New director aims to revitalize Gateway Classic

Although his father founded and ran the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation for 16 years, Rich Gray never yearned to succeed Earl Wilson Jr., whose goal was to fill the Edward Jones Dome once a year. In fact, Gray had every intention of retiring from corporate America before health issues forced Wilson to step down.

"He had talked to me about it previously, but our styles were a little different," Gray said. "So, it wasn't something I embraced."

When the time came to talk seriously, Gray budged and accepted. In a short time, he has served notice that all effort will be made to revitalize the Gateway Classic, an annual football game featuring teams from historically black colleges and universities.

Gateway Classic 

Clark Atlanta vs. University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Featuring the Halftime Battle Of The Bands w/Special guest performance by Bradd Young

Tickets: Edward Jones Dome box office

More info & events: gatewayclassic.org

A 'Classic' homecoming, Jamaal Phillips comes home for Gateway Classic

St. Louis native Jamaal Phillips is coming home to play in the 2010 St. Louis Gateway Classic football game this Saturday, September 25 at the Edward Jones Dome at 3 p.m.

Phillips, a Hazelwood East High School graduate, plays offensive line for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions. They face the Clark Atlanta Panthers in this year’s showdown between historically black universities. “I get to play in front of hometown fans. I have a lot of family and friends coming out to support me,” said Phillips. One important source of support will come from the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club.

In 2008, Phillips was Youth of the Year for Herbert Hoover, as well as youth clubs in the State of Missouri and the Midwest region. He got a chance to travel and compete nationally for Youth of the Year honors and network with individuals from boys and girls clubs around the nation.

Comanches in the Classic

For Thomas Winters Jr. and Terron Armstead, it will be a dream comes true this weekend. The former Cahokia High standouts are coming home to perform in front of family members, friends, former teammates and coaches in this Saturday’s 17th Annual Gateway Classic Football Game.

Winters and Armstead play for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which takes on Clark Atlantic University in this year’s Classic at the Edward Jones Dome. Kick- off is set for 4 p.m.

Both young men were stellar student–athletes for Cahokia on some of the school’s best football teams ever. Together, they helped lead Cahokia to a few South Seven Conference titles as well as four consecutive playoff appearances. In addition, Armstead was one of the best field event athletes in track and field on some great Comanche teams that won state championships.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.