A Legacy Forged in Black and Blue: The History of Lane College Football

The Lane Dragons football team represents Lane College, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Jackson, Tennessee. The football program has been an integral part of Lane College's athletic tradition since at least the early 20th century. The program emerged in the early 1930s amid the broader growth of athletics at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which saw football adopted as a vehicle for racial uplift, community engagement, and institutional pride during the interwar period. Founded in 1882 by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church as C.M.E., Lane College was named after Methodist Bishop Isaac Lane, a co-founder of the school. Lane's campus is about 25 acres, just northeast of downtown Jackson, Tennessee.

Early Years and Postseason Appearances

The Lane Dragons football program's roots extend to at least the early 20th century, with documented participation in postseason bowl games beginning in the 1940s. The team appeared in five historic bowls during that decade-the Flower Bowl (1941, 1945, 1947), Cattle Bowl (1946), and Peach Blossom Classic (1942)-though it did not secure a victory in any. The early 1940s seasons prior to the war suspension showed steady improvement, such as 13-7 records in both 1940 and 1941, underscoring the program's maturation within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), which Lane joined in 1929 as part of its evolving athletic commitments. The program's most notable bowl game came in the 1947 Flower Bowl, where Lane fell to Bethune-Cookman 0-6 in Jacksonville, Florida. Earlier appearances include losses in the 1946 Cattle Bowl to Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-7), the 1945 Flower Bowl to Grambling State (6-19), the 1942 Peach Blossom Classic to Morris Brown (0-20), and the 1941 Flower Bowl to Johnson C. Smith (0-13). Since 1947, Lane has received no further bowl invitations, reflecting the broader scarcity of such games in SIAC and Division II HBCU football. Postseason emphasis has shifted toward conference titles and NCAA tournaments, with occasional inter-conference bowls like the defunct HBCU Challenge (CIAA vs.

The Edward Clemons Era (1934-1949)

Edward Clemons assumed head coaching duties in 1934, bringing structure to the team during this foundational phase. Under his leadership, the Dragons achieved a .493 winning percentage for the decade, highlighted by a surge in the late 1930s with four consecutive winning seasons from 1936 to 1939, including a standout 7-2 mark in 1936. World War II significantly disrupted operations in the early 1940s, causing a two-year hiatus from 1943 to 1944 as players and staff served in the military or faced enlistment pressures, a common challenge for college programs nationwide. The program resumed with a limited schedule in 1945. Clemons guided the Dragons to a resurgent .628 winning percentage through 1949 (partial decade data), with notable successes including an 8-2 record in 1946 that earned a Cattle Bowl berth-the program's first postseason appearance-and a 7-1-1 finish in 1948. Under 11th-year head coach Edward Clemons, the Dragons carved out a 6-4 regular season, with a 26-0 victory over Alabama A&M and a one-point loss to South Carolina State on October 11 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Led by Wild Bill Battles at quarterback, team captain Alex Moore at tackle, Country Reeves at center, and William Green at fullback, the Dragons were invited to play against Bethune-Cookman in the 1947 Flower Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The high-powered Dragon offense outgained the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 157 yards to 77, but Lane lost the game.

The 1947 Flower Bowl Appearance

The 1947 Lane Dragons football team represented Lane College in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) during the 11th season under head coach Edward Clemons, who had led the program since 1937. Key victories included a dominant 26-0 shutout over Alabama A&M, showcasing the Dragons' ability to control the line of scrimmage and limit big plays. However, the season featured close contests, such as a narrow one-point loss to South Carolina State, 12-13, which underscored the competitive balance within the SIAC. Standout players anchored the roster, with quarterback Wild Bill Battles directing the offense through precise passing and leadership on the field. Team captain Alex Moore, a tackle, provided crucial blocking and run support, while center Country Reeves excelled in snapping and defensive alignments. Fullback William Green contributed significantly to the ground game, powering through defenses for key yardage. The season culminated in an invitation to the Flower Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, where the Dragons faced Bethune-Cookman on January 1, 1948. Despite outgaining the Wildcats 157-77 in total yards, Lane fell 0-6 in a defensive struggle marked by turnovers and missed opportunities. A late-game drive reached the Bethune-Cookman 10-yard line but stalled without points, sealing the narrow defeat and concluding the Dragons' campaign at 6-5 overall.

SIAC Membership and Divisional Play

The Lane Dragons football team competes as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), an athletic conference composed primarily of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located in the southeastern and midwestern United States. Lane College joined the SIAC in 1929, becoming one of its longstanding members alongside continuous participants such as Clark Atlanta University and Tuskegee University. Prior to this affiliation, the Dragons football program operated independently during its formative years in the 1920s. Historically placed in the SIAC's East Division for football, Lane participated in divisional play that structured conference scheduling around regional rivalries and determined automatic qualifiers for the conference championship.

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The 1982 SIAC Championship

Led by head coach, Neal McCall, the 1982 football team earned the school's only Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship (Division III). The Dragons finished the season with a 6-2-1 record including wins over Miles College, Fisk University, Baptist University, and others. Neal McCall guided the Dragons as head coach in 1982, leading the team to a 6-2-1 record and the program's only SIAC Division III championship that year. His strategic oversight secured key victories over rivals such as Miles College and Fisk University, marking a highlight in the program's mid-20th-century history.

Recent Challenges and Coaching Changes

Following the 1982 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship, the Lane Dragons football program entered a prolonged period of decline marked by consistently poor performance and frequent coaching turnover. The 2000s continued this downward trajectory, with a 33-73 record and a .311 winning percentage, punctuated by several near-winless campaigns that highlighted ongoing challenges in program rebuilding. Coaching instability persisted, with shifts such as the arrival of Myles Hinson in 2004 and subsequent departures, underscoring the difficulties in sustaining momentum at a small private HBCU institution like Lane College. In recent years, the program has faced challenges, posting a 0-10 overall record in the 2025 season and finishing last in the SIAC standings as of 2025. Despite these struggles, the Dragons continue to foster student-athlete development under head coach Stanley Conner (appointed in 2025), supported by the college's marching band, known as the Quiet Storm, which performs at home games and events. Stanley Conner was appointed head coach in February 2025, bringing over 30 years of coaching experience from roles at institutions including Miles College, Benedict College, and Alabama State University. Known for his expertise in recruiting and talent development, Conner previously helped Miles secure three SIAC championships as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator.

Transition to NCAA Division II

In 2010, Lane transitioned to full NCAA Division II membership within the SIAC, aiming to elevate competitive standards and scheduling opportunities, though the move did little to immediately reverse the program's fortunes, as evidenced by a 33-65 record over the ensuing decade. The shift brought increased exposure but also intensified competition against better-resourced peers, impacting game preparation and roster depth.

Notable Alumni in Professional Football

The Lane Dragons football program has produced several players who advanced to professional leagues, particularly in the NFL, USFL, and Arena Football League, with a focus on their contributions and achievements post-college. Jacoby Jones, a wide receiver and return specialist from Lane College, was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played nine NFL seasons primarily with the Texans (2007-2011) and Baltimore Ravens (2012-2014), recording 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with notable return contributions including three punt return touchdowns and two kickoff return scores. Former Lane wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Jones became the first NFL player in history to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in a Super Bowl, as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. He played a total of nine years in the NFL for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fred Lane, a running back who played college football at Lane, signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and appeared in 39 games over three seasons (1997-1999). Former Lane running back Fred Lane played three years (1997-99) for the Carolina Panthers. Daryl Hart, a defensive back and wide receiver from Lane, was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round (41st overall) of the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft but did not play in the league. Former Lane defensive back/wide receiver Daryl Hart was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft. He became a two-year player in 1984-85 for the Oakland Invaders of the United States Football League (USFL). He also played Arena League professional football with the Chicago Bruisers and the Orlando Predators, culminating his career in 1991. Other notable Lane alumni include Ernest Bonwell, the first Dragons player ever drafted in the NFL, selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 11th round (285th overall) of the 1971 Draft as a defensive tackle; Jason Brookins, an undrafted free agent running back who played for the Baltimore Ravens (2000-2002), rushing for 551 yards and 5 touchdowns in 28 games; Ron Smith, a defensive tackle who appeared in one game for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2002; and Edward Williams, a wide receiver signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in 2008, with subsequent stints on practice squads for the Ravens and Browns.

