Chowan College hosted a plethora of basketball talent during the Junior College years. Many a young man who walked through the doors of the Helms Center to be coached by Bob Burke have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Nate McMillon, Dave Burgess, Winfred Basnight, Andre McGee, and now Mr. Tracy Battle.
Battle attended Chowan during two very successful basketball seasons, including a 1984 trip to the NJCAA Final Four in Hutchinson, Kansas. Tracy was the “sixth man” on that team, coming off the bench to provide support for the Braves in one of the most successful seasons in Chowan basketball history. In 1985, Battle started on the squad and was named First Team All-Region X as well as Eastern Tarheel Conference Player of the Year. Chowan College also voted Battle the Most Outstanding Male Athlete for his performance on the court for the 1984-85 season.
Upon graduation from Chowan, Battle signed an athletic scholarship to play basketball for George Mason University (Virginia). While at George Mason, Tracy was voted First Team All-Defense for the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), as well as Second Team All-Conference. In 1987 Tracy was also inducted into the Metropolitian Hall of Fame, presented by legendary basketball coach John Wooden.
Battle studied Drama at George Mason University and shortly after graduation began pursuing his performing arts passion. Battle wrote, directed, produced, and co-starred in several plays in college as well as a short film called “Strawberry Giggles,” a comedy. Battle also wrote and directed a short film called, “Meet the G that Killed Me,” which later became the title of Battle’s first book. After the success of the short film, Battle made a return to the stage with a one man show called “Suicide.” Battle helped to launch his production company, Ambria Park Productions.
Battle passed away in July of 2023.
