Basketball
Herman Boone, the subject of blockbuster movie hit "Remember Titans" is a North Carolina Central University alumnus. In 1971, the city of Alexandria, Virginia integrated its school system and named Herman as its first consolidated head football coach. The result was one of the most powerful and influential football teams in the State of Virginia. The Titans of Virginia were ranked second in the nation, but what was amazing is the unity that this team brought to a city torn apart by prejudice. Boone's record includes five championships and five Coach of the Year recognitions. Because of the nationally told story, Boone will not only be known as the coach who brought peace and harmony to the town of Alexandria, but one man's heroic story will touch the world in 2000.
Richard "Pee Wee" Kirkland began his basketball career on the playgrounds of New York, where he found success and fame at the Rucker Tournaments. After attending Norfolk State, he was a draft pick for the Chicago Bulls. He then founded a non-profit group, School of Skillz, whose aim is to teach the youth of Harlem basketball and more importantly the values that will keep them off the street and away from the fast life.
John H. Baker, a North Carolina Central University alumnus and a 12 year NFL veteran, is in his fifth year as elected Sheriff of Wake County. Before wearing the starred uniform, Baker wore the jersey's of the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. For exemplified civic leadership and athletic achievement, Baker is also a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Central University Hall of Fame.
Delores "Dee" Todd, a Winston-Salem University graduate is the first woman to serve as Assistant Commissioner in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Todd began her career as a high school coach, then joined the collegiate ranks at the Northwestern Athletic Department as its first full time Head Women's Cross Country and Track Coach. She was named Cross Country's Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1983. "Dee" then joined Georgia Tech's coaching staff where she was a three time Georgia State Coach of the Year. In 1988 DeLores made the transition from Coach to Administrator, joining the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Howard "Brutus" Wilson, , will be remembered for his play on the field as well as his role as a coach. Howard was first recognized for his role as quarterback of the Morgan State University (Morgan State College) football team. In his fourth year he led his team to an undefeated season, earning him All CIAA and All American honors. He then went on to coach for both Winston-Salem State University and Shaw University. In 1947 not one single opponent scored in the double digits against his team and most did not score at all. The final touch to this undefeated season was their win against South Carolina State that earned Shaw the National Bowl Title.
"Coach" Henry Boyd Hucles, former Virginia Union University coach and Athletic Administrator brought national attention to his university and conference in 1942. As Head Basketball Coach, he led his basketball team to defeat the Blackbirds of Long Island University; considered to be the number one team in history, acquiring the original "Dream Team" name. From 1939 to 1942 his team held the CIAA title.