seeing firsthand many title winning games during that time i applaud not only the schools for this title but, the supporters of these winners (not whinners.)
By MuSiKmAn
July 29, 2008 4:22 AM | Link to this
Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace UP V-Town Down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Mark
July 29, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this
Darylj I am not sure where you got your information but Parkersburg is a city of 33,000 people not 280,000 as you stated. Hell I don’t even think the entire State of West Virginia has 280,000 people.
By Sports Mom
July 29, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
I’m absolutely amazed by the number of negative comments on this board. For all those who think Valdosta is nothing more than a blip on the map, try again. How many other high school football teams have another team fly across the country to play them because of their winning reputation? I’ve traveled many places and have met people who know Valdosta by either its football or amusement park, Wild Adventures. The point of the contest was to award the passion and pride of a community and Valdosta has that in spades. Sure, Boston and Green Bay have big professional sports titles—bought by how many millions of dollars? And when one of those teams win, they are simply doing their job. Valdosta won Title Town because they have heart and commitment. It was won the old-fashioned way, with support by the players and fans. No one sat back and relied on a pro team’s reputation to pick up the award. Hundreds of submissions for consideration were sent in, thousands showed up for the taping (as oposed to mere hundreds in some of the “big” cities) and the faithful voted when asked. The big cities might have the flash and pizazz that a pro sports team brings, but towns like Valdosta are the backbone of the sporting community across the nation.
By Gerald Barnes
July 29, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
The Road to the Big’s is a must-read for all the Valdosta-Lowndes Co. fans and for all those who would like to have a better understanding of why Valdosta is worthy of being called “Titletown.” If you love kids, sports, and history, this will be the best summertime book you have ever read - makes a great gift, too. Google: roadtothebigs GB
By Haters
July 29, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
To all saying Boston or NY or LA (insert professional city here)….. How much did those championships cost, a couple hundred mil??? Yeah they really earned those titles……. If someone gives me a few hundred mil to field a professional team, you’re dran right I would win them every year!!!! And talk about people needing their facts straight…. The only other team at any level with more wins is Michigan Wolverines.
Just curious about SW Dekalb,, if they are so great then why didnt someone nominate them from their area? And what have they won? Dont bring race into something where it isnt being discussed, and last I checked Valdosta area schools are far from being white schools. Anyway way to go VALDOSTA!!!
By Apollo from Argentina
July 29, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
It’s a sad day when you’re happy that a onanistic hype machine like ESPN bestows one of its “awards” on you.
By ttroope
July 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
To be a Wildcat and Blazer Alum is truly an honor. Its makes me proud for Valdosta to be recognized for all the quality wins and championships they have won. Thanks to Valwood, Open Bible, and my hated rival Lowndes High School for keeping the tradition alive. Its a community victory!!!!My favorite part of the Espn competition was when all of the community came to Hyder-Bazemore field to accept the trophy. We filled the stadium. That is what drives those teams I wish I was there for that once in a life time achievement. CONGRATS TO TITLETOWN USA VALDOSTA,GA.
By TYLER
July 29, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
yeah because i’m a viking a lowndes viking and i’m also a blazer a valdosta state blazer
By Dan
July 29, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Im sure no one will remember this backwater town in a few days.
By bill swede
July 29, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Valdosta is well deserving of being Titletown USA.Congratulations! I know it bothers the fans of Green Bay, but winning a few titles in the 60’s doesnt exactly make you a title town. What did you win after Vince? Win consistently over 75 years then maybe. The Boston guys can cry like usual. The Celtics won alot when there was only 8 teams to play and the Red Sox had a little 86 yr drought before now. NY had a good gripe, the Yankees with 26 series titles & the Islanders with 4 cups in a row. What a great community Valdosta is and they really support all their programs well. Its great to see the small town win. Good job ESPN & all the people behind the Valdosta area sports machine.
By Tom
July 29, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Todd,
ESPN didn’t simply give the Titletown trophy to Valdosta due to their tradition. The public had to vote over the internet (a Wendy’s tie-in) with Valdosta receiving the most votes.
By Bear Bryant
July 29, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
What happened to all of these “great” football players from Valdosta or Lowndes High schools? Do they go to college and play at the division I level? I can only recall a few successful (NFL) football players from these schools (Randall Godfrey and hmm, hmm). What is the problem with this picture? Wow, a city/county with great high school football players that never make it to the next level? Is the title more important than the academics? Valdosta may be Titletown but most of the players probably can’t even spell Titletown.
What happened to all of these great players from Valdosta that won these championships? If you are that good, you would produce division I and NFL athletes unless the real problem is failure to qualify academically at the next level. Even UGA can’t recruit these players!!! What is the real deal? Valdosta may have great high school football but I guess these great athletes just disappear.
Wait….late breaking news….I just saw some past players from Valdosta wearing their Varsity jackets proudly while working security detail at a concert at Wild Adventures. Now, you can proudly say, I played for Titletown USA and I met Trace Adkins and Alabama while working at Wild Adventures!!
By Marlon Jones
July 29, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
How Bout them Vikings!!! Wow, Valdosta is on the Map. I’ve very proud of the accomplishments my city has worked hard to acheive. It’s incredible :)
(2004 Lowndes High Football State Champion #31 Marlon Jones)
By D. Dukes
July 29, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
So many of you that are against Valdosta being named TitleTown USA you need to do your research because you are missing an important point: upon entering Valdosta you will see a sign that says “winnersville USA” and regardless of which direction you enter you will see it and valdosta has been known by that nickname for many years. It isn’t all just about football in general, it is about the winners and people that never,never quit and because of that, they succeed in whatever it is they are doing. Just like coach Hyder’s famous often quoted creed-never,never,never,never,never quit and you WILL succeed regardless of what you are doing and that is what has made Valdosta stand out from the rest. The wildcats set the trend many years ago and the trend continues in many other ways whether it being the Valdosta Wildcats,Lowndes Vikings,VSU Blazers and all of the other numerous schools and programs that contribute to what we have become today is what really counts. Not only are we winners in high school sports or college sports but everything else in general from our school marching bands to local military men and women stationed at moody air force base-a base that has won numerous awards over the years for their hard work and dedication, our local taekwondo students who continue to win at various competitions and we even had one of our Wendys named best in the world by national judges because of their hard work and dedication and that is what TitleTown is all about-a town of winners and that is what we are and why we continue to stand out among the rest. We excel in everything from best sports programs to best military base to best Wendys to even a local business being named the nation’s best car dealership and it goes on and on and that is what truly makes Valdosta deserving of TitleTown USA ! It is because we are a city of winners and succeed in everything we do because we NEVER QUIT ! Congrats to everyone that made this possible and never quit because without you we would never be what we are today—Winnersville USA and now TitleTown USA ! Go Valdosta!!!
By greenbayrules
July 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
No matter what STUPID contest ESPN has put on, Green Bay is and always will be Titletown USA!!! For crying out loud, we have numerous different stores and restaurants named after Titletown!!! Why would ESPN try to fix something that wasn’t broken??
Congrats to Valdosta on having the most people in their town sit around and vote, but Green Bay STILL is Titletown USA!!!!
By Vito Phelan
July 29, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
1,000% agree with ESPN. Valdosta/Lowndes/ and especially VSU’s tradition of winning thus far is just the tip of the iceberg. Valdosta/Lowndes have been beating down teams since the Big bang and VSU is starting to smell the coffee and has continued the thumpings!!
Sorry if your town didn’t win…not really because of the fact that our little piece of heaven in So. GA has withstood the test of time.
Bear Bryant was probably working the concession stands at Wild Adventures wishing he had a letter jacket from any of the schools in Valdosta.
Pi Kapp also won greek week in 2002. Just trying to contribute where we can!
By Haters
July 29, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Bear Bryant: Jesse Tuggle ring a bell, by far the best player for a miserable franchise such as the Atlanta Falcons. Todd Peterson, Coleman Rudolph I believe won a National Title with Georgia Tech and played for the Giants during their best years, Dusty Bonner went on to set SEC passing records with Kentucky, Cedric Hill was heavily recruited by Miami, but for alot of these guys go on to do something much better and get an education and go on to lead succesful career lives and they were helped by the values learned while at these schools. I could name more if you like but I am sure someone as educated as yourself can look it up for yourself.
By SHughes
July 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with the decision. Way to go VHS, VSU, LHS, Valwood, and the rest of the area schools. Congrats also to the supportive community that voted because they believe in their town.
Valdosta, Georgia is Title Town, USA!
By SoxGuy5
July 29, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
This is truly a disgrace. A trophy that awards a town that nobody has heard of in the national level and contains a very small amount of players that are on the professional level to this day! Pitiful…
The award is called, “Title Town USA”…and I believe that spans the entire country yet this town that is only locally favored by their own citizens wins a country award. So many other deserving candidates.
By RedSox4Life
July 29, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
How many pro-athletes came from Valdosta? Yeah, exactly…hardly any. Yay…JD Drew! (sorry if I’m forgetting some…it’s tough to remember from such a small sample space). That’s worthy enough to bestow Title Town in a town with as much popularity as any other presitgious Division II college. There is a reason Division II college football is not on TV on the national level.
So the 1% of you guys in this country that honor this “sacred” High School and Division II town can keep displaying your mighty records that nobody even knows. How about records that are popular on a national level…I mean that is what it means to be a trophy team of the country right? Oh, that’s right…you just need a great high school and DII college teams with a lot of heart to beat out all of the other cities with amazing talent and pride.
By Haters
July 29, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
SoxGuy5 you certainly should have heard of Valdosta, someone pretty important should ring a bell for you. JD Drew, ever heard of him? I realize he was only the All-Star MVP and instrumental for the BoSox this year, but I digress
By Haters
July 29, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
RedSox4 life really you need to get facts straight before you prove the ignorance of red sox fans. How much did the title cost and how many of those pro athletes came from boston or NY, how many pro athletes need to come from one city to count for anything, but oh wait Red Sox fans are what have you done for me lately kind of people and have no passion or pride. Yeah way to go on that one!
By Boots
July 29, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
i dont care what anyone says but GREEN BAY is the real Titletown USA!!!!!
By n1gger
July 29, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
WHAT THE F*** IS VALDOSTA…
new york or boston, everything else is a joke
By SoxGuy5
July 29, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Haters: You’re proving my point exactly regarding the known athletes from Valdosta. JD Drew among a very small few have made it to the big level from Valdosta. And you don’t need to tell me about the performance of the Sox…I’m well-aware. Drew was awful last year and is finally breaking out (sorta) and winning an All-Star MVP is very minimal. Actually it’s probably the least remembered achievement of ALL MVPs. Rather have MVP of the league or even the World Series…those are more meaningful. Single-game awards are hardly anything in comparison to other awards…seriously.
Honestly, the fact that Valdosta made the top 20 finalists was big enough. For them to win…c’mon.
Boston - Celtics and all of their historical NBA championships. Red Sox only team ever to overcome a 0-3 deficit and win the World Series twice in last four years. NE Patriots lost the superbowl but still broke records (something you guys are going nuts about with your town…records).
LA - Lakers, UCLA (CMON!!..this university beats out any little athletic complex in Valdosta)
As a Red Sox fan, I hate to say this but NY probably should have won. Yankees: 26 championships is the most of any PROFESSIONAL franchise ever. They make the playoffs nearly everytime. Mets even had success…the Giants and Jets: biggest NFL Superbowl upsets ever, Rangers had their run.
By R Jones
July 29, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
The search was for titletown. To win this title it took a team effort in voting and attending the rallies. The sports teams were composed of individuals from Lowndes county. These sports teams won these titles. If you want to talk about individuals you are it in the wrong place.
By Haters
July 29, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
SoxGuy5: you are missing my point as well, how much did those championships cost and how many of those players are from Boston or NY? I dont believe any of those players are from that area. And the competition wasnt just about professional sports, its about what Titles are all about. Which is not how much money you can throw at it. I am not saying those professional achievemnets are worthless or trying to belittle them in anyway, I do think it is amazing what they have done in Boston. An believe me I think it is much better that Boston does it than NY. There have been more than a few to come from Valdosta, but when you think about the size of the town and compare it with others and how many come from each. There arent many places of any size that have had as many actually come from the same city. Again dont think I am trying to belittle professional titles at all, but for those who still have something to play for besides money titles mean alot more and are worked harder for.
By SoxGuy5
July 29, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
You guys wanna talk about heart and pride? Go to a Boston Red Sox game. Every game of the season is sold out all year! Fans always show up. Most loyal fans you will ever meet. They stuck by since 1918. They have been in contention all of those 86 years too (some years moreso than others)
You wanna talk about your high school rivalry? Well go to a Red Sox vs Yankees game. The most crazyiest, loudest, intense game you will ever see. The biggest rivalry in all sports, hands down. I believe that supercedes any rivalry in the HIGH SCHOOL level (lmao).
From a NY Yankees standpoint, they also deliver the most attendance of any MLB team ever. I’ve been to some games since I have many friends that are Yankee fans and the atmosphere is electric there. Every pitch gets a reaction from the crowd.
(wow, so many factors to write as to why other candidates should’ve won lol)
By MisterMighty
July 29, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
R Jones: So the effort to rally the town’s votes was more of what this award was about? I figured as much too.
It’s not about who is most deserving, it’s about the effort a town makes in casting the most votes. They are a local Title Town, but certainly not a USA Title Town.
Because let’s be honest guys, from those finalists, Valdosta’s sure as hell ain’t the most deserving. I’m just being a realist here. And you guys know this to be true. It was all about making the effort to have the most votes. Congrats to them for accomplishing that goal.
By Ryan
July 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Yeah lets give it to a high school that clearly recruits players, that sends a good message…there isnt one high school team out there that has won that many titles in that short amount of time and not used recruiting to get there…You cant have that much talent in one place for that long without recruiting players…PERIOD
By RJones
July 29, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
The players for the professional teams don’t live in the cities they play in. The Yankees buy their titles by hiring the best players. All the team players are home grown in Lowndes county. Maybe some people do move to Lowndes county so their children can play for the best schools. Winners like to associate with winners. Playing for the best schools will get you attention at the best colleges for scholarships. Valdosta did not start this titletown contest, but they finished it on top. If you want to include valdosta in any contest, expect them to win.
By Bean Town
July 29, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
I have actually had the privilege of going to Red Sox Yankees game and you are right it is electric, but also alot of greed behind these organizations and cry babies, yeah lot of pride and passion there. So if you want an award for that accomplishment then by all means go for it.
(wow so many reasons they shouldnt have won to write about lmao)
By El Taco
July 29, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Id like to see Valdosta go up against the De La Salle (CA) teams from a few years ago. They would get slaughtered. No Chance
By FrankV
July 29, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
You guys from Valdosta need to remove your blinders and understand that many other high school programs are full of passion and pride. I’ve seen a lot of towns go crazy for their football and athletics. Go to a high school football game in Texas or Oklahoma. It’s not just Georgia. Pride is everywhere, but Valdosta was able to achieve many records in the high school and DII level which does not beat out the other accomplishments the other candidates have. Gainseville FL won national championships back to back AND the same year with NCAA Football. Some of you guys will probably not be alive long enough to see another occurrence of that again.
