The "unofficial" meeting place for intelligent discussions of Divisions I and II Sports of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC).
America's #1 blog source for minority sports articles and videos. The MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and GCAC colleges are building America's leaders, scholars and athletes..
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Thomas De Saille Tucker was a native West African originating from Sierra Leone. At the age of 12 missionaries from the Mendi Mission brought him to America. The Mendi Mission was established in Sierra Leone in connection with the Amistad revolt. When the thirty-five surviving Africans returned to the Colony of Sierra Leone, the Amistad Committee instructed the Americans to start a ‘Mendi Mission’ in Sierra Leone.
He later attended Oberlin College in Ohio. Established in 1833, Oberlin College was one of the very first colleges in America to educate women and by 1900 one-third of all African American graduates of predominantly white institutions in the United States had graduated from Oberlin. Many of the early leaders of black colleges received their education at Oberlin. While at Oberlin Tucker took leave in 1862 to teach at a school for freedmen in Virginia.After graduating from Oberlin Tucker achieved a law degree at Straight University in New Orleans. The law school only existed between 1874 and 1886.
According to the American Missionary Journal, by 1982, 35 whites and 15 blacks had graduated from the law department. Straight University later became Straight College and eventually was absorbed by the Dillard University. Not long after receiving a law degree Tucker became a member of the Florida Bar and established his own law partnership in Pensacola, Florida. With the help of former Florida Legislator Thomas Van Renssalaer Gibbs, who saw to the passing of the legislation that established the college, Tucker led the Normal College for Colored Students for 14 years before he was forced to resign. Moving to Maryland he returned to practicing law before his death two years later in 1903.
Francis was deemed an eligible national as he was originally born in Toronto before moving to New York.
SASKATCHEWAN, Canada – The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League have signed former North Carolina A&T wide receiver Kevin Francis (6-foot-5, 210, Brooklyn, N.Y.), the club announced Saturday.
The Roughriders acquired Francis’ rights in the CFL Supplemental Draft by giving up a third-round CFL draft pick.
Francis came into the Aggies 2015 season expected to be a big part of the Aggies offense. He made two receptions in the Aggies opener against Shaw University before leaving the game with what was deemed a season-ending knee injury. Fortunately, the Aggies season was extended because they won a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and a bid to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl played on Dec. 19 against Alcorn State.
It allowed Francis an opportunity to play one more game. His 20-yard reception in the Celebration Bowl game set up an Aggies 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 41-34 victory.
“We had a chance to see Kevin at a workout recently, and I was really impressed with how he tested,” Roughriders general manager and head coach Chris Jones told CFL.ca. “He is a big kid that moves really well and has proven he is capable of excelling on special teams.”
Francis was also impressive on his North Carolina A&T Pro Day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds, he had 10-foot, six-inch broad jump, a 37-inch vertical and he benched press 225 pounds 18 times. Francis was also a track and field standout at N.C. A&T, where he qualified for the 2015 NCAA East Preliminary Round in the 110-meter hurdles. He also participated in the decathlon.
In four seasons on the football field at N.C. A&T, Francis made 17 receptions for 163 yards. He was also an important part of the Aggies special teams throughout his career. He is the second N.C. A&T football player to sign a contract with a major professional football sports franchise this year after cornerback Tony McRae signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL.
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
TAMPA, Florida -- This evening, during the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association’s Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala, President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., announced Shelby R. Chipman, Ph.D., as the new director of the University’s Marching Band and Pep Bands. Chipman is a FAMU alumnus, and currently serves as associate music professor and director of symphonic bands.
“There is no question that FAMU is the home of the most innovative and imitated band program in the world. So, it is only fitting that an innovator and visionary like Dr. Chipman become the next leader to take our program to even greater heights,” Mangum said.
Sylvester Young, Ph.D., who has led the band program since May 2013, has decided to return to the classroom full time. He said he will continue to provide support to the band, but explained that the time is right for Chipman to lead the program.
“There is no one else more qualified to direct this program but Dr. Chipman,” Young said. “He was 100 percent by my side during my tenure, and it is now his time to take the lead. He is going to take this band to a new and higher level. And, I am fortunate to be a part of his team in a minor role, and to watch his training and experience come into fruition.”
Young expressed his satisfaction in the accomplishments of the band and fulfilling his commitment to the University over the last three years.
