Mayor, Dalton State College Honor National Championship Teams
Thursday, January 16th, 2025
Athletes in Dalton are already launching themselves full speed ahead into training and competition for 2025 but that doesn't mean there isn't still time to look back on 2024's successes. On Wednesday night, Dalton State College hosted a celebration at the Bandy Gymnasium honoring the men's golf team and men's soccer team, both of which won national championships last year. Mayor Annalee Sams spoke at the event and offered congratulations on behalf of the City of Dalton.
Caption: Mayor Annalee Sams speaks at Wednesday night's celebration for Dalton State's national championship teams
The Dalton State College men's soccer team won its first national championship with a victory over William Penn College on December 9th in Wichita, Kansas. The victory capped a dominant season for the Roadrunners, who posted an undefeated 22-0-2 record which included 18 shutout victories. Dalton State College only gave up 7 goals all season, none of which came during the NAIA national tournament.
CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery from the celebration on the City of Dalton's Facebook page
"This is what we’re talking about when we talk about the really great things and the awesome things that are happening in our community," Mayor Sams said Wednesday night. "We watched you guys play online, we were very excited here in Dalton. I think if people like TJ Kaikobad could have gotten all of Dalton out there to Wichita, Kansas he would have done it. There’s lots of us who wanted to be there, but we enjoyed watching and cheering for you."
Mayor Sams then read the text of a proclamation honoring the team and declaring Dalton State College Men's Soccer Day in the City.
Dalton State Soccer Director Saif Alsafeer included thanks to the Dalton community in his remarks, noting that the City's soccer culture contributed to Dalton State's success.
"A huge thank you, obviously, to the community. This is a community-driven school, and it’s a community-driven sport," Coach Alsafeer said. "That’s obvious, if you’ve spent any time driving around any of the various fields and parks in the area, even kids playing in their back yard – which by the way, is one of the only places in the United States that I've observed personally where kids still play outside and play soccer. That is incredible and a true testament to what it means to be a Dalton State soccer player, really. That’s what it’s all about and we’re thankful for our opportunity to represent those kids at a level that they hope to attain."
The Roadrunner golfers won their second national championship last May. The Dalton Golf and Country Club hosted the 2024 NAIA National Championship Tournament, affording the Roadrunners an opportunity to win the title in their home territory. Dalton State won 8 tournaments during the season and beat 131 teams, including posting a 73-3 mark against Top 25 competition. Mayor Sams welcomed the golf champs to City Hall last October, declaring October 21st, 2024 as Dalton State College Men's Golf Day.
"I’ve always said that Dalton State and this program are like the picture on a puzzle," said Men's Golf Coach Ben Rickett on Wednesday night. "I’m one small part of the puzzle that gets the opportunity to take these guys to tournaments and get them ready, but without all of the pieces of the puzzle, without the community support, this team doesn’t have the success that it’s had. To the community members that pour into our sport and into this athletic department, thank you for all you do."
Mayor Sams closed her remarks Wednesday wishing both teams well in their seasons ahead in 2025.
"Thanks to the golf team and the soccer team for giving us something yet again to celebrate," Mayor Sams said."It gives us a great reason to say to everyone else, ‘see, we told you so.’ This is a wonderful place to be and we are so very proud of these two teams."
