February 24, 2009

Markell Praises Announcement of DSU-UD Football Series

Hornets, Blue Hens will have first regular season meeting Sept. 19; Games also set for 2012, 2013, 2014

DOVER – Governor Jack Markell on Thursday made the following statement congratulating Delaware State University and the University of Delaware on scheduling the first regular season games between the two schools. The first contest will take place Sept. 19 in Newark. The schools have met once – in the 2007 playoffs.

“When I was sworn in as Governor last month, I said that we cannot let the historic challenges we face define us. We must overcome the significant obstacles in our way and do great things for the state of Delaware.

A football game between the University of Delaware and Delaware State University – the state’s two public four-year universities -- will be one of those great things.

This is a significant day for these two excellent institutions of higher learning, their student-athletes, coaches and administrators.

And we cannot forget Delaware sports fans, who are definitely winners from today’s announcement.

I have had the privilege of participating in pre-game ceremonies at Delaware State and the University of Delaware. Both schools have wonderful, enthusiastic, passionate students and alumni, who I know are very excited today.

I also want to thank Dr. Smith, Dr. Harker, Coach Lavan and Coach Keeler for working together to reach an agreement.

Two seasons ago, when these schools met in the playoffs, many people came up to me before and after the game and said they hoped these two schools would play during the regular season.

People talked to me about what a wonderful atmosphere developed on the two campuses during the week leading up to the game, in the parking lot before kickoff and inside the stadium.

They told me that– regardless of whether they were rooting for the Hornets or the Blue Hens – that they and their friends were looking forward to seeing this intra-state rivalry during the regular season.

The two schools are so close, people told me, that we shouldn’t have to wait for a chance meeting in the playoffs.

Sports fans want to know there will be regular season games between UD and DSU, and I am glad that will happen.

As our state and our country confront these trying times, it can be difficult to find reason to celebrate find things to look forward to with excitement.

I am certainly looking forward to Delaware coming together to celebrate the student-athletes, the spirit of completion and the sportsmanship of the two teams and the universities they represent.”