TUSKEGEE TO FACE VIRGINIA UNION IN PIONEER BOWL X November 15, 2007 Columbia, SC- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association have announced that the Virginia Union University Panthers will represent the CIAA as participants in the 10th Annual Pioneer Bowl. The Panthers will face the #13 Tuskegee University Golden Tigers on December 1, 2007 at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium on the campus of Benedict College, Columbia, SC, 2:00pm.
Tuskegee University has participated in the Pioneer Bowl in eight of the ten bowl games and has a 5-2 overall record. Tuskegee is currently undefeated with a 10-0 record and is HBCU’s winningest football team and one win away from their 600th victory. Tuskegee’s is led by the MVP of the SIAC Jacary Atkinson, who leads the NCAA in passing efficiency and arguably the best defense in the nation allowing just 8.2 points per game. The Golden Tigers are also ranked in the Top 5 of all defensive categories in the NCAA. A Press Conference to meet the teams, head coaches, and both commissioner’s will be held on November 29, 2007 at the Embassy Suites Columbia at 6:30 pm, prior to the Pioneer Bowl Banquet where special guest Steve Spurrier will also attend. Media credentials for the event and game can be obtained from the CIAA or SIAC Public Relations Office. Contact: Shera White, CIAA (757) 865-0071 Ext. 106 or Harry Stinson, SIAC (770) 908-0482 or by visiting www.pioneerbowl.com. Pioneer Bowl X is the only NCAA sanctioned bowl game for HBCU’s. The Bowl Game features the Champion of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and will take place on December 1, 2007 in Columbia, SC at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm and will air live on ESPNU. |
The Panthers, led by Head Coach Arrington Jones, III, will enter the Pioneer Bowl with much to prove after finishing the season with a 9-2 record; falling short of a bid to the NCAA D-II Playoffs. Virginia Union's appearance this year will mark the school's second visit to the Pioneer Bowl. In 2001 Virginia Union faced Tuskegee in Atlanta, GA, but fell to the Golden Tigers, 28-0.