edited by I. wiles
Sports
Page r2 '1 lie News Argils
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
vnuv.thenewsargiis.com
Rams season: tigiit losses, dramatic conclusions
LATASHA
MILES
Sports Editor
The Winston-Salem State football team had a 2009
season filled with growing pains.
The Rams, who played their last
year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic
Conference, saw an emotional exit to
their head coach Kermit Blount.
Blount is a 1980 WSSU graduate and
a former four-year starting quarter
back for the Rams. He held the head
coaching position for 17 years.
"Having known Kermit for so
many years, I have tremendous
respect for him," said Bill Hayes in a
recent statement to WSSU Media
Relations. Hayes will become the University's new
athletic director in January.
"However, I support a change in leadership for the
football program in order to improve our recruiting
efforts, to create more excitement and enthusiasm for
the program among the students, and to build sup
port among the alumni and within the community."
The Rams posted 10 points in each of their first four
games, all which were losses, including a 16-10 over
time defeat by Morgan State on the road during the
Urban Classic League. Their losses to NC A&T,
Florida A&M, Morgan State, and South Carolina State
were by margins of nine, 24, six, and 17 points.
Their closest loss was a four-point 7-3 defeat from
Howard University Oct. 3.
After an open date, the Rams traveled to Davis,
Calif, to take on the University of California, Davis.
Three fumbles by the Rams helped to secure the 45-14
victory for the Aggies.
0'|^Q|^0g continued from Page 11
WSSU did not reach their first win until Oct. 24, a
16-10 victory over Bethune-Cookman in Daytona
Beach, Fla. during the Wildcats' homecoming. The
Rams win was propelled by two scores in the last nine
minutes of the game with a rushing touchdown by
junior running back Cedric Hickman and a field goal
by Landen Thayer.
The following week during their own Homecoming
the Rams suffered a 16-13 overtime loss to Hampton.
WSSU concluded the season with three more close
losses to Delaware State Nov. 7 with a final of 24-21;
to NC Central Nov. 14 with a score of 18-10; and to
Norfolk State Nov. 21 with a score of 28-21.
"It was a disappointing season," said Chedrick
Marshall, a senior who plays linebacker from
Greensboro. Marshall finished second on the team in
tackles with 60 behind sophomore Akeem Ward with
70.
"We could have finished games a lot better. More
plays should have been made in the fourth quarter
and less mistakes," Marshall said.
WSSU's young offensive line gave up 32 sacks, an
improvement from the 36 given up in the 2008 season.
The Rams lost 14 fumbles and eight interceptions,
while averaging 12.5 points a game.
WSSU totaled 138 points on the season compared to
their opponents 244. Thayer was the Rams scoring
leader with 42 points. He was 9-16 on field goals and
15-16 on extra points. The West Forsyth High School
graduate also served as the Rams punter averaging 40
yards per punt.
"I did the best I could for the team, just like they did
their best," Thayer said.
The Rams had their struggles in the running game.
Despite running the ball more than 62 percent, the
Rams averaged a stagnant three yards per carry and
did not record a 100-yard rusher during the 2009 cam
paign.
In the wide receiving corps, junior Omar Kizzie
averaged 10.5 yards a catch, and he also scored four of
the Rams final five touchdowns of the season.
WSSU's defense had a solid season overall. The
Rams surrendered 21 points a game, 166 yards pass
ing, and 134.5 yards rushing.
Of the 118 Division I-FCS teams in the country, the
Rams defense placed in the top 25 in two statistical
categories; 19th in pass efficiency defense and the 300
yards given up per game put them in 23rd place.
"Every player on defense wanted to make all the
plays," Marshall said.
"As a defensive guy, I know this was the best
defense this University has ever had."
During the Rams transition to the Division I level,
WSSU defeated every team in the MEAC at least once,
except for Norfolk State and S.C. State.
Going back to Division II next season, the Rams will
re-enter the Central Intercollegiate Athletic
Association, a division where they have won several
championships.
"Next year, we'll make back to the CIAA, going
back down to Division II," said senior linebacker
Devease Simpson also from Greensboro.
"The good thing is a lot of the athletes are returning.
We only had about six to eight seniors, so you will see
a lot of returning faces.
"We will see what the 2010 season has to offer."
done that, and we're very proud of
that."
Stokes informed Chancellor Reaves
and her team of the decision to move
on from coaching before the season
began; however, there has not been a
coach-in-waiting named.
Bill Hayes, who will take over as
Athletic Director Jan. 1 will choose
Stokes's replacement.
According to Reaves, however
Stokes said she would not turn down
the opportunity to be involved in the
decision-making process.
"1 would like to have some input if
they will allow me to because I want
this program to continue to grow,"
Stokes said.
"I want WSSU to continue to be an
outstanding program in the future. I
don't want it to take a step back, so
hopefully, I will be able to have input
on who the next coach will be," Stokes
continued.
"I will offer my service if that's
what's needed."
Stokes said that although coaching is
not a priority for her right now, it
would be more of a secondary role,
and she may juggle coaching with
administration. She said she wants to
have a greater influence on young peo
ple.
"Basketball has been a part of my life
since I was four years old," Stokes said.
"It will always be a part of my life.
Just because I'm not coaching, doesn't
mean I won't be involved in basketball.
I'll still attend games. I will always be
a fan. I won't step away in that regard.
"I just won't be roaming the side
lines."
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