What's Happening Now?
See all the great things Coach Hill has on his agenda.
Three WSSU Coaches Selected to Take Part in True North Sports Coach Development Academy
For Immediate Release
August 18, 2020
Three WSSU Coaches Selected to Take Part in True North Sports Coach Development Academy
Rams coaches among 24 CIAA coaches to participate
CHARLOTTE, NC – Three Winston-Salem State University Coaches were selected for participation in the True North Sports Coaches Academy, Tuesday afternoon. The WSSU trio will be among 24 coaches from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) who selected to participate in the academy. The coaches were WSSU volleyball head coach Chanel Davis, WSSU men’s basketball head coach Cleo Hill, Jr., and WSSU track & field/cross country head coach KayMarie Jones. The coaches from the CIAA schools were nominated by each institution and will represent the conference in the academy.
The three coaches will take part in the True North Sports Coach Development Academy, which is a virtual course program designed to support and assist coaches in developing their authentic philosophy, team culture, and program structure. Eight classes will be will be held online every Tuesday, beginning August 18th. Each class will feature guest speakers that include professionals in coaching, mental health, and business leadership. Among the speakers will be Dartmouth head football coach Buddy Teevens, Florida Men’s Tennis Head Coach Bryan Shelton, Clemson Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Shimmy Gray Miller, Alabama State Football Head Coach Donald Hill-Eley, Certified Mental Performance Consultant Dr. Tiff Jones of XFactor Performance, and CEO and Chief Visionary Celia Slater of True North Sports, the hosts of the academy.
COVID Faculty Walkthrough 2020
WSSU student receives unexpected job opportunity on golf course - Winston-Salem State University
Justin Ross, a business administration major, finance minor from Philadelphia, has secured a full-time, post-graduation job with Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management companies. READ MORE
The HBCU Report is back tonight at 7 pm
HBCU Report (@HBCUReport) tweeted at 11:45 AM on Tue, May 26, 2020:
The HBCU Report is back tonight at 7 pm! #WSSU Head Men's Basketball Coach Cleo Hill Jr. @cleohilljr joins the show to talk @WSSU_Athletics as well as the #covid19 effect on sports. Listen Live: https://t.co/94cyS1aWUF #hbcu #spotify #iheartradio #spreaker #TUNEINAPP #applepodcast https://t.co/7hLLqEI8xP
( https://twitter.com/HBCUReport/status/1265307958751031296?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
We Work In The Dark
“We work in the dark - we do what we can - we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.” ― Henry James, The Middle Years, Famous Quote from the Novelist
Video of Coach Cleo Hill Jr. and his son
The 2020 CIAA Men's Basketball Team Receives A Shout-Out At 10:00
Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson's radio show, Future Focus, is back on a new platform with a new name: Future Focus Now. The webcast will air on live on Tuesday evenings on WSNC 90.5 FM’s Facebook page.
In each episode, Robinson will discuss important issues that impact our lives today with some of the nation’s top thought leaders, researchers, artists, and personalities. Scheduled guests include:
May 5, 7:30 p.m. – Carl Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health
May 12, 8 p.m. – Mark Owens, president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc.
May 19, 8 p.m. – Stephen A. Smith, commentator on ESPN’s “First Take”
May 26, 8 p.m. – Norman Anderson, research professor of social work and nursing and assistant vice president for research and academic affairs, Florida State University.
WSNC 90.5 FM is WSSU’s public radio station, which provides jazz, blues, reggae, Latin and gospel music programming; news and public affairs content from National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Radio International (PRI); and local public affairs programming. The station’s studio and tower are on WSSU's campus.
Mask the City Provides Free Masks for Seniors Throughout Winston-Salem NC.
It was Senior Day on Tuesday for Winston-Salem's Mask the City project. Teams of volunteers provided free face masks to people 65 and older at nine drive-thru locations throughout the city. Officials said last week that 20,000 masks would be given away.
