Tennessee State coach Reggie Barlow had plenty of reasons to celebrate after his team secured a signature victory on homecoming over HBCU No. 1 ranked Morgan State on Saturday.
But the win carried a deeper meaning as Barlow navigated the loss of his father, Clemmon Barlow, who died Thursday night.
Barlow revealed the news following the game, praising his players for rallying around him during an emotionally difficult few days.
“Our guys knew that that was tough on me,” Barlow said. “So I appreciate the way that they rallied around me throughout the last two days and then, of course, today’s game.”
The victory was especially meaningful for Barlow, who said he believed he had reached 100 career coaching wins. Achieving the milestone on homecoming, amid personal grief, made the moment even more memorable.
“To do it on a day like today, homecoming, after losing my pops, who we call Spider-Man,” Barlow said, “just a big win for our program.”
The nickname became part of the team’s celebration. Barlow said players performed the Spider-Man gesture during the game in honor of his father, a longtime radio disc jockey known by that on-air name. Barlow eventually asked them to stop, not wanting the celebration to draw a penalty.
Still, the gesture reflected the bond between the coach and his players as they sought to support him through his loss.
Barlow said he never seriously considered missing the game. His priority was being present for his team, even as his family began making arrangements for his father’s funeral.
“The hard part is going to be the actual funeral,” Barlow said. “But definitely wanted to be here for the team today.”
Clement Barlow had experienced heart problems over the years and had endured several health scares. Each time, however, he seemed to recover, leading his family to believe he would continue to beat the odds.
“He’s always come out of it,” Barlow said. “So it’s like, ‘Hey, man, Spider-Man going to live to be 95 because he’s always good.’”
This time was different. Barlow recalled that his father had seemed more tired and less certain in recent days. Before his passing, the coach made sure to express his pride in being his son and his gratitude for everything his father had done for him and his four brothers.
“I have to let them know how proud I am to be his son and thanking him for who he is and what he’s meant for me and my brothers,” Barlow said.
