9. CLASSIC HISTORY
PAST SCORES
Sept. 8, 1990 Sept. 14, 1996 Nov. 22, 2001* Sept. 16, 2006 OT
Jackson State 7 7 0 0 — 14 Jackson State 6 8 7 0 — 21 Tennessee State 21 24 9 10 — 64 Jackson State 9 0 0 14 7 30
Tennessee State 3 0 20 0 — 23 Tennessee State 0 0 0 14 — 14 Jackson State 0 14 13 6 — 33 Tennessee State 0 13 7 3 8 31
Attendance: 39,579 Attendance: 55,212 Attendance: 28,690 Attendance: 53,441
Aug. 31, 1991 Sept. 13, 1997 Sept. 14, 2002 Sept. 8, 2007
Miss. Valley St. 0 7 0 3 — 10 Tennessee State 3 17 0 8 — 28 Jackson State 14 7 7 3 — 31 Tennessee State 6 0 0 10 — 16
Tennessee State 0 0 0 7 — 7 Jackson State 7 10 0 14 — 31 Tennessee State 3 14 3 8 — 28 Jackson State 7 3 3 0 — 13
Attendance: 25,891 Attendance: 61,171 Attendance: 42,914 Attendance: 50,879
Sept. 12, 1992 Sept. 12, 1998 Sept. 13, 2003 Sept. 13, 2008
Jackson State 0 21 7 10 — 38 Jackson State 0 13 8 0 — 21 Tennessee State 7 9 14 14 — 44 Jackson State 10 0 0 8 — 18
Tennessee State 0 0 6 12 — 18 Tennessee State 6 21 6 0 — 33 Jackson State 0 6 0 8 — 14 Tennessee State 0 28 10 3 — 41
Attendance: 37,437 Attendance: 55,545 Attendance: 52,603 Attendance: 50,794
Sept. 18, 1993 Sept. 11, 1999 Sept. 18, 2004 Sept. 12, 2009
Grambling State 6 13 7 7 — 33 Tennessee State 14 10 14 10 — 48 Jackson State 0 0 7 13 — 20 Tennessee State 2 6 0 6 — 14
Tennessee State 7 0 6 15 — 28 Jackson State 7 6 0 20 — 33 Tennessee State 0 0 0 21 — 21 Jackson State 0 0 0 7 — 7
Attendance: 41,669 Attendance: 50,723 Attendance: 55,015 Attendance: 43,306
Sept. 10, 1994 Sept. 16, 2000 2OT Sept. 10, 2005 OT Sept. 11, 2010
Jackson State 7 7 3 14 — 31 Jackson State 14 6 6 7 9 42 Tennessee State 0 0 7 7 6 20 Jackson State 0 14 7 12 — 33
Tennessee State 6 0 6 0 — 12 Tennessee State 0 6 21 6 6 39 Jackson State 0 7 7 0 0 14 Tennessee State 7 0 12 7 — 26
Attendance: 50,047 Attendance: 52,113 Attendance: 48,300 Attendance: 44,688
Sept. 9, 1995 TEAM
RECORDS:
Tennessee State
Jackson State
0 6 0 13 — 19
6 12 6 0 — 24
11-10 8-11 1-0 1-0
Attendance: 48,533
* Originally scheduled for Sept. 15 but was postponed until Nov. 22 due to the events of 9/11
INDIVIDUAL RECORD HOLDERS
RUSHING Most touchdowns--- Most touchdowns--- Longest punt return---
Most attempts--- 7 Shannon Harris, TSU in 2001 2 Charles Jones, GSU in 1993 73 Cletis Gordon, JSU in 2004
33 Maurice Hampton, JSU in 1995 4 Kenton Evans, TSU in 2000 2 Greg Spann, JSU in 1995 72 Ernest Pate, JSU in 1992 (no TD)
33 Preston Brown, TSU in 2010 4 Casey Therriault, JSU in 2010 2 Quincy Culberson, JSU in 1996 67 Jarrett Morrow, TSU in 2003
32 Destry Wright, JSU in 1998 2 Corey Bradford, JSU in 1997 63 Julius Hull, TSU in 2000 (no TD)
27 Eric Gant, GSU in 1993 Most interceptions--- 2 Julius Hull, TSU in 2000
27 Charles Anthony, TSU in 2004 5 Kenton Evans, TSU in 2000 2 Marvin Jones, TSU in 2001 Punt returns for touchdown---
4 James Wade, TSU in 1992 2 T.C. Taylor, JSU in 2001 20 Ahmed Safeullah, TSU in 2003 (blocked)
Most rushing yards--- 3 Daryl Williams, TSU in 1995 2 Carlos Wright, TSU in 2001 67 Jarrett Morrow, TSU in 2003
218 Preston Brown, TSU in 2010 3 Robert Kent, JSU in 2001 73 Cletis Gordon, JSU in 2004
175 Nathan McLaurin, JSU in 2000 Most yards per reception (min. 5 receptions)---
171 Charles Anthony, TSU in 2004 Highest completion pct. (min. 20 attempts)--- 21.0 Jimmy Smith, JSU in 1990 (5-105) Longest kickoff return---
156 Eric Gant, GSU in 1993 72.0 Leon Murray, TSU in 1999 (18-25) 21.0 La Shan Ausmer, JSU in 1994 (5-105) 100 Avion Black, TSU in 1999
146 James Johnson, JSU in 1992 69.6 Grailyn Pratt, JSU in 1995 (16-23) 20.5 Greg Spann, JSU in 1994 (6-123) 91 Patrick Robinson, TSU in 1992 (no TD)
61.3 Darrell Asberry, JSU in 1994 (19-31) 20.2 Corey Bradford, JSU in 1997 (5-101) 89 Cletis Gordon, JSU in 2004
Most yards per carry (min. 10 carries)--- 60.5 Casey Therriault, JSU in 2003 (23-38) 19.2 Quincy Culberson, JSU in 1996 (5-96) 87 Julius Hull, TSU in 1999 (no TD)
10.9 Nathan McLaurin, JSU in 2000 (16-175) 78 La Shan Ausmer, JSU in 1992 (no TD)
9.2 Calvin Davenport, TSU in 1998 (13-120) Most yards per attempt (min. 20 attempts)--- Longest reception---
8.9 Tarnak Counslor, JSU in 2002 (14-125) 12.5 Ricky Jordan, JSU in 1992 (21-262) 75 Antonius Kimbrough, JSU in 1992 Kickoff returns for touchdown---
8.7 Charles Anthony, TSU in 2002 (13-113) 11.7 Leon Murray, TSU in 1999 (25-292) 63 Isiah Bliss, JSU in 1992 100 Avion Black, TSU in 1999
