Left to right: Tory Woodbury, Tierra Terry and Jay Butler.

WINSTON-SALEM  – Winston-Salem State athletics kicked off its “Restore the Standard” Tour on July 7, giving alumni, donors and supporters an opportunity to hear directly from the coaches tasked with leading Rams athletics into its next era.

Billed as Coaches Corner, the enthusiastic meet-and-greet featured an action-packed video that drew frequent applause, hors d’oeuvres, jazz music, remarks from WSSU leaders and promises from the coaches to continue the tradition of excellence for which Rams athletics is known.

Football coach Tory Woodbury and basketball coaches Tierra Terry and Jay Butler spent the evening sharing their vision for their programs and engaging with alumni, donors and supporters.

Tuesday’s event was the first of four planned over the next two weeks. The coaches will meet with alumni and supporters in Durham on July 15, Charlotte on July 21 and Atlanta on July 22.

Director of athletics Eric Burns told the crowd that he expects the momentum from last year’s successes – including a historic CIAA women’s basketball championship and conference titles in volleyball, flag football and women's track and field – to continue. Burns was named AD in April  after serving in the role on an interim basis since October 2025.

He said one message consistently emerged from conversations with alumni, coaches, student-athletes, donors and supporters: Everyone knows what WSSU athletics can be. “So, today, that’s why our vision is simple in that we’re here to restore the standard,” Burns said. “I'm talking about restoring the culture, the expectations, the commitment and excellence that always defined Winston-Salem State University.”

Burns was introduced by WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, who said through the university’s “We Are Rising” strategic plan, the institution is “committed to elevating excellence across every area of WSSU, including athletics.”

Butler couldn’t contain his excitement as he stepped to the podium. “This right here is what it’s all about,” said Butler, who joined the WSSU staff in April after leading his alma mater, Virginia Union University, to a 25-6 record and the second round of the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament. “It’s about relationships, and I’m looking forward to developing relationships with everyone here in this building.”

Butler, who earned CIAA coach of the year honors three times and guided the Panthers to four DII tournament appearances in 11 years, said people frequently ask why he left Virginia Union for Winston-Salem State.

“I say resources and the family feel. It’s an easy sell,” Butler said. “I'm excited about the opportunity. I can’t go anywhere in Winston-Salem without meeting an alum. Winston-Salem is a beautiful city. I'm enjoying the moment. These have been the best 90 days of my life so far.”

Woodbury, a former WSSU standout quarterback, New York Jets player and assistant coach for the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship team, said he always dreamed of returning to his alma mater as head football coach. The team opens the season Aug. 29 at Norfolk State, with the home opener Sept. 5 against Mars Hill. Woodbury plans to have more than 60 new players on the roster, which he expects to cap at 130.

“Everything has been positive,” Woodbury said. “The alumni don't really give me any specific number of wins they expect; they just tell me they want to win championships. I meet supporters everywhere. People see me in passing at the grocery store and tell me, ‘I haven't had season tickets in a while, but I'm going to come see you and support you.’ That means a lot to me.”

Terry, a WSSU graduate, guided the women's basketball team to a 28-4 record in her first season as head coach, along with the program's first CIAA championship, a berth in the NCAA DII Tournament and two tournament victories. She was named CIAA women's coach of the year and later signed a contract extension with WSSU following the team's historic season.

Terry praised Rams fans for their support, noting the lines of people waiting to pack the 2,750-seat C.E. Gaines Center, named for legendary coach Clarence E. “Big House” Gaines.

“Seeing you guys in the stands made all the difference,” she said. "We appreciate you guys. We're grateful for all we have. We're trying to make the student-athlete experience better."

Terry said she hopes the team will have new red uniforms and several locker room improvements this year, adding that she wants today's student-athletes to have an even better experience than she had as a WSSU basketball player.

Community supporter and WSSU advocate Al Jabbar, who donated $10,000 to the women's basketball program last year, pledged to give the team another $10,000 this year and $5,000 each to the football and men’s basketball programs. He encouraged others to make financial contributions as well.

“I think we have a great opportunity ahead of us," Jabbar said. “It takes money to make these things work. We need to have that in place, so our kids have everything they need to be successful.”

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