Latest news with #CentralState
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU Football Classic Returns to New York
HBCU football is making a triumphant return to Upstate New York as the second annual Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic heads back to Rochester on Saturday, September 27. The matchup? Central State University Marauders (Wilberforce, Ohio) vs. Lane College Dragons (Jackson, Tennessee). A battle of proud HBCU programs with deep roots. The game will be played at the Rochester Community Sports Complex, the same venue that hosted last year's inaugural clash, which saw Albany State roll past Central State in a 28–7 victory. But this year, it's more than redemption for the Marauders-it's about inspiring a new generation. "This event is an incredible opportunity to introduce Rochester students to the rich culture, storied legacy, and academic excellence of America's historically Black colleges and universities," said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans during the official announcement. "This game and the events surrounding it help our youth expand their horizons and see what's possible." And 'the events surrounding it' aren't just window dressing-they're the heartbeat of the Weekend of Hope, a multi-day celebration designed to connect high school students with life-changing higher education opportunities. Sponsored by Baldwin Richardson Foods and organized by Xperience Live LLC, the Classic blends football, culture, and community with a clear mission: exposure and empowerment. The weekend kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 25, with an HBCU College Fair at the Blue Cross Arena, featuring reps from over 20 HBCUs ready to assist with on-site applications, financial aid info, and admissions guidance. Friday brings the energy with a pep rally and media day, setting the tone for Saturday's big game. But before kickoff, the community gets one more taste of tradition-a pre-game tailgate party from 8 a.m. to noon. Expect food, music, and HBCU pride on full display. "It's important to have local students see and feel local people who have done this," said Varick Baiyina, CEO of Xperience Live. "When they see it, they can believe it. So believe it." HBCU football is about more than just what happens between the lines-it's legacy, culture, and community. And in Rochester, it's becoming a movement. Mark your calendars-Sept. 27. Central State vs. Lane. The Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic is back in Rochester, New York, and bigger than ever. The post HBCU Football Classic Returns to New York appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game
Tuskegee University is about to flip the switch on history. On Saturday, September 6, the Golden Tigers will host their first-ever home night football game under the lights at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, facing off against HBCU conference rival Central State. But this isn't just a game. It's the fulfillment of a 99-year-old dream. Back in 1926, legendary Tuskegee coach Cleve Abbott-yes, the man the stadium is named after-first proposed lighting the field for night games. It was an audacious idea at a time when electricity itself wasn't a guarantee on Southern campuses. Now, nearly a century later, Abbott's vision finally beams to life. Thanks to a partnership with Alabama Power, new lighting has been installed at the historic 10,000-seat stadium, setting the stage for a game that means more than just football. It's a symbol of progress, perseverance, and pride for one of the most storied programs in HBCU history. 'It gives me great pride to see how Alabama Power has helped light up the Tuskegee campus,' said Jonathan Porter, a Tuskegee alum, Trustee, and Senior Vice President of Customer Operations for Alabama Power. 'Our commitment to the university has been ongoing and these enhancements are another example of our efforts to be strategic partners. Personally, as a second-generation Tuskegee alum. I cannot wait for the first night game and the celebrations that will come with it.' Tuskegee isn't just any program-they're the winningest team in HBCU football. Now, they're entering a new era, and they're doing it in prime time. 'This is a transformational moment not only for Tuskegee Athletics but for the entire university and community,' said Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin. 'Playing under the lights at Abbott Memorial Stadium gives us new opportunities to engage our fanbase, provide a better game day experience, and showcase our rich traditions to a national audience. We're proud to take this step forward and make history in 2025.' Last time these two teams clashed, Tuskegee handled business with a 30–14 win over Central State. But this rematch has extra juice. The lights, the legacy, the national spotlight-this will be about more than bragging rights. It's about reclaiming the narrative around HBCU football, investing in facilities, and creating moments that players-and fans-will never forget. Tuskegee. Central State. Under the lights. The post Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Yellow Springs woman preparing to swim English Channel
