The 10 Best Blazer Moments of 2013

No day parades -- no halftime commemorations -- no new championship banners in the rafters. Perhaps this is why 2013 appears to have a lingering gray cloud hovering above it. Superb years like 2012 make most Blazer fans wish each year could be as exciting, unfortunately they simply aren't. But hey, there's always next year, right? For zealous fans especially in Titletown, that expression is harder to swallow than horse pills ~ yet it's oh so true. 2014 is around the corner so I figured I'd try to find a silver lining in the lousy gloom. It's natural to remember the moments that caused headache; consider this a reminder of the times that made you crack a smile.

10. Juliana Boehm wins UWG Invitational

There are a few student-athletes who play two-sports for VSU but no one excels at both like senior Juliana Boehm. The women cross country team's season was less than spectacular, however Juliana led whenever she could -- the biggest example of this was during the UWG Invitational. Boehm ran a time of 19:22 on a 5,000 meter race, good enough to claim the individual title. Boehm is preparing for the upcoming tennis season.

9. Comeback in Carrollton 

If you watched the first half of this one, you probably thought the 

Blazers were going to be giving up Peach Basket bragging rights. Nope, think again. VSU crafted together a relentless second half surge after being held scoreless by the Wolves in the first half for the first time since 2007. VSU's offense led by backup quarterback Kaleb Nobles caught fire scoring 28 unanswered points following a 17-0 deficit. Blazers won 35-30 to earn their fifth win before three straight losses.

8. Jessica Tuggle crowned Homecoming Queen 

Blazer Tennis and the athletic department itself was represented by one of their very own Oct. 5. Tuggle was originally reluctant to attend her father's alma mater but later decided to come and write her own path. She has made a name off the court as well through organizations like Delta Sigma Theta. It was a special moment witnessing Jessica accept her kudos accompanied by her father and Blazer great, Jessie Tuggle. Jessica is also gearing up for her final season, which serves up in February. 

7. Ryan Schraeder earns first start 

For a guy who didn't play a snap of high school football, I'd say he has done pretty well for himself. Schraeder, who was signed undrafted, was named All-American in all three years he played organized football (2 VSU, 1 Butler Comm.). And thanks to a few injuries, Schraeder was granted valuable playing time for the Falcons, cracking the starting offensive line Dec.15 in a win versus Washington. He started a total of four games and played in 13. 

6. Coach of the Year 

No coach deserves the recognition more than Mike Swan. Swan in his first season from Division I ranks, immediately got the program back on the winning track, leading the Blazers to their best season in five years including a respectable 8-2 home record. Swan was named the 2013 Gulf South Conference COY as a result. For the fifth-straight year, West Florida was again crowned conference champs, nonetheless, this season gave Blazer fans hope that change may not be too far away after all.

5.  VSU baseball brings home GSC title 

Hunter Thompson's walkoff single to squeeze past Delta State in the Gulf South Conference title game marks one of the greatest moments of the year. The victory on May 9. claimed VSU's second title in the last four years. Though the Blazers loss to DSU in a elimination game in the South Region tournament soon after, VSU starts its 2014 campaign on a positive note, looking to build upon last season's success.      

4. Flawless Fogarty 

This one makes it to the upper-echelon probably because it may not happen again in my lifetime. It's safe to say Nick ate his Wheaties for breakfast Feb. 9. before pitching a perfect game in a 6-0 win over Paine. Fogarty threw nine strikeouts. It was just the second time its been done in 58 years of the program's existence. Leroy Purdy was the last and only pitcher to do so (1970). Fogarty was awarded Division II Pitcher of the Week. 

3.  The Best of Five 

It's no secret; a shot at a GSC softball title goes through Valdosta and its been that way for the last five seasons. This year, VSU became the only school in conference history to win five-straight GSC titles after a comeback 4-3 victory over foe Alabama-Huntsville on May 9 in the championship. The accomplishment is not only a staple in history but a prime example of the program's dominance for half a decade.   

2. Blazer to Panther 

Former offensive linemen Edmund Kugbila became the first player in 15 years to be drafted out of VSU (Artie Ulmer 97'). He was drafted in the fourth round by the Carolina Panthers in last April's NFL Draft. Due to knee injuries, he has been on injured reserve all season. Kugbila begins competing for a starting spot next season. He alongside friend and Falcons tackle Schraeder anchored a notable offensive linemen that assisted in winning the 2012 national title for the Blazers. He also was the first player invited to the NFL Combine. 

1. Chris Pope surpasses The Hammer 

Without a doubt, the most special moment of the 2013 was Pope breaking Jessie Tuggle's career tackles record. Pope being the dignified leader that he is, made it easier to deem an individual accomplishment the best of all. The Jackson, Ga. native has been a playmaker for the Black Swarm for four years (started 11 games redshirt freshmen season). Despite the teams' hiccups this season, Pope finished out his impressive VSU career as one of the finest to don the red and black.