It's official--Billy Joe named to FAMU Hall of Fame

Photo: William "Billy" Joe (from Tallahassee Democrat)

Hey, better late than--later...

Tallahassee Democrat staff writer Health Smith, who has been doing a superb job covering Rattler sports, issued a story this morning regarding the upcoming enshrinement of FAMU's former head football coach, William "Billy" Joe on September 14, 2007.

Joe was just enshrined in the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame in July 2007, as the second winningest coach in Black College Football history. What took FAMU so long? Anyhow, here is the story and the reaction from the classiest man in sports history...

By Heath A. Smith DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
William "Billy" Joe as been selected for induction into the 32nd class of the Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame.

Joe, FAMU head football coach from 1994-2004, will be one of seven enshrined into the Hall of Fame Sept. 14 at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center.

"I found out (Wednesday)," Joe told the Tallahassee Democrat Thursday afternoon. "I was happy to hear the great news. I worked at FAMU for 11 seasons. To be inducted by the university you were employed by was phenomenal. I'm very appreciative of this honor."
Joe finished his career at FAMU as the school's second all-time winningest football coach with 86 wins. Joe also led the Rattlers to a Black College National title in 1998 and four Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles.

The Rattlers also made seven consecutive postseason appearances under Joe, including an appearance in the semifinals of the NCAA Division I-AA Championship Playoffs in 1999.
Joe is one of two coaches in this year's class. The other coach to be inducted is former FAMU defensive coordinator Fred Goldsmith (1974-79).

Four athletes will be a part of this year's class: Leroy Charlton (football and track, 1967-70), Theodore "Ted" Richardson (football and baseball, 1957-60), David Best (baseball, 1958-61) and Gifford "Spanky" Ramsey (football, 1977-80).

Former FAMU Senior Woman Administrator and Associate Athletic Director Sarah Hill-Yates (1970-88) will also be inducted in this year's class.

Can't beat the heat

The team wasn't able to escape the heat by practicing in the morning Thursday.
For the most part, the players stood up to the heat, but the coaching staff had one of its own take a hit Thursday.

New defensive back coach Willie Tillman needed assistance from a trainer late in practice because of the heat.

"He (Tillman) was bobbing and weaving a little bit, but he's okay," FAMU coach Rubin Carter said. "The coaches have to make sure that they are properly hydrated also."

Despite the humid and hot conditions, Carter said he was pleased with the progress the team has shown this week.

Carter has divided the reps in practice between three teams. For the first time, since taking over at FAMU, Carter was able to field a third team of mostly freshmen instead of walk-ons.
"I thought we came out and did a good job today, especially the first two units," Carter said.

"The youngsters are struggling a bit. Everything is spinning for them right now."

Injury update

Sophomore running back Demitric Henry did not participate in practice again Thursday because of a sore hamstring.

Henry was at practice, but worked with strength and conditioning coach Jeffery Woods on his upper body. Senior running back Anthony Edwards is going through the acclimation process after sitting out the first two days and could be able to participate fully in practice by Monday.