Contact:
Terry Spicer
Director of Sports Media & Athletic Relations
(919) 719-1999
tspicer@shawu.edu

Pigskin Club Honors Asberry & Ellis in Nation’s Capital

Raleigh, NC – (January 22, 2008) Athletic giants towered in the nation’s capital on Friday, January 18th at the Capital Hilton Hotel as the Pigskin Club of Washington held a black tie gala to honor generations of greatness. On the anniversary of 70 years, the goals of the founding father, Dr. Charles B. Fisher, continue to live on. The select motto for the gala was “Democracy In Sports.”

Lucille Hester, President, stated, “We celebrate honorees that are the best in their craft. Those who have embodied the spirit of hard work, the triumph of victory and through defeat conquered victory again by keeping their eye on the prize. We celebrate determination and most of all; we celebrate the sheer efforts of personal contributions to mankind.”

Collegiate coaches and select players from four NCAA Division II conferences were honored including the MEAC, SIAC, CIAA and SWAC. Darrell Asberry, Head Coach of Shaw University received the W. Henry “Stud” Green Award as CIAA Coach of the Year; Louis Ellis received the James Guy “Pete” Tyson Award as the CIAA Player of the Year. Al Lavan, Head Coach of Delaware State received the Talmadge L. “Marse” Hill Award as MEAC Coach of the Year; Russell Reeves received the Cato W. Adams Award as MEAC Player of the Year. Willie Slater of Tuskegee University received the Charles B. Fisher Award as the SIAC Coach of the Year and Jacary Atkinson of Tuskeegee received the Oliver M. Thompson Award as the SIAC Player of the Year. Rick Comegy of Jackson State University was named SWAC Coach of the Year and his player, Jimmy Oliver was named SWAC Player of the Year.

Many other awards were issued during the evening. The special highlight of the evening was the presentation of Living Legends Awards. Men and women from across the athletic spectrum were honored with the lifetime achievement award. Honorees included the Honorable Marion Barry; Thomas Beard; Harold Bell; Frank Bolden; Brigadier General Elmer Brooks; Theophus Brooks; Larry Brown; Adrian Dixon; James Duke, Jr.; Vinna Freeman; Stanley Gainor; Robert Headen; James Howell; Wil Jones; Robert Mitchell; Art Monk; Benjamin Montgomery; Raymond Nelson; the Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton; Wanda Oates; Jack Olender; Brig Owens; Ray Savoy; Wylie Selden; Willie Stewart; Charley Taylor; Sanya Tyler; Earle White and Doug Williams.

Ellis stated, “Being in the room with the Living Legends was amazing to witness. I enjoyed meeting other players as well.” Asberry stated, “This is the culmination of hard work from the entire Shaw University football program. I appreciate their diligence, tenacity and commitment. I was honored to share the podium and the room with the athletic greats of our time.”

The Pigskin Club of Washington honors excellence and the room was full of superstars. It was an incredible display of athletic prowess and scholarship from every level. Darrell Asberry and Louis Ellis represented the CIAA in fine ambassador style and are to be commended for their amazing accomplishments.

The Shaw Family celebrates their accomplishments and extends the best for continued excellence.

“Strides to Excellence: Only the Best!”