The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in conjunction with the CIAA Executive Committee welcomes six individuals and one team into the 2013 Class of the John B. McLendon, Jr. Hall of Fame. Honorees will be enshrined on Friday, March 2, 2013 at the Charlotte Convention Center, 11:00am.
James McLinnaham, Winston-Salem State University- Wrestling
James O. McLinnaham was an All-Star wrestler at Winston-Salem State University who won four consecutive CIAA Championships at the 126 lb. weight class from 1987 – 1990. He was an NCAA Division II All-American in 1989. James was All-Conference member and lettered in his sport for four consecutive years (1987-1990). McLinnaham earned a degree in Business Administration in 1990 from WSSU and a Master’s Degree in Management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2003. He continued his wrestling career in the United States Army, earning a spot on the All Army Wrestling Team in 1992. McLinnaham currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and has also been inducted into the Winston-Salem State University Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Alfonza Carter, Shaw University- Athletic Director, Head Men’s and Women’s Basketball Coach
Alfonza “Al” Carter, who earned his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from North Carolina A&T State University, has served at Shaw University in a variety of roles including Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Acting Athletic Director, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Interim Dean of Enrollment Management. During his tenure as Athletic Director, the men’s basketball program advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight, the women’s basketball program reached the Final Four, the men’s tennis team won seven straight CIAA tennis championships, and countless student-athletes have matriculated and received their degrees.
Damon “Redd” Thompson, Virginia State University- Football
As a Virginia State University Trojan, Damon “Redd” Thompson was a three-time First team All-CIAA and HBCU All-American along with being a Division II First Team All-American (1998-2000). In 2000, Thompson’s 262 career receptions broke the All-Time Division II record. Thompson finished his collegiate career as Virginia State University’s and the CIAA’s all-time leading receiver. He embarked on his professional career with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in June 2001 following his graduation from VSU. After spending time in training camp with two NFL teams, the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, he joined the Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League in 2002.
Frederick Bibby, Fayetteville State University- Track and Field, Basketball, Baseball
Frederick Bibby, while attending Fayetteville State University, was not only a superior athlete amongst his peers but also a triple threat. Bibby played basketball and baseball while also running track and field for the Broncos. During his senior year he was named captain for both the track and field and basketball team and was also named to the All-American team in 1963-64. Frederick was considered one of the most prolific scorers of his time- along with his deceptive rebounding abilities that placed him second in the conference. Bibby was inducted into the Fayetteville University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998 for his outstanding play in basketball and baseball and for his outstanding academic achievement. (photo not available at the time of release)
The Flying Foursome, Morgan State College- Track and Field
The “Flying Foursome”, also known as the Speed Merchants, participated for what was then known as Morgan State College’s Track Relay Team. The Flying Four- Josh Culbreath, Otis Johnson, James Rogers, and Herman Wade, were considered the best CIAA relay team from 1951 to 1955 and have not been matched in the CIAA. During their tenure, Morgan State won numerous CIAA Track and Field Championships. This foursome had 26 major titles and is credited with three records. They were coached by the legendary Eddie Hurt.
Lou Anderson, Virginia State University- Head Football Coach
Lou Anderson, former head coach of Virginia State University’s Trojans (1990- 2001), was a standout football coach who revolutionized the football atmosphere at VSU. In 1993, Anderson finished the season with an impressive 10-1 record, after two previous 3-7 seasons. Coach Anderson captured two CIAA titles (1995 and 1996) and has been awarded “Coach of the Year” twice (1993 and 1995). Though his love for the game willed him to mold and develop young athletes, Coach Anderson desired nothing more than to see his athletes achieve the ultimate goal in obtaining a college degree.
Leonard Carmichael, Elizabeth City State University- Men’s Basketball
Leonard Carmichael received numerous awards and honors during his collegiate career with the Elizabeth City State University Vikings Basketball Team. He was a four-year letter winner and three-year starter with ECSU. During his senior year, he was Captain of the basketball team, along with having the distinguished honor of being selected as a First Team honoree of the Small College Coaches’ All-American Basketball Team.
To purchase a table for the McLendon Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Brunch, please contact Monique Smith, Associate Commissioner at 757-864-0152.
