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Y! MyWebDayton Classic a game to bridge a cultural divide
Central State, UD coaches see events as a way to bring people together.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
University of Dayton football coach Rick Chamberlin (left) and Central State coach Al West talk after the Dayton Classic news conference at National City Bank on Wednesday, Aug. 27.DAYTON — With a booming voice of a TV evangelist, Central State football coach Al West spoke with passion about the significance of the fourth annual Dayton Classic during a news conference at the downtown National City Bank on Wednesday, Aug. 27. But midway through his opening remarks, West found himself fumbling for words.
"I usually don't get nervous in front of people," he said, "but this is almost like it's not real."
West, a former CSU player and the head coach at the historically black college in Greene County for three years, said he's always believed football could accomplish much good away from the field. And he sees his team's clash against the University of Dayton on Sunday and the events surrounding the game as doing just that — building a bridge between two sports cultures that seldom mix.
"I'm not sure why we have such a divide, but (change) has to start somewhere," he said. "We have a relationship with the University of Dayton with our graduate programs and people coming over. But for some reason, we never got it going in football.
"It's not about winning, it's not about losing. It's about bringing people together."
First-year UD coach Rick Chamberlin sees the bigger picture, too.
"This is about two distinctively different universities (with) a common bond," he said. "It's to educate young people and help them improve their lives, and football can be a part of that. And to get the community involved — that's what I think the essence of the game is."
Although they'll play at Welcome Stadium, CSU is the home team. And the school is staging numerous events to promote the game.
The first is a VIP reception today at The Greene in Beavercreek for the Dayton Classic's 28 corporate sponsors. Former Ohio State great Archie Griffin is scheduled to make an appearance.
The Flyers and Marauders played during the regular season last season — UD prevailed 40-0 — but West wants the two schools to become annual foes in the Dayton Classic.
"I really hope it takes off," he said. "Let's work it out where this will always be the opening of our football season. It's a win-win for everybody."
Dayton Classic IV
Who: Central State vs. UD
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Welcome Stadium
Schedule
TODAY
5:30 p.m. — Classic Kickoff at The Greene in Beavercreek. VIP reception for corporate sponsors and guests. Invitation only.
7 p.m. — UD and CSU football teams will attend a showing of the movie "The Express" at The Greene. It's the life story of the late Ernie Davis, the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner.
FRIDAY
Noon — Pep rally at Courthouse Square in Dayton.
8 p.m. — White Night Gala at the Schuster Center. It's an all-white-attire affair costing $25 per person.
SATURDAY
8 a.m. — Dayton Classic scramble at Madden Golf Course. Cost is $80 per person. Call (937) 790-6335 or (937) 837-5108 for info.
8:30 a.m. — Youth Summit at CSU. Call (937) 376-6373 for info.
9 a.m. — Major Taylor charity bike ride. Begins at Wright-Dunbar business village in Dayton, hosted by WDTN news anchor Marsha Bonhart. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children. Call (937) 376-6373 for info.
Noon-10 p.m. — CSU-Dayton Days at Wright-Dunbar business village. Admission is free.
7 p.m. — Battle of the Greeks Step Show at Dayton Convention Center. Cost is $10 in advance, $15 on Saturday. Call (937) 321-9808 for info.
SUNDAY
Noon — CSU-Dayton Days at Welcome Stadium. Admission is free.
2 p.m. — Dayton Classic Parade. Begins at Delphi parking lot across from UD Arena, goes north on Cincinnati St., east on Stewart St. and ends at Welcome Stadium.
3 p.m. — President's Reception at UD Arena flight deck. Invitation only.
5 p.m. — CSU vs. Dayton football game.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
