Virginia State begins New Era in Trojan Football; New Coach Andrew Faison opens against Norfolk State

Andrew Faison, who was an all-star defensive-back at Virginia State University, returned home on February 1, 2002 to become the new head football coach.

Following the retirement of Lou Anderson at the end of the 2001 football season, Faison took over the Trojan football program. He was the defensive-coordinator for the Trojans from 1987-1995 before moving on to Winston-Salem State University.

"This is actually what you call a dream come true," Faison said. "To be recruited by a school and play for a school ".. and then have an opportunity to come back and coach here." As the defensive-coordinator for Winston-Salem State University, Coach Faison developed a defense that was ranked at the top of the charts of the CIAA in many categories and in the NCAA Division II rankings. His defenses helped the Rams (WSSU) capture CIAA titles in 1999 and 2000.

Besides being a meticulous x’s and o’s kind of coach, Faison is also an outstanding recruiter. Stephon Kelly (FS) and Robert Mackey (DL) led the CIAA in interceptions and QB sacks for Winston-Salem State University. Both players were recruited by Coach Faison to play at WSSU.

Coach Faison will open the season against the Spartans of Norfolk State University on August 31, 2002 in Norfolk, VA.

Coach Faison returns home to "The Land Of Troy" to lead the fighting Trojans into battle against all comers. The Trojans have added St. Augustine’s College to their 2002 schedule. The Falcons of St. Augustine’s College has not participated in collegiate football since the 1960’s.

For the 2002 season, the Trojans have moved their homecoming date from late October to early October. Homecoming 2002 will be on October 5, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. versus the Bears of Livingstone College.

Last year the Trojans finished the season 3-6 overall and 2-4 in the CIAA. After the 2001 season, Coach Lou Anderson retired. Coach Faison will be starting a brand new era in Trojan Football. The Trojan football team will be taking a renewed attitude to the football field for 2002.

Virginia State University
Trojan Football 2002 Schedule

AUGUST 31	NORFOLK STATE (Labor Day Classic)	7: 30 PM	NORFOLK , VA
SEPTEMBER 7	OPEN
SEPTEMBER 14	JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIV. (Military Day)	6:30 PM	PETERSBURG, VA
SEPTEMBER 21	N. C. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY	6:00 PM	DURHAM, NC
SEPTEMBER 28	ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE (Parent Weekend)	6:30 PM	PETERSBURG, VA
OCTOBER 5	LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE (HOMECOMING)	1:30 PM	PETERSBURG, VA
OCTOBER 12	ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIV.	1:30 PM	ELIZABETH CITY, NC
OCTOBER 19	FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIV.	1:30 PM	FAYETTEVILLE, NC
OCTOBER 26	WINSTON-SALEM ST. UNIV. (High School Day)	1:30 PM	PETERSBURG, VA
NOVEMBER 2	VIRGINIA UNION UNIV. (Gold Bowl)	1:30 PM	RICHMOND, VA
NOVEMBER 9	BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY	1:00 PM	BOWIE, MD