The Gridiron Legacy: A History of Miles College Football
Miles College, a historically black college in Fairfield, Alabama, boasts a rich and evolving football tradition. From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its modern-day successes in NCAA Division II, the Golden Bears have etched their name in the annals of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). This article delves into the history of Miles College football, exploring its formative years, legendary coaches, memorable seasons, and the program's impact on the college and its community.
Early Years: Laying the Foundation (1910-1920)
Competitive football at Miles College began in 1910 under the guidance of Professor Jordon of Atlanta University, who served as head coach. Jordon instilled fundamental principles that would shape future teams. In 1911, Miles achieved an undefeated season, playing a three-game schedule.
E.W. Windham emerged as a standout player in 1912. Initially playing as a defensive tackle and offensive end, Windham transitioned to fullback, earning the nickname "Power House." In a game against Rust College of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Windham scored all 28 points in Miles' 28-0 victory.
In 1913, Miles continued its winning streak, defeating the same three teams as in 1912. Coach Jordon led Miles to another undefeated season in 1914, adding a victory against Mississippi Industrial College. Coach Osborne took over from 1915 to 1919, and in 1915 Miles had another undefeated season.
Football was suspended at Miles in 1918 due to World War I. In 1920, Coach Poole led the "Golden Tornadoes," now known as the "Golden Bears," against teams such as Alabama A&M, Selma University, Paine College, Rust College, and Mississippi Industrial College.
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The Knox Era: A Period of Dominance (1929-1967)
In 1929, Coach T. J. "Mule" Knox ushered in an era of winning football at Miles, achieving a record of 4-3. Knox, an alumnus of Talladega College and Meharry Medical College, was a multi-sport athlete at Talladega. After leaving Miles at the end of 1929 to open his own drug store, Knox returned in 1934 and led the team to its first of five undefeated seasons.
The Birmingham News reported on October 13, 1934, that Miles Memorial defeated Tennessee State 7-0. On November 4, 1934, Miles defeated Lane 22-0, and on November 18, 1934, Miles won against Alabama A&M 6-0 in Normal, Alabama. Owens scored a touchdown on a triple reverse for 26 yards. In 1935, Miles defeated Alabama A&M 35-0 and Alabama State Teachers 19-0.
In 1936, Coach Knox experienced his only loss between 1934 and 1938 against Alabama State, 30-6. In 1937, Knox led another undefeated season. In 1938, Miles lost to Alabama A&M 6-19 and Tougaloo College 0-27, while defeating Talladega College 20-0, Stillman College 20-12, Mississippi Industrial 17-0, and Rust College 7-0.
The 1939 season was challenging for the Golden Bears. Miles defeated Stillman College 12-6 and Mississippi Industrial College but lost to Alabama A&M 0-48, Allen University 0-39, and Rust College 0-6. Alvin "Cuz" Holston, the team captain, was a standout guard known for his tackling and blocking.
The 1940 season was a winning one. After losing the first game to Stillman College 0-9, Miles defeated its other opponents. One highlight was Miles spoiling Fort Valley State's homecoming with a 6-0 victory, where B. T. "Flugie" King caught a pass and ran 65 yards for the touchdown.
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In 1941, Miles lost its first game to Fisk University 9-12 but won the remaining games. In 1942, Miles had another undefeated season before football was suspended due to World War II until 1946.
Knox continued to coach until 1967, leaving an indelible mark on the program.
Modern Era: Building on Tradition
Miles College competes in the NCAA Division II's Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The athletics program includes men's and women's sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, track, baseball, softball, cross country, and golf.
Recent Highlights
In recent years, Miles College has experienced a resurgence in its athletic programs. Under the leadership of President Dr. Bobbie Knight and Athletic Director Fred Watson, the Golden Bears have achieved significant success.
Virginia Union opened its 2025 season with a statement. Running back Curtis Allen set the tone for Union, piling up Classic-record 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries. Quarterback RJ Rosales complemented the ground game with efficiency, completing 9 of 15 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 54 rushing yards and another score. After a competitive start in which Miles managed a first-quarter field goal attempt, the Panthers seized control and never let go. VUU's defense intercepted the Miles quarterback twice. Virginia Union's defense kept pressure on Ivory all afternoon, forcing turnovers and limiting big plays. "Coming out of spring practice, we wanted this team to form their own identity," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. The win marks Virginia Union's second appearance in Canton and its second victory in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.
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The baseball program captured the 2025 Black College World Series title, and the golf team won the 2024 SIAC Championship.
Knight funded the renovation of Knox-Windham Gymnasium and negotiated a partnership with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to bring a state-of-the-art turf practice field to campus.
The Sloan Alumni Stadium
Sloan Alumni Stadium, named after the college's 13th president, Albert J. H. Sloan, serves as the home field for the Miles College Golden Bears football team.
The Purple Marching Machine
The Miles College band, known as the Purple Marching Machine (PMM), was established in 1996 under the direction of Prof. Arthur Means, Jr. Now under the direction of Willie Snipes Jr., the band has nearly 200 members and has performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, numerous battle of the bands, and for the Atlanta Falcons.
Miles College: A Legacy of Excellence
Miles College, founded in 1898 by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (now the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church), has a long and storied history. Chartered as Miles Memorial College in honor of Bishop William H. Miles, the college has grown to offer 25 bachelor's degrees in various divisions, including Business and Accounting, Communications, Education, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Miles College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. Its social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.
In January 2020, Charles Barkley donated $1 million to Miles College, the largest single donation the school has ever received.
Miles College purchased the Lloyd Noland Hospital site, more than doubling the size of the campus and completed the construction of a new student activity and dining center, a new welcome and admissions center, and a new 204-bed residence hall. The school also operated a radio station, WMWI FM 88.7.
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