SCSU tennis teams hope for happier ending at Chapel Hill

The postseason plans for the South Carolina State tennis teams might as well been scripted by a wedding planner - something old, something new and something (powder) blue.

On Thursday, the men’s and women’s teams learned their reward for winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles was another trip down Tobacco Road to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. For the second time in three years, the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs will face the University of North Carolina on its homecourt at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center next weekend.

The SCSU women (13-3), will face the 15th-seed Lady Tar Heels (17-8) on May 9 starting at 10 a.m. The following day, the SCSU men (18-3) will face 12th-seed UNC (19-5) at the same time.

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Coppin State Lady Eagles reloads with Endia Word

Photo: Endia Word (photo: courtesy Danville Register & Bee)

CHATHAM, Virginia — Chatham’s Endia Word has found her new family. A day after teammate Kelly Montgomery committed to Gardner-Webb University to play softball, the second of the Cavaliers’ five senior basketball players put pen to paper on Wednesday. Word signed a full scholarship to play basketball for Coppin State University in Baltimore.

The 6-foot-2 center averaged 11 points and eight rebounds per game and blocked 41 shots for Chatham in 2007-08. And now she takes her size and low post ability to the Eagles (23-12), who were knocked out of the first round of the NCAA tournament last month by Maryland. “I am elated,” Word said. “This has pretty much been all excitement for me.”

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Grambling signs Missouri's Darwin Price

Photo: Normandy's Darwin Price competes in the 1600-meter run at last Saturday's Marion Freeman Invitational. (photo: Paul Kopsky/STLtoday Prep Sports)

It's hard to know where to start when writing an article about Saint Louis, Missouri Normandy High School senior Darwin Price.

Price, one of the top amateur boxers in the country, is competing in track and field. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's dominating track and field - at least the long-distance events.Heading into this past weekend, Price, the North Suburban Journals Athlete of the Week, had the best St. Louis area times in the 800 meters (1:54.57), 1600 meters (4:17.50) and the 3,200 meters (9:24.66).

His next big challenge will be college. Thanks to his 3.875 grade point average, Price earned a scholarship to Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he plans to compete in cross country, track and field and somehow also try to keep his boxing skills up. "I'm very excited," he said of going to Grambling. "I'm ready to go. No offense to my family, but I'm ready for something new."

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FAMU's Joe Taylor announce expected football starters

Photo: FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor.

Potential players are still calling FAMU football coach Joe Taylor, but they'll have to wait in line unless they bring what it takes to upend projected starters. But for now, Taylor is comfortable with the two players he's determined fit the play each position on defense and offense.

On Tuesday, Taylor released a two-deep chart which he hopes will stay intact when his players return in August (see below). "I'm excited," he said. "When you see them bonding and pushing each other that's a sign that they're making progress.

He also said there are about 35 players who are attempting to join the team. Most of them will be competing for just under three remaining scholarships this fall.

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FAMU’S TWO-DEEP TEAM CHART

Offense

LT -(a) #51 Kwame Akkebela, 6-4/255, JR, Orlando, FL - Jones HS
(b) #76 DeWayne Lanier, 6-7/315, RS JR, Aurora, CO - Grandview HS

LG -(a) #60 Anthony Collins, 6-3/355, RS JR, Miami, FL - Pace HS
(b) #78 Franklin Carter, 6-3/370, SO, Orlando, FL - Dr. Philips HS

C - (a) #64 Steve Brazzle, 6-4 /328 SR, Coatesville,PA - Coatesville HS
(b) #51 Kwame Akkebela, 6-4/255, JR, Orlando, FL - Jones HS

RG – (a) #61 Javier Wallace, 6-3/270, SR, Austin, TX - LBJ HS
(b) #79 Gerald Poke, 6-6/270, RS SO, Orlando, FL - Boone HS

RT – (a) #75 Robert Okeafor, 6-4/295, JR, Jacksonville, FL - Wolfson HS
(b) #73 Christopher Sands, 6-8/315, RS SO, Tallahassee, FL - Leon HS

X – (a) #80 Isaac West, 6-2/200 SO, Tallahassee, FL - Lincoln HS
(b)#15 Javares Knight, 6-4/190 RS JR, Tallahassee, FL - FAMU DRS

QB- (a) #8 Eddie Battle, 6-2/215, RS SO, Titusville, FL - Astronaut HS
(b) #6 Robert Love, 5-11/190 RS SO, Pahokee, FL - Pahokee HS

