LORMAN — Alcorn State University seeks to add Marino “The Godfather” Casem’s name to Jack Spinks Stadium. After conversations with alumni groups, university staff and athletic stakeholders, Alcorn President M. Christopher Brown II hopes to bring good news on this agenda item request after next week’s Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) meeting.

Casem is the Braves’ all-time leader in career wins, compiling a 139-70-8 overall record, and an (86-48-7 in the SWAC. He also won seven SWAC championships.

“His legendary legacy of leadership still demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and personal integrity,” Brown said. “His achievements and courage serve as an inspiration for all student athletes in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field. This recognition is long overdue, and the Alcorn family is honored to acknowledge the achievements of Coach Casem.”

If IHL approves the name change, new temporary signage will greet fans at the Braves first home game. The total renovation needs for the stadium are currently being assessed, in particular campus compliance with ADA, the ingress and egress of traffic during sporting events and the audiovisual notification system given the university proximity to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant.

Braves head football coach Melvin Spears said Casem’s name being on their home field stadium is overdue.

“One of the hardest parts of my job is walking into Alcorn’s stadium and not seeing Coach Marino Casem’s name anywhere,” Spears said. “He was not only my coach, but (he was) whatever I or any of his players needed him to be. Coach insured we succeeded on the football field, in the classroom and in life.”