MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas: Kudos to FAMU AD Overton

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Nationally-televised MEAC games are a chance for Commissioner Dennis Thomas to measure – and appreciate – the growth of his conference.

The MEAC has seen a resurgence of late, with players like Tarik Cohen (North Carolina A&T) and Javon Hargrave (South Carolina State) makings waves in the NFL after careers at HBCU programs. Part of that resurgence, according to Thomas, has been the conference’s deal with ESPN, which has been in place since 2005.

Thomas was on the sidelines for FAMU’s 21-14 loss to North Carolina Central, which was televised on ESPNU.

“We’re able to have two outstanding institutions and football programs will add to the branding, marking and promotions for the conference and for the institutions that are playing,” Thomas said.

“It also helps with student recruiting. You get more people from all over the country seeing the product, your intuitions. They’re more prone to go the websites to find out more about the institutions.”

Thomas, who is in his 16th year as the commissioner of the MEAC, said he’s closely watched Florida A&M’s rise under Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. The Rattlers have set season ticket sales records every year Overton has been at the helm.

“I must commend Milton,” Thomas said.



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