Z – (a) #5 Kevin Elliott, 6-3/195, SO, Orlando, FL - Colonial HS
(b) #87 Adrian Smith, 6-2/175 RS JR, Lakeland, FL - Kathleen HS

TB – (a) #30 Philip Sylvester, 5-10/185, SO, Marianna, FL - Marianna HS
(b) #23 Demitric Henry, 5-9/175, JR, Gifford, FL - Vero Beach HS

FB – (a) #43 Mykel Benson, 6-0/240, JR, Palm Bay, FL - Bayside HS
(b) #39 Kalum Harris, 5-10/215, SR, Miami, FL - Southridge HS

TE –(a) #82 Taj Jenkines, 6-4/225, SR, Jacksonville, FL - Clarksville HS
(b) #11Tobias Lee, 6-4/215, SO, Troy, AL - Pike County HS


Defense

DE – (a) #99 Joseph Wims, 6-5/250, RS JR, Miami, FL - Carol City HS
(b) #81 Max Purcel, 6-2/240, SO, Orlando, FL - Edgewater HS

NT – (a) #71 Cameron Houston, 6-0/285, SO, Rockledge, FL - Rockledge HS
(b) Ronald Jackson

OT – (a) #63 Demetris Lane, 6-2/295, RS JR, Hollywood, FL - Pace HS
(b) #93 Lymon Reed, 5-11/271, RS JR, Tampa, FL - Chamberlain HS

DE – (a) #97 Kendrick Washington, 6-5/245, SO, Sebastion River (HS), FL
(b) #91 Marquiste Ramos, 6-5/245, JR, Bayside, FL - Bayside HS

CB – (a) #1 Qier Hall, 6-2/175, SO, Cocoa Beach, FL - Cocoa HS
(b) #18 Gregory Clark, 5-8/180, RS SO, Tampa, FL - Durant HS

S – (a) #57 Bryan Parker, 6-3/220, RS JR, Randlestown (HS), MD - Ariz. Western JC
(b) #94 Dozell Varner, 6-1/225, RS JR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Plantation HS

MLB –(a) #44 Vernon Wilder, 6-0/248, RS SR, Miami, FL - Carol City HS
(b) #41 Alvis Graham, 6-2/225, SO, Orlando, FL - Colonial HS

MLB – (a) #55 Alphonso Walker III, 6-2/215, SO, Eustis, FL -Eustis HS
(b) #51 Darious Nobles, 6-2/210, JR, Lynn Haven, FL - Mosley HS

CB – (a) #24 Curtis Holcomb, 5-10/170, SO, Miami, FL - Southridge HS
(b) #12 Donovan Johnson, 5-11/181, SR, Miami, FL - B. T. Washington HS

FS – (a) #38 Fabian Wilson, 5-11/180, SR, Bushnell, FL - South Sumter HS
(b) #48 Victoriano Arboleda, 5-10/190, SR, Tampa, FL - Middleton HS

SS – (a) #31 Greg Harvey, 5-10/185 SO, Largo, FL -Largo HS
(b) #21 Michael McCreary, 5-9/180, JR, Deerfield Beach, FL - Deerfield Beach HS


Rattlers fans: Each player class ranking shown is projected for Fall 2008. We are currently seeking information on NT Ronald Jackson as he is not showing on previous Rattlers football rosters. This should give you a little more insight on our size for next season for the (a) starters and (b) back ups.

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Atlantic hoops star, C.J. Reed to play for father at BCU

PORT ORANGE, Florida -- The son has officially joined his father's program.

C.J. Reed, the three-year starting guard from Atlantic's boys basketball team, signed to play for Bethune-Cookman. He will suit up for his father, Clifford Reed, who just happens to be the Wildcats' head coach. The younger Reed's final decision came down to either B-CU, Wofford or Mercer.

"It had nothing to do with staying home, it was just that I wanted to help my dad win and put (Bethune-Cookman) over the top," C.J. Reed said. "I would love the idea of being the first Cookman team in history to win the MEAC and make the NCAAs."

While visiting Wofford, Reed had a chance to watch some of Davidson's run through the NCAA tournament. Since Wofford actually plays in the same conference as Davidson -- and its national star, Stephen Curry -- it was tantalizing to Reed, but in the end, family ties helped make the decision for him.

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Bethune Cookman signs N.J. combo guard, Stanley Elliot

Stanley Elliot had lost some promising offers for unspecified reasons, but never lost hope. His faith and persistence will be rewarded today when the the 6-3 guard from Science Park in Newark signs a national letter of intent to attend Bethune-Cookman in Daytona, Fla., on a basketball scholarship.

