Contact:
Terry Spicer
Office of Public Relations
(919) 546-8269
tspicer@shawu.edu

2006 Labor Day Classic Officially Kicks Off

Cary, NC – (August 11, 2006) Wit, competition and ultimate respect were the key components at the Press Conference to officially kick-off the 2006 Labor Day Classic between Shaw University and North Carolina Central University on Thursday, August 10th at the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated International Headquarters located at 1000 South Hills Drive in Cary, North Carolina.

Coach Al Carter, Director of Athletics at Shaw University, adorned with a bear towel, pulled out his cell phone to seek assistance with filling in holes with the team. He announced that five players were on the way from Florida. He also asked for divine intervention as Shaw takes on the 2005 CIAA Champs for the first game. Bill Hayes, Director of Athletics at NCCU said, “This is the perfect game in the perfect environment. All pieces to the puzzle are put in place.”

Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President of Shaw University took to the podium and told the audience that, “Shaw University is excited to partner with North Carolina Central University for the 2006 Labor Day Football Classic. We are looking forward to a thrilling game of high intensity, athletic prowess and excellent sportsmanship as we launch this new venture. The Bear taught the Eagle how to fly. James Shepherd, founder of NCCU, was an illustrious graduate of Shaw University and NCCU was birthed from Shaw University along with Elizabeth City State University, Livingstone College, NC A&T State University and Fayetteville State University. Last year’s game went down to the wire in a close call as NCCU scored 37-31 for the win. This year, we have expectations that we will reign on the side of victory.”

Chancellor James Ammons of NCCU announced three scholarships for law students for graduates of the Class of 2007. He also announced that NCCU has great respect for Shaw University but he is looking forward to the competition. He also congratulated Coach Darrell Asberry on the new position as Head Coach at Shaw and wished his family continued excellence. Both leaders acknowledged the outstanding accomplishments, history and respect between sister institutions. They also thanked Jennifer Jones, Executive Director of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated for usage of their beautiful facility.

Coach Asberry thanked Chancellor Ammons and Coach Rod Broadway, Head Coach for NCCU, for the coaching experiences at NCCU. Then the fun trash talking began. He made it clear that he is now on the side of Shaw University. He said, “I will coach by any means necessary. The battle lines have been drawn. Offense wins championships. Defense wins championships! We have a great group of guys!”

Coach Broadway rebutted the trash talking and said, “We own them! In all seriousness, we will miss Coach Asbury but we own them!”

Kick-off begins on Sunday, September 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at NCCU. Click on www.shawbears.com for the full schedule of events for the Labor Day Classic and the schedule of play for Shaw Football!

Coach Asberry said, “Buy tickets. We will not disappoint you!”

Go Shaw U!