Winston-Salem State has played in a homecoming game for the past two weeks. And the Rams have emerged victors or close to it in each of those games – including today’s homecoming squeaker loss to Hampton.
So what exactly does it mean for the CIAA-bound Rams? That they will pick up where they left off as a conference powerhouse? The they will be the backbone of WSSU’s athletic resurrection?
Or, that they would’ve been A-OK as a member of the MEAC?
The Rams aren’t the most attractive team to grace a MEAC field in this, their final year playing a Division I slate of games. But the last two weeks have shown an all new WSSU – a Rams program that can run the ball and play good defense.
And over the last three seasons, the Rams have compiled 10 MEAC victories, a better three-year stretch than Howard and North Carolina A&T and just one shy of Norfolk State.
No; Winston-Salem State is not a great team in the MEAC, and is far better suited in the CIAA. But over the last three years, no one has put the fear of upset into homecomings across the MEAC like the Rams have.
murdockw 2:58 pm on November 2, 2009 Permalink
I hate to be the bearer of bad news especially when it comes to my alma mater, but we lost the homecoming game to Hampton 13-16 in OT.
However, to answer your question as to whether WSSU would be better suited for the CIAA and or MEAC? I’d say given the change in leadership, i.e. new AD and hopefully new FB coach, along with continued recruiting we could’ve become a very good program in the MEAC which hopefully will translate in to being a dominate program in the CIAA.
I say this because no matter what league and or division we play in, our history and tradition is still good enough to recruit and retain a high level of athlete to WSSU.
In addition to my above points the bottom line is we travel especailly for football and that translates in to dollars which is healthy for any league and or division. However, what I’ve noticed over the years (mostly DII) is that other institutions don’t return the favor and or enthusiasm when it’s time for them to come to us. I was hoping going DI would’ve changed that, but oh well so much for that idea.
JC 3:12 pm on November 2, 2009 Permalink
Yeah, definitely didn’t mean to say they won, but lost close.
Thanks for the editorial correction. Appreciate it.
murdockw 3:24 pm on November 2, 2009 Permalink
No issues.
On another subject, perhaps you and AJC sports columnist Leo Willingham should hook up. Leo covers HBCU sports but does not appear to be as current as you on HBCU topics as you.
Just a thought, keep up the good work as I enjoy your site and information you provide.
JC 3:55 pm on November 2, 2009 Permalink
I enjoy reading his work, but like you, I find that he is a little behind the curve on certain black college news outside of the southeast.
I’d love to work with him, or anyone who wants to bring HBCU sports more positive attention – especially if it can turn into a full-time gig!