8.1 Carlos Wright, TSU in 2003 (14-113) 10.0 Darrell Asberry, JSU in 1994 (31-311) 51 Marcus Dowdell, TSU in 1990 89 Cletis Gordon, JSU in 2004
51 T.C. Taylor, JSU in 2001 (no TD)
Most touchdowns--- Most yards per completion (min. 20 attempts)--- 51 Patrick Jenkins, TSU in 2002 Most tackles---
3 Darrell Asberry, JSU in 1994 23.8 Ricky Jordan, JSU in 1992 (11-262) 47 Lawrence Story, JSU in 2001 (no TD) 14 Nate Wellington, TSU in 1993
3 Javarris Williams, TSU in 2006 17.3 James Wade, TSU in 1992 (23-399) 14 Charlie Crawford, JSU in 1997
16.6 Leon Murray, TSU in 1998 (15-249) SCORING 13 6 times, last by Joseph Scott, JSU in 2004
Longest rush--- 16.4 Darrell Asberry, JSU in 1994 (19-311) Most points---
68 Nathan McLaurin, JSU in 2000 16.2 by Leon Murray, TSU in 1999 (18-292) 18 Darrell Asberry, JSU in 1994 (3 rush) Most sacks---
54 Calvin McNairl, TSU in 2009 (no TD) 18 Marvin Jones, TSU in 2001 (1 rush, 2 pass) 2 Michael Holcey, TSU in 1994
49 Charles Anthony, TSU in 2002 (no TD) TOTAL OFFENSE 18 Javarris Williams, TSU in 2006 (3 rush) 2 Lamar Carter, TSU in 1997
47 Nathan McLaurin, JSU in 2000 Most plays--- 2 Curley Grayson, TSU in 1999
44 Al Moreland, JSU in 2010 (no TD) 69 Robert Kent, JSU in 2001 (16 rush, 53 pass) Most points kicking--- 2 Aaron Harris, TSU in 2002
63 James Wade, TSU in 1992 (14 rush, 49 pass) 16 Joey Hudak, TSU in 2001 2 Keith Rogers, TSU in 2002
PASSING 52 Grailyn Pratt, JSU in 1996 (11 rush, 41 pass) 12 Seth Goodowens, TSU in 1999 2 Jamar Landrom, TSU in 2005
Most attempts--- 49 Darrell Asberry, JSU in 1994 (18 rush, 31 pass)
53 Robert Kent, JSU in 2001 Most field goals--- Most interceptions---
49 James Wade, TSU in 1992 Most total offense yards--- 3 Joey Hudak, TSU in 2001 3 Picasso Nelson, JSU in 1995
48 Robert Kent, JSU in 2003 399 James Wade, TSU in 1992 (0 rush, 399 pass) 2 4 times, last by Eric Benson, TSU in 2008 2 Robert Turner, JSU in 1990
46 Shannon Harris, TSU in 2001 372 Robert Kent, JSU in 2001 (34 rush, 338 pass) 2 Terry Arnold, JSU in 1992
41 Grailyn Pratt, JSU in 1996 355 Robert Kent, JSU in 2003 (28 rush, 327 pass) Longest field goal--- 2 Brent Alexander, TSU in 1993
50 Seth Goodowens, TSU in 1999 2 Vince Davis, JSU in 2000
Most completions--- RECEIVING 50 Eric Perri, JSU in 2007
29 Robert Kent, JSU in 2001 Most receptions--- 44 Eric Perri, JSU in 2007 Interceptions returned for touchdown---
29 Robert Kent, JSU in 2003 11 Patrick Robinson, TSU in 1992 75 Lamar Carter, TSU in 1998
24 Grailyn Pratt, JSU in 1996 11 T.C. Taylor, JSU in 2001 Most points after touchdowns--- 35 Dom. Rodgers-Cromartie, TSU in 2004
23 James Wade, TSU in 1992 9 Tim Manning, JSU in 2003 7 Joey Hudak, TSU in 2001 39 Ty’Ron Johnson, TSU in 2008
23 Shannon Harris, TSU in 2001 8 Chris Johnson, TSU in 2007 6 Seth Goodowens, TSU in 1999 43 Eugene Clifford, TSU in 2008
23 Casey Theriault, JSU in 2010 7 3 times, last by Julius Hull, TSU in 2000
MISCELLANEOUS Longest interception return---
Most passing yards--- Most receiving yards--- Longest punt--- 75 Lamar Carter, TSU in 1998
399 James Wade, TSU in 1992 (23-49-399-0-4) 182 Patrick Robinson, TSU in 1992 64 Dominic Addison, JSU in 2002 51 Anthony Levine, TSU in 2009 (no TD)
360 Shannon Harris, TSU in 2001 (23-46-360-7-1) 123 Greg Spann, JSU in 1994 61 Brett Bennett, JSU in 2007 47 Terry Arnold, JSU in 1992 (no TD)
338 Robert Kent, JSU in 2001 (29-53-338-3-3) 122 Tim Manning, JSU in 2003 61 Brett Bennett, JSU in 2009 43 Eugene Clifford, TSU in 2008
327 Robert Kent, JSU in 2003 (29-48-327-2-0) 121 Antonius Kimbrough, JSU in 1992 60 Clifford Green, TSU in 1995 39 Ty’Ron Johnson, TSU in 2008
311 Darrell Asberry, JSU in 1994 (19-31-311-0-1) 118 John Frierson, TSU in 1992 60 Dominic Addison, JSU in 2005 38 Cletis Gordon, JSU in 2003 (no TD)
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM |7
10.
11. FROM THE CLASSIC TO THE NFL
Since the first Southern Heritage Classic was staged in 1990, over
40 players have gone on to play in the National Football League.
Perhaps the two most prominent of those athletes are wide receiver
Jimmy Smith, who collected 862 career receptions over 14 years, and Former Delta Devil
Ashley Ambrose
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who went from the TSU campus to the recorded 42 career
interceptions, including
Super Bowl in the span of about nine months. 8 in his Pro Bowl season
of 1996 with Cincinnati.