“Unbeknownst to the public, I said to myself, after coming out of retirement, that I would roll up my sleeves and work with the FAMU band program for three years to rebuild it and to shift the culture,” Young said. “I am proud to say that we were able to restructure the program and grow it to more than 200 members after starting anew. I am also very proud of the students for stepping up to the plate to change the culture and for working together to eradicate hazing. I am happy to say that we have had no incidents since the program was reinstalled.”
Mangum praised Young for the impact he has had in the University’s Music Department.
“FAMU has truly been blessed to have extraordinary men at the helm of its band program since its inception,” she said. “We are sincerely appreciative of the work of Dr. Young in building upon the great legacies of Dr. William P. Foster and Dr. Julian E. White, as well as his tireless efforts to strengthen and restore our beloved band program.”
Earlier today, Chipman said he expressed his gratitude to Young for the leadership he has shown during his tenure and for entrusting him with taking the band program into its next era. He explained that he is grateful to be standing on the shoulders of giants like Young, Foster, and White.
“These great men have driven the bus in terms of standards, innovation, and excellence. I am humbled and honored to be a part of the successes they have achieved and the major performances and innovations that have been undertaken over the years,” Chipman said. “We are going to continue the tradition of being a role model of excellence in musicianship and pageantry. I am looking forward to building upon such a creative legacy and ensuring that the program remains on the cutting edge.”
Chipman said that he is grateful for the students, alumni, and supporters who have helped to make the program a success over the years, and looks forward to working with the entire University community to ensure that the storied legacy of the Marching 100 continues to reach new levels of greatness.
“I am extremely impressed by and indebted to the current and former students who have served and sacrificed to align themselves with our band standards and our motto,” he said. “I am excited to work with our students collaboratively as we push the envelope of innovation in taking our performances out of the box.”
Chipman thanked God, his late mother, wife, son, colleagues, fellow alumni, and the community, for supporting his musical aspirations and work as a music educator over the years and credited them all, in their respective places, with his development as a leader.
When asked what he wanted fans and supporters to know about the future of the band program and the upcoming football season, he said: “Stay tuned… We are planning a special performance and tribute to a legendary musician that will be like no other.”
Former Prince band member, BK Jackson, who is a senior at FAMU, performed a tribute to Prince at the FAMU Spring Commencement Ceremony. He was accompanied by the FAMU Symphonic Band and the piece was arranged by Dr. Lindsey Sarjeant (Chairman, FAMU Music Dept. and University Arranger/Composer), directed by Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of the Symphonic Band. http://www.bkjackson.com
About Shelby R. Chipman, Ph.D.
Chipman is associate professor and director of symphonic bands at FAMU. His responsibilities in the Department of Music include teaching instrumental music, conducting, and coordinating recitals and music interns. Additionally, he assists with the administration of the marching, symphonic, and pep bands.
He is a native of Miami, Fla., where he graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Music Education from FAMU, where he was a conducting student of William P. Foster, Ed.D., and Julian E. White, Ph.D.
Chipman completed his master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, where he studied conducting with Prof. James Keene, and received his doctorate degree from the Florida State University School of Music in music education, where he studied with Dr. Bentley Shellahamer.
Prior to his appointment at FAMU, he taught band in the Miami-Dade County Public School System for 10 years. His band program at Miami Central High School developed into one of the finest band programs in the country.
Dr. Chipman is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), College Band Directors National Conference (CBDNA), FMEA Black Caucus, and Bethel AME Church. He has worked with and trained countless world-renowned musicians over the years.
Chipman is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout the Southeastern United States and currently serves as conductor of the Tallahassee Big Bend Community Orchestra. He is married to Detrick LaShawn, and together they have one son, Israel Armenian Chipman.
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina – Fayetteville State University has announced Ken Spencer as the 18th head men’s basketball coach in the history of the program. Spencer returns to the CIAA conference after a four-year stint coaching on the Division I level.
“We’re excited to have Ken Spencer serve as coach for our men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Anthony Bennett. “He has proven to be an outstanding coach who demonstrates a deep passion for and commitment to the university’s core beliefs, values and ideals, and I am confident he will foster these values in our exceptional student-athletes.”
Spencer will lead the Broncos’ men’s basketball program after a four year stint at South Carolina State University (SCSU) to include serving as associate head coach the past two seasons. He has been responsible for multitude of tasks to include: academics, recruiting, scouting, scheduling, guard development and on-the-floor coaching while at SCSU.
“First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the position of head men’s basketball coach at Fayetteville State University,” declared Spencer. “I would also like to thank Chancellor James A. Anderson, Director of Athletics, Anthony Bennett, and the search committee for entrusting me to lead the men’s basketball program and giving me the opportunity to serve this great institution.”