Rothrock Stadium

Lane's football stadium is Rothrock Stadium, also referred to as "Lane Field." It was built in the 1930s and served as the home stadium of Union University until Union discontinued football in the 1950s. In 2006, the City of Jackson gifted the 3,500-seat Rothrock Stadium to Lane College.

The Significance of Lane College

In 1882, one of the nation’s early black church denominations founded what has since evolved into Lane College. Now referred to as the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, the organization was originally named the Colored Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church in America when it formed in 1870. The enterprise of building a school in Tennessee was conceived as early as November 1878 at the CME denomination’s Tennessee Annual Conference. The CME Church’s first Bishop, William H. Miles, presided over the meeting, convened at the old Capers Chapel CME Church in Nashville. A pivotal moment of the Conference occurred when Reverend J.K. Daniels presented a resolution to establish a Tennessee school. Amid much applause, the resolution was adopted and a committee was appointed to solicit means to purchase a site. Reverends C.H. Lee, J.H. Ridley, Sandy Rivers, Barry Smith, and J. K. Due to the great yellow fever epidemic of 1878, the committee’s work was hindered. However, when Bishop Isaac Lane was appointed to preside over the Tennessee Conference in 1879, there was a turning point. He met with the committee, gave advice to help formulate plans for the founding of what would be called the CME High School, later named Lane College. On November 12, 1882, the CME High School began its first session under the guidance of its first principal and teacher, Miss Jennie E. Lane, daughter of Founder Isaac Lane. Miss Lane went on to marry a CME minister, Nelson Caldwell Cleaves. In January 1883, Professor J.H. Harper of Jackson, took over her unexpired term. In the spring of that year, Bishop Lane recruited Harper’s successor, Reverend Dr. Charles H. (C.H.) Phillips to serve as principal of the school with Phillips’ wife to serve as teacher. Their tenure began in October 1883. Under Dr. Phillips, the first curriculum and the first catalog were developed. The school’s name was changed in 1884 to Lane Institute in acknowledgement of Bishop Lane’s vigorous work in establishing the school, chartered under the laws of the State of Tennessee. These actions were significant in furthering the development of the school and gearing its curriculum towards preparing “preachers and teachers.” Dr. Phillips resigned in the summer of 1885. Reverend T.J. Austin was his replacement, serving until 1887, the year of Lane Institute’s first graduating class. The class consisted of five students including Nelson Caldwell Cleaves, a future Bishop of the CME Church and future chair of the Lane College Board of Trustees. The four other members of the inaugural graduating class were Isaiah C. Davis, Ida Lane Burrows, Marie E. Payne, and Edward E. In September 1887, Reverend T. F. Saunders, a member of the Memphis, Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was appointed the first President of Lane Institute, making numerous contributions to the school. It was during his presidency that the need for a college department was discerned. The college department was organized in 1896, and at that time, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name from Lane Institute to Lane College. In 1903, Reverend James Albert Bray, later elected a Bishop in the CME Church, was elected president. He held that position until 1907. During his tenure, the present administration building was erected. Dr. Bray was succeeded by Dr. James Franklin Lane, the son of the founder. Dr. Lane served for 37 years. During his administration, the College improved its educational facilities and its physical plant. The College attracted the attention of several philanthropic organizations such as the General Education Board of the Rosenwald Foundation and the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. One of the few Negro schools to be approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (SACS), Lane College received a “B” rating from the regulatory agency in 1936, as well as partial accreditation, the only level given to Negro schools by SACS at that time. With the passing of President J.F. Lane on December 11, 1944, Reverend Peter Randolph Shy, who was later elected a Bishop of the CME Church, was elected as the acting president until Dr. D.S. Yarbrough was elected in 1945. Dr. Yarbrough served until 1948 when he was succeeded by Professor James H. White. Professor Richard H. Sewell, Dean of Instruction, was elected the acting president in 1950 and served until Reverend Dr. Chester Arthur Kirkendoll was elected president. Dr. During Dr. Kirkendoll’s tenure, the College became fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Herman Stone Jr., who served as the Dean of the College for ten (10) years, was elected President in July 1970. During his presidency, Lane College’s accreditation was