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (WDTN) — A Yellow Springs woman is getting ready to do something that fewer than 2,000 people have ever done successfully. Amy Wamsley is preparing to swim across the English Channel, and she's doing it right before her 50th birthday. 'When I was 12 years old, I decided I was going to swim it before I turned 50,' says Amy. 'It's important to me to live this goal.' Amy has been in England since about mid-May to practice in the channel and get acclimated to the water. 'I feel very connected to water. So, I like to swim because I feel connected to water,' states Amy. 'I feel very calm there. I like being in my own headspace. So it's meditative, and I like the challenge.' Her window to swim is based on the tide. It opens May 30th and runs until June 10th. 'You have what's called a pilot, which is your boat captain, and they watch the current and then they call you. You get about 10 to 12 hours' notice in that window to get in the water. So, you have to be prepared at all times in case they call,' describes Amy. For more than a year, she's been training in pools and other bodies of water. 'I've swam at Central State. I've swam here at the Springfield Y, different locations. But ultimately, I like to be outside,' admits Amy. 'I swim at Caesar's Creek, Cohen Lake, Buck Creek, Michigan, Lake Michigan, near Chicago. I do that a lot, actually. This past summer, Lake Erie. And then I go out to California. So, I swim in the San Francisco Bay and La Hoya Cove,' says Amy. 'I do swim in the San Francisco Bay because it's the closest water to the English Channel based off of how the currents change. So I've been swimming there a lot.' Last year, Amy hired a coach to help her turn her childhood dream into a reality. 'It's not easy. What I'm doing is not easy. It is. It is hard. And so, it's nice to challenge myself and see how far I can push myself and where I can go. And almost every time I'm out in San Francisco, I go farther, I swim stronger. I can just tell that I am stronger than I ever thought I was,' says Amy. She's previously taken on the waters of Alcatraz, areas around Catalina, and the San Francisco Bay. Swimming for hours every week, she expects this roughly 20.5-mile swim to take her around 15 to 20 hours. 'I'm already further along than I ever thought I'd be. I'm already going to put my feet in the English Channel. So, if I'm already going to put my feet in the English Channel, I've already won. I've already gotten further than most people ever get. And so, getting to France, it's going to be so hard. But I know I can do it. I have full faith that I can get there,' says Amy. 'In the end, if you want it, you can do it.' Amy says there are risks and obstacles involved like motion sickness, hypothermia, and stinging jellyfish. She has an entire crew with her to help keep her safe and monitor her health while she's in the water. Following her swim, she's already making plans for her next challenge. 'I think once I conquer the English Channel, I will be looking at Catalina,' states Amy. To track her journey, click here. Amy also started a nonprofit called Amy's Swim Venture. It focuses on water conservation, as well as women empowerment concerning body image and aging. To learn more, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
NBC Sports
22-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Santonio Holmes is the new receivers coach at Central State University
Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes is back in football, more than a decade after his NFL career ended. Holmes is the new receivers coach at Central State University in Ohio. A first-round pick from Ohio State in 2006, Holmes capped his third NFL season with a game-winning catch in the franchise's sixth Super Bowl win. His best season came the next year, when he caught 79 passes for 1,248 yards. He signed with the Jets as a free agent in 2010. He spent four so-so seasons in New York before finishing his career in 2014 in Chicago. At Central State, Holmes joins the staff of former NFL cornerback Tony Carter, who played for the Broncos, Patriots, Colts, and Saints. Carter was hired earlier this year. Central State has produced 21 NFL players, including Orlando Brown, Hugh Douglas, and Erik Williams.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Santonio Holmes hired as wide receivers coach at Central State University
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes has been named the wide receivers coach at Central State University in Ohio. Following a standout college career at Ohio State University, Holmes was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft and played nine years in the NFL. His career highlight coming in Super Bowl XLII when he pulled in a late touchdown catch from Ben Roethlisberger, leading the Steelers to a win over the Arizona Cardinals. Holmes was named MVP of the game for his heroic performance. TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Santonio Holmes #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a 6-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Steelers won the game by a score of 27-23. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images His catch against the Cardinals has been ranked among the best plays in the history of the Super Bowl. Holmes recorded career totals of 389 receptions and 36 touchdowns. Central State said they're excited to bring Holmes onto the coaching staff and say that it should "excite top talent wide receivers from around the country." The university also said that Holmes' "ability to teach, mentor, and develop student-athletes both on and off the field makes him a valuable addition to the Marauders' coaching staff."
