Virginia Award named for Richmond -- Morgan State gridiron great Willie Lanier

RICHMOND, Va. -- The greatest football player ever to come out of Richmond wasn't recruited by Virginia or Virginia Tech. When Willie Lanier graduated from Maggie Walker High School in 1963, those schools weren't an option for him. College football still was a segregated game, so the best African-American players went to play in the CIAA or MEAC. Lanier had a scholarship offer from Virginia State College, now Virginia State University, but he turned that down because he wanted to escape the segregation that still ruled the South.

Instead, he called Morgan State College coach Earl "Papa Bear" Banks, who told him he could play but that he had no scholarships to give. It didn't take long for Lanier to earn a scholarship. By his senior season, he was a Small College All-American and attracting the attention of pro scouts. Lanier went on to become one of the greatest linebackers in football history. He earned a place in both the College and Pro Football halls of fame. He also returned to Richmond and became a successful businessman and community leader.




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JSU's Gorden elected to college hall of fame

Former Jackson State coach W.C. Gorden, who led the Tigers to eight Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, was one of six people elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday as part of the divisional class. The divisional class includes players and coaches from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), Divisions II, III and the NAIA. The class will be inducted July 19 in South Bend, Ind.

"He is a fine, fine Christian man," said Jim Stirgus, who hired Gorden at Temple. "He's a good coach and a good man."

Also elected as part of the divisional class were North Alabama linebacker Ronald McKinnon (1992-95); Mount Union quarterback Jim Ballard (1991-93); Texas A&M-Kingsville defensive end John Randle (1988-89); McMurry halfback Brad Rowland (1947-50); and Doug Porter, who won 166 games at Mississsippi Valley State (1961-65), Howard (1974-78) and Fort Valley State (1979-85, '87-96).

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FAMU coach Billy Joe inducted in MEAC Hall of Fame

Photo: Hall of Famer and Miles College head football coach, William "Billy" Joe.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Former Florida A&M football coach Billy Joe had to laugh as he told the story. He's wearing a brace on his right wrist, he said, because he tried to teach one of his players at Miles College how to deliver a forearm shiver.

"I've got to remember I'm not 21 any more," Joe said with a huge grin. "I'm 67 -- but I don't feel it."

Joe has plenty of reasons to feel good about himself these days.

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