Cleveland Abbott -  South Dakota State University
  • Institution: South Dakota State University
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Football, Baseball, Basketball & Track Field
  • Years with Institution: Graduated in 1916
  • Trailblazer Story: Cleveland “Cleve” Abbott was selected as a Black History Month Trailblazer for his historic impact as a student-athlete at South Dakota State University and his enduring legacy as one of the most influential coaches and athletics leaders of his era.

    A 1916 graduate of South Dakota State and a standout multi-sport athlete, Abbott excelled in track, football, baseball, and basketball, earning an extraordinary 14 varsity awards during his collegiate career. A graduate of Watertown High School, Abbott’s success at SDSU reflected his versatility, discipline, and commitment to excellence—traits that would define his professional life.

    Following graduation, Abbott became one of the most respected coaches and athletics administrators in the South. He was hired by Tuskegee Institute by Booker T. Washington, initially serving as an agricultural chemist and coach before rising to become the Director of Physical Education and Athletics. Under his leadership, Tuskegee’s athletic programs flourished. His football teams won numerous championships, and his women’s track and field teams dominated nationally, capturing AAU national titles from 1937 to 1950.

    Abbott’s influence reached the international stage, as athletes from his women’s teams went on to represent the United States in the Olympic Games, Pan-American Games, and other global competitions—cementing his role in advancing opportunities and visibility for Black athletes, particularly women.

    Cleve Abbott passed away in 1955, but his legacy endures through the generations of athletes he mentored and the doors he helped open.
  • Additional Information:

Chris Crutchfield  - University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • Institution: University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Men's Basketball & Football Student-Athlete; Head Men's Basketball Coach
  • Years with Institution: 1989-1992 - Student-Athlete; 2022-Present - Head Coach
  • Trailblazer Story: Chris Crutchfield was selected as a Black History Month Trailblazer for his full-circle journey from student-athlete to championship head coach and for the lasting leadership he brings to his alma mater.

    A former two-sport student-athlete at the University of Nebraska Omaha, competing in both football and men’s basketball, Crutchfield built a coaching career that spans more than two decades across Division I basketball. After successful assistant coaching stops at programs including Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Oregon, he returned to Omaha in 2022 as head coach of the Mavericks.

    In just his third season, Crutchfield led Omaha to a Summit League regular-season and tournament championship, earned Summit League Coach of the Year honors, and guided the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history — a defining moment for Maverick basketball.

    From multi-sport athlete to championship coach, Chris Crutchfield embodies the spirit of Black History Month through perseverance, mentorship, and a commitment to building something bigger than himself.

Frederick D. Fritz Pollard Jr.  - University of North Dakota
  • Institution: University of North Dakota
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Football and Track Field
  • Years with Institution: 1935-1938
  • Trailblazer Story: Fritz Pollard Jr. was selected as a Black History Month Trailblazer for his historic impact as a student-athlete at the University of North Dakota and the enduring legacy he built through leadership, service, and excellence beyond the field of play.

    A standout in football, track and field, and boxing at UND, Pollard helped challenge long-standing myths of racial superiority through his athletic achievements. His accomplishments reached the international stage as a member of the United States Track and Field Team at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, where he earned a bronze medal in the high hurdles and played a role in dismantling the Nazi regime’s narrative of Aryan supremacy alongside fellow Black American athletes.

    Pollard’s influence extended far beyond athletics. He graduated from UND as one of the institution’s first African American graduates before earning a law degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He later served in the U.S. Army during World War II and went on to a distinguished career in public service, retiring as the director of the U.S. State Department’s overseas schools for American citizens.

    A member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the son of Fritz Pollard Sr., the first African American head coach in the National Football League, Pollard carried forward a family legacy of trailblazing leadership. In recognition of his lasting impact, UND named its High Performance Center in his honor in 2021, ensuring his contributions continue to inspire future generations.

    Fritz Pollard Jr.’s life reflects the spirit of Black History Month—marked by resilience, excellence, and a commitment to breaking barriers and opening doors for others.

Richard Fuqua  - Oral Roberts University
  • Institution: Oral Roberts University
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Men's Basketball
  • Years with Institution: 1969-1973
  • Trailblazer Story: Richard Fuqua was selected as a Black History Month Trailblazer for his historic impact on Oral Roberts University men’s basketball and the lasting foundation he helped establish during the program’s early years.

    A three-time All-American and ORU’s first All-American, Fuqua was the NCAA’s second-leading scorer in 1972 and remains ORU’s all-time leading scorer at the Division I level, accomplishing his feats before the introduction of the three-point line. His jersey is one of only three retired in program history, underscoring his place among the program’s all-time greats.

    Fuqua’s success helped elevate ORU basketball on the national stage and set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire generations of student-athletes. In recognition of his enduring legacy, the ORU men’s basketball practice court will be named in his honor this February.

Darius Hogans & Erica (Denney) Hogans - University of South Dakota
  • Institution: University of South Dakota
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Darius - Football; Erica - Softball
  • Years with Institution: Darius - 2008-2012; Erica - 2009-2013
  • Trailblazer Story: Darius and Erica Hogans were selected as Black History Month Trailblazers for the lasting impact they made at the University of South Dakota and the meaningful ways they continue to lead and serve others today.