R Jones: I’m not so sure about families moving to Lowndes county with only the idea of having their kids succeed in a sport. I’d need hard evidence to believe they would make a moving decision solely on the high school athletics program. Families usually move around for reasons concerning occupations, personal and life changing events, etc…
Bean Town: Despite the greed within the organizations, Boston and NY do bring home the titles still, do they not? Despite the spoiled mentallity some pro-stars share, they still accomplish what the name of this contest is about. Titles. Actually, the Yankee organization in particular, spend a TON to win it all. The Steinbrenners are so hell-bent on winning, they will do what it takes business-wise. Any baseball fan will tell you that guy has only one thing in mind…winning. And to say the fan base over there doesn’t share pride is ridiculous on all levels. Boston and NY fans are one of the most hardcore fans you will ever meet. I know a Chicago native who moved into Albany, NY and he was shocked about the fuss fans made over each game whether it was Boston or NY. Notice I said Albany and not New York City…where there is even MORE involvement of sports.
Do you realize how many pro-athletes are from NY too? A bunch. Big names like Manny Ramirez, A-Rod, Joe Torre, etc., two of baseball’s best hitters in that group. There are many others but I’m not gonna take the time to list them. You can look them up if you like.
I’ve read a lot of the posts here and reasonings about why Valdosta deserves it but it certainly doesn’t seem like enough. High school pride is nationwide, trust me. They may have the records for wins, but if we were gonna go into record searching, there are truly other candidates that are better suited. So I’d say it’s not based on records.
Which leads me to thinking it was about which town can vote the best. MisterMighty hit the nail on the head. Valdosta is a Local Title Town without a doubt and I’m sure it’s a great place. But is it this entire country’s Title Town? Sorry, can’t agree with that at all.
By Valdosta c/o 95
July 29, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
SORRY, Im late,,, Valdosta is number one.. Yes,,,, to all dumb dumbs out there..With my tongue stuck out, pfffffffff.. Be proud of a city that falls in your beloved Georgia.. Geez.. P.S. we’re number one, CATS number one… #81
By Chainman
July 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I have lived in valdosta for the past 47 years-for the past 45 years i have been in charge of the VHS sideline chain crew (with others)I have never missed a home game, so i feel i can comment on valdosta sports- we are not about stats or awards- we are about tradition- the stands are full of fans - win or lose- good or bad seasons-I can not comment on the other cities, but i do congrad them for being great sports towns/cities-but if you were here and could feel and see the tradition we have- you would know why we had to be chosen.A special thanks to Coachs Bazemore and Hyder- We miss you
By Jennifer
July 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
As a graduate of Lowndes High and a future graduate of Valdosta, I must say that I am so proud of our town. Titletown is an honor. We have several great schools on our county as well as in our city limits. I want to thank everyone for their support.
By Jennifer
July 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
As a graduate of Lowndes High and a future graduate of Valdosta State, I must say that I am so proud of our town. Titletown is an honor. We have several great schools on our county as well as in our city limits. I want to thank everyone for their support.
By Veronica
July 29, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Before my daughter went to Valdosta State University in the year 2000 I read up on the city and state, and I was wondering why we haven’t heard about them like other some of the other high schools and colleges here in Atlanta and elsewhere. Check out the webb site the students are very diversed. The academics is great. And they have a very good program for the hearing impaired.
By Natasha
July 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Valdosta on your Title Town USA win!
By Ben
July 29, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
I didnt know it was a high school award? Should have said “High School Titletown”
By SGT CHRIS
July 29, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
HOW MANY HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE A COLLEGE TEAM PLAYING THEIR STADIUMS LOL…THATS PROOF POSITIVE OF A TITLE TOWN LOL!!!
By slalom1
July 29, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
YO,Is this not GREAT FUN?!!!! Do not blame you for not posting. Too much fun to listen to all the “whiners”. To all of you “anti-Valdosta” posters, admit the truth. You are NOT originally from Georgia. You NEVER had the experience of playing against ANY Valdosta team. Truthfully, you know very little of their very long tradition. Neither am I from Valdosta. But, have experienced my home team take a 5-13 hit on the chin from “Winnersville” going way back. What all of you “whiners” are missing is the class of Valdosta, Ga. Most of the time, my team was on the losing end. A very few times , we won. But the consistency with Valdosta has and I believe will always be their graciousness in winning and their humility in losing. Now, THAT is class. Come to think of it, maybe this ESPN story should have placed more emphasis on class. In that case, Valdosta wins “hands down” every time. Maybe some of you “whiners” should take a look at your “class”. Boston? New York? Take a look at yourselves. You do not bring pride, you bring shame to sports. And, YOUR so-called fans could have voted,(had they had any true passion for their team and town). I would like to express a genuine heartfelt “CONGRATS” to the great city of Valdosta, Ga. who is more than wothy of being known not only as “Winnersville” but now “Title Town USA”.
By Go Cats GO!
July 29, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
If you want some… COME GET SOME! I’m sure Valdosta and Lowndes will play any other High School team in the Nation.
By plowboy
July 29, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
If I’m not mistaken Valdosta High has won 9 ESPN National Titles, give or take a couple, and won a State Championship every 4 years for the last 100. This is in the 7th most populated state. It’s not uncommon to see planes flying over head with flags advertizing during game time. I have, on more than one occassion, witnessed blimps flying over the stadiums particularly when both teams are playing at the same time a few miles apart. The fans attending are the communities family’s 30,000 strong, that’s a little less than half the population of Valdosta at times. This is absolutely “unique”. On Saturday morning the little league teams play in front of packed stands and side lines. The middle school and high school coaches will often attend in support. There is no money involved, just people turning out in extraordinary numbers for these young people. This atmosphere is pervasive. All youth and prep sports get the same level of support. The bands I miss so much. Their attention to detail is unlike anything I’ve seen since. When the dual between the bands begins during the Winnersville classic, there are 550 to 600 young members blowing, framing, and singing, whipping the crowed into an unforgettable frenzy. What I would give to have my children be apart of something so special as I remember it. Way to go Valdosta/Lowndes. We’ve always known we were special. It’s nice to have someone on the outside try and bring it to the nations attention. We should remember Wright Bazemore at this special time in our small town’s history. Now go kick some feline butt Vikings!!! Let’s go Cats, step it up!
By LR
July 29, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
To FrankV
I have lived in Georgia for 15 years and went to college at Valdosta State for all of college and I personally know many people who have moved their families to other counties for their sports programs. I had a lot of friends in high school who moved around because they or their siblings had better opportunities elsewhere, so there you go…I know of many people who moved counties to play for other athletic programs.
