[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 142 (Friday, October 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE TUSKEGEE-MOREHOUSE FOOTBALL CLASSIC

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a classic 
gridiron rivalry, the 78th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic, 
which is known as the ``Matchless Classic of All Historically Black 
College Football Classics.'' This year, the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse 
College will meet face-to-face with the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee 
University at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Georgia on 
Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
  The Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic, one of the longest running 
NCAA Division II classics in the nation, marks a rivalry that began in 
1902 and has been played seventy-seven times in over a century. It 
first began as an entertainment event for the African-American civilian 
community and African-American U.S. Army soldiers in Columbus and Fort 
Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. Today, it helps raise funds 
to provide young men and women with scholarships to help them attend 
college.
  In 1955, the Classic Committee was formed by the late Mr. Gordon H. 
Kitchen, Mr. A.J. McClung, and Mr. Carl Haygood. The Committee 
continues to organize the Classic and has preserved the vision and 
mission of its legendary founders and past leadership. This year, the 
Committee will welcome Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., the Eleventh 
President of Morehouse College; Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon, the Sixth 
President of Tuskegee University; and Dr. Beverly Tatum, the Ninth 
President of Spelman College.
  This is the ninth year the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic will 
be played in the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, which was named for the 
late Honorable A.J. McClung, a 1933 graduate of Tuskegee University, 
Chairman Emeritus of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic and 29-
year member of the Columbus Council who served as Mayor of Columbus in 
1973.
  The weeks leading up to this longstanding tradition are filled with 
excitement and anticipation. The Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic Parade is 
widely attended and filled with fanfare. The weeklong schedule of 
events also includes church services, recruitment activities, a media 
press conference, a golf tournament, Presidents/Queens Brunch, VIP 
Reception and high-spirited tailgating with thousands of fans from all 
over the United States and abroad.
  Throughout the years, the high quality of play and competition 
between the two teams on the field has represented college football at 
its best. The players and coaches of both teams train and work 
tirelessly to ensure a memorable classic. Each Classic features a 
spectacular show put on by the marching bands, the Piperettes, Mahogany 
in Motion, cheerleaders, flag teams and other auxiliary units. It 
always generates enthusiastic responses from proud fans cheering loudly 
for their teams.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the Maroon 
Tigers of Morehouse College and the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee 
University as they compete in this classic gridiron rivalry. Naturally, 
I will be cheering for my beloved Alma Mater, Morehouse College. 
Despite the outcome, however, the 78th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse 
Football Classic is sure to be a memorable affair overflowing with 
spirit, pride, and tradition on behalf of the students, alumni, 
administrations, families, and supporters.

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