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

New Head Football Coach Named at Shaw University

Raleigh, NC – (June 28, 2006) Before a packed room of Shaw Family members that included alumni, Administration, staff, students, Board of Trustee members and football players, Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President of Shaw University, announced that a new Head Football Coach had been chosen. Using the appropriately chosen theme by Director of Athletics, Al Carter, Dr. Newsome stated, “Today is A Family Affair.”

He said, “Darrell Asberry brings a winning and successful career to Shaw University. The Shaw University Family is excited to have Coach Asberry take over the helm of a program that has seen success with a four year 29-13 (.690) record since it was reinstated in 2002. This is just a prelude of things that are yet to come. We welcome him and his wife, Tiffany to Shaw University.”

He gave a biographical sketch of Coach Asberry that included the following information. In 2004, he engineered the top-ranked offense in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) when the Eagles were number one in total offense with (359.3 ypg), passing offense (176.1 ypg) and scoring offense (29.8 ppg) and were number two in rushing offense (247.2 ypg). As quarterback coach, his starting QB was voted 2004 CIAA Offensive Player of the Year. Prior to joining the NCCU staff, Coach Asberry served as offensive coordinator at Albany State, Jackson State and Coahoma Community College. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native is a 1994 graduate of Jackson State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He lettered two seasons at the quarterback position, earning team MVP honors as a senior.

Following his collegiate career, he played professionally as a wide receiver and quarterback with the Shreveport Pirates of the Canadian Football League for the1994-95 season and was a wide receiver with the Amsterdam Admirals of the World Football League for the 1995-96 season. He began his coaching career as offensive coordinator, and wide receivers and quarterbacks coach at Albany State (1997-1998). He returned to his alma mater in 1999 and became running backs coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2000. In 2001 JSU led the NCAA D-IAA ranks in passing with 344 yards per game average and in 2002 they led the nation in total offensive yards with 485 yards per game average. In 2003 he joined the staff at Coahoma Community College (Clarksdale, MS) as offensive coordinator.

With a warm Shaw Family welcome of applause in the background, Dr. Newsome and Coach Carter welcomed Coach Asberry to the podium and gave him a Shaw University hat; which he immediately adorned. As he took center stage, he took the most reverent action and immediately asked the audience to pause for prayer. Filled with gratitude, his prayer sought guidance and wisdom in this new era in his career and in the history of Shaw University. During his talk to the audience he stated, “I’ll have my hands on everything. I didn’t have to bring pride and tradition to Shaw University because it was here before I got here. I’m going to ask the players to believe in me. Each player will have my phone numbers and know that I am available to them 24 hours each day. I’m going to make sacrifices and leave them on the field. I’m going to ask each of them; what are you willing to sacrifice?” He told the players not to fear the short time table because they would be prepared. Applause.

A reporter asked him, “Why do you choose now to be a head coach?” He stated, “I called my friend Doug Williams and asked him; how do you know when you’re ready? He said to me that Eddie Robinson didn’t know if he was ready and he’s the greatest coach ever. After he told me that; I knew that I was ready.”

Coach Jacques Curtis asked him, “How will the September 3rd date play on your emotions (when Shaw plays vs. NCCU)?” He stated, “It’s all about Shaw University now. I appreciate the opportunity that Coach Hayes and the Chancellor have given to me. Now it’s my time. They know me and I know them. Shaw University won’t be second to anybody as long as I’m Coach.” The audience gave him a thunderous applause at the response.

After several other questions, Coach Asberry immediately gravitated towards the players. The cameras sought interviews but he held them at bay for a few minutes to speak with the players and shake their hands. This was another big notch in his belt of ethics and character.

Those of us in attendance witnessed many great things today. A new Head Football Coach has been unveiled to the Shaw Family with moral and ethical integrity and a winning spirit that will be contagious and a great fit into the already winning legacy that is Shaw University. The winning tradition continues. We honor our history and embrace the new era that is yet to come!

Coach Asberry and Mrs. Asberry, welcome to the Shaw Family!