Heritage Classic successful again


Thursday, September 28, 2006
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‘It’s all about the game’
Heritage Classic successful again

By CLAUDE VINSON
Sports Editor

For the many Jackson State fans in the area, the annual staging of the classic football game between the Jackson State Tigers and the Tennessee State Tigers is a much anticipated event.

During the 17 years that these teams have engaged in heated but friendly combat on the gridiron, followers of both schools have been treated to a superbly grand weekend of activities.

The Southern Heritage Classic event, traditionally two days (Friday and Saturday), has expanded to include Thursday to accommodate the expanded list of associated programs and activities. There is an even dozen of such happenings incorporated in this celebration. From the Classic VIP Kickoff Reception, which recognizes and honors the presidents of these two fine institutions, to the Classic Fifth Quarter fireworks display, there is something for all Tigers to roar about.

Fred Jones, owner and CEO of The Summitt Management Corp., started the Classic in 1990 and has nurtured it into the greatest social event in the Bluff City. This year Jones and the group embraced the credo of, “It’s all about the game.”

During the 17-year run, the opponents have been Jackson State and Tennessee State except for two years. In 1991 it was Mississippi Valley State and Tennessee State and in 1993 it was Grambling State and Tennessee State.

During the run, each school has put together a string of four consecutive wins – Jackson from 1994 to 1997 and Tennessee from 2003 to 2006. In 1997 attendance at the game was 61,171.

And in the end it was “all about the game.” The game went into overtime as it did in 2005 when the Tenn Tigers won 20-14. This time it was 31-30 in overtime.

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