By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
August 4, 2002
Meridian native and former Troy State University football player Carlos Stennis is headed to the University of Tennessee to pursue post-graduate work in the Sports and Fitness Management program.
Stennis, who played at Meridian High School in 1995-97 with the likes of Kenyatta Walker and Kenny Smith, will go to Tennessee in an internship role after receiving a prestigious scholarship by the Black Coaches Association.
Stennis was award the BCA's Ethnic Minority Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics. It is a national award which offers minorities the opportunity to advance their studies in sports administration for later employment in the sports industry.
Stennis earned his bachelor's degree from Troy State and was enrolled in the Sports and Fitness Management graduate program. He will receive his Masters in Sports Management in December.
At Tennessee, he will work with former Troy State track and field coach George Oliver in event management.
Stennis is hoping his experience at Tennessee will pay off with a job offer.
Following his playing days at Meridian High, Stennis was signed by the University of Alabama as a defensive tackle. He played for the 1998 and 1999 seasons for the Crimson Tide and was a member of Alabama's SEC Championship team in 1999.
Stennis (6-2, 271) transferred to Troy State after his junior season. He played in 16 games, 10 in the 2000 season. He received an additional year of eligibility and played in six games in 2001. He made 25 total tackles and recorded a sack for a loss of eight yards during his 16 games with Troy State.