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MichaelPhoto Wright Gallery Michael Wright 1st African-American National Champion in USA Diving History

Sports Greats - Sixto Escobar -

Stephanie Cox 1st Hispanic to Play on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Kareem Adul Jabbar HBCU By Tonya M. Report Huffman Alexandra L. Briley Director Pro Football Hall of Fame of Marketing for the Class of 2010 Watkins Award Magnus , , High School , Russell Grimm, Carlsen Scholars and , , Third Youngest Athletes Charles “Dick” LeBeau in the World Apr. 2010 Vol. 4 BSTM Special Editions of SWAC and CIAA Cheerleaders*

Photo Galleries by two of America’s best photographers: Edison Hogan & Lawrence Johnson

To see these beautiful photos, go to: www.bstmllc.com

* Photo galleries do not include every team’s cheerleaders. INSIDE THIS ISSUE

COVER STORY

30 Michael Wright – First African-American National Champion in USA Diving History: Photo Gallery SPECIAL

10 An Interview with Alexandra L. Briley – Director of Marketing for the Carolina Mudcats FEATURES

SOCCER 4 Stephanie Cox – First Hispanic to Play on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team CHESS 6 – Third Youngest Chess Grandmaster in the World PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010 14 Jerry Rice 15 Emmitt Smith 15 John Randle 16 17 Rickey Jackson 17 Floyd Little 19 “Dick” LeBeau PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL 20 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – The Legacy of an NBA Player Whose Number Ended in 3 PROFESSIONAL BOXING 26 Sixto Escobar – ’s First Boxing World Champion HIGH SCHOOLS 36 Watkins Award – Scholars and Athletes HISTORICAL BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 24 Ben Jobe – One of the Deans of Black 38 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association [CIAA] 39 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference [MEAC] 40 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association [SIAC] 41 Southwestern Athletic Conference [SWAC] 42 Other HBCUs

Cover photo from the University of Tennessee

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Articles and comments appearing in BSTM reflect the opinions of the contributors and are subject to editing. BSTM assumes no responsibility for photos, articles, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of materials are based on space availability and the discretion of the publisher and editor. BSTM assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or typographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of BSTM.

© Copyright 2004 BSTMLLC Stephanie Cox First Hispanic to Play on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Stephanie Renee Cox, born Stephanie became involved in Stephanie Lopez, April 3, 1986, the U.S. National Team Youth Los Gatos, California, is a Program in 2000, and made her member of the first women’s national career Women’s National Soccer Team. start against at the Algarve Stephanie has gained a Cup in 2006. That year, she also reputation as one of the top young captained the U.S. Team in the defenders in the world. She is International Federation of also the first woman of Hispanic (FIFA) descent to ever play on the U.S. Under-20 Women’s World Women’s National Team. Her Championship. She started all natural skill and speed combined four games and made both of her with her leadership and penalty kicks in the semi-final unwavering composure makes and third-place matches. Her her one of the brightest stars on fluid play allowed her to snuff out the National Team. She shares opponents’ threats and transition the same work ethic off the field. Stephanie into the attack, while she provided She is very committed to raising a calm, reassuring influence to awareness for both individuals Cox her teammates. Her talented play and organizations in need and helped the Women’s National can be found donating much of Team win a Gold Medal at the her spare time to causes within 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. her own community, nationally and internationally. In 2007, Stephanie received the Lowe’s Senior Class Award, Stephanie grew up in Elk Grove, which is presented to the California. She attended Elk Grove collegiate athlete who best High School, where she helped demonstrates excellence in the lead her soccer team to two classroom and remarkable league championships. She was character within the community, named to the All-Section Team as as well as success in athletic a and senior, won the youth competition. 2007 also marked All-American Award from the the first time the Award was National Soccer Coaches presented to a female soccer Association of America (NSCAA) player. She was also chosen as Oregon’s Female Amateur and was named a Parade Magazine All-American. On top of her Athlete of the Year for 2007. numerous soccer achievements, Stephanie also lettered in basketball for three years and managed to graduate with a 4.17 In addition to being an extremely successful soccer player, grade-point-average (GPA). Stephanie is dedicated to bettering the world around her. She Stephanie attended the University of Portland, where she started grew up in a foster home, where her parents cared for 88 different 23 matches her freshman year. In 2005, after returning to the foster children. She was taught from a very young age to University of following a red shirt season to play appreciate everything and to never take anything for granted. for her country, she helped lead her team to an undefeated record She has assisted her parents in leading a group of teens to of 23-0-2 and an National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to paint an orphanage, traveled to the Bahamas to clear Championship. She was named to the NCAA All- land for construction of a learning , traveled to to Team. The following season, she started in 13 games and serve meals to American missionaries, and was part of a team scored her first collegiate goal. In 2007, after she returned from that created a Hurricane Katrina fundraiser in 2005. She recently the , she led the Pilots to 11 straight wins and 10 became a spokesperson for Casey Family Services, which is shutouts, and helped her team advance to the NCAA quarterfinals. the country’s largest foster care organization. Her former That year, after the World Cup, Stephanie had a chance to forgo University of Portland Pilots’ coach, Garrett Smith, said, her remaining collegiate eligibility and become a salaried player “Stephanie has been a wonderful ambassador for our soccer with Team USA, but loyalty to her team and prior commitments program and the University. On the field, Stephanie is the led her back to Portland, where she graduated with a 3.7 GPA team player and makes everyone around her better, but that and a Psychology Degree and a Spanish Minor in December of pales in comparison to the impact that she has on others off the 2007. field.”

4 BSTM April 2010 Awards and Championships

Year Team Championship/Medal 2001 Delta League Championship Champion 2001 Fox 40 - Sacramento, CA Student Athlete of the Month 2002 Delta League MVP 2002 All-Section First Team 2002 U-19 Premier League Championship Champion 2002 Women’s Premier Soccer League All-League Team 2003 Delta League MVP 2003 NSCAA All-American 2003 Parade All-American 2003 McDonalds All-American 2003 All-City MVP 2003 U-19 Premier League Championship Champion 2003 U-19 State Championship Champion 2003 U-19 Regional Championship Champion 2003 U-19 National Championship Runner-Up 2003 Soccer Buzz Freshman All-American First Team 2003 West Region Freshman of the Year 2003 Soccer Buzz All-American Honorable Mention 2003 Soccer America Freshman All-American selection 2003 NSCAA and Soccer Buzz All-West Region First Team 2003 All- First Team 2005 Championship Champion

Stephanie Stephanie

2005 NCAA Championship Champion 2005 NCAA All-Tournament Team 2005 Soccer America All-American First Team 2005 Soccer Buzz All-American First Team 2005 NSCAA All-America First Team 2005 Soccer Buzz Player of the Year Finalist 2005 College Cup All-Tournament Team 2005 NSCAA All-West Region First Team 2005 Soccer Buzz All-West Region First Team 2005 WCC Defender of the Year 2005 All-WCC First Team 2005 All-WCC Academic Team 2005 Algarve Cup Champion 2006 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Championship Champion 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s Champion/Captain 2006 Soccer America MVP Team 2006 NSCAA All-America Third Team 2006 Soccer Buzz All-America Second Team 2007 Lowe’s Senior Class Award 2007 All-American First Team 2007 FIFA World Cup Bronze Medalist 2007 Algarve Cup Champion 2007 Oregon Amateur Athlete of the Year 2008 Four Nations Tournament Championship Champion Champion 2008 CONCACAF Championship Champion 2008 Olympics Gold Medalist

BSTM April 2010 5 Magnus Carlsen Third Youngest Chess Grandmaster in the World Magnus Carlsen is a Norwegian chess Grandmaster and chess In the sixth Dubai Open Chess Championship, held in April 2004, prodigy currently ranked number one in the world. On April 26, Carlsen obtained his third Grandmaster (enough for 2004, Carlsen became a Grandmaster at the age of 13 years, getting the GM Title), after getting four wins and four draws before 148 days, making him the third youngest Grandmaster in history. the last game was to be played. As a result of this, he was at the His performance at the September–October 2009 Nanjing Pearl time the world’s youngest Grandmaster and the second youngest Spring Tournament was described as one of the greatest in person ever to hold GM status, after of history, and lifted him to an Elo rating of 2801, second in the who attained the feat at 12 years and 7 months of age in 2002. world. He is the fifth player and, age 18 at the time, by far the youngest to achieve a rating over 2800. He is also the 2009 Carlsen was the youngest player ever to participate in the FIDE World Blitz Chess Champion, the youngest 2004, but was in history. On January 1, 2010, the new World knocked out in the first round on tie breaks Chess Federation (FIDE) rating list was by . published, and at the age of 19 years, 32 days, he became the youngest chess player In July 2004, Carlsen and Berge Østenstad in history to be ranked world number one. (then the reigning Norwegian champion) tied for first in the Norwegian Chess Born on 30 November 30, 1990, Carlsen Championship, each scoring seven out of currently lives near ’s capital, Oslo. nine possible points. A two-game match He played his first at the between them was arranged to decide the age of eight, and was later coached at a title. Both games were drawn, which left Norwegian high school (for athletes) by the Østenstad the champion because he had country’s top player, Grandmaster (GM) superior tie-breaks in the tournament. Simen Agdestein. Agdestein introduced his civil worker Torbjørn Ringdal Hansen, In Smartfish Chess Masters at the currently an International Master, to Carlsen, Drammen Chess Festival 2004–05 and they had one training session every (Norway), Carlsen defeated , week. Becoming an International Master, ranked number 10 in the world. In June Carlsen was given a year off from elementary 2005, in the Ciudad de Leon Rapid Chess school to participate in international chess Tournament, he played a four-game semi- during the fall season of 2003. Magnus Carlsen final against , who was In that same year, he finished third in the European Under-12 ranked second in the world at the time. He lost 3–1, but was Boys Championship. invited to the tournament as the most promising young chess player in 2005. Carlsen was brought to the attention of the international chess world after his victory in the C group at the Corus Chess In the 2005 Norwegian Chess Championship, he again finished Tournament. He had a score of 10.5/13, losing just one game in a shared first place, this time with his mentor, Simen Agdestein. (against the highest rated player of the C group, Dusko A playoff between them was arranged in November. This time, Pavasovic). As a result of the victory, he took his first Grandmaster Carlsen had the better tie-breaks, but the rule giving the player norm and achieved a performance rating of 2702. Particularly with better tie-breaks scores the title in the event of a 1–1 notable was his win over Sipke Ernst in the penultimate round, had been revoked previously. The match was closely fought, when he sacrificed material to mate him in just 29 moves. Carlsen Agdestein won the first game, Carlsen won the second, so the won the Audience Prize for that game, as the best game of the match went into a phase of two and two rapid games until there round (including the games played in the A and B groups). His was a winner. Carlsen won the first rapid game, Agdestein the victory in the C group qualified him to play in the B group in 2005. second. Then followed a series of three draws until Agdestein Carlsen’s prowess caught the attention of Microsoft, who became won the championship title with a victory in the sixth rapid game. his sponsor. At the end of 2005, he participated at the World Chess Cup 2005 Carlsen obtained his second GM norm in the Moscow Aeroflot in . In the knock-out tournament, Carlsen upset the 44th- Open in February 2004. In a Blitz Chess Tournament in Reykjavík, ranked Georgian, Zurab Azmaiparashvili in round one, and , he defeated former World Champion, in proceeded to beat Tajik Farrukh Amonatov and Bulgarian Ivan March 2004. The Blitz Tournament was a preliminary event Cheparinov to reach the round of 16. There he lost to Evgeny leading up to a rapid tournament beginning the next Bareev, which prevented him from finishing in the top eight. He day, where Carlsen achieved one draw against , then won against Joel Lautier and Vladimir Malakhov, securing who was then the top-rated player in the world, before losing to him at least a tenth place and therefore a spot in the Candidate Kasparov after 32 moves of the second game, thus being Matches. Carlsen became the youngest player to be an official knocked out of the tournament. World Championship Candidate. 6 BSTM April 2010 Russia Norway x Oslo in Great Britian Green Europe

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Africa

In October 2005, he took first place at the Arnold Eikrem Memorial with eight out of nine points and a performance rating of 2792 at the age of 14. In the 2006 Norwegian Chess Championship, Carlsen was close to winning outright, but a last round loss to Berge Østenstad again tied him for first place with Agdestein. Nonetheless, in the play-off, he won 3–1, securing his first Norwegian Championship. He won the 2006 Glitnir Blitz Tournament in Iceland, over Viswanathan Anand (2003 FIDE World Rapid Chess Champion, 2004 Amber Rapid Chess Champion, 2007 FIDE Classical World Champion) in the semi finals and 2–0 in the finals.

