MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University Director of Athletics Melvin Hines announced the Hornets football program will host Cheyney University for the 94th annual Turkey Day Classic at ASU Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 2 pm.
It will be the first meeting between the schools in the Turkey Day Classic, and in their history. This year’s game will also be unique, not only because of the history of the game, but because it will feature two of the oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“I think it is an honor for us to be playing Cheyney University in the Turkey Day Classic,” Hines said. “Cheyney is the oldest HBCU in the country, celebrating 180 years, and we are celebrating 150 years as a university. I think it will be a great mix of Historical Black Colleges and Universities, playing in the oldest Black College Classic – the Turkey Day Classic.”
The Turkey Day Classic is the longest running HBCU Classic in the nation, and has featured just seven different opponents including Tuskegee (1924-’70, ’72-’85, ’88-’90, and ’93-2012), Mississippi Valley State (’71), Clark Atlanta (’86), Johnson C. Smith (’87 and ’91), Fayetteville State (’92), Stillman (2013-14) and Miles (2015-16).
“I’m speechless due to the magnitude of this game,” Cheyney interim athletic director Suzanne Kilian said. “We are looking forward to spreading our wings and giving our student-athletes a chance to experience what it feels like to compete at the highest level of collegiate football. This is an excellent opportunity due to the historical nature of the game, and by us celebrating our 180th year as an institution.”
The Hornets hosted the event at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl until 2012, when the game was officially moved to the “new” ASU Stadium. Since 2012, the Hornets are 4-1 in the Turkey Day Classic held at ASU Stadium.
Alabama State will be facing Cheyney, a Division II football member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Wolves are under the leadership of third-year head coach Chris Roulhac, returning back to the school after coaching from 1992 to 1994. During that time, Cheyney had the number one pass defense in the conference and had the nation’s leading rusher in Keith Higdon.
Courtesy: ASU Athletics