"Our group was the WSSU Athletic Department. Anytime we can help the community as an Athletic Department, we are more than ready. Our athletic department is truly Ramily! Our chemistry is great and we make a great team. Our Athletic Director (A.D. Thomas) led the charge and as a staff, we responded. In addition to A. D. Thomas, Chancellor Robinson was up for the task as well." - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
CATCHING UP WITH COACH CLEO HILL JR.
I miss you all. My prayers are with you and your loved ones, as we go through this pandemic. Please be sure to stay safe, stay strong, and stay home.
While we are all quarantined and practicing social distancing, I wanted to keep you updated on “What’s Happening.”
A very special and heartwarming THANK YOU to the alumni chapters listed below. They all congratulated your 2020 CIAA Men’s Basketball Champions for bringing the title where it belongs and a successful all-around 2019-2020 season.
April 17: It was my pleasure to be a guest on a Zoom call with Winston Salem's Brown Alumni Chapter. President Rev. Reginald McCaskill asked me to be on the call, Thursday night. I didn’t speak long, but I did want to keep everyone encouraged that this dark time will pass and we will be back to some kind of normal soon. I also wanted to thank them for their support all year—especially during the CIAA tournament. I also gave an update on recruiting during the call. It’s going well and a lot is due to their support.
April 19: I continued with another Zoom meeting. After meeting with the Charlotte Chapter, I met with the Winston Salem State University Salisbury Chapter. I was running a little late for the Zoom call. They were great in accepting my apology. Teresa Knox also contacted me a few weeks ago about being a guest. I started the same way with the Salisbury Chapter, echoing the country's social distancing guidelines as well as the advice of gloves and masks. I gave them an update on the team, the family, and thanked them for their support during the year. I also spent time praising them for providing snacks and drinks when we played rival Livingstone College. I received an ovation for our team winning the CIAA Tournament. There was a brief Q&A that included the Chapter asking if they could do anything for the team during this pandemic. It is always "love" with all of the Chapters. My team and I are so blessed!
April 20: Monday was a busy day. Of course, it starts with cooking and homework but it also involved meeting with the Winston Salem State University Charlotte Alumni Chapter in a Zoom meeting. It is always great to hear from Thesha Woodley. They invited me to their monthly Zoom meeting some time ago and I was excited to come on. I gave an update on my family and team during this quarantined time. I also, acknowledged them for their support during the year, at home games, and dinner on the road when we play arch-rival JC Smith. Besides, I met with some during the week of the CIAA Tournament and the RED was in full effect. I gave them an update on recruiting as well and opened the chance for Q&A. It was a great meeting to attend. Their support is LOVE! – Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW Podcast: 3/7/20
Winston-Salem State head men’s basketball coach Cleo Hill, Jr. stops by after the Rams won the CIAA Tournament championship. Plus Donal gives his thoughts on the North Carolina A&T/North Carolina Central basketball game which determined the men’s MEAC regular-season championship. Click to download or listen to the podcast here: https://boxtorow.com/from-the-press-box-to-press-row-podcast-3720/
BOXTOROW - w/ Bo Torow
There are two really good shows for you this weekend. First, Dr. Ben Chavis will join me to talk about the state of Black newspapers, Wilmington Ten, etc. Listen to BOXTOROW tomorrow morning (Saturday) 7:00 in the East, 6:00 for my Central Time folks and 4:00 out West, exclusively on SiriusXM Channel 141. On FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW this weekend, I'll give you my thoughts on A&T/NCCU and have interviews with LeVelle Moton and Will Jones. Plus Winston-Salem State won the CIAA tournament title and head coach Cleo Hill Jr. stops by. Got to be NC. Tune in to one of these radio stations across the country www.boxtorow.com/affiliate-stations or tomorrow 9:00 in the East, 8:00 for my Central Time folks and 6:00 out West on SiriusXM Channel 142. — with Bo Torow.
Winston-Salem State Men's Basketball Wins the 2020 CIAA Tournament Championship Over Fayetteville State
Ram Ramblings: Earl "The Pearl" Monroe cheering for WSSU men's team today from a hospital bed in New York City
By John Dell Winston-Salem Journal
CHARLOTTE – I could hear it in Earl “The Pearl” Monroe’s voice over the phone.