Carlsen scored 6/8 in the 37th in 2006, against opponents averaging 2627 Elo, gaining 18 Elo (a rating performance of 2820 points). One of his notable wins was against top English Grandmaster Michael Adams. In the Midnight Sun Chess Tournament, he had some misses and came in second, beaten by Sergei Shipov. In the 2006 Biel/Bienne Grandmaster Tournament, he achieved second place, after having beaten the eventual winner twice. In the NH Chess Tournament in August 2006, Carlsen participated in an ‘Experience’ vs ‘Rising Stars’ Scheveningen team match. The ‘Rising Stars’ won the match 22–28 with Carlsen achieving the best individual score for the youngsters. In the 2007 Corus Chess Tournament, playing in group Timeshare Property One Bedroom - Rental or Purchase Tahoe Seasons Resort - South Lake Tahoe, CA

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In the prestigious Linares Chess Tournament, Carlsen met several top-rated world players. With the significantly lowest Elo rating, he won second place after four wins, seven draws and three losses, and an Elo performance of 2778.

In March 2007, he played for the first time in the Melody Amber Blind and Rapid Chess Tournament in Monte Carlo. He finished in eighth place in the overall tournament.

In May–June 2007, he participated in the for the FIDE World Chess Championship 2007. He was paired with the top seed Levon Aronian, with Aronian winning two tiebreakers (blitz) games, to eliminate Carlsen from the Championship.

In July–August 2007, he won the International Chess Festival Biel Grandmaster Tournament 2007, with a +2 record (an Elo performance of 2753). He became the youngest person ever to win a category 18 tournament.

In December 2007, he reached the semi-final round of the World Chess Cup 2007, after defeating Michael Adams in the round of 16 and in the quarter-finals. In the semi-final, he was eliminated by the eventual winner . Magnus Carlsen In 2008, playing for the second time in the top group A of the Corus Chess Tournament, his final score was eight points in 13 rounds, an Elo performance of 2830. He shared first place with Levon Aronian, becoming the youngest person ever to win a category 20 tournament.

At the 2008 Linares Chess Tournament, he had another 2800+ Elo performance. He finished in sole second place, ½ point behind the winner, World Champion, Viswanathan Anand. He won the category 21 Nanjing Pearl Spring Tournament, ahead In March 2008, Carlsen played for the second time in the Melody of second-place finisher Topalov, the world’s highest-rated player Amber Blind and Rapid Chess Tournament. He finished tied for at the time. He scored six wins, four draws, no losses. This was second place in the overall tournament. described as one of the greatest tournament results in history. Carlsen was one of 21 players in the six-tournament FIDE Grand Jeff Sonas considers Carlsen’s result the best performance Prix 2008–2009, a qualifier for the World Chess Championship ever by a teenager, and tied for the 13th best tournament result 2011. In the first tournament, he finished in a three-way tie for in history. His performance rating for the tournament was 3002. first place. He later withdrew from the Grand Prix cycle despite his initial success, citing “dramatic change[s] to ... regulations.” Carlsen won the 2009 World Blitz Championship in Moscow, Russia, with a score of 28 wins, 6 draws and 8 losses. He In June, he won an annual Aerosvit event. In his strongest entered the 2009 London as the top seed in a tournament performance at that point in his career, he finished field of top-rated world players. He won the tournament. This undefeated with eight out of eleven (five wins, six draws) in a victory has propelled him to the top of the FIDE rating list, category 19 field. His Elo performance was 2878. surpassing .

In the Rapid Chess World Championship, he finished in His average rating from the July 2009 and January 2010 FIDE second place, after losing the final to World Classic and Rapid lists will enable him to qualify for the Candidates Tournament of Champion, Vishy Anand. the World Chess Championship 2011 cycle. In 2009, playing in Group A of the Corus Chess Tournament, Carlsen tied for fifth with a 2739 performance. In early 2009, Carlsen engaged former world champion Garry In the Linares Chess Tournament, he finished third with a 2777 Kasparov as a personal trainer. performance. In this tournament, he defeated World Champion, Viswanathan Anand, and the eventual winner, Alexander The official FIDE rankings were published on January 1, 2010, Grischuk, for the first time under classical time controls. and the 16 games played at the and the were enough to raise his rating to 2810. This Carlsen tied for second place with Veselin Topalov at the M-Tel meant that Carlsen started 2010 by being the official (and, at the Masters (category 21) tournament in , . He lost to age of 19 years, 32 days, the youngest ever) world number one, eventual winner, Alexei Shirov, in their final game, dropping him and also the first player from a western nation to reach the top in from first. the FIDE rating list since in 1972. BSTM April 2010 9 An Interview with Alexandra L. Briley Director of Marketing for the Carolina Mudcats

By Norm Coleman - Alexandra L. Briley is the Director of Kinston Indians games. They played in Kinston, , Marketing for the Carolina Mudcats located in Zebulon, North not far from where I grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina. My Carolina. They are a Class AA Minor League team in the Southern dad spent twenty years in the Air Force and retired in Goldsboro. League and are an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Alexandra and I discussed her career in professional . BSTM: When did you decide on baseball as a career? ALEXANDRA: I went to Florida every spring to watch spring training. BSTM: What are your earliest memories of getting interested in I loved watching the New York Yankees. I decided with my college baseball? degree, I could think of nothing more rewarding than marketing ALEXANDRA: At around the age of four, I remember begging my and promoting a baseball team. I got a break and landed an older sisters, Aleczina and Amie to let me play with them. Of internship with the Carolina Mudcats in the summer of 2006. course they They are a Minor protested saying, “I League team was too young, to playing in Zebulon, small and unable North Carolina. to catch a ball.” My daddy told them, My first night on the “as your older job, I was in charge sisters, it is your job of guarding the to teach her.” Easter Bunny, picking up falling They said I better kids during an on- not cry and catch field contest, the ball. They ushering fans to started throwing their seats, balls to me at what dancing the YMCA seemed like ninety- during the seventh nine miles an hour. inning stretch and I was flinching, rolling up the shaking my hands speed pitch. That in pain, but I wanted is our inflatable so much to play Mudcat, that fans with them, I didn’t can throw cry. into it and clock their BSTM: What speed. lessons, if any, did you learn from this When the evening experience? was over, I realized ALEXANDRA: I the baseball learned at that early industry was age to work hard to exactly where I do what you want to wanted to be. do. Always teach those who want to BSTM: What are learn, and you can your do anything you responsibilities for want to do, anything the Carolina is possible. Mudcats? ALEXANDRA: I am BSTM: Did you the Director of

attend college? Photo provided by Norm Coleman Marketing. I create What did you major Alexandra Briley (l) promotions, on- in? field contest theme ALEXANDRA: I attended in Greenville, events, giveaways, editing brochure, programs and schedules. North Carolina. I majored in Health Fitness, and got an MA in I draw up sponsorship contracts and some nights, I pour beer, Exercise and Support Science, and graduated in 2006. I was serve hot dogs, clean the stadium and roll tarp. drawn to exercise and sports, but especially Marketing Sport. I grew up watching the Atlanta Braves, and started attending the BSTM: Tell me about one or two of the most unusual promotions 10 BSTM April 2010 Photo provided by Norm Coleman

Alexandra L. Briley you created? BSTM: Did you play sports in school and are you active in any ALEXANDRA: One evening last June, we had an eighties night! sport now? Kitt replica cars (Kitt is the name of the car in the eighties TV ALEXANDRA: I played basketball for three years in Middle and show Rider.) were on display. Umpires and players in High School and four years varsity softball in college. I was throw back uniforms. Even the staff was in eighties attire. Fans captain and voted Most Valuable Player one year. I still play both participated in their best eighties outfits and we had an eighties recreationally. Baseball is my favorite sport; the only sport I truly trivia contest on the video board. It was a lot of fun. follow. Being in the sports industry, you find yourself keeping tabs on all sports. Basketball is my next favorite. My parents BSTM: Ever meet any ? always encouraged me to play sports and continue to encourage ALEXANDRA: Yes, I met many famous athletes: Mia Hamm, Ken me to go to the top in a Major League office. They are extremely Griffey, Dusty Baker and Hall of Famers Tony Perez, Ryan supportive and proud of what I have accomplished. Sandberg and Cal Ripken, Jr. BSTM: Are you married, have BSTM: What was children? What do your most you do for memorable recreation? moment? ALEXANDRA: No, I ALEXANDRA: That am single, no would be the 2008 children. When I’m Southern League not working, I enjoy All-Star Game that traveling, going to was hosted by our the beach and team. I was visiting baseball responsible for all stadiums. pre-game ceremonies, which BSTM: As an African- included a Miracle American woman, League Game, first did you experience pitch, organizing the any resistance to singers for the your working in National Anthem baseball? and arranging for an ALEXANDRA: I have F-15 flyover provided not experienced any by Seymour resistance in my Johnson Air Force career in baseball. I Base. think the biggest Alexandra Briley (l) Photo provided by Norm Coleman resistance has to do BSTM: What was the with being a woman most memorable game you ever saw? before being African-American of mixed race. ALEXANDRA: There were several, but the most memorable was an exhibition game between the Cincinnati Reds vs. The Red BSTM: What advice would you give a woman considering a career Top Prospects Team held at Five County Stadium, home of the in baseball? Carolina Mudcats. We became affiliated with the Reds in 2009. ALEXANDRA: Be sure you show great drive, and dedication. Make sure the people above you know your career I was On-Field Coordinator. The best part was the Prospects goals and what you aspire to accomplish with your career. It’s a beat the Reds. long season with many games and long hours. It becomes your life, you have to love it! BSTM: Do you have a favorite baseball movie? A baseball book? ALEXANDRA: I have a baseball movie collection, including Major BSTM: What do you enjoy the most about your work? League, The Pride of a Yankee, Sandlot and A League of Their ALEXANDRA: I love the interaction that comes between the fans Own. My favorite book is Derek Jeter’s “The Life You Imagine: and players, and I am humbled and speechless at the draw the Key Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams.” Also, books by Dave sport has in bringing people together. Winfield, Joe Torre and Pete Rose. I just bought the newly released book about Willie Mays. I love the competition, the smiles on fans’ faces as they reach for a free T-shirt and knowing the goal of the players on the field is to BSTM: Who were your mentors? work hard to get to the “Big Show.” Also, I love creating a ALEXANDRA: Dr. Stacy Altman at East Carolina University (ECU) successful and watching the fans and kids having helped me tremendously in the Exercise and Sport Field. She fun. gave me several opportunities to grow, and I am now teaching Sports and Fitness Marketing part-time at ECU. BSTM: To what do you attribute your success? ALEXANDRA: I persist in working hard and learn from the people BSTM: Any players on the Carolina Mudcats make it to the Major at the top. I continue to strive towards my goal to work for a Major Leagues? League team doing promotions and marketing. Baseball is fun, ALEXANDRA: Yes, many have. Yonder Alonso and Juan Francisco it brings families and people together. It’s a showcase for are currently with the Cincinnati Reds. Anabal Sanchez and competition and sportsmanship, and it is where my office is. I Brett Carroll are among many now with the Florida Marlins. love it! 12 BSTM April 2010 When enoying the night life in Washington, D.C. Visit one of the premier Clubs in the Nation’s Capitol Optimism

