Tuskegee College is getting ready for a historic first for the HBCU: an evening recreation at Cleve Abbott Stadium when the Golden Tigers host Central State College on September 6. However earlier than the lights come on, Tuskegee Athletic Director and head coach Reginald Ruffin made headlines with a passionate Fb put up addressing followers, alumni, and former gamers. His message was clear—assist this system the fitting approach, and “purchase your rattling tickets.”
No Free Tickets, No Sideline Passes
Ruffin started by addressing what he mentioned has been an awesome variety of textual content messages from individuals asking without spending a dime tickets. The reply, he harassed, is not any. “NO FREE TICKETS and nope I don’t have any,” he wrote. Ruffin prolonged the identical agency stance towards sideline entry. Former student-athletes, he famous, don’t get free entry or sideline passes simply because they as soon as wore a Tuskegee jersey. As a substitute, he inspired alumni to contribute to this system in significant methods, from shopping for tickets to donating sources that assist present athletes succeed.
Difficult Former Gamers and Alumni
Within the put up, Ruffin identified that a lot of these requesting favors haven’t constantly athletics on the HBCU.
“Most of you don’t even donate a $5 case of water or Powerade,” he mentioned. He added that the will for sideline passes typically has extra to do with showing on tv than with supporting the crew. He reminded readers of his observe report, noting his historical past of championships as each an assistant and head coach, and emphasised that nobody is entitled to particular therapy.
A Name for Accountability
Ruffin’s message additionally referred to as out what he sees as a scarcity of honesty from some alumni. He urged former gamers to not exaggerate their function in Tuskegee’s success when chatting with their youngsters or making an attempt to achieve entry to this system. “Cease mendacity to your youngsters’s about how nice you had been right here. Don’t come right here pondering I’m going to lie for you,” he mentioned. His feedback underscored a central theme: this system’s legacy is constructed by everybody, not just some people.
Setting Boundaries for Sport Day
The AD was equally agency about habits round Cleve Abbott Stadium. He warned followers in opposition to trying to enter the sidelines from tailgate areas with alcohol, noting legal responsibility considerations and emphasizing that violators would face penalties. “Sure Sir, you going to JAIL if you happen to do. Sure, I’ll repeat YOU ARE GOING TO JAIL,” Ruffin said. He drew a comparability to different main venues, saying Tuskegee followers ought to count on the identical therapy at residence that they’d obtain at stadiums just like the Mercedes-Benz Dome or Jerry’s World.
A particular evening in HBCU historical past
Regardless of the strict tone, Ruffin closed with optimism, reminding followers that he loves them and believes this will probably be a tremendous 12 months for Tuskegee soccer. The evening recreation in opposition to Central State shouldn’t be solely a milestone for this system but in addition a possibility for the Tuskegee neighborhood to showcase the satisfaction and custom of probably the most storied HBCU applications within the nation. His backside line remained agency: nothing is free, and true assist means exhibiting up, shopping for tickets, and standing behind this system.
