Grambling Honors Robinson, Its Legendary Winningest Coach

By De'Eric Henry
Black College Wire

Grambling State University and its Student Government Association honored the winningest coach in college football -- Eddie G. Robinson -- with a banquet and convocation, and Robinson told those in attendance that "you can be anything you would like to be, just pay the price and hang in there, because that's the way it is." He also advised students to "support the school and give back, because all I wanted to do is be a good American."

Robinson became the first African American coach to achieve 300 victories, and broke the record with 408 wins to become the winningest coach in college football. He also has 17 conference championships.

The Nov. 7 event began with a video presentation called "Pay the Price," featuring people who were inspired by Robinson and those who inspired him.

In the video, Robinson said, "students must get an education and a good GPA to remain on the team."

Robinson's mother, the late Lily Robinson, said in the video that Robinson had loved football since he was a boy. "I remember when he used to tackle me," she said.

"Robinson continues to carry the torch of good will," said Miss Grambling, Colandra Paige Dupree.

Adonis Ducre, the Student Government Association president, called Robinson a molder of men who had sent more than 200 players to the professional leagues.

"A lot of people have only heard of Robinson, and the convocation gives them a better understanding of our history," Ducre said.

Robinson graduated from the now-defunct Leland College in Baker, La., and received a master's degree from the University of Iowa. From 1941 to 1997, the Tigers were under his guidance, and he made Grambling an international name.

The Rev. E. Edward Jones Sr., the keynote speaker at the convocation, said Robinson was more than a football coach; he coached basketball when there was a shortage of coaches in that sport.

Grambling's former president R.W.E Jones and Robinson formed a pair that "could conquer anything," Jones said.

In his address, Robinson said it has always been "Grambling, Grambling, Grambling," for him since 1941.

"Learn to stand tall, and when to cry and when to stop," he said. "Always keep Grambling's flag flying high and never let the flag hit the ground for dear old Grambling."

De'Eric Henry is a student at Grambling State University in Grambling, La., who writes for The Gramblinite.