In the absence of the Marching 100, which is scheduled to
return on September 1st, the Rickards High School Band stepped in to pump up
the crowd. Led by FAMU graduate, Quincy
Griffin, himself a former member of the 100, the RHS band performed traditional
Rattler favorites that brought the fans to their feet.
The guest list was a virtual “Who’s Who,” of local officials. Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox,
Proctor, Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum, State Rep. Alan Williams
(D-Tallahassee) Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce CEO Sue Dick, and former Rep.
Curtis Richardson were all there to wish the Rattler fans welcome. FAMU
No one was more excited than Proctor. “It’s great to see everybody here on the
south side of town. We would like to
welcome you all to District 1, as we greet our new coaches and players as they
prepare to strike in 2013,” Proctor said.
Holmes spoke about how his collegiate days on The Hill
changed his life.
“Let me say this. I
was born right here on the south side of Tallahassee,” Holmes said. “I found my
way to FAMU High. I felt back then I was
playing under Bragg stadium. After that
I walked on at FAMU. I had a chance to
go to any college in the country, but my mom (Addie) told me her money was
going to FAMU, so I made the most of that.
I played four years and had a successful career playing in Bragg
stadium. After 10 years in the NFL,
after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, I have the unique honor to
coach the team so close to my heart. I
know what I was brought here to do. I
understand what is expected and that is to bring the pride of blood, sweat and
tears back to FAMU….and we’re ready.”
Bobby Lang, a former assistant coach under the late A.S.
“Jake” Gaither and a legendary Rattler track coach, closed the program with words
of encouragment.
“Every Saturday at two o’clock, gentlemen you’ve got to be
ready to fight,” Lang said. “You’ve got to be ready to give it. Strike the first blow.”