Oct. 27, 2009
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The Rams return to action in week nine of the football season on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. as they welcome the Pirates of Hampton University to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. for Homecoming as the two teams meet for the 27th time in the history of the two programs. The 1-6 Rams look to build upon their first win of the year that came last weekend when they play host to the 3-4 Pirates.
Game Details
The contest is the eighth game of the season for both teams. The Rams have lost six of their seven contests this season as they have dropped decisions to North Carolina A&T (19-10 on Sept. 5), Florida A&M (34-10 on Sept. 10), Morgan State (16-10 in overtime on Sept. 19), #14 South Carolina State (27-10 on Sept. 26), Howard (7-3 on Oct. 4) and UC Davis (45-14 on Oct. 17) and earned their lone victory of the season on Oct. 24 as they defeated Bethune-Cookman 16-10 as the Rams enter the contest sporting a 1-6 record. The Pirates enter the contest with a 3-4 overall record as they have posted wins over North Carolina Central (31-24 on Sept. 5), North Carolina A&T (24-14 on Sept. 19) and Howard (37-0 on Oct. 10) and have dropped decisions to Alabama A&M (31-24 on Sept. 12), Delaware State (21-6 on Sept. 26), Norfolk State (46-6 on Oct. 17) and #11 South Carolina State (21-9 on Oct. 24).
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The Event
Homecoming 2009. The Rams will welcome the Pirates to town for Homecoming as the two teams kickoff at 2:00 p.m. The Rams look to win their first Homecoming game at Bowman Gray Stadium in three seasons as WSSU has not won a Homecoming contest since a 12-0 victory over Howard that came on Oct. 7, 2006. The Rams dropped a 23-20 decision to Delaware State on Nov. 3, 2007 and lost a 27-6 decision to Bethune-Cookman on Oct. 25, 2008 in their last two Homecoming contests.
A Quick Look
The Rams are riding a one-game win streak as a 16-10 victory over Bethune-Cookman last weekend, in the fifth of five consecutive road games, snapped an eight-game losing streak that dated back to Nov. 8, 2008. Conversely the Pirates enter into the contest riding a two-game losing streak that dates back to Oct. 10, 2009 as they have posted back-to-back losses to Norfolk State (46-6) and #11 South Carolina State (21-9).
Television Coverage
There is no local, regional, or national television coverage for the Rams’ contest versus the Pirates. Highlights of the game will be made available to the local media immediately following the game. To obtain footage and highlights, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations.
The Rams On TV
Over the past seven seasons (including 2009), the WSSU football team has appeared on television 11 times and the Rams have posted a 6-5 mark while doing so. The Rams’ have been featured on television twice this season as WSSU dropped a 19-10 decision to North Carolina A&T on Sept. 5 in a contest shown on Time Warner Cable and WSSU dropped a 34-10 decision to Florida A&M on Sept. 10 on ESPNU.
WSSU Radio
The Rams will broadcast the contest versus the Pirates live on the radio and on the Internet with DW Communications producing the broadcast on the Classics Sports Radio Network. Donal Ware will call all the play-by-play action with Eric Curry providing color analysis. The game will air live on WELS-AM 1010 in Kinston/Goldsboro, N.C. and WXKL-AM 1290 in Sanford, N.C. in addition to being aired live on WSSU’s flagship station, WSNC 90.5 FM in Winston-Salem, N.C. The game will also be available online at ClassicSportsRadio.com and online at WSSU.edu by clicking on the “Listen to WSNC” link.
Hampton Radio
The Pirates will air the contest live on the radio on WHOV 88.1 FM with Shemar Woods calling all the play-by-play action and Matt White providing color analysis. The game will also air online at HamptonPirates.com.
Live Statistical Broadcast
A live statistical broadcast of the game, utilizing CBS College Sport’s Gametracker statistical software will be available on the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at WSSURams.com. Fans may access the live stats by visiting the WSSU football schedule page and clicking on the Gametracker link.
