Hall of Fame: The Black College Football Hall of Fame inducted legendary Jackson State University football coach W. C. Gorden at a February ceremony. Gorden, JSU’s winningest football coach, was named head coach in 1977 and served until 1991. He was selected from a list of 25 finalists.
Celebrity hoops: More than a dozen public officials joined in “Celebrity Game Hoops” during Jackson State University’s Local and Statewide Public Officials Night in February at the JSU/Texas Southern University women’s and men’s basketball games. A mixed roster of alumni team players from the Jackson City Council joined forces with Mississippi House and Senate members to take on an aggressive team of JSU students from the Student Government Association and other student activity groups.
Bowling: JSU’s women’s bowling team had an outstanding 2014-2015 season. The Lady Tigers won first place at the SWAC West Roundup with a record of 10-2, and they were named SWAC Regular Season Champions after the SWAC East Roundup with a record of 19-5.
Tiger fest, football: Jackson State University welcomed the community to food, fun, music and sports at its annual Tiger Fest on April 11 at the JSU campus on Walter Payton Drive. Presented by the JSU Tiger Fund and the JSU Division of Athletics, Tiger Fest featured the Blue & White Spring Football Game along with a Greek Step Show and concert.
Social media’s full court press: Jackson State University’s social media department hosted its first #GreeksAtPlay initiative to boost attendance at the men’s and women’s basketball games. Ashton Hall, JSU social media associate, said the initiative encouraged Greek fraternity and sorority organizations to adopt specified games throughout the season.
Scholar-athletes: The third annual “Breakfast of Champions” recognized 137 scholar Tigers and Lady Tigers who earned at least a 3.0 grade point average through the summer of 2014.
All 18 sports were represented at the February event organized by the JSU Division of Athletics. The team breakdown was as follows: football, 34; women’s soccer, 16; baseball, 14; men’s track, 11; softball, 10; volleyball, 8; men’s tennis, 6; men’s basketball, 5; women’s basketball, 5; women’s tennis, 4; bowling, 3; men’s golf, 2; women’s golf, 1; and women’s track, 1. Of the 137 student-athletes, four recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA; 58 finished between the 3.5-3.99 range; and 75 recorded between a 3.0-3.49.