Jackson State introduces Rick Comegy as head football
coach
December 9, 2005
(JACKSON, Miss.) - Jackson State University formally welcomed new head football
coach Rick Comegy into the fold on Friday morning before a jam-packed press
conference on the school campus.
An overflow crowd of nearly 100 loyal JSU fans gave Comegy a standing ovation
as he entered the JSU Sports Hall of Fame Room inside the Lee. E. Williams
Athletics and Assembly Center.
JSU president Ronald Mason Jr. brought Tiger fans to a roar when he stepped
to the podium and announced that the football team will once again don the
traditional blue helmet with red block letters.
"That put a smile on my face," said JSU fan Brian Jackson.
Comegy said the decision to bring back the traditional helmet was a no-brainer.
"That's Jackson State," he said. "That's what I grew up seeing.
That's what it needs to be. It's only right. The Dallas Cowboys don't change
their star, and I don't think we should."
Comegy learned about much of Jackson State's rich football tradition through
conversations with the late James "Big Daddy" Carson. The two met
in 2000 during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"All we talked about was Jackson State," Comegy said. "I didn't
even get a chance to get a word in on my shcool .I just listened. Coach Carson
told me that the people of Jackson really loved football. He said if you ever
get the chance to coach there, do it."
Comegy becomes the 11th head football coach at JSU since 1946. He's been a
winner for much of his more than 30-year career.
Comegy led Division II power Tuskegee University to 90 wins over the past
10 seasons.
Comegy joined Tuskegee in 1996 after nine years at Central State University
(Ohio), three at Millersville University (Pa.), seven at Colgate University
and two at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
He led Tuskeege to a season-ending Pioneer Bowl victory last week.
|
