With temperatures in the 90s, thousands of Alabama State University alumni, students, fans and friends of the university convened in the city of Montgomery to celebrate and cheer on the Alabama State University Hornets as they face the Southern University Jaguars in the annual Labor Day Classic.
The game attracted alumni from all over the United States and abroad, as many have made the classic an annual ‘must attend event.’ From the tailgate which began that Thursday to kickoff on Saturday at 5 p.m., the alumni were loud and proud, swarming the nest and cheering on their Hornet football team!
The Hornets went on to win the Labor Day Classic 14-0, but alumni, especially, were just happy to be back at home.
Mariah Terrel, an alumna, could not help but feel the sense of shared pride and joy she has in her university as she recapped her time on the yard and the pride that she carries for Alabama State University.
“It truly and forever will be a great time to be a Hornet!” she said. “Beat Southern! I’m so happy to be back!.”
Another alumnus, Lemond Carlise said, “It is hot, and my anxiety is high for the win!”
Alumnus Darius Grant also expressed his tremendous joy and pride in the university and their display on the field against Southern.
“It’s been five years since we played Southern, and we got our get back!” he said. “It’s a good feeling. I’m happy to be back on the yard and amongst my classmates! A-S-U”!
Alumna Beyonce Goodine had similar thoughts after arriving at the stadium.
“It is so deep! So packed! Go ASU! I wish I was back in school with this crowd! This is a huge family reunion for me,” Goodine said.
Some of our 2020 graduates were in attendance and expressed their feelings regarding the classic. One of those graduates is Zhana Hale who spoke on her experience of coming back to Bama State for the 2023 Labor Day Classic football game.
“Every time I come here to Montgomery for a game or event I see more, I experience the growth of my school,” Hale said. “We live baby!.”
2020 alumna Chelsea Mitchell expressed her feelings, despite the temperatures.
“I am so proud of Mighty Marching Hornets and the Stingettes,” Mitchell said. “The student body is hype! I couldn’t be prouder of my school!”
