MEAC/SWAC: HBCUs' real challenge is survival

SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp, "Disney and the City of Orlando have done an excellent job, but I want to bring it [MEAC/SWAC Challenge] back to Birmingham," Sharp said.

The lousy economy has long tentacles. It's all about survival, whether it's a distressed auto industry or banks trying to regain their footing. No different whether the business model involves Manolo Blahniks or football cleats. There are 105 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in this nation. Two of them gathered their football teams, fans and alumni in Central Florida this weekend for a smorgasbord of events meant to pump up not only interest but financial stability.

MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas, "The landscape is tough but it's nothing that we haven't experienced over an extended period of time."

South Carolina State University and Grambling State University put on an entertaining show during the Fifth Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge at the Florida Citrus Bowl Sunday afternoon. South Carolina State won, 34-31, on a defensive stop in the final minutes when cornerback Semaj Moody intercepted a pass by Greg Dillon. It was a pleasant way to spend three-plus hours despite the occasional drop of rain. But when everybody packs up and goes home, it's time to put away the party favors and deal with the economic realities: Many non-state-supported HBCUs are trying to stay solvent, given increased educational costs, and drops in endowments and financial aid for students.

2009 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Attendance: 21,367.

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