Rams/Eagle Classic moved to Winston-Salem

WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- The location of a football game between Winston-Salem State and North Carolina Central universities, has been moved to Winston-Salem's Bowman-Gray stadium, officials at both universities announced Friday.

The October 25th game, most recently scheduled to take place in Atlantic City, N.J., and coined the Boardwalk Classic, was to showcase Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association football in the North East while continuing a long-standing WSSU Rams -- NCCU Eagles rivalry. The game was originally scheduled to take place in Winston-Salem's Bowman-Gray Stadium.

Current financial standings and forecasts proved insufficient and not in the best interest of either institution to continue planning a game in Atlantic City, officials said.

The game will be hosted by the WSSU Rams. Both WSSU Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. and NCCU Chancellor James H. Ammons regret any inconvenience to the fans of WSSU, NCCU, the CIAA or the city of Atlantic City, N.J.

"We appreciate the ringing endorsement of Rams sports fans as evidence by the scores of fans who were ready to show Ram spirit in the resort town of Atlantic City," said Chancellor Martin.

Chancellor Ammons said that he hopes to see Eagles fans turnout in Winston-Salem in great numbers. He noted that he and Dr. Martin have organized a joint committee to plan festivities to ensure the game is a fun- filled day for Rams and Eagles.

"We are looking forward to a great match on the gridiron," said Ammons. "We believe that our decision was in the best interest of both universities."

A wager between the chancellors has been made. If the Eagles win, Chancellor Martin will display a NCCU Eagle symbol in his office until next season. If the Rams win, Chancellor Ammons will display a roaring ram statue on his desk until 2004.