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The '''[[North Carolina A&T Aggies]]''' are the [[college football]] team representing the [[North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University]]. The Aggies play in [[NCAA Division I Football Championship]] as a member of the [[Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference]].
The '''[[North Carolina A&T Aggies]]''' are the [[college football]] team representing the [[North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University]]. The Aggies play in [[NCAA Division I Football Championship]] as a member of the [[Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference]].

==History==
===Early History (1901-1924)===
In 1901, the team played its first game, losing to [[Livingstone College]]. The team played only one game during the 1901 season and did not field another team until 1906.<ref>{{cite web|title=NC A&T Yearly Results- 1901|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/mideastern/north_carolina_a&t/yearly_results.php?year=1901|website=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com|publisher=College Football Warehouse|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref> In the program's early years, the team would sporadically field teams, having periods between 1907-1911; 1913; and 1917 where there was no team. Due to the outbreak of [[World War I]], the school did not field a team, but resumed play once again in 1919 competing against neighboring [[Bennett College]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NC A&T Yearly Results- 1915-1919|http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/mideastern/north_carolina_a&t/1915-1919_yearly_results.php|website=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com|publisher=College Football Warehouse|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref> It wasn't until 1923, that A&T's first coach of record, L.P. Byarm, would come along to lead the team.<ref name="Coaching Record">{{cite web|title=North Carolina A&T Coaching Records|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/mideastern/north_carolina_a&t/coaching_records.php|website=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com|publisher=College Football Warehouse|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref>


==Home stadium==
==Home stadium==

Revision as of 16:06, 1 October 2014

North Carolina A&T
2014 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team
File:NCAT Bulldog Logo.png
First season1901
Head coach
4th season, 12–10 (.545)
StadiumAggie Stadium (North Carolina A&T)
(capacity: 21,500)
Field surfaceNatural grass
LocationGreensboro, North Carolina
All-time record461–415–46 (.525)
Bowl record3–4–0 (.429)
Claimed national titles3
Conference titles11
Consensus All-Americans33
Current uniform
File:Nopicture.png
ColorsNavy Blue and Gold
   
Fight song"Aggie Fight Song"
"Old Aggie Spirit"
MascotAggies
Marching bandBlue & Gold Marching Machine
Websitencataggies.com

The North Carolina A&T Aggies are the college football team representing the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The Aggies play in NCAA Division I Football Championship as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

History

Early History (1901-1924)

In 1901, the team played its first game, losing to Livingstone College. The team played only one game during the 1901 season and did not field another team until 1906.[1] In the program's early years, the team would sporadically field teams, having periods between 1907-1911; 1913; and 1917 where there was no team. Due to the outbreak of World War I, the school did not field a team, but resumed play once again in 1919 competing against neighboring Bennett College.[2] It wasn't until 1923, that A&T's first coach of record, L.P. Byarm, would come along to lead the team.[3]

Home stadium

The Aggies play home football games at Aggie Stadium which opened in 1981. Before the construction of Aggie Stadium, North Carolina A&T Aggies played their home football games at Greensboro’s War Memorial Stadium, which was home to the nearby minor league baseball franchise. The university saw a great need to have an on campus stadium that could hold the growing number of fans attending home football games. Aggie Stadium was designed by architect W. Edward Jenkins, a North Carolina A&T alumnus, and opened in 1981. The first game played there was on September 12, 1981 against local rival Winston Salem State University to an overflow crowd of more than 23,000 fans.[4] To date, the largest single game attendance at Aggie Stadium was set in 2001 when 34,769 people were in attendance for a football game against the rattlers of Florida A&M University.

Culture

A&T football has traditions that range from the long standing, to new. The following are football traditions associated with the Aggie football program:

Marching band

The Aggie Football Team is supported by The North Carolina A&T State University Blue and Gold Marching Machine, the university's marching band. Started in 1918, it is one of the longest standing traditions of A&T football. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine perform the pre-game ceremonies, halftime, and post game for all A&T home football games, in addition to traveling to most away contests.

Mascot

"Aggie," sometimes referred to as the "Aggie Dawg" (or Aggie Dog), is the live mascot for North Carolina A&T. Although, the physical representation of the athletic teams is a bulldog, the term "Aggie" has a historical connection to the university. The term "Aggie" has long been used to refer to students who attend agricultural schools. Hence the reason the university adopted the nickname "Aggies" when the school was founded in 1891.[5]

Traditions

At the conclusion of all home games, and away games in which the marching band travels, the coaches, players, cheerleaders, and student section gather near the marching band to since the school song, Dear A&T. Another A&T football tradition is the Student Section. The Aggie Livewires, have been the official cheering section of the Aggies since their inception in 1995. The Livewires are known for starting cheers, spreading spirit at athletic events, and their involvement on campus and the community at large. The student organization occupies section R in the West grandstand of Aggie Stadium, next to the band.

Rivalries

The Aggie's chief rival is it's in-state, and fellow MEAC competitor, North Carolina Central University. While its rivalry with North Carolina Central University is its most renowned and intense, North Carolina A&T has a historic rivalry with Winston-Salem State University, and to a lesser degree with South Carolina State University.

North Carolina Central University

Commonly referred to as the "Aggie–Eagle rivalry," this particular rivalry dates back to the first Aggie Football game in 1924; in which the game ended in a 13-13 tie. The intensity of the rivalry is driven by the proximity of the two schools, as both are only 55 miles apart via U.S. Interstate 85, the size of the two schools, as North Carolina A&T is the largest Historically Black College and University in the state with North Carolina Central being the second, and the fact that both schools are competing for many of the same students and athletes. Fans of both teams tend to place great emphasis on this rivalry and the intensity of it causes splits among many families, marriages, and other groups over their respective teams.

Winston-Salem State University

The rivalry with Winston-Salem State is arguably, the second most important rival of the Aggies. The series dates back to 1952, and has roots in the CIAA, where both teams were at one time members. The rivalry is driven by the close proximity of the two schools, as both are approximately 30 miles apart via U.S. Interstate 40, coaching personnel and conference ties once shared by both schools. Since Winston-Salem State's decision to discontinue the transition to Division I citing financial reasons, this rivalry has been placed on hold for the foreseeable future.[6]

Coaches

The Aggies have had 18 coaches in their 113-year history. William "Bill" Hayes holds the distinction of being the All-Time Winningest Coach in the program's history, with 106 victories.[7] Over the span of his 15 season career at A&T, Hayes let the Aggies to 2 Black College National titles, the program's first ever win in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, and 3 MEAC titles.[8]

Current coaching staff

Name Position
Rod Broadway Head Coach
Rickey Bustle Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Sam Washington Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
Shawn Gibbs Running Backs
Keith Wagner Offensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator
Charles Cheek Inside Linebackers
Courtney Coard Defensive Line
Chip Hester Wide Receivers
Trei Oliver Outside Linebackers/Travel Coordinator
Colin Williams Tight Ends
Cedric Walthaw Strength and Conditioning

Championships

National championships

North Carolina A&T has been awarded the Black college football national championship a total of 3 times in the program's history. Though this title is not recognized by the NCAA, it is awarded to the best historically black collegiate program competing in either the NCAA's Division I FCS level or Division II.

Year Coach Selector Overall Record Conference Record
1968[Notes 1] Hornsby Howell Pittsburgh Courier 8–1 6–1 (CIAA)
1990[Notes 2] William "Bill" Hayes American Sports Wire 9–2 5–2 (MEAC)
1999 William "Bill" Hayes American Sports Wire 11–2 8–0 (MEAC)
National Championships 3

In 1951, North Carolina A&T was awarded a national title outside of the Black college national championship.

Undefeated seasons

Year Record Conference Record Coach
1927 8–0–0 7–0-0 (CIAA) Lonnie P. Byarm
1943 4–0–0 3–0-0 (CIAA) Charles U. DeBerry
Undefeated Seasons 2
Perfect Seasons (no losses or ties) 2

Conference Championships

North Carolina A&T joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference as a founding member in 1969. Before that the Aggies were members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA), where they won 5 conference titles. Since joining the MEAC, A&T has claimed 6 conference titles.

Year Coach Conference Overall Record Conference Record
1927 Lonnie P. Byarm CIAA 8–0–0 7–0–0
1950 William M. Bell CIAA 6–2–1 5–0–1
1958 Bert C. Piggott CIAA 7–2–0 7–0–0
1959 Bert C. Piggott CIAA 6–2–0 6–0–0
1964 Bert C. Piggott CIAA 6–3–1 6–0–1
1975[Notes 3] Hornsby Howell MEAC 5–1–0 6–0
1986 Maurice “Mo” Forte MEAC 9–3–0 4–1–0
1991 William “Bill” Hayes MEAC 9–3–0 5–1–0
1992 William “Bill” Hayes MEAC 9–3–0 5–1–0
1999 William “Bill” Hayes MEAC 11–2–0 8–0
2003 George Small MEAC 10–3–0 6–1–0
Total conference championships 11[7]

All time records

All-time bowl games

Date played Winning team Losing team Bowl
January 1, 1943 North Carolina A&T (CIAA) 14 Southern (SWAC) 12 Flower Bowl
January 1, 1945 Tyler Junior College 18 North Carolina A&T (CIAA) 0 Flower Bowl
January 1, 1949 Kentucky State (Midwestern) 23 North Carolina A&T (CIAA) 3 Vulcan Bowl
December 10, 1949 North Carolina A&T (CIAA) 20 Florida A&M (SIAC) 14 Orange Blossom Classic
December 2, 1978 Virginia Union (CIAA) 21 North Carolina A&T (MEAC) 6 Gold Bowl
December 6, 1980 North Carolina A&T (MEAC) 37 North Carolina Central (CIAA) 0 Gold Bowl
December 21, 1991 Alabama State (SWAC) 36 North Carolina A&T (MEAC) 13 Heritage Bowl

Aggies in the Pros

Aggies in the NFL
NFL Draft selections
Total selected: 20
First picks in draft: 0
1st Round: 0
NFL achievements
Total Players: 32
In the Pro Bowl: 1
In the Super Bowl: 3
Hall of Famers: 1

Over 30[9] former North Carolina A&T players have gone on to play professionally for the NFL, CFL, AFL and other leagues including: Jessie Britt, Dwaine Carpenter, Junius Coston, Tom Day, Curtis Deloatch, Henry Douglas, Cornell Gordon, Michael Hamilton, Maurice Hicks, Melvin Holmes, Jason Horton, Toran James, Jamal Jones, Qasim Mitchell, Mel Phillips, George Ragsdale, George Small, Maurice Smith, Walter Stith, Joe Taylor, Dick Westmoreland and Donald Willis.

Other notable former Aggie football players include: Robert "Stonewall" Jackson, the first player from a Historically Black College to be drafted into the NFL;[10] Pro Bowl player J.D. Smith;[11] Super Bowl champions Dwaine Board,[12] Cornell Gordon,[13] Troy Pelshak;[14] and Hall of fame inductee Elvin Bethea[15]

Future non-conference opponents

2015 2016 2017 2018
at University of North Carolina TBA TBA TBA
TBA TBA TBA TBA
TBA TBA TBA TBA
TBA TBA TBA TBA

At the start of the 2014 football season, it was announced that the Aggies have signed a one year contract to play the University of North Carolina Tarheels on September 12, 2015 in Chapel Hill. This game will mark the first meeting between the two teams.[16]

Notes

  1. ^ The 1968 Black college national football championship was shared with the Alcorn State Braves
  2. ^ The 1990 Black college national football championship was shared with the Central State Marauders
  3. ^ The 1975 MEAC Championship was shared with the South Carolina State Bulldogs

References

  1. ^ "NC A&T Yearly Results- 1901". http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com. College Football Warehouse. Retrieved 11 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  2. ^ "NC A&T Yearly Results- 1915-1919". http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com. College Football Warehouse. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); External link in |website= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); Text "http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/mideastern/north_carolina_a&t/1915-1919_yearly_results.php" ignored (help)
  3. ^ "North Carolina A&T Coaching Records". http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com. College Football Warehouse. Retrieved 11 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  4. ^ Blue Death Valley: The History of Aggie Stadium
  5. ^ Dr. Albert W. Spruill. "Origins of The Aggie Bulldog". Bluedeathvalley.com. Retrieved 2010-05-22.
  6. ^ "With Deficits Mounting, Winston-Salem State Steps Back From Division I". The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "2009 NC A&T Aggies Football Media Guide" (PDF). http://www.ncataggies.com. North Carolina A&T Athletics. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  8. ^ "William Hayes - Greensboro Sports Commission". http://www.greensborosports.org. Greensboro Sports Commission. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  9. ^ http://www.pro-football-reference.com/colleges/nocarolinaat/
  10. ^ "Robert "Stonewall" Jackson - NCCU Hall of Fame Bio". http://nccueaglepride.com. North Carolina Central University. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  11. ^ "J.D. Smith Bio". http://www.nfl.com. National Football League. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  12. ^ "Dwaine Board Bio". http://www.clevelandbrowns.com. National Football League. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  13. ^ "Cornell Gordon Bio". http://www.newyorkjets.com. National Football League. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  14. ^ "Troy Pelshak Statistics". http://www.justsportsstats.com. Just Sports Stats. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  15. ^ "Elvin Bethea Pro Football Hall of Fame profile". http://www.profootballhof.com. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved 10 September 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  16. ^ Sirera, Joe. "N.C. A&T football team will play at UNC in 2015". News & Observer. Retrieved 10 September 2014.

External links