| Official Statement from HSRN regarding LeCounte Conaway |
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| Wed, Nov 23, 2011 > 11:44am |
A pioneer and visionary in the annals of HBCU Sports coverage, LeCounte Conaway, Director of Communications and sideline reporter for Heritage Sports Radio Network passed away while on assignment in Orlando, Florida. He was 57.  Mr. Conaway had been a part of the broadcast team who covered the 32nd annual Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Classic Saturday November 19, 2011. The team remained in Florida to make preparations for the Turkey Day Classic and the Bayou Classic broadcasts coming on November 24th and 26th respectively when he succumbed. “This is devastating news,” says HSRN CEO Omarr Bashir. “We will grieve and mourn but we will persevere and continue to honor ’Counte’s spirit by working to make sure that his work and vision were not in vain” For nearly 40 years LeCounte was on the cutting edge of HBCU Sports publicity. As a sports information director at Maryland-Eastern Shore, Virginia State, Hampton University, Shaw University, and Delaware State, Conaway’s tireless efforts brought major league attention to HBCU Sports. While at Hampton he and the late Norfolk State sports information director John Holley conceived the “Battle Of The Bay” concept which branded the annual Hampton versus Norfolk State football game into a premiere sports event in the Tidewater (VA) area. Conaway’s impact was also present on the conference level. He was a key figure in helping to publicize the CIAA Basketball Tournament through a tour of duty in the conference which also helped its growth into becoming the second largest conference tournament in America. However, LeCounte’s real passion was in helping others advance in athletic administration. Countless media and administrative professionals benefited from his unconditional tutelage and have advanced to significant roles in sports organizations. Conaway always looked for new ways to advance the brand of HBCU Sports combining modern technology, passion, and an unprecedented work ethic. He worked behind the scenes in various roles for televised games on ESPN and the former MBC Network. His connections around the country were unmatched and his ability to coordinate and disseminate information placed him amongst the elite in media business. It was his dream to place HBCU Sports on a national platform and it was those skills he developed in media relations that helped him excel as Director of Communications for HSRN. He worked tirelessly to keep an HBCU FCS and Division II poll consistently managed for HSRN and his innovation led to a fan poll which has been a signature element on the network’s website since its inception. To honor his legacy HSRN will broadcast this week’s games between Alabama State vs. Tuskegee and Grambling vs. Southern and will pay special tribute during the Heritage Salutes segments of the pregame shows. |