MURFREESBORO- Chowan University continues to pay homage to a rich athletic heritage as the athletic department will name the 1955 and 1961 football teams as Teams of Distinction.  Both teams will be recognized prior to Saturday's football game against Johnson C. Smith University.  Kick-off is slated for 6pmin Garrison Stadium.

According to the then-Chowan College yearbook, the Chowanoaka, the story of the 1955 Braves was one of spirit, victory, and pride.  Coaches Herb Appenzellar and Paul Davis turned out one of the finest squads in the history of Chowan.  It is a story of a small town team which never knew when to throw in the towel even against gigantic odds.  Possible defeat was turned into victory by the spirit to win.  The Braves posted an 8-1 overall record in 1955 with wins over Baltimore College (21-0), Elon Jayvees (25-14), Fork Union (19-13), Wesley (25-6), Richmond B's (40-26), Newport News Apprentice (26-7), Hargraves Military Academy (32-7), and Ferrum (38-6).  Their lone loss was an 18-7 setback against Bullis. 

Herman Clark, Jim Gravely, Jack Crenshaw, and Ben Rich were selected to the All-State Junior College Team after leading the Braves to an 8-1 mark.  John Warren, Al Pierce, Ted Rollins, Joe Dickerson, and Fletcher Baker received All-State Honorable Mention accolades.  Warren set two school records that season with 14 touchdowns and 1,009 yards rushing.  The 1955 team captured Basket Bowl and Ruritan Bowl Championship crowns that same season. 

The 1961 Braves share the honor as being one of the best in Chowan history.  The team posted an 8-1 mark on the season with victories over Gardner-Webb (6-0), Wingate (19-0), Davidson Freshman (38-7), Newport News Apprentice (25-0), Richmond Freshman (27-6), Washington & Lee Freshman (50-0), Wesley College (34-0), and William & Mary Freshman (30-7).  Their lone loss was a 6-3 setback against Ferrum.   The Braves' 8-1 record earned them consideration for the Junior College Rose Bowl. 

The 1961 team was led by Chowan legend Coach Jim Garrison and Jerry Hawkins.  The team ranked as high as sixth in the nation among junior colleges and featured one of the top defensive teams in the country as the Braves surrendered just 13 points that season.  Bobby Gray and Martin Forbes were named Junior College First Team All-American.