Weather Forecast
Saturday’s contest is slated to be played in questionable weather as the forecast calls for high temperatures of 72° with a low of 47° with a 40 percent chance of precipitation under partly cloudy skies with a possibility of showers. Humidity is slated to be 71 percent with winds out of the West-Southwest at 10 miles per hour with a UV index of four (moderate). Sunrise will take place at 7:43 a.m. EDT and will set at 6:26 p.m. EDT.
The Series
The two teams have met 26 other times in the history of the two programs with the Rams holding a 16-9-1 series advantage. Saturday’s contest will mark the 27th meeting between the two teams. The Rams are riding back-to-back wins over the Pirates as the Rams have not lost to Hampton since a 13-3 loss in Hampton, Va. that came on Oct. 28, 2006.
The Rams own the largest margin of victory in the series with a 47 point win that came in a 47-0 shutout in 1972. As well, the Rams lead the all-time series with a 16-9-1 record and have the longest streak of wins in the series, a five-game span that came from 1970-74.
The Last Meeting
The Rams’ last meeting with the Pirates came on Nov. 1, 2008 in Hampton, Va. where the Rams earned a 35-30 victory. The game saw the Rams score 28 first-half points including senior DB David Irizarry’s 106-yard return of a Carlo Turavani missed field goal. The Rams’ defense held strong down the stretch and the Rams downed the Pirates on their Homecoming.
Homecoming Redux
The Rams and Pirates will meet on Homecoming for the second consecutive season. The Rams traveled to Hampton, Va. last season to serve as the Pirates’ Homecoming opponent. The Rams spoiled HU’s day by earning a 35-30 victory, their second consecutive win over the perennial MEAC power.
The Coaches
The Rams are coached by 17th-year man Kermit Blount, the winningest coach in WSSU football history. Blount has posted an impressive 91-83-3 mark at WSSU and has led the Rams to a pair of conference (CIAA) titles (in 1999 and 2000). He has posted a 2-2 overall mark versus Hampton since taking over as head coach in 1993. Blount has never faced HU’s first-year head coach Donovan Rose in a head-to-head contest.
The Pirates are coached by Donovan Rose who is in his first season as the head coach at Hampton University, his Alma mater. Rose has posted a career record of 3-4. He has never faced the Rams of Winston-Salem State nor has he faced WSSU head coach Kermit Blount in a head-to-head meeting.
Alma Mater Familiarity
Both WSSU head coach Kermit Blount and Hampton head coach Donovan Rose are similar in that both men have returned to their Alma mater where they now lead the football programs. Blount is a 1980 graduate of Winston-Salem State University and Rose is a 1979 graduate of Hampton University.
The MEAC currently has four head coaches that are leading their Alma mater as WSSU head coach Kermit Blount, South Carolina State head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, Bethune-Cookman head coach Alvin Wyatt and Hampton’s Donovan Rose all returned to their Alma mater to become the head football coach.
Blount vs. Hampton - In Depth
It is well documented that WSSU head coach Kermit Blount has posted a 2-2 overall record coaching against Hampton, yet what may go unnoticed is that Blount posted an identical 2-2 record versus the Pirates as a player at WSSU.
Blount, a four-year starter for the Rams at quarterback guided the Rams to a pair of wins over the Pirates as his WSSU teams in 1977 and 1978 outscored HU 55-12 in a pair of victories. During the 1977 and 1978 season Blount, an All-CIAA and All-America selection, led the Rams to back-to-back conference titles.
Sitting In First Place
With his 27-26 victory over Delaware State on Nov. 8, 2008 Winston-Salem State University head football coach Kermit Blount became the winningest coach in WSSU football history. Blount, who is in the midst of his 17th season as the Rams’ head coach, has posted an all-time mark of 91-83-3 and with his 90th victory moved into first place atop the WSSU all-time win chart, one victory ahead of legendary WSSU head coach and current Director of Athletics at Florida A&M University, Bill Hayes.
National Rankings
The Rams and Pirates are not ranked in either of the major, national polls. The MEAC has only one ranked team as South Carolina State is ranked 10th in the Sports Network Poll and is ranked 10th in the Coaches’ Poll.
