by Jessica Jones
Practice Makes Perfect
The Magic City Classic is rapidly approaching, and as one of Birmingham’s most highly anticipated games of the season, all participants, from football players to cheerleaders, have to be game day ready.
With the high expectations that come with being a viewer, that’s a pretty high demand, but the Alabama State University cheerleaders have it all under control.
According to Kendra Daniels, the cheerleading captain, the squad has been preparing for this moment since the end of July, learning chants, cheers and dance routines. But practice for the Classic isn’t limited to afterschool practices. They also have to be ready to perform in front of a crowd.
“We use our first few football games to get ready for the Magic City Classic,” Daniels, a third year cheerleading veteran said.

Prepping the Newcomers
Preparation also means getting first timers ready for the field as well.
“From day one we kind of coach them to be ready for this one game because it’s one of our biggest games of the season,” Daniels said. “We really try our hardest to practice everything we know and try to perfect things like stunting and tumbling and make sure that we are ready just for that crowd. I think it’s more [about] being ready for such a big crowd.”
As captain, Daniels describes her job as being the one who is “keeping the tradition of Alabama State alive…making sure [freshmen] represent the school accordingly, building them up to be the ambassadors of the school.”

If all else fails, Just have fun
Practice is important, but, for Daniels, enjoying the moment is even more important.
“For the most part I tell them not to over think the situation,” Daniels said. “Just have fun because at the end of the day, it is just a football game. It’s not really a cheer competition. Even though you have people constantly looking at you and maybe even judging you, just have fun, because if you think about it, you really don’t cherish the moment.”

Getting Motivated
by Jessica Jones
The Dancin Divas, a dynamic group of ladies, are getting ready for their performance at the Magic City Classic.
Every team leader needs a way to motivate and encourage its members. For Adrienne Henderson, captain of the Dancin Divas, letting the team know about the support they receive from the city and the high expectations of the viewers seemed to be the right way to go.
“Being from the Birmingham area, I have attended the Magic City Classic for years,” Henderson said. “I talked to each dancer and told them about the support the city of Birmingham shows each year during the Classic. I told them the crowd expects a great show and we are going to give them one.”
The advice she gives her team
“I am encouraging them to work hard on their routines, stay focused and have a good time,” she said.
A Sneak Peak…or not
While she couldn’t say exactly what they would be doing for their Classic performance, she did say, “the fans are in for a treat.”

First-Time Performances at the Classic
by Jesssica Jones

Tamera Gray

Tamera Gray, a psychology major who hails from Atlanta, Ga. will be performing in the Magic City Classic for the first time as an Alabama A&M Dancing Diva.

Q. How long have you been a dancer?
A. I was put in my first dance class at two and have been in love with it ever since.
Q. How long have you been preparing for the Classic?
A. I’ve been preparing for classic by coming to practice ready to work! No matter how tired or how sore I may be, I’m just going to push myself physically and mentally, ready to put my all into what I do and just do what I do best.
Q. Feeling any pressure yet?
A. I am feeling a lot of pressure of living up to the high standards and great reputation of the dynamic Dancin’ Divas. They never disappoint and just being a part of this divine organization is a lot of pressure. Dancing in front of such a large audience will either make or break me as a dancer. Either I rise to the occasion or sink. I’m going to make it my responsibility to get the job done which is to please the audience.
Q. Have the other Dancin’ Divas given you advice on how to handle your first Classic performance?
A. I was told to just not let the nerves get to me and just do what I love to do, which is dance.
Q. What are you expecting your first Classic experience to be like?
A. At the Classic I’m expecting thousands of diehard fans, bright lights, and especially the exhilarating battle between the Mighty Marching Hornets and Stingettes and the Marching Maroon and White and Dancin’ Divas.

