Charlotte, NC (December 18, 2017) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) will induct five honorees, including one team, into the 2018 John B. McLendon, Jr. Hall of Fame. A formal induction ceremony will be held at the Hall of Fame Breakfast on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the Charlotte Convention Center.
The CIAA will induct Kermit Blount, former head football coach of the Winston-Salem State University Rams; Ben Coates, former football standout at Livingstone College; Raymond McDougal, former head golf coach at Fayetteville State University; Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, former President of Shaw University and Johnson C. Smith University; and the 1967 Men’s Basketball Team of Winston-Salem State University.
The CIAA recognizes inductees for their excellence in the CIAA, significant contributions in the community, leadership in CIAA sports, and commitment to the conference mission. Each honoree is recommended by the CIAA Hall of Fame Committee, endorsed by the Management Council, and approved by the Board of Directors.
Friday morning’s induction ceremony is one of many ancillary events surrounding the 2018 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament that will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from February 27 – March 3, 2018.
Kermit Blount | Winston-Salem State University | Football Coach
After serving as a standout quarterback at Winston-Salem State University, Kermit Blount returned to his alma mater as the head football coach in 1993. During his tenure, Blount led his Rams to two CIAA Championship titles (1999, 2000) in three post-season appearances. Under his leadership, the Rams went on to compete in the Pioneer Bowl both seasons, winning in 1999. Blount was honored as CIAA Coach of the Year, Washington D.C. Pigskin Coach of the Year, and 100% Wrong Club Coach of the Year in both 1999 and 2000.
In 12 years, Blount marked a 76-53-3 CIAA career record before the University’s transition to NCAA Division I – AA (now FCS). He continued as head coach throughout the 3-year transition, earning a 91-87-3 coaching record which earns him the winningest coach in WSSU history. Blount assisted several former Rams football players such as Richard Huntley, Oronde Gadsden, Tory Woodbury, and William Hayes reach the National Football League (NFL) as either late round draft picks or free agents. In 2011, he took control of the Delaware State University Hornets football program where he spent four seasons. Most recently, Blount was named head football coach at Johnson C. Smith University where he marked his third season in 2017.
Blount earned his Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from Winston-Salem State University in 1980. While at WSSU, he earned four letters and guided WSSU to the 1977 and 1978 CIAA championship. In 1978, he was named a Black College All-American.
1967 Men’s Basketball Team | Winston-Salem State University
On March 17, 1967 the Winston-Salem State University men’s basketball team won the NCAA Division II Championship as the first black college team to ever win a NCAA national title. Under the leadership of legendary Head Coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines, members of the 1967 WSSU men’s basketball team include: Earnest Browne, William English, David Green, Frank Hadley, Jr., Vaughn Kimbrough, John Lathan, Allen McManus, Earl Monroe, James Reid, Eugene Smiliey, Steve Smith, Johnny Watkins, and Donald Williams.
Winston-Salem State finished the regular season with an impressive 30-1 mark, but ended up third in the CIAA Tournament behind North Carolina A&T and Howard University. After being invited to the NCAA Tournament, the team breezed past Baldwin-Wallace University (91-76), Long Island University (62-54), and Kentucky Wesleyan University (85-73) to advance to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game where they defeated Southwestern Missouri State University, 77-74. All-CIAA, All-American, and future NBA legend Earl "The Pearl" Monroe averaged 41.5 points per game and was named NCAA Division II Player of the Year.
Posted by WSSU 1892 on 2018-03-06 20:47:43
Tagged: , Winston Salem , North Carolina