Elliot, a forward at Science Park but projected as a combo guard in college, had been passed over in recent months by the likes of LaSalle, Bowling Green, Hofstra and LIU. Elliot chose Bethune-Cookman ahead of Central Arkansas, Western Illinois and Lock Haven after making an official visit to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference school last weekend.

Elliot averaged almost 12 points a game last season to help Science Park (29-3) win the Group 1 championship and reach the Tournament of Champions final, where it bowed to St. Anthony of Jersey City. Colleges likely backed off once they'd signed bigger guards and forwards. But once Bethune-Cookman coach Clifford Reed saw tapes, he continued to reach out to Elliot because of his versatility and athleticism.

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NFL After-Party Signings

Photo: Morgan State University All-American RB, Chad Simpson signs a free agent contract with the Colts.

The 2008 NFL Draft is not an exact science; the reason for all the free agency signings after the big two day draft party. Like always, the majority of the MEAC and SWAC players that are provided an opportunity to make the league are picked up on the cheap at the day after signing party. This year is no different than prior years, with the exception that a few of these players will make the final rosters.

The 2008 free agent signings that will be reporting to mini-camps this Friday are:

Jacksonville Jaguars
Clyde Edwards, WR; Grambling State University
Brian Witherspoon, CB, Stillman College

Arizona Cardinals
Thaddeus Coleman, T, Mississippi Valley State University
Jason Banks, DT, Grambling State University

Seattle Seahawks
DeMichael Dizer, CB, Grambling State University

Dallas Cowboys
Marcus Dixon, DE, Hampton University

Indianapolis Colts
Curtis Johnson, DE, Clark-Atlanta University
Chad Simpson, RB/KR, Morgan State University

Cleveland Browns
James Lee, OT, South Carolina State University
DeShawn Baker, RB, South Carolina State University

Detroit Lions
Rudy Hardie, DE, Howard University
Bobbie Williams, DB, Bethune Cookman University

Philadelphia Eagles
Shaheer McBride, WR, Delaware State University

Buffalo Bills
Jason Jones, WR, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

St. Louis Rams
Vernon Bryant, DT, Hampton University

Washington Redskins
Bryan Wilson, LB, Morgan State University

Tennessee Titans
Eddie Williams, WR, Lane College

San Diego Chargers
Lamar Divens, DT, Tennessee State University

NCCU Basketball signs 6-10 JUCO Center

Worah-Ozimo of TCI College Nation's Fourth-Leading Rebounder in 2007

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Stevy Worah-Ozimo, a 6-10, 220-pound center from TCI College of Technology, has signed a national letter of intent to become a part of the North Carolina Central University men's basketball program.

A native of Gabon, West Africa, Worah-Ozimo ranked fourth in the nation among NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division I programs with an average of 12.7 rebounds per game during his rookie campaign at TCI (Technical Career Institute).

During his two seasons (2006-08) at TCI, located in New York, N.Y., Worah-Ozimo amassed 392 points (7.7 points per game) and 551 rebounds (10.8 rpg), while shooting 57.2 percent (170 of 297) from the field. In 51 games, he collected double-figure rebounds 37 times, including eight contests with 15 boards or more and two outings with 20 or more.

"Stevy is a blue-collar guy and a team player," said NCCU head coach Henry Dickerson. "He's a rebounder and shot blocker that can get out and run on the break. Stevy is the kind of young man that will do whatever he can to help us win. The more he plays, the better he'll get.

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Hampton's Vernon Bryant Signed by Rams

The St. Louis Rams announced on their official website Monday that they have signed Hampton University defensive tackle Vernon Bryant to a free-agent contract.

Terms of the contract were not immediately available. Bryant, 6-foot-2/285 pounder, had 47 tackles last season as Hampton went 6-5, and finished his career as a Pirate with 100 tackles and 11 sacks. He recorded a career-high nine tackles - seven assisted - in the 2007 season finale, a 45-27 loss to Southern Illinois.

The Rams had the No. 2 overall pick in the draft on Saturday, taking University of Virginia defensive end Chris Long. Should Bryant make the team, he could find himself on the same defensive line as Long and 2007 first-round pick Adam Carriker.

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Bryant is from Courtland, Virginia, Southhampton High School.

