Students, alumni and employees react to Alcorn’s SWAC Championship win
This football season was monumental for the Alcorn State University Braves. Their 2014 Southwestern Athletic Championship win and Black College Championship honor has given Alcorn students, alumni and employees bragging rights in the SWAC and confidence in their team’s potential future dominance. For Alcorn senior Frederick Brown, the Braves’ accomplishments turned his hopes for the team into reality.
“I am beyond elated to have witnessed this moment in history,” said Brown. “It seems like a dream come true. Those guys have really played their hearts out this season and they deserved their success.”
Junior Draven Howard is happy about the Braves hard work and looks forward to the team’s quest to become a dynasty in the SWAC.
“I’m ecstatic. I can’t wait for them to win more championships in the future,” said Howard. “It’s been 20 years so they deserved this championship. Persistence, faith and diligence are the foundation that the team and our school stands on.”
Alcorn alum and former Student Government Association (SGA) President Ryan Martin believes the Braves’ championship will work wonders for school spirit on campus and raising funds.
“Alcorn winning the SWAC Championship is great for morale and scholarship fundraising,” said Martin. “I’m very proud of our football team, coaching staff, student body and alumni for supporting the Braves on their journey.”
Gregory Thomas, who is also an Alcorn alum, thinks that the results of the Braves’ dream season will attract attention from more media outlets and attract more students to campus.
“As SWAC champions, we have gained national attention, which will ultimately assist with recruiting,” said Thomas.
Alcorn employee Tanya Carr had faith in the Braves’ chances of claiming the SWAC long before they actually won.
“Personally, our student athletes were already champions,” said Carr. “I think it was awesome for them to go out and show everyone that they were more than capable of winning the SWAC.”
Director of Athletic Development Larry Smith echoed Carr’s feelings about the Braves.
“Although it took 20 years to reach this accomplishment again, the coaching staff and student-athletes will always be champions,” said Smith.
