Sept. 29, 2005

Winston-Salem, NC - Officials from Winston-Salem State University and North Carolina A&T State University have announced that they will hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at 11:00 am in the Bryan Fitness and Wellness Center's Multipurpose Room from the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in reference to the renewing of the Aggies versus Rams football rivalry which dates back to the very first meeting during the 1951 season.  

Officials from both institutions will be on hand to address fans and the media.  Attendees will be, but are not limited to, N.C. A&T Chancellor, James C. Renick, Winston-Salem State University Chancellor, Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr., N.C. A&T Director of Athletics, DeLores Todd, Winston-Salem State University Director of Athletics, Chico Caldwell, N.C. A&T Head Football Coach, George Small, and Winston-Salem State University Head Football Coach, Kermit Blount.

The football series between the Aggies and the Rams dates back to the first meeting in 1951, a game in which the Aggies emerged victorious by the score of 41-0.  North Carolina A&T won the first 19 meetings between the two teams and has posted a 33-9 record versus WSSU in 42 head-to-head meetings.  The Aggies have won the last nine meetings, with the last Ram victory coming in 1991, a game which Winston-Salem State won at Bowman Gray Stadium by the score of 13-10.

The press conference will give officials from both schools the opportunity to comment on the renewing of the "Battle of I-40" football rivalry.

Commenting on the upcoming press conference, Dr. Chico Caldwell, WSSU Director of Athletics issued the following statement:

"One of the first questions that I was asked by people when I took the position as Director of Athletics here at Winston-Salem State University four years ago was "How can we get A&T back on the schedule?"  This opportunity to play them again and re-establish this I-40 rivalry is consistent with our move to NCAA Division I and we are excited about not only competing against the Aggies, but are thrilled with the electricity that this will bring to our schedule.  I am thrilled to work with North Carolina A&T Director of Athletics, Dee (DeLores) Todd in the preparations for, and implementation of, this game."

For additional information on WSSU football, or to arrange interviews with coaches and administrators, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com