Mikaila Hoskin

Mikaila Hoskin, an accounting major from Columbus, Ga., will be participating in the Magic City Classic for the first time as Dancin’ Diva.
Q. How long have you been a dancer?
A. I have been dancing for five years.
Q. How have you been preparing for the Classic?  
A. While getting ready for Classic I have been working on showmanship, on how to entertain the crowd. I’ve also been practicing and stretching every day. The closer I get, the more timid I get. Not in a bad way. But I can feel the pressure coming from the upperclassmen and from within.
Q. Feeling the pressure, yet?
A. The expectations are high for me, especially because I am a freshman. I will be nervous when I see the crowd. But, when the crowd approaches I know what time it is. The crowd usually gets me going. Once I feel the crowd, I make them feel me.
Q. Have the other dancers given you any advice on how to handle your first Classic?
A. I’ve been told to make sure I exaggerate my performance so everyone can see, people from the side, front, across the filed, or at the entrance.
Q. What are you expecting your first Classic experience to be like?
A. I am expecting it to be thrilling. I know it will be loud and thousands of fans and spectators watching. But, I am hoping for a good time. I’m ready to have fun with my teammates. Although I expect it to be nerve-racking. I believe this event will be one to remember.

 ASU Cheerleader

Paris Wims, a theatre major from Atlanta, Ga., will be performing in the Magic City Classic for the first time as a cheerleader for Alabama State University.
Q. How long have you been a cheerleader?
A. I started cheering for Alabama State four weeks ago.
Q.How long have you been preparing for the Classic?
A. We’ve been preparing since day one. We’re just eager to go and cheer for this Classic that I hear so much about. Practice makes perfect.
Q. Feeling the pressure, yet?
A. Not so much pressure. I’m just ready to go out and have fun and have a good time and just enjoy that experience that everybody talks about.
Q. How do you feel about performing in front of such a large crowd that has such high expectations?
A. I’m a theatre major so I love the attention from a big audience and that just makes me want to do it more. I just like the attention from a big audience.

Thursday, October 24
11:30 AM
Kick-Off Luncheon – Sheraton Hotel Downtown Ballroom
7:30 PM
Magic City Classic Alumni Pep Rally – Regions Field

Friday, October 25
11:30 AM
Regions Bank Team Luncheon – The Club

Saturday, October 26
8 AM   McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade – Downtown Birmingham
11 AM   Coors Light Pre-Game Tailgate Party – Legion Field
2:30 PM  72nd Annual State Farm Magic City Classic – Legion Field
TBD

Postgame Concert Featuring TBD

*Scholarship breakfast is not planned by the Alabama Sports Foundation, Alabama A&M or Alabama St Universities. Please contact organizer for detailed info.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Alabama State University Head Football Coach Reggie Barlow and players Edmond Davis, Leland Baker and Isaiah Crowell, made the trip to Birmingham to meet with the media at the State Farm Magic City Classic press conference.

Barlow has been a part of 12 Classics; four as a player and eight as an ASU assistant and head coach.  It is a game that he remembers as one of his favorite games of the year.

“This game was always one of my favorites and it was always an exciting time,” Barlow said.  “I am telling our guys all the time we should be thankful and blessed that we have an opportunity to take part in a game like this where you have a chance to play in front of a crowd of 60,000 and an opportunity to play on television.  It is a big game and we are looking forward to it.”

Barlow took a few moments to remind the media in attendance about the season the Hornets have played through the first seven games as ASU dropped their first two games and enter the Classic on a five game winning streak.

“This year our season got off to a slow start and we dropped a couple of early games,” Barlow said.  “Our guys kept their confidence and the team worked hard.  Our coaches have done a good job putting these guys in place to make plays and we have been able to win a couple of games here recently.”

Alabama A&M may come into the game with a 2-5 record, but they also enter the game with the league’s top defense and so the Hornets understands what A&M will bring to the game in the 72nd State Farm Magic City Classic.

“We know the type of challenge we have with the Magic City Classic against A&M,” Barlow said.  “This game is always a close game and it doesn’t matter what the records are.  Both teams are going to be excited and real happy about having an opportunity to play this game.  So it will be a good game and it will be a good challenge for both teams.”

“We have the utmost respect for Alabama A&M and their coaches and what they do there.  So we know what kind of team we are going to be facing.”

The kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 P.M. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Birmingham’s Legion Field.  The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3 with a tape delay broadcast of the game set for 9:30 p.m. on ESPNU.  The game can also be heard on WVAS FM 90.7 and on the Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) Sirius Radio Channel 110.

