North Carolina Central University Athletics

Clarence E. "Baby" Lightner was quarterback from 1938 through the 1941 season for the Eagles; his career was climaxed by a championship season (undefeated in the conference) which was taken away when it developed that one of his teammates was ineligible. Lightner's most memorable experience of his career was a 98-yard kickoff return against Johnson C. Smith. His subsequent careers included services as president or general manager of three businesses; service as the first black Mayor of Raleigh; and service as a member of the North Carolina State Senate.