A Pulse Check from the Life of the Party

 

         On the sweltering late afternoon of September 13, 2008, Armstrong stadium was infested with bodies and even more bodies, all in uniform. Some with cleats and helmets and others with t-shirts and signs, the feeling is in the air, the battle of the real HU’s has landed in Hampton. This isn’t your typical Saturday evening gridiron scuffle no sir! This ladies and gentlemen is the first meet between the Hampton University Pirates and their arch rivals the Howard University Bison. Hampton University senior TJ Smith describes the HU versus HU experience as, “two rival schools with one thing in common, to have fun”. Naturally tensions where high and ladies were plentiful just like the alcohol (for those 21 and up of course…laughs).

            In a nutshell, the HU versus HU experience can be best described as one big party, so who better to talk to than the life of the party, DJ Tay James. DJ Tay James is best known for distributing over 50,000 mix-tapes in Hampton Roads and surrounding areas. Furthermore DJ Tay James has been the host for over 100,000 downloads through his two websites www.djtayjames.com and www.collegeradiomusic.com .

            Along with that title, DJ Tay James (also known as “the boy wonder”), controls the maestro at D.C.’s premiere club “Love”, on Saturday nights. However, club Love would not be his final destination for this particular evening because he and his brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity teamed up with the Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity to bring the world “Ice Kream” (and yes, I checked the spelling). This highly anticipated event was held at the Hampton Convocation Center and served as the after-party to the HU versus HU game.

              Between record spins, Baltimore, MD native Taylor James is a full time student at Hampton University, more specifically; he is a part of the graduating class of 2009. So you can trust and believe that a man with this kid of schedule is quite busy. So busy that I was unable to sit down and share a cold one with him, instead I had to settle for a brief interview via telephone, enjoy.

 

CS: First of all Tay, how do you prepare for an event like this?

TJ: “I don’t”

CS: What do you like most about the HU versus HU rivalry?

TJ: “I love the excitement because you never know who’s going to win, and also it 

blows my mind how we both look the same, just in different areas”.

CS: How do you know when you have done your job?

TJ: “When I see the crowd and their reaction, its like I’m controlling them” (laughs)

CS: What is the hottest song in the club right now?

TJ: “The song [Whatever You Like] by T.I., definitely! Some nights I play it four times”

CS: Was there alot of hype leading up to the Ice Kream event?

TJ: “ Oh yeah, most definitely, we sold over 2,600 tickets before the day of the event and nearly another 1000 that day, the highest turnout in history”.

CS: With numbers like that, is it safe to say that you were pleased with the outcome?

TJ: “It was alright, it could be better”

CS: Is there anything else that you want to tell the people?

TJ: “Check out [www.collegeradiomusic.com] for free downloads and the latest news on issues that matter to US”!

Written by Christopher Swails

 

 

We’ve got Spirit! Don’t We? By Ashli J. Washington

“Rock the blue the white, rock the blue and white!” the crowd sang in unison and by class as each classification took its turn to prove how much school spirit they had. Hampton University’s colors of blue and white could be spotted all over the stadium, from hats, shirts, seat cushions and bags. The band played and marched during halftime and even received a standing ovation by some.

The smell of hotdogs, the feel of heat and the sight of helmets all means it’s time for Pirate Football again. Though autumn is near, the blazing heat coming down into Armstrong Stadium is unbearable, but not to the students, parents, alumni, faculty and community who filled Hampton University’s football stadium at last night’s game. The battle of ‘real HU’ was fought between the Howard University Bisons and the Hampton University Pirates.  There were plenty of spectators in attendance, but was there any spirit in the air?

The battle of the real HU wasn’t the first game of the season, but for many students, was the first one after returning from their summer breaks. Hampton University police were occupied by lower and upper classmen all week, trying to get new identification cards, even until Friday up until close, in order to get into the game for free on Saturday evening. Communicative Sciences and Disorders major, Nakeshia Wright, a senior, was surprised at how many students were planning on going to the game, “I usually don’t see this many students excited about going to a football game, our school spirit can be pretty low in spirit a lot of times.” Perhaps the premise of the game, finding out who the ‘real’ HU is, drove many students out to Armstrong Stadium. In fact, students and alumni from both institutions near and far, traveled to watch which university would come out on top this year or maybe even to watch something else entertaining.

Many Hamptonians pride themselves in being some of the best dressed students on any campus nationwide and also insist the games are nothing more than a “fashion show,” says student Amorde Brabham, “people parade around in their newest, freshest outfit during the game, like they’re on a catwalk.”

