North Carolina A&T’s Finest were at their best when they traveled to Campbell University to compete and eventually win a fourth consecutive State Championship.

Coach Robert McNair went into this tournament with the same mindset he has since he began coaching. “I respect all opponents but at the same time I expect to win and I won’t settle for less,” said McNair.  

“My motto is players and talent comes and goes, but the team effort will stay the same.  I always look at my personnel and try and tweak things whether it is defensively or offensively, to benefit the greater good of the team,” continued McNair.  

A&T’s Finest’ first game was a pool play game against Methodist University in which they won 79-0.

They were then put into a single elimination tournament in which their first game was against the University of North Carolina (Team Encore).

It was a tight game but A&T Finest pulled it out with a 13-12 overtime victory.

“I let my team know this year, that last year was last year and we have to establish our own identity for this 2010 season,” said McNair.  “Being able to say that we are four-time consecutive state champions is really an honor and it is quite humbling.”  

That would be the closest game for the Aggies as they cruised the rest of the way to win their fourth title.

In the semi-finals game they beat the University of North Carolina (Team Spread Eagle) 44-0 and they defeated Appalachian State (Team Butta) 39-6 in the championship game.

Olajdie Pullen received the MVP award recording 5 touchdown receptions, 10 flag pulls for losses and 2 sacks.

Receiving honorable mentions were Saryeh Green with 20 touchdowns, Clifton Simmons with 3 interceptions, and Jeremy Green with 7 touchdown receptions.

Green stresses how important his team worked to reach another championship.

“Not too many teams in any sport can say they are four peat champions,” said Green. “It all starts with teamwork, hard work, dedication and commitment. It feels good bringing another championship to A&T and this is just the first big step towards our ultimate goal of becoming repeat National Champions.”

Richard Richardson, Michael Johnson and Lamar Johnston were placed on the All-Tournament team for their outstanding play.

Richardson had 401 rushing yards as well as 6 touchdowns. Johnson had 5 interceptions and Johnston had 8 touchdowns. Although only these three players were on the All-Tournament team, Johnston really feels like the whole team contributed.

“It’s an honor being apart of the All-Tournament team but I would not have made All-Tournament without the rest of A&T’s Finest,” said Johnston. “In my heart all of A&T’s Finest are apart of the team.”  

Coach McNair and the team are enjoying this championship and looking forward to bringing A&T more championships.

“It feels really gratifying, but not for me; for the University and campus community.”

McNair says he feels honored not only for winning and keeping the state championship here at A&T but also because the team won the Sportsmanship Award as they represented the University in a way the student body, alumni, and the administration can be proud of.

• Octavia Wyatt