UB won't reject Bowl bid this time

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The resurgent UB Bulls may get to their first bowl game this year, half a century after the team turned down a bid because the Tangerine Bowl wanted to exclude two African American players. One of those athletes returned to his alma mater Wednesday.

As 70-year-old Wille Evans walks around the University at Buffalo South Campus,
he can't help but notice how much it has changed.

Willie Evans said, "When I was here you could count the number of blacks on your hand."

When he heads over to the football field, now at the North Campus, he gazes into the stands remembering his glory days as a half-back for UB.

"The concentration was on winning football games and that helped solidify the attitudes and performances of the players back then," said Evans.

Back then, the Buffalo Bulls were at the top of their game.
In 1958 their 8 and 1 record earned them the distinguished Lambert Cup and an invitation to the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando Florida.
But there was one problem.
Bowl officials wouldn't allow Willie Evans and teammate Michael Wilson to play, because they're black.
As a team, they decided if everyone couldn't go no one would.

"It's not everyday you find out that you were possibly the only team ever to turn down a bowl bid because of racial concerns."
Fast forward to today.

The 6 and 4 Bulls have a shot at making it to a bowl game for the first time in 50 years, under the guidance of the team's first black coach, Turner Gill.

"I love the idea I've been an ardent supporter of the athletic program over the years."

Years later, most would argue that UB's lost opportunity to play, was worth it's gain in the history books.