“We are just happy and we are going to embrace this opportunity to be a part of this game,” Barlow said.  “We are looking forward to our wonderful fans and supporters that come out to be a part of it.  We really want to say thanks to the city of Birmingham.  Every year this thing is getting bigger and better and we look forward to coming up here every year.

The Birmingham Police Department reports that due to the anticipation of high fan turnout, it is suggested that everyone make preparations to arrive at the stadium as early as possible. If possible, tickets should be purchased in advance to help
alleviate congestion.  There will be limited parking at the stadium during the game.
Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 26th, vehicular traffic is prohibited inside the perimeter without the proper permit. It is strongly recommended that fans take advantage of the FREE shuttle system this year.  Fans can enjoy a FREE shuttle ride to and from Legion Field from one of the following three locations:

BIRMINGHAM CROSSPLEX (Formerly ALABAMA STATE FAIRGROUNDS)
2331 Bessemer Road
9 a.m. – 30 minutes after post game concert
20 minute estimated shuttle ride

SHERATON HOTEL – BJCC COMPLEX
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard
12 p.m. – 30 minutes after post game concert
15 minute estimated shuttle ride

7th AVENUE NORTH & 23rd STREET NORTH – DOWNTOWN
12 p.m. – 30 minutes after post game concert
15 minute estimated shuttle ride

PARKING AND TRAFFIC CONCERNS

•    We strongly suggest that fans use the FREE shuttle service.
•    Message boards will be set up displaying when the stadium is full.
•    Police Officers will be assigned to all major intersections within a half mile radius of the stadium and in some cases farther.
•    There will be continuous police patrols in the area before, during and after the game.
Gameday parking is extremely limited at Legion Field. Additional parking is available at off site locations.  FREE Shuttle services will be provided to and from the game.  After 9a.m. on the day of the game, vehicular traffic without the proper permit will be prohibited from entering the established perimeter around Legion Field.
PERIMETER CLOSES AT 9A.M. ON GAMEDAY!
NORTH – 20/59
SOUTH – 3rd Avenue W
EAST – Center St.
WEST – Arkadelphia Road
HANDICAP PARKING
Accessible Parking: Parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Day of game parking is available for persons with disabilities in Lot F (off Graymont Avenue). For more information please contact Legion Field at (205) 254-2391.

PARKING FOR TAILGATE VISITORS
Patrons visiting tailgaters must use Lot J, off off Graymont Avenue. The price for parking in this lot will be $20 per vehicle. Lot J will open Thursday, October 24, at 5p.m. and will remain open nightly until 12 midnight. Lot J will close as an alternative lot at 2a.m. on Saturday, October 26. Any vehicle left after the times listed will be towed at owners expense.
ENTERING THE STADIUM

•    You can not bring camcorders or zoom lenses for cameras unless you have a media pass.  You also can not bring coolers, umbrellas, hand-held radios/boom boxes, food, drinks or weapons of any kind into the stadium.
•    Large bags are subject to search.
•    Fans can expect a longer wait in line due to the added safety precautions.

Chief A.C. Roper states, “We continue to review and learn from previous plans implemented for the Magic City Classic events. After carefully studying the previous Magic City Classic plan and post event report, we have assigned officers to specific areas to address any possible security concerns.” The 2013 BPD Magic City Classic safety plans include 84 officers assigned to provide security for the Magic City Classic parade. Also assigned are 212 officers to address traffic, parking gates and tailgating around the stadium. In addition, 116 officers are assigned to work inside the stadium during the game.
Chief A.C. Roper states, “The Birmingham Police Department’s command staff has generated a strategic security plan to ensure the safety of visitors, fans and citizens attending the events surrounding the Magic City Classic.  It is our goal to make certain that those attending the parade and football game have a pleasing experience while maintaining a safe environment for those events.”
TAILGATING – EXPERIENCE IT HERE!

Tailgating at the Magic City Classic has become as big as the actual game itself! Burgers, Hotdogs. Chicken, Frog Legs and everything in between can be found cooking on the grill, days before the game even takes place.