By BROWNSKIN BEAUTY
July 29, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
WELL BY READING SOME OF THE OTHER COMMENTS I SEE THAT VALDOSTA HAVE ALOT OF HATERS AND I CAN SEE WHY WE ARE TITLE TOWN AND I THINK THAT BEFORE SOME OF YOU MISJUDGE VALDOSTA READ UP ON OUR CITY AND GIVE US THE CREDIT THAT WE DESERVE PLEASE. WE CANNOT HELP THAT SOME OF YOU NEVER HEARD OF US THAT’S NOT OUR FAULT BUT I BET VALDOSTA CAN TAKE ON ANY FOOTBALL TEAM AND GIVE THEM A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY CAUSE WE’RE THAT DAMN GOOD COUNT ALL THE TROPHIES AND GO SLAP YOURSELVES FOR TRYING TO MAKE US LOOK BAD ON INTERNET. VALDOSTA IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE #1 HATERS
By JaxGuy
July 29, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Really, FrankV? Don’t think parents would move to have their kids in the best schools? Ask some of the Jacksonville, FL high school coaches about Tim Tebow’s dad trying to negotiate for his kid to be a 4-year starter, every game, every down. He didn’t stop there with it, either. Think it was just talent that got him snaps as a UF freshman? It’s all part of a plan. Some parents are just as determined as their kids about winning and personal awards.
Well-deserved, Valdosta. Long history of winning, not just football. Basketball and baseball state champs, plenty of individual champions, and the most determined voting bloc of the bunch.
In a do-over, the other cities would either get behind their teams and win or continue to laugh at ESPN and their antics.
By Net
July 29, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
LOL @ Jevaris crying cuz a ‘white team’ won. Not a team win first of all is a town win and he musta never been to Valdosta huh? white team? huh? If there were such a thing a “Black Titletown USA” we would STILL WIN! lol. at what point did it become a race issue anyhow?
By John
July 29, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
The only thing dumber than this ridiculous contest is the winner of this ridiculous contest.
By Bob Cornelius
July 29, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Had Valdosta lost, I don’t think you would be reading a bunch of “hateful posts” from Valdostans. Maybe a few whiners, but not many. That is class. The fact that so many haters [as well as comments ignorant of the facts and goal of the competition] are posting and wondering why their cities didn’t win…speaks for itself. Pure rudeness and a form of “low-classness” that we, in Valdosta, don’t share. Those that think a professional sports team should be the basis for winning definitely don’t understand the concept of this competition. Congratulations to the metropolian area of Valdosta, GA…TITLETOWN, USA
By Jeffrey R.
July 29, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
As a Valdosta State Alumni and athlete in the late 90’s , I can and will always be proud of Valdosta as a city and a university school. I went to school there as a choice not as a default as some college students, so don’t hate that some of us made a better..no better yet a great choice. As a teacher now (after Grad. school) I try my best to get students and parents to see the benefit of going to a school that can provide you with the skills needed for life and the memories of all the other schools butts we kicked :)
By titletown winner!
July 29, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
to whoever asked if titletown goes to valdosta or lowndes.. titletown is the BoldWHOLE city not just the f*** highschools. and vhs is still better than lhs because our record is the best in the BoldNATION. once lhs gets 7 national championships then we can talk but until then. BoldSHUT THE F*** UP.
valdosta’s records better now, and always win.
BoldTITLETOWN IS OURS!!!
By Roar Lions
July 30, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
Listen, I will first admit, I do have an extreme hatred of VSU, but nothing against the high school team. I am an alumni of UNA and those of you that go to VSU will understand my hatred.
First, as far as college sports go, Valdosta isn’t in the same ballpark as the top D-I teams. As far as top college athletics, I say you have to go with Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, or Florida. Even in D-II, I don’t consider Valdosta in the same company as UNA or Grand Valley. UNA was the first school, at any level, to win three straight NCAA football titles, and Grand Valley has been a bigger dynasty over the past five years than any other D-II school. I was at the UNA/VSU game this year, and I watched the championship game on TV. VSU was not overly impressive in either. UNA gave the game away with turnovers, terrible play calling (a common flaw), and VSU had luck. And as far as other college sports than football, many other schools on all levels outshine VSU.
Secondly, as far as high school football goes, Valdosta is tops in wins, you can’t argue with that. But I have meet people from both Valdosta and Massillon, and from the people I have personally met, the Massillon fans are more passionate about their football than most people are about their religions. Not to mention, the school in WV trumps Valdosta in state titles.
Personally, I wanted Williamsport, PA to win because it is international. The Little League World Series draws a world auidence, and as they said on ESPN, it’s the only location that hands out a title every year. Also, I think Tuscaloosa, AL and Atlanta, GA belonged on the list of 20.
By Graham McClelland
July 30, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
Here in the UK we know that after the Great Loyal Fans of Sunderland AFC and the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light there is nothing to beat the Fans in Valdosta……………….
GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!!!!
By Sabir
July 30, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
I give Valdosta props…we played them in the Ga Dome for the Semi finals for the state playoffs, we had them beat the score was 30-0 in the first half….the final score 40-37 Valdosta, straight up …no cheating …no protest, straight up power football Valdosta took it and won the state championship that year!!! The state of Georgia #1 for recruiting in high school football…NOT West Virginia, NOT Ohio….NOT New York, but GEORGIA!!! Peace !
By Mary
July 30, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
All hail to VALDOSTA!!!!
By SoxGuy5
July 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
First off, I’m not a “hater” or “whiner”. You guys are definitely a tight-knit bunch but relax. Don’t be so defensive and don’t attack others and call them rude because they disagree. That just makes you guys look worse. You can’t expect everyone to agree with this decision, especially since you guys know of the tiny popularity you have in comparison to the rest of the candidates that wanted this title. So if someone such as me posts their disagreement, no need to call them “rude”, just be a little less close-minded…not everyone agrees on everything.
Out of all the reactions I’ve seen from this event on the Internet, the only people that seem to be in agreement of the winner are those that reside in Georgia, graduated/attended school there, or knew someone there. Other than that, everyone shares the same opinion being, there were other candidates more deserving of this. But Valdosta won fair and square because it was about fans voting and they had those that put most effort in voting. Simple as that. Vote, vote, vote. Cities like Boston, LA, and NY didn’t have enough fans to care enough to vote for this.
The talk about having pride and passion is getting a bit old. We know you guys have tradition, but don’t forget, this contest was about diversity of titles too..90% of this seems to focus on football. Yeah, I know Valdosta has titles in other sports, but I believe there should be more of a balance ya know? But like I said, the winner didn’t need to meet any of those criteria actually. It was voting from the fans after all.
As a resident from Boston, I live around pride and passion everyday. Just because we follow pro-sports that make millions and contain some greedy athletes, does not take away from the need to win and cheer for our team. Here in Boston, we love our sports, we stood by the Sox all those tough years and now that we are at the top in many sports, we appreciate all those years in cheering. It seems like the Valdostans like to criticize other cities because pro sports is more about business…well that’s true but there is certainly pride and passion behind that. I feel that’s unfair for the teams here and especially the fans that love the game. Boston is like it’s own little world here and we stick together for most of our sports.
P.s. GO SOX/Patriots/Celtics/Bruins/BC Eagles!
By Sandra
July 30, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Yes, Valdosta should definitely be Title Town. No one deserves it more.
By NetLawyer
July 30, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Actually most of the other candidates deserved it more than Valdosta. At least they are full of HS, College, and pro teams that had lots of success. Valdosta is mostly football.
By shankit
July 30, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Valdosta long time resident and fan here. Read most of the posts on here, some congratulatory and some sour grapes. I think it is amazing that out of 20 finalists, including major cities with pro sports franchises, that over 60% of the vote came from Valdosta, Parkersburg and Massillon, Ohio. I think ESPN showed the country what indeed Titletown is all about, in that three of the top four winners were high school programs and not major cities with pro sports franchises. During the entire filming process, we watched the turnouts at various major cities and it was sad, whereas, at Parkersburg and Massillon, they were our greatest concern, that we would finish second or third to Massillon or Parkersburg. While our three towns may be geographically apart, I think our three towns represent true American Titletown representation. Congratulations to ESPN for exposing to the nation what true Titletowns are all about.
