U.S. House of Representatives passes North Carolina Central University Resolution

Washington, D.C. - Today, the United States House of Representatives passed H.Res. 1361, Recognizing North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on its 100th Anniversary by a vote of 408-1.

NCCU is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The resolution was sponsored by Representatives David Price (NC-04) and G.K. Butterfield (NC-01). Rep. Price’s district includes NCCU and Rep. Butterfield earned an undergraduate and juris doctorate from the university.

Yesterday, Rep. Price addressed the House of Representatives to recognize the institution’s impact on North Carolina and urge swift passage of the resolution. The text of Rep. Price’s remarks is below.

CONGRESSMAN DAVID PRICE
FLOOR STATEMENT ON H. RES. 1361
Recognizing North Carolina Central University on its 100th Anniversary
May 19, 2010

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.Res.1361, which commemorates the centennial anniversary of North Carolina Central University and honors its founder, Dr. James E. Shepard. I’ve introduced this resolution as the member of this body privileged to represent North Carolina Central, but I’m proud to say it has the support of the entire North Carolina delegation as well as a number of other members who recognize the university’s significance.

People frequently talk about the “Big 3” universities in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina – referring to Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – but I like to remind them that it is actually the “Big 4”. North Carolina Central is fully as integral to the historical fabric of our state as its three peer institutions; it is one of the oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation; and it has rapidly assumed an important role as a research institution.

Established by Dr. James E. Shepard in 1909 in Durham, North Carolina, the University first opened its doors to students a year later as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua. Dr. Shepard was a visionary leader guided by the conviction that individual self-improvement and collective self-advancement were inextricably intertwined. “There is no economy in ignorance,” he declared. “Education is a vastly expensive resource, but ignorance is incomparably more so. Ignorance and poverty are cures for nothing.”

Dr. Shepard led the University until his death in 1947, guiding the institution through several name changes; watching the University grow in size and mission; and helping the school to gain the support of the North Carolina state legislature. In 1925, thanks to Dr. Shepard’s leadership, the school became the nation’s first state-supported liberal arts college for African-American students.



Now an integral part of the University of North Carolina system, NC Central offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 100 fields of study and graduate degrees in about 40 disciplines to a student body of about 8,500. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked NC Central the top public HBCU in the nation and one of the top ten HBCUs overall. The NC Central School of Law has been named the “Best Value Law School” in the nation by National Jurist magazine for two consecutive years.

NC Central is also renowned for its contributions to the cultural and performing arts. The University is home to the “Marching Sound Machine,” an award-winning marching band that will be performing on New Year’s Day 2011 in the Rose Parade, and the NC Central Jazz Ensemble, which recently performed in the Newport Jazz Festival.

NC Central also has a strong history of athletic prowess: its sports teams have won 41 conference championships, three NCAA regional titles, and two national championships. More than 50 of its student-athletes have won individual NCAA and NAIA national championships; and student-athletes representing NCCU competed in every Olympic Games from 1956 to 1976 in track and field, capturing eight Olympic medals, including five gold medals, during that span.

As a co-chair of the congressional National Service Caucus, I must also note that NC Central was the first state university in North Carolina to establish community service as a requirement for graduation and has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a “community-engaged university”. It should therefore come as no surprise that the University has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with its home city of Durham throughout its 100-year history.

Thousands of NC Central graduates have served Durham as community leaders, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs and volunteers. However, the reach of NC Central extends far beyond the borders of the Triangle region of North Carolina. In the century since its founding, the University has graduated approximately 40,000 students and proudly boasts many distinguished alumni, including civil rights lawyer and educator Julius L. Chambers, basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, two-time Olympic track gold medalist Lee Calhoun, NC Superior Court Judge Toby Fitch, state Senator and former Speaker Dan Blue, and state Rep. Mickey Michaux, not to mention my friend and lead cosponsor of this legislation, Congressman G.K. Butterfield.

In the words of NC Central’s current Chancellor, Dr. Charlie Nelms: "It's no small accomplishment that an institution of higher education - and in this case founded by African-Americans at a time when African-Americans were barred from most colleges - survived and thrived for 100 years." I could not agree more. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Shepard, Dr. Nelms, and all who served the institution in between, the University has flourished and has touched countless lives in North Carolina and throughout the country and the world.

With that, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution and yield back the remainder of my time.

NCCU Eagles: Your Time Is Coming in 41 Days...