3301 12th Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20017 (202) 526-0100

******************************* Monday - Sports Night on TV Tuesday - Ladies Night Wednesday - Live Jzz Thursday - Motown Sounds Friday - Happy Hour Saturday - Smooth R & B Sunday - Buffet Brunch

******************************* Monday-Thursday 4:30 p.m. - 12 p.m. Friay-Saturday 4:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Jerry Rice - Emmitt Smith - John Randle - Russell Grimm - Rickey Jackson - Floyd Little - Charles “Dick” LeBeau

receptions. In 1987, he was named the Jerry Rice NFL’s MVP by the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) and the Pro Football Jerry Lee Rice is widely regarded as the Writers Association (PFWA) and the greatest ever and one of Offensive Player of the Year by the the greatest players in National Football (AP). League history. He is the all-time leader in every major statistical category for wide In XXIII, Rice caught 11 receivers and the all-time NFL leader in passes for 215 yards and a touchdown, touchdowns scored with 208. Rice was while also rushing for 5 yards, helping selected to the 13 times (1986– the 49ers to a narrow 20–16 win over 1996, 1998, 2002) and named All-Pro 10 the . His receptions times in his 20 NFL seasons. He won and receiving yards were both Super three Super Bowl rings playing for the Bowl records. For his performance, he and an AFC became only the third wide receiver to Championship with the Oakland earn Super Bowl MVP honors. He Raiders. finished Super Bowl XXIV with 7 catches for 148 yards and a Super Bowl record 3 Rice was born in Starkville, Mississippi touchdown receptions. In the 49ers but raised in Crawford. He was an All- victory over the Chargers in State end and defensive back (and also Rice Super Bowl XXIX, he recorded 10 played and at receptions for 149 yards and 3 times. He attended Mississippi Valley touchdowns — despite playing with a State University (from 1980-1984) becoming a standout receiver. separated shoulder for much of the game. He acquired the nickname “World” because there was not a ball in the world he could not catch. Playing with quarterback Willie 1999 was the first season that Rice failed to reached 1,000 Totten, they set numerous NCAA records in the spread offense yards receiving while playing in all 16 games. The same thing of coach , nicknamed “The Gunslinger.” In 1983, happened in 2000, in his final season as a San Francisco 49er. he was named First-Team Division I-AA All-America. At the end of the 2000 season, Rice left the 49ers to sign with the He also set a single-game NCAA record by catching 24 passes Oakland Raiders. He excelled with them in the 2001 season, against . As a senior in 1984, he broke his catching 83 passes for 1,139 yards and 9 touchdowns. In 2002 own Division I-AA records for receptions (112) and receiving yards he did even better, catching 92 passes for 1,211 yards and 7 (1,845). His 27 touchdown receptions in that 1984 season set touchdowns, being named to his 13th Pro Bowl and assisting the NCAA mark for all divisions. Oakland to a championship appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII. His team lost the game 48–21, with Rice recording 5 receptions Rice was named to every All-American team (including the AP for 77 yards and a touchdown. His 48-yard touchdown catch in squad) and finished 9th in balloting in 1984. In the 4th quarter made him the first player ever to catch a touchdown the Blue Gray Classic All-Star Game played on Christmas Day, pass in 4 different Super Bowls. he earned Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors. He wore No. 88 in college, but switched to No. 80 in the pros. He was inducted Rice was traded to the six games into the into the Hall of Fame on August 12, 2006. 2004 season, where he received permission from Hall of Fame wide receiver to wear Largent’s retired jersey On the ’s (NFL) draft day in April 1985, number 80. Rice would play his last (non-preseason) the San Francisco 49ers traded their first two picks for the New professional game for Seattle, a playoff loss to the St. Louis ’s Patriots first-round choice, the 16th selection overall Rams in which he did not catch a pass. (the teams also swapped third-round picks as part of the deal), and selected Rice before. Rice went to training camp with the prior to the 2005 season, but retired shortly before the season began. Rice took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 49 catches for 927 yards, averaging 18.9 yards per catch. He was On August 19, 2006, the San Francisco 49ers announced that named National Football Conference (NFC) Offensive Rookie of Rice would sign a contract with them, allowing him to retire as a the Year. In 6 seasons, he led the NFL in receiving and touchdown member of the team where his career began. There was a 14 BSTM April 2010 halftime ceremony to honor him during the 49ers’ matchup with into the Gator Football Ring of Honor and the College Football the Seattle Seahawks on November 19, 2006. Hall of Fame.

Rice retired as the leader in a number of statistics. His 1,549 He was the 17th pick in the first round by the Cowboys. receptions were 447 receptions ahead of the second place Emmitt Smith was the first player in NFL history to have five record held by . His 22,895 receiving yards were consecutive seasons with over 1,400 rushing yards. Smith, Jim 7,961 yards ahead of the second place spot held by his Raiders Brown, and LaDainian Tomlinson are the only players with seven teammate Tim Brown. His 197 touchdown receptions are 65 straight 10-touchdown seasons to start their careers. With 1,021 scores more than the 132 touchdown receptions by his former rushing yards in 2001, he became the first player in NFL history 49ers teammate , and his 208 total touchdowns with 11 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons and the first to post 11 (197-p, 10-r, 1-ret) were 33 scores ahead of Emmitt Smith’s 1,000-yard rushing seasons in a career. He is the NFL’s all-time second place 175. leader in rushing attempts with 4,409. In 1999, he was ranked number 2 on The list of the 100 Greatest Football Players, behind only . Smith currently holds the NFL record in career rushing yards with 18,355, breaking the previous record held by , on October 27, during the 2002 NFL season. Emmitt Smith He leads all running backs with 164 career rushing touchdowns, and his 175 total Emmitt James Smith III was an All-American touchdowns ranks him second only to Jerry at the University of Florida before playing Rice’s 208 touchdowns. The sum of his professionally for the and rushing yards, receiving yards (3,224) and . He is the NFL’s all-time return yards (-15), gave him a total rushing leader, a record formerly held by his of 21,564 yards from the line of scrimmage, childhood hero, Walter Payton. He is the only making him one of only four players in NFL running back to ever win a Super Bowl history to eclipse the 21,000-combined Championship, the NFL Most Valuable yards mark. Player Award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award He also accumulated a number of NFL all in the same season (1993). He is also postseason records, including rushing one of four running backs to lead the NFL in touchdowns (19), consecutive games with rushing three or more consecutive seasons, a rushing touchdown (9) and 100-yard joining , Jim Brown, and Earl rushing games (7). His 1,586 yards rushing Campbell. He was selected to the Pro is also top on the NFL postseason chart, Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Smith is the Emmitt and he shares the total playoff touchdown first player drafted from the 1990 NFL Draft mark of 21 with . With the to be inducted. Cowboys, Smith won three Super Bowl rings While playing for the Cowboys, Smith, , and Michael and rushed for over 100 yards in two of those games, Super Irvin were “The Triplets” who led their team to three Super Bowl Bowl XXVII (108 yards and a touchdown, along with 6 receptions Championships during the . for 27 yards), and Super Bowl XXVIII (132 yards and two touchdowns, along with 4 receptions for 26 yards). He received Smith was born in Pensacola, Florida, and attended Escambia the Super Bowl MVP Award for Super Bowl XXVIII, becoming the High School in Pensacola. During his football career there, he only Cowboys running back ever to win the Award out of all their rushed for 106 touchdowns and 8,804 yards, which were the Super Bowl wins. second most yardages in the history of American high school football at the time. For his efforts, Smith was named the USA Smith is one of only five NFL players who have amassed over Today and Parade Magazine High School Player of the Year for 10,000 career-rushing yards and 400 career receptions. Emmitt 1986. In 2007, Smith was named the best player in the 100 year Smith and Jerry Rice are the only two non-kickers to score 1,000 history of Florida high school football by the Florida High School points in a career. Athletic Association. In February 2005, Smith announced his retirement from the NFL. Smith broke the 1,000-yard barrier in the 7th game of his freshman He signed a one day contract for no money with the Dallas season, the fastest any running back had ever broken that barrier Cowboys, after which he immediately retired as a Cowboy, the to begin his college career. He finished the 1987 season with team he played for from 1990 to 2002. He was elected to the Pro 1,341 yards and was named Southeastern Conference and Football Hall of Fame in 2010, on his first year of eligibility. National Freshman of the Year. He also finished 9th in that year’s Heisman voting. Hurt in his sophomore season, in his junior season in 1989, he found success again. He finished the John Randle campaign with Florida records for rushing yards in a season (1,599), rushing yards in a single game (316), longest rushing John Randle played defensive tackle for the play (96 yards), career rushing yards (3,928), and career rushing and the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. On February 6, 2010, he touchdowns (36), among many others. In all, he owned 58 school was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Born in Hearne, records at the conclusion of his Florida career. At the conclusion Texas, Randle was raised poor, and worked odd jobs when he of the 1989 season (his last before entering the NFL draft), Smith was young. His brother Ervin Randle played as a for was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, was eight years. Randle started his college playing career at Trinity selected to many All-American lists, and finished 7th in the Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, before transferring Heisman Trophy balloting. Smith was subsequently inducted to Texas A&I University–Kingsville. BSTM April 2010 15 Randle went undrafted, , Grimm was a founding member of the Redskins’ but the 6’1" 287 lbs., renowned “Hogs” offensive line of the and early 1990s defensive linemen was (deemed one of the best front fives of NFL history). The “Hogs” picked up by the Vikings were a mainstay of the Redskins’ glory years during the first during training camp, (Redskins’ Coach) era. playing his first season in 1990. He went to his During his 11 seasons as one of the Redskins’ starting guards, first Pro Bowl in 1993, he helped lead his team to 4 Super Bowl appearances and 3 after recording 11.5 Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl XVII in 1983, Super Bowl XXII sacks. He was quickly in 1988, and Super Bowl XXVI in 1992). Along the way, Grimm becoming one of the was selected to 4 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1983 dominant defensive through 1986). He was named an All-Pro in each of those years, tackles of his era. as well. Randle became well known for his According to , a teammate both at Pittsburgh and on the disarming on-field Randle Redskins, no one lived up to the “Hog” persona more than heckling of opposing Grimm: “He was a blue collar stiff and proud of it.” In his 2005 players. He would record double digit sacks during eight different memoir, May recalled a Christmas party at his house in 1982: “I seasons, including a career-high and league-leading 15.5 sacks iced down a keg of beer and stationed it on the landing between in 1997. the first floor and basement. Russ turned the landing into his headquarters for the evening. He grabbed a chair and a Hog He had an ongoing rivalry with Packers quarterback , shot glass (a 60-ounce pitcher) and parked his butt on the landing whom he sacked more than any other quarterback. Favre said next to the keg. Except for an occasional trip to the bathroom, we that Randle was the toughest defensive player he faced and “on didn’t see Russ on the first level all night ...” artificial turf, he’s unblockable.” Grimm was a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in To play off the rivalry with Brett Favre, Randle starred in a 2004, and a finalist in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. commercial which featured himself sewing a miniature version of Favre’s #4 jersey which he put on a live chicken. The After hanging up his player’s cleats, Grimm returned to the commercial then showed Randle chasing the chicken around Redskins as a coach (from 1992 through 1996, and what was supposed to be Randle’s backyard and ended with offensive line coach from 1997 through 2000). After his coaching Randle cooking chicken on his grill, leading to fierce protests stint with the Redskins, he joined the as from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Like fellow offensive line coach in September 2000. In 2004, he was Minnesota Viking , Randle was known for eccentric promoted to face painting, as well as trash talking on the field. Assistant /Offensive At the end of the 2000 season, Randle signed with the Seattle Line. Seahawks, and retired in March 2004. He had planned to retire a year earlier, but Seahawks Coach, , convinced In 2005, Grimm him to stay one more year. added another Randle left the NFL tied with for 5th in number of (totaling 4) to his career sacks, and his 137.5 career sacks is the most by a résumé, as part of defensive tackle in NFL history. Over his career, he was named the Pittsburgh Grimm to seven Pro Bowl squads. He was named All-Tackle Machine of Steelers’ 1999 by Tackle The Magazine. coaching staff. Under Grimm’s guidance in 2005, the Super Bowl Champion Randle was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame and Steelers averaged nearly 140 yards rushing per game during inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor in 2008. He the regular season to rank fifth in the NFL, while also grinding was eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame starting in 2009, out 181 rushing yards in their Super Bowl XL victory over the and was elected in his second year of eligibility in 2010. Seattle Seahawks. In 2006, the Steelers’ offensive line helped pave the way for Russ Grimm running back to gain 1,494 yards and 13 touchdowns on 337 carries with a 4.4 yard average. Parker earned Russell Scott Grimm is a former NFL offensive guard for the his first Pro Bowl selection. Pittsburgh offense finished the 2006 Washington Redskins of the National Football League. As a season with the 10th best rushing attack in the NFL, helping to collegian, he was an All-American center at the University of give the Steelers the 7th ranked total offense in the league. Parker Pittsburgh. As a professional, Grimm had multi-selections to finished the season with the second and third top rushing both the All-Pro and Pro Bowl Teams. Grimm played 11 seasons performances of the year in the NFL with 223 rushing yards - 32 for the Redskins. He was a first team selection to the NFL 1980s attempts - one touchdown against the Browns and All-Decade Team. He is currently the assistant head coach and 213 yards - 22 attempts - two touchdowns against the New offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Orleans Saints.

