Lorman, MS -- The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning today approved the request submitted by President M. Christopher Brown II to add Marino “The Godfather” Casem’s name to Alcorn’s football stadium.Spinks Stadium, originally named for NFL player, former assistant Alcorn football coach, and alumnus Jack Spinks, will become Casem-Spinks Stadium. The unanimous vote honors Casem and Spinks who coached together at Alcorn. The names will appear in alphabetical order and the field remains named after Dwight Fisher.
“Coach Casem helped Alcorn athletics increase both in stature and in reputation, to become a nationally recognized university,” President Brown said. “Every Alcornite celebrates the Board’s decision. Coach Casem built a quality football and athletic program during his tenure at Alcorn. What’s more, he prepared athletes for life beyond the game. He believed in the concept of ‘student-athlete’ and stressed high academic performance in the classroom first.”
Never at a loss for words, a grateful Coach Marino Casem shared his joy, “This honor is only possible because of the hundreds of Alcorn student-athletes, coaches, staff, administrators and fans, and I humbly thank each of you, especially President Brown. I am truly overwhelmed by this honor from my Alcorn family.”
Alcorn State University National Alumni Association President Percy O. Norwood Jr. ’68 said, “Alcornites everywhere are rejoicing. It is about time. We will pack the stadium when Coach Casem is publicly recognized.”
During Casem’s over 20 years at Alcorn, he saw several of his players go on to successful careers and play sports on the professional level. Today, his former player Leslie Frazier is the only head NFL football coach from the SWAC.
Alcorn will celebrate the renaming of the stadium with a historic weekend of activities September 16-17, 2011. On Friday, September 16th, the weekend kicks off with the unveiling of the Dr. Walter Washington Parkway highway signs at 10 a.m. in the Ecology Resource Center. The Mississippi Legislature approved and Governor Haley Barbour signed into law, legislation designating segments of Mississippi Highway 552 beginning at Alcorn within Claiborne County and extending to its intersection with U.S. Highway 61 in Jefferson County be named in honor of Dr. Washington.
Miss Alcorn 2011-2012 will for the first time in the university’s history receive her crown before the first home game. “I am so excited,” says senior biochemistry/pre-medicine student Arkayla Ellis ’12. “I am grateful for the chance to showcase my crown throughout the football season and welcome the new tradition.” The lavish coronation is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
On Saturday, September 17th, to help high school and community college students learn more about opportunities available at Alcorn, the institution is hosting its fall High School and Community College Day, a chance for students and parents to experience Alcorn firsthand. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. and concludes with the 4:00 p.m. Alcorn vs. Mississippi Valley State football game.
At halftime, President Brown will unveil the new stadium signage honoring Coaches Casem and Spinks. The festivities will conclude with the Welcome to the Reservation Concert. The public is invited to attend all events. For more information, contact Elena Kostyleva at 601.443.3658 or elenad@alcorn.edu .
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