The Only Black College Football Bowl Features Virginia Union and Tuskegee
December 6, 2001
The 5th Annual Pioneer Bowl will feature the top two successful football programs in Black College Football history, the Panthers of Virginia Union University (8-2) and the Tigers of Tuskegee University (10-1).
Virginia Union's football program is listed 2nd in victories among Black College Football, with 490 victories, second only to Tuskegee's 541. The Panthers of VUU, Richmond, Virginia will be making their first Pioneer Bowl appearance, but are not new to post-season endeavors. In the Panther trophy case are evidence of seven CIAA Championships and six NCAA Division II playoff berths.
Having the Dean of CIAA Football, Willard Bailey, as the Head Coach, is enough to send opposing teams to an extra hour of playbook studying. Bailey, a 28 year veteran collegiate football coach, is the winningest head coach in the CIAA history, with combined stints at Virginia Union and Norfolk State University for a career record of 199-102-7. Nationally, Bailey is in the contingency for the second spot in winningest active coaches in Division II, and in Black College Football (all divisions). A win for the 2001 CIAA Football Champions will take Coach Bailey to the 200th milestone.
Tuskegee, the defending Black College National Champion, will attempt to maintain their Pioneer Bowl champion status. The Golden Tigers have won the last 22 of 23 games and are led by the 2000 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Coach of the Year, Rick Comegy. Comegy, in his sixth season with Tuskegee, has compiled a 53-16 record, making history last year as one of four colleges in the nation with an undefeated season. Overall, Comegy is 71-41 in ten seasons, with tenures at Cheyney University (PA) and Central State (OH).
The best squads representing the CIAA and SIAC will kick-off 1:30 pm in the Georgia Dome, Saturday December 22, 2001. For ticket information call the SIAC at 770-908-0482 or Ticketmaster 1-800-326-4000. Family packages are available for $40 when calling the SIAC office.
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