Hampton, VA - The CIAA Tournament's move to Raleigh next month brings about many changes. In addition to the new state-of-the-art arena, expanded hotel allotment and added night life, the 55"' Anniversary Tournament will be dedicated in honor of the legendary late John B. McLendon, co-founder of the CIAA Basketball Tournament.
McLendon, known to many as "Mr. Basketball", passed away in October of last year, Ironically, his passing superceded a milestone in CIAA history - the first tournament of the millennium and the tournament's 55" anniversary. More than a third of McLendon's life is inscribed in the annals of CIAA History. Coaching N.C. Central University from 1941-1952, McLendon won either the CIAA tournament or visitation championships for N.C. Central in 1941, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950 and 1951. The founding tournament fathers (McLendon, John Burr, Talmadge Hill, and Harry Jefferson) would be proud to know that the tournament they birthed in March of 1946 at Turner's Arena in Washington, D.C. in the presence of 3,000 fans has grown to one of the premier African-American events on the East Coast. The tournament showcases the athletic prowess and talents of the best there is in Division II Black College basketball.
"It is an honor to pay tribute to such an esteemed individual as ‘Coach Mac'. We are working hard to illustrate the impact he had on this conference", explained CIAA Coordinator of Event Planning, Tonia Walker. "His foresight many years ago paved the way for the athletes to be recognized at such a paramount event. It's hard to imagine him not sitting at his comer seat along press row."
Typically, the CIAA Hall of Fame Brunch serves as an induction ceremony to install past greats who have had tremendous impact on the conference during the tournament. This year, in lieu of an induction ceremony, the CIAA will be renaming the Hall of Fame in his honor - The John R. McLendon CIAA Hall of Fame. Selected friends team members and counterparts have been invited back to speak in McLendon's honor. The dedication breakfast will take place on Wednesday, March 1. Admittance is by invitation only.
The CIAA Tournament will be held at the Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena February 28-March 4, 2000.
For additional information contact the CIAA Office at 757-865-0071.