A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the north carolina central university eagles on winning its second straight ciaa football championship.
Whereas, on November 11, 2006, North Carolina Central University's football team won the 2006 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Championship, defeating Elizabeth City State University by a score of 17‑14; and
Whereas, this victory gave the football team its second straight CIAA title, and as well as its second straight championship with a last‑second field goal; and
Whereas, the Eagles set several CIAA records during the championship game, including the longest field goal made and a total offense of 416 yards; and
Whereas, the Eagles compiled a perfect conference record of 11‑0, the most regular season wins in school history; and
Whereas, during postseason play, the Eagles advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Region by capturing the team's first‑ever football victory over a Southwestern Athletic Conference opponent by defeating Southern University; and
Whereas, the Eagles earned a No. 1 ranking in the final NCAA Division II Southeast Region poll and finished its 2006 season with an overall record of 11‑2; and
Whereas, NCCU's outstanding football season earned the team many accolades and honors, including being named the 2006 Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Black College Football National Champions, a first for the Eagles; and
Whereas, many individual football players were recognized for their efforts during the season, including freshman quarterback Stadford Brown as the 2006 Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Sports Doug Williams Offensive Player of the Year, the 2006 CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, and the CIAA Rookie of the Year; and
Whereas, four players were selected for the 2006 SBN Sports Black College All‑America Team, including quarterback Stadford Brown, senior tight end Kenneth Broadway, senior defensive lineman Greg Peterson, and junior defensive back Craig Amos; and
Whereas, Head coach Rod Broadway's leadership and contributions were also recognized as he was named the 2006 SBN Sports Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year; and
Whereas, the success of the men's football program along with the many academic achievements of the students is part of a long‑standing tradition of excellence at NCCU and a fitting memorial to Dr. James E. Shepard, who founded the school and presided over the University as its president from 1910 to his death in 1947; and
Whereas, the entire football team and coaching staff deserve congratulations for their extraordinary accomplishments; and
Whereas, North Carolina Central University's second straight CIAA football championship has brought great honor and distinction to the State and deserves recognition and appreciation; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly congratulates the North Carolina Central University Eagles on winning the 2006 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Football Championship and recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, alumni, and support staff who were instrumental in helping the football team win its second straight CIAA championship.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Dr. James E. Shepard for leadership of North Carolina Central University and his contributions to the University's students, faculty, and alumni.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a copy of this resolution to North Carolina Central University Chancellor Dr. James H. Ammons and Athletic Director William Hayes and the family of Dr. James E. Shepard.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.