NCCU, your time is near but let us take a brief look back at the year that was at the Eagle's nest. This is the video that was played at "The Eddies" culminating a year of exciting moments at North Carolina Central University. The NCCU Eagles will officially join the MEAC as its 13th member, as voted on by the conference's Council of Chief Executive Officers (CCEOs), effective July 1, 2010. Eagle Pride! Eagle Pride! Welcome Home...

SSU sweeps NC Central in baseball‎

The Savannah State University baseball team pounded out 28 hits Saturday en route to sweeping a home doubleheader from winless North Carolina Central (0-25), 11-1 in eight innings, and 11-6 in seven. The Tigers (13-13) had 15 hits in Game 1, as right fielder Dexter Kelley was 3-for-4 with two RBIs, three runs scored and one double. Third baseman-shortstop Joseph McCrary was 4-for-4 with one RBI, one run and one double. Michael Allegretti (7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K) earned the win.

In Game 2, Kelley was 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and McCrary was 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Blake Lee was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs. Mark Sherrod (5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) was credited for the win.

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NCCU's LeVelle Moton: No excuses necessary

Durham, N.C. -- North Carolina Central UniversityEagles ended its men's basketball season Feb. 25 with an 83-69 loss to Longwood University. Coach LeVelle Moton's first-season record concluded with seven wins against 22 losses. That's still three more wins than all of last year. Don't expect to find Moton in a corner with his head in his hands or polishing up his resume. He knew what the job description entailed when he applied. The Eagles have completed their third independent year of transition to Division I. (Women's basketball ends March 14.) They have won 15 games in three years, but that's going to change.

Next season, the university becomes a full member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, a Division I historically black conference, which will level the playing field considerably. Oh, there'll still be the "money games," where low- to mid-major teams play top Division I programs for financial gain, but they won't make up an entire season. "I had Coach K [Duke's Mike Krzyzewski] call me and tell me he couldn't do what I'm doing," said Moton, the school's third all-time leading scorer (1,714 points). "We've been through some trials and tribulations and some adversity, but that's what life is about. We didn't have Batman, we had a bunch of Robins."

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NCCU Gridiron Slate Includes Six Home Games in 2010

DURHAM, NC - The 2010 North Carolina Central University football schedule features six home contests, including a Thursday night season-opener and the return of rival North Carolina A&T to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, along with four games against conference foes, as NCCU announced its gridiron slate on Thursday (Feb. 11).

The 2010 NCCU schedule also includes the continued series with rival Winston-Salem State, a return trip to Appalachian State, the first home contest against Hampton in 19 years, a game inside the Georgia Dome, and Bethune-Cookman's first visit to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. "It's a very competitive schedule," said Mose Rison, entering his fourth season as head football coach at NCCU. "We play six games on our campus, which is a big plus. Our kids enjoy playing in front of our student body and our fans.

The NCCU Eagles have an exciting 2010 home schedule and road games at Georgia State and Appalachian State.

"Without a question, this is a great home schedule, with the likes of Winston-Salem State, North Carolina A&T, Hampton and Bethune-Cookman coming to Durham. Plus, the return of former CIAA opponent Johnson C. Smith and Edward Waters for Homecoming," Rison added. "We're excited." NCCU will become members of the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) on July 1, 2010, but will not be eligible for the conference championship during the upcoming season.

2010 North Carolina Central University Eagles Football ScheduleDate Opponent

9/2 JOHNSON C. SMITH, DURHAM, N.C. 7:00 PM
9/11 WINSTON-SALEM STATE, DURHAM, N.C. 6:00 PM
9/18 at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C. TBA
9/25 NORTH CAROLINA A&T, DURHAM, N.C. 6:00 PM
10/9 HAMPTON, DURHAM, N.C. 4:00 PM
10/16 at Georgia State, Atlanta, GA TBA , Georgia Dome
10/23 BETHUNE-COOKMAN, DURHAM, N.C. 2:00 PM
10/30 EDWARD WATERS, DURHAM, N.C. 2:00 PM, “Homecoming"
11/6 at Delaware State, Dover, Del. TBA
11/13 at Savannah State, Savannah, Ga. TBA

Complete Schedule in PDF Format

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Signing Tidewater recruits is a big step for North Carolina Central football program

Rison Signing Tidewater recruits is a big step ...

DURHAM, N.C. - The needs were few for N.C. Central, but the haul of players signed on Wednesday exceeded the expectations of Coach Mose Rison. "We're upgrading at every position," Rison said. "We're recruiting Division I kids now. We need to recruit those types of players because we're playing against those types of players." With NCCU's move to the MEAC, Rison was able to open a recruiting front in the Tidewater area of Virginia by signing two players.

