From “Negro Day” to a Century of Legacy: Al Wash’s 50-Year Impact on the State Fair Classic
Since its origins in 1925, the Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling State State Fair Classic has been more than a football game—it’s been a cultural institution. What began during the State Fair of Texas as “Negro Day” grew into a premier annual showdown, drawing generations of athletes, band members, and alumni who compete not only for the win but to honor the schools they represent.
From leather helmets on dusty fields to sold-out crowds under stadium lights, the Classic’s story has been etched into HBCU history. Fans still remember Coach Eddie Robinson’s record-breaking win over Prairie View, freshman Doug Williams’ early heroics, and Dallas native Victor “Grease Lightning” Pegram’s 1986 upset.
The Al Wash Story
At the heart of the modern Classic is Big Al Wash—a San Antonio native, proud Edison High School graduate, and the seventh child of Orange and Lois Wash. From a modest home filled with discipline, education, and drive, Wash built a remarkable career.
After playing football at Blinn Junior College and Tennessee-Martin University, Wash went pro with the Houston Oilers in 1974 and Denver Broncos from 1974-75. When his NFL days ended, a trip to Dallas led to a new chapter as a Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputy under the direction of Judge Sarah T. Hughes. He became the department’s first recreation director, but his ambitions didn’t stop there.
Wash transitioned into entertainment promotions, founding ALW Entertainment. Over decades, he worked with icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, Tyler Perry, Kirk Franklin, Gladys Knight, Boyz II Men, and many more. His guiding principle? “The Show Must Go On.”
50 Years of the Wash Touch
For the past half-century, Wash has been the creative force and logistical mastermind behind the State Fair Classic. His dedication has turned the event into a spectacle that blends football with show-stopping entertainment—one he hopes to pass down to his sons.
This year, the centennial Classic at the historic Cotton Bowl promises a packed stadium, roaring crowds, and an epic halftime show featuring Prairie View’s Marching Storm, the Dancing Black Foxes, and Grambling State’s World-Famed Marching Band. On the field, the names of legends—Doug Williams, Sammie White, Buck Buchanan, Otis Taylor, Kenny Houston—still echo.
A Cultural Landmark Lives On
The 100th State Fair Classic isn’t just a game, it’s a living legacy, shaped by the vision and persistence of Al Wash. As he has for decades, Wash will be there ensuring that every note, every play, and every moment reflects the pride, tradition, and history of one of the greatest rivalries in football.
Because for Big Al Wash, “The Show Must Go On.”