PHOTO: Cincinnati Bengals
Brent Alexander (DB), TSU - Arizona, Carolina, Pittsburgh, NY Giants (1994-2005)
Ashley Ambrose (CB), MVSU – Indianapolis, Cincinnati, New Orleans, Atlanta (1992-2004)
Cleveland defensive
lineman Marcus Benard Bennie Anderson (OL), TSU – Baltimore, Buffalo, Miami (2001-06)
PHOTO: John Reid III/Cleveland Browns Rashard Anderson (DB), JSU – Carolina (2000-01)
Eric Austin (DB), JSU - Tampa Bay (1996)
Tim Barnett (WR), JSU - Kansas City (1991-93)
Marcus Benard (LB), JSU - Cleveland (2009- )
Avion Black (WR), TSU - Buffalo, Houston (2000-02)
Corey Bradford (WR), JSU - Green Bay, Houston, Detroit (1998-2006)
Curtis Caesar (WR), GSU – New York Jets (1995)
Cedric Davis (CB), TSU - Arizona (1995)
Lamar Divens (DT), TSU – Baltimore (2008- )
Marcus Dowdell (WR), TSU - New Orleans, Arizona (1992-96)
Randy Fuller (DB), TSU - Denver, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Seattle (1994-99)
Cletis Gordon (CB), JSU - San Diego, Dallas (2006-2009)
Tracy Greene (TE), GSU – Kansas City, Pittsburgh (1994-95)
Lester Holmes (OL), JSU – Philadelphia, Oakland, Arizona (1993-2000)
Ronald Humphrey (RB), MVSU – Indianapolis (1994-95)
Ligarius Jennings (CB), TSU - Cincinnati (2001-02)
Domonique “D.J.” Johnson (CB), JSU - NY Giants, Tampa Bay (2009- )
Jaymar Johnson (WR), JSU - Minnesota (2008- )
Chris Jones (WR), JSU - Minnesota (2005)
Clarence Jones (WR), TSU - NY Jets (1996)
Roger Jones (CB), TSU - Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Tennessee (1991-97)
Eric Joyce (DB), TSU - Chicago (2002)
Antonius Kimbrough (WR), JSU - Denver (1993-94)
Paul McJulien (K), JSU - Green Bay, LA Rams (1991-93)
Sylvester Morris (WR), JSU - Kansas City (2000)
Roderick Mullen (DB), GSU – Green Bay (1995-99)
Toby Myles (OL), JSU - NY Giants, Cleveland, Oakland (1999-2001)
Marlo Perry (LB), JSU - Buffalo (1994-99)
Patrick Robinson (WR), TSU - Cincinnati, Arizona (1993-94)
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB), TSU - Arizona (2008- )
Simon Shanks (LB), TSU - Arizona (1995)
Fernando Smith (DL), JSU – Minnesota, Jacksonville, Baltimore, St. Louis (1994-2000)
Jimmy Smith (WR), JSU - Dallas, Jacksonville (1992-2005)
Lawrence Smith (OL), TSU - Buffalo (2004)
Robert Staten (FB), JSU – Tampa Bay (1996)
Larry Tharpe (OT), TSU - Detroit, Arizona, Pittsburgh (1992-2000)
Michael Thompson (OL), TSU - Atlanta (2000-02)
Dan Williams (DE), TSU – Denver, Kansas City (1993-2000) Jimmy Smith
Javarris Williams (RB), TSU - Kansas City (2009) ranks in the top
15 among the
Bernard Wilson (NT), TSU - Tampa Bay, Arizona (1993-98) NFL’s all-time
Sean Woodson (DB), JSU - Buffalo (1997) best receivers.
SOURCE: pro-football-reference.com PHOTO: Jacksonville Jaguars
Baltimore
defensive tackle
Lamar Divens
PHOTO: Phil Hoffman
Philadelphia’s Baltimore Ravens
Dominique Rodgers-
Cromartie had
three productive
seasons in Arizona,
recording 13
interceptions,
four of which
were returned for
touchdowns. The
former first-round
pick made the
Pro Bowl in 2009
but was traded to
the Eagles in the
offseason.
PHOTO: Arizona Cardinals
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM |9
12. Main Street trolley,
MadiSon avenue
& riverfront loop
Take a Trip through Historic Downtown Memphis
and along the mighty Mississippi on the Main Street Trolley,
Riverfront Loop and Madison Avenue.
Old Man River will be the backdrop when you ride the Riverfront Loop. Ride in an authentic vintage trolley car
along a breathtaking stretch of the mighty Mississippi River, connecting with the Main Street Trolley and Madison
Avenue. There’s no better way to get a nostalgic glimpse of Memphis!
Trolley Hours
Monday - Thursday 6:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. • Friday 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Saturday 4:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. • Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Schedule Varies • ADA Accessible
Trolley Fares
Trolley Base Fare $1.00 • Senior and Disabled Fare $0.50
Lunchtime Fare All Riders: Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $0.50
Transfer to Fixed Route Bus $1.50 • 2-Ride Trolley Pass $1.50 • Daily Pass $3.50
Daily Pass - Seniors 65 and up & Individuals w/Disabilities $1.75 • 3-Day Pass $8.00
3-Day Pass - Seniors 65 and up & Individuals w/Disabilities $4.00 • 31-Day Pass $25.00
31-Day Pass- Seniors 65 and up & Individuals w/Disabilities $12.50 • 6-month Pass $75.00
Exact fare is required. Operators do not make change. A Medicare card is a valid form of identification.
Just Get on Board!
For More Information, Call 274-6282
www.MaTaTransIT.CoM
15. TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
The Otis L. Floyd/
Joseph A. Payne
Campus Center with
the Nashville skyline
in the background.
Founded inhas1912, campuses: the State
University
a small college to two
Tennessee
grown dramatically from
500-
academic disciplines.
A great deal of focus has been given to
improving the academic environment –
in a global environment. In support of
that, important partnerships have been
established with leading global companies
acre main campus and the downtown Avon strengthening our research reputation, such as Boeing, Raytheon, Dell, IBM and
Williams campus which is located in the attracting and retaining the best and others, in which both funding and service-
heart of Nashville near the State capitol. brightest students, encouraging service- learning opportunities are active.
The diverse student population of focused programs, engaging and supporting TSU has a host of active student
more than 8,000 represents 46 states and expert faculty in diverse fi elds, building organizations and is home to a national
45 countries. TSU has been listed for 11 on our student-centered philosophy and award-winning forensics program, music
consecutive years in the U.S. News & World holding steadfast to our motto of “Think. department, volleyball and track and field
Report “Guide to America’s Best Colleges.” Work. Serve.” teams.