Next Up
Next up for the Rams are the Hornets of Delaware State University. The Hornets, the 2007 MEAC Football Champions have faced the Rams only eight times and DSU owns the all-time series advantage by the count of 4-3-1.
The largest WSSU win in the series came in 1950 as the Rams blanked the Hornets 18-0. The largest Delaware State victory came in 1942 when they handed the Rams a 26-point loss by the score of 32-6.
The longest win streak held by either team is a three-game mark that DSU held over the Rams from 1942-47.
First Division I Winning Season
With their convincing 35-10 win over the Eagles of North Carolina Central on Nov. 10, 2007, the Rams earned their first winning season at the Division I level. WSSU recorded six wins during the 2007 season, the most wins for the Rams since making the jump from NCAA Division II to Division I.
Program History
The 2008 season was the 67th in Winston-Salem State University history. Through nearly 68 years of play, WSSU owns a 354-282-25 (.537) record.
Injury Update
Players who are listed as OUT for Saturday’s game are: #71 Nazir Levine (OL/Junior) with a knee injury.
Players who are listed as DOUBTFUL for Saturday’s contest are #81 Melquan Weston (WR/Freshman) with an ankle injury and #50 Juan Corders (LB/Senior) with a shoulder injury.
Players who are listed as QUESTIONABLE for Saturday’s contest are #82 Jarrin Wooten (WR/Freshman) with a shoulder injury and #95 Stephen Young (DL/Sophomore) with a shoulder injury.
Players listed as PROBABLE for Saturday’s contest are: #40 Jimmie Johnson (TE/Freshman) with a knee injury.
Understanding The Injury Chart
The Rams use the National Football League’s injury chart model which separates injuries into four categories: (1) “Out” which indicates that a player will not play in the upcoming game and will not be dressed for the contest. (2) “Doutbful” which indicates that a player will have only a 25 percent chance of playing. (3) “Questionable” which indicates that a player will have a 50 percent chance of playing, and (4) “Probable” which indicates that a player has a 75 percent chance of playing.
Injury Information
Winston-Salem State University’s Department of Athletics abides by HIPAA, a federal privacy act with regard to the release of injury information. WSSU athletes are required to sign a waiver before injury information is released to the media. If the athlete chooses to withhold that information, WSSU officials will be restricted to informing media members of their playing status (playing, probable, doubtful or out).
A Quick Look At The Rams
• Winston-Salem State enters the week having snapped an eight-game losing streak dating back to last year as they earned a 16-10 victory over Bethune-Cookman last Saturday.
• The Rams are currently riding a four-game losing streak at home and have not won at Bowman Gray Stadium since a 34-10 victory over Howard that came on Oct. 4 of 2008.
• Despite posting an 0 for 8 performance on third down versus Bethune-Cookman last weekend, the Rams posted a season-high 205 yards rushing.
• In addition to a season-high 205 yards rushing, the Rams’ 6.5 yards per rush, Cedrick Hickman’s 97 yards rushing and an average of 6.5 yards per play were season highs as well.
• The Rams have not had a 100-yard rusher since Nic Cooper posted 111 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown on Nov. 22, 2008 vs. Norfolk State.
• The Rams are looking to find consistency this season, averaging just 120.6 rushing ypg., 82.9 passing ypg, and 203.4 yards of offense overall.
• Because of its reclassification status, the Rams are not officially ranked in the NCAA FCS statistics. However, if ranked (and not including other reclassifying teams), WSSU would be 93rd in rushing; 119th in passing and 114th in total offense.
• QB Jarrett Dunston has 244 rushing yards (3.3 avg.) to lead the Rams while RB Cedrick Hickman has 214 rushing yards. Hickman turned in a career-high 97 yards on Oct. 24 in WSSU’s win over Bethune-Cookman. He also scored the first touchdown of his WSSU career.
• WSSU has struggled with its passing game so far, completing just 36.3 percent of its 157 passes for a total of 580 yards and six scores.