Prior to joining the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, Spencer was the head men’s basketball coach at CIAA Southern Divisional rival institution, Saint Augustine’s University (2010-12).
Prior to taking over the program at Saint Augustine’s, Spencer spent four seasons at Winston-Salem State University as the associate head coach and was in charge of all aspects of the program, especially recruiting and player development during the Rams’ time in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and their transition to Division I.
“I fully understand what it means to be in this position as well as what it means to the community, city, and to Fayetteville State University alumni near and far,” Spencer continued. “I plan to create an environment that energizes and empowers our student-athletes to represent Fayetteville State University with class and diligently pursue excellence academically, athletically, and socially, while consistently competing for championships.”
Before his stint at WSSU, Spencer built a powerhouse as the head boys’ basketball coach at Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, S.C. In eight seasons, Marlboro County High was 173-51 overall, appeared in three state title games and won the state championship in 2001.
Before becoming a high school coach, Spencer served as a student assistant coach at Pembroke State (1992-93) under Dan Kenney and John Haskins and as a graduate assistant coach at Fayetteville State (1991-92) under Jeff Capel, Sr., who was most recently an assistant coach with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
Spencer was a standout basketball player at UNC Pembroke, finishing his career as the school’s all-time three-point field goal leader. A four-year letterman, Spencer was captain on the UNCP team that won the Carolinas Conference championship during his senior season.
He earned his bachelor's degree in business management from UNC Pembroke in 1991 and returned to UNCP to obtain a physical education degree with teacher certification in 1993. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army after college and served in the Reserves for 10 years. Spencer recently completed his Master’s in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
“Finally, I am forever grateful to my wife, Ellen Spencer; my kids, Kevin and Karmen; and extended family and friends for all of their support,” asserted Spencer.
COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said he always has high expectations for his teams and builds his program around them.
The Hornets set a school record with 38 wins this season, including wins over South Alabama and Tennessee. The win at Tennessee on April 27 was the second over a Southeastern Conference program in three seasons.
Melendez admitted that he wasn’t sure how his team would come together this season, as the Hornets returned only two starters from last year.
“You never know what to expect from a young team,” Melendez said. “You certainly don’t expect them to be so successful at the plate. These kids know what it takes to win and they’ve shown that from the beginning of practice.”
Alabama State became the first team to complete an undefeated season in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. CONTINUE READING
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Brent Kitto and Drew Chatters are Academic All-District for 2015-16 in cross country/track and field. The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), which selects the teams, announced the honors Thursday. Both Kitto and Chatters were honored in College Division District II (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Tennessee). Nominees must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They also must have completed at least one full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility. Kitto, a senior men's distance runner from Chalmette, La., and a graduate of Holy Cross High School, made the team for the second straight year. This is the first year of all-district eligibility for Chatters, a sophomore women's javelin thrower from Lake Charles, La., and a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School. Kitto, a pharmacy major, produced 10 top-10 finishes and seven top-5s during his cross country career, and he was the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion in 2014 at 1,500 meters in outdoor track and field. A member of three honor societies, Kitto has cooked meals for families at Ronald McDonald House and has been a volunteer assistant cross country coach with Holy Cross. Chatters, a biology pre-medical major, is a two-time GCAC champion who holds school and conference-meet records in the javelin. Chatters is secretary of the Minority Association for Prehealth Students, a chemistry drill instructor and a peer dean. She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Premed Honor Society and has more than 50 community service hours. First-team Academic All-District members advance to the Academic All-America® ballot. The College Division Academic All-America® team will be announced June 21. During the past eight years, Xavier has produced 19 Academic All-District selections, all but one on the first team.
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana shattered the school record in the women's 1,600-meter relay Friday and qualified for the final at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. The Gold Nuggets' quartet of Kailey Williams, Kayla Quincy, Chinyere Jones andClarke Allen produced a time of 3 minutes, 49.87 seconds. Xavier ranked seventh out of 21 teams overall and third in a seven-team second heat. Devinn Rolland, Zahri Jackson, Tramaine Shannon and Chartia Hurt set the previous XU mark of 3:54.13 at the LSU Relays in Baton Rouge, La., on March 23, 2013. Carroll (Mont.) led all qualifiers in 3:44.89. Two of Xavier's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rivals — Dillard (3:47.67) and SUNO (3:48.24) — ran 3-4. The 1,600 relay final will start at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold
