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In two weeks the N. C. Central University men's and women's basketball teams will compete in their first MEAC tournament since the 1979 season, with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line.
If the tournament started today, the Lady Eagles would be seeded in last place as the 13th seed with a conference record of 1-12. The men's team is currently tied for the 5th seed in the conference with the Coppin State University Eagles (8-5). However, CSU owns the tie breaker because of their win over NCCU's Eagles (77-57) on Jan. 21.
"It feels great," said Chancellor Charlie Nelms. "The past years have been a period of transition, and for it to finally begin feels wonderful."
For the past five years the athletic department has been in a transition stage awaiting full membership to the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference, or MEAC. NCCU had to follow a strict set of rules and play for pride alone, because they were not eligible for post-season play.
On Aug. 11, 2011, after the five year period as an independent, NCCU earned membership to the MEAC. "We've waited a long five years to be able to compete for a conference tournament championship, so I`m excited, but more for the student-athletes," said Ingrid Wicker-McCree, athletic director.
The tournament will take place at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum from March 5-10. The women's conference tournament begins Monday and men's play begins Tuesday.
MEAC will offer two different types of tickets for the tournament, tickets by booklet or session. A booklet gives access to all games throughout the week and is available for purchase at the NCCU box office for $85.
Session tickets are available at the venue or Ticketmaster.com. On Monday and Tuesday, prices for tickets are $10. Wednesday and Thursday the ticket prices rise to $18. Friday tickets are $20, and Championship Saturday tickets are $35.
Nelms is open to sending shuttle buses for students if the teams were to make a run in the tournament. We have to put in the request to our Union and that goes to Student Affairs for a final decision," said Johnny Jones, biology junior and general body member of the Student Activities Board.
Student Affairs was unable for comment. Students across campus say they are excited about the possibility of a spot in March Madness.
"NCCU in the MEAC tournament with the chance to go to The Big Dance, that's something you don't want to miss," said Elliot Nelson, a business senior and president of the Screaming Eagles.
"I feel the student body will jump on that opportunity. The Eagles have a great chance to win the MEAC. With the school behind them 100 percent I'm sure they'll do great," he said.
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