GREENSBORO, NC — Many people have been looking forward to the re-kindling of the HBCU football rivalry between Winston-Salem State (WSSU) and North Carolina A&T. Terry Rankin was one of them.
The North Carolina A&T grad walked back and forth on Saturday afternoon getting preparations made for his tailgate — which featured a WSSU emblem as well as his alma mater. For him, it’s more than a football rivalry — it’s a family affair.
“Aggies married Eagles. Eagles married Aggies. Rams married Aggies and Eagles and so on and so forth. We do this every year, and I’m glad to see this rivalry (WSSU-NCAT) come back. In my opinion, has been far too long. But we’re here. We’re gonna enjoy it. We’re gonna have a big reunion today and we hope we can continue.”
The Baines Household was one of several “houses divided” with the first game between the two Piedmont Triad HBCUs. Novella Baines proudly wore her North Carolina A&T shirt while Rodney wore his red and black shirt supporting his HBCU — WSSU.
“We’re still a couple,” Novella said with a grin.
“S-U,” Rodney barked out.