He was drafted in the third round by the Redskins in the 1981 On January 5, 2007, resigned as head coach of the NFL Draft. Along with , Mark May, George Starke and Steelers. In the press conference that followed, Steelers’ 16 BSTM April 2010 President, II, announced Russ Grimm as one of the also played in the , where he was a team captain. candidates for the job. On January 15, 2007, he was named as a finalist for the job along with and . He was the MVP of the East-West Shrine Game his senior year. The Steelers would end up hiring Tomlin as their head coach. He was drafted in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft (53rd Shortly thereafter, Grimm was hired by the Arizona Cardinals to overall). He played in all 16 games his rookie season. He was serve as their assistant head coach/offensive line coach. In named to the NFL All-Rookie Team. In 1983, he was First-Team Arizona, he serves under head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who All-NFC, the first of seven seasons in which he would receive Grimm worked with under Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh. In his first post-season honors in the NFL, including being a six-time Pro season in Arizona, his offensive line allowed only 24 sacks, 6th Bowl selection (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1992, and 1993). best in the NFL and the fewest given up by the Cardinals since Jackson was a four-time First-Team All-Pro and a two-time 1978. Grimm’s offensive line also paved the way for running Second-Team All-Pro selection. back to rush for 1,222 yards, the fifth best total in team history. The Cardinals offense finished with the 5th best He recorded 10 or more sacks in six different seasons. He led passing attack in the NFL and threw for a team record 32 the NFL in fumble recoveries in 1990 and 1991. Jackson finished touchdowns. his career with 136 (8 unofficial in 1981) sacks and 8 , which he returned for 68 yards. He also recovered 29 . At the time of his retirement, his 28 defensive fumble Rickey recoveries were the second most in NFL history behind (Minnesota Vikings) Jim Marshall’s 29. He still leads the Saints Jackson in career sacks with 123.

Rickey Anderson Jackson is In his entire 13 seasons as a Saint, Jackson missed only 2 a former linebacker in the games, and those 2 games were a result of a automobile NFL for the accident he suffered in 1989. He played the remainder of the Saints (1981-1993) and the 1989 season with his jaw wired and wearing a special helmet, San Francisco 49ers (1994- still managing to accumulate 7-1/2 sacks on the year. 1995). He has been inducted He was a member of the Saints’ famed “,” a four- into the man line-backing corps which the NFL Network ranked as the Hall of Fame. Jackson won a best in NFL history. In his first year as a finalist in 2010, Jackson championship ring with the Jackson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is the first 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX, member of the Hall of Fame to be inducted primarily for his one year before retiring. contributions as a Saint. Jackson played football and basketball at Pahokee High School in Florida. He totaled 188 tackles and caught 21 passes for 8 Floyd Little touchdowns as a tight end. In 2007, he was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team, which selected the Floyd Douglas Little is an NFL Hall of Fame running back. He Top 33 players in the 100 year history of high school football in was a three-time All-American running back at Syracuse the state of Florida’s history. University, following in the footsteps of many great running backs at Syracuse such as Jim Brown and . In 1967, Little He was known as “the other end” at the was the 6th selection of the first common NFL-AFL (American due to the presence of Hugh Green playing the right defensive Football League) draft. He was the first ever first-round draft pick end position in the Pitt Panthers 5-2 defense, which ranked #1 to sign with the League’s Denver Broncos, nationally in 1980. In 1979, as a junior, he was a Second-Team where he was known simply as “The Franchise” for saving the All-Big East choice and an honorable mention All-America by team from certain relocation by forcing the expansion of the The Associated Press and The Sporting News. Jackson was a Broncos’ and generating a string of sellouts Second-Team All-America choice as a senior in 1980. He was that lasts today. also a First-Team All-Big East Selection. Little led the NFL in rushing for the six-year period from 1968 to He ended his collegiate career with 290 total tackles, 166 of the 1973. He retired as the 7th leading rusher in NFL history with unassisted. He also finished with 21 sacks, four passes 6,323 yards rushing and 54 touchdowns. knocked down and three interceptions. Legend has it that he was “fired” by then coach, Lou Saban, after a fumble that led to a late-game lead for the in 1968. In 1977, as a freshman he totaled 15 tackles and 2 interceptions, Little, after refusing to leave the huddle, asked QB Marlin Briscoe one returned for a touchdown. In 1978, as s sophomore he to “throw the ball as far as you can and I’ll catch it.” Briscoe threw made 27 tackles (21 solo) and recorded five sacks. In 1979, he it, Little caught it, and the Broncos kicked a winning field goal. had 111 tackles (47 unassisted) and 4 sacks and recovered two fumbles. Against Army, in 1980, Jackson was the Sports Little became a charter member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in Illustrated Player of the Week with 12 tackles, 3 sacks, a forced 1984. He was the first Bronco to win the AFC rushing title with fumble, an , and a blocked punt performance. 901 yards in 1970. The following year, he became the first Bronco to eclipse 1,000 yards, gaining 1,133, to lead the entire NFL. He In 1980, he led the team with 137 tackles (87 solo) had 12 sacks, was an All-Star in 1968, named First- broke up four passes, recovered 4 fumbles and intercepted a Team “All-League” in 1969, and made the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in pass. In 1980, he won a second weekly honor when he was 1970, 1971 and 1973. chosen the ABC/Chevrolet Player-of-the-Game versus Penn State. At just 5’10" and 195 pounds, Little was a pioneer, who became Jackson made 14 tackles in Pittsburgh’s win and he the smallest back to lead the league in rushing since before BSTM April 2010 17 The Royal Playa del Carmen Real Resorts Playa del Carmen, Mexico Located on the Riviera Maya 5 Diamonds Resort Award

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Even though he was never a First-Team All-Pro, league in combined he was selected as Second-Team All-Pro several times. He was yards in 1967 & 68. He a leading interceptor, with 62 career interceptions for 762 return was the only player to yards and 3 touchdowns. He holds the NFL record for return punts for TDs in consecutive game appearances for a with 171. He both seasons. During also recovered 9 fumbles, returning them for 53 yards and a his prime, 1968–73, he touchdown. led the NFL in both Coaching career yards rushing and yards from scrimmage After retirement as a player, LeBeau became an NFL coach. The (rushing and receiving). following teams hired him as an assistant: o (1973-1975). Little was voted o (1976-1979). “Running Back of the Little o Cincinnati Bengals (1980-1991), (1997-2002) - Won 1981 year” in 1972 by the and 1988 AFC Championships and 3 AFC Central Division Professional Football Writers of America, and was 1 of just 7 Championships (1981, 1988, and 1990). players to total more than 100 yards (104) per game. Incredibly, o Pittsburgh Steelers (1992-1996), (2004-present) - Won 4 despite spending most of his career as the lone offensive threat AFC Central Division Championships (1992 and 1994-96), on a losing team, he was one of the most explosive offensive 3 AFC North Division Championships (2004, 2007, and threats of his time. 2008), 3 AFC Championships (1995, 2005, and 2008),Super Bowl XL, and Super Bowl XLIII. Despite retiring as the 7th leading rusher in NFL history, Little o Buffalo Bills (2003). had not yet been admitted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while the first six were in the Hall of Fame. In the summer of 2009, LeBeau was rewarded with the head coach position of the Little was nominated and became a finalist for induction into the Cincinnati Bengals for three seasons, from 2000 through 2002. Professional Football Hall of Fame. He was finally rewarded for In those years, the Bengals’ scheme was becoming his work in the NFL and was voted in on February 6, 2010. Little more dominant. In 2000, the Bengals defense improved and got was the first Bronco to have his jersey 44 “officially” retired. to 22nd in the NFL. In 2001, they allowed only 309 points and in 2002 they were ranked 17th in the NFL, although they did allow Little also coached at the University of California, Santa Barbara, slightly more points (456). when the University briefly reinstated NCAA football in the mid- eighties. As an assistant coach, he is credited with inventing the “Fire Zone” or “zone blitz” defense, which employs unpredictable pass He briefly served as an NFL analyst for NBC in the 1970s. rushes and pass coverage from various players. His defenses typically employ 3-4 sets, with any of the 4 and Little is a member of The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C.’s frequently a defensive back among the pass rushers, while National Intercollegiate All-American Football Players Honor Roll. defensive linemen may drop back into short pass coverage In 1983, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. zones to compensate for the pass rush coming from other positions. The design is intended to confuse the “Dick” LeBeau ’s quarterback and frustrate its blocking schemes, Charles Richard “Dick” LeBeau as the offense may be unsure is a former NFL player, and is on each play of which defenders currently the Pittsburgh Steelers will rush the passer and which . He spent will drop into coverage. While 14 years in the NFL as a player often described as a “blitzing” with the and is in scheme (implying more than the his 36th as a coach. Considered typical number of four pass an “innovator” and “defensive rushers used by most football genius,” LeBeau created defenses), the call on any the ‘zone blitz’ when he was particular “zone blitz” play may defensive coordinator of the involve only three or four pass Cincinnati Bengals in the late rushers but from unpredictable 1980s. LeBeau positions and angles. Although widely considered a defensive LeBeau attended The , playing for famed innovator, his stint as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals coach . He was on the 1957 national championship was unsuccessful. team, playing at cornerback and halfback. LeBeau is beloved among his players, many of whom refer to him as “Coach Dad.” Steelers players have given him many He was initially drafted in the fifth round in 1959 by the Cleveland gifts, including a Rolex watch. Browns, but was cut from their team. He was signed as a rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions. He spent his entire 14 year NFL LeBeau was named “Coordinator of the Year” by the Sporting career with them as a defensive back. He teamed during the News for the 2008 season. BSTM April 2010 19 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