Tennessee State University is a Currently, we are improving customer Tennessee State University has produced
comprehensive, urban, coeducational service and setting new standards of thousands of graduates who are productive,
land-grant university offering 45 bachelor excellence in higher education. But with all contributing members in society in the fields
degrees and 24 master’s degrees. the many examples of past accomplishments of education, business, science, government,
Doctoral programs include biological we can share, we are looking toward an even non-profit and media, to name a few.
sciences, psychology, public administration, brighter future. Next year, Tennessee State University
computer information systems engineering, Today, Tennessee State University’s will celebrate its centennial anniversary,
administration and supervision, and student enrollment is more than 8,000. and will celebrate this milestone as a
curriculum and instruction. When you There are more than 400 faculty and university whose distinguished alumni
think about Tennessee State University, more than 1,200 staff who are part of the include world-class Olympic athletes like
many things come to mind – a rich university’s team. Wilma Rudolph, former TV talk-show host
heritage and legacy in athletics, academics, Additionally, the university’s rich strength and entertainment entrepreneur Oprah
entertainment, research and service. in embracing diversity is evident with 46 Winfrey, award-winning journalist and
Tennessee State University has long countries and 45 states representative of philanthropist Carl Rowan, engineer Jesse
been a rising star among universities across the student body. Russell, whose pioneering engineering
the country. It is designated as one of the The beauty and accessibility of the studies led to the development of the
best public historically black colleges and university’s main campus is a plus with cellular telephone, and cardiac surgeon Dr.
universities in the nation, and it’s not by now 65 buildings on more than 450 acres. Levi Watkins, who implanted the first heart
accident. Complimenting the main campus is a newly defibrillator.
Tennessee State University is among renovated downtown campus that features “Think. Work. Serve.” has long been
the few historically black colleges and a simulated stock-trading center, a student Tennessee State University’s defining
universities (HBCUs) with a chapter of Phi computer laboratory and continuing mission. The university’s goal is to provide
Eta Sigma, the oldest and largest freshman education, distance learning and multimedia a high-quality education that will give
honor society in the United States and a services. students the tools to “fulfill their dreams”
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the most The university is arming students with while encouraging them to support not only
prestigious honor society comprising all the intellectual resources to compete the university, but others in the community.
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM | 13
16.
17. TENNESSEE STATE ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Portia Holmes Teresa Lawrence
SHIELDS PHILLIPS
President Athletic Director
Dr. Portia Shieldsofwas appointedthe
the presidency
to
Tennessee State
University effective January 2, 2011 –
Teresa Lawrence-Phillips became2002.
head
of the Tennessee State University
athletics department in April of
first female to assume the role of president As director, the athletic department has
in the history of the institution. made tremendous strides on the playing fi eld, campus, community
Shields assumed the executive post at Albany State University in and classroom.
1996, becoming its first female president and retiring in 2005 after Some accomplishments under the Phillips’ administration
serving in the capacity for eight years. include the launching of the first offi cial website for TSU Athletics
As the seventh president of the university, Shields inherited a in August of 2002, the revitalization of the Big Blue Booster Club,
campus recovering from the destructive flood waters of the Flint the recognition of Ohio Valley Conference Scholar Athletes, and
River, which had consumed nearly two-thirds of the 204-acre campus conference championships in volleyball, women’s track including a
in 1994. PGA minority national championship in men’s golf.
Her leadership was critical to the university’s comeback, as she Phillips also has the distinction of being the first woman ever to
spearheaded a $153 million rebuilding program that revitalized the coach an NCAA Division I men’s basketball team en route to being
institution. Perhaps her most notable achievement was the success in named one of the “101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports” by
raising funds and external support for the university. Sports Illustrated in 2003.
She was instrumental in securing an unprecedented $3 million She was also named as the Second Most Influential Woman in
donation from Georgia-born performing artist Ray Charles in 2002, Sports in Tennessee by The Tennessean newspaper.
and procured more than $25 million in external grant funds in the In addition, she was named USA Today’s National Coach of the
following academic year. Year in 1990 and was a three-time OVC Coach of the Year selection.
Prior to her leadership at Albany State, Shields served as Dean of No stranger to athletic success, she was head coach of the Lady Tigers
the School of Education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. basketball program at TSU for 11 seasons from 1989-2000.
where she initiated the university’s first comprehensive early learning Phillips guided the 1993–94 squad to the program’s first-ever
and pre-college preparation program in health science. OVC regular-season crown, the Ohio Valley Conference tournament
She previously served as director of medical education and championship, and the team’s first appearance ever in the NCAA
biomedical communications in the university’s College of Medicine tournament.
where she led the design and production of state-of-the-art science She and her staff enjoyed their most successful season in 1994–95
and technology labs and enhanced the academic performance of as the Lady Tigers (22–7, 12–4 OVC) shared the regular-season title.
medical students. TSU claimed its second consecutive tournament title and a trip to the
Most recently, Shields served as chief executive officer and chief NCAA tournament.
academic officer of Concordia College in Selma, Ala., from November She has been invited twice to serve as an assistant coach for USA
2007 to December 2009. Basketball (1995 and 1999) and was invited to serve as an assistant
At Concordia, she improved academic programs and institutional coach for the U.S. Olympic Festival North Squad.
effectiveness, raised campus academic standards and enhanced the Prior to her stint at TSU, Phillips was head coach at Fisk University
college’s financial operations. for four years. She guided the Bulldogs to WIAC League and
Shields also helped Concordia address accreditation concerns. Tournament Championships in 1987 and 1988 and was tabbed WIAC
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Coach of the Year twice (1987, 1988). She compiled a 68-34 overall
Colleges (SACSCOC) initially placed Concordia on probation for record with the Bulldogs.
issues concerning 17 different requirements and standards. In its She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor degree
most recent report, SACSCOC cited only two issues remaining for the in Economics before obtaining a Masters in Education from TSU in
college to address. 1999. Phillips, who helped recruit six All-Americans and seven All-
She is a published author and a well-known public speaker. She State players, served as an assistant coach with the Lady Commodores
has conducted and participated in more than 100 workshops and (1981-84) winning the N.I.T. in 1983.
seminars on higher education issues, teacher education issues, Phillips earned several honors as a three-year letter winner at
medical and health-care concerns, educational policy issues, Vanderbilt. She was the first recipient of the Lady Commodore Athlete
international education and faculty development, academic of the Year honor, given to the best all-around female athlete.
collaborations, retention and high-stakes testing. She served as In addition, she received the Nashville Civitan’s Sportsmanship
editor of and contributed two articles to Reflections on Albany State Award in 1979 and 1980.
