The NCAA welcomed Norfolk State and North Carolina Central football student-athletes, head coaches and university officials to Indianapolis as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Circle City Classic Coaches Luncheon.
The luncheon Friday, which also included city and sports officials, event sponsors, NCAA staff, and historically Black college and university supporters, was one of many events celebrating the Indiana Black Expo's 40th Circle City Classic. The weekend also featured the football game, citywide parade, president's gala and other festivities. The NCAA national office in Indianapolis has been a regular community supporter of the HBCU event, which celebrates NCAA football student-athletes and local education initiatives.
"The Circle City Classic is a comprehensive celebration of historically Black universities and colleges," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "The NCAA national office is a proud sponsor and supporter of this citywide event that features our amazing student-athletes, highlights Black excellence, elevates HBCU culture, education, health equity and much more."
Lynda Tealer, NCAA senior vice president of championships, delivered welcoming remarks and also introduced Indiana Black Expo's Major Taylor Award honoree, Metta World Peace, a former NCAA basketball athlete at St. John's (New York) who also played in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers. The Major Taylor Award is given each year at the classic and honors African American cyclist and civil rights leader Major Taylor, who was born in Indianapolis and was a cycling champion in the late 1800s.
With a focus on education and development, Norfolk State and North Carolina Central football athletes also had the opportunity to participate in a career fair after the luncheon. Athletes representing both teams said they were honored to play in Indianapolis and thought classic activities put a spotlight on HBCUs.
"The classic is a wonderful opportunity for us as some athletes don't get a chance to play in a football classic," said Norfolk State offensive lineman Vincent Byrd Jr. "For many of us, we may not have had the opportunity to go to a new city each year either. It's great to hear people talk about their experiences and to get an award for their great achievements. It's something to look at later down the road. Maybe I will find myself in positive situations, too, like these athletes today."
North Carolina Central quarterback Walker Harris agreed. "Circle City Classic is a great classic to be a part of, and it brings exposure to HBCU football," said Harris, whose team won the 2023 Circle City Classic matchup in Indianapolis against Mississippi Valley. "It's huge for us as student-athletes to come to an NFL venue and play a college game here. This game brings a lot of attention to HBCU football."
The NCAA also supported other Circle City Classic weekend activities. Stan Wilcox, NCAA executive vice president of regulatory affairs, participated in the Circle City Classic parade, and Derrick Crawford, NCAA vice president of hearing operations, delivered pregame messaging.
North Carolina Central won this year's game, beating Norfolk State 37-10 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
