With the thunder of a charismatic preacher, JSU’s new head football Coach Tony Hughes revved up spectators during a National Signing Day party Wednesday at the JSU Downtown Campus, 101 Capitol Street, to tout its new recruits and seek funding.
The event, hosted by JSU Athletics and the Tiger Fund Athletic Foundation, was also an introduction of the coaching staff as Hughes told the crowd to expect great successes.
“We need alumni, administrators, former players, booster clubs, the Tiger Fund and Blue Bengals because the train is getting ready to move down the tracks. So, let’s get ready to go,” he exhorted.
Hughes said, “The current team is working out every single day at 5 a.m. with 100 percent participation.” While he vows to work on building a championship squad, he said the only promise he’ll make right now is that athletes will graduate and, ultimately, shake the hand of President Carolyn W. Meyers during commencement. “Still, we want to build a championship program that cultivates talent, teaches discipline, work ethic, toughness and developmental skills.”
About the football team, Hughes said the average size of the offensive line is 6-foot, 5-inches and 280 pounds. “We want a big offensive line so that we can run the ball and protect our quarterback. Our defensive line has great length and size. … We want a football team long in range so that you’ll look out there and say, ‘Ohmigod, look at those guys.’… We want to be the best-looking football team physically so that when we step onto the field (opponents) will start shaking immediately.”
Robert Cook, chair of the Jackson State University Tiger Fund Athletic Foundation, described Hughes as an energetic coach whose charisma inspires people.
“When you hear Coach Hughes speak there’s no doubt he believes in the message he is delivering. If he buys in, then it’s easier to inspire others,” Cook said. “Hughes has a lot of commitment. … This is a coach who has demonstrated that he wanted to be the head coach at Jackson State University. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our family.”
Cook said the 18-month fundraising initiative aims to raise at least $2 million; however, it will be an ongoing campaign.
“We are challenging people to not make this a one-time event. The needs of our students will continue. As we attempt to be relevant on the national scene, we want to make sure we are situated in such a way that our kids cannot only be successful for one year but, instead, make sure the program is successful every year. For championships to come to Jackson, we must have a continuous funding stream. We need the support of fans, alumni, donors, corporate partners and people of goodwill. A gift to this campaign and to our university is an investment in our young people.”
Cook said he’s encouraged about the future of the athletic program and has always been an ardent supporter of the university. “In 1974, JSU was here when others had given up on Robert Cook. I didn’t have the opportunity to attend other schools because things were different at that time. JSU is a bridge that I traveled on. And I want to make sure it’s stronger and more secure for generations to come.”
With the proper resources, Cook expects a great return on investment. “We will give young people the best opportunities they need to step onto the stage of the world marketplace to secure a living, job, financial security and prosperity for themselves and their families.”
The Tiger Fund is a JSU athletic foundation established in 2005. Its sole purpose is to generate revenue so that student athletes in all sports will have the resources they need – facilities, equipment, professional staff and academic support to be successful in all phases of their college experience. Cook said when football does well in generating revenue, all other divisions of the athletic department benefit.
Meanwhile, Coach Hughes said pride and tradition brought him to JSU. He said he welcomes the strong support he’s received from Cook and the Tiger Fund.
“The football team will play with reckless abandon, great effort, intensity and spirit. Get ready; here we come,” Hughes said.
For more information on the recruiting class, visit JSU Tigers. To donate, visit Building Champions.
