Basketball fans for both Florida State and Florida A&M universities filled Tallahassee’s Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Sunday. Before the game, onlookers paid tribute to former FSU player and current FAMU coach, Charlie Ward.
Prior to the tipoff, the center court spotlight was on the former two-sport standout who won a Heisman Trophy in football and led the FSU basketball team into three straight NCAA Tournament appearances; Charlie Ward!
“Charlie’s number 17 was retired shortly after his Heisman season in ’93. And today, becomes the first athlete in Florida State University history to have his jersey honored in two different sports!” proclaimed the arena’s announcer as the large crowd broke into cheers and applause.
After accepting a special basketball and a framed replica of his jersey, Ward took the microphone to make a few brief remarks in appreciation.
“And I enjoy playing basketball but also enjoy playing football. And I just want to encourage everyone, whatever you do, love doing it. Just because God wants us to do the right things for the right reasons.”
Ward’s FSU basketball jersey, bearing the number 12, now hangs from the civic center rafters. The only honor denied Ward, who is now head basketball coach at FAMU, was a win over the Seminoles during Sunday’s exhibition game. The ‘Noles took the victory over the Rattlers, 88 to 54. Sunday’s game was the first meeting between the two men’s basketball teams since 1991
