Alcorn State, MS – The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning today approved the request submitted by President M. Christopher Brown II to add Marino “The Godfather” Casem's name to Alcorn's football stadium.

Spinks Stadium, originally named for NFL player, former assistant Alcorn football coach, and alumnus Jack Spinks, will become Casem-Spinks Stadium. The unanimous vote honors Casem and Spinks who coached together at Alcorn. The names will appear in alphabetical order and the field remains named after Dwight Fisher. 

“Coach Casem helped Alcorn athletics increase both in stature and in reputation, to become a nationally recognized university,” President Brown said. “Every Alcornite celebrates the Board's decision. Coach Casem built a quality football and athletic program during his tenure at Alcorn. What's more, he prepared athletes for life beyond the game. He believed in the concept of 'student-athlete' and stressed high academic performance in the classroom first.”

Never at a loss for words, a grateful Coach Marino Casem shared his joy, “This honor is only possible because of the hundreds of Alcorn student-athletes, coaches, staff, administrators and fans, and I humbly thank each of you, especially President Brown. I am truly overwhelmed by this honor from my Alcorn family.”