Fort Valley State to honor Tyrone Poole during Commencement
April 23, 2004
Tyrone Poole, cornerback for the SuperBowl XXXVIII Champion New England Patriots
will be recognized with a special trophy during commencement ceremonies at
Fort Valley State University. Commencement will begin May 1 at 9:30am in the
school’s new health and physical education complex.
Tyrone Poole
Poole played collegiate football as an FVSU Wildcat under former head coach
Doug Porter from 1991-94. He was a four-year starter and had an outstanding
career, finishing with 140 tackles (98 solos0, 44 pass breakups, 17 interceptions
(four of which ere returned for touchdowns) and two fumble recoveries.
Poole was also an excellent performer on special teams, returning 70 punts
for 934 yards and two TDs. He also blocked 10 kicks.
After a stellar senior season, Poole was named to the All-SIAC team for the
fourth straight year and was the 1994 SIAC “Defensive Player of the Year”.
Poole was a consensus All-American and was the first Wildcat to be selected
to play in the Blue-ray and Senior Bowl all-star games. He was drafted into
the NFL in the 1st round (22nd pick) by the Carolina Panthers in 1995.
In addition to playing football, Poole was an outstanding track & field
athlete at Fort Valley State. He finished second in the 200 meter run at the
1994 NCAA Division II National Championships. His time of 21.00 flat still
stands as a school record. He also holds the school mark in the 100 meters
(10.49).
“Tyrone was the hardest working individual I have ever coaches,’ said
Glen Turner, former FVSU track coach (1984-1999). “He knew what he wanted
and he went after it. We are very proud of his accomplishments.”
In addition to the recognition of Poole, FVSU President Kofi Lomotey will
confer more than 400 degrees during graduation. Thomas Dortch, a 1972 graduate
of FVSU and chairman of the 100 Black Men of America’s National Board
of Directors, will deliver the commencement address.
