The Valdosta Wildcats have put the work in.

Now it’s time to celebrate.

Valdosta wrapped up a magical season last Friday night in the Georgia Dome that culminated in a Winnersville trophy, the program’s 900th win, its first region title since 2011 and its first state championship since 1998, and those accomplishments will be honored with a Parade of Champions on Dec. 20.

The parade is scheduled to line up at 3 p.m. on East Brookwood Dr., next to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, and begin at 4 p.m. The parade route will travel north on Patterson Street, ending at Valdosta Middle School.

Groups representing the Valdosta City School system or community organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.GoCats.org. All entries must be received by Friday.

Valdosta head coach Alan Rodemaker endeared himself to Wildcat faithful over six seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2010-2015, and in 2016, his first season as head coach, he became the fifth head coach in program history to win a state championship.

Rodemaker isn’t a big fan of celebrations of any type, but even he is happy to see his team honored for its accomplishments.

“I’m not a parade or a pep rally guy, so you’re talking to the wrong one,” Rodemaker said. “But anytime they can honor our kids, I think it’s pretty neat.”

For more information, email Kellie Harless at kharless@gocats.org or call at (229) 671-6095, ext. 4153

Derrick Davis is a sports reporter at the Valdosta Daily Times.