CIAA HOOPS CHARLOTTE-BOUND: The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors, made up of the 12 member institutions' presidents and chancellors, voted Tuesday to award the 2006 through 2008 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament to the City of Charlotte over Raleigh, the host city of the tournament for the last five years.

The decision was reached via secret ballot submission to the CIAA's accounting firm, which tabulated and certified the votes. Each school representative was allotted a single vote. The vote split was not made public.

"We have enjoyed tremendous growth in Raleigh, and this was a tough decision that was made after thorough consideration and research," said Dr. Mickey Burnim, chancellor of Elizabeth City State University and chair of the CIAA Board of Directors. "But as the stewards of this distinguished cultural event, it is incumbent upon us to insure that our conference, its events and its members' scholastic benefits are maximized. At this time, we feel that the better option for growth and development is in Charlotte."

The 2006-08 tournaments will be held at the new arena being built in Charlotte as the home for the NBA's new Charlotte Bobcats' franchise. The downtown arena, which seats 20,200 for college basketball, is currently under construction and is slated for completion in October of 2005. The new facility has 60 suites.

The original requests for proposals were sent to the cities July 7, 2004 with a deadline for submission set for Sept. 27. On Monday, Nov. 15, officials from both Raleigh and Charlotte presented their bids to the CIAA Board of Directors in Norfolk, Va. Subsequent visits were made to Charlotte on Nov. 18, and Raleigh, Nov. 21 by CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry in order to conduct a fact-finding mission, of sorts.

"I do not have a vote in this process, but it is my job to collect all pertinent information pertaining to the process so that the board (of directors) can make an informed decision," Kerry said. "This event has grown to these heights because of the hard work of a lot of people. When you are talking about an event of this magnitude, there are a lot of questions that have to be answered to provide an unquestionable level of comfort. My staff and I worked toward answering all of the board's concerns about both bids. They did the rest."

In 2004, the Tournament attracted more than 104,500 people and had an $11.5 million economic impact on Raleigh, generating more than $983,304 in local and state tax revenue generated from sales, hotel and meal taxes.

"We anticipate having another record-setting year in Raleigh in 2005," Kerry added.

DIV. II ALL-AMERICANS: Fort Valley State running back Derrick Wimbush and Fayetteville State defensive back Walt Williams have been named Division II All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Wimbush, who finished second in voting for the Harlon Hill Trophy given to Div. II's outstanding player, set the Fort Valley State record for most 200-yard rushing games in a season (four) and most rushing touchdowns in a season (22). He finished third in the nation in rushing averaging 167.3 yards per game. Williams earned CIAA All-Conference honors by recording 16 passes defended, seven interceptions and 33 total tackles.

© 2004 Azeez Communications, Inc.

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