June 20, 2008
MOBILE, Ala. - One of the most intense college
football rivalries in the South has found a "classic" home in Mobile.
Southern University and Alabama State University have agreed
to move their annual match-up to Ladd-Peebles Stadium for the Gulf Coast Classic
through at least 2011. This year's 35th anniversary game will be held
Saturday, Nov. 15.
"For the past several years, it has been our intent to
bring the game full circle into a true classic- a contest between common opponents
on a common date on an annual basis," said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. "We're
finally there and the city of Mobile is extremely excited to have two teams
both under 200 miles from here with strong alumni and fan bases. There's
no doubt this is absolutely the right path for this game."
The Gulf Coast Classic has been held in Mobile for the last
34 years, and ASU has participated every year since its inception in 1974.
"There is something special about the ASU-Southern rivalry,"
said ASU Interim Athletic Director Ron Dickerson. "ASU fans already love
coming to Mobile for the Gulf Coast Classic. Now, with Southern's participation
solidified for the next several years, fans from both sides will be thrilled."
Southern has played in 11 Gulf Coast Classics, and their followers,
known as "the Jaguar Nation," have developed a reputation for the
large crowds they carry to away games.
"This agreement benefits everyone greatly," said
Southern Athletic Director Greg LeFleur. "We're excited to be involved
in the Classic and Mobile is an excellent meeting place and host for the universities."
The annual match-up between the Southwestern Athletic Conference
foes has grown into a fierce rivalry. Over the last decade, the ASU Hornets
and the SU Jaguars have played some of the most exciting and memorable games
in the conference -- including match-ups in back to back SWAC championships
games, with each team winning once.
Last year's Gulf Coast Classic -- which was televised
nationally by ESPNU -- set a new record for the most RVs and motor homes
on the inside of Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
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About the Gulf Coast Classic: The Gulf Coast Classic, the only
regular season college football game annually played in Mobile, is owned and
managed locally by the Gulf Coast Scholar and Sports Foundation. The Foundation
is a non-profit organization and was established to directly impact the lives
of students and student-athletes who reside along the Gulf Coast.
The Foundation awards scholarships and youth sports sponsorships
to those individuals or teams that have displayed outstanding academic and athletic
achievements.
For more information on the Gulf Coast Scholar and Sports Foundation,
call (251) 344-2000 or visit www.gulfcoastscholarandsports.org.