The question still remains, was there any true spirit? Sure there were many students in attendance at Armstrong Stadium, but were they there for the game, or the show? Maybe students were there because it was their first week back or because last night’s game was one of the most anticipated of the year. Will they be back in spirit and numbers next week?  Or through the rest of the season? With the Pirates’ win over the Bisons 38-27, maybe Hampton students will stick around a while longer as they reign as the ‘real HU’ this football season.

“The Real HU Reigns Supreme” by Melva N. Lloyd

“The Real HU Reigns Supreme” by Melva N. Lloyd

Scorching temperatures and unbearable humidity did not stop the massive amounts of Hampton and Howard University students, alumni and faculty from attending the Pirates’ first game of the 2008 football season.  The rivalry between the two schools is one that has been around for years and last night showed no end in sight. 

When the game kicked off at 6:00 PM the stands were filled with students claiming that they were from “the real HU.”  The extensive school spirit seemed to overshadow the reason why everyone came out to Armstrong Stadium.  By the end of the first quarter, the Pirates saw themselves down by seven but even that did not keep the crowd of over 14,000 away from the field. 

Twenty-one year old Andrea Jackson attended Howard University during the first year of her college career, and even though she has transferred to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, she still finds time to attend to the Battle of the Real HU when it returns to her home state. 

“It’s just one of those games that you can’t miss.  Even if you’re not a Hampton or Howard student, being apart of it is an experience in itself.”

With chants of “I love my HIU” and “I’m so glad I go to HIU, not Howard” ringing throughout the crowd, it was evident that Hamptonians wanted to make it known to the Howard University Bison whose turf they stepped foot on. 

The second quarter showed no change in score and by halftime the Pirates continued to trail the Bison 7-0.  If the fans were not entertained by what was happening on the field, the social atmosphere amongst the students made up for that; many were seeing each other for the first time as the beginning of the semester only started last Monday. 

Hampton University senior and California native, Ashley Thornton , admitted that since this game was taking place during her senior year, it was much more meaningful to her. 

“I realize that in a couple of months I [probably] won’t see most of these people again.  I have to enjoy this moment while I can.”

The Pirates pulled off a miraculous comeback during the second half, scoring 38 points to pull out a 38-27 victory over the Howard Bison.  Once the celebration of the victory was over on the field, it continued off the field when Hampton hosted the official HU vs. HU after-party at the Hampton University Convocation Center. 

When it was all said and done, this years’ Battle of the Real HU further proved why the Hampton University Pirates have been so successful throughout their MEAC tenure.  Not only did Hampton’s football team hail as triumphant, but Hampton’s students let everyone know who the real HU was.

 

 

 

Seniors make last stand at the Battle for the Real HU

With the reputations of two of America’s leading HBCU’s at stake, the line in the sand was drawn and the sides were chosen. Hampton University was on one side and Howard University was on the other, leaving no room for the impartial fan.

The Battle for the Real HU has historically coaxed even the most introverted students out of their dorm rooms. This past Saturday did not disappoint. This year, the Pirates and the Bison met for the 85^th time.

Just as any other year, this year marked the last time seniors would be a part of this game. While players feel their last game, seniors in the stands had their own emotions.

 “It’s kind of nostalgic when I think about all the time we spent at HU-HU games,” said Wayne Lawson, a senior marketing major at Hampton University, “It’s usually one of the first games of the year and people see each other who haven’t seen each other all summer.”

For some, this last game represented what they might have been taking for granted. Keren Davis, a senior English major from New York City, said she feels some regret for not taking part in the rivalry every year.

“I’m kind of sad,” she said. “I wish I had gone to more.”

Despite the bittersweet feelings that accompanied the game, for Hampton seniors, the Pirate’s 11 year tradition of overrunning Howard for the coveted title made the game that much better, and winning senior year that much more important.

“I definitely talk trash,” said Davis laughing, “We win so often it just makes it that much better. I go into every game with the confidence that we will win.”

This year, Howard threatened to make Hampton students eat their words by dominating the game with a 7-0 shutout for the first two quarters. In the second half, the Pirates’ prospects looked bleak until a blown fuse in the lights overhead lead to a recharged offense.

The Pirates scored 38 second half points including two explosive kick off returns for touchdowns by senior Kevin Teel. Hampton was able to pull out a 38-27 victory.

The half time deficit had students nervous about the outcome.

