North Richmond Today

Football & Men's Basketball in Top 25 Simultaneously for First Time Since 1986

For the first time in 36 years, both the Virginia Union University football team and men's basketball teams are ranked in the nation's Top 25 at the same time.
VUU's football team is currently ranked #15 by the American Football Coaches Association while the VUU men's basketball team is currently ranked #23 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

This marks the first time since 1986 where both programs were ranked in the Top 25.  VUU football was ranked #5 in the final poll of 1986 while the basketball Panthers were ranked #19 in the first pre-season basketball poll.

"We are proud of our student-athletes for the accomplishments they are making this year," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker.   "There is something very special happening on Lombardy street, and I'm very proud that the Football program is doing their part to make our University the best in class."

"This is a great time to be a fan of Virginia Union Athletics," said VUU Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Butler.  "To have two programs in the top 25 in the country at the same time is a huge accomplishment not only for both programs but for the entire Virginia Union University family.  It's also pretty special to have two Virginia Union Alums leading both programs, attending VUU around the same time, and we both grew up in the Washington, D.C., area."

"We are very proud of all of our programs in the Athletic Department at VUU," said VUU Vice-President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Wellness Joe Taylor.  "With our top two revenue generators nationally ranked, it speaks to the outstanding quality of our coaches, student-athletes and the support from our University leadership.  This also provides an opportunity for our alums, supporters and friends to give to our Department to ensure continued growth."

VUU basketball season passes are now on sale for $150.  The passes can be purchased online by clicking here.  The basketball Panthers will open the 2022-23 season at the Trojan Tip-Off Classic at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va., on November 11 and 12.

Original source can be found here