Morgan State’s 41-0 win over CIAA opponent Lincoln (Pa.) last weekend was special for two reasons for Bears head coach Damon Wilson.
One, the football team and the Morgan State community got to celebrate homecoming one year after a shooting incident on campus halted last year’s festivities.
Two, the win was Wilson’s 100th career win as a head coach, putting him in some good company.
“It’s a true blessing. I didn’t get into this business trying to win 100 games or to win championships,” said Wilson, who won three CIAA championships at Bowie State before taking over the Morgan State program in 2022. “It was more so how many people can I impact, how many people can I help. The byproduct of helping people and giving them an opportunity is winning championships. Those life lessons and those conversations I’ve had with players over the years have been great.”
Wilson credited former Bowie State President Dr. Mickey Burnim and then-athletic director Derek Carter with giving him a chance before adding, “I understand that not a lot of good coaches reach 100 wins. It’s something I don’t take lightly at all.”
Aside from the milestone win, Wilson was happy that the university was able to enjoy homecoming after last year’s unfortunate circumstances.
“The administration did a great job putting safety measures in place, the alumni and supporters came out, and the campus was jam-packed throughout the day. The gala we had the night before the game went well,” he said. “The festivities throughout game day went well. It was just a great atmosphere. For us to come out with a W at the end of the day is what it was really all about. We wanted to thank our alums and supporters on the field, and that’s what our guys did.”
The Bears return to action at Hughes Stadium Saturday with a visit from FCS independent Merrimack, their final non-conference game before MEAC play begins at North Carolina Central Oct. 26.