    During their time at USD, Darius and Erica developed the leadership, resilience, and commitment to community that continue to define them. Through their experiences as student-athletes, they learned how to persevere, lead with integrity, and support those around them—lessons that remain central to their personal and professional lives.

    Today, Erica serves as a United States Probation Officer for the District of Nevada, while Darius is an Assistant Principal in the Clark County School District, where he mentors students and helps shape positive school environments. Both credit USD athletics as foundational to their work ethic and leadership philosophy.

    Now raising two children in Las Vegas, Darius and Erica continue to build a legacy rooted in purpose and pride. They named their oldest child Dakota in honor of the DakotaDome, where they first met—a lasting symbol of the place that shaped their journey together.

    Together, Darius and Erica Hogans embody the spirit of Black History Month, reflecting Black excellence through leadership, service, and a commitment to uplifting their community. 

Rose Jackson - North Dakota State University
  • Institution: North Dakota State University
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Track & Field Student-Athlete; Assistant Director of Business Operations for NDSU Athletics
  • Years with Institution: Student-Athlete - 2013-2017; Administrator - 2021-Present
  • Trailblazer Story: Rose Jackson was selected as a Black History Month Trailblazer for her lasting impact at North Dakota State University and her continued leadership as both a former student-athlete and current athletics administrator.

    With nearly 13 years with NDSU Athletics, Rose has exemplified excellence, commitment, and service. As a member of the Bison women’s track and field team from 2013–17, she earned two All-America honors, captured eight Summit League individual titles, and was named Summit League Track Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Year during her career. Her success on the track was matched by her dedication in the classroom, where she earned undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science.

    Rose continued her academic and professional development as a graduate assistant in athletic administration, completing her MBA while gaining hands-on experience within the department. In 2021, she was hired as Assistant Director of Business Operations, where she plays a key role in overseeing day-to-day athletic budget operations and supporting the department’s financial stewardship.

    Whether as a student-athlete or staff member, Rose has been a trusted leader and valued teammate, consistently contributing to the success of NDSU Athletics. Her journey reflects the spirit of Black History Month—demonstrating excellence, perseverance, and a commitment to making a lasting impact on her institution and community.
  • Additional Information: 

Denzil Lue - University of. St. Thomas
  • Institution: University of St.Thomas
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Men's Soccer Head Coach
  • Years with Institution: 1979-2001
  • Trailblazer Story: Denzil Lue was selected as a Black History Month Trailblazer for his groundbreaking leadership in collegiate soccer and his lasting impact on student-athletes and the broader soccer community.

    Lue made history as the first Black head coach in University of St. Thomas Athletics, breaking barriers while building one of the most successful men’s soccer programs in Tommie history. Over 23 seasons as head coach, his teams compiled a 242-140-46 record, won four MIAC championships, and made four NCAA tournament appearances. He also earned multiple MIAC Coach of the Year honors, establishing a standard of excellence both on and off the field.

    His influence extended well beyond campus. Lue was deeply involved with Jamaica’s national teams and his contributions to the sport earned him induction into both the Jamaica Soccer Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Soccer Hall of Fame. Known as a mentor and leader, Lue helped shape generations of players who carried his lessons forward into coaching, leadership, and service.

    Denzil Lue embodies the spirit of Black History Month through his trailblazing leadership, perseverance, and enduring impact on the game of soccer and those who played it under his guidance.
  • Additional Information: 

Michael Watson - University of. Missouri - Kansas City
  • Institution: University of Missouri - Kansas City
  • Sport(s)/Area:  Men's Basketball
  • Years with Institution: 2000-2003
  • Trailblazer Story: Michael Watson was selected as a Black History Month Trailblazer for his leadership, perseverance, and lasting influence on and off the basketball court.

    A standout at University of Missouri–Kansas City, Watson established himself as one of the most accomplished players in Roos men’s basketball history. He finished his collegiate career with 2,488 points, becoming the all-time leading scorer in program history and one of the most prolific scorers in conference history. Competing over four seasons, Watson set numerous school records, including points in a single game (54), career field goals made, career three-pointers made, three-point attempts, games played, and games started, many of which still stand today.

    Watson’s impact on the program was cemented in 2019 when his #22 jersey was retired, making him the first Black student-athlete in UMKC history to receive that honor. The recognition stands as a lasting symbol of his role in elevating the program and setting a standard of excellence for future generations of Roos.

    Beyond his collegiate career, Watson went on to play professional basketball internationally before turning his focus to service and mentorship. Watson continues to lead by example through his nonprofit work and community engagement. He founded MENTALITY by Michael Watson, a youth organization in the Greater Kansas City area designed to inspire and empower young athletes with world-class sporting experiences and mentorship.

    Michael Watson embodies the spirit of Black History Month through excellence, resilience, and a commitment to giving back, demonstrating how true impact extends far beyond individual achievement.
  • Additional Information: