quote:
Originally posted by decatur g:
Ms. Hill was on the Sports Editorial staff at the Orlando Sentinel, so she has some familiarity with BCU and FAMU. Can't say HOW much, but I do recall some commentary a few years ago from her regarding either ther FAMU 1-A move and/or the NCAA violations.
Carter can't make it alone at FAMU without alumni.
Byline: Jemele Hill
Jul. 31--TAMPA -- All Rubin Carter heard when he accepted the Florida A&M job last July was that if he didn't beat Bethune-Cookman College at the Florida Classic in Orlando, he'd better purchase a one-way ticket to Guam. OK, maybe FAMU fans weren't that harsh. But they certainly weren't subtle about what was the most important game on FAMU's schedule.
"I heard it from a 4-year-old at a picnic," Carter remembered. "He said, 'You better beat them.' " But Carter not only beat B-CC in his first season -- the Rattlers' first win over B-CC since 2001 -- but he also guided the Rattlers to their first winning record in three years. Not bad for a rookie coach. Carter did what he was hired to do -- and he did it a lot quicker than anyone expected.
And since FAMU fans and alumni weren't shy about what they expected from Carter, he shouldn't be shy about what he needs from them now that FAMU has restored its reputation. If FAMU fans want the Rattlers to be considered one of the top programs in Division I-AA, then they must bring the same irrepressible energy to the football program that Carter has. That means attending FAMU home games, instead of just games with the word "classic" in them. That means opening wallets and purses and donating generously. That means demanding excellence on the field -- and not just from the band. One of Carter's favorite sayings is, "everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die."
Well, everybody wants a great football team, but nobody wants to pay for it. FAMU fans and alumni take over Orlando during classic weekend, enjoying the parties, food, and the festive atmosphere.
They pump millions into this city. So it's not asking too much for some of those same fans to show such generosity toward FAMU. Although Carter reported on Sunday at the Florida Sports Writers Association's annual media event with the state coaches that season-ticket sales had increased dramatically and alumni donations were on the rise, FAMU's athletic department is hardly out of its dark period. Earlier this month, the athletic department hired Titus Sports Academy to handle strength and conditioning for the school's 18 sports because it was cheaper. The school already has cut four sports, and part of its NCAA punishment was returning $175,000 in revenue sharing from past postseason appearances. FAMU fans have hungered for a winner for a long time, and Carter gave them one quickly -- despite losing six scholarships in 2005 and 10 percent of his scholarships over the next two years.
A nice, big, fat check would be a great way to show gratitude.
"The FAMU spirit always has been there," Carter said. "It was just a little disappointed. It was just hibernated. Now, it's time for us to wake up and show that competitive spirit." Traditionally, fundraising always has been more difficult for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The alumni base isn't big like at UF or FSU and HBCU grads -- many of which are the first in their families to attend college -- often don't have the disposable income to donate. But if you can spend $100 on food and T-shirts at a classic, you can afford to send your alma mater something. It's understandable if some FAMU fans and alumni remain skeptical since this was only Carter's first season and we've seen one-season wonders in college football before. But Carter isn't one of them. He is one of few coaches who care equally about athletics and academics. At the end of last summer, Carter had 30 players facing serious academic issues. This summer, he only has five. Carter wants to turn FAMU into a powerhouse. It can be that, but only if fans and coaches continue to do what is expected of them. Jemele Hill can be reached at jhill@orlandosentinel.com.
Copyright (c) 2006, The Orlando Sentinel, Fla.
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MEAC Fans Community 
for it !!!!
Don't need to be Obama,!!