• QB’s Branden Williams and Jarrett Dunston have seen similar action so far this season with Williams throwing for 207 yards and a score and Dunston picking up 367 yards and five touchdowns.
• The Rams have favored the run in 61.8 percent of their plays. Despite this propensity for the ground attack, the Rams are averaging marks of 3.3 yards per pass and 3.5 yard per rush.
• Wide receiver Dominique Fitzgerald has 10 catches for 132 yards to lead the receivers who have 57 grabs overall. The Rams are over halfway to 2008’s total of 95 receptions.
• The Rams defense has been the more effective unit in the early going of the 2009 season, allowing just 22.6 ppg, 117.9 rushing ypg and 294.0 ypg overall.
• If officially ranked among FCS teams, the Rams would be 27th against the rush and 33rd in overall total defense. Their scoring defense (T-39th) and passing defense (51st) would also rank among the top half of teams in Division I FCS.
• Defensive Lineman Akeem Ward paces the Rams’ defense with 42 tackles (30 solo), including a team-high tying 7.5 TFL’s and a team-best 2.5 sacks. Ward also has forced two fumbles and recovered another.
• Linebacker Chedrick Marshall also has 42 tackles while seven players have at least three tackles for loss, led by Akeem Ward.
• Defensive back Cameron Demps is a player to watch out for on special teams, having already blocked two kicks. Kicker Landen Thayer has made 6 of 9 field goals, including a long of 43 yards. He is also 7 of 8 on PAT attempts, Thayer leads the team in scoring with 25 points.
• Defensive Lineman John Harris leads the Rams’ kick returners with a 21.4 yard average on nine kicks, including a team-best 60-yard return.
• Walk-on LB Justin Wilkerson made the first start of his career versus UC Davis. The sophomore walked on to the Rams’ roster in spring practice 2009.
• The Rams’ 31-yard touchdown from Jarrett Dunston to Lerenzo Barr at UC Davis marks the Rams’ longest scoring play of the season.
• Jarrett Dunston’s 152 yard passing versus UC Davis marked WSSU’s first 100-yard passing game of the season and his third career 100-yard passing game at WSSU.
Giving Up The Big One
The 2009 edition of the Rams have given up 31 plays of 20 yards or more this season. Conversely the Rams have recorded only 23 plays of 20 yards or more. In comparison WSSU gave up only 29 long plays (20 yards or more) all of last season (11 games).
Yards Per Play Problems
The Rams are gaining only 3.5 yards per offensive play yet are yielding 4.4 yards per offensive play to their opponents. As a direct result, the Rams have been outscored 158-73 through seven games in 2009.
Penalties Galore
Through seven games this season the Rams have committed 55 penalties for 421 yards. That equates to 7.9 penalties per game for 60.1 yards per contest. That is in comparison to last season when the Rams committed only 50 total penalties for 419 yards for an average of 4.54 penalties per game and 38.09 yards per game.
Avoided 0-7
The Rams’ 16-10 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Oct. 24 prevented WSSU from falling to an 0-7 start. The Rams’ last 0-7 start came during the 1975 season when WSSU started the season 0-9 under head coach Cleo Wallace.
Growing Up Fast
The Rams’ 2009 roster is comprised of 60 underclassmen and 37 upperclassmen. 42 of those underclassmen are freshmen with the roster being comprised of those 42 newcomers, 18 sophomores, 21 juniors and 16 seniors.
Shore Up The Offensive Line
The young Rams’ offensive front has given up 22 sacks through seven games this season. The Rams gave up 36 sacks all of last season.
Kicking Prowess
The Rams have had no problems at kicker this season. Freshman Landen Thayer, a graduate of West Forsyth High School, is handling both the placekicking and punting duties for the Rams this season. The 5-10, 185-pound Thayer has been extremely impressive in his seven career games with the Rams as he has made six of his nine field goal attempts and has successfully converted seven of his eight point after touchdown attempts. He leads the team in scoring with 25 points.