By Tonya M. The Legacy of an NBA Player Huffman Whose Jersey Number Ended in 3 This basketball legend holds a record hand in receiving Alcindor’s services for scoring the most points in NBA because he was from New York. history during his career. He also is However, when Alcindor told both the a 6-time NBA Champion. He has Bucks and the Nets that he would played for two different teams while accept one offer only from each donning a two-digit jersey number team, the Nets bidded too low. Thus, ending in 3. And although he stays he chose the NBA over the busy working, he is retired. But this struggling American Basketball person is not NBA great, Michael Association. His entry into the NBA Jordan. was timely, as his presence enabled the Bucks to claim second place in Always donning a #33 jersey and the NBA’s Eastern Division with a 56- know as “Cap” or “Captain,” and for 26 record. He was an instant star, his trademark “skyhook” shot, this ranking second in the league in 7’2" center is the legendary Kareem scoring (28.8 ppg) and third in (Kar33m) Abdul-Jabbar. I have always rebounding (14.5 rpg) for which he found this legend interesting, was awarded the title of NBA Rookie worthwhile to meet, and worth writing of the Year. With great players, about. including Alcindor, the Bucks went on to record the second best record Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born with 66 victories in 1970-1971, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., on April including a record of 20 straight 16, 1947. He grew up in Manhattan, wins. In 1971, he was awarded his . The only child of Cora 1st of six Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lillian, a department store price Awards, along with his first scoring checker, and Ferdinand Lewis title (31.7 ppg). In the playoffs, the Alcindor, Sr., a transit police officer Bucks went 12-2, won the and jazz musician, the younger Championship, and Alcindor was Alcindor at birth weighed 12 pounds, Kareem named Finals MVP. The day after the 10 ounces, and was twenty-two and win, on May 1, 1971, he adopted the a half inches long. He was a relatively Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. healthy baby for what would be his career States Basketball Writers Association Its Arabic translation means “generous” destiny. (USBWA) College Player of the Year, which (Kareem), servant of (Abdul) the mighty/ was later named the Oscar Robertson stern one (Jabbar). The healthy Alcindor was raised Catholic Trophy. He became the first-ever Naismith and as he progressed to high school, he Kareem remained a dominant force for College Player of the Year in 1969. led Power Memorial Academy to three Milwaukee, repeating as scoring Alcindor’s outstanding career at UCLA straight New York City Catholic champion (34.8 ppg), earning his 2nd MVP earned him many individual records, Championships, a 71-game winning in 1972, helping the Bucks to repeat as including highest career scoring average streak, and a 79–2 overall record. He division leaders for four straight years. In - 26.4, most points in a season - 870, and scored 2,067 points during his high 1974, he won his 3rd MVP Award. He also most points in a single game - 61. school career. posted impressive numbers in scoring, As Alcindor moved beyond college to rebounding, blocked shots, and field goal Alcindor transitioned to college hoops well, pursue opportunities, many were percentage. Kareem remained relatively for his game continued to impress. He presenting themselves to him. The injury-free during his NBA career, but he played for the University of California at Harlem Globetrotters offered him $1 broke his hand twice during two different (UCLA) Bruins from 1966 to million to play for them, but he declined, occasions, and he suffered an eye 1969 under the tutelage of Coach John as being selected in the National injury. Although Kareem always spoke Wooden. During Alcindor’s college Basketball Association (NBA) Draft proved well of Milwaukee and Bucks fans, he said career, he was twice named Player of the a more convincing offer. He was the first that being in the Midwest did not fit his Year in both 1967 and 1969. In his last player chosen in the 1969 NBA Draft by cultural needs and, in October 1974, he three years of college, from 1967-1969, the , who were only in requested a trade to either New York or he was a three-time First-Team All- their second season, and who won the Los Angeles. American. He played on three NCAA coin-toss for the first pick over the Phoenix Basketball Champion teams, and was Suns. Alcindor was also chosen first In 1975, the acquired honored as the Most Outstanding Player overall in the 1969 American Basketball Kareem. Due to previous eye injuries, he in these NCAA Tournaments. He is a two- Association Draft by the New York Nets. began wearing his trademark goggles time winner of the 1967 and 1968 United The Nets believed that they had the upper once he joined the Lakers. He had a 20 BSTM April 2010 dominating season, again posting impressive numbers in points per game averaged, rebounding, blocked shots, and minutes played. His 1,111 defensive rebounds remains the NBA single-season record. In 1976, he won his 4th MVP Award. In the 1976-1977 season, he helped lead the Lakers to the best record in the NBA, and won his 5th MVP Award in 1977. Kareem played strong during the next two seasons, being named to the All-NBA Second-Team twice, the All-Defense First-Team once, and the All-Defense Second-Team once. As years elapsed, the Lakers went on to become the most dominant team of the 1980s, winning five NBA Championships. In 1980, Kareem won his record 6th MVP Award, four more All-NBA First- Team designations, and two more All- Defense First-Team designations. On April 5, 1984, Kareem broke NBA great Wilt Chamberlain’s record for career points. He is NBA’s All-Time leading scorer with 38,387 points. In 1985, Kareem won Finals MVP.

On June 28, 1989, following twenty professional seasons, he announced Kareem his retirement. During his “retirement tour,” he received standing ovations at all the games, both home and away.

In NBA great Magic Johnson’s biography entitled My Life, Johnson recalled that in Kareem’s farewell game, many Lakers and Celtics legends participated. Every player wore Kareem’s trademark goggles and tried his ”skyhook” shot at least once, which led to comic results. Kareem’s “skyhook” was a shot in which he bent his entire body like a rubber band in one fluid motion to raise the ball and then release it at the highest point of his arm’s arching motion. His long arms and great height made it nearly impossible for a defender to his “skyhook” without goaltending, which explains why and he starred in the 1995 movie, Slam shows, Emergency! and 21 Jump Street. “skyhook” imitators can be comical to Dunk Ernest. He also appeared in the tele- In 2006 and 2008, respectively, he acted watch. In Kareem’s final season, every movie version of author Stephen ’s, in a couple of skits on the television show NBA team gave him presents ranging from The Stand. He was also the co-executive The Colbert Report. a yacht named “Captain Skyhook,” to producer of the 1994 television movie, The framed jerseys from his basketball career, Vernon Johns Story. He had For many, retiring does not mean slowing to an Afghan rug. other numerous film and television down or quitting work; in fact, it means appearances where he often played transitioning from one career to working Throughout Kareem’s basketball career, himself, including appearances in the on other projects. So although retired, he also dabbled in what others would movies, Fletch and BASEketball, and on Kareem has been very active behind the consider a career - acting. He made his sitcoms, , Living Single, Amen, basketball court scene, training and movie debut in Bruce Lee’s posthumous Everybody Loves Raymond, Martin, nurturing young athletes. Since 2005, he 1978 film, Game of Death. In 1980, he Diff’rent Strokes, The Fresh Prince of Bel has served as special assistant coach for played a co-pilot in the movie, Airplane, Air, and Scrubs, and on the television the Los Angeles Lakers. He has worked BSTM April 2010 21 as an assistant for the Los Angeles in their house, but to Kareem, Clippers and the Seattle having groupies at a house does SuperSonics. In 2002, he served not mean having a home, wife, as head coach of the Oklahoma great children, or a healthy dating Storm of the United States life. So, to this end, for what Kareem Basketball League, leading them has done for basketball and for to the league’s championship that what he has stood for on and off of season. He has worked as a scout the court has been interesting to for the . Kareem me and worthy of me writing about. also served as a volunteer coach at Alchesay High School on the Fort Although diagnosed in December Apache Indian Reservation in 2008, in November 2009, Kareem Whiteriver, Arizona, in 1998. Kareem announced that he was suffering from a rare form of leukemia, In aiming to pass his impressive namely chronic myeloid leukemia, knowledge to others, Kareem has a cancer of the blood and bone authored six best selling history marrow that produces cancerous books intended to popularize the blood cells. Kareem said that his contributions of African-Americans condition is managed by taking to American culture and history. He oral medication daily, seeing his is working on his first children’s specialist every other month, and book, which will highlight getting his blood analyzed regularly. inventions from people of color. He expressed in a recent press One of the books he has authored conference that he does not believe is entitled, A Season on the that this illness will stop him from Reservation: My Sojurn with the leading a very normal life. It really White Mountain Apaches, which has not, as his positive active chronicles his time teaching lifestyle keeps him going. basketball and history on an Apache Indian was over 65%. Coach Wooden’s boys are Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona. His the jewels in his crown and Kareem is Throughout his 20-year career, Kareem latest book entitled, On The Shoulders of proud to be one. Kareem’s favorite Coach has posted excellent statistics and earned Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem John Wooden quote is: “Talent is God a trove of accolades, including in 2008 Renaissance, showcases the Harlem given; be humble. Fame is man given; be being chosen as the Greatest Basketball Renaissance and tells the story of the thankful. Conceit is self given; be careful.” Player of the Century by ESPN, being Harlem Rens, the 1939 first American These are words that Kareem seems to chosen by Time magazine as History’s ever all Black professional basketball have patterned his life by. Greatest Player in 1996, and being team. He is currently producing a feature honored as the first player in NBA history film based on the book that is set to air in In a day and age where so many pro to play for 20 seasons. theaters sometime later this year. The players in their respective discipline focus audio book features many interviews from their status on superficial aims such as Although retired, training future athletes legendary people, including Spike Lee, gettin’ paid, acquiring fame, and gaining is important to him as he currently Maya Angelou, Samuel L. Jackson, Bob groupies, during Kareem’s basketball sponsors Hoop IQ, where through helping Costas, and UCLA Coach, John Wooden. heyday, he had heart and played the game them fundraise, he teaches the history of for the competitive drive and integrity skills the game to junior high and high school Kareem recently joined Coach Wooden in it developed. The skills he learned on the basketball teams. He also continues to celebrating his recent 99th birthday last court, including patience, perseverance, travel all over and make appearances. So, October. He met him 45 years ago as a and communicating, were transferable to whether Kareem is stopping by for a book student athlete at UCLA, in 1965, and real life situations beyond the basketball signing, to conduct a basketball clinic, or considers what he learned from Coach court. Gettin’ paid may enable pro athletes to impart knowledge through teaching, this Wooden significant and meaningful. to buy things and hence, impress people legendary basketball player has certainly Kareem reflects that Coach Wooden or gain temporary friends, but to Kareem, proved himself on and off of the court. wanted his players to learn life skills in it meant having an easier life for himself addition to hoop skills, and he used the and his family, paying it forward, and For more information on his current game of basketball to teach both. Coach investing in his future after retirement. projects, his Hoop IQ program, and Wooden’s goal was that his Acquiring fame may enable pro athletes upcoming appearances, visit Kareem “boys” graduate from UCLA and have the to get into every VIP section or even be the Abdul-Jabbar’s website at knowledge, skills, and discipline to be VIP, be brown-nosed, or use their brand to www.kareemabduljabbar.com. I good husbands, parents, and citizens. get what they want, but to Kareem, it meant encourage you to visit your local theater to Coach let his precious athletes try it their using his talents and skills to be a positive see his movie, On the Shoulders of Giants, way, and then would show them the correct role model on and off the basketball court, when it is released. way. Kareem recalls that the most from movie and television appearances, important results of their conversations to authoring books, to teaching others Thank you Kar33m Abdul-Jabbar for were Coach Wooden telling him to realize through upcoming appearances and leaving such an awesome NBA legacy and his potential as a student and an athlete. speaking engagements. Gaining for working to bring an educational story Kareem said that the graduation rates of groupies may enable pro athletes to have of the Renaissance, coupled athletes who played for Coach Wooden big egos and fulfill their physical fantasies with basketball to the silver screen. 22 BSTM April 2010 The Royal in Cancun Real Resorts Cancun, Mexico 5 Diamonds Resort Award All-Inclusive Three full meals a day Snacks any time at the beach bars, lounges and the air- conditioned 24 Hr. VIP Lounge Festive theme nights Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