"For us to break into the Tidewater are was big," Rison said. "It's a tremendous accomplishment. The area has such a rich tradition of producing football players. Going into the MEAC helped make us attactive." The Eagles only have to replace five departed seniors from the 2009 squad that posted a 4-7 record. The recruiting class Rison is bringing in consists of 14 players. Most of the newcomers were recruited for offense, including three linemen, three receivers, two tailbacks and a fullback.



NCCU ANNOUNCES 15 AMONG 2010 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

1. Dennis Alleyne, WR, 6-3, 180, Winston-Salem, N.C., Parkland H.S. - Selected All-Conference. Recorded 48 catches for 872 yards in 2009. Lettered in three sports (football, basketball, track).
2. Ty Brown, FS, 6-3, 215, Claremont, N.C., Newton-Conover H.S. - Selected Associated Press First-Team All-State, First-Team All-Western Region and All-Conference. Collected 83 tackles, eight interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), seven pass break-ups and three forced fumbles.
3. Dajuan Calloway, OL, 6-4, 320, Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville H.S. - Named 2009 Associated Press Northeast Lakes All-District First Team. Three-year starter. As a senior, graded out at 86 percent blocking efficiency with 12 pancake blocks.
4. Andre Clarke, RB, 5-10, 220, Mauldin, S.C., Mauldin H.S. - Chosen 4A All-State, All-Region, All-County. All-time leading rusher at Mauldin High School. As a senior, ran for 1,685 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per carry. Team posted a 10-3 record.
5. Ryker Goodell, LB, 6-1, 220, Woodstock, Ga., Etowah H.S. - Selected as the 2009 Cherokee County co-Defensive Player of the Year. Amassed 101 tackles with six sacks as a senior.
6. Shaun Millien, OL, 6-8, 350, Roslindale, Mass., Dean College, Catholic Memorial H.S. - Transfer from Dean College in Franklin, Mass. Two-year starter at Dean, where team won back-to-back conference championships. Selected All-Northeast Conference. All-Conference honoree at Catholic Memorial High School. Starter on both sides of the ball.
7. Darren Moore, OL, 6-5, 315, Fayetteville, N.C., Westover H.S. - Selected to 2009 Mid-Southeastern 4A All-Conference Team. Also lettered in track & field.
8. Fred Ominde, DB, 6-0, 180, Rochester, Minn., Rochester Community & Technical College, Bloomington Kennedy H.S. - Selected All-Division and All-Conference (Minnesota College Athletic Conference) Second Team. As a sophomore in 2009, recorded 47 tackles (37 solo) with 13 pass break-ups, two interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. As a freshman in 2008, collected 36 tackles (27 solo) with 12 pass break-ups, five interceptions and a sack. Named 2008 All-MCAC Honorable Mention.
9. Rasheen Person, LB, 6-3, 250, Newport News, Va., Heritage H.S. - As a senior, topped team with 94 tackles, including 12 hits for a loss with eight sacks, along with two interceptions. Scored three touchdowns and five 2-point conversions as a short-yardage back.
10. Demontray Ryland, LB, 6-1, 230, Portsmouth, Va., Norcom H.S. - Two-time First-Team All-Tidewater and All-District selection. Named 2008 Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year. 2009 All-Region honoree.
11. Duval Smith, RB, 5-10, 185, Roswell, Ga., Roswell H.S. - Rushed for 1,119 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
12. Shavarez Smith, WR, 6-2, 180, McDonough, Ga., Henry County H.S. - Named 2009 Associated Press All-State Honorable Mention, First-Team All-Region, First-Team All-County, Henry County Player of the Year. Selected to the North/South All-Star Game. Collected 32 receptions for 834 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 26 yards per catch.
13. Jordan Toomer, FB, 6-2, 235, Gastonia, N.C., Ashbrook H.S. - Selected 2009 All-Big South 3A Conference Team. Averaged more than four yards per carry.
14. Chase Tripp, DL, 6-2, 245, Chocowinity, N.C., Winston-Salem State University, Washington H.S. - Transfer from Winston-Salem State University. Played in six games for WSSU in 2009, recording five tackles and a pass break-up as a freshman. Two-time All-Area First Team pick as a defensive end at Washington High School. Topped team in total tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.
15. Lamar Whidbee, WR, 6-3, 180, Hertford, N.C., Winston-Salem State University, Perquimans County H.S. - Transfer from Winston-Salem State University. Started in all 11 games for WSSU in 2009 as a redshirt freshman. Caught 16 passes for 208 yards on the season. Earned All-Conference and All-Region honors in both junior and senior seasons (2006, 2007) as a wide receiver at Perquimans County High School. Three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track) in high school.

