Inside Hotlanta and The SIAC
September 25, 2002

by Hal Lamar
Onnidan Online Columnist

MBC NETWORK MAKES HISTORY WITH HBCU TRIPLEHEADER

The fledgling MBC Network, a collaborative effort by black heavyweights to include baseball guru Cecil Fielder and super-attorney Willie Gary , made television history last weekend when they broadcast three black college football games on the same day. They then followed that feat on Sunday with a tape delayed presentation of the Alcorn State vs. Hampton game from the Meadowlands.
I'm not sure if even they realized in the midst of their scheduling that all four games would involve schools from each of the four black college conferences and independent Tennessee State (despite the fact that play in the OVC). That kind of programming, which many of us in this business have been praying for, is proving well worth the cost of subscribing to the channel. I personally consider it an investment in black empowerment which we desperately need much more of. The games were all quality productions and anchored by some razor sharp colleagues like the old pro Charlie Neal. If you want to learn more about the channel, visit them at mbcnetwork.com.

• It's been no small secret that Miles and Tuskegee is an intense rivalry that probably started when the two teams first faced off in 1953.That intensity was kicked up a notch thanks to the Golden Bears last week in Tuskegee. During the coin toss, members of the Golden Bears stood and turned their backs to the Tuskegee players. That was extremely brazen and perhaps even a little crazy considering the Bears were in death valley surrounded by partisan Tiger fans. The subtle ploy at intimidation worked for a hot minute as it appeared Miles was on the verge of an upset until the fourth period when Rick Comegy turned loose his blue ribbon running back tandem of Matt Hazel and Cortland Florence. Comegy also qualifies for the motivation line of the season. When asked by MBC's Enwande Lawson what he said to motivate his team for second half play."Well, we basically just called them everything but men," he said. Playing the gender card apparently worked. That Comegy is one shrewd deud.
• Now that SIAC Commissioner Robert Vowels is headed to the SWAC, its time for the SIAC Presidents to huddle and pick a successor. Several names come to mind. Former Morehouse Head Coach Craig Cason, who ran the Heritage Bowl, and Stillman's Athletic Director Dr Richard Cosby would make good candidates.
• The world of black college sports lost a genuine supporter Monday when former Morris Brown alum Gary Holmes passed away suddenly. Holmes was very active with his alma mater and several civic organizations including the Extra Point Club of Atlanta. Holmes brother, Hamilton, integrated the University of Georgia in 1961 along with Charlyne Hunter-Gault. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Got an item or comment?
Contact Hal at lamar95@bellsouth.net

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