What I heard was his pride coming through in a big way as Winston-Salem State was gearing up to play in the CIAA championship game later today against Fayetteville State... CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
WSSU's Cleo Hill Jr. is named CIAA coach of the year; Rob Colon named All-CIAA
Cleo Hill Jr. of Winston-Salem State was named the CIAA coach of the year after guiding the Rams to a 16-10 record and co-champions of the Southern Division.
Cleo Hill Jr., who has brought back Winston-Salem State’s basketball program to relevance in his two seasons on the bench, has been named the CIAA coach of the year.
The voting was done by CIAA coaches and sports information directors. READ MORE
THE 2020 CIAA TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
It was great to attend the 2020 CIAA Track and Field Championships held at the JDL Fast Track facilities to support our RAMS. The Rams had their game faces ready for battle.
In speaking with the coaches, they felt like our athletes were more than prepared. It was my first time witnessing the event, and the tension in the facility was thick.
So many events were going on at one time. I was intrigued by the skill and preparation that goes into the high jump. Those practices must be rigorous.
There were Rams in the house supporting the program. It is always great seeing the athletes put everything on the line. I believe a lot of character building comes with collegiate sports. These experiences and friendships last a lifetime. - Cleo Hill Jr
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
I had a great time supporting my good friend Donna M. Jones at her Open House and Ribbon Cutting, on Friday. I've known Donna for close to two years. She is a huge supporter of the Winston-Salem community. She had so many supporters stand by her and her attend the event. It was like a who's who of Winston-Salem. Joining in the support and saying a few words was our very own mayor, James Allen Joines.
Please take the time to visit and support my friend, Donna M. Jones - State Farm Insurance Agent, 690 Jonestown Rd Ste 300-D, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. - Cleo Hill Jr
LONGEST TRIP OF THE REGULAR SEASON
Last Sunday, we traveled to Pennsylvania. That was our last and longest trip of the regular season. Although we played on Monday, we spent the entire Sunday traveling.
We enjoyed the time we were able to spend with the Lady Rams basketball program. It's always great to spending time with Coach Lamonte, her staff, and her team.
We want to give a special thank you to the Ross family. We were hosted by our current student-athlete, Justin Ross' family. His father, Monte' Ross (former Ram/MBB, current Temple University asst. coach MBB) and his lovely wife, Michelle hosted both teams at their beauty Media, PA home. We all had great fellowship, Thanksgivings style food, intense card games, and great basketball talk. The RAMILY has long arms..there are RAMS all over the globe and we are so thankful.
A Special Thank You to the Winston-Salem State University's Raleigh Alumni Chapter
It is with a joyful heart and complete gratitude that I thank our Raleigh Alumni Chapter for their generosity and thoughtful kindness. A Championship Program often has tremendous leadership out in front, but also behind the scenes. The time and effort to feed two college athletic programs are not to be overlooked. The Raleigh Alumni Chapter did not just feed the Women's WSSU Basketball Program, but also the Men's WSSU Basketball Program, after defeating Shaw University Bears. Two big dubs, two great grubs. #Ramily
Observing Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday
It was an amazing morning at the Benton Convention Center, as many gathered to celebrate the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The day started with hearty breakfast and an amazing speaker. General James Gorham's message inspired young people to remember the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our community is filled with many caring, professional people looking to promote change and peace in this beautiful neighborhood. I met new influential people and got reacquainted with professionals I haven't seen in some time.
After the lobby, we gathered for our march throughout the city. We were led by the dance team and band of Carver High School. The students did a marvelous job despite the elements. My hands and fingertips can testify that it was the coldest day ever recorded in the history of man! The students were in step with smiles shining bright. I have no idea how they did that.
The march ended at Union Baptist Church where the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated feed the marchers and attendees hot soup and chili. I ALSO PARTOOK IN THAT!!
