More than a football game
Chicago Football Classic gives youth opportunities at college fair for HBCUs
The Chicago Football Classic on Saturday at Soldier Field is the 21st edition of the annual game that was initially played in 1997. And for the first time since 1999, the game between historically black colleges and universities features the storied Grambling State Tigers, who will face the Clark Atlanta Panthers.
Anniversaries are cool, and Grambling State brings a certain gravitas to the field and probably a few extra fans to the stands, but those aren’t the primary reasons this game is important. Students from around the city will be exposed not only to football players, but they will see the possibilities of what going to an HBCU can do for them. They’ll see it can lead to numerous types of careers and lives, and they can get on that path thanks to a college fair with about 30 HBCUs and local schools that will be held from 9 a. m.- noon Saturday at the United Club in Soldier Field.
“To me, it is the most important piece,” Chicago Football Classic executive director Donna Hodge said. “You look at the building, the foundation is the most important piece, and the college fair is the foundation because this is all about education and the importance of education, especially at an HBCU school.”
Hodge said many of the schools at the fair will be ready and able to hand out conditional scholarships on the spot, so students are encouraged to bring their transcripts. There is also an empowerment summit, where students and their families will be taught how to manage their money.
“That’s been so popular that we repeat the seminar so that the students and families can get information, and then there are people there that can speak to this after the seminar is over,” Hodge said. “We’re trying to be as well- rounded as possible to help the student and prepare the student as they get ready to go on to the next portion of their life, college life.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 3: 30 p. m. For more information, visit www. chicagofootballclassic. biz.
In brief
Forwards Conner Bleackley and Mackenzie MacEachern were assigned to the Wolves by the St. Louis Blues. Though the Vegas Golden Knights are the Wolves’ NHL partner, the Blues still will send some players to Rosemont this season.
Last season, Bleackley had 10 points in 45 games for the Wolves. MacEachern, meanwhile, appeared 55 times and had five goals and six assists.
The Wolves’ two- game preseason opens at 7 p. m. Friday, when they host the Rockford IceHogs at Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena in Hoffman Estates. On Saturday, they visit the Milwaukee Admirals.
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