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Fall has just begun in 1980. The Empire Strikes Back dominated the box office all summer long, Diana Ross had just released "Upside Down" and Magic Johnson had just won his first NBA title. In the midst of all that was going on in the world and pop culture, the Bluefield State College Big Blue stepped onto the field to take on the West Liberty Hilltoppers. In the end, the Big Blue eeked out a 21-8 win over the Hilltoppers. However, it would mark the beginning of a 41-year lull within the university's football program.
After a 41-year break, Bluefield State College returned to the football field this fall. Led by head coach Tony Coaxum, the HBCU put together an eight-game schedule with games against fellow HBCUs like Johnson C. Smith University and Elizabeth City State University.
The 2021 college football season was not kind to Bluefield State in week one as Lawrence Tech defeated the Big Blue 21-14. However, things turned around in week two as the Big Blue overcame a 21-point deficit to earn their first victory in more than four decades.
"It means so much for [us]," Coaxum told NBC affiliate WVVA in West Virginia.
"It just means so much to the community, and I know it just validates that this was the right thing. To get the program back. And it makes us hungry to keep going it and stacking wins and keep this thing going and keep moving forward."
Bluefield State College has a decent shot at bringing home their second win of the season on Saturday as they take on Johnson C. Smith University. Last week, Johnson C. Smith University fell to Allen University, a team that has a -34 point differential this season.
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