“It was frustrating at the beginning because I thought we were going to lose. I mean it’s my last HU-HU game,” said Erica Blunt, a senior sports management major from New York.

While undergraduates enjoy the experience as students, they do not forget after graduation. Many plan to attend as alumni.

“It’s my last game as a student, but I plan to come back as an alumna,” said Blunt. “It’s definitely not my last game at Hampton.”

Ashlie Gibbs, a 2008 Hampton graduate and native of Chesapeake, Virginia, seemed to put the event prospective.

“It’s the biggest game of the year. It’s not just about the battle between the football teams,” she said. “It’s about the battle between the pep squads and the band and everything. It’s about the entire school.”

-By Michele Byrd

 

 

 

 

 

Battle of the real HU

By: Karissa Feiton

On Saturday September 13, 2008, many gathered as Hampton commenced its first home football game against Howard University. Many watched as Hampton defeated Howard in the never-ending battle of “the real HU” with a score of 38-27.

“The battle of ‘the real HU’ has been going on since I went to Hampton,” said past alumna Gerald Roberts, a 1989 graduate of Hampton University.  Roberts said he is a proud Hamptonian and tries to attend as many home games as he can.

Before entering the stadium you could hear fans chanting, “I love, I love my HIU”. As you walked into the stadium you were faced with a sea of blue and white as students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and family expressed their school spirit.

Though Howard lead the first half Hampton came back scoring quite a bit of touchdowns and improving both their defense and their offense.

During the game half the lights went out. Technicians came to assess the damage and soon realized they must replace a fuse to restore the lights. Due to technical problems in the 3^rd quarter, some of the crowd left while most remained in good spirits by taking pictures and making jokes.  

“Everyone has been looking forward to this game since the beginning of the school year so I’m sure this little lighting issue isn’t going to spoil the game”, said sophomore Ashley Roberts.

Next week Hampton faces North Carolina A&T as they continue the season, as for the battle for “the real HU” title Hampton, once again, is on top.

HU versus HU the competition starts before the game

 

By Septima Glenn

Long before any shoulder pads or helmets were put on, the Hampton University versus Howard University rivalry began. On Friday, students filled the Hampton University Student Center for music, fun and with a purpose. This year, Hampton University and Howard University had a voter registration competition. Each school competed to see who could register the most voters before Saturday’s game.

To get students motivated, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brought Marlon Waynes and Jurnee Smollett (from the motion picture Great Debaters) to inspire students to vote. Waynes, a former Howard University student, used humor to get his message across.

“You guys need to get out and vote because I’d love to see a black man on the next dollar bill,” Waynes said.

Smolett gave a brief overview of the Barack Obama’s platform and how it affected college students. From raising the Pell grant award amount to tax relief for anybody who goes to college, Smolett stressed that Obama was for everyone having equal access to higher education.

“Barack is for the college student, I know everybody could use some more money from that Pell grant,” Smolett said.

Using a mix of entertainment and information Hampton University students got the message. 

“It was really good to hear some of the things Obama stood for,” Hampton University senior Rachel Lewis said. “I haven’t been up on the specifics of this election so it really helped to hear what he would do for college students.”

The voter registration drive didn’t stop with celebrity appearances, volunteer students moved throughout the crowd asking people if they were registered to vote and giving them the proper paper work to fill out if they were not. They also had a help desk that provided students with answers about absentee voting and claiming residency in the state of Virginia since they were attending college.

The information given on Friday helped to empower students by giving them all of the facts of voting and registering to vote.  

“I didn’t know you could vote in Virginia if you attended school here.” Sophomore Margrett Harris said. “I thought I was going to have to go through the process of filling out an absentee ballott. I learned a lot today.”

Both Smolett and Waynes urged students to vote from the state of Virginia. When Smolett asked for a show of all registered voters, over 90 percent of the crowd raised their hands. When she asked for those registered in Virginia many of the hands went down.

“Virginia is a battleground state and we need all the votes we can get to win this state,” Smolett said. “Being registered to vote is good, but being registered to vote in Virginia is even better.”

 

 

 

Hampto VS. Howard Game

Bright lights, celebrations, food, blue and white, victory, laughter, fashion …. These words describe one of the most anticipated games of the year. Saturday night our wonderful “Home by the Sea” Hampton University kicked off its most anticipated game of the year against Howard University.

            Looking out into the parking lot was a sea of people celebrating and rejoicing the start of a new season. Many of the pre- game events were filled with tailgating parties.  Along with the tailgating party there was a host of different vendors selling food, Greek apparel, and other miscellaneous items in front of the stadium. Howard being the first game of the season has a big impact over the rest of the season. Hampton has consecutively beaten Howard University over the past three years, and this year was no exception.