I think it was a beautiful morning to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each person in their own small or large way took the time to share their thoughts on Dr. King, his era, or anything which might give a younger person a better view of what Dr. King stood for. - Cleo Hill Jr
Ram Ramblings: WSSU coach Cleo Hill, Jr. a part of the video that celebrates the upcoming 75th CIAA Tournament
MBB: Rams Men's Basketball at Fayetteville State to Air on Aspire TV
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2019
Rams’ Men’s Basketball at Fayetteville State to Air on Aspire
WSSU returning to national television for CIAA Southern Division game
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Winston-Salem State University Rams are set to appear on a national stage as their men’s basketball game at Fayetteville State on Saturday, February 15th will be televised live on AspireTV. The game will a part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) broadcast schedule.
The Rams and the Broncos will meet as a part of a 10-game conference slate that will include a pair of regular-season games and eight games during the 2020 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. The CIAA Southern Division match-up between the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls and the Claflin Panthers will be the only other regular-season game to be a part of the 2019-20 CIAA broadcast schedule.
This season’s appearance will be the Rams’ first appearance on AspireTV since February 17, 2018. The Rams made some clutch plays to claim a 67-64 road win over the Broncos. Former Rams forward William Crandell led the way for the team with 22 points and seven rebounds in the game while fellow former Ram Derrick Farquarson added 17 points.
Local listings for the game will be forthcoming. For more information on Rams men’s basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.
GIVING TO THE WINSTON-SALEM COMMUNITY
Winston-Salem State's Men's Basketball Program, The Salvation Army, and Ken Carlson Boys and Girls club joined together this holiday season to give back to children and families in need.
Over three-thousand requests were answered and organized through this event, along with granting the wishes of homes throughout Winston-Salem. It pleases the heart to answer the gift requests from books to luxury bikes and everything in between.
Happy Holidays, from the Winston-Salem State Men's Basketball Program.
CBS INTERVIEWS WSSU MENS' BASKETBALL HEAD COACH, CLEO HILL JR.
I had a great time during my interview with Alex Agnant, Tom Hauser and the CBS filming crew on Wednesday morning. For those who haven't heard, CBS will complete a documentary honoring the 1967 WSSU Men's Basketball National Championship team.
The documentary will take a deep dive into the inner workings of the season. We will all get a chance to see how (legendary) Coach Gaines, the 1967 team, and that season had an endless effected on our university, community, and HBCU's all over the country.
I couldn't be more honored and humbled to be among the few who were interviewed for the documentary. It was a tremendous experience and I still feel like I'm dreaming. GOD could not have shined on me any brighter. I LOVE BEING A MEMBER OF THE RAMILY.
The documentary will air in February, for Black History Month. - Cleo Hill Jr.
SMALL COLLEGE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
Date: Thursday, October 31
Where: St. Joseph, MO.
After spending the inaugural two years in Evansville, IN, Small College Basketball has partnered with Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and the SCB Division II Classic to St. Joseph, MO.
The National Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 31, at the Missouri Theatre in St. Joseph, MO.
Additionally, St. Joseph-based Hillyard, steeped in basketball history, serves as the primary sponsor of the event. As such, the Classic is dubbed the “SCB Division II Classic, Presented by Hillyard.”
Dinner and Fellowship with Hoops Inc.
Date: October 29th, 2019
Who: Hoops Inc.
The Winston-Salem State Rams Men's Basketball Team and Hoops Inc. enjoyed themselves with food and fellowship, earlier this week. Hoop Inc. is always looking for new supporters with love in passion in their hearts for our Men's and Women's Basketball programs. To join the club, please contact Coach Cleo Hill Jr. for more details.
2019 CIAA BASKETBALL MEDIA DAY
Lincoln (PA) - :10 mark
Bowie State - 10:30 mark
Shaw – 22:30 mark
Elizabeth City State – 33:11 mark
Virginia Union – 46:40 mark
Virginia State – 59:20 mark
Fayetteville State - 1:10:30 mark
Saint Augustine’s - 1:21:25 mark
Claflin – 1:31:40 mark
Livingstone - 1:43:15 mark
Johnson C. Smith – 1:53:20 mark
Winston-Salem State – 2:03:25 mark
Commissioner – 2:16:55 mark
1st ANNUAL FRIENDS AND RAMILY COOKOUT
Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2019
Who: Coaches, Staff, Friend, Family, Parents, Players, and Supporters of the Men's Basketball Program
Sunday, October 13, the Winston-Salem Men's Basketball program launched our 1st Annual Friends and Ramily Cookout. Although the rain and cold weather seemed to be against us, the event turned out to be a huge success. A special "THANK YOU" goes out to my coaching and support staff, who organized the entire event. The event was attended by our players, parents, and supporters of the program. Due to the weather, the prepared fun and games were canceled. But, it gave us more time to bond and get to know each other outside of an athletics surrounding. Socializing and bonding time was something you could not put a price tag on.