S.C. State Bulldogs McCoy has a decision to make

Most of the 25 athletes that showed up for South Carolina State’s Pro Day had ducked away into the Bulldogs’ locker room or headed home, but Cleve McCoy and a handful of receivers stayed behind.

With a New Orleans Saints scout looking on, the former South Carolina State quarterback tossed a few balls to the receivers just after noon on March 25 before they too were sent on their way. The Saints’ scout then turned to the 6-2, 225 pound McCoy and started running him through routes -- tossing him some balls. In total, McCoy hauled in around 20 passes without a drop. Flash forward to Sunday, and McCoy figured that workout was his best chance at getting a shot in the NFL. So, as the draft progressed into it’s latter stages, he waited patiently, hoping his phone would ring. It didn’t, and McCoy headed home -- a little bummed -- with the idea that he would sign an offer from the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Then, around 11 a.m. Monday, McCoy’s agent called. “He said, ‘We have us a deal,'” McCoy said.

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NFL's Bills Sign UAPB Receiver Jason Jones, to Free Agent Contract

by UAPB Sports Information

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Former University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff wide receiver Jason Jones confirmed that he will sign a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills later this week.

The Forrest City native averaged 20.8 yards per reception during his career at UAPB, setting both school and Southwestern Athletic Conference career records. He is one of only four other DI-AA wide receivers to catch at least 100 passes and average 20 yards per catch during their careers.

UAPB Jason Jones Highlights


Jones also holds the UAPB school record for both receiving yardage with 2,227 and touchdown catches with 22. His 13 TD receptions during the 2006 season set another Golden Lion record single-season record and his 98-yard touchdown reception against Southern Illinois in 2006 was another university record.

"The Bills were actually in touch with me before the draft was over," Jones said. "They didn't draft many wide receivers and Coach Tyke Tolbert [the Bills' wide receivers coach] told me I would have the opportunity to come in and play immediately. I leave Thursday for rookie camp and I'm excited about the opportunity. I can't wait to get up to Buffalo."

UAPB Jason Jones Pro-Day Workout 4/3/2008

Eagles sign former DSU star McBride

DOVER -- Count former Delaware State wide receiver Shaheer McBride as one of the few college football players who didn't pay much attention to last weekend's NFL draft. "I kind of thought all along I wouldn't get drafted," he said. "You know, you get a sense you won't be drafted. But all I can ask for is a tryout. I'm grateful."

The 2004 rookie of the year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, McBride set school records last season when he finished with 201 career catches and 3,007 receiving yards. He also tied John Taylor's record of 33 career touchdown catches. McBride was the MEAC's preseason offensive player of the year in 2007 and a two-time league first-team selection.

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National Press Club: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. (4/28/08)

Part I


Part II


Part III


Part IV - Q&A


Part V - Q&A


Part VI - Q&A


Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his elementary education in that city and then went to Virginia Union University. After three and a half years at Virginia Union, Pastor Wright left school and entered the United States Marine Corps. He transferred from the USMC into the United States Navy where he served as a cardiopulmonary technician.

After six years in the military, Pastor Wright transferred to Howard University where he completed his undergraduate studies and received his first Master’s Degree. His second Master’s Degree was from the University of Chicago Divinity School. His Doctorate was received from the United Theological Seminary under Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor. In addition to Pastor Wright’s four earned degrees, he has been the recipient of eight honorary doctorates.

UAPB’S success in Spring; Will it pay off in Fall?

Photo: The Golden Lions Schedule has only three road games outside of Arkansas in 2008, with no games against FCS powerhouses like Southern Illinois University played by UAPB in 2007.

For a team that won only four games in 2007, the players and coaches at Arkansas-Pine Bluff are excited about their chances in 2008.

Things have never been better for the UAPB football program, even if it is coming off of a 4-7 season. Keep in mind that the Golden Lions did win their final three games of the season last year. There is a thing called momentum and the returning players that are coming back from last season remember that.

With a new head coach in Monte Coleman, the Golden Lions are feeling rejuvenated these days. It helps matters that Coleman has been on the staff since 2004 and knows the players very well already. We’re not even into May yet and people are fired up for UAPB football, due to several factors, with the hiring of Coleman being one of them.

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Hampton's Marcus Dixon signs with Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys signed Hampton defensive end Marcus Dixon to a three-year deal as an undrafted free agent. Dixon spent 15 months in prison for aggravated child molestation and statutory rape before the Georgia Supreme Court ordered his immediate release in 2004.