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He is best known University Jaguars for a ten year as the head coach of the Southern stretch, beginning in 1986, and never University Jaguars, a position he held posted a losing record. In 2001, he for 12 years. returned again to Southern for two more seasons. In 12 years at Ben Jobe was raised in Nashville, Southern, Jobe compiled a 209-141 Tennessee. He attended Pearl High record, led the Jaguars to the NCAA School in Nashville, where he was a Tournament four times, went to the successful basketball player. In 1950, National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Jobe earned All-District and All-State once, won five SIAC Championships, Honors, and was then named to the won 11 Southwestern Athletic 1951 All-National High School Team. Conference Championships, and won two NAIA Tournament Jobe attended , earning Championships. All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Honors during his Perhaps his most memorable junior and senior seasons. He earned moment as a college basketball a Bachelor’s Degree from Fisk in 1956, coach was the Jaguars’ 93-78 win and later went on to earn a Master’s Ben Jobe over the then Atlantic Coast Degree from Tennessee State Conference (ACC) Champions, University. Tech Yellow Jackets, during the first round of the 1993 National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament in Tucson, His coaching career began at Cameron High School in Nashville, Arizona. Tennessee, in 1958. His very first (and only) Cameron team Players coached by Jobe include former star won 24 games, a school record. Once the season was over, guard and former coach of the , , Jobe moved across the ocean to , West Africa, to and the late player, . coach a junior college basketball team. While there, his coaching skills led to the ultimate goal: back-to-back undefeated seasons. At the time of his retirement from Southern in 2003, Jobe had accumulated 524 wins as a head coach in college basketball, In 1964, Jobe returned to the United States and began coaching spread among 8 teams over 31 seasons (a 0.611 winning at in , a position which he held for percentage). three years. Throughout the 1960s, and in the decades that CollegeInsider.com announced the creation of the Ben Jobe followed, Jobe established himself as a program builder. He National Coach of the Year Award, in its continued effort to changed the fortunes of Alabama State and State recognize some of the greats that have coached the game. (SCSU), where he took the SCSU Bulldogs to five National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Tournaments in “Coach Jobe is one of the great coaches of our time,” says five seasons. CollegeInsider.com co-founder Joe Dwyer. “If he had coached at a high profile program, he would be a household name. Today’s In 1979, Jobe took over at the University of Denver. The program game needs more people like Ben Jobe. He is a success as had suffered through 11 straight losing seasons, but under both a coach and a person. He truly is a legend in every sense of Jobe’s guidance, the Pioneers finished 15-12 in his first season. the word.” One year later, Denver won 20 games and had its first post- season invite since 1947. “This is such an honor for me,” says the 77 year old Jobe. “So many people have helped me throughout my career and they Jobe was a member of Frank McGuire’s staff at the University of are the reason for this award. People like John McClendon, South Carolina during the early 1970s, a staff that included Bobby Clarence `Big House’ Gaines and so many others have helped Cremins and Donnie Walsh. me to get where I am today. I have been truly blessed. This is the biggest honor I have ever had.” His career led him to the National Basketball Association’s as assistant coach and director of player “It is an honor to be included in this prestigious panel to personnel, 1980-81; University as assistant coach, commemorate the impressive career of my friend, Ben Jobe,” 1981-82; and Alabama A&M University as head coach, 1982-86. says Donnie Walsh, of the New York Knicks. At A&M, he posted a record of 83-36 in four seasons, taking the “Ben was not only a great coach, but a wonderful mentor for

24 BSTM April 2010 Ben Jobe at Fisk University

generations of young athletes. I consider it a privilege to have a Larranaga (George Mason), Vann Pettaway (Alabama A&M), vote for Coach of the Year honors.” Tubby Smith (Minnesota), Mike Wilson (), and Steve Yoder (New York Knicks). Walsh and Bobby Cremins are among the 30 members of the Ben Jobe Award Selection Committee, which includes Tony The Ben Jobe Award will be presented annually to the top minority Bennett (), William Brown (Talladega), (South coach in Division I college basketball. The finalists for the Award Carolina State), Paul Hewitt (Georgia Tech), Arthur Hightower were announced in early March, 2009 and the winner will be (San Diego Chargers), Avery Johnson (ESPN), Leon Kerry (CIAA announced on Friday, April 2, 2009 at the NCAA Final Four in Commissioner), Floyd Keith (Black Coaches Association), Jim Indianapolis, Indiana. BSTM April 2010 25 Sixto Escobar Puerto Rico’s First Boxing World Champion

Sixto Escobar, a professional boxer, competed in the professional while he was still legally a minor, his father had to Bantamweight Division. He became Puerto Rico’s first World sign the unbinding agreement. After succeeding in this task, Champion. He was born March 23, 1913, in Barrio Palmas Altas, Rojas presented Escobar with a steamboat ticket to New York, a sector of Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, to Jacinto Escobar and which covered his food, clothes and hotel expenses. Escobar Adela Vargas. Early in his life, he moved to Tras Talleres in reached New York in early 1934, intending to “obtain fame and Santurce, a subsection of San Juan, Puerto Rico. There he honor” for “[his] motherland.” There, he was received by Rojas received his elementary and secondary education, up to the and professional trainer Whitey Bimstein. eighth grade, when he decided to dedicate himself full-time to his sports’ career. His first fight in the United States took place in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on May 7, 1934. In this contest, he was paired In Tras Talleres, he began developing an interest in boxing, against Canadian bantamweight titleholder Bobby Leitham. which resulted in Escobar training to be a fighter. Although at this Escobar defeated him by technical knockout in the seventh round. time, boxing was illegal in Puerto Rico. Remote places such as a house’s backyard or rooftops were used to organize Escobar’s manager, Lou Brix, and his trainer recognized that clandestine fights without attracting attention from the local police. Escobar could be close to a championship fight when the In 1928, a Puerto Rican boxer named Ángel “Sotito” Soto moved incumbent, Panamian Alfonso Teófilo Brown, refused to defend from New York to a house near the Escobar family’s residence the championship against the first contender, which led to his and established a gym in his backyard. There he gave boxing title being stripped by the National Boxing Association (NBA). A classes to Escobar and several other young athletes. After several rematch was then organized for Escobar against Leitham. months of instruction, Soto prepared a boxing card, which included three-round fights in which each round lasted two This was an eliminatory card organized by the Montreal Athletic minutes. In this event, Escobar earned his first victory, defeating Commission, which was to determine a contender for their vacant a pugilist identified as “Gombar” by knockout in the first round. Bantamweight World Championship, against first contender After this match, Escobar continued fighting in clandestine gyms. Baby Casanova, who attended the card. After scoring three knockdowns in the fourth round, Escobar connected another On February 16, 1927, Governor Horace Mann Towner legalized punch that injured Leitham, after which Leitham’s manager boxing and allowed the establishment of organized boxing surrendered the fight. This marked Leitham’s last fight. Following matches. Professionals would fight Fridays, Saturdays and this result, the NBA immediately called for a fight between Sundays which, were considered the best days of the week, Escobar and Casanova. By this time, Escobar had gained a while amateurs could compete the remaining days of the week reputation as a quick and technical boxer, capable of gathering without limitations. As an amateur, Escobar fought in 23 fights, quick with body punches if confronted by an gathering a record of 21 wins, one loss and a draw. His draw unprepared opponent. was against Ramón Rodríguez of San Lorenzo and his only loss was in the hands of Pedro Montañez from Cayey, in a fight The fight took place on June 26, 1934, in Montreal, . that took place in March 1930. Escobar scored a knockdown in the third round. The fight ended in the ninth round, when Casanova lost by knockout. With this Escobar turned professional on , 1930, in a fight win, Escobar won the Montreal Athletic Commission’s World card organized at the Victory Garden gym in San Juan. In this Bantamweight Title, thus becoming the first Puerto Rican to win event, he defeated Luis “Kid Dominican” Pérez, who entered the a World Boxing Championship Title. This had a signifficant fight as the ’s Champion, by knockout in the impact on Puerto Rico, where Escobar was constantly third round. In Puerto Rico, Escobar fought in 15 contests before discussed by the general public. Songs and poetry were written moving to after the popularity of professional boxing about his accomplishment. declined in his home country. However, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) and In Caracas, Venezuela, he competed against José Lugo, Sindulfo International Boxing Union (IBU) of France did not recognize the Díaz, Rafael “Moralito” Morales, Pica Pica and Simón Chávez outcome of this fight. among others. On November 11, 1931, Escobar competed against Enrique Chaffardet for the Venezuelan Bantamweight On August 8, 1934, Escobar defeated Eugene Hart by points in a Title, but lost by decision. non-title match organized in Canada. This was the first time in his career that Escobar completed a 15-round contest. After this After 17 fights, he returned to Puerto Rico and competed in five event, he stayed in Montreal, expecting to fight against the winner cards. But professional boxing suffered another decline in of a matchup between Louis Salica and Bobby Quintana, which interest, which forced Escobar to work as an accommodator in was scheduled to take place in December of that year. However, baseball games three days of the week, generally on week- Escobar was forced to cancel his plans after suffering a heel ends. injury when he was hit by a car. In the meanwhile, Tony Rojas, a friend of his managers, Gustavo He spent a month in inactivity while recovering, and in the winter, Jiménez and Arturo Gigante, convinced them to release Escobar he returned to Puerto Rico. The governor ordered to have all of the contract which bound them. Since Escobar turned government buildings closed so that public employees could 26 BSTM April 2010 Sixto Escobar attend a welcoming military service. He and his ceremony. The event, which manager presented the took place in Old San issue to the Puerto Rico Juan’s dock, was followed Boxing Commission, by a parade. Upon arriving managing to receive a in Barceloneta, Escobar postponement of two was recognized as a months before “predilect son” of that surrendering his title. On municipality by the city’s April 6, 1940, Escobar mayor. The event was fought Simón Chávez for followed by a week of ten rounds in what ended festivities in his name. as a draw. On December 2, 1940, Escobar On August 7, 1935, participated in his last Escobar defeated Peter professional fight, losing Santol, who was to a ten round decision to considered Canada’s best Harry Jeffra. Throughout bantamweight and held the his career Escobar Canadian Boxing avoided being knocked Federation & Montreal down or out in any fight, all Athletic Commission (MAC) of his losses being by World Titles, by unanimous decision. In April 1941, he decision in 12 rounds. was drafted by the Army However, Escobar still was and participated in World not considered the War II. division’s Undisputed Champion, because After his military service, Baltazar Sangchili was Escobar confronted recognized by the IBU. Due problems to meet the to this, Santol sent a letter bantamweight’s limit and to the NYSAC noting that the retired. He was inducted fight was of eliminatory into the Madison Square nature, even though it was Garden’s Boxing Hall of recognized as a titular Fame in 1950. contest by the NBA and MAC. Wanting to be Escobar died on recognized as such, November 17, 1979, sixty- Escobar pursued a title six years old. After his unification fight against death, the town of Tony Marino, who had defeated Sangchili by knockout in his Barceloneta honored his previous fight. He won the fight by knockout of Marino in the tenth memory with a statue. Escobar became the first World Boxing round, receiving the “undisputed world champion” distinction. Champion in history to have a statue in his honor. On June 9, On November 13, 1935, Escobar became the first Puerto Rican 2002, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. to win a title fight in the first round, defeating “Indian” Quintana by He became the fourth Puerto Rican to receive this distinction knockout. and the first to be included in the “Old Timers” section. This outcome made it possible to organize a fight against Louis In March 2005, a second statue of Escobar was unveiled at the Salica. It was the first time that Escobar fought a title fight in Estadio Sixto Escobar in San Juan. This statue’s location served Puerto Rico. The card was promoted by Arturo Gigante and as a remembrance tribute during the 94th anniversary of Gustavo Jiménez Sicardó. Escobar won the fight by unanimous Escobar’s birth. Several buildings and streets were named after decision, while served as referee. Escobar posthumously, including the Auditorio Sixto Escobar. He lost the title to Harry Jeffra by unanimous decision on The house where he lived was later turned into a library and September 23, 1937. Shortly after, he recovered from this loss museum bearing his name. and he returned to the gym. On February 20, 1938, Escobar Free - Monthly - Emailed faced Jeffra in a rematch organized at the El Escambrón baseball park in Puerta de Tierra. He won the contest by unanimous decision, scoring three knockdowns. This became an early Don’t Miss example of fights that attracted the attention of boxing critics, particularly those in New York. On April 2, 1939, Escobar defeated Kayo Morgan before a sold-out crowd of 15,000 at the Estadio Another Issue! Sixto Escobar, which had been inaugurated three years earlier. After this fight, he received The Ring Bantamweight To subscribe, Championship, which was presented by the magazine’s editor, Nat Fleischer. go to: Later in 1939, Escobar received a draft notice from the United States Army, ordering him to take a physical exam for possible www.bstmllc.com HBCU Today: Enhancing awareness of the cultural and educational opportunities offered at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Today, minorities are experiencing high school dropout rates in excess of 50 percent in many urban cities across the nation. Students that do graduate are having a more difficult time finding universities they can afford—and where their culture is appreciated.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have served the social, cultural and educational needs of America’s young men and women for the last 170 years. Their rich traditions and academic excellence have produced thousands of leaders in the fields of business, medicine, politics, law and sports.