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Appalachian State 55, North Carolina Central 21

Mountaineers run over NC Central

BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State football coach Jerry Moore was rattling off the mistakes his team made Saturday in a non-conference game against North Carolina Central. He wasn't happy with the eight penalties his team committed. He didn't think his team tackled very well. And he was not at all pleased about a blown coverage that led to a long touchdown pass by the Eagles. Listening to Moore, you'd never guess his team turned in one of its most dominating statistical performances ever, rolling to a 55-21 victory in front of 25,017 fans at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Coaches and players were nonchalant after defeating the winless Eagles (0-6), who stunned the hosts early by turning two Mountaineers turnovers into touchdowns and a 14-7 lead midway through the second quarter.

Photo Album

Mountaineers Blast NCCU, 55-21

Appalachian State University football racked up 644 yards of total offense and 34 first downs and held a 407-5 advantage in rushing yardage en route to a 55-21 homecoming rout over North Carolina Central on Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Appalachian (3-2) dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball to claim the commanding triumph. Led by 124 yards from Devon Moore, ASU rushed for more than 400 yards for the sixth time in its last 25 games while its defense held an opponent to fewer than 50 rushing yards for the third time since the beginning of the 2003 season and less than five rushing yards for the second time in the past eight games (ASU limited Western Carolina to minus-two yards on the ground in last year’s regular-season finale).

In all, Appalachian out-gained N.C. Central, 644-194. ASU’s 644 yards were the most NCCU has ever allowed in its 86-year football history.Despite the eye-popping numbers, the Mountaineers had to overcome a sluggish start to post the dominating win. Thanks to a pair of turnovers deep in their own territory, the Apps trailed, 14-7, after one quarter.

Attendance: 25,017 @Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, N.C.

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N.C. Central Eagles at Duke Blue Devils

Preview: Duke (1-2) v. NC Central (0-3)

For the first time NC Central and Duke will meet on the gridiron in what is being called the "Bull City Classic". In addition, this weekend's game will serve as Homecoming 2009 for the Blue Devils. Last Time: The two schools have never met on the gridiron. However the Eagles have played in Wallace Wade Stadium on three occasions, posting a 2-1 overall record on Duke's home field. The last time the Eagles were on the field they defeated North Carolina A&T by a score of 29-18 during the 1974 season. Duke has an all-time record of 42-35-3 when playing a team for the first time. .

What To Watch For On Offense: The Eagles' offensive unit has been largely ineffective through the first three contests of the season - averaging just 14.7 points per game. Some if it due to inexperience with several younger players being forced into action. Two positions were opened for in preseason drills when junior wide receiver Corey Harris dislocated his left clavicle. Soon after, senior offensive lineman Eric Stanley suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. Both required season-ending surgery.

Duke and NCCU to meet for first time

A 'Classic' every year...Although schedule restrictions limit Duke and NCCU's ability to compete annually, University officials are hopeful that there will be a Bull City Classic every year. The contract between NCCU and Duke requires the two schools to meet every three years until the 2015 football season. The University hopes to fill the remaining gaps in the schedule with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, such as Howard University and Morgan State University, hosting one school per year in the Classic.

"We're looking to build an affinity for Duke football," said Deputy Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox. "Within the Durham community, there are a number of individuals who probably have attended some of these historically black colleges that are in the region and it would give those individuals the opportunity to see their alma mater in Durham."

Bull City rivalry takes wing

You could hear the thumping drumbeat of the marching Sound Machine blocks away. It may not have felt like a football night -- "too hot and sticky," N.C. Central University fan Tony Chavis said -- but several thousand people crowded into Historic Durham Athletic Park on Thursday night for an old-fashioned pigskin party. The Bull City Football Fest celebrated in anticipation of Saturday night's first-ever football encounter between NCCU and Duke, "two great universities that unbelievably are just five miles apart," Blue Devil coach David Cutcliffe told the crowd.

The fest offered food and drink, activities for kids that included a climbing wall and a moon walk, and music from the Sound Machine, the Eagles' pep band, and the Blue Devil marching band. There were cheerleaders and mascots, hot dogs and barbecue.
Most of all, the event gave supporters of both schools a chance to mingle, talk a little trash and support their school.

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North Carolina Central University wins admission to MEAC

North Carolina Central University has won admission to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, returning the Durham institution to a league it helped found but then left 30 years ago. The conference said Thursday that its Council of Chief Executive Officers voted to admit NCCU as the MEAC’s 13th member effective July 1, 2010.