The players proudly introduced themselves as well as their parents and guardians who were out to support them. The coaches also proudly introduced themselves and their family members who were in attendance.
The small event was a powerful experience...just what being Ramily is all about.
At the conclusion of the event, the players were issued DOG TAGS as a result of a long and grueling preseason conditioning program.
My staff is to be commended for organizing the event: Ricky Wilson, Lance Beckwith, Arnita Miles, and Brandon Talton. We will look to do it again next season!! - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
PIEDMONT TRIAD SPORTS CLUB MEETING
Date: Tuesday, October 15th, 2019
Time: Noon
Where: Terrace Room at Greensboro Coliseum
Who: SPEAKER: TUBBY SMITH HEAD BASKETBALL COACH HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY
In Tubby's 28 years as a head coach and 613 wins, he has achieved 26 winning seasons. In 2005, he joined Roy Williams, Nolan Richardson, Denny Crum, and Jim Boeheim as the only head coaches to win 365 games in 15 seasons or fewer. In the 2016 NCAA Tournament with Texas Tech's invitation, Smith became only the second coach in history to lead 5 different teams to the NCAA Tournament. With Kentucky, he coached the Wildcats to the 1998 NCAA Championship. During his 28 years of coaching, he has won numerous national and conference coach of the year awards and was the assistant coach of the 2000 winning USA gold medal basketball team. In April of 2018, he was hired to coach his alma mater, High Point University Basketball Team. He and his wife Donna give High Point University $1 million to build a new basketball arena and conference center. In February 2018 High Point University announced that the new basketball court will be named in their honor. Also although he and his wife Donna no longer live in the Lexington Ky area, their Tubby Smith Foundation (TSF) continues to serve underprivileged children and while he was the coach at Kentucky raised $1.5 million in 5 years.
"Piedmont Triad Sports Club treated me with high class and I truly enjoyed myself. This is a top-notch organization that does everything first-class. I enjoyed the time I had with the legendary football coach, Bill Hayes and legendary basketball coach, Tubby Smith. I hope to be privileged enough to one day become a member." - Head Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
THE CLARENCE E. "BIG HOUSE" GAINES ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Date: Friday, October 12th, 2019
Time: Evening
Where: Dillard Auditorium located in the Anderson Center on the campus of Winston-Salem State University
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State University Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has announced the 2019 inductees into the Clarence E. “Big House” Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame. The class of 2019 will include four individuals and one team to take their place among the WSSU greats. The inductees will be entered into the hall of fame in a ceremony on Friday, October 11, 2019, at Dillard Auditorium located in the Anderson Center on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. The inductees will also be honored at halftime of the Winston-Salem State versus Johnson C. Smith, Saturday, October 12th at Bowman Gray Stadium.
The Winston-Salem State University Clarence E. “Big House” Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that a former student-athlete, administrator, or private individual can receive at Winston-Salem State University. “To an athlete, being enshrined into your university’s athletic hall of fame is reaching the mountaintop. There is no higher honor,” WSSU Interim Director of Athletics George Knox said. “On behalf of the entire WSSU Department of Athletics, congratulations to all inductees for reaching this milestone.”
