Tyrance Coleman (center - wheelchair) with his fellow JCSU classmates and former teammates at the 2012 JCSU Homecoming celebration. (Standing L to R): Emillio Larrier, Rudy Wheeler, Billy Barnes, Bruce Dukes, Robert Logan, Will Gunn, Elroy Duncan, Larry Jones and Future Williams. (Kneeling): Tim Beamer and David Banks
JCSU HOMECOMING IS WHERE THE HEART IS
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Homecoming is the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place regarded as home or an annual celebration for alumni at a college or university.
Well, the Johnson C. Smith University Homecoming celebration is a monumental occasion for JCSU students and alumni (commonly referred to as Smithites) to reunite, relive, and relax. The 2012 festivities were highlighted with a victory in the football game over Saint Augustine's. But an interesting story about the love amongst Smithites rose to the surface.
Class of 1970 alumnus and starting offensive guard on the 1969 CIAA Football Championship Team Coleman Tyrance had aspirations of returning to campus for the 2012 JCSU Homecoming. A simple task for most, but Tyrance had a set of challenges that made a Homecoming visit difficult and expensive.
After a constant battle with diabetes, Tyrance finally had to have both of his legs amputated in 2009. Bound to a wheelchair, Tyrance has mainly been adjusting within his local community of Cary, NC.
During a phone call last summer with fellow classmate Albert "Squirrel" Jordan, a member of the 1968 CIAA Tennis Championship Team, Tyrance (affectionately known as "Big T" by his classmates) indicated he would love to attend a Smith Homecoming.
Following that conversation, Jordan contacted Eddie West (a teammate and fellow classmate of Tyrance) and sparked actions by more than 30 of his former teammates and classmates to reunite with "Big T" at Homecoming.
Tyrance was able to travel to JCSU's Homecoming for the first time in more than 15 years because of their contributions and actions. "This was special" stated West; "Coleman has always been special to us and to Smith. It only took his hint that he wanted to be there."
The donations made by male and female classmates, paid for a wheelchair accessible van, gas, hotel accommodations as well as tickets to the game and alumni dance. His son Coleman Tyrance, III, also attended and assisted his father as needed.
While the initiative was primarily spearheaded by Tyrance's Class of '70, there were contributions made by members other classes.
"We have always regarded ourselves as a special, close-knit class, (as all Smith classes do)," said Jordan. "But we have been able to connect with one another in an extraordinary way during these 43 years, largely due to our outstanding class agent, Gloria Tiller. She has been the inspiration that drives us to stay connected." Tiller is another Class of 1970 graduate.
"The student-athletes at JCSU during the 1966-70 time frame have always shared a special bond, as well as provided special memories; we just did not want these memories to end," stated Mel Pinn. Pinn is a member of the 1968 CIAA Tennis Championship Team and President of the Class of '70.
Tyrance played offensive guard for Coach Eddie McGirt from 1967-70. During that time span, the Golden Bulls compiled a record of 27-10, including back to back 8-2 seasons and a CIAA Championship in 1969.
Classmates like Jordan and Pinn also achieved much success on the tennis courts. Both played on the 1968 CIAA Tennis Championship Team and won the first NAIA District 26 Championships at a historically black university. The JCSU tennis program is the most accomplished sports program in terms of conference titles. Golden Bulls' Men's Tennis has won 15 CIAA Championships.
"This was truly an act of kindness that I will never forget" stated Tyrance. "I have always known these guys to be true friends, but this was unbelievable. I can't express in words how much this meant to me and how much I appreciate what these guys have done."
These Smithites gladly pulled together for the opportunity to relive their past experiences at JCSU within the Homecoming atmosphere.
"When you have gone to war with teammates on the playing field, you establish a bond that you think can never be broken; this proves that the bond is not broken," Tyrance commented. "After 43 years they still have my back. I thank everyone who helped to make this possible, I love them all and God Bless them all."
The 2013 JCSU Homecoming kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th at Irwin Belk Complex. The Golden Bulls will face divisional rival Shaw University. All Smithites in attendance will be hoping for a win on the field, but there is already a victory whenever members of the JCSU family come together.
