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by Hal Lamar Savannah State closer to MEAC membership?The decision makers at Savannah State University are busier than a horse’s tail at fly time these days preparing for a site visit from the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). . During INSIDE’s visit to the coastal Georgia city last summer, SSU Athletics Director Bart Belairs said that the school had applied to the MEAC and had their fingers and toes crossed. That and some prayer paid off. Earlier this year, the 12 team conference lifted its moratorium on expansion and apparently is now moving full throttle to consider the apps of SSU and North Carolina Central . -0- I haven’t been in touch with the decision makers from Eagle land but I do know Bellairs is eager to attach the Tigers to a conference. ‘I like the MEAC,” Bellairs told us during our August visit. “ It’s a great league.” The site committee ought to be initially impressed with the college’s facilities. Their Tiger Arena ,which houses coaches offices as well as their basketball court is first ticket. A new press box which was under construction during our visit is either nearing completion or certainly will be when the Tigers open their 2009 home schedule September 12 against Alabama State. -0- The admission of SSU into the MEAC would not only be a plum for the school but for the “baby” of black college conferences as well. For the first time, the MEAC would have a presence in Georgia and a solid one at that. Savannah is a fine city to visit and especially for seafood lovers! It’s also a great venue for college football as there is little else competing with it in that area. -0- MEANWHILE IN THE SIAC: Tuskegee will be returning to Indianapolis for the Circle City Classic come October. And they will face Anthony Jones' Big Dogs of Alabama A&M. Last year, the classic attracted 47,000-plus to the Lucas Oil Dome which represented an increase from recent years. I am sure that Jones and his crowd from Huntsville want to avenge last year’s 34-24 loss . What could prove an advantage for A&M is not having to figure out how to stop Tuskegee’s all-world quarterback Jacary Atkinson who has graduated and is looking to take his talent to the next level. A&M’s failure to contain Atkinson in the second half resulted in the big win for Willie Slater’s Golden Cats….. The cancellation of the Angel City Classic in Los Angeles which would have once again pitted Morehouse against Henry Frazier’s Prairie View club has left both schools with a hole in their schedule. Morehouse head coach Richard Freeman said he hopes to persuade AD Andre Patillo to schedule a contest with Missouri’s Lincoln University. Meanwhile, Freeman said he is “retooling” for the 2009 grid campaign after losing 20 seniors from 2008. One of them, corner Jeff Cargile, is working overtime to get the attention of pro scouts. The consensus All American says he has received visits from the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts. Maybe he can join AU center colleague Curtis Johnson (Clark-AU) in Indy…..Former Alabama A&M turned Pittsburgh Steeler standout John Stallworth is now part owner of the latter. Stallworth, a Huntsville Alabama businessman, will own a piece of the Steel curtain when the deal is finalized in May……… ETC: According to their web site, Tuskegee President Benjamin Peyton announced his retirement effective in June of 2010. Dr Peyton is also chair of the council of presidents which governs athletics in the SIAC. Under his watch, “Skegee” won two national titles in 2000 and 2007… Jackson State University is looking for assistant coaches to work on both sides of the ball. The pay won’t make you wealthy according to the email I got from JSU’s sports information office but it could represent a great entry level shot for an eager beaver. Contact defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes if interested at 601-979-5834…. Got an item or comment?
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