Intense and exhilarating are words some of the 31,096 spectators used to describe the second Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl Dec. 17 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Southwestern Athletic Conference champions
Grambling State University defeated North Carolina Central University,
champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, 10-9 to win the first game of
this year’s college bowl season.
The Air Force Reserve has served as the
title sponsor of the bowl game since its inception in 2015. Its commercials and
advertisements before and during the game reached a broad national audience.
The expanded reach from attendees of
the game, viewers of ABC’s live broadcast, consumers of ESPN’s coverage and
perusers of social media allowed an opportunity to showcase the more than
70,000 Citizen Airmen who are part of the communities they serve. They study in
colleges and universities, support local community programs, maintain civilian
careers, and make an impact each and every day.
“The Air Force Reserve believes
inclusion inspires excellence,” said Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, chief of Air
Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command. “We’re here to honor
the legacy of our culture of diversity.
“The fusion of our varied and rich
cultures generates a resilient force for freedom and forges a unique bond
between the Reserve, families and communities,” she said.
The diversity and inclusion Miller
referred to was reflected in various events leading up to and including game
day from not only the SWAC and MEAC coaches and players, but also their
supporters.
Once Miller flipped the coin, the
battle between to the two high-powered offensive teams began. Little did they
know, the game would be a low-scoring, defensive struggle, with almost all
points being scored during the second half.
Grambling’s Jameel Jackson, who
recorded five unassisted tackles and had a key interception, was named the game’s
Outstanding Defensive Player. Running back Martez Carter scored the Tigers’
only touchdown, rushed for 109 yards and was voted Outstanding Offensive Player.
“The Air Force Reserve has been so good
to us for the last four days,” Carter said. “This has truly been the
opportunity of a lifetime.”
Carter, a junior at Grambling State and
native of Monroe, Louisiana, claims he is the first in his family to achieve
such an accomplishment and has already set his sights on next year’s
Celebration Bowl.
The Air Force Reserve prides itself on
providing opportunities and representing the people it serves. Whether covering
tuition for higher education or continuing a civilian career, Citizen Airmen
can serve part time and gain real-world training and experience for their
future.
“Our Citizen Airmen provide our nation
with the ability to immediately respond when America needs us,” Miller said.
“Whether we’re delivering vital supplies to those in need, providing defense for
the defenseless or developing communities across the globe, the Air Force
Reserve is at the forefront of protecting the nation’s future. We welcome you
to join our team.”
During the post-game ceremony, Miller
presented the Celebration Bowl Trophy to the Grambling State Tigers and
congratulated Broderick Fobbs, head coach, on their victory.
“It’s a pleasure to become the National
Historically Black Colleges and Universities champions,” Fobbs said. “This
definitely was an evenly matched football game as you can tell by the score.”
Fobbs, a former football team captain
and 1997 graduate of Grambling State, said he is a person who believes in
accepting challenges.
“At the end of the day, we are all
champions,” he said. “We are not perfect by ourselves, but we are together.
“This was a great contest and a great
bowl game,” Fobbs said. “The Celebration Bowl is being branded here in this
community, and I wouldn’t want to have it anywhere else.”
John T. Grant, Celebration Bowl
executive director, thanked the Air Force Reserve for its partnership and commitment,
and the men and women of the U.S. military for their service to our nation.
This year’s game marks the final year in the Georgia
Dome. In 2017, the game will move to the new Mercedes Benz Stadium.