Yet, many students across the United States are unaware of the significance and relevance of these great institutions. That’s why Black Educational Events has created HBCU Today, a comprehensive guide to our nation’s HBCUs.

HBCUs are producing the highest number of African- American Ph.D.s per capita and, according to Grambling University President Horace Judson, at a time when the The glaring reality is that without the role and function of HBCUs, United States is falling behind and in producing the landscape of America would be quite different. Had it not engineers and scientists, universities like Grambling have been for the desire of Heman Marion Sweat and a rejection tailor-made their missions to be on the international stage. letter from the University of Texas Law School, there would not have been a Texas Southern Law School. Had there not been a Quality HBCU educational experiences are found not just in Dr. Benjamin Mays at Morehouse, there might not have been a large, well-endowed private schools like Howard, Hampton or Martin Luther King, Jr. Tuskegee. From North Carolina A&T to Grambling State Our nation’s 104 HBCUs are having an impact beyond just University, there are strong HBCUs across the country. Many of educating young people—they are having a tremendous these state schools were created as “land grant” institutions economic impact on the communities in which they are after the Civil War to educate freed slaves. Today, although their located. missions have broadened, schools like Florida A&M, Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Texas Southern University, and That’s why HBCU Today is committed to spreading the still carry the proud HBCU name and awareness of these great colleges and universities to traditions. minorities across the country.

o Detailed profiles of all 104 HBCUs, o A step-by-step guide to applying for including full-color campus photos and college up-to-date contact information o Articles on the history and relevance of o A full listing of scholarship resources and HBCUs from award-winning Washington black college tours Post writer Hamil Harris and former USA Today sportswriter Michael Hurd o Over 300 hundred pages of information, including notable HBCU graduates and o A geographic HBCU locater for quick and HBCU trivia easy reference o Overviews of programs offered at o Full-color reproductions of artwork from HBCUs, including Florida A&M The Kinsey Collection, one of the most University’s School of Journalism and notable collections of African-American Howard University’s School of Divinity art

For more information on HBCU Today and how to purchase, go to www.HBCUToday.net Michael Wright 1st African-American National Champion in USA Diving History Photo Gallery

University of Tennessee diver, Michael Wright, a 22 year old senior from Forest Park, Illinois, won the men’s 1-meter springboard title at the USA Diving Winter National Championships. Courtesy of Drew Rutherford - UTsports.com 30 BSTM April 2010 Michael Wright 1st African-American National Champion in USA Diving History Photo Gallery

USA Diving officials say Wright’s national championship win in the men’s 1-meter springboard competition makes him the first African-American national champion in USA Diving’s history. - Courtesy of Drew Rutherford - UTsports.com BSTM April 2010 31 Michael Wright 1st African-American National Champion in USA Diving History Photo Gallery

Behind a 396.00 school-record score, Wright won the championship at Ohio State’s McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion. - Courtesy of Drew Rutherford - UTsports.com

32 BSTM April 2010 Michael Wright 1st African-American National Champion in USA Diving History Photo Gallery

Wright broke the Tennessee one-meter springboard record previously held by 2008 Olympian Jevon Tarantino (388.65). - Courtesy of Drew Rutherford - UTsports.com

BSTM April 2010 33 Michael Wright 1st African-American National Champion in USA Diving History Photo Gallery

“This is a real big step for Mike,” University of Tennessee diving coach, Dave Parrington said. “We wanted to step up and do something great …... He was solid in the prelims and really stepped it up in the finals. It was very exciting.” Courtesy of Drew Rutherford - UTsports.com 34 BSTM April 2010 Michael Wright 1st African-American National Champion in USA Diving History Photo Gallery

After a below-average first dive in the preliminary round, Wright got back in the fray and used that dive as motivation. “My first dive was—it wasn’t rough, but it wasn’t my best score,” Wright said. “That gave me that drive and that edge to really push myself in the finals. “When I got to the finals, I kept it basic and just took it one dive at a time.” Courtesy of Drew Rutherford - UTsports.com BSTM April 2010 35 Watkins Award Scholars and Athletes By Leland Stein III Los Angeles – The National Alliance of African American Athletes and produce at least three letters of recommendation. (The Alliance), as it has for the past 19 years, recently recognized the nation’s supreme high school scholar athletes. “I’m a senior and I’m taking honors classes,” Reid explained, “so at first I did not want to do anything extra. I was very busy, but At the prestigious Marriott Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, an now that I am here, I am very happy I did the paper work. This is exemplary group from around the nation was feted during the unlike any fraternity I’ve seen in sports.” annual Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Awards Gala. In most cases, it takes the parents to push the students to do the The Award is presented each year to the five finalists for the top extra effort it takes to be considered for the Watkins Award. African-American male high school scholar athlete in the country. However, in the case of Yankey, the Stanford coaching staff cajoled This year’s collective “Elite Five” is exceptional in every sense of him to apply for the Award. “My coaches told me I would be a the word. All are All-American athletes who dispel the lingering great candidate for the Award,” he said. Yankey joins a school, notion that most African-American male student/athletes are not that over the years, have had more Watkins finalists than any concerned with education, only the playing fields. other university. The list is fast approaching 20 Watkins scholar athletes that have earned athletic scholarships to Stanford. These five young men combine scholarship, athleticism, community awareness and volunteerism to form, at their young “The 2010 Watkins Award features another year of fine student age, the character of developing men that are primed to take a athletes,” Everette Pearsall, Executive Director of The Alliance, place in society as more than just athletes. said. “Each of these young men is well equipped for success academically. We have continued to recognize and honor the The 2010 Watkins Award Finalist are Brandon Willis of Duncan, premier African-American Scholar Athletes in the United States.” South Carolina; David Yankey from Atlanta, Georgia; Evan The Watkins Award has been presented annually since 1992. Washington, who prepped in Dallas, Texas; Devin Gardner from Previous awardees include Rhodes Scholar, Myron Rolle, Justin Detroit, Michigan; and out of Baton Rouge, . Blalock of the , Ted Ginn, Jr., of the , Lorenzo Alexander of the Washington Redskins, Mohammed The Master and Mistress of Ceremonies were comedian Lamont Massaquoi of the , of the New King and actress/model Claudia Jordan. The keynote speaker, Orleans Saints, LaVarr Arrington of the , Grant Jemele Hill, a former Detroit Mumford High and Michigan State Irons and formerly of the Oakland Raiders, Deryck graduate, is now a columnist and television personality for ESPN. Toles of the , Marcedes Lewis of the , Ernie Sims of the Detroit Lions, and Darius “I think the Watkins Award is a reminder that there are a number Walker of the Denver Broncos. of wonderful Black male athletes out here,” Hill said, “who are prepared and equipped to be future leaders. Too often, we never Visit www.naaaa.com online for more information about the talk about or highlight young men like this. That is what makes Watkins Award and The Alliance. Leland Stein can be reached at the Watkins Award special, it focuses on the total person with [email protected]. education at the forefront.” This year’s group is headed to universities throughout the country. Want Washington, an offensive lineman, is carrying a 3.9 grade-point- average (GPA), and has enrolled at Louisiana State. Gardner, a quarterback, has enrolled at Michigan, and carried a 3.4 GPA. To Advertise Yankey, an offensive lineman, has enrolled at Stanford and had an 4.0 GPA. Willis is a defensive end, who has earned a 4.0 GPA, In and is headed to the University of North Carolina. Reid, a defensive back, is also headed to Louisiana State. He has 4.7 GPA. BSTM “When I first heard about the Award, I did not know what to think,” Washington said. “But after this weekend and meeting all the guys, present and past, I’m very thankful I made it to the ‘Elite For Ad Rates Five.’ “ Call To qualify for the Watkins Award, the student/athletes have to write an essay, write a bio page that highlights community service 202-882-9444 and extracurricular school activities, submit official transcripts Photo provided by Leland Stein III 2010 Watkins Award “Elite Five” (l to r) Evan Washington - DeSoto High Dallas, TX; Devin Gardner - Inkster High Detroit, MI; Eric Reid - Dutchtown High Baton Rouge; keynote speaker Jemele Hill -ESPN; Brandon Willis - James F. Byrnes High Duncan, S.C.; David Yankey - Centennial High Atlanta, GA