By Jackie
July 30, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I have to wonder if the people that say that Valdosta didn’t deserve to be Title Town has ever come down to Valdosta and witnessed our sport teams. Have you really ever felt the spirit on Friday nights under the lights? This town is so much fun during football season, not only do we go out on Friday’s to support the Wildcats and the Vikings but we are also there on Saturday’s to support the Blazers. Ok we don’t have a pro team but we have more heart than any “big” city there is. I am proud to be from the south and I am proud to be from Valdosta. We will represent Title Town very well this next year.
By Malynda
July 30, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
At this point, stats and facts about wins in Valdosta compared to other cities don’t really matter…people across the NATION voted and Valdosta came out on top. It doesn’t matter that a few angry fans in other cities don’t agree…apparently the majority of the nation feels that Valdosta is TITLETOWN USA. And I agree with them!!!! Go VALDOSTA!!!
By Lonnie
July 30, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I moved to Valdosta here in 2005 so my wife could get her degree from VSU. I was originally from the metro Atlanta area. I love how this city supports it’s teams,Little League up to Division 2 NCAA football. If you have never been to a VSU football game you would think you were at a Division 1 NCAA football game Because of the enthusiasm and the support. I love High school and College football, and I have found a City in the likes of Valdosta that the sports are great. I only wished that the High School I attended in metro Atlanta in the 80’s would have had the kind of support that the city of Valdosta and the county of Lowndes give it’s teams. So yeah they deserve the Title Town Trophy. So the rest of you keep dreaming of the day that you too will feel the way us in Valdosta feel. Go Blazers, Wildcats, and Vikings!!!!
By Tooper
July 30, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
For all the people that are screaming at the “so-called” fans of Boston and N.Y. that didn’t go out and vote, I think those cities probably heard title town? That’s nice we should win that and went on their day because those cities are used to publicity and grandeur. Valdosta heard that and went insane because they have high school sports and everyone in the surrounding counties voted. And why should a town that plays local teams win a national titletown? They win every year against other Georgia teams. If there was a high school national championship and they won 140 times then I would consider them. But these major city teams compete with the best talent against the rest of the nations teams with the best talent. Because you are better than the rest of Georgia makes you Titletown of Georgia, and I really don’t think the rest of the country is going to remember who you are a year from now, so you have a good time with your TV show given name that nobody will remember.
By Tammy
July 30, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
This message is for Jevaris You made a comment about Valdosta being an all white school, I don’t think so! Have you been to Valdosta High lately? It is 75% black!!! Lowndes High is 70% white. When you figure the math, that doesn’t make Valdosta a “White School,” just winners!! For all you jealous crying babies out there, go get a life and stop acting like selfish two year olds!! Go Blazers, Vikings, and WildCats
By Lee
July 30, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Count the wins. Count the titles. For a town the size of Valdosta, you bet it earned Title Town. Then count the townspeople who showed up a second time at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium — with just 12 hours notice from ESPN— it’s said over 9,000 people came for the second taping- and win announcement- with the sun blazing down and a heat index of 110 degrees. If that’s not team spirit, well, I dunno what is! They”ve been Winnersville, and now they’re also Title Town fair and square!
By Liz
July 30, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Valdosta deserves this award. I grew up in Valdosta & moved to South Carolina & lived there for almost 3 yrs. Upon most people asking me where I was from, almost all would say when I responded Valdosta, “Oh, the town with the great football team”. All of the football programs there are successful and contributed to this award. Boston & Green Bay may have thousands more citizens than Valdosta, but the fact is more people voted for Valdosta because of the teams and the fans of these programs. And I am sure that if the voting specifics were known, that a lot of those Valdosta supporters were from all over the U.S., not just Valdosta or Georgia residents.
By wasburn
July 30, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Okay, for those who are criticizing NY fans and ESPECIALLY Yankee fans. Get a clue. Seriously. You people from the south have never been to a Yankee game have you? Forget the money, forget the organizational aspect. Once you actually step foot into Yankee stadium, you forget all that. It’s one of the best atmosphere you will feel in all sports (that’s if you’re a baseball fan). There is a reason they call the stadium the most historical stadium to this date.
Aside from that, I’m a lifelong NY resident that grew up loving sports, but the Yankees especially. I’m sorry but I can’t stand to here people from the south criticize our sports because they only see what the media tells you about us. A lot of athletes HAVE said Yankees are the best fans ever. You know why? Because they follow every 162 games of the season…they know their amazing history, and they are just one of the biggest baseball fans in the world (Boston is up there too). And I’m not saying this just because I like the team, I’ve been to other stadiums and nothing evern comes close to NYY. There is a reason they hold the most attendance of all teams every year. Fans even pack up the stadium when they are playing a last place team. They love the sport and you are foolish to knock it just because you think professional athletes don’t have the heart of a high schooler. Are you kidding me? Do you guys read their minds or something? So many athletes WANT to play for the Yankees for a reason.
No offense to you guys from the south, but you are all WAY OFF about your perception with professional sports. IT’S THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPETITION. People play their hearts out. Have you heard of a guy called Derek Jeter??? The guy is the symbolism of heart.
So High school sports over there might be your guys life over there, but the millions of people who reside in NY take their teams seriously. And not to mention, the history of Yankees spans a lot far back before people even cared about football. Ever since the early 1900s, baseball was life in NYC. Even dating back from the Brooklyn Dodgers vs NY Yankees.
So if you guys wanna debate heart over here in NY, I can give you plenty of reasons. We aren’t just a city full of fans that don’t care…sure we have a lot of fans that care less than others…but there are TONS of huge Yankee fans across the world!
Trivia: Which team has the most fans across the world?
Take one guess.
Anyways, with that rant out of the way. Let me say I respect you guys that made Valdosta win, and I’m sure you guys have heart like us in NY. I just don’t like when people from another region talk crap about another region they only know from what they see through the media or word of mouth. I wouldn’t trash Valdosta in anyway because I have respect.
By wasburn
July 30, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Forgot to mention. My previous post was only to defend NY because I too many ignorant comments toward our city up here. It’s really ridiculous what I’ve been reading so I felt it was necessary to shed some light from someone who actually has spent their whole life up here. Being that you guys are saying your stories there, “I’m from Valdosta and grew up here and it’s amazing” etc…So I had to mention some facts about here.
I think you guys won it fair and square so congrats. Just realize we have some very passionate fans here too, despite the voting going in your favor…nothing will take away our pride here or our history.
By Brandi
July 30, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
I want to say CONGRATS 2 my home of VALDOSTA GA 4 WINNING TITLETOWN. WE DID IT!!!!!!!! This just proves that just because you dnt have any pro titles, u can still achieve anything. We may not b a big town but we sure are big in spirit!!!!! 2 b put in a category of greats is just a pleasure in itself!!!! Valdosta really deserved it though. Our records: 23 state championships, 6 national championships, 838 wins(50 more than the second most winning team), and the only two teams in the USA on any level that have more wins than us are Yale University and the University of Michigan!!!!! I also want to say congrats to the other nominees.
By Get Real
July 30, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with ESPN. Voting a town “Title Town” because of their pro sports or even college sports success is like arguing that the title of “country capital of the world” should go to Nashville because all the country singers have to move there to sing. Or Elmont, New York because the winner of their horse race has gone on to more titles than any other. Picture this, the athletes are produced by one small community and compete in that community. These athletes are not influenced by money or fame. Do you really think these pro athletes give a crap about the city they play in. It’s about the money!!! The high school athlete plays because he/she loves the sport. Valdosta supports these young people on a scale like no other.