Career Best Kick
Landed Thayer’s 43-yard field goal versus Howard marked the freshman kickers longest career field goal as a Ram. It also marked WSSU’s longest successful field goal since Chad Oakley’s 48-yarder in a 38-6 victory over Savannah State on Oct. 21, 2006 in a game played in Savannah, Ga.
Lowest Scoring
The Rams’ 7-3 loss to Howard marks the lowest scoring game for WSSU since a 23-0 shutout loss to Florida A&M on Oct. 9, 2008 in a game from Tallahassee, Fla. The contest was broadcast live on ESPNU-HD.
Power Back
The Rams got a bit of good news on Sept. 1 as they found out that redshirt sophomore running back Cedrick Hickman, a 6-1, 220-pound bruiser who transferred from North Carolina State would be eligible to play for the Rams this season. Hickman, the 34th-ranked running back coming out of high school (Rivals.com) spent a season at Hargrave Military Academy following his career at North Forsyth High School and prior to his matriculation to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. He is currently the Rams’ second leading rusher with 214 net yards on 48 carries for an average of 4.5 yards per rush. Hickman has one rushing touchdown this season.
Seeing Time
The Rams are not afraid to go deep into their depth chart of personnel. 44 different players saw playing time in the Rams’ loss to North Carolina A&T; 48 different players saw playing time in the loss to Florida A&M; 44 players saw the field in WSSU’s loss to Morgan State; WSSU saw 45 players take the field versus #14 South Carolina State; 38 players played in WSSU’s loss to Howard; a season-high 52 players saw time at UC Davis and 41 players took to the field at Bethune-Cookman.
Start Streak Continues
Senior linebacker Chedrick Marshall pushed his consecutive start streak to 29 games last weekend versus Bethune-Cookman. Marshall now owns the longest active start streak on the WSSU roster.
Former Ram Playing Well In NFL
Former WSSU defensive end William Hayes is playing well in his second NFL season. Hayes, a standout defensive end for the Rams that appeared in 29 games for WSSU was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 103rd overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Hayes finished his rookie campaign in 2008 with 21 tackles, a sack, two quarterback pressures, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defended. He is currently listed behind former NFL All-Pro Jevon Kearse on the Titans depth chart. Hayes currently has 19 total tackles in 2009 as he has collected 15 solo tackles, four assisted tackles and one and half sacks in six appearances with Tennessee this season. Hayes earned the first start of his NFL career on Sunday, Oct. 11 when the Titans faced the Indianapolis Colts. Hayes collected two solo tackles and one assisted tackle in the contest.
The Courage Of Stephen Young
In 2008 Stephen Young turned in one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in WSSU history. Young ranked seventh on the team in tackles with 41 total tackles and recorded a team-leading 10 tackles for loss. As well Young recorded five sacks, forced one fumble and recovered three others. Despite a shoulder injury that many thought would end his season, Young has returned to the WSSU lineup and in six appearances this season he has collected 15 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack as well as a pair of forced fumbles.
Low Scoring
Thus far in 2009 the Rams have scored only 73 points through seven games for an average of 10.4 points per game. The Rams have scored over 10 points in only two contests this season. The Rams’ 10.4 points per game marks the lowest scoring output for WSSU since the 1975 season when the Rams scored only 6.6 points per game. WSSU was shut out five times during the 1975 season. The Rams current scoring output marks the fourth lowest points per game average in the history of the program. The three worse scoring averages came in 1975 (6.6 ppg); 1940 (3.3 ppg) and 1945 (3.1 ppg).
Beaten All But Two
Since the Rams’ transition to the NCAA Division I level, WSSU has beaten every team in the MEAC at least once, except for two. The Rams have never beaten the Spartans of Norfolk State or the Bulldogs of South Carolina State since making the move from Division II to Division I. Since making the move to NCAA Division I the Rams have posted a 11-20 record versus MEAC opponents.
Division I Transition Decision
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) announced on Sept. 11 that it would inform the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) that the university intends to remain a Division II institution for intercollegiate athletics. The process to remain in Division II will begin immediately, but the school will continue to compete in the MEAC at the Division I level through the 2009-2010 season.
