Announcements From The Circle City Classic®
The Albany State University (Albany, GA) Golden Rams and the Kentucky State University (Frankfort, KY) Thorobreds will meet on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. in Lucas Oil Stadium for the 28th Annual Circle City Classic® Football Game, the first appearance for both teams.
Tickets go on sale Monday, Apr. 11, at 10 a.m. for the annual event hosted by Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) and Indiana Sports Corporation. Prices for the football game range from $15 to $50 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, Lucas Oil Stadium Box Office, and the IBE Box Office, 3145 N. Meridian Street.
“The Circle City Classic® is one of the oldest Classics in the country and provides an opportunity to showcase historically black colleges and universities to Indiana families and visitors to the city,” said Tanya Bell, IBE president and CEO. “Proceeds from the collegiate football game contribute to the Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $2.5 million since its inception in 1984. More than $150,000 will be distributed this year to Indiana students who want to pursue a higher education.”
“We have enjoyed our 27-year partnership with Indiana Black Expo in hosting this great event,” said Susan Williams, Indiana Sports Corporation president. “The event not only draws visitors to our city for a weekend of fun and celebration, but it provides wonderful educational opportunities for the youth of Indiana.”
For more than 40 years, IBE has been committed to and played a vital role in assisting Indiana students in their pursuit of higher education. For the first time, applications for the 2011 Circle City Classic® Scholarships are online and user-friendly.
Scholarships will be awarded to current high school seniors and students currently enrolled in a post secondary institution who exhibit outstanding leadership, scholarship and community service. Emphasis will be placed on financial need and first generation students. Additionally, in order to support the mission of Circle City Classic®, at least two scholarships will be distributed to students attending HBCUs with particular preference given to the universities participating in the Circle City Classic® Football Game.
Each applicant will be evaluated based on the application information provided and recipients will be selected by a review committee. The scholarships are funded by proceeds from the Circle City Classic® Football Game and are payable upon recipient’s full-time enrollment in a post secondary institution.
Circle City Classic fans have witnessed some of football’s best athletes over the years, including Alabama A&M University alum Robert Mathis. Mathis, now an Indianapolis Colts defensive end, had four sacks for the Bulldogs as they defeated Southern University, 27-11, in the 2002 Classic. Jerry Rice, the NFL’s all-time leading pass receiver and MVP of Super Bowl XXIII, caught eight passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns as his Mississippi Valley State team won the inaugural Circle City Classic over Grambling State, 48-36, in 1984. Former NFL All-Pro quarterback the late Steve McNair passed for 433 yards and three scores when he played for Alcorn State in the Scalping Braves’ 46-27 win over Howard in the 1991 Classic.
For more information about the 28th Annual Circle City Classic®, including the Scholarship Application, go towww.circlecityclassic.com or call (317) 237-5222.
Albany State University
Coach Mike White, in his 10th season as head coach at Albany State University, helped shape the Golden Rams football program into one of the best in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II levels during his 11 seasons as head coach. He led the 2010 Golden Rams to a spectacular 11-1 overall record and a perfect 10-0 regular season finish, and an impressive appearance in the NCAA Division II Football Championships.
Kentucky State University
Coach Wayne Dickens is entering his third season as head coach of the Kentucky State University Football Team. The Thorobreds wrapped their 2010 season with a record of 3-8 overall and 2-7 in the SIAC but are focused on improving with their strong recruiting class.
ABOUT INDIANA BLACK EXPO, INC.
Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) is a year-round, multifaceted community service organization with 12 chapters around the state of Indiana. IBE is well known for its two major fundraisers, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic®. This 501(c) (3) nonprofit is governed by a board of directors comprised of individuals and community leaders from around the state of Indiana and employs a full-time staff. The mission is to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. To learn more about Indiana Black Expo, Inc. go towww.indianablackexpo.com.
