North Carolina A&T Aggies pull together at first practice

GREENSBORO -- Three months ago, the N.C. A&T Aggies learned there is, in fact, something worse than losing 27 consecutive football games. What could be more disturbing than losing a teammate? In this case, the question is not rhetorical. As intolerable as Chad Wiley's death was, they said, relenting in its wake might be worse.















Quarterback Herbert Miller, 6-2/200 r-Junior, Winston-Salem, N.C. (Carver H.S.) looks to help break Aggies 27 game losing streak in 2008.

So today, they take the field as a full team for the first time since Wiley collapsed after an off season conditioning drill and died 18 hours later as a result of what was reported as heat-related illness. And they say there will be no way to go but all-out. "It was sad," said linebacker Brandon Long, a co-captain. "It was a tragedy. But guys look at it as something to pull the team together."

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JSU's Gorden reaches top with Hall of Fame induction

SOUTH BEND, IND. — They showed W.C. Gorden around Notre Dame Stadium this weekend. He took a long look at Touchdown Jesus. Stood in the stadium Knute Rockne built. Strolled in the grass where guys like Paul Hornung, Joe Theismann and Tim Brown became legends.

Like any lifelong football man, Gorden was emotionally moved. After all, the history of the Fighting Irish is maybe the most celebrated in the sport. Some of the greatest football games on Earth were played in this very spot. But don't get things misconstrued. Even though Gorden was impressed by the sights of South Bend, he was far from jealous. In fact, the 78-year-old is more than comfortable with the career path sent his way.

"I've already been to the mountaintop," said Gorden with a grin. "I've been the coach of Jackson State University's football team."

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