Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 353: Valdosta State University Football Team; congratulate
Last action March 10, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Senate resolution congratulates the Valdosta State University football team for winning the 2024 Gulf South Conference Championship and reaching the NCAA Division II National Championship Game.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes the Valdosta State University football team's 2024 season, during which the team won the Gulf South Conference Championship for the 11th time, claimed the Super Region Two Title, and advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game for the seventh time in program history. The resolution recounts the team's record (13 wins, one loss), its history of championship appearances, and individual honors such as quarterback Sammy Edwards being named a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the team as a formal keepsake of the recognition.
What the bill does
- Formally congratulates the Valdosta State University football team on behalf of the Georgia Senate for its 2024 championship season.
- Recites the team's achievements, including the Gulf South Conference title, the Super Region Two Title, and the national championship game appearance.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to the football team.
- Extends the Senate's best wishes to the team for continued success.
Who it affects
The Valdosta State University football team, its coaching staff, and the university community are directly recognized. The resolution has no regulatory or funding effect on other Georgians.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical effect is limited to formal recognition by the Georgia Senate and a keepsake copy given to the team, marking the achievement in the legislative record.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses detail the team's 2024 season record of 13 wins and one loss and its 11th Gulf South Conference Championship.
- It notes the team's seventh national championship game appearance, second-most in NCAA Division II history.
- It highlights quarterback Sammy Edwards as a two-time Harlon Hill Award finalist and five All-America selections.
- The resolving clause formally congratulates the team and wishes it continued success.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the team.
From the bill
“the members of this body congratulate the Valdosta State University football team for winning the 2024 Gulf South Conference Championship, the Super Region Two Title, and qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championship game, and extend best wishes for continued success.”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Russ Goodman (R, SD-8)
- Carden Summers (R, SD-13)
- Sam Watson (R, SD-11)
- Drew Echols (R, SD-49)
- Billy Hickman (R, SD-4)
- Freddie Powell Sims (D, SD-12)
- Mike Hodges (R, SD-3)
Topics
- Valdosta State University
- college football
- Gulf South Conference
- legislative recognition