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UMES Football, A Lost Legacy Of Excellence UMES Football, A Lost legacy OF Excellence
Vernon "Skip" McCain was head football coach, head basketball coach, and athletic director from 1948 to 1964. If only the television cameras and the media had found their way to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the tiny village of Princess Anne. What a story they would have uncovered. The entire nation would have discovered a football powerhouse that broke both racial barriers and the competitive spirit of the teams they played. Everyone would have known the name, Skip McCain. It is a shame that only a few do. America would have recognized that this humble, 5-foot-5 man, who never cussed or missed church, had a higher winning percentage (83.3%) for a 17-year period than some of his more famous coaching contemporaries recorded during the same era -- men such as Woody Hayes of Ohio State University (74.3%), Bear Bryant of Alabama University (72.7%), and Eddie Robinson of Grambling State University. But, the 1950's were a time when news of the exploits of historically Black colleges rarely escaped the confines of their own communities. Coach McCain's record for his 16-year coaching career was an astounding 105 wins, 18 losses and 7 ties. This included nine undefeated seasons, four of which were the perfect seasons in 1949, 1950, 1952, and 1955. When Coach McCain came to Maryland State College (MSC) in 1948, he was to serve as the head football coach, head basketball coach and the athletic director. It became apparent that this man could build winners no matter what the sport. While concentrating on his football duties, he directed the basketball team to a record of 76 wins and 11 losses from 1948 to 1952. His love for academics was almost as passionate as his desire to win football games, and he served as an assistant professor of mathematics during his tenure at MSC. He taught and motivated by instilling confidence in his players. Swifty Polk fondly remembers, "Coach made it a point to come by all the players' dorm rooms. He would check your schoolwork and he would ask for input on the team as far as strategy, practice, etc. He would let us know that our opinion counted to him." Coach McCain developed a reputation as a great builder of character. He loved to say, "Not only must you be a winner on the field, but also in the classroom." "Coach McCain was a great guy. He was a friend, a father and strong disciplinarian," stated former Hawk Cal Davidson, who enjoyed a great four-year career at Maryland State (1957-61), playing defensive end and wide receiver. "During that time you didn't come off the field," Davidson continued. "Coach refused to let us quit on him. I remember Coach as a winner, a firm believer in God - which he passed on to all his players - and strict." You could not miss class. Coach was no nonsense. He loved us all, but he was tough. Coach McCain was definitely a 'LEGEND'. The fact that few people ever heard of him does not diminish his legacy. He is a legend that cannot be forgotten. He designed and constructed a football program that had fans and alumni standing proud. Coach McCain's record and legacy are somewhat overlooked partially because UMES dropped their football program after the 1979 season. In addition, his records were achieved during an era when the mainstream media largely ignored black college football. It has been said, āthat it is not how we end up that counts; but more importantly, how we touch and affect the lives of those we come into contact with that matters.' Coach McCain touched the lives of hundreds of young men to whom he will always be remembered simply as "Coach." Coach McCain's Year-by-Year Record: Year Wins Losses Ties Year Wins Losses Ties Year Wins Losses Ties 1948 7
1 0 1956
7 1
0 1964 4
2 1
Harold "House" Gray came to Maryland State College (MSC) from Norfolk, Virginia in 1957. At 6'1" and 230 pounds, Harold was blessed with exceptional speed and strength. Harold ferocious blocking was instrumental in MSC's 1957 and 1960 CIAA championship teams. In 1960, Harold received All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) honors in football as a lineman. Harold graduated from MSC in 1963 with a degree in Physical Education. During Harold's stay at MSC, the Hawks compiled an overall record of 22 wins, 5 losses and 1 tie. In addition, Harold was a four-year participant in baseball with a career batting average of 535. In 1960, Harold signed as an offensive lineman with the New York Titans, who eventually became the New York Jets. He finished his professional playing career with the Norfolk Neptunes in the Continental League. Harold returned to the nest in 1973 as an assistant football coach and assumed the responsibilities head coach from 1974 to 1977. He was inducted into the Hawk Hall of Fame in 1982. Did You Know That?
Year Player(s) Name 1957
Jim Coley, Raleigh Evans, Alfa Mouton,
Johnny Sample, and Vernon Vaughn UMES
had five of its former players in the famous 1969 Super Bowl (III), which pitted
the mighty Baltimore Colts against the upstart New York Jets. They were:
Year Player(s) Name 1971
Richard Wilkins and Greg Anderson ·
In 1980 Super Bowl, Carl Hairston
(1973-1976) started at right defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, where
he was paired with against Art Shell (1964-1967), who started left offensive tackle
for the Oakland Raiders.
About The FundThe UMES Football Reinstatement Fund was established in 2001 by Bryant C. Mitchell (Class of 1978) in memorial of two Hawks greats: Coach Vernon "Skip" McCain and Coach Harold "House" Gray (Class of 1963) and one fallen Hawk, Terry Fiddermon (Class of 1979). These funds can only be used for the purpose of reinstating football and complimentary female programs at UMES over the next 10 years. If football isn't reinstated within the next 10 years, then all funds collected can be used to support the general athletic programs.What Are The Benefits And Ways Of Giving? Why
Should I Give to the Football Reinstatement Fund? Second, the Fund qualifies for a new State of Maryland 2 to 1 matching gift program. (The State will contribute 2 dollars to the fund for every dollar we raised!). The program was established as an enhancement to the State's HBCU fund raising efforts. In essence, this program will help us meet the Title IX mandate, which is the main reason football was originally discontinued. Simply put, we raise money for football and the State pays for Title IX. Third, athletics, football in particular, was the heart and soul of university life at UMES for over 30 years. A common complaint among alumni is that homecoming just isn't the same without football. This is our opportunity to reclaim our proud legacy. Every donor who makes a minimum per year donation of $365 will receive an free copy of the Hawk Hall of Fame Book (due to be released by 11/01).
How
Much Should I Contribute? What Methods of Contributing
are Available? Is
My Donation Tax Deductible? How Can You Help? The fund is an old fashion "grassroots" operation. You can help in two important ways. First, by committing yourself to the cause and sending your donation to following address: UMES Football Reinstatement Fund All checks should be made out to The University of Maryland
Foundation, Inc. with Account# 04-40197 (UMES Football Reinstatement Fund) written
in the explanation/purpose slot on your check.
Any Questions? Any questions about the Fund should be addressed to:
Bryant C. Mitchell, Class of 1978 (Football 1975- 1977) "Hawk Football, Gone but not Forgotten!!"
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