Charlotte, NC - The Johnson C. Smith University Athletic Department will honor the accomplishments of their 1969 CIAA Football Championship Team and legendary head football coach Eddie C. McGirt during the homecoming festivities held on the campus of JCSU, October 15-17, 2009. The 1969 Golden Bull Football team captured the only CIAA football title in school history and this year marks the 40th anniversary of that achievement. On Friday, October 16th, JCSU will hold a field dedication ceremony for Coach Eddie C. McGirt (most all-time football wins in Johnson C. Smith history) at 5:30 pm inside the Irwin Belk Complex. Following the ceremony, the 2009 JCSU Homecoming Pep Rally will kick off inside Brayboy Gymnasium at 6:00 pm.
During Coach McGirt's tenure as head football coach, his teams won one conference championship and two divisional championships, and were runners-up twice. His overall career record was 118 wins and 73 losses. McGirt was named CIAA Coach of the Year in 1969, and NAIA Coach of the Year twice. After serving as JCSU's head football coach for over 20 years, McGirt retired in 1978. However, he remained as Athletic Director and Head of the Department of Health and Physical Education until 1985.
"Coach McGirt and his championship team have meant so much to our university, we wanted to utilize this opportunity to show appreciation and celebrate their feat," said Director of Athletics
Stephen Joyner, Sr. "Honoring our champions sends a great message to our current students...that what you do matters, so do it well because it may stand out in history."
On the morning of homecoming (October 17th), the University will issue championship jackets to the 69' team inside Brayboy Gymnasium at 9:00 am. The team will also be recognized during the 2009 JCSU Homecoming Game. The Golden Bulls (currently tied for 2nd in the CIAA West) will face Fayetteville State University as their homecoming opponent on Saturday, October 17th. Kickoff for homecoming is scheduled for 1:00 pm from the Irwin Belk Complex.