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Moisturization Cassandra Monroe Independent Beauty Consultant Call or email me for more great gift ideas. (301) 275-3341 - [email protected] or Classic Basic Shop now at my Mary Kay ® Personal Web Site. Lip @ Eye Care Skin Care http://www.marykay.com/cassie_monroe CIAA Bowie State University, MD - Chowan University, NC - Elizabeth City State University, NC - Fayetteville State University, NC Johnson C. Smith University, NC - Lincoln University, PA - Livingstone College, NC - St. Augustine’s College, NC St. Paul’s College, VA - Shaw University, NC - Virginia State University, VA - Virginia Union University, VA USTFCCCA NCAA Division Falcons Outlast ECSU 63-59 For II Indoor Track & Field Final CIAA Men’s Basketball Title All-CIAA guard Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored 20 points, National Team Rankings including eight in the final 1:28, as top-seed Saint Augustine’s College MEN WOMEN rallied past No. 7 seed Elizabeth City State University 63-59 to win the CIAA Men’s BasketballChampionship at Arena. 1. Adams State 1. Lincoln (Mo.) 2. Saint Augustine’s 2. Grand Valley State The Falcons (26-4 overall) won their second CIAA crown and the first 3. Abilene Christian 2. Asland since 1997. They also set a modern school single-season mark for 4. Lincoln (Mo.) 4. Neb.-Omaha victories. 5. Central Missouri 5. Adams State 6. Pittsburg State 6. Saint Augustine’s “I told them after the game how proud I am of them,” said Falcon Head 7. Ashland 7. Seattle Pacific Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. “They put their stamp on the basketball program. 8. Minnesota State 8. Johnson C. Smith I told them they are champions for life. Nobody can take that away from 9. Emporia State 9. St. Cloud State them.” 10. Indiana (Pa.) 10. Missouri Southern 10. Hillsdale 11. Fort Hays State Blow, the 2010 CIAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year, led the 10. Johnson C. Smith 11. Shippensburg Falcons to the crown in only his second season at Saint Augustine’s 13. Tiffin 13. Central Missouri College. 14. American International 14. Abilene Christian 14. Findlay 14. Truman State Jordan was named the Tournament’s MVP 14. Kentucky State 16. Queens (N.C.) Coach Blow and his team, including six seniors - Jordan, Steven Brignol 14. Missouri Southern 16. Western Washingon (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.), Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio), George DeGroat 14. Western Washington 18. Emporia State (Sr./Portsmouth, Va.), Kalvin Patterson (Sr./Rocky Mount, N.C.) and 19. Southern 18. Minnesota State Brandon Hickson (Sr./Columbia, S.C.) – advanced to the NCAA Division 20. (4 tied) 20. (2 tied) II Playoffs. Fayetteville State takes CIAA Women’s Basketball Crown L’oreal Price scored a season-high 22 points and helped Fayetteville State University (FSU), 20-9, to the third CIAA Title in school history, defeating Bowie State University (BSU). “This is the greatest feeling in the world,” said Price. “I feel like I’m on Cloud 9. I feel like I’m nervous and the game is already over. I’m so proud of my teammates and everybody for just coming through. Nobody thought we were going to be here tonight.”

The Broncos 24.3 percent shooting from the field. could see it on their faces and I could hear it in their advanced to the NCAA voices as they spoke to each other. They came out every Division II Tournament FSU coach, Patterson-Heath, said she wasn’t game and gave us their best.” Tiffany Haywood, who for the sixth time. FSU surprised by the outcome. “These young ladies had six points and 15 rebounds, was named the held BSU (18-8) to posses a desire,” Patterson-Heath said. “I Tournament’s MVP. Copyright (c) 1997 - 2006 The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association 38 BSTM April 2010 MEAC Bethune Cookman, FL - Coppin StateUniversity, MD - State University, DE - Florida A&M University, FL Hampton University, VA - Howard University, DC - Maryland Eastern Shore, MD - Morgan State University, MD , VA - NC A&T State University, NC - SC State University, SC - Winston-Salem State University, NC Morgan State Wins 2010 MEAC Men’s Tournament

Kevin Thompson scored a game-high 18 points to lead four players in double figures as Morgan State defeated South Carolina State, 68-61 in the Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament Championship.

The Bears (27-9), the regular season champion and defending tournament champ, received an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Thompson was named the tournament MVP and Morgan’s Todd Bozeman the outstanding tournament coach. Hampton Wins 2010 MEAC Women’s Basketball Tournament Melanie Warner scored a game-high 17 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds and Quanneisha Perry added a double- double of her own with 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead Hampton to a 57-46 win over South Carolina State in the Championship game. Warner was named the Tournament MVP and Hampton’s David Six was Named Tournament Out- standing Coach. © Copyright 2005 meacsports.com BSTM April 2010 39 SIAC Albany State University, GA - Benedict College, SC - Claflin University, SC - Clark Atlanta University, GA Fort Valley State College, GA - Kentucky State University, KY - Lane College, TN - Lemoyne Owen College, TN Miles College, AL - Morehouse College, GA - Paine College, GA - Stillman College, AL - , AL Tuskegee Men Capture Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Championship The 77th Annual SIAC Men’s Basketball Championship Game pitted two teams who have smelled the aroma of an SIAC Championship. Although some time has elapsed since either has won the title, the number one seeded, Clark Atlanta University Panthers, were winners of the 1965, 1954, and 1940 crowns. The number three seeded, Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University, were winners of the 1979 and 1944 titles. The Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University defeated the Panthers of Clark Atlanta University 61-57 to win the SIAC crown 61-57.

Freshman Calvin Thomas led the SIAC Conference Champions (Tuskegee) in scoring with 16 points. Lorell Friend added 15 points and eight rebounds. Derrick White contributed 10 points and 16 rebounds. The Conference Title was the first for head coach at Tuskegee University and his second overall. He won his first Conference Title as the head coach of the Tigers of Stillman College in 2006. Benedict College Captures SIAC Women’s Championship The 32nd Annual SIAC Women’s Basketball Championship featured one team that has never won an SIAC women’s title and one team that has captured the crown twice. The eighth seeded, Lady Tigers of Stillman College, entered the championship game never having won the Conference Title, while the number three seeded, Lady Tigers of Benedict College, won titles in 2007 and 2004.

Stillman advanced to the championship after tournament wins over Paine College, Fort Valley State University, and Tuskegee University. After a first round , Benedict defeated Clark Atlanta University and Kentucky State University to advance to the title game.

The Lady Tigers of Benedict claimed the 2009-2010 SIAC Women’s Basketball Championship, defeating the Lady Tigers of Stillman College, 72-66. The SIAC Championship win was the third of the decade for the Lady Tigers of Benedict and second under head coach Felecia Jenkins.

Brittany Jackson led the Lady Tigers of Benedict in scoring with 23 points. She also had 14 rebounds. Bridget Williams and Charvez Holmes added 10 points each in the championship win. @Copyright 2004 thesiac.com 40 BSTM April 2010 SWAC Alabama A&M University, AL - Alabama-State University, AL - Alcorn State University, MS - Arkansas-Pine Bluff College, AR Grambling State University, LA - , MS - Mississippi Valley State University, MS Prairie View A&M University, TX - Southern University, LA - Texas Southern University, TX UAPB Defeats Texas Southern for Men’s Championship Tavaris Washington 14 points and tournament MVP Allen Smith added 11 as the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB) defeated Texas Southern 50-36 in the Farmers Insurance SWAC Basketball Tournament Men’s Championship. #2 seed UAPB (17-15) qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. Texas Southern, the #5 seed, finished 17-16. The lead changed hands seven times early with one tie, but the Golden Lions of UAPB took the lead for good at the 5:53 mark on a three-pointer by George Davis and never trailed again. UAPB led 26-20 at halftime. In the second half, UAPB extended to a Deandre Hall and Junior Treasure led Texas Southern with 14 points each. double-digit lead at 41-31 on a pair of free throws by Washington with 8:45 to ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Garrison Johnson, Jackson State; Tramayne Moorer, Alabama play and maintained its double-digit lead State; Junior Treasure, Texas Southern; Deandre Hall, Texas Southern; Allen Smith, the remainder of the game. Univ. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Southern University Women Defeat Alabama State University for Title Ashley Augerson scored 19 points to lead three teammates in double figures as top-seeded Southern won the Farmers Insurance SWAC Tournament Women’s Title with a 60-47 victory over #7 seed Alabama State.

Southern (23-8) earned the Conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Women’s Tournament. Upset-minded Alabama State, which knocked off the second and third seeds en route to the title game, ended its season 13-17.

With the score tied at 19-all late in the first half, Southern scored 17 consecutive points over an eight minute span to take a commanding 36-19 lead with 16:08 to play in the game. The Jaguars never led by less than 11 the rest of the way.

Hannah Kador, the Women’s Tournament MVP, scored 15 points and Tiffany Foster 10 for Southern.

Alabama State’s Tanika Jackson led all scorers with 22 points. ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Gabrielle Rosigi, Texas Southern; Katrich Williams, Alabama A&M; Shanice Merritt, Alabama State; Hannah Kador, Southern; Ashley Augerson, Southern Copyright © 2001-06 Southwestern Athletic Conference BSTM April 2010 41 Other HBCUs Featured This Month Savannah St. University Joins Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today that Savannah State University (SSU) has been extended provisional membership to the MEAC beginning July 1, 2010, as voted on by the conference’s Council of Chief Executive Officers (CCEO’s). “We are pleased to extend membership and welcome Savannah State University to the MEAC family,” said MEAC Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas. “The addition of SSU keeps us in compliance with our long range and strategic plan of adding up to 14 members. Adding SSU to the membership completes the geographical footprint that bridges our South Carolina and Florida institutions.” Commissioner Thomas added, “I would like to commend Dr. Yarbrough, President, Dr. Flythe, and the entire SSU family for all their hard work as we welcome this outstanding academic institution into the conference.” “We are very proud to be admitted to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The MEAC affiliation will enhance our status in terms of athletic competitions, while building valuable relationships that will go well beyond the playing fields and courts,” said Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., Ph.D., President of Savannah State. “On behalf of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and boosters, we extend appreciation to MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas, MEAC presidents/chancellors and others for this vote of confidence.” “MEAC membership means a lot for our student-athletes because they’ll spend less time on the road and more time in class,” said Claud Flythe, vice president for Administration, which includes athletics. “This gives our students the opportunity to interact with their peers from other HBCUs, and for the first time in a long time, they can look forward to post-season play. The Tigers will become the only MEAC institution to compete from the state of Georgia. The addition of SSU marks the second expansion for the MEAC this academic year. North Carolina Central University was announced as a new conference member to the conference in September, 2009. Prior to NCCU, Winston-Salem State became the 12th member but will return to Division II following the 2009-10 academic/athletic season. The MEAC expanded in the 90’s with the inclusion of Norfolk State in 1997 and Hampton in 1995. Langston Places 8 on All-Red River Athletic Conference Teams The Langston University (LU) basketball teams had eight individuals recognized when the 2009-2010 All-Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) teams were announced. Head coach, Jerome Willis, was named the RRAC Coach of the Year. In just two seasons, Willis’ Lady Lions have had 54 wins and only 13 loses. Sanetra Jackson was named the RRAC Women’s Player of the Year. Jackson led the Conference in scoring with 19.5 ppg. She was also a First-Team All-RRAC Selection. Stephanie Madden was named the RRAC Women’s Newcomer of the Year. Madden led the Conference in blocks/game and averaged a double-double on the season (17.6 ppg and 10.8 rpg). Madden was named the RRAC Tournament MVP and she was also a First-Team All-RRAC Selection. Latesha Calton-Woods was also a First-Team All-RRAC Selection. Calton-Woods led the Lady Lions in assists/game and steals/game. Ashlea Gray and Shonderlette Paul both received the All-RRAC Honorable Mention nod. Both Gray and Paul averaged just under eight points per game. For the men’s team, senior Catrell Currie was named to the First-Team All-RRAC Team. Currie re-wrote the LU record books by hitting 98 3-pointers in one season. He also had the highest free throw percentage in LU history (91%). Alvin Lewis was a Second- Team All-RRAC Selection. In two seasons at LU, Lewis proved to be a very versatile player with both a great shooting touch and the ability to handle the ball. NCCU’s Wilkerson Named Independent Newcomer of the Year Junior guard of the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) men’s basketball team, C.J. Wilkerson (Oxford, N.C.), used a solid consistent effort in his first season to earn a spot on the 2010 All-Independent First-Team, while also being voted as the “Newcomer of the Year” by the Independent Sports Information Directors and Head Coaches. Wilkerson averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in the 2009-10 season, helping lead the Eagles to its highest win total since moving to Division I. He scored 20-plus points 11 times, including a career-high of 30 points against the Apprentice School, which helped earned him MVP honors of the 2010 B.C. Powder Classic. This year’s independent schools include CSU Bakersfield, Longwood University, Savannah State University, Seattle University, SIU Edwardsville, Winston-Salem State University, along with NCCU.

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