Fort Valley State College has added a real HBCU icon to its teaching workers. The Division II powerhouse has added Willie Totten as its Affiliate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. Totten, a legendary quarterback and HBCU Corridor of Famer, joins the Wildcats beneath newly employed head coach Marlon Watson.
For a transitioning program, Totten’s arrival brings not solely credibility but additionally a wealth of expertise steeped within the greatness of Black faculty soccer.
A Legendary Taking part in Profession at Mississippi Valley State
Totten made historical past at Mississippi Valley State within the early Nineteen Eighties. Because the quarterback, he teamed up with vast receiver Jerry Rice to kind one of the vital explosive duos in faculty soccer historical past. The 2 shattered a number of NCAA data in a high-powered offense that grabbed nationwide consideration.
Whereas Rice went on to NFL stardom and have become one of many biggest receivers of all time, Totten’s professional path was much less typical. He performed within the Canadian Soccer League, the Area Soccer League, and briefly within the NFL as a substitute participant in the course of the 1987 strike.
Totten’s Deep Ties to HBCU Soccer and the SWAC
Totten’s legacy goes far past his taking part in days. He returned to Mississippi Valley State in varied teaching roles, finally serving as head coach from 2002 to 2009. His deep reference to the varsity is simple—the soccer stadium in Itta Bena, Mississippi, is known as Rice-Totten Stadium in honor of the legendary pair.
His affect has remained sturdy in HBCU soccer, the place he has served in a number of teaching and administrative roles. Few figures are extra linked to the heartbeat of HBCU soccer than Willie Totten.
A Main Increase for First-Yr Coach Marlon Watson
Fort Valley State is getting into a brand new chapter with head coach Marlon Watson on the helm. Bringing in a confirmed chief like Totten, who understands the tradition, historical past, and grind of HBCU soccer, provides the Wildcats an edge few Division II applications can declare.
Totten’s data, management, and legacy will likely be invaluable for participant improvement, particularly on the quarterback place. His presence additionally sends a robust message to recruits: Fort Valley is severe about returning to the highest.
For Watson and his workers, Totten isn’t simply one other assistant. He’s a strolling chapter of HBCU soccer historical past. His presence will likely be instrumental in growing quarterbacks, instilling self-discipline, and elevating the bar throughout the board. Greater than something, he provides Fort Valley State prompt credibility, reminding gamers and recruits alike that greatness is inside attain when legends prepared the ground.