By par
July 30, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Dan, Dan, Dan your comment “Im sure no one will remember this backwater town in a few days”, you are so very wrong and such a sad, sad person. If only you had just a touch of common sense, some knowledge, and an understanding of what it means to belong to something special, you would understand that Valdosta/Lowndes GA will not be forgotten in a few days, not even a hundred years. I am so sorry you are a bitter loser. In Valdosta/Lowndes we don’t understand losers. We have been Winnersville for decades - long before anyone began to even think about Title Town USA! If you want to see something REALLY special, come to Valdosta GA and see a football game on Friday night—Your choice—Valdosta, Lowndes, or Valwood. I know you will walk away with a smile on your face and if you don’t you will always be a lost soul. Heaven help you!
By Let's Think
July 31, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
Congrats, I guess, for winning the name of “Titletown, USA.” Personally, I think the whole competition was slightly ridiculous because there already is a Titletown, USA: Green Bay, Wisconsin. I know every city was given a fair chance to win, but it’s kind of like having a competition for “America’s Team.” We all know it’s the Cowboys and we all know that no matter what kind of competition ESPN comes up with, Titletown, USA, is Green Bay. I, most definately do not Valdosta at fault for this unfair competition, but it doesn’t seem right to have Titletown, USA, to be anywhere else. The Packers are already dealing with Brett and now this… I guess things have to get worse before they get better. Even though I live in California, I love Green Bay and the Packers had to defend them.
By Let's Think
July 31, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
I also thought I should add that if this competition were for a different name like Championsville, USA (I do realize how lame that sounds, but it’s just an example) I would be totally fine with Valdosta winning and would be congratulating you whole-heartedly. :)
By marvel goose
July 31, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this
By jevaris
July 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Figures a white school would be picked…wait until Obama is president and we’ll be front and center. Southwest Dekalb should have been there as well.
HAHAHAHAHA
VHS is somewhere around 70% African-American. Take that racism and stuff it!
By marvel goose
July 31, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
Now comes this one from left field: Green Bay TRADEMARKED the term Title Town USA. They own the name. This story could have more legs….
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=oi0rj9.2.10
By Juicy
July 31, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this
Oh now titletown is a joke b/c all the big cities that thought they were going to win didn’t win…..they didn’t expect a small town to win but hey WE DID! VALDOSTA has a rich history and we deserved it; and who gives a F*$K if you have never heard of us——-YOU KNOW US NOW LOSERS…..get familiar!
By SportsFan
July 31, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Way to go, Valdosta! This is a well-deserved award for a town that has been committed to excellence in sports for many years!
By Razman
July 31, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
I only say congratulations to one great city. This group of schools have dedicated themselves and worked more at being winners than any place I can think of. I don’t know of any other school, college or pro team that has put this many championships in their showcases. Well done Valdosta.
By Ian
July 31, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
This is the stupidest thing i have ever heard. Changing Titletown, USA from Green Bay to Valdosta was an erroneous decision made by ESPN for at least three reasons that i can think of off the top of my head. Number one starts with the fact that just because somewhere has more titles then another place does not make it titletown. It’s like saying Chicago shouldn’t be “the windy city” just because you have larger barometric reading in another city. Also, Pro titles are worth more than any high school title should ever be. Number two goes to the fact that Green Bay holds the title of the title, in other words it’s called the Vince Lombardi Trophy named after the head coach of the Green Bay packers who won the very first superbowl. Now as if that wasn’t enough here comes number three in big capital letters WHO THE HELL HAS HEARD OF VALDOSTA, GEORGIA EXCEPT FOR THE PEOPLE IN OR AROUND IT? So the guys won some football titles in high school, there is one city in every state that always wins titles and it is because people move from different parts of the state to get there so the parents can have a kid that goes to college. You want to want one more reason? ESPN i love you, but who the hell are you to name someone Titletown, USA? I’ll just call ESPN Citynamer, USA. In conclusion , Greenbay is forever still Titletown, USA in my point of view and should be in yours as well.
Thanks, Ian P.S. I’m from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and i like the Chicago Bears, in case anyone thinks I’m a p** off Packer fan
By lowndes county girl
July 31, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
I sure hope that was not the real mike bobo blogging because I would think the real Mike would not be so low class. “Gaytors”???? Whoever you are, do you really want to brag about beating the Gators 3 times since 1990??????
By jamaster
July 31, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Quoted by Razman: “This group of schools have dedicated themselves and worked more at being winners than any place I can think of. I don’t know of any other school, college or pro team that has put this many championships in their showcases. “
Have you heard of a team called the New York Yankees?
By Bree E
July 31, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
I just graduated from Lowndes High this year and the city of Valdosta-Lowndes County deserve this title completely, the students in my class alone including my self have put our all in our team and have came out on top winners grasping 3 out 4 state titles while I attended not to mention beating the Wildcats 4 YEARS STRAIGHT, but whats a little friendly competition when the best play the best.GO VIKINGS!!!!
By Hack
July 31, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
When I think of the label, Title Town, I think of an area that has put together numerous championships in many DIFFERENT sports. That’s right, not this football crap where a majority of Valdosta’s titles come from. They can have 300 million titles in football for all I care. It wouldn’t be a Title Town USA, since it’s just a compiler of titles for one sport. They may have some titles in other sports, but it’s hardly enough. They earn the title of being the best HS in the country no doubt.
It’s more of an accomplishment when a city/town can string together championship teams in ALL of sports. Gainseville, FL did something amazing when they won 2 National championships in both NCAA Basketball AND Football in the same year. The amazing thing is these are NATIONAL championships…meaning it’s a championship rewarding competition across the entire country.
Posted by Get Real:
“Do you really think these pro athletes give a crap about the city they play in. It’s about the money!!!”
Right, but pro athletes that win many titles like NY Yankees, Boston Celtics, LA Lakers still LIVE TO THE NAME TITLE TOWN. Stop with the money and business crap. It’s called Title Town USA, not “Town of Heart and Pride” USA. You can keep talking about the money while I watch the Pro ahletes win some titles.
If ESPN wanted to do this right, they can call it TitleTown and leave out the “USA” part…then Valdosta deserves it completely.
By RealityCheck
July 31, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
What about college athletes? They play with just as much heart, if not, more because they are even closer to making it pro and want to also represent their college. I lived with a couple for a few years so I had first-hand experience.
There were some legitimate candidates that had college towns that won titles.
By Marcus Ray
July 31, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Valdosta! Its a loving and close nit community that deserves credit for what they’ve accomplished. Thank You ESPN!
The history and tradition around multiple sports on multiple levels of play is like no other city in the country, and this is a small town! Unlike a major city such as Boston or Greenbay, Valdosta doesn’t have 30+ High Schools with 2-3 major colleges in one area or professional teams. All of this tradition comes from one small community with a 2-3 Highschools and one university…Thats a lot of championships per capita. Thats not even counting all of the years and times Valdosta, Lowndes, and VSU played for championships but fell short!
Of course Valdosta State University recurits and does a great job at such. But on the High School level Valdosta does not recruit. Their atheletes are 2nd and 3rd generation athelethes whos family members played there before them. Players there grow up waiting and dreaming of playing in such prestigious programs. I know that for a fact b/c I played there. I won a state championship for football at Douglas High School in South Dakota before moving to Valdosta and playing for one there, as well as playing at VSU winning a conference championship for the Blazers. Many outside of the community thought me and my brother were recruited but we weren’t…my father was in the military and got stationed at Moody AFB in Valdosta. Thank God, b/c it gave me the blessed opportunity to experience something that words can’t describe and movies like “Friday Night Lights” fall short of showing.
