New AME College Football Rivalry Begins
Allen University and Edward Waters College to
Face Off in Ralph J. Junche Hornets Classic in Coastal Georgia
October 16, 2002
COLUMBIA–The Fighting Yellow Jackets of Allen University will
face the Tigers of Edward Waters College (Jacksonville, Fla.)
in the Ralph J. Bunche Hornets Classic on Saturday, October
19, at 5 p.m. at Chris Gilman Stadium in Kingsland, Ga. – four
miles north of the Georgia/Florida border. The Camden County
Black Business Association Inc. (CCBBA), the classic’s official
sponsor, has planned a weekend full of events and activities
to accompany the game.
The Ralph J. Bunche Hornets Classic is named in honor of the African American public high school in Camden
County, Ga. Ralph J. Bunche High School (1951-1970) was named for the late African American United
Nations diplomat. Bunche received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating armistice agreements between
Israel and the Arab States. The Hornet was the high school’s mascot.
Though officially known as the Ralph J. Bunche Hornets Classic, the game has been unofficially dubbed the
“AME Classic” by fans of both football programs. Both schools are affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal
(AME) Church and want to develop a rivalry for their new football programs. Both the Yellow Jackets,
under the direction of first-year Head Coach Robert M. Hemby II, and the Tigers are members of the National
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Yellow Jackets entered their second season of football
this August after a 33-year absence from football. The Tigers enter their second season following a 34-year
absence.
The following is a complete listing of activities and events for the Ralph J. Bunche Hornets Classic weekend,
October 17-19, 2002. Unless otherwise indicated, all events will be held in Kingsland, Ga.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
The Hornets Classic weekend kicks off with a gospel concert. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at First
African Missionary Baptist Church.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
A step show featuring area representatives from the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, as well
as other step teams, will be held at 10 p.m. at Camden County High School Auditorium. Admission is $5.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
The Ralph J. Bunche Hornets Classic Golf Tournament tees off on Saturday, October 19, at 8:30 a.m. at
Laurel Island Links. Cash and other prizes are up for grabs for members of the competing four-player teams.
The Ralph J. Bunche Hornets Classic Football Game will be held at 5 p.m. at Chris Gilman Stadium. The
Yellow Jackets of Allen University (Columbia, S.C.) will face the Tigers of Edward Waters College (Jacksonville,
Fla.). Advance tickets are $12. Game day tickets are $15.
For additional information regarding tickets and the golf tournament, please
contact L.J. Williams at (912) 673-6950 or 270-2413, Abe Joseph
at (912) 729-7868, James Day at (904) 366-2789 or Henry Smith
at (904) 366-2700.
The Allen University Alumni Boosters and the University’s 1000+
Club are sponsoring a bus trip to the game. To reserve your
seat or to obtain additional information, please contact Allen
University’s Office of Alumni Affairs at (803) 376-5729 or 376-
5782.
Post-Game Socials will be held at 9 p.m. An “Old School R&B”
social will be held at the Kingsland Ramada Inn & Suites.
A social featuring the latest Hip-Hop and R&B will be held at
the Kingsland Howard Johnson. For additional information, please
contact Ivy L. Dawson at (912) 729-3819 or via e-mail at ivy_vine@tds.net.
Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen
University is an academic community whose mission is to provide
education with a strong commitment to teaching and community
service. Allen, the oldest historically Black university in
South Carolina to be established by African Americans, is accredited
by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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