University and contributed to more than 70 publications focused on Community oriented, Phillips has assisted with the National
current issues in higher education, including USA Today (March 21, Youth Sports Drug Program and has been appointed to several boards
2002) and Newsday (March 10, 2002). and committees which include: NCAA Basketball Rules, NCAA
Shields received her primary, secondary and college education in Championship Cabinet, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boys’ &
her native home, Washington, D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science Girls’ Club, the Vanderbilt Alumni Advisory Board and the Nashville
degree in Education from the District of Columbia Teachers College, Sports Council Executive Board.
one of three institutions later merged to form the University of the She has held memberships in several organizations, including
District of Columbia. the Black Coaches Association, the Women’s Basketball Coaches
She earned a Master of Arts degree in Education from George Association, the NCAA Championship and Competition Cabinet and
Washington University, Washington, D.C., and the Doctor of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Philosophy degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education She is an inaugural member of the Girls’ Preparatory School
from the University of Maryland at College Park. Sports Hall of Fame and a 2008 inductee of the Lookout Mountain
She pursued advanced study completing a post-doctoral fellowship Sports Hall of Fame. She lives in Nashville with her two sons, Micah
to study in West Africa, awarded by the African American Institute in and Kyle.
New York.
Additional scholarly research and studies were completed at
Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.; Columbia University, New
York; American University, Washington, D.C.; and University of the
District of Columbia.
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM | 15
18. TSU SEASON OUTLOOK
Senior Jeremy Perry finally
gives TSU some stability at
Senior leadership abounds as the quarterback position after
starting nine games in 2010.
Big Blue looks for turn-around
from injury-plagued 2010 season
TSU looking to improve helm ofadmittedly
mater,
head coach Rod Reed will begin his
second season at the
on the
his alma
After redshirting in 2010, Trabis Ward
makes his way back into the lineup after
showing tremendous promise as a true
sub-par 3-8 season of 2010. Despite the freshman in 2009. Also look for junior,
eight losses, five games were decided by one fullback Johntae Gleaves to battle for
touchdown or less. increased playing time in 2011. Junior Ryan
Last year, Reed’s TSU team got off to a Berry will be counted on as a multiple-threat
respectable 3-2 start before senior running at running back and special teams player.
back Preston Brown suffered a season-ending The receiving corps is led by veterans
knee injury in the fifth game. Brown was Calvin McNairl, Jeremy Pryor, Travis James
ranked in the top five among FCS running and London Davis. McNairl, a converted
backs. quarterback, is the returning team leader
Following that game the Tigers lost two
tough back-to-back conference road games,
at Southeast Missouri State and Jacksonville
State. Injuries continued to mount, on both
the offensive and defensive sides of the ball,
and the Tigers finished the season with six
straight losses.
The Tennessee State Tigers will return 16
starters (10 offense, 6 defense) to form the
core of their team this year. The coaching
staff is hoping for a quick maturation of their
talented 2010 freshman class, of which 17
were redshirted last season.
The Tigers return 38 lettermen overall.
Five returning players (3 defense, 2 offense)
started all 11 games last season.
The TSU Tigers’ offense will be led by
10 players that made five or more starts last
year.
The Tigers will return their starting
quarterback for a consecutive season for
the first time since 2008. Senior (graduate)
quarterback Jeremy Perry returns after
coming off his best year at the helm of the
Converted quarterback Calvin McNairl is the top
Tigers’ offense. returning receiver after catching 34 balls for
Perry started nine games missing only 429 yards and four TDs last year.
two games due to injury, Last year, he
threw for 1,469 yards and 9 touchdowns, in receiving yards from last season with 34
completing 131 passes on 244 attempts and catches for 429 yards and 4 touchdowns.
throwing 6 interceptions. He finished the TSU’s defense will be under new
season averaging 163.2 yds./game with a direction this year with the addition of Justin
pass efficiency of 111.5 while completing 53.7 Roberts and Osita Alaribe serving as co-
percent of his throws. defensive coordinators. The Tigers lost five
The backup at the quarterback position is starters from last year, but will look to fill the
slated as redshirt freshman Michael German. void behind a group of seasoned reserves.
German was a highly regarded recruit in the For a third consecutive season, the Tigers’
2010 freshman class after having passed for defensive corps will be spotlighted by the
over 3,100 yards with 32 touchdowns in his performance of senior middle linebacker,
career at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Rico Council. Last year, Council finished
Beach, Fla. Key reserves after German will be second on the team in tackles with a career
incoming freshmen Immoni Carswell, and high 79. He enters the 2011 season named as
Alabama State redshirt freshman transfer, the Ohio Valley Conference Co-Defensive
Clayborne Holt. Player of the Year – the first-ever honor by a
At running back, senior Danté Thomas Tennessee State University player.
returns as the top rusher from last season. Council’s preseason selections include
He rushed for a team best 793 yards on 155 2010 Consensus Draft Services HBCU and
carries for 6 touchdowns. Last season, he Phil Steele’s OVC Second Teams. During
rushed for over 100 yards twice, breaking the 2009 preseason, he received the same
the century mark for the first time in TSU’s CDS honor in addition to a FCS second-team
win over North Carolina A&T in the Circle selection.
City Classic, where he rushed 186 yards on 24 Two other TSU defensive returnees are key
attempts. to the 2011 efforts. Redshirt senior linebacker,
16 | 2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM
19. Middle linebacker Rico Council was named the
OVC’s preseason Co-Defensive Player of the
Year, sharing it with Jacksonville State’s Monte
Lewis.
John Jones, Jr.,will rejoin the Tigers defense
after sitting out the 2010 season. Donte’e
Nicholls anchors the defensive line at tackle.
Others on the defensive line include a
seasoned group in reserves Tyler Lusk,
Lawrence Peterson, Brent Davis and Michael
Murphy. Last year, Peterson registered
twosacks to go with 15 tackles playing as a
true freshman. Davis finished with one sack
and three tackles before suffering a season-
ending injury; Murphy notched 13 stops and
Lusk added three tackles.
In the defensive secondary, redshirt junior
Justin Bather will enter 2011 unquestionably
as the leader of the Tigers’ secondary. Bather
is the top returning TSU defensive back
posting more tackles, pass break-ups and
deflections last year than any other defensive
back on TSU’s current roster.
Senior free safety, Joe Wylie, returns as
one of the solid veterans in the secondary
making seven starts in 10
2011 SCHEDULE games last season. Last
S.3 Southern Univ. 6 p.m. year, he tallied 33 tackles
S.10 vs. Jackson State (in Memphis) 6 p.m. (20 solo) while recording
S.17 at Murray State 6 p.m. two for a lost yardage (-20),
S.24 at Air Force 2 p.m. including one sack.