TAILGATING/RECREATIONAL SPACES ARE $140 per 20′ x 40′ SPACE*
*Only one (1) car and (1) RV will be allowed in the recreational space
OR
*Only two (2) cars and one (1) – 10×10 Tent will be allow in the recreational space

*PLEASE NOTE:Tents and RVs must fit within the designated area and there can only be one (1) car and one (1) RV OR two (2) cars and one (1) – 10×10 tent within the Recreational spaces. A vehicle must be in the Recreational Space at all times with parking decal visibly displayed and affixed to the driver’s side windshield. Any vehicle without a parking pass adequately displayed on the driver’s side windshield will be removed at owners expense.Please follow all the tailgating guidelines listed below.
TAILGATING GUIDELINES:
•    Fire lanes must be maintained at all times. Any automobiles, tents, or RV’s blocking fire lanes will be removed. Any vehicle removed will be towed by a wrecker service. All expenses for towing and storage shall be transferred to the owner. There will be no refunds for this violation.
•    You WILL NOT BE allowed to return to the parking lot without your parking pass. If you leave the tailgate parking lot for any reason, you must return to the parking lot by 8:00am on game day to guarantee re-entry.
•    AAA Solutions will be the sole provider of all portable toilets, hand wash stations, and RV pump services. Call 205-841-1119 for more information. Said fees are listed below:
◦    PORTABLE TOILET $ 75
◦    HANDICAP PORTABLE TOILET $110
◦    RV PUMP SERVICE $ 35 per service
◦    HAND WASH STATION $ 75 *NO OTHER PORTABLE TOILET VENDOR WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE GROUNDS OF LEGION FIELD*
•    Recreation Spaces may not be saved or roped off
•    Policy will be strictly enforced
•    No stages or Tractor Trailers will be allowed in the parking lots
•    You will not be allowed re-entry into the lot unless your vehicle has a parking decal (NO EXCEPTIONS)
•    For all questions regarding tailgating please contact Legion Field directly at 205-254-2391
PARKING FOR TAILGATE VISITORS
Patrons visiting tailgaters must use Lot J, off of Graymont Avenue. The price for parking in this lot will be $2 per vehicle. Lot J will open Thursday, October 24th, at 5p.m. and will remain open nightly until 12 midnight. Lot J will close as an alternative lot at 2a.m. on Saturday, October 26th. Any vehicle left after the times listed will be towed at owners expense.
GAME DAY PARKING
Game day parking is extremely limited at Legion Field Stadium. Additional parking is available at off site locations. FREE Shuttle services will be provided to and from the game.

by Jessica Jones

For ASU’s football team, focus is the name of the game and, according to head football coach Reggie Barlow, is a key component to being ready for any game, particularly the Magic City Classic. As the Magic City Classic approaches, Barlow said his team has plenty of it.
“Our focus has been good this week,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “The guys have been focused on the task at hand. I think they understand what we’re up against, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to see how we measure up.”
Barlow said the coaches use a combination of recordings of motivational speakers such as Dr. Kevin Elko and Eric Thomas, as well as plays of their opponents, to help motivate the team.
“Those are motivational quotes that have positive messages,” Barlow said. “[It’s] just a combination of words and visuals and of course actions by going on the field… I think one of the things that we definitely always talk about is playing with passion, playing with enthusiasm.”
As for the advice he gives his team, Barlow said his approach is helping his team to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
“Live in vision, not in the circumstance,” Barlow said. “The ball is going to be played down, it’s going to be kicked off. We expect in a perfect world to make all the plays, but we know in the real world that that’s not going to happen, and there may be a time where that team gets the first down, or that team scores a touchdown, or we’ll fumble the ball. At that point we must think about what’s the next task instead of living in circumstances and allowing out mindset to dwindle or getting in a frenzy, so it’s about living in vision, not in circumstances.

    Anthony Jones will enter his 14th season as a head coach and the 12th as the leader of the AAMU Bulldog football program.
In 2006, Jones led the Bulldogs to their first SWAC title and tied the school record with nine victories. The Bulldogs posted back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2005 and 2006. The 2006 SWAC Coach of the year has led A&M to five SWAC title games in 10 seasons and enters the 2012 campaign with a 97-62 career record.
With his 79-49 record while at Alabama A&M, Jones ranks second among all coaches in wins Alabama A&M history. His
.620 winning percentage stands four points behind the legendary A&M coach Louis Crews, who won 64 percent of his games over 16 years leading the Bulldogs. Jones’ 79 wins at A&M rank second all-time behind Crews, who won 93 games at A&M. In 2005, Jones led the Bulldogs to their second SWAC East Championship under his reign, and a 9-3 record. The nine wins also earned Jones a milestone victory in the regular season finale, a 31-16 win at Prairie View served as the 50th win in Jones’ career.
The 2012 season saw the Jones squad start 6-0 for the first time during his 12 year career on “The Hill.” The 6-0 start was the first for AAMU since the 1966 team that was lead by Louis Crews. That year also saw the Bulldogs ranked as the 25th team in the football championship Subdivision. A&M also was ranked second for seven weeks in all three HBCU polls. The Maroon & White would unfortunately finish 6-4 with losses to Alcorn State during homecoming and the Magic City Classic.
After the Bulldogs posted tremendous 8-4 records in each of his first two seasons in 2002 and 2003, the team from the Rocket City capped off another outstanding season in 2004 with a 7-4 mark. With a 21-7 victory in the Magic City Classic Jones is 7-1 in his eight seasons against in-state rival Alabama State. The 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009 teams also captured the John Merritt Classic title, defeating Tennessee State in the season-opener. Alabama A&M remains the only visiting team to have beaten Tennessee State in the John Merritt Classic’s history.
Twice, Jones has led A&M to six-game winning streaks in his tenure. After two early losses in 2002, Jones’ Bulldogs won six straight and eight of nine to finish the regular season. The Bulldogs captured the SWAC East (6-1). This led to A&M’s second berth in the SWAC championship in three years. In 2005, after a disappointing Homecoming loss to Texas Southern, the Bulldogs regrouped and won six straight games to finish the regular season en route to another SWAC East title and a berth in the SWAC Championship game. The 2009 season saw three two game win streaks and victories over Jackson State (13-5) and Mississippi Valley (17-12) in the final two contests of the season to earn Jones his fourth SWAC East championship and title game appearance where the Maroon & White fell 24-30 to Prairie View A&M. The next season Jones took his (3-8) 2010 squad and changed them into the 2011 Eastern Division champions advancing to their fifth conference championship contest. That year also marked seven straight victories for the Bulldogs after starting the season 0-2. The streak, noted as a first in Jones’ history, also included three television appearances, his 90th career victory and his eighth career Magic City Classic victory. Jones was named SWAC Coach of the Year by CollegeSportsMadness.com.
Jones arrived at Alabama A&M from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he spent four years. After serving as the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach in his first year with the Maroon Tigers, he was promoted to head coach in 1999. After going 2-8 in his first season, Jones led the Tigers to the first back-to-back eight-win seasons in school history. He was named SIAC Coach of the year both times. The 2000 campaign (8-3) qualified him and the Tigers as the second-most improved team in NCAA Division II.
Following his second consecutive eight-win season (8-2), Jones was one of three finalists for the 2001 Eddie Robinson Coach of the year Award along with Doug Williams (Grambling State) and Rick Comegy (Tuskegee). He was a finalist again in 2002, his inaugural season at AAMU when he became just the second coach in AAMU history to win the Magic City Classic and Homecoming in his first year as head coach (Ray Bonner in 1992). He was named to the Eddie Robinson Coach of the year Award in 2011 for the work he did during his 10th season.
Jones is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He played college football at Wichita State University for Willie Jeffries, where he earned several honors as a tight end, including the Ben Hustle Award (1981), and All-Missouri Valley Conference (1983). Following his senior season with the Shockers, Jones went on to play for the Redskins in the National Football League, where he helped Washington win the 1987 Super Bowl. The Redskins traded him to the San Diego Chargers during the 1988 season, but Jones was forced to retire after suffering a knee injury before the next season.
In 1991 Jones joined the staff at Western Maryland College in Westminster, Maryland, where he served as the receivers/tight ends coach. Jones moved to South Carolina State University in 1992, where he rejoined his mentor, Willie Jeffries, as a defensive assistant. In 1993, he was promoted to offensive coordinator at SCSU, a position that he held until his departure for Morehouse in 1998. In 1994, SCSU won the MEAC title and earned the Black College National Champions following a win over Grambling at the Heritage Bowl.
Jones and his wife, Valerie, have two sons, Drew and Julian.