Bethune-Cookman head coach Terry Sims (L) and Alcorn State head coach Fred McNair (R) at the “Battle by the Beach Kickoff." ESPN Events celebrated its 12th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge this past Labor Day weekend. While the matchup between two-time defending SWAC champion Alcorn State and returning MEAC co-champion Bethune-Cookman had to be suspended in the second quarter due to weather, the teams and fans still enjoyed a “bowl-like†experience in Daytona Beach throughout the weekend. The festivities got underway on Friday night with the “Battle by the Beach Kickoff,†complete with a sand sculpture. On Saturday, the teams enjoyed a luncheon at Daytona Beach International Speedway hosted by ESPN’s Tiffany Greene. SportsCenter AM anchor Jay Harris delivered the keynote speech, encouraging the student-athletes to give back to their communities. Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, was also in attendance to present the Walter Payton Achievement Award. Each travel party received a team-branded Swell bottle, custom socks from Rock ‘Em Apparel, a Herschel toiletry bag, a Bevel shaving kit and customized iSlides complete with each player’s name and number. SportsCenter AM’s Jay Harris delivers the keynote speech at the team welcome luncheon at Daytona International Speedway, encouraging the student-athletes to give back to their communities. The PRIDE of Bethune-Cookman marching band entertains during a pep rally at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. Alcorn State players and coaches enjoy a free pre-game haircut while watching the LSU-Wisconsin game. The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl Trophy made its first of seven stops at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. A full listing of stops can be viewed here.
