Robinson's
Body to Lie in State Capitol Rotunda
By
Darryl D. Smith
Black College Wire
 "O'
Grambling, dear Grambling," he sang.
"We love thee dear, O' Grambling."
Alzheimer's
disease left him with a short memory, but he
did not forget a song that he held dear to his
heart. Former Grambling State University Coach
Eddie Gay Robinson, 88, died April 3 from
complications of Alzheimer's.
Robinson's
body is to lie in the state Capitol Rotunda in
Baton Rouge, La., on Monday, April 9. On April
10, a wake is to be held at Mount Harmony
Baptist Church in Grambling, La. On Wednesday,
April 11, the funeral is scheduled for
Grambling's newly constructed assembly center.
"In
recognition of the outstanding contributions
that Coach Robinson made to the University,
State, and Nation, all classes scheduled for
April 11, 2007 are cancelled," Provost
Robert Dixon said in a statement. "The
cancellation of classes will give all members
of the University family the opportunity to
attend the funeral services."
Robinson
was admitted to Lincoln General Hospital in
Ruston, La., early on April 3 due to a
"setback," according to his son,
Eddie Robinson Jr.
"His
blood pressure was really low, but it's
getting better," Robinson Jr. told the
News-Star in Monroe, La. "That's a bright
spot; it's gone up, so that's encouraging.
It's kind of a wait-and-see thing."
Later
that night, at 1 a.m., the News-Star reported
that the Jackson, La., native had succumbed to
Alzheimer's. Shock waves went through the
Grambling community and the nation.
"It
is impossible to measure fully the impact of
Coach Robinson's life," said Horace
Judson, president of Grambling State. "He
touched, shaped and inspired the lives of so
many," he said. "His sterling
example and great positivity influenced the
whole nation. Coach Robinson was a great
American. As long as Grambling State
University exists, as long as football is
played, as long as Americans remain patriotic,
Coach Rob's spirit will live."
As
Grambling State students heard the news,
Facebook groups were created, dedicated to
Robinson's legacy.
"Even
though I go to Southern University, Eddie
Robinson was a great man and the best black
coach of any sport ever," said one
poster, Kristofer London.
Robinson
is the second all-time winningest coach in
Division I history, with 408 wins. Robinson
compiled a 408-165-15 record from 1941 to
1997. Robinson's 45 winning seasons included
nine National Black College championships and
17 SWAC championships.
His
408 wins used to be the record for all-time
wins in college football. It stood from the
time Robinson retired in 1997 until 2003, when
John Gagliardi of St. John's University in
Minnesota broke it. Gagliardi has 443 wins to
date and is still an active coach.
Many
people do not relate to Robinson through his
win-loss record, however, but to his record of
training his players to be citizens.
Robinson
saw more than 200 of his citizens become
professional athletes in the NFL, a number
that eludes many college football coaches. One
of those citizens was Doug Williams, one of
the seven first-round draft picks out of
Grambling.
Forced
to retire in 1997 because of politics and a
disgruntled fan base, Robinson became an icon
in the Grambling community.
"Today
we mourn the loss of a great Louisianan and a
true American hero," said Louisiana Gov.
Kathleen Blanco. "Coach Eddie Robinson
became the most successful college coach of
all time and one of the greatest civil rights
pioneers in our history. We will not only
remember him . . . for his leadership and
service to others, both on and off the field.
Generations of Louisianans will forever
benefit from Coach Robinson's fight for
equality."
The
Southwestern Athletic Conference also noted
his death.
"The
SWAC, its member institutions, student
athletes and fans are truly in a moment of
reflection and honor as we mourn a great
coach, great American and a great person in
Eddie Robinson," said a statement from
the SWAC. "To the SWAC, he was simply
great. He will be remembered and will truly be
missed."
Robinson's
impact is still being felt. The Eddie Robinson
Stadium at Grambling State hosts home football
games for both the university and Grambling
High School during football season. It was
also home to the 2005 SWAC soccer
championships.
The
city of Grambling has named its lone post
office after him, selling commemorative stamps
bearing his image. A paraphernalia shop still
sells commemorative Coke bottles noting his
408 wins.
Grambling
State expects to have an Eddie Robinson Museum
built at the university this year, with
Robinson memorabilia. Its creation was just
recently approved by the University of
Louisiana Systems.
"The
entire football world will miss Eddie
Robinson," said Roger Goodell, NFL
commissioner. "His contributions will
never be forgotten."
While
most remember Robinson for his contributions,
there is something else that Robinson loved to
brag about.
"People
talk about the record I've compiled at
Grambling, but the real record is the fact
that for over 50 years I've had one job and
one wife," Robinson once told the
News-Star. "I don't believe anybody can
out-American me."
Darryl
D. Smith, a student at Grambling State
University, is editor-in-chief of the
Gramblinite. To comment, e-mail bcwire@hotmail.com
Posted
April 6, 2007.
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