Bethune-Cookman head coach Terry Sims (L) and Alcorn State head coach Fred McNair (R) at the “Battle by the Beach Kickoff.”
ESPN Events celebrated its 12th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge this past Labor Day weekend.
While the matchup between two-time defending SWAC champion Alcorn State and returning MEAC co-champion Bethune-Cookman had to be suspended in the second quarter due to weather, the teams and fans still enjoyed a “bowl-like” experience in Daytona Beach throughout the weekend.
The festivities got underway on Friday night with the “Battle by the Beach Kickoff,” complete with a sand sculpture. On Saturday, the teams enjoyed a luncheon at Daytona Beach International Speedway hosted by ESPN’s Tiffany Greene. SportsCenter AM anchor Jay Harris delivered the keynote speech, encouraging the student-athletes to give back to their communities. Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, was also in attendance to present the Walter Payton Achievement Award.
