Raleigh, NC - Less than a week before
the CIAA Football Roundup, Shaw University has announced the
suspension of second year coach Gregory Ruffin.
Shaw U Photo
Deondri
Clark
Although no reason for the suspension was given in a press
release from the University, Shaw did announce that defensive
coordinator Deondri Clark will serve as interim head football
coach.
"Coach Clark is clearly the kind of individual who can provide
quality leadership for us at this time," said President Clarence
Newsome. "He has the capacity to inspire the confidence and
support of the foorball program and the Shaw University family."
After playing last season as a club team, the
Bears are set to participate in NCAA football for the first
time
since
1978.
Shaw will also return to CIAA conference play this fall.
Clark is a 1992 graduate of Florida State and played defensive
end on FSU's first ACC football championship team. He holds
a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Central Michigan
University.
Ruffin was introduced as Shaw's head football coach in January,
2002 and led the team to a 7-3 record ad a club team last season. The
1997 graduate of Lane College served as the offensive coordinator
and quarterbacks coach at Benedict College prior to coming
to Shaw.