By Get Real
July 31, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Posted by Hack: Right, but pro athletes that win many titles like NY Yankees, Boston Celtics, LA Lakers still LIVE TO THE NAME TITLE TOWN. Stop with the money and business crap. It’s called Title Town USA, not “Town of Heart and Pride” USA. You can keep talking about the money while I watch the Pro ahletes win some titles.
You seem like an ok guy but you are missing the point. If America votes a small “town” in south Georgia Title Town then it must be. Why would you argue something that has been earned for over 100 years. Let’s visualize for a minute the folks responsible for the winning histories of the fine finalist in this competition. They all have nice trophies displayed. The winners in the competition are the finalist that made it happen with common people comming together, not a few people leveraging the masses to make a buck. This is the American spirit and heart that you speak of and you have described the winner to a tee. America understands your argument but they have decided to side with me. Now you go watch some titles being earned while I go help earn some for my town.
By slalom1
July 31, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
TO: Wasburn, I HAVE heard of Derek Jeter. Have you ever heard of Madonna? How about Daryl Strawberry? Also, George Steinbrenner is a mighty nice guy. Right? NEVER BOUGHT a great baseball team. Huh? Treated Billy Martin well also.
By jchrisj18
July 31, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Brittney, Do you have any idea about sports at all. Evidently you are not from GA. If so, you would have a clear understanding of what Valdosta GA means. I have played them in almost all sports, and it was a true challenge to beat any school in Valdosta at anything. So, I would have to say do something other than blogging.
By Ian
August 1, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Titletown is not about how many titles a place has cause if it was you guys would have lost to LA, good point moron they have way more titles than Valdosta, 184 NATIONAL COLLEGE (where it counts) TITLES between USC and UCLA. So you still need to count the Dodgers, The Angles, The Raiders when the played for LA, and the Lakers. So no you don’t win in terms of titles because you count your conference and state titles so you also need to count theres then don’t you. I could probably make a better case for about every town. You don’t win in terms of how you play like you said it’s not heart and soul town, but what you should win is “we stack poll boxes, USA” so congrats on calling yourself titletown. The rest of the people who actually know who titletown, USA will stick with Green Bay and the people in Valdosta can still call it whatever they want but just to let you know ESPN can’t change the name.
By wasburn
August 1, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
TO Slalom1:
“TO: Wasburn, I HAVE heard of Derek Jeter. Have you ever heard of Madonna? How about Daryl Strawberry? Also, George Steinbrenner is a mighty nice guy. Right? NEVER BOUGHT a great baseball team. Huh? Treated Billy Martin well also.”
What are you talking about? That doesn’t prove my point or deter any points I’ve made. Why are you mentioning Madonna and Strawberry? That’s not even a counter-point to what I said. All you did was attempt to criticize Steinbrenner when he was more of a hero to the Yankees organization. Ask any diehard Yankee fan and they will be grateful to have a boss like him. HE HAS A WINNING ATTITUDE. He bought the Yankees for 10 million and turned it into a major success…so what does he do with his winnings? He tries to win MORE by spending and taking whatever risks necessary in order to WIN. He earned his money by winning! You do realize winning brings income too…don’t you? Living in a metroplitan city = more income also. So the money thing does NOT discount his desire to win.
Ask any baseball fan, they know he’s the only owner to SHOW that he wants to win more than any of them. As time went by, more and more people were beginning to respect him and see the truth that he is a like-able guy. He did some rash things in the past, but it all stems from his winning desire…he just started handling it a lot better in the late 90s. Heck, I even heard some Sox fans pay their respect to him now!! And that’s no easy feat.
His fall outs in the later 70s and early 80s was a low-point for him. As years went by, he became a much more like-able and respected guy. He actually does donate MILLIONS voluntarily to charities behind closed doors…I say closed doors because it shows he not just trying to appeal to the media and put up a phony act. He really is a good guy deep down, he acts like a hard-a* when his team doesn’t win.
He’s obviously not active like this anymore now that his age is taking over and suffers from alzheimers. But you people from outside of NY seem to be a bit ill-informed about sports up here…maybe it was just this person who made the Steinbrenner comment because if I was playing for a team, I’d DEFINITELY want a boss with his winning attitude. I’ll pass on the owner’s that want to pass on a buying opportunity to save more money for themselves…because there are a LOT of selfish owners out there and more stingy towards acquiring certain players. Even if they had George’s wallet, they would not make the same moves as him.
By Are you Crazy!
August 1, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
jevaris - You just showed your butt! It is awarded for Title Town and not awarded to a individual school. Don’t go pulling that card out of your back pocket! Man some people!
By Vince
August 1, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Green Bay fans do you know how Green Bay got its titletown name? If you do then the name Y.A. Tittle should be familiar. Green Bay can claim titletown but the trophy resides in Valdosta,Ga.
By slalom1
August 1, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
TO: Wasburn, Geez, get your panties out of your crack. And, while you are doing that, remember that this was a contest by “popular vote”. Apparently there were not as many fans of “the Big Apple” as there were Valdosta fans. That seems easy enough to understand. If all NYC fans were as “over the top” as you, NYC would have won. But, they apparently are NOT. Wasburn, I probably sound like someone who hates NYC. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, for the past 20 years I have taken no less than one trip per year to the Big Apple. I absolutely love the city, and the people.I was fortunate enough to watch the Braves and the Yankees at Yankee stadium from a V.I.P booth in 2000. Actually stayed at the World Trade Center. The Braves won the game. Throughout the game the group I was with was being taunted by Yankee fans sitting in the booth next to ours. Several members of our group were ready for a fist fight. I made an effort to calm our group down and explain to them that Yankee fans are just different from southern fans. Much louder. Much more insulting. But, not really meaning any harm. By the end of the game we were all drinking beers together, and our group was invited to their V.I.P booth for a post game get together. No fights. Just great fun. And, lots of ribbing. I respect your passion for NYC. But, NEVER forget nor underestimate where you came from.
By slalom1
August 1, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
YO, Where are you? In the hospital? The morgue?(I hope not). Maybe you are just kicking back and enjoying all of the Valdosta chat. Okay with me. But, it is about time for you to weigh in, my brother. (One can only bask in the sunshine for so long). And…make it a good one.
By rel
August 1, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
yeaaaa valdosta wildcats were title town your not we are winner you are not were so hot and your so not
By ryan griffith
August 2, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
CONGRATES VALDOSTA!!!! WE ARE TITLETOWN USA!!!! WE WON IT BECAUSE WE ARE THE BEST AND WIN THE MOST!! TO ALL THE HATERS U CAN SHOVE IT! SORRY U LOST NOW GO CRY SOMEWHERE ELSE!!
By Ian
August 2, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Wow, even if you did win the most, which you don’t, you just lost the spelling contest. You all know that Valdosta shouldn’t be called titletown and you guys packed the ballots because no one else. Green Bay holds the name titletown cause they have the rights to it (don’t believe me look it up.) Have fun with your trophy cause it’s all you have for all your voting efforts the name still belongs to GB because they actually are winners instead of big headed high school kids.
