What Makes a Classic a Classic
Let’s face it, we like Football Classics. Everybody does. If it wasn’t so, then there wouldn’t be this proliferation of Classic games every year. The latest event to enter the fray is the Ford MEAC-SWAC Challenge. As far as opponents go, the organizers couldn’t have asked for a better set of teams than the defending SWAC champions-Alabama State and the Co-Champions of the MEAC-South Carolina State. But there’s more to a Classic than just two highly touted teams, or is there?
HBCU Classics involve more than just the game and more than just the fans of the two schools. Organizers and sponsors take great care in extending the Saturday into a weekend of events directed at attracting families from the schools and the community surrounding the venue. Career fairs, band battles, seminars, parades, and even concerts adorn the majority of the Classics.
The Ford MEAC-SWAC Challenge lineup of events included a Kick-off Luncheon, a Battle of the Bands, a Career Expo, a Business and Sports Seminar, an official tailgate, and a Talent Show.
Hosted by ESPN’s Stuart Scott, the Kick-off Luncheon set the tone for the weekend’s events. Herman Boone (Remembering The Titans) delivered the keynote speech to the two teams, school administrators, sponsors, and community leaders from the City of Birmingham.
The revered coach laced his keynote address with enough pearls of wisdom to last a lifetime. “If you don’t have character you don’t have anything, I don’t care how talented you are” zinged the feisty coach to the players on both teams.
After the luncheon students and sponsors attended the Business and Sports Seminar to learn about the many opportunities in the world of sports. Students received honest (instead of corporate speak) responses from a panel of sports industry professionals including Stuart Scott-ESPN, Commissioner Robert Vowels-SWAC, John Kosner-ESPN, David Bercik-Ford, Kerry Chandler-ESPN Human Resources, Dr. Carl Carey-Sports Agent, and James Brown-ESPN. Roland D. West (Roland D. West & Associates) moderated the discussion that covered women’s issues, resumes and cover letters, tattoos, the importance of meaningful internships, how to get ahead once you’re hired, and what makes a good interview.
See all of the game action, band performances, and Classic events in the Photogallery below.
On Friday night music lovers filled the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center to watch the Marching Hornets of Alabama State and the Marching 101 of South Carolina State in a battle of bands. Although the show ran over its time limit, no one seemed to care too much.
Anyone who has been to a HBCU football game knows there has to be some tailgating before the game gets underway. In addition to their huge contribution as title sponsor of the Challenge, Ford provided a pre-game meal and social for fans supporting both schools to mix and mingle. When asked why Ford took such a prominent role in this inaugural game, executive David Bercik said simply “HBCUs are one of the great proving grounds for tomorrow’s leaders and Ford is committed to this support year after year”. Ford has definitely put its money where its mouth is sponsoring a number of Classics and initiatives affecting HBCUs.
Fitzgerald Washington, General Sales Manager for game sponsor Buffalo Rock, believes “when you have people coming in, they have a good time watching great football, and everybody understands what HBCU football is all about”. His views were echoed by Alabama State Alumnus Eddie Robinson. Robinson’s only caveat would have been a difference in the game’s outcome. His Hornets were defeated by South Carolina State 27-14. The outcome pleased the South Carolina State Pep Squad, who were more than willing to offer a student’s opinion of what makes a Classic. “The thing that makes a Classic a Classic is longevity” imparted one of the male squad members underneath an Elvis-like wig. “If it has an element that will make it last through the duration of time then you have a Classic” he continued.