CIAA Media Day in Durham
Durham, North Carolina, served as the backdrop for a recent CIAA media day, where coaches and administrators from member schools gathered to discuss the upcoming 2026 football season. The event highlighted the league’s renewed focus on competitive balance and community engagement.
Fayetteville State University’s head coach, Richard Hayes, took the opportunity to stress that chemistry will be the cornerstone of his team’s push for a championship. After finishing the 2025 campaign with a 6‑4 record, Hayes said the near‑miss has only sharpened the squad’s resolve.
Hayes also noted that a potential championship game at Memorial Stadium in Durham this November would carry special significance, not only for the program but for the coach personally, who hopes to translate his vision of unity into tangible success on the field.
Across town, Shaw University’s coach Lamar Manigo reflected on a 2025 season that delivered just two victories. He acknowledged the disappointment but argued that the experience gained will be invaluable as the Bears look to rebound in 2026.
Manigo emphasized that the lessons learned from last year’s challenges have already begun to shape a more cohesive roster, and he expressed confidence that the team can translate that progress into a stronger performance when the new season kicks off.
Both coaches agreed that the upcoming season offers a chance to rewrite narratives, with the CIAA championship game in Durham serving as a potential catalyst for future growth. Their optimism underscores the league’s competitive spirit as it heads toward a pivotal year.