By Nick
August 9, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Valdosta finally gets the praise it deserve. Valdosta has 449 Titles. I don’t know why people think that Valdosta is all about football. Valdosta has excelled in basketball, baseball, wrestling, track, soccer, golf, softball, and tennis. VALDOSTA IS TITLETOWN!
By from the 'G'
August 9, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Tooper? First of all, check the file fool. Valdosta has beat teams from at least 10 states: Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Alabama…They produce down in South G-A. Lowndes Co., Cairo, Camden Co., Statesboro, Valdosta. Northside WR (Birth place), Demons of WR High, Peach Co., Perry, Houston Co., Baldwin… Really though Toop… go online and check the facts. Big UPS to all the kids playing ball and doing what you do. If we get no props, we are occupying space in your little mind. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…Georgia’s on my mid (and yours)!!
By Kris Secor
August 9, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Valdosta! From Boston, I’m glad you won and amateur sports are highlighted…..I love my teams, but anyone can buy a team…you built this on your own…we in Boston (the real sports fans) are psyched for you!
By BlueDevil 83-86
August 14, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Congrats to the city of Valdosta. In my book, I believe the town is very worthy of being the chosen one. I read one person’s comment about where are the sucessful NFL football players that have come from the Valdosta Schools. True there is not a lengthy list of players that had stellar careers in the NFL. However, Those (TEAMS) from Valdosta has beaten alot of other (TEAMS) that consisted of star players that went to the NFL AND Division I COLLEGES and had stellar careers. The region the teams of Valdosta play in has been known as the SEC of High School Football for years. In 1986 the Valdosta Wildcat Offensive Line was on the cover of Sports Illustrated ( The article compared them to the University of Nebraska Offensive Line. The avg weight was 315lbs.that paved the way for them to earn another State championship. For all naysayers please take a trip to Valdosta to watch Valdosta or Lowndes play a rival team on friday night. I have attended both college and professional games and none of those experiences doesn’t compare to the Friday Night Lights in the South GA area of the country. The towns basically shuts down for about three to four hrs. LOL… During my high school career career my team was 1-6 against the Wildcats and 1-3 against Lowndes, so I know first hand of their talent and teamwork..
By slalom1
August 15, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Ian, Has anyone ever referred to you as a “butt”? And Ian, before you take the liberty of pointing out spelling errors, why not learn just a little bit of English grammer? Learn to use commas, periods, etc, Do you remember being taught the meaning of a paragraph while in junior high school? How about the simplicity of finishing a sentence with a subject and a predicate? I will do my best to recreate your post as it should have been properly written: “Wow, even if you did win the most, which you don’t(should have been “didn’t), you just lost the spelling contest. You all know that Valdosta shoudn’t be called titletown.(Should have used quotes”titletown”), and you guys packed the ballots because no one else” “No one else what?” FINISH YOUR SENTENCE! Green Bay holds the name titletown,(again in quotes) cause they have the rights to it(should be a period there) Don’t believe me(should be a comma there) look it up. Have fun with your trophy(should be a comma there) cause its all you have for all you voting efforts(should be a period there). the (should be in caps) name still belongs to GB because…blah, blah, blah. You need to brush up on your grammer, old boy.
By Alfonso Ruiz Jr.
August 16, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Valdosta has been my second town all my life, I live in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and I studied in Valdosta High School, home of the “Wildcats”. Congratulations to all my good friends in Valdosta, it is really wonder land for sports. Felicidades Valdosta!!!!!!
By puissantpike
August 21, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
I’m slightly annoyed at ESPN because they stole Green Bay’s nickname. What is Green Bay supposed to call itself now that ESPN has labeled a different city as “Titletown”? Why couldn’t ESPN label the greatest sports city in the U.S. something else, instead of stealing Green Bay’s original title?
By Heather H
August 21, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
As a former resident of Valdosta, I think this award is well earned. I now live in rural AL and my kids attend school and play sports here. But there is no way this can compare to the school pride and love of the game that Lowndes county/Valdosta has for ALL sports. The are the WINNINGEST team of all time. Also, The National High School Football Hall of Fame is now there. I mean, come on. Also, how many other high school football coaches, when they die, are announced by the major networks prime time news???? Nick Hyder’s death was he was the winningest high school coach of all time. The award isn’t about recent records, it took in the whole city and their history. Give Valdosta their due…they deserve it. Want the award? Go and look up Valdosta’s achievements and beat em. Simple as that.
By josh
August 28, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
three of the top five towns were high school sports towns. thats rediculous.
By randy huntington wv
September 13, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
to take nothing away from Valdosta, but if you are going to include regional championships.. parkersburg would have a ton or regional championships to go along with their 192 state titles , to bad pburg couldnt include williamstown which is in wood county but not a parkersburg school.
parkersburg got hosed
By Jaz
September 14, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Come on!!!! Title town?!? Hands down NY!!! Were present in EVERY sports Category!!! Whether its MLB (had 3 teams), NBA, NFL (3 teams), NHL (2 teams), and the mecca for LAX!!! Lets count titles!!! Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Jets, Giants, Bills, Rangers, Islanders!!! Then we can throw in the colleges like Syracuse, St. Johns, etc. and the hih schools!!! Come on, STOP!!!
By Doug
October 5, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
This is a travesty. Just because more people from the Valdosta area voted doesn’t make it a “Title Town”. I never even heard of Valdosta until I moved south from Boston. I’m glad to see that Boston was a finalist (with a total of 32 championships among their 4 pro teams) or New York (41) or LA (24). You need to do this again and advertise it better. This is an election year afterall. We need a recount!!
By FSUforMCCAIN
October 18, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
JEVARIS:
wow……are you serious?! you’re gonna bring politics into this? let me give you a little education, you worthless S.O.B.
have you ever heard of ACORN? it’s a majority black group that would go into the business owner’s home that they targeted….WITH GUNS, might I add…in front of their kids and spouses to intimidate them to get money out of them. did you know that Obama was an organizer for that?
and as for you making that disgusting comment saying: wait til Obama is president, then we’ll be front and center…..??? are you kidding me? this country is doing a damn good job of minimizing the racial issues, but ever since he came in the running and all of you BLACKIES that probably don’t even do your research on what your presidential candidate is running for….well, to put it lightly, you’re making it harder on yourselves to make us “white” people like you. and you wonder why people call your race “ignorant” and “uneducated”….it’s because of people like YOU!
By Dylan
November 2, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Not to take anything away from Valdosta but seriously. Cities like Green Bay, Boston, New York, and Los Angeles and the winner is Valdosta? This isn’t really a good way to find “Titletown” anyway. After all someone could easily stuff the polls for Valdosta. After all Cubs fans do it every year. Just let Green Bay keep there distinction as “Titletown.”
By mr. military
November 23, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
congrats to the city of Valdosta. For the ones whom disagree, please re-read the article and the rules of what ESPN was looking for in order to create the title. And for the people who think noonw know where Valdosta is unless they are going to Atlanta or FL…do a self poll (you might be amazed) And for the guy talking about the NY programs…be serious there are how many millions of people in New York? but a small town with way less than a 100,000 people out voted let’s just be real about it. It is over and done move on and my hat is off to all the programs in Valdosta…great job (as far as Valdosta High-you need to get back down to the basics) mr.military
By mmafightr29
November 25, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
It was a stupid contest that means nothing. No one knows Valdosta where they are or who they are. I think its a slap in the face to the original and REAL Titletown. Green Bay. Enjoy your 15 min of fame Valgina Valdipsh*t or whatever your name is cause the only people or fans that care about your town is your town. Mr Military shutup with your words of wisdom. Let me guess you were probably a secretary