Grambling finally joins drive to name Assembly Center for Fred Hobdy

After years of pleas from family, friends and former players, Grambling State University today joined the efforts to name the school’s Assembly Center in former basketball coach and administrator Fred Hobdy’s honor.

You wonder what took them so long. You wonder what could have possibly took them so very long.

Did this simply come down to a change in the presidency of the university? To some undercurrent of politics at GSU? To a belated abandonment of this silly notion about naming rights?

Whatever the details, this is the right thing. Coach, his widow Mary Hobdy — now gravely ill with cancer — and the rest of their proud family of Grambling loyalists, so richly deserve this honor.

The new administration, and whomever worked behind the scenes to move the needle here, are to be congratulated on finding, finally, the forest amongst the trees.

Here is the school release:
January 29, 2010
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SEEKS PERMISSION
TO NAME THE ASSEMBLY CENTER
THE FREDRICK C. HOBDY ASSEMBLY CENTER

GRAMBLING, LA— On January 29, 2010, Grambling State University made a special request to the ULS Board of Supervisors to honor the late Coach Fredrick C. Hobdy in naming the Assembly Center, the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. The Board is responsible for approval of requests for the naming of all state buildings in the System.

On February 13, 2010, the Grambling State University along with much of the entire world will celebrate the life and legacy of the most successful football coach in history, Eddie G. Robinson. Grambling State University Interim President, Dr. Frank Pogue stated that “Coach Robinson’s greatest successes were made right here at Grambling State University. Coach Robinson’s name is synonymous with Grambling State University and it is only fitting that we honor him here on this campus, in the Village of Grambling. While we take pride in recognizing one outstanding superstar (Eddie G. Robinson), it is also with great pride that we announce that we are seeking approval to name the Assembly Center in honor of still another superstar, Fredrick C. Hobdy.”

Coach Hobdy was the state’s all-time winningest college basketball coach, garnering a career record at Grambling State University of 567 wins and 287 losses. He won 10 conference championships (eight in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, two in the Midwest), led the Tigers to 14 national tournaments, and in 1961, won the NAIA championship title. He was named SWAC Coach of the Year six times and NAIA Coach of the year once.

Coach Hobdy was inducted into four Halls of Fame: Louisiana Sports, Grambling State University, Louisiana Basketball Association and Southwestern Athletic Conference. Sixteen of his players went on to the professional basketball ranks as NBA stars, coaches at all levels, as well as teachers and administrators.

Coach Hobdy served as Grambling State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach from 1956 to 1986 and was named Athletic Director 1989. A native of Winnfield, Louisiana, Coach Hobdy was married to Mary A. Scott. His legacy extends beyond basketball and is one of love and dedication to his alma mater, Grambling State University.

Follow us on the Web –
TheDerisoReport on Facebook
TheDerisoReport on Twitter
TheDerisoReport on YouTube