BCSP Notes . . .

The mission of the Capital City Football Classic is to leverage the appeal of sports and entertainment to promote literacy, education, cultural diversity and raise capital resources for programs and non-profit organizations that service under-served communities and at risk youth.

The week of game begins September 11 and will feature a variety of special events including a Spelling Bee; High School Essay contest; Multicultural Festival; Celebrity Golf Tournament; United College Action Network, Incorporated 20th Year Anniversary Scholarship Gala; Greek Step Show; Gospel Concert with Shirley Caesar (Shaw alum) and Yolanda Adams (TSU alum); and three HBCU College Recruitment Fairs with over 35 college representatives.

Shaw Head Coach Darrell Asberry, \stated, "The game will provide national exposure for the University against Texas Southern, an NCAA Division 1-AA (FCS) team. This will give us a great platform to showcase the level of talent that resides on our team and allow the world at-large to see the big competitive hearts and outstanding skills from the young men on our football team. Hopefully we will play well enough to be invited back next year."

For more information on the classic, visit www.capitalcity footballclassic.com.

Alabama State and Southern sign pact to play at Gulf Coast Classic
One of the most intense college football rivalries in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the South in general has found a "classic" home in Mobile.

Southern University and Alabama State University have agreed to move their annual match-up to Ladd-Peebles Stadium for the Gulf Coast Classic through at least 2011. This year's 35th anniversary game will be held Saturday, Nov. 15.

"For the past several years, it has been our intent to bring the game full circle into a true classic ­ a contest between common opponents on a common date on an annual basis," said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. "We're finally there and the city of Mobile is extremely excited to have two teams both under 200 miles from here with strong alumni and fan bases. There's no doubt this is absolutely the right path for this game."

The Gulf Coast Classic has been held in Mobile for the last 34 years, and ASU has participated every year since its inception in 1974.

"There is something special about the ASU-Southern rivalry," said ASU Interim Athletic Director Ron Dickerson. "ASU fans already love coming to Mobile for the Gulf Coast Classic. Now, with Southern's participation solidified for the next several years, fans from both sides will be thrilled."

Southern has played in 11 Gulf Coast Classics, and their followers, known as "the Jaguar Nation," have developed a reputation for the large crowds they carry to away games.

"This agreement benefits everyone greatly," said Southern Athletic Director Greg LeFleur. "We're excited to be involved in the Classic and Mobile is an excellent meeting place and host for the universities."

The annual match-up between the SWAC foes has grown into a fierce rivalry. Over the last decade, the ASU Hornets and the SU Jaguars have played some of the most exciting and memorable games in the conference - including match-ups in back-to-back SWAC championships games, with each team winning once.

Last year's Gulf Coast Classic - which was televised nationally by ESPNU - set a new record for the most RVs and motor homes on the inside of Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Howard gets Clemson running back
Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey says he's transferring to Howard.

McElrathbey is the football player who earned accolades for taking custody of his younger brother while going to college. In an e-mail to The Associated Press on Monday, he said he's decided to head to the Washington, D.C., school.

McElrathbey's mother told The (Charleston) Post and Courier that McElrathbey chose Howard because of its academics. Her son was expected to take his 13-year-old brother along.

Clemson said in March that McElrathbey would not play for the football team. The athletic department had offered McElrathbey a graduate assistant position with the football team.

© 2008 Azeez Communications, Inc.

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