O.1 at Austin Peay 6 p.m. Three other veterans,
O.8 SE Missouri State 6 p.m. Andrew Taylor, Rayshawn
O.15 at Tennessee Tech 1:30 p.m. Weatherspoon and
O.22 at Eastern Kentucky 2 p.m. David VanDyke will give
O.29 <Bye> leadership to promising
N.5 at Eastern Illinois 1:30 p.m. freshmen Dare Ayoola,
N.12 UT-Martin 5 p.m. Steven Godbolt and Bryce
N.19 Jacksonville State 2 p.m.
Wilson.
All times Central In preseason drills,
TSU special teams have
shown marked improvement. Sophomore
kicker Jamin Godfrey has shown to be
strong and accurate with his field goals and
extra-point kicks. A new punter emerged in
freshman Matt Moseley, who launched some
booming spirals in drills.
KickreturnersinRayshawnWeatherspoon,
Ryan Berry, Travis James and Julian Mallory
have all shown explosiveness in the return
game.
Overall, The TSU Tigers have a solid core
of returning players, but will be young in
many back-up positions.
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM | 17
21. TENNESSEE STATE HEAD COACH
COACHING TIMELINE
1991 PRAIRIE VIEW A&M
Assistant Coach, LBs
1992-96 BETHUNE-COOKMAN
Assistant Coach, LBs
1996-00 SEABREEZE H.S.
Defensive Coordinator
2000-03 EAST TEXAS BAPTIST
Defensive Coordinator
2003-09 TENNESSEE STATE
Defensive Coordinator/LBs
2010- TENNESSEE STATE
Head Football Coach
Record: 3-8
Year Overall OVC
2010 3-8 0-7 (9th)
Rod on Decembernamed2009.
coach
Reed was
18,
the
22nd TSU Football head
and All-American Corneilus
Lewis. He has also coached All-
America and professional player
conference linebackers and a pair of All-
Americans.
A veteran of the collegiate coaching
He served as the associate head Jamal Landrom (Jacksonville ranks, Reed previously coached at East
coach and defensive coordinator Jaguars). Texas Baptist College in his hometown of
during the 2009 season. Reed was a four-year letter Marshall, Texas.
He began coaching at TSU in winner for the TSU Tigers from He served as defensive coordinator for
2003 and served as the defensive 1984-88. He capped off his East Texas Baptist, which launched its
coordinator and linebackers career by being named Sheridan football program during the 2000 season.
coach. At the conclusion of the
season in which Reed returned
Rod All-America his senior season.
He set the Tiger record
The 2002 East Texas Baptist defense
ranked second in their conference in scoring
to the TSU sideline, the Tigers
led the OVC in total defense for REED for career tackles from his
linebacker slot and in 1987, he
defense and third in rushing defense.
The team did not allow points in the
the first time in school history. set the single season record for first or third periods through the first eight
The defense accomplished Head Football Coach tackles with 197. games in 2002.
the same feat in 2008 finishing He helped lead the Tigers to Reed is the son of the late Robert Reed,
at the top of the OVC in total defense. Reed the second round of the 1986 Division I-AA Jr., an All-American offensive guard for
spent five of his seven years in his assistant playoffs and was selected as Defensive MVP the Tigers in 1963 and 1964 who later
role as defensive coordinator. in 1987 and 1988. played professionally for the Washington
A keen recruiter, Reed is responsible for Following completion of his bachelor’s Redskins.
bringing several notable key players into the degree, Reed entered the coaching Reed is the University’s Fellowship of
TSU program. Reed is noted for recruiting profession. Christian Athletes representative and in
Javarris Williams (2009 seventh-round He held positions at Prairie View A&M, 2009 he participated in the NCAA Football
draft pick, Kansas City Chiefs), Dominique Bethune-Cookman University (formerly Coaches Academy.
Rodgers-Cromartie (2008 first-round draft Bethune-Cookman College), and Seabreeze He and his wife, Tamika, are the parents
pick, Arizona Cardinals), Shaun Richardson, High School in Daytona Beach, Fla. He of four children, Terry, Takara, Briah, and
Lamar Divens (Baltimore Ravens, 2008) has coached a total of five first-team all- Marcel.
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM | 19
22. Stepherson’s
Catch This!
Memphis’ Real Low Price Leader
The Best Meat!
www.superlofoods.com The Lowest Prices!
4744 SPOTTSWOOD - 901-683-6861 • 3942 MACON RD. - 901-324-3759 • 3327 N. WATKINS - 901-357-0326
2155 COVINGTON PIKE - 901-382-5701 • 6532 WINCHESTER RD. - 901-360-0299
23. TENNESSEE STATE ASSISTANT COACHES
Alaribe Blevins Cogmon Jones Mashack Parker Ray Roberts Sanders Smith
In 2009, Osita Alaribe (Ala-Ree-Bay) professional sports. Justin Roberts rejoined the Tennessee
joined TSU football after a three-year term From there, the Chattanooga native State staff in 2011 as the defensive
as the defensive line and outside linebackers coached in four World Bowl games in six coordinator and defensive ends coach.
coach with Ouachita Baptist University. seasons and by Year Seven, he was named He originally served as the defensive
Before OBU, he spent two seasons as head coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy (2004- line coach for the Big Blue from 2006-09. In
an assistant coach at Dudley High School 07). 2009, TSU’s defense was ranked No. 1 in the
in Greensboro, N.C. helping the team Jones’ aptitude for winning didn’t Ohio Valley Conference.
win the Eastern North Carolina Division waiver in four years as a head coach as his In between his stops in Nashville,
title and the North Carolina 3AA state teams appeared in three championship he worked as the defensive line coach at
championship. Alaribe played collegiately games, winning one in 2006. The same Western Carolina. Before his first stint at
at North Carolina A&T as a defensive season he was named NFL Europe Coach TSU, he spent one year as defensive line
lineman and was a team captain. of the Year. In all, he holds three European coach at Texas A&M-Commerce.
championship rings. The Hannibal, Mo., native started his
Anthony Blevins entered as the As a head coach, Jones was practically college coaching career at Northeastern
defensive backs coach in early 2009 unbeatable. In his first season, the Galaxy Oklahoma A&M in 1997. He had two sints at
after spending one year at UT-Martin dashed to a 7-3 record and a World Bowl Oklahoma State, the first starting in 2000
as the cornerbacks coach.His primary appearance. Two seasons later, Jones’ anad, after two years at North Carolina, he
duty consists of coaching the cornerback Galaxy returned to the championship game returned to Stillwater in 2004.
position while serving as the special teams and defeated the Amsterdam Admirals. He is a 1996 graduate of Missouri
coordinator. Southern, where he was a two-year
During the summer of 2008, he was part Kevin Mashack joined the TSU football letterman at center. That year, he also
of the NFL Minority Summer Coaching staff in 2003 as a student assistant. was named to the National Strength &
Internship with the Chicago Bears. He was named video coordinator in Conditioning All-America Team.
