FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
July 30, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tyrone C. Broxton, 601-877-6466
www.alcornsports.com

Alcorn State Football picked to finish first in SWAC East

BIRMINGHAM, Al. – High expectations were set for the Alcorn State University football team on Friday, July 30, at the annual Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Media Day as the Braves are projected to finish first in the Eastern Division.

Over the course of the last four decades “four” has been a special number for Alcorn State football. With the exception of 1976, Alcorn State has won a conference title in 1964, 1974, 1984 and lastly in 1994. Finishing just a half game from representing the East in the championship game in 2003, one game from doing so in 2002 and two games from accomplishing the feat during the 2001 season, the prediction seems accurate.

“Being predicted to finish first is a great honor, but predictions mean nothing to us,” commented head coach Dr. Johnny Thomas to the media. “We are looking forward to having a great year and hopefully by God’s grace we will represent the East come December.”

Interdivision rival, Alabama State University, which represented the East in 2003 via earning the tiebreaker over Alcorn by winning the head-to-head match-up, was picked to finish a close second. Alabama A&M, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State were polled to place third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

2003 conference champion Southern University was projected to defend their title as voters chose the Jaguars to place first in the West, while Grambling State is expected to finish second. Texas Southern, Arkansas Pine-Bluff and Prairie View round out the bottom of the order.

The division projections are decided by select members of the media, Sports Information Directors and coaches.

Tyrone C. Broxton, SID
Alcorn State University
601-877-6466 (office)
601-877-3821 (fax)