Say it Ain't So, Central

The CIAA Tournament is finally here and the good news is that it's gonna be in Charlotte through 2008. The bad news, however, is that it's the last year N.C. Central and Winston-Salem State will be members of the conference. Next year, they're both making the jump to the MEAC, a Division 1 conference that'll bring in more cash, more scholarships and a shot (I know, a long shot) at the NCAA Tournnament.
But as a Central alum, I'm disappointed. The MEAC tournament doesn't come close to the CIAA. The MEAC doesn't have the flair, the flavor, the fashion. (Where else will you see macho men put as much thought into what they're gonna wear as the women?) You won't find that at the MEAC. What you will find is NCCU and WSSU getting their butts kicked for a few years until the extra scholarships land some Division 1 talent. And you'll find MEAC member N.C. A&T, our arch rivals, ready to pounce. Of course, that's the one team I think we can beat. Correction, add WSSU to that list because they'll be in the same boat as us.

Do you think it's a good move for NCCU and WSSU? Can they compete right away?

Speaking of what to wear, I'm probably going more casual this year than in year's past. First of all, I'm in a work-related workshop most of the week and will be heading straight to the arena from there each day. I'd feel out of place in the class wearing a Burberry suit with matching fedora. Don't laugh, a friend of mine tells me there's one for sale for $300 at an area "thrift" store. He said it jokingly but I know he started planning his outfits three months ago. He'll probably show up wearing a pair of gators fresh out of the Everglades. Secondly, I'm so out of the loop, I don't know what's fashionable these days. The last time I went to the tournament (I forget the year) I was wearing a royal blue suit with Freddie Jackson-style shoulder pads. They say it was a hit, but I think they were clowning me.

If you see any outfits that you like or if you're wearing something you want published, e-mail me the photos and I'll publish them.


I just drove around the Bobcats Arena several times looking for a place to park long enough to pick up my media credentials. No luck. The folks in charge of handing them out say they're located at 5th and Caldwell. Isn't that the arena? The police said they had no idea. An arena security guard said it's around the corner and through a tunnel. One of the helpful volunteers said they're here to help the visitors, not the media. Thanks. So I figured I'd just park illegally and walk around the building till I found it. Dude, the tow truck was on the way before I got up the block. So I turned around, got back in and drove back to the Charlotte Observer. I'll pick up the media pass tomorrow.

Anybody having trouble with parking or finding their way around? What do you think of the new host city so far?