Dixon, 6-4, 295, was a three-year captain at Hampton and was on the Dean's list. He finished his senior year with six sacks.

The Cowboys, "were the most aggressive during the day," Dixon's agent Joe Linta said. "They didn't have a seventh round pick, but they convinced me that they would've taken him had they had one.

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The mainstream media need to read the court transcript of the Marcus Dixon case before the Georgia Supreme Court. Dixon was cleared of the claimed aggravated child molestation and statutory rape charges. Moreover, he was wrongfully held in prison for 15 months due to racism by the Floyd County, GA District Attorney's Office. Read the case--these facts are not up for debate. The press need to stop slandering his character and reputation--simply add--Mr. Dixon was CLEARED of all charges by the Georgia Supreme Court. End of Story!

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SCSU Lee signs NFL free agent contract with Cleveland Browns

While Idaho linebacker David Vobora was being recognized on ESPN as this year’s "Mr. Irrelevant" - the final player selected Sunday in the NFL Draft - James Lee was on the telephone. It was the Cleveland Browns who were anxious to offer the South Carolina State All-American offensive guard a free agent deal.

One hour later, Lee and his agent reached a two-year agreement with the Browns, sending the 2007 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year from one "Dawg Pound" in Orangeburg to another in the Midwest. “Everybody wants to get drafted, but I’m just glad that it’s all over and I know where I’ll be spending my next two years at,” Lee said in a telephone interview.

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Few chosen, few needed for Minnesota Vikings

Jaymar Johnson, meanwhile, is a 177-pound receiver who will have to win the punt return job to make the team. Johnson was drafted in the 6th round, #193 out of Jackson State University.

The Vikings all but set their roster last week with the acquisition of defensive end Jared Allen, leaving them to nibble at the periphery for the duration of the NFL draft. They added only five players in producing the smallest draft class in team history: a backup safety, a likely third-string quarterback, a raw defensive tackle, a backup center and a punt returner.

If all goes as planned, none of those players will start a game for the Vikings in 2008. Only a couple project as future starters. So it goes for a team that committed almost $70 million in guaranteed money this offseason to ensure it wouldn't have to wait for players to develop.

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Will Robinson, 1st black coach in Division I, dies at 96

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan - Will Robinson, the first black basketball coach at a Division I school and a Detroit Pistons scout who discovered Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman, died Monday. He was 96.

Robinson died at a Detroit hospital, Pistons spokesman Matt Dobek said. Robinson had been sick for 15 months and in a nursing home for more than a year, Dobek added.

Robinson broke a racial barrier in the 1970s when he coached Illinois State. He joined the Pistons as a scout in 1976, and the additions of Dumars and Rodman were keys to Detroit's 1989 and 1990 NBA championships. Those teams were coached by Chuck Daly, who took the job after Robinson declined former general manager Jack McCloskey's offer.

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Robinson is a 1937 graduate of West Virginia State University.

Gavion, Brooks power Southern over Grambling

Sunday was all about how Southern started.

Michael Gavion’s hustle negated the loss of Romey Bracey, and pitcher Sherrard Brooks had yet another strong outing as Southern walloped Grambling, 21-9, in a Western Division showdown game at Lee-Hines Field.

Hitting at the top of the order for Bracey, who missed his fourth straight game with a wrist injury, Gavion went 4-for-5 with four runs and two RBIs. Most important: Gavion beat out the throw on two infield hits in the first and third innings to ignite two-run and nine-run outbursts.

Meanwhile, Brooks (5-1) won his third straight divisional game since entering the weekend rotation. The Jaguars have scored 12, 17 and 21 runs in those three wins.

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Mississippi Valley tops Southern U for SWAC softball title

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — Mississippi Valley State won its fifth straight Southwestern Athletic Conference softball title Sunday. And for the second year in a row and the fourth time in that run, Valley did so by beating Southern. As it was last season, Southern forced a second game only to have Valley win.

Tournament Most Outstanding Player Brittany Franklin went the distance as Valley won the championship game 6-3. Earlier, Southern junior Lauren Dodd’s sixth-inning grand slam lifted the Lady Jaguars to a 5-2 win in the first game.

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FAMU Rattlers officially announce men's basketball signees

Photo: FAMU Basketball Coaches Johnny Jones (L), Eugene Harris (M) and Reggie Sharpe (R).

Head coach Eugene Harris says eight-man class "foundation" for future of FAMU Basketball

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida A&M University Men's Basketball program officially released details on the school's 2008 Recruiting Class on Friday evening. The eight-man group features seven high school standouts and one junior college player, which will provide instant impact in both the front court and back court areas of the club for 2008-09 and beyond.

