University of Maryland Eastern Shore looks to resurrect football program

(L) Sephen E. Baker, New York Giants WR (1987-1992)
and (R) Emerson Boozer, New York Jets RB (1966-1975)
at the United Way of New York City's 2012 Gridiron Gala. 
UMES's Boozer was inducted into the College Football
Hall of Fame in 2010.
(Photo Courtesy United Way of New York City)

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- With footballs clutched in their grasps and grimaces across their faces, the “four lightning backs” make their way across an empty campus field: The Bruiser, the Tipper, the Rabbit, the Shaker.

It’s yearbook photographs like this, in black and white with silly captions, that capture the storied football history of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a history that abruptly ended 33 years ago. The lightning backs (Emerson Boozer, Douglas Goodwin, Curtis Gentry and Leslie Donaldson) helped lead the Hawks in 1965 to their 20th straight winning season. All but Donaldson would play in the NFL.

High costs and budget cuts at the historically black college in Princess Anne caused football to be eliminated after the 1979 season.

But a passionate group of alumni and university staff called Hawks For Football has worked for more than a decade to resurrect the program, and is hopeful that now is the time for a revival, with a new school president and the university’s partnership in a feasibility study.

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If readers would like to support UMES reinstatement effort, they may send a donation to:  Hawks for Football Quasi Endowment c/o UMES Foundation, One Backbone Road, Princess Anne, Md. 21853.