"I felt blessed to be at attendance. Listening to the inspiring speeches and seeing all the RED blazers in the building, was very powerful. My focus is to have my team, coaching staff, and players honored in the near future." - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
BLACK PHILANTHROPY INITIATIVE'S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER EVENT
Advancing Equity in Education
Date: Thursday, October 10th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: Winston-Salem State University Anderson Center, McNeil Ballroom
Launched in 2007, the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) serves as a model for rethinking philanthropy in Forsyth County’s black community. Through engagement and encouragement, BPI educates people to utilize their philanthropic strengths of time, talent, and treasure to impact meaningful change and address identified needs in the black community.
Launched in 2007, the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) serves as a model for rethinking philanthropy in Forsyth County’s black community. Through engagement and encouragement, BPI educates people to utilize their philanthropic strengths of time, talent, and treasure to impact meaningful change and address identified needs in the black community.
The Black Philanthropy Initiative is led by a group of community volunteers who acknowledge the traditions of sharing in the black community and seek to expand charitable giving through education and impact.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Date: Friday, October 4th, 2019
Time: 9 AM
Where: 1301 C. E. Gray Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
The WSSU Men's Basketball Team participated in a community service event at Ken Carlson Boys and Girls Club in Winston Salem, NC. Our student-athletes assisted in the organization of seating charts, intercom for call ups, and cleanup at the end. The event was called "Apple Tree". Between 9 AM and 1 PM, the men and women from the community came to register, give a donation, gifts, toys, or food to any child ages one through twelve. "I was impressed with the turnout as well as the organization and communication skills of my student-athletes. We wish to thank former Ram, Sylvia Adams and the Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club for allowing us to participate in such an event." - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
Visiting Mount Olive Baptist Church
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2019
Time: 11 AM
Where: 1301 C. E. Gray Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
"My team and I had a beautiful time visiting Mount Olive Baptist Church, today. We listened and learned from the legendary Dr. C.E. Gray. The fellowship, sermon and the energy was electric! We will definitely return!" - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
Take a Drive Down "Cleo Hill Sr. Way" - Street Naming Ceremony
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2019
Time: Noon
See larger images at STREET NAMING CEREMONY
WSSU NAA Charlotte QC Rams 28th Annual Golf Tournament
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM
Where: The Tradition Golf Course, 3800 Prosperity Church Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269 - Charlotte, NC 28269
Who: The "Ramily" and friends
A statement from Coach Cleo Hill Jr: I concluded the month of July visiting the Charlotte Alumni Chapter Golf Tournament. Thesha and Don always do a great job with this event. It’s one of the events I look forward to, each year. The “Ramily” were out to have a great time and intense competition for prizes. I took a stroll around the golf course and took a few photos with very important golf professionals.
WSSU will take on North Carolina in a Men's Basketball Exhibition Game on Nov. 1 in Chapel Hill
Date: November 1, 2019
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill
Who: Posted by John Dell Winston-Salem Journal
A statement from Coach Cleo Hill Jr: On behalf of our Athletic Department, Men’s Basketball Program, and the overall Winston-Salem State University community, we are definitely excited and appreciative of the opportunity granted to us by The University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Tar Heels are one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. I, coaches, players, and fans across the nation looks fondly upon their iconic coaches like Coach Dean Smith and Coach Roy Williams.
In 1996, three Tar Heels were voted into the "50 Greatest Players in NBA History." One holds the undisputed title of the "Greatest Player Ever." In addition, the number of Tar Heels who won the NBA Finals Championship is rapidly climbing to 20 different players. But, to our credit, we also have a storied history, having won a National Championship and multiple Conference Championships. We also have a player among the NBA's top 50 in Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, and we have had one of the greatest coaches who ever walk the sidelines, Clarence “Big House” Gaines.
As the present coach of the Rams, I am appreciative of the experience that this will give my team as it is always a goal to compete against the best. My coaches and I will be prepared for this tremendous challenge. My team will not enter the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill as a group of tourists; we will be there to compete. We are expecting their building to be invaded with RED and show the pride of years past.
We look forward to a friendly but intense competition.
2019 NSMA Awards Weekend
Date: June 22-24, 2019
Time: All Weekend Long
Where: Winston-Salem, NC.
