By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Three FCS HBCUS thriving financially are South Carolina St., FAMU, and North Carolina A&T. Commonalities include a solid infrastructure, strong alumni support and winning traditions. These schools always land in the black financially. More HBCUS could benefit from lucrative television contracts, but it’s not in the cards for them post integration which has led to a majority of top female and male athletes receiving scholarships to PWIs. Perhaps the current administration policies will reverse that trend.
Surprisingly, Division II schools, attendance wise, are benefiting from rabid alumni support and athletic success. Tuskegee, Ft. Valley St., Albany St., Winston-Salem St., Virginia Union, and Clark Atlanta rank among the top 20 Division II programs in average attendance, demonstrating the passion and commitment that HBCU communities bring to college football.
Tuskegee University, from its inception, has been a vanguard of academic and athletic excellence. It currently stands at the pinnacle of Division II football attendance, averaging 18,400 fans per game. This figure not only highlights the Golden Tigers’ storied football tradition but also reflects the unwavering support of alumni and the local community. Joining them near the top, Fort Valley State and Albany State, both members of the SIAC, further solidify the presence of HBCUs in this prestigious ranking.
FAMU’s speedy wideout Jamari Gassett ran a 4.38 forty yard dash, putting him in an enviable draft position.
Sports is a gift that keeps on giving. The trade of Luka Doncic to LA for Anthony Davis has been cruelly and ironically unfair to Dallas. Not only has AD played in just one ill-fated game since the trade, superstar guard Kyrie Irvin injured his knee in last night’s loss to the Sacramento Kings. While the Lakers are championship contenders, the Mavs, because of numerous injuries, may even fall out of Play-In contention.
March Madness is upon us, MLB is fast approaching and the Heat and Panthers are virtually guaranteed to make the playoffs in the NBA & NHL respectively.