At a special called meeting, the university’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to support the recommendation of Chancellor Donald J. Reaves to bring to a close the reclassification to Division I process that was begun in 2004. Reaves praised the vision of former WSSU chancellors who had supported the move to Division I, but stated that “in the final analysis the resources to complete the reclassification simply were not available, currently nor prospectively, in sufficient amounts”.
“This decision is probably the hardest one I have ever had to make because I believe that WSSU belongs in Division I,” said Chancellor Reaves. “If there were any reasonable way to complete this transition without diverting resources from competing academic priorities, I would have recommended that we stay the course.
“Over the past two years, we have continued to be concerned that budgetary constraints would not allow us to successfully complete the transition,” Reaves added. “As the athletics deficits continued to mount, there appeared to be no rational way we could continue the process. I believe that this is the right decision for WSSU at this point in time given our resources.
“Our goal now is to complete the move to NCAA Division II and find a conference home for our athletic program before the 2010-2011 season begins. We have been reviewing all of the options in our region and our preference would be to return to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). We will, however, have to complete the reclassification process with the NCAA and file a letter of interest with Commissioner Leon Kerry at the CIAA.”
The spending side of the budget for the WSSU athletics program has grown during the three-year period of 2005-2006 through 2008-2009 from approximately $2.88 million to $5.58 million while total revenue grew from $2.07 million to $3.77 million. Just for the fiscal year that ended June 30, the athletic program generated a deficit of approximately $1.8 million. The increase in expenses was directly connected to the transition to Division I which requires that an institution field a minimum of 14 teams and add substantially more resources such as scholarships, coaches and facilities.
“While our expenses have increased as one would reasonably expect, the budget problem that we have encountered is a revenue-side problem” Reaves added. “Currently, nearly 80% of total revenue comes from a single source, student fees. While the university has the second highest athletic fee in the UNC system, our fee is among the lowest in the MEAC where we are competing. With the size of our student body, it became evident that we were always going to be at a financial disadvantage.”
UNC President Erskine Bowles also expressed support for Chancellor Reaves’ recommendation. “I know that Chancellor Reaves explored every viable option before reaching this difficult decision, but in the end WSSU - like every other UNC campus - must operate its athletic department on a fiscally responsible basis. And it cannot put the burden of doing so all on the backs of its students. Particularly in light of current economic conditions, Chancellor Reaves made the hard - but right - choice to put academic priorities ahead of athletic aspirations.”
“Even though the decision has been made to remain at Division II, we will continue to develop options for increasing revenue for our athletic program,” said Reaves. “We have increased our marketing efforts for the 2009 football season and we hope that will support our efforts to increase ticket sales, sponsorships and other fund-raising activities.”
The process of reclassifying the WSSU athletic program to Division II will begin with a letter of intent to the NCAA Division II Membership Services Sub-Committee. The university will also have to reduce the size of its athletic program from the Division I to the Division II level, which includes reducing the number of athletic scholarships. There also may need to be reductions in the size of the athletic staff in order to generate the savings needed to run the program within the parameters of the resources that are available.
“With regard to our students-athletes, some of whom will be affected by this decision, we will be working with each affected-student to ensure that to the extent possible they are held harmless. Those who may be affected by this move, either through loss of scholarship or the move from Division I athletics, will be given as much guidance and assistance as possible,” Reaves explained. “While our athletic program is very important to the university, our number one short-term priority is the well-being of our student-athletes.”
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, is a public university founded in 1892 in Winston-Salem, NC. WSSU is a historically black university that today is a recognized regional institution offering baccalaureate and graduate programs to a diverse student population. U.S. News and World Report has ranked the university among Top Public Comprehensive Colleges in the South -- Bachelor’s Category for the last nine years (2001-2009). WSSU currently offers more than 40 baccalaureate and 10 master’s degree programs to a student population of more than 6,400.
