FAMU President Ammons rallies the Rattlers

Photo: FAMU President James Ammons

By St. Clair Murraine, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

President to uphold reputation as supporter of all FAMU sports

FAMU president James Ammons praised football coach Rubin Carter and called on his players to “dominate the man in front of you” during a brief meeting with the team that was nothing short of a pep rally Friday afternoon.

With athletic director Nelson Townsend and Carter at his side, Ammons spoke to the players in their locker room just before the second phase of two-a-day practice.

“I wanted to come down to tell you before you take the first snap how proud I am of this team and this program,” he said. “Like you, I am a Rattler. I grew up watching Rattler football and all the Rattlers sports.

“I'm a big sports fan, but especially football. I love this game.”

But Ammons built a reputation for developing minor sports at North Carolina Central University, where he was chancellor from 2001 until he was named president of FAMU in February.

“You're going to see me regardless of the season, regardless of the sport,” he said. “You're going to see me with the volleyball team (and) our indoor track. You will see me talking with all of the students at this university.

“What they do is extremely important and by coming out and spending this brief moment with them, I hope they'll understand that I take this seriously.”

At times during his speech, Ammons resembled a coach giving his last pep talk before his team took the field for a game.

“This is always exciting when the president comes down; nothing gets better than that,” Townsend said. “It just kind of lifts everybody's spirit; even mine.”

Ammons thanked the players who participated in summer drills for their commitment to conditioning. He also promised that he'll make more visits during practices and that he'll attend every game possible.

This year's football team will always be symbolic, Ammons said, because it's his first as president at FAMU.

“That was outstanding for Dr. Ammons to come over and spend time with our football team,” Carter said afterward. “I know our players appreciate it a whole lot.”

Ammons drew laughter from his captive audience when he assured Carter that his visits during practice won't be like Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones'. He is known for getting involved with the coaching staff of his NFL team.

Carter kept the humor going when he told Ammons, “We'll let you call one play.”

“Well, all right,” replied Ammons, who athletic background is as a baseball outfielder.

The visit motivated the Rattlers, said receiver Willie Hayward.

“I've been here and seen president, but he came and gave us that confidence to let us know that he's going to be on our side,” Hayward said.