reaffirmed twice by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, the J.F. Lane Health and Physical Education Building was added to the facilities of the College. After serving for sixteen (16) years as President, Dr. Stone retired in May 1986. He was succeeded by Dr. Alex A. The College’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1991, under the leadership of Dr. Chambers. The College also received a grant from the United States Department of Interior as a part of the Historical Preservation Program to restore Cleaves Hall, Saunders Hall, J.K. Daniels Building, and the old President’s Home to their original appearance. These buildings, in addition to the Bray Administration Building and the old Central Heating Plant, comprise the Lane College Historic District. This designation was given by the Department of the Interior in 1988. On March 18, 1992, after a short illness, Dr. Chambers passed away. Dr. Arthur L. David, a 1960 graduate of Lane College, who was serving as Dean of the College, was appointed Interim President by the Board of Trustees. Dr. David served from March 1992, until his successor, Dr. Wesley Cornelious McClure, was named as the 9th President on August 20, 1992. Dr. Under Dr. McClure’s leadership, the College experienced significant growth in enrollment, financial stability, an increase in faculty strength, an expanded curriculum, strengthened management, a significantly improved physical plant, and a student-centered campus climate, including heightened student morale. In addition, construction of the Academic Center, which houses the Library/Learning Resource Center, an auditorium, several classrooms, seminar rooms, skills laboratories, and a telecommunications center resumed in 1996, and was completed in 1997. In April 1996, the College purchased the property formerly owned by the Budde & Weiss Manufacturing Company, a firm that designed and made church furniture. Budde Street, which is adjacent to the original properties, is named in its honor. In 1997, the College began renovation of the Bray Administration Building. Built in 1905 and known as the “Crown Jewel” of the campus, Bray Hall received a complete interior overhaul, costing $2.2 million. Department of Education. The renovation was completed in July of 2000. Under Dr. In September 2001, the Board of Trustees approved the administration’s strategic plan to expand the College’s curriculum, strengthen the quality of its faculty, and increase student enrollment. In 2001, 672 students were enrolled at Lane. In Fall 2009, student enrollment was 2,250, a 235 percent increase, of which the ratio of males to females was approximately 1:1. During the fall 2002, the College began to expand its campus acreage and, in the summer of 2003, began extensive renovations of The Archives, now known as the Water Tower Place. As a result of these renovations, on November 4, 2004, the Cyber Café opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility is suited for meetings, coffee, or quiet study. In July 2005, the College acquired the FCC license to operate its own radio station, WLCD-FM. Between March and December 2006, the College acquired an off-campus residence hall named Eastbrooke, with a capacity for 76 occupants; renovated P.R. Shy Hall (formerly named Meeting Hall and Production Center), the home of WLCD; secured through a gift from the City of Jackson the 3,500-seat Rothrock Stadium located on the west side of Hays Avenue between Lexington and College streets, now Lane Field, the home of the Lane College Dragons football team; purchased a telecommunications system to alert students, faculty, and staff of any emergency; and bought the historic St. Paul CME Church building located on the College’s eastern boundary. This building has been renamed The Lighthouse. Beginning in summer 2008 and continuing through 2009, the College completed the construction of three (3) residence halls (Alumni, Harper, and Jennie E. Lane) and a 42,000 square foot Science and Business Building. Alumni Hall accommodates 86 students and Harper Hall and Jennie E. A major facelift along the heart of the College during the summer of 2010, particularly the three-block area proceeding easterly on Lane Avenue from the railroad tracks to Middleton Street, heightened the aesthetic appeal of the campus. In October 2010, the College completed construction of the new Berry Hall, replacing the former building that was moved to campus over 65 years ago. This building, now called the Berry Hall Teaching Learning Center is the facility where teacher education courses are taught and education faculty offices are located. The year 2012 was marked by enormous growth, but also the upholding of its Mission to serve the disadvantaged. Community health initiatives promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention of such diseases as diabetes and hypertension have been implemented in the College’s Wellness Program since 2006. In July 2013, the College acquired the former Baptist Student Union Building located on Middleton Street from the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Education (TBM&E) Convention. Dr. McClure passed away after a short illness in December 2013 after leading the College for twenty-one years. Dr. Logan Hampton was named the 10th President of Lane College by the Board of Trustees on June 12, 2014 and assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the College. Dr. Hampton launched transformative initiatives to lead the campus in expanding online course offerings, receiving approval from SACSCOC to offer associate degrees and online instruction for the Bachelor of Arts in Religion, strengthening the College’s brand and Christian ethos, establishing a more conventional student residential community with a robust first-year experience program, and improving the arts, recreation, and athletic facilities. Financial giving to the College increased significantly and steadily under Dr. Hampton’s leadership. One of his marquee initiatives was the Power of Potential® (POP) Scholars Program launched in 2015. Built on the premise that preparing students for a life of meaningful work has always been a central purpose of the College, the Program was designed to develop and enhance skills necessary to prepare each scholar to be an expert learner and assume leadership roles on campus and beyond. In 2017, the College developed a strategic plan based upon five strategic themes: stimulation of intellectual and creative discovery; promotion of student success; development of persons of integrity grounded in Christ-centered values; strengthened financial resources; and enhanced partnerships. Further advancement unfolded as the College was designated as a veteran-friendly campus. Improvement of existing facilities was prioritized with the renovation of the aquatic center and gymnasium floor in the J.F. Lane Building as well as that of bathroom areas in Cleaves, Hamlett, Graves, and Smith Halls. The 2018-2019 academic year marked the completion of major renovations of the Kirkendoll Student Union Building which added state-of-the-art conference facilities, meeting rooms, student lounge areas, and office space for housing Lane Institute, First-Year Experience, and Second-Year Experience on the lower level of the facility. Expanding community support and involvement was a consistent focus. Dr. Hampton dedicated significant time and energy to igniting creativity and full participation within the campus community. In Spring 2020, the College was gifted the former Lincoln Elementary School property by the City of Jackson. When in 2020, the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic occurred, higher education experienced a transformational short and long-term impact from which Lane College was not exempt. Besides insuring swift and proper implementation of several health and operational protocols, the College was compelled to suddenly pivot to online and hybrid instruction in March 2020 through the Spring 2021 semester. Consequently, the College’s national reach was broadened. The profile of the campus was raised, and collaboration across academic disciplines and administrative units was promoted by Dr. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) invited Dr. Hampton to testify on behalf of the nation’s HBCU community, in particular, and the greater higher education community, in general. During his testimony, Dr. Hampton asked for $1 billion in support for HBCUs, the doubling of the Pell grant, and debt relief from the HBCU Capital Financing Program. Coming out of the pandemic, the highly reported topic of student mental health could not be ignored. Towards the end of Dr. Hampton’s decade of service, the fruition of long-anticipated enhancements to the College’s academic arm came to be with the designation of Lane as an approved Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) by the Tennessee State Board of Education in 2021; the 2023 opening of the CVS Workforce Innovation Talent Center (WITC) which is a state-of-the-art retail pharmacy training program; and the nursing program partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center also established in 2023. Dr. On July 12, 2024, Dr. Donald W. Comer was named Interim President of Lane College. When he assumed his official duties on August 1, 2024, Dr. Comer was no stranger to the College. He served as a guest panelist and mentor at the inaugural Student Leadership Conference in 2019 and in 2022, received the Friend of Lane College Award when he was inducted into the Lane College Hall of Distinction. That award is given to a friend who did not graduate from Lane College but supports the College by giving his or her financial support, time, talent, and enthusiasm. A former executive with the FedEx Corporation, Dr. As Interim President, Dr. Comer has chartered a path forward for the College that is anchored upon six pillars: 1) Academic Excellence, 2) Experiential Learning, 3) Strategic Enrollment Growth 4) Financial Vitality, 5) Community Engagement, and 6) Differential Advantage. Bolstering the College’s renewed commitment to acade.

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