From 2005-07, he served as a graduate his first season with the Tigers and was
assistant at Mississippi State. He coached primarily responsible for filming practices Ed Sanders, a native of Nashville
the wide receivers and defensive backs for and games for the coaching staff. and Maplewood High School, joined the
the Bulldogs while working in all aspects of In 2005, he became a student assistant Tennessee State coaching staff in 2010
special teams play. on offense working primarily with the after four years at Delaware State of the
Blevins was a three-year letterwinner at running backs. After graduating in 2007, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
UAB, playing cornerback for the Blazers. he spent the 2008-09 seasons working A four-year letterwinner at Tennessee
with the wide receivers while continuing to State, he helped lead the Tigers to back-to-
Jerrell Cogmon joined the TSU football oversee all video efforts. back Ohio Valley Conference championships
staff in 2010 after spending a season at in 1998 and ’99.
North Dakota State College of Science. Jeff Parker joined the Tennessee During the 1999 season, TSU posted
At NDSC, Cogmon coached the State Football staff in spring of 2010 as the an 11-0 regular season record and No.
linebackers while coordinating special quarterbacks coach. 1 Division I-AA and Black College final
teams in the Iowa Community College Parker has spent the last five seasons regular-season national rankings.
Athletic Conference. serving as wide receivers, quarterbacks That season, Sanders was an All-Ohio
In his stint, North Dakota State led coach and passing game coordinator at Valley Conference Second Team selection
the conference in total defense and was Norfolk State. Under Parker’s guidance, and All-America candidate. He also earned
awarded a bid to the 2009 Graphic Edge two Spartan quarterbacks threw for more the Alvin “Cat” Coleman Award as the
Bowl in Ceder Falls, Iowa. than 2,000 yards in a single season. team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Back.
He played his collegiate career at Two of his All-MEAC players, During the 1999 season, Sanders led the
Bethune-Cookman University (1994- quarterback Casey Hansen (Philadelphia team in tackles with 100 which is third-best
96) and was a three-year starter. He was Eagles) and wide receiver Chris Bell (New in TSU history (since 1987).
selected All-MEAC three times and was Orleans Saints) went on to sign free agent
named Defensive MVP of the 1994 Florida contracts in the NFL. Steven Smith is in his first season at
Classic. Tennessee State as the Tigers’ offensive
Kenny Ray is the Tigers’ new tight ends line coach after serving two years as the
Mike Jones joined the Big Blue coach, coming from Howard University, offensive coordinator and line coach at
coaching staff as offensive coordinator and where he was the offensive line coach in Albany State.
wide receiver coach in 2010. 2010. During his stint with the Golden Rams,
A product of Tennessee State, he was He started his college career as the tight he coined and implemented the “Gold
twice named All-American (1981-82) and ends coach at Samford, helping guide the Rush” offense that helped elevate the team
still holds many of the TSU’s receiving Bulldogs to back-to-back winning seasons. to a 19-4 record in two years.
records. In 1999, he was the tight ends and He coached two quarterbacks on to
Jones played six seasons in the NFL. In tackles coach at Louisiana-Monroe, then win the SIAC Most Valuable Player and
1983, Jones was a sixth-round draft pick moved on to become offensive coordinator Offensive Player of the Year honors – A.J.
of the Minnesota Vikings playing three at Graceland University. McKenna in 2009 and Stanley Jennings in
seasons (1983-85). The Birmingham, Ala., native also 2010.
He was traded to New Orleans where he worked at North Carolina A&T and Alabama From 2007-08, Smith coached at Delta
played from 1986-87 and 1989. In his NFL State. State and in both seasons, the Statesmen
career, Jones caught 165 passes for 2,372 Ray was a three-year starter at center won the Gulf South Conference title.
yards and 11 touchdowns. for Southern Miss from 1990-94, where he In 2005, he was the running backs coach
Nine years after his last game as a player played one year with Brett Favre. He later for the Frankfurt Galaxy under current
he joined the Rhein Fire (NFL Europe) earned his degree from USM in business TSU offensive coordinator Mike Jones, and
as a receivers coach for his first job in administration. in 2006 coached with the Rhein Fire.
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM | 21
24. MEET THE TENNESSEE STATE TIGERS
DARELA JUSTIN N
DARIEER
AYOO BATHER BREW
e Back e Back e Line
Fr., Defensiv a. Jr., Defensiv nn. Fr., Offensiva, Tenn.
Plantation, Fl d Prep LaVergne, Te ChattanoogH.S.
North Browar LaVergne H.S. East Ridg e
20 45 74
SHERMAN JEREMY RICO CIL
CARTER COFFEE COUN
Line Back er
Jr., Offensivenn. Fr., RunningTenn. Sr., Lineback Tenn.
LaVergne, Te Brentwood,H.S. Chattanooga,
LaVergne H.S. Brentwood Howard H.S.
60 35 47
BRENT LONDON DeMARDRE
DAVIS DAVIS DEAN
Line Line
Sr., Offensivenn. Jr., Tight End Sr., Offensivenn.
Memphis, Te Cahokia, Ill. Memphis, Te S.
Overton H.S. Cahokia H.S. Ridgeway H.
71 10 65
MIKE AN AE
JOHNTES JAMINEY
GERM GLEAV GODFR
ack /Punter
Fr., Quarterb ach, Fla. Jr., Fullback . Soph., Kicker nn.
Te
Pompano BeH.S. Gallatin, Tenn Englewood,ntral H.S.
Blanche Ely Gallatin H.S. McMinn Ce
12 49 43
DARRIEN NIO
ANTOER HUNTER
HANNA HARP HOWARD
e Back ive End per
Fr., Defensiv Tenn. Soph., Defens .
nn Jr., Long Snap .
ChattanoogS.a, Memphis, Te Acad. Franklin, Tenn
Brainerd H. Hargrave Mil. Franklin H.S.
30 14 92
TRAVIS JOHNS TROYS
JAMES JONE JONE
iver
Jr., Wide Rece , Fla. Sr., Lineback
er nsive Line
Soph., OffeTenn.
le
Ft. Lauderda on H.S. Sarasota, Fla. n H.S.
to Memphis, S.
Boyd Anders B.T. Washing Arlington H.