Who: The Winston-Slaem State Community
Description: Coach Cleo Hill Jr. added, "It's always great to see friends and colleagues get recognized for their work and passion. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Lonnie Blow, and Kelvin Sampson receiving the Clarence “Big House” Gaines Award, Monday night. It was another well put together event spearhead by another good friend Dave Goren. Overall, it was just a beautiful night to be associated with sports. It was great seeing a few of my favorite personalities during the season and throughout the NBA playoffs. For example, Doris Burke, Tony Kornheiser, and Adrian Wojnarowski. I was hoping for a “Woj Bomb” that would send D’ Angelo Russell to the Lakers, but it didn’t happen. The night was definitely a great night."
Ministers Conference @ Emmanuel Baptist Church
Date: June 25, 2019
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Emmanuel Baptist Church
Who: Winston-Salem Community
Description: Located at 1075 Shalimar Dr., Winston-Salem, NC., a very productive meeting took place with church leaders, church members, local law enforcement, the Winston-Salem community, and many others. During the meeting, powerful topics were covered and many solutions came to the forefront. Coach Hill has plans to sign up with the "Ride-A-Long" program with the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Chris Paul teams up with Winston-Salem State for Epic Open Run
Date: June 23, 2019
Time: 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Where: Donald J. Reeves Student Activity Center on the campus of Winston-Salem State University
Who: The Winston-Salem State Community
Description: Coach Cleo Hill Jr. added, "Go Hoop was a huge success on Sunday. Chris Paul and WSSU got great community support and participation. It’s great to see a packed house to come out on a positive level for something that benefits the community. Chris Paul is to be commended for the day by everyone around the country. I thought the competition was at a really high level as well."
Phenom High School Camp
Date: June 21 - 23, 2019
Time: All Day
Where: Queens College, Charlotte, NC.
Who: High School Talent
Description: Phenom America Basketball is one of the Nation’s premier youth exposure platforms for talented young basketball players across the United States and beyond. Coach Hill stated. "I enjoyed seeing some great young prospects, at Phenom HS Team Camp. All of the teams competed at a HIGH level. It was quality basketball! Also, lunch on the recruiting trail...Waterman's Fish Bar is an absolute MUST TRY."
Black College Sports & Education Foundation
Date: June 13, 2019
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: BCSports.transistor.com Podcast
Who: Weekly Podcast
Description: Host, Gil McGregor spoke with Coach Cleo Hill Jr. about being appointed Head Men’s Basketball Coach of Winston-Salem State University and fond memories of his father, the Hall of Fame legend, Cleo Hill Sr.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PODCAST
“Big House” Gaines Golf Tournament
Date: June 12, 2019
Time: 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Where: Bermuda Run West
Who: If you are not participating in the golf tournament, but would like to support the Scholarship Fund, direct contributions can be made to the Reynolda Rotary Club.
Description: The Gaines Scholarship Fund was established to honor the memory of Coach Gaines, a charter member of Reynolda Rotary. The Fund’s purpose is to provide financial assistance to alumni of Cook Elementary School who have a desire to attend Winston-Salem State University upon their graduation from high school.
WSSU Rams Men’s Basketball Prospect Camp
Date: June 10, 2019
Time: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Where: Donald J. Reaves Center UREC
Who: Boys Grade 11 to 12, Unsigned Graduates, Transfers, and JUCO Players
Description: Campers practice the drills the pros use on a daily basis and develop key techniques on and off the court by learning cutting edge skills in a fun, positive and competitive environment.
Men's Health Symposium - Panel Discussion
Date: June 8, 2019
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Anderson Conference Center
Who: Open to men and women
Description: The event focuses on educating and empowering men and their families to live healthy. Also, free screenings, power sessions, lunch and more.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Thaddeus John Bell, founder and CEO of Closing the Gap in Health Care Inc. Other speakers include: Cleo Hill Jr., WSSU head men’s basketball coach; Dr. Sharon D. Allison-Ottey, an author, physician and health strategist; Dr. Walter A. Ezeigbo, Advance Family and Sports Medicine Center; Cornell P. Wright, executive director of the North Carolina Office of Minority Health; and Johnny L. York, pastor of Praise Assembly Church Ministries.