Student Athlete Contact
Home and cellular telephone numbers for student-athletes will not be provided and players have been instructed not to accept calls from media members without prior notice from the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations. Please do not attempt to make contact with WSSU student-athletes or coaches without scheduling the interview through the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations.
WSSU Football Practices
The WSSU football team practices at the dual-field practice facility located adjacent to the Bowman Gray Stadium Fieldhouse (at the Civitan Park site). The new state-of-the-art practice facility officially opened in the spring of 2009. Practices are open to the media and are the opportune time for lengthy print or television interviews. Practice times vary according to academic schedules, so please contact the Office of Athletic Media Relations and Assistant Director of Athletics, Chris Zona for the specifics.
Weekly Football Press Conference
The Winston-Salem State University football team will hold a weekly press conference/media day every Wednesday during the season at 11:00 a.m. in the Media and Hospitality Lounge of the WSSU Athletic Fieldhouse, located on the upper level of the WSSU Athletic Fieldhouse. The weekly press conference is open to any member of the working media. The first press conference of the season will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2 with the remainder of the weekly press conferences to be held every Wednesday prior to a Saturday game. The remaining press conferences will occur on September 16, 23 and 30, October 14, 21 and 28, Nov. 4, 11 and Nov. 18. The only exception to the 2009 weekly press conference schedule will be the week of the Rams’ Sept. 10 contest at Florida A&M. Due to time constraints imposed by the Thursday evening television contest, the Rams will not hold a weekly press conference the week of Sept. 6-12. At all weekly press conferences head coach Kermit Blount and select players will be on hand to give general comments and field questions. Requests for the attendance of specific players must be made no later than Monday at 11:00 am prior to the upcoming press conference. Following the press conference, a complimentary lunch will be served to all members of the working media.
Mid-Week Interviews
All interviews with Winston-Salem State University football student-athletes and coaches should be arranged through Chris Zona in the Office of Athletic Media Relations. Please make interview arrangements at least 24 hours in advance. Most interviews will be arranged to start prior to practice or, with time permitting, will be scheduled to take place on the Rams’ weekly media day (Wednesday). Players will not do interviews on game day, except for postgame interviews. Telephone interviews may also be arranged through the Office of Athletic Media Relations.
Official Web Site
Parents, fans, and alumni from around the world can tune into Winston-Salem State University football on the official Internet site of Winston-Salem State University athletics, WSSURAMS.com. In addition to having all the up-to-date information on WSSU athletics, all games broadcast on WSNC 90.5 FM radio will air live on the Rams’ website as well.
WSSU Athletics On Twitter
Follow all of the latest, breaking news on WSSU athletics on Twitter at twitter.com/WSSUAthletics. Scoring updates, game analysis and post game wrap-ups will be posted live on the Rams’ and Lady Rams’ Twitter account. Create an account of your own and follow the WSSU action.
Post-Game Procedures
The WSSU locker room is closed to the media. At all home games, the post-game interview format will be as follows: After a 10 minute, NCAA mandated cooling off period the visiting coach will be escorted to the media room/area. After all visiting interviews are completed, WSSU Head Coach Kermit Blount and all requested WSSU players will report to the media room/area. The media room is located on the upper level of the WSSU Athletic Fieldhouse which is located in the north end zone of Bowman Gray Stadium (contact a WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations staff member for additional information). If the visiting team’s locker room is closed to the media, interviews with opposing-team players are generally held outside the locker room in the hallway (contact the opposing team’s SID for additional information).
WSSU Media Services
A media packet including, but not limited to, a game program, game notes, lineups, roster cards and statistics will be available for each media member before the game. During the game, quickie statistics will be distributed after each quarter of play. Complete play-by-play, scoring summaries, individual, and team statistics will be distributed following each half and at the conclusion of the game in the postgame package. A media meal is provided and is usually served 60 minutes prior to kick-off. Only credentialed media will be allowed in the media dining room. A fax machine will be provided for media use on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no charge for this service. Statistical monitors will be provided for live TV, both radio stations, the Winston-Salem Journal, and the Associated Press. High-speed Internet access is available in the media room and in all press areas.
