Comments on: On naming Grambling's arena in Hobdy's honor: It's time

By: Kendal Arthur

Kendal Arthur — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:22:17 +0000

As an international student studying at the historic Grambling State University, I must say that it is quite embarassing to hear that caoch Hobdy is being stripped of an honor that is rightfully his.

Gone are the days of slavery when blacks in the American Deep South would achieve things and not be granted them simply due to to steroetypes and also to the color of their skin.

Is is time that this "son of the soil" be treated with dignity and respect before it is too late…

By: Cheryle Wheeler

Cheryle Wheeler — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:13:59 +0000

I am a part of Legacy for Grambling State University and Grambling College. In honor of all who fall under the leadership of Coach Eddie Robinson and Coach Fred Hobdy it would be very unfortunate for everything that Grambling has stood for to be erased in a physical aspect. Seeing all the changes the University has made is a positive step for our future Alums but it also is overwhelming somewhat to ignore what our predecessors' hard won experience has to face.

My father, Foster Wheeler and many other Coaches and Teachers succeeded under Coach Hobdy's leadership. As a Grambling Cheerleader (1978-1982), I too, have much gratitude for being led under the same Athletic Program as my Mother and Father did. My brother's athletic abilities were enriched by Reed/Hobdy basketball camp each summer.

We not only want to remember what it was like by not seeing "The Yard" as we saw it in times past, or by not ever seeing "the tree of knowledge" again. We want our University to know what kind of leaders made Grambling what it is today.

No, the new look of the University is not an issue for me, but watering down our family's history is. My children will attend Grambling and I want them to have the same "breath taking" stories that I cherish in my heart from my mother, father, uncles, aunts and brother.
…and when life's game is fought and won, the hills will ring with victory's song.

Legacy since 1951

By: MikeBigg

MikeBigg — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:18:34 +0000

Well said guys… I am encouraging others to voice their concerns here and in letters, emails, communications to our elected officials and current administrators. To be honest, I'm almost embarassed that we have to take such actions…but the need to take action is far greater than the embarassment of leaving this to the designs of Dr. Judson. No sponsorship naming rights are forthcoming… who's gonna respect us when we obviously don't respect our own. I think we stand a better chance of selling sponsorships and ad spots to the Fred Hobdy Assembly Center than we can to the Assembly Center.

By: Lyman Hayes

Lyman Hayes — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:44:44 +0000

It is time….

I attented GSU during the years 1963-1967. Coach Hobdy was the Basketball coach during that time. Attending the games in the old gymnasium was the best entertainment a college student could have. It was not hard to see that this man was experienced in his techniques, his coaching ability and his ability to pass his knowledge on to others in his charge.

I feel it is time to name the new Arena after such a well known figure in Basketball Academics at Grambling State University(GSU).

By: Von Harris

Von Harris — Sat, 23 May 2009 07:44:13 +0000

Seldom are things engraved or stamped with approval because of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Coach Hobdy demonstrated the true meaning of excellence with his hard work, bleeding, sweat and tears for so many of us who had an opportunity to share the vision of the Black and Gold.

Much of Gramblings foundation is Coach Hobdy. Its pillars still stand and support unlimited boundaries because of Coach Fred Hobdy. So let it be known that Fred Hobdy's efforts, determination and vision for the Black and Gold are recognized by naming the Grambling Assembly Center in his honor.

President Jones, Eddie Robinson, Conrad Hutchinson and Fred Hobdy are a few of our roots. Grambling State University is the tree of so many roots. Please don't tamper with the root!

By: Charley Richard,Jr.

Charley Richard,Jr. — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:18:13 +0000

I really feel bad about this,mainly because I had a chance to work long side Coach Hobdy,I know what Grambling meant to him.The man gave his whole life to Grambling,he also was the TE's coach for a number of years.I am hoping the people we have in place will make the call on this matter

By: MikeBigg

MikeBigg — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:28:35 +0000

All I can do is modify your statement: "It's PAST time". This should have been done at the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the building.

By: Yolande R. Small

Yolande R. Small — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:47:31 +0000

I agree 100% that he should be honored in this fashion. i am a GSU alumni Academic and Track all American from '82-'85 and i had to pleasure of knowing Coach Hobdy and i know of his dedication to Grambling the school the facality and the Students.

It is a Crying Shame that this is such a debate… it should be an Honor NOT a Debate.

Yolande R. Small