Central State will play Clark-Atlanta in 19^th Chicago Football Classic
 
Organizers of the Chicago Football Classic have announced that the Marauders of Central State University will play the Panthers of Clark-Atlanta University in the 19th Annual Chicago Football Classic on Sept. 10.
 
Originally scheduled to be played on Central State's campus, organizers reached out to the administration at CSU and CAU to offer the opportunity to showcase their programs at the CFC in historic Soldier Field. Without hesitation, leaders quickly came together to finalize the contest. Central State's Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Athletics Jahan Culbreath expressed tremendous enthusiasm about his program's participation in Chicago.
 
"We thank the organizers for extending the invitation for us to play in Chicago," Culbreath said. "A tremendous percentage of our alumni and student body have ties to the City of Chicago and the state of Illinois. This game gives us a chance to reach one of our largest markets while showcasing our talented student-athletes on the field. The event is a great avenue to promote our university and increase awareness of the quality collegiate academic experience that Central State provides."
 
This year's classic will mark the fourth time Central State has participated in the event while Clark Atlanta will appear for the first time in school history. In addition to the excitement of playing in front of tens of thousands of fans in historic Soldier Field, the game kicks off Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition.
 
"Playing in a historic venue like Soldier Field in front of our Chicago-based fans, there will be tremendous energy surrounding the game," CSU head coach Cedric Pearl said. "We look forward to competing and are preparing to deliver a great performance for the fans that come out and support us. We expect a very talented and well coached team in Clark-Atlanta and we will have to execute in all three phases of the game in order to come out on top."
 
The Marauders (0-1) have beaten Clark Atlanta (0-1) in the only two meetings in school history with the latest win coming in a 49-12 result last season. Both teams are coming off losses in the opening week of the season. Central State fell to a NCAA Div. I program in Dayton, 31-19 while Clark Atlanta lost to SIAC powerhouse Tuskegee, 36-13.
 
The Chicago Football Classic, Inc (CFC) is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to inspire African-American high school and college students through support for programs, initiatives and events that increase awareness of opportunities to achieve educational excellence. CFC events influence students and parents to consider the rich academic and cultural opportunities offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In 1997, a small local group of African American businessmen- Larry Huggins, Everett Rand and Tim Rand formed the Chicago Football Classic (CFC) as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging African American youth to achieve their personal best in school and beyond. CFC's initiative empowers students to not only complete high school, but also attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets online on the CSU University Tickets Website (http://centralstate.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event.asp?id=331&cid=25) . For additional information on tickets, please visit www.maraudersports.com or call 937-376-6345.

 
Media Coverage

Follow live score updates and stats on - http://www.sidearmstats.com/centralstate/football/

Central State will play in 19th Chicago Football Classic (Xenia Gazette) - http://xeniagazette.com/sports/11714/central-state-will-play-in-19th-chicago-football-classic

Chicago Football Classic continues tradition of excelence at HBCU Universities (Chicago Defender - Andrea Smith) - http://chicagodefender.com/2016/08/31/chicago-football-classic-continues-tradition-of-excellence-at-historically-black-colleges-universities/

Some things you need to know about the CFC (Chicago Crusader - Andrea Smith) - http://chicagocrusader.com/things-need-know-chicago-football-classic/

Teams announced for 19th Chicago Football Classic (ABC News 7 - Chicago) - http://abc7chicago.com/news/teams-announced-for-chicago-football-classic/1472418/

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