Princess Anne, Md. - Vernon also known as "Skip" McCain was named as one of the best HBCU head coaches in college football history by ESPN. McCain began his coaching career in 1948 and coached all the way up to 1963. Within his coaching career, Skip led the Hawks to 102 wins and 21 losses during his seventeen years of coaching. He was undefeated in 1949, '50, '52, and '55; while also winning four conference titles. McCain was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006, and Maryland Eastern Shore Hall of Fame in 1973.

The veteran coach was a mentor for many young men over the years including a number of famous athletes we know today. Art Shell, Earl Christy, Johnny Sample, Emerson Boozer, and Charles Stukes among others all played for McCain at the then, Maryland State College. Shell was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, and the others all played in the Super Bowl III.

McCain had the ability to conquer and success within Hawk Athletics. He was versatile in helping mold the athletes into the best version of themselves on and off the field.