TTalk: Beyond the Field - Black Alumni Weekend Podcast introduction of Harold Sylvester

Black Alumni Weekend Podcast introduction of Harold Sylvester

03/12/24 • 2 min

Moderator Ro Brown a renowned Sports Director and Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer introduces panelist Harold Sylvester. Mr. Sylvester is an award winning actor, director and writer and was the first Black student-athlete at Tulane on an athletic scholarship and the first basketball player.

The TClub is recording a multi-episode series titled, How the Wave Rolls: Navigating Muddy Waters from Stephen Martin to the Cotton Bowl. Episode 1 was recorded in conjunction with Tulane's Inaugural Black Alumni Weekend on 2/24/24. The Black athlete experience at Tulane did not begin until the 1960's. Today's panel provides some insight into the trauma and triumph of the men and women of Tulane Athletics over the past sixty years.

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TTalk with Larry Route

Larry Route, a Covington, Louisiana native and former Tulane All-American football standout, shares his amazing story. Larry suffered a broken neck in high school, but he battled back from what could have been a career ending injury and convinced his mother to allow him back onto the field. Larry's exceptional talent caught the eye of renowned coach Lou Holtz, leading to a tough decision between Tulane and Arkansas. Larry chose to stay close to home so his mom could see him play.

Larry found himself in a unique College environment. Things were changing; Tulane was no longer playing in their on-campus stadium, they were playing in the Superdome. Larry studied Sports Administration and had to balance tough classes with playing Division I sports, especially during away games.

At first, Larry played as a receiver, but then he switched to the H-back/tight end position. He worked hard to bulk up from 180 to 205 pounds during his redshirt freshman year. He knew he had to keep getting better, especially when playing tough teams. Larry remembers how great it felt when his big plays helped Tulane seal the victory over Florida State.

Larry talks about his college days, his career after graduating, and how college sports are changing, in a conversation led by Tulane Hall of Famer Carmen Jones.