            Some may see Howard as a big enemy even though they are our top rival, Saturday’s celebration felt more so like a reunion. Many individuals with friends who attended Howard came from Washington D.C. to see the game. Hiram Reed, who is a senior at Howard University, stated that, “I look forward to this game the most because not only do I love foot ball but I just love the friendly rivalry that exist between the two schools. I have a lot of friends that attend Hampton so whenever we play it’s just like a big reunion we go out and eat and just party all weekend, whether it’s in D.C or Hampton, so just having the opportunity to see everyone once again is great and I love it.”

To some football isn’t the only thing on people’s mind when we have games. To a stranger when they look at what most students are wearing they might think that they are attending a fashion show instead of a football game. At most traditional games the stadiums are filled with the school colors. But not the Hampton Howard game, (And all the other games of the season) along with the many major parties of the year one of the biggest decisions is what are you going to wear to the Hampton Howard game. The ladies are dressed in the finest clothes, everything from 3inch stilettos to cute little dresses. And the guys are just as bad. Kim Brown, a junior at Hampton University states that, “that’s why I love Hampton University; everyone has their own unique individual style and a style that they can call their own. I love see how fly everyone is and it’s a beautiful thing to see good looking black people.” While some may agree with the particular choice of style there are some who disagree. Shana Richardson, senior, states that, “ I think that we should definitely wear more of our school colors at our football games, I will promote more school sprit and it just looks better when you are sitting in the stands and you see a sea of blue and white.”   

~ Ashli Lincoln

HU v. HU game-Rivalry Style

HU v. HU game-Rivalry Style

By: Tiffani Haynes

JAC 307-Online Journalism

HU v. HU game article

Word Count: 539

 

 

            The two biggest rivals in the realm of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) faced off this weekend. Howard University squared off against Hampton University in Hampton’s first home game on September 13, 2008.  Hampton defeated Howard for the 13^th consecutive time with a score 38-27.

            Yet, the real battle of the HUs lies in everything outside of the football field. It seems the most anticipated game of the year has more to deal with good old fashioned rivalry than it does with the pigskin. “It’s all about proving who’s the real HU, who’s better than the other,” said Kayla Emile, a senior communicative sciences and disorders major from Boston and a Hamptonian.

            Both schools proudly claim the title of being the “real” HU. Howard students don’t consider Hampton to be the actual HU because of the fact that it started out HI. Hampton Institute was founded in 1868 and went through several name changes before finally ending at Hampton University in 1984. “Howard is the real HU, if you want to get technical. We were founded in 1867 as a university, Hampton become one years later,” said Nakia Hill, a 2007 graduate of Howard from Boston. Hampton students, however, argue that the name change is irrelevant and that Hampton holds the title.

            Yet Hill believes that the competition has another source. “It stems from both colleges being the best of the best,” said Hill. “From the students, to the school, to the alumni, both HUs are the best. No other HBCU is talked about as much as we are. So it’s only natural that the two most prominent HBCUs go at it.”

            So Hampton and Howard battle it out over everything, from the HU title, to the halftime show, to who outshines the other. Both universities attend the crowded games each year to hear the latest songs at the halftime show and see the newest fashion statements. 

            “The Hampton girls try to fulfill the stereotype of being the pretty girls and Howard girls try to keep up,” Shannon Cosby said. Cosby is a senior marketing major from Plainfield, NJ.

Yet Hill disagrees and states that the Hampton stereotype at Howard isn’t about being pretty. “Howard is more down to earth, more grassroots. I’m not sure if it’s because of the different locations, but Hampton girls are known for being really stuck up,” Hill said.

            While Hill supports the stereotype of Hampton women being cocky and arrogant, Cosby believes the stereotype of Howard being a party school. “When it’s the HU v. HU game, Hampton has to try to keep up by having a lot going on after the game, some type of big party. Howard’s such a party school and Hampton tries to keep up with that,” Cosby said.

            Another important aspect of the game is the halftime show, yet another competition. “The biggest point of rivalry is halftime because it’s about seeing whose band is better,” said Hill. “Even though Howard’s band is better. We’ve definitely got the best band.”

            Yet despite the differences and huge rivalry, Hill insists that it’s all fun and games. “It’s a love/hate relationship because you have both HUs battling it out but it’s there’s unity because we’re both HBCUs,” Hill said.