Marshall’s Stadium Is Renamed After Woman

Marshall’s stadium earned a distinction on Friday during halftime of the Thundering Herd’s game against Ohio. The university renamed the facility Joan C. Edwards Stadium, making it the only Division I-A stadium to be named after a woman.

“Somebody else said, ‘How come a lady? That’s a man’s game, football.’ Well, boys’ toys. Now we’ve got girls’ toys,” Edwards said. “11-28-03 will be etched on my heart as long as I live.”

Marshall’s Board of Governors authorized renaming the facility after the philanthropist earlier this month.

Edwards, who has donated about $50 million to Marshall over the past decade, recently pledged a gift to cover the university’s $400,000 exit fee from the Mid-American Conference and $1 million entrance to Conference USA next year.

“Joan has been something special for us,” President Dan Angel said.

The stadium’s field is named for her late husband, James F. Edwards.

*

Miami could be facing unusual conditions in its game tonight at Pittsburgh. Forecasters are calling for light snow, something the Hurricanes have played in only twice since 1960.

In 1966, Miami defeated Virginia Tech, 14-7, in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, and in 1993, Miami defeated Pittsburgh, 35-7, in snowy conditions.

*

Navy (7-4), which has a game remaining next Saturday against Army, accepted an invitation to play in the Houston Bowl on Dec. 30. The Midshipmen will play a team from the Big 12 Conference. Navy last appeared in a bowl in 1996, when it defeated California, 42-38, in the Aloha Bowl.