Oct. 28, 2009
DURHAM, N.C. – An internet fan survey has determined the top 10 coaches honored among the North Carolina Central University Centennial 100 Sports Legends, recognized as part of a year-long celebration of the university’s 100th anniversary.
From July 20-Sept. 1, fans had the opportunity to utilize an internet survey to vote for the top 10 teams, 10 coaches and 80 student-athletes to comprise the NCCU Centennial 100 Sports Legends. Ten teams were announced Tuesday (Oct. 27) and 80 student-athletes will be released 40 at a time on Thursday (Oct. 29) and Friday (Oct. 30).
Listed below in alphabetical order are the 10 coaches honored as part of the NCCU Centennial 100 Sports Legends.
Floyd H. Brown – During his 18 seasons as men’s basketball coach from 1952-70, Floyd H. Brown amassed a school-record 251 victories. His 1956-57 Eagles posted a 23-6 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA playoffs.
Michael Bernard – In just six seasons as men’s basketball coach from 1985-91, Michael Bernard recorded 115 wins with only 56 losses. He guided the Eagles to three consecutive trips to the NCAA regional playoffs, including the 1988-89 season, which ended with the NCAA Division II National Championship title.
Robert “Stonewall” Jackson – Thirty years of Robert “Stonewall” Jackson’s coaching and teaching experience came at NCCU, where he retired in 1994. Besides working as a football assistant coach and teacher, he also served as the athletic trainer for many years and was even the Eagles’ head football coach for two games in 1977.
John B. McLendon – A member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame, John B. McLendon established a record of 239-68 (.779) as an Eagle head coach from 1940-52. A student of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of the game of basketball, McLendon is credited with the development of the zone press, fast break and four corners offense.
Herman H. Riddick – From 1945-64, Herman H. Riddick led the Eagles’ football program to a school-record 112 victories, including four CIAA championships plus one tie for the conference title. He was chosen CIAA Coach of the Year in 1945, 1953, 1954, 1961 and 1963.
George L. Quiett – When George L. Quiett concluded his NCCU football coaching tenure, he boasted the highest winning percentage in school history (.734) with 34 wins, 12 losses and a tie from 1968-72. He was named CIAA Coach of the Year in 1969, MEAC Coach of the Year in 1971, NAIA District 26 Coach of the Year in 1969 and 1972, and NCAA Division II Coach of the Year in 1972, the same season his Eagles captured the MEAC championship.
Sandra T. Shuler – After serving as director of the Women’s Athletic Association at NCCU from 1966-74, Sandra T. Shuler coordinated the transition from the Women’s Athletic Association to intercollegiate athletics for women. She coached the first intercollegiate volleyball team in 1974, and held that post until retiring at the close of the 1993 season.
LeRoy T. Walker – Since the start of track & field in 1947, LeRoy T. Walker elevated the program to one of international prominence. Walker’s sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers accounted for 30 national titles, 77 All-American certificates and eight Olympic medals. His teams won three CIAA championships, three MEAC championships and an NAIA national championship.
Ingrid Wicker-McCree – After capturing the school’s first CIAA titles in softball (1998) and volleyball (1999, 2004, 2005), Ingrid Wicker-McCree became the first coach in NCCU history to win conference championships in multiple sports. A three-time CIAA Volleyball Coach of the Year (1999, 2002, 2005), Wicker-McCree earned 239 match victories in 12 seasons (1994-2005) as head volleyball coach.
James W. Younge – As the tennis coach from 1949-1975, James W. Younge’s Eagles won five CIAA championships, four MEAC championships, two NAIA District 26 championships and one NCAA Eastern Regional championship. He was named Coach of the Year in the CIAA in 1959, in the MEAC is 1975, and in the NAIA in 1970 and 1971.
