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– University Seeks Return To Football Glory Days –
Morgan State University President David Wilson recently announced that he has established a steering committee to review the current state of the University’s football program. Calling it long overdue, Dr. Wilson has charged the “Return to Greatness Steering Committee” with conducting a strategic assessment of the MSU football program and, among other things, identify best practices for Division 1-AA football programs around the country and make recommendations to help Morgan Football reclaim its winning legacy.
“We owe this to our students, alumni and supporters of our football program,” said Dr. Wilson. “Morgan State University has a celebrated history of excellence in the classroom and in athletics, and it is time that we reclaim our legacy of greatness on the gridiron.”
Many of Morgan’s iconic collegiate and professional football players will serve on the 16-member committee, including Hall of Famer Willie Lanier, Mark Washington, and Raymond Chester. They are joining veteran New York Times sports columnist Bill Rhoden and Varsity M Club President Shaun Hester among others. Lanier and Morgan’s Vice President of Student Affairs Kevin Banks are co-chairs of the committee, while Athletic Director Floyd Kerr and Head Football Coach Donald Hill-Eley will serve as resources to the committee.
“A successful athletic program can have a major impact on the university community from boosting enrollment to generating revenue,” said Dr. Banks who added, “more importantly, it builds community and sustains pride in the University. It is time for the MSU Bears Football program to return to greatness and I look forward to working with this committee to make that happen.”
President Wilson has asked the committee to submit its report along with recommendations as quickly as possible but not later than early Fall 2013.
RETURN TO GREATNESS STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Raymond Chester, Star tight end at Morgan who went on to play for 12 seasons in the NFL, with the Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Colts.
Dr. Kevin Banks, [committee co-chair] Vice President, MSU Student Affairs
Dr. Ivis T. Forrester, Associate Professor, nutritional science, School of Community Health & Policy.
Theresa Gibson, MSU Women’s Cheerleading Coach.
Edward ‘Fast Eddie’ Hayes, Four-time All-CIAA defensive back at Morgan; Fourth round NFL draft pick by the Denver Broncos
Shaun Hester, President, Varsity M Club (Morgan’s sports boosters organization)
Cheryl Y. Hitchcock, Vice President, MSU institutional Advancement
Willie Lanier [committee co-chair], Morgan football standout. Second round selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967 NFL draft. Considered the first African American player to star in the position of middle linebacker. Helped get the Chiefs to their 1969 Super Bowl victory.
Jacqueline Lawson, President, MSU National Alumni Association
William “Bill” Rhoden, Sports Columnist, New York Times
Craig Spencer, Standout defensive back and part of MSU’s 1979 MEAC Championship football team.
Ivory Tucker, MSU Foundation Board of Directors
Mark Washington, Made his mark at Morgan and then in the NFL, playing ten seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots.
Roland White, MSU Alumnus
[*] Donald Hill-Eley, Head Coach, Morgan State University Football
[*] Floyd Kerr, MSU Director of Athletics
* Resource to the committee