6 10 64
PATRICK N
JULIAORY D.J. LLION
LUKAN MALL McCE
Line iver e Line
Fr., Offensivenn. Sr., Wide ReceAla.
, Fr., Defensiv Fla.
Nashville, Te Birmingham Delray Beach,
Overton H. S. Fairfield H.S. Atlantic H.S.
69 13 99
22 | 2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM
25. CALVIN L ANTHONY MATTLEY
McNAIR MORRIS MOSE
iver Line icker
Sr., Wide Rece Fr., Offensivenn. Fr., Punter/K .
Paris, Tenn. ty H.S. Memphis, Te H.S. Franklin, Tenn
Henry Coun Germanto wn Franklin H.S.
1 77 39
MIKE HY JEREMY LAWRENCE
MURP PERRY PETERSON
e Line ack ive Line
Jr., Defensiv nn. Sr., Quarterb nn. Soph., Defens .
nn
Lewisburg, Te ty H.S. Memphis, Te S. Memphis, Te
Marshall Coun Wooddale H. Melrose H.S.
97 7 86
JEREMY JAMAL Y JUSTIN AY
PRYOR RAMSE RIDGEW
e Receiver
Soph., WidTenn. Soph., Wide .
Receiver Line
Sr., Offensive e, Ala.
Memphis, n H.S. nn
Antioch, Tend Acad. Pleasant Grov
Whitehave Battle Grou Minor H.S.
83 17 78
N
WILSOSON WESLEY S AUSTIN
ROBIN SAMUEL TAYLOR
cker Receiver e End
Soph., Lineba Ala.
, Soph., Wide , Ala. Fr., Defensiv a.
Al
Birmingham S. Birmingham Huntsville, n H.S.
Spain Park H. Minor H.S. J.O. Johnso
8 16 98
DANTÉ S NICK SHER R
LAMAACE
THOMA THRA WALL
Back er e Line
Sr., Runnings Fr., Lineback Sr., Defensiv La.
Dallas, Texa S. Morrow, Ga.S. Baton Rouge,
D.T. White H. Mt. Zion H. Capitol PCA
32 42 95
TRABIS N
RAYSHAWSPOON DEVIN N
WARD WEATHER WILSO
g Back e Back iver
Soph., Runnin , Fla.
le Jr., Defensiv rg, Tenn. Jr., Wide Rece .
nn
Ft. Lauderda South Pittsburg H.S. Nashville, Te ul H.S.
Dillard H.S. South Pittsbu Pope John Pa
2 4 11
AARON ANTHONY JOSEPH
WOODS WOODS WYLIE
per e Line e Back
Fr., Long Snap .
nn Jr., Offensivh. Sr., Defensivle, Fla.
Knoxville, Te Detroit, Mic H.S. Ft. Lauderda on H.S.
Central H.S. Melvindal e Boyd Anders
56 63 19
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM | 23
26. FEW CAN BE MARINES. EVEN FEWER CAN LEAD THEM.
Our officer candidates are rigorously screened, tested and you have what it takes to become a Marine Officer, the path
evaluated for the moral, intellectual and physical qualities of most resistance will lead to a life of distinction, purpose
required to lead Marines in defense of our nation. If you prove and honor. Few can be Marines. Even fewer can lead them.
MARINEOFFICER.COM | 1.800.MARINES
27. THE ARISTOCRAT OF BANDS
Edward L.
Graves
Band Director
Inthe fieldaatofTennessee State University
to
the fall 1946, after six weeks of
practice, 100-piece marching band took
It was also the first time a historically
black university band had appeared on
national television. Between 1956 and 1978,
has shared its characteristic precision
and distinctly soulful style with people
throughout the country and in foreign
and a tradition of excellence was born. the TSU band performed halftime shows at lands.
The idea for a show band at Tennessee nine professional football games. Students who achieve membership in
State University originated with its second Reportedly, it was during one of these the Aristocrat of Bands adhere to those
president, the late Dr. Walter S. Davis. In halftime performances that a sportscaster standards today. Noted as one of the finest
the fall of 1946, after six weeks of practice, a called the marching band from Tennessee and most spectacular university bands in
100-piece marching band took to the field at State University “The Aristocrat of Bands.” the United States, the Aristocrats are the
Tennessee State University and a tradition Needless to say, the name stuck. featured attraction half-time performances
of excellence was born. The Aristocrat of Bands has also at all home games and at most out-of-town
The idea for a show band at Tennessee appeared in the Orange Blossom Classic competitions.
State University originated with its second in Miami, the Blues Bowl in Still in demand for
president, the late Dr. Walter S. Davis. Memphis and the Grantland halftime performances,
President Davis selected J.D. Chavis Rice Bowl in Wichita Falls, parades and other special
to serve as the first band director. Under Texas. events, the band’s recent
Chavis’s leadership, the marching band In 1961, the TSU band special appearances include
grew and developed into a premier band that claimed another first for a spot in the 2000 CBS
gave spectacular performances in parades historically black universities Thanksgiving Day parade,
and halftime shows at football games. when it was invited to march performing with country
In 1947 and 1948, the marching band in President John F. Kennedy’s music artists Big & Rich for
performed in the Washington Classic in inaugural parade. One of the the 2005 CMT Music Awards,
Washington, D.C., where top historically students who marched in that the Nashville Symphony’s
black colleges and universities competed parade was Edward L. Graves, 2006 presentation of Porgy
for national championships. who is the current director of and Bess, and halftime
Chavis’s tenure as band director ended the Aristocrat of Bands. performances for Tennessee
in 1951 and the baton was passed to Frank This year, 2011, the Titans games.
T. Greer. Tennessee State University’s Aristocrats were invited to In January of 1993,
distinctive style was further developed perform at halftime of the the Aristocrat of Bands
under Greer. The band continued to earn NFL Hall of Fame football game in Canton, participated in the presidential inaugural
invitations to special events. Ohio, to honor Richard Dent’s induction. parade for President Bill Clinton, marching
Four years after Greer began his work, That game, however, was cancelled due to in the streets of Washington, D.C. The band
the TSU band was invited to perform during the NFL lockout, but the band wowed the returned to Washington four years later for
the halftime show of a Chicago Bears-Los crowd with their performace in the parade President Clinton’s second inauguration.
Angeles Rams professional football game. and concert at the Hall of Fame Sunday This year, the tradition will continue.
The performance was the first of a series of morning. Audiences will be thoroughly entertained
nationally televised halftime shows for the Since 1979, Graves has continued to build by the band’s unique marching style and
band. the band’s legacy. The Aristocrat of Bands musical versatility.
2011 SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM | 25