The decision gives NCCU a conference home as it continues to make the transition from a NCAA Division II athletics program to one competing in the top-level, and more expensive, Division I. NCCU is entering its third season of competition in Division I. "This is a significant milestone in North Carolina Central University's transition to Division I," said NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms. "Membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is a win-win proposition for our student-athletes, alumni and fans – indeed, all our university constituents."

With its return to the MEAC, NCCU will now play in the same conference as its most fierce rival, North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, and another in-state school that recently made the jump to Division I, Winston-Salem State University. WSSU, which became the MEAC’s 12th member in 2007, was a rival of NCCU’s in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, a Division II conference. The highlight of NCCU’s time in the CIAA was winning the Division II national men’s basketball championship in 1989.

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Hampton Pirates 31, North Carolina Central 24

Hampton U. rallies late on Coker's 29-yard run

Hampton, VA--LaMarcus Coker's touchdown run technically measured 29 yards. Throw in the long celebration run on Hampton University's newly surfaced track and it was closer to 100 — at a clip few other than Usain Bolt could manage. Coker's sprint to the end zone on a draw with 1 minute, 28 seconds to play in the game gave the Pirates a come-from-behind 31-24 win over North Carolina Central. His run afterward was a combination of celebration for new head coach Donovan Rose, and an expression of relief for a Hampton team that seemed beaten only 90 seconds earlier.

"At that point I was having a horrible game, but I told my teammates, 'I'll get it this time,' " said Coker, who ran for only 59 yards. "After I scored, I just got emotional and didn't know what to do, so I just ran." Pirates, quarterback David Legree, who started because school record-setting quarterback Herbert Bynes was hobbled by a sprained ankle, added, "That's Coker for you, man. Coker will give you that five yards a pop, five yards a pop, and then spring the big play on you." The Pirates (1-0) needed the big play to secure the non-conference win. The Eagles disintegration moments earlier put them in position to get it.

Happy return for HU QB

Hampton University quarterback David Legree had not played in a football game since 2006, as a senior at South Shore High School in New York. He said it felt more like 20 years."And I'm only 19," he joked.Legree, a transfer from Syracuse University, handled himself admirably in a fill-in role. He completed 10-of-18 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown in the Pirates' 31-24 win over N.C. Central. Most important, he displayed poise after a rough start. On the first series of the game, he threw an interception, which the Eagles converted into a touchdown.

Often under heavy pressure, Legree was sacked on the Pirates' next two possessions, which ended in punts. But, after Julio Sanchez forced a fumble by Eagles quarterback Michael Johnson, Legree put his new scrambling experience to work. Hounded yet again by an Eagles defender, Legree scrambled to the right. His run prompted receiver Damon McDaniel's defender to break away from him in case Legree ran with the ball. Legree braked and threw to a wide-open McDaniel. The 32-yard touchdown pass tied the score at 7 and settled Legree.

QB coach Pep Hamilton knows how to deal with talent

As the point guard on the same AAU team as college stars Jeff Capel and Jeff McInnis, Pep Hamilton learned to funnel his basketball knowledge to highly skilled players. Now, 15-plus years later, Hamilton finds himself in a similar situation as the Chicago Bears' quarterbacks coach, working with Pro Bowler Jay Cutler. Inheriting such a talented player should make Hamilton's job a lot easier, considering the unsteady quarterback situation from a year ago.

3rd. year Chicago Bears QB Coach Pep Hamilton is a former Hampton University Top Student and star quarterback.

"I take pride in the fact it's my job to try and help guys realize their full potential," Hamilton said. "We didn't achieve our ultimate goal as a team [last season], so there's no way I can say that any us did our job to the level we expected."

Hamilton, who turns 35 on Sept. 19, is in his third season with the Bears and sixth in the NFL. The Charlotte native never played in the league, opting to jump into coaching after his last season as quarterback at Hampton University. Yet his lack of pro playing experience has not impeded his progress up the coaching ranks. Cutler is the third first-round quarterback under Hamilton's tutelage, joining former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith of 49ers and ex-Bear Rex Grossman. No doubt Cutler is the most talented of the three.

Hampton bowler returns to No. 1

Becca Glazier of Sparetimes headed the girls all-star team with a 185 average. Glazier, the Hampton Women's Bowling Association Female Bowler of the Year for 2009, is a repeat selection. As a freshman at Hampton University, she hopes to pursue a career in forensic science and will compete for the school's bowling team this season.

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