UNDER THE BANNER
What's Going On In and Around Black College Sports
HONORS FOR POOLE: Tyrone Poole, cornerback for the Super Bowl XXXVIII Champion
New England Patriots will be recognized with a special trophy
during May 1 commencement ceremonies at Fort Valley
State University. Poole played collegiate football at FVSU
under former head coach Doug Porter from 1991-94. He was
a four-year starter and had an outstanding career, finishing
with 140 tackles and 17 interceptions. He was also an excellent
performer on special teams, returning 70 punts for 934 yards
and two TDs. He also blocked ten 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-Gray and
Senior Bowl all-star games. He was drafted into the NFL in the
first round (22nd pick) by the Carolina Panthers in 1995.
In addition to playing football, Poole was an outstanding
track athlete at Fort Valley State. He finished second in the
200-meter run at the 1994 NCAA Division II national
championships. His time of 21.0 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
coached," 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.
ONE MORE FOR SHARPE: Former Savannah State and SIAC standout Shannon Sharpe announced last week that he will play at least one more season with the Denver Broncos. Sharpe, the only three-time SIAC player of the year in the league's history, said in January he might retire after last season, his 14th. He announced his decision before this weekend's draft so the team would know whether to look for a replacement. Sharpe is the NFL's career leader in receptions (815) and yards (10,060) at his position.
© 2004 Azeez Communications, Inc.