How One Black College Survived The Leap From Division I To Division II And Back Again

The once-proud athletic department at Winston-Salem State tried to compete in big-time (and big-money) college sports — a rarity for an HBCU. When that backfired, the school returned to its roots and its former glory.

COACH CONNELL MAYNOR AND STAR QB KAMERON SMITH

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- During his first press conference as a head coach in December 2009, Connell Maynor talked about something that was unheard of for Winston-Salem State University — let alone black college football programs.

Maynor confidently talked about going undefeated and winning championships. And Maynor meant national championships, not just conference titles, which were something the Rams hadn’t won in a decade.

“That was a surprise — I almost wet on myself,” said Bill Hayes, Maynor’s boss as the school’s athletic director and himself the winningest football coach in school history. Winston-Salem State had won only one game the previous season. “I knew a good season would have been 8–2, 9–1, maybe 7–3. But this guy was standing up in his first press conference and saying he was going to go 15–0.”

Maynor was only one game off on delivering on his bold promise. In his third year, the Rams went 14–1, losing only the Division II championship game. Winston-Salem State was just the second HBCU to play in that game and the first in nearly 30 years.

CONTINUE READING