JCSU football pumped up for 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Classic

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- Johnson C. Smith University Athletics will celebrate the 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Kick-off Classic on September 12th and 14th on the campus of JCSU. The Golden Bulls football team will play their home opener on Saturday, September 14th at 2:00 p.m. against Bowie State University on McGirt Field at the Irwin Belk Complex.

The first home game of the JCSU football season has been marked as the "Eddie C. McGirt Classic" in honor and recognition of legendary coach Eddie 'Cut' McGirt. The 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Classic celebration begins with a Thursday Kickoff Luncheon inside Grimes Lounge at the Mary Joyce Taylor Crisp Student Union, scheduled from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

 McGirt served as head football coach at JCSU from 1959-77 and led the Golden Bulls to their lone CIAA Football Championship in 1969. In addition, McGirt also served as the University's head basketball coach (1959-62), Director of Athletics, and Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education (1978-85). He was inducted into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Hall of Fame in 1977. McGirt retired with an overall football coaching record of 118-73.

Each year JCSU will extend a special invitation to members of the "Block S Club" (former JCSU lettermen athletes) and all Hall of Fame inductees for a return to campus to join in the weekend activities and celebrate the legacy of Coach Eddie C. McGirt.

"I'm delighted that the JCSU 100 Club, alumni, and the neighboring community will have an event to celebrate the life and contributions of Coach McGirt with Johnson C. Smith University," said Director of Athletics Stephen Joyner, Sr. "Eddie McGirt is certainly a deserving individual to be honored and have our Kickoff Classic carry his legendary name." 

JCSU football will square off against Bowie State University on Saturday, September 14th in a non-conference showdown scheduled to kickoff at 2:00 p.m.

During the classic luncheon; the JCSU Department of Athletics will further promote the 1,000 Golden Bulls Campaign. The 1,000 Golden Bulls is a campaign designed to raise at least $1 million  annually for assistance with student-athlete scholarships and to support the operating budget of JCSU's sport programs. With the initiative, the department of athletics can ensure that student-athletes receive a transformational education

The Kickoff Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, September 12th beginning at 12:00 noon inside Grimes Lounge. The 2013 JCSU football home opener is slated for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th at the Irwin Belk Complex.



For more extensive information on the 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Kick-off Classic and the 1,000 Golden Bulls Campaign, please visit www.eddiemcgirt.com.

COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION