The Compass
Friday, November 13, 1998 5
Homecoming *98: A huge success
By Ronel Brewer
For the first time in a long time, my
hat is off to the Student Government
Association of Elizabeth City State Uni
versity.
This year's homecoming was defi
nitely one of the best since I came here
in 1995. Not only did the SGA finally
make money off of the events but they
v^^ere packed to capacity.
The week began with a gospel con
cert that included numerous choirs and
soloists. Our own group. Essence of
Praise, was joined by a group from
Norfolk State University and both per
formed soul-stirring renditions of con
temporary and traditional gospel se
lections that left the audience with a
touch of the spirit.
Next was the splash part y which
had a sizeable turnout considering the
drab weather. The disc jockey, situated
on the balcony of the Vaughn Center,
m.
had a birds eye view of the bodies glis
tening with water.
Tuesday night was "Apollo Night,"
and a ECSU staffer said it was "differ
ent from the last few because we had
some real talent."
The greeks kicked this part of the
program off doing what they do best—
stepping right down the aisle in their
traditional colors.
There were poets, rap artists, singers
and comedians. During intermission
disc jockey Greg Sampson threw on
Atomic Dog and there it was: frater
nity on top of fraternity showing spirit
that helped ready the crowd for the
step show.
But let's not move too fast because
we aren't even halfway through the
week. The fashion show was one of the
most daring and captivating that that
ECSU has seen in a while.Directed by
Darryl Turner, the show kept the crowd
on its feet.
On Thursday true Vikings braved the
weather to party with the DJ's in Will
iams Hall. After the action in the gym
was shut down, the real party began,
with students and visiting alumni stay
ing on the green xmtil the wee hours.
"That's the way it should be," said
aliminus Kevin Morris. "It's still not
where it used to be in my freshman
year but this is definitely an improve
ment."
The really big night for the greeks
was Friday. With standing room room
only in the Vaughn Center, each greek
group's performance was outstanding
and the audience rewarded them for
all of their hard work—their blood.
3^
sweat and tears—with hugs, kisses and
cheers.
This part of the big week didn't end
there. Noreaga, Lord Tariq, Peter Gunz
and a whole cast of others fittingly
brought the night to an end.
Because of the work of Paul Bryant,
assistant dean of student life and his
staff, one of the most important week
ends of the school year was made even
that much more special.
The Student Government Association
and the people associated with each
individual event are to be commended,
as well. And the entire ECSU student
body deserves kudos for making this
one of the most memorable of home
coming celebrations in recent memory.
photo by Eugene O’Neal
From left, Denauvo Robinson, ECSU vice chancellor for development.
Chancellor Mickey L. Burnim, ECSU, Mrs. LaVera Burnim, Hope Jones,
Miss ECSU and Mr. ECSU, Kelsey Lodge.
Four inducted into
ECSU Hall of Fame
photo by Eugene O’Neal
Chancellor and Mrs. Burnim enjoying the Homecoming parade.
By Xavier Wise
Four new members were inducted
into the Elizabeth City State Univer
sity Hall of Fame during Homecoming
weekend.
Though somewhat lost in the atmo
sphere of fashion shows, step shows,
and concerts, the induction ceremony
provided a fitting highlight of the ca
reers and accomplishments of four
mighty Vikings from "back in the day."
When it came to football, Johnnie
Andre Williams was a leader on the
field. One of the highlights of his ca
reer as a Viking was being selected to
play in the first ever black college foot
ball galne at the Louisiana Superdome
in New Orleans. Williams was also se
lected CIAA Player of the Week eight
times.
Not too many people are still around
who would remember the name Ed
ward Cooper, one of the finest offen
sive guards in the history of ECSU foot
ball. A native of Elizabeth City, Cooper
played during a time when statistics
weren't really kept. Cooper played on
the Viking team, all four years and was
named an A11-EL\C Offensive Guard
in 1947.
Wrestling was once an ECSU cham
pionship sport, and George Miller, who
started and lettered during his four
years at ECSU, was one of the finest
the school has produced.
A1974 graduate. Miller was crowned
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Asso
ciation (CIAA) wrestling champion
three times, from 1972-1974. Miller was
NAIA wrestling champion in 1971. He
also excelled in football and was a
member of the 1971 CIAA and NAIA
Championship teams. Miller is one of
the most decorated wrestlers in the his
tory of ECSU.
Before MiUer took to the mat for the
Vikings there was Eric Keyes, a 1970
graduate of ECSU. Keys, a three-time
CIAA champion, was a finalist in each
of his four years. He compiled a career
record of 57-6-1 and was named Out
standing Wrestler of the 1970 CIAA
Championship. He was also named
NAIA Tournament MVP that same
year.