Head coach Eugene Harris and his staff, which included veterans Johnny Jones and Reggie Sharp, sought to address their need for size, skill and depth inside, as well as add quickness and excellent perimeter shooting in the back court. Harris also lauded the academic credentials of his inaugural recruiting class, all eight of whom have qualified fully in the classroom, which was a determining factor in their recruitment.

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With a new 9,000 seat teaching gym (arena) coming on line at FAMU in February 2009, Coach Harris is taking the right approach in recruiting great students and athletes that can play his up-tempo pressing style. I really like his approach of recruiting high school students and using JUCOs only to fill a specific weakness on the club.

It doesn't hurt either that most have been battle tested against great competition at the large school divisions and state championship tournaments. Harris appears to have established good local recruiting contacts in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. It will be great to develop team continuity with incoming players that will be with the program 4-5 seasons. It's also great for the fans who get attached to their favorite Rattler players to have them for a full four year cycle.

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Jackson State's Jaymar Johnson drafted by Minnesota Vikings in 6th Rd., #193

Photo: Jackson State University's Jaymar Johnson, WR, 5-11 1/2, 180 pounder that runs a 4.349 40 yard dash, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 6th round, #193 in the 2008 NFL Draft.

One of the quickest receivers in this year's class, Johnson is explosive as a receiver and return man. He caught 66 balls for 1,140 yards (17.3 per) and nine touchdowns and averaged 10.9 on 43 punt returns (with two scores) in his last two seasons. He couldn't crack the All-SWAC teams, but Johnson will have a great chance at achieving two other goals: being an NFL draft pick and making a NFL roster.

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WSSU's William Hayes selected 4th Rd., #103 by Tennessee Titans

Photo: Tennessee Titans draftee William Hayes, DE, 4th Round, #103 of the NFL 2008 Draft.

Tennessee traded away its fifth-rounder to move up and draft defensive end William Hayes at the start of the fourth.

PRESS CONFERENCE AT BAPTIST SPORTS PARK
FOLLOWING THE SELECTIONS OF CRAIG STEVENS AND WILLIAM HAYES

Titans Coach Jeff Fisher....

And then what we did was trade this year’s five to Washington to move up from 124 up to 103 and that got us in position to have an opportunity to draft William [Hayes]. We had William in, looked at William. The entire scouting staff looked at William over the last couple of days and the coaches and there is a lot of interest out there despite the early reports of what you may have read and so on and so forth. He was a very fast rising prospect. We feel like William can come in and help us immediately at the end position. Despite the fact that he came from a smaller school, he has some skills that are rare -- his hand use, his explosion, his quickness, his effort, his change of direction. We feel like William can help us right off the bat and the end position.

The kid had a great workout. He worked out with Wake Forest over there and [Jeremy] Thompson went just before him. He weighed 270 pounds and ran a 4.61 40. He had a good workout and he has natural skills. I don’t care what level he played on. He stands out as far as his hand skills and the things he does, leverage.

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Hampton's Kendall Langford drafted by Miami Dolphins, 3rd Rd. #66

Photo: Hampton University's Kendall Langford, defensive end, was drafted in 3rd Round, #66 by the Miami Dolphins.

DAVIE — The Dolphins were busy trading partners today, trading down to tab defensive end Kendall Langford in the third round and trading up five picks to select offensive guard Shawn Murphy in the fourth round. The Dolphins swapped third-round picks with Detroit early Sunday, and used the 66th selection to draft Langford out of Hampton, a Division I-AA school.

Langford, 22, is the second defensive end drafted in the Dolphins' first four picks, joining Phillip Merling, the Dolphins' 32nd overall pick out of Clemson. The Dolphins also selected offensive tackle Jake Long first overall, and quarterback Chad Henne 57th.

Langford, a 6-foot-5, 294-pound defensive end from Petersburg, Va., compiled 23 1/2 sacks and nine forced fumbles in four years with the Pirates, and was named All-MEAC first team his final three seasons.

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Savannah State suspends Hardy

Photo: SSU head baseball coach Carlton Hardy.

Savannah State baseball head coach Carlton Hardy has been suspended and is the focus of an internal investigation, SSU communications director Loretta Heyward said Thursday night. Hardy, who is in his third season at the school, has not coached the Tigers since an April 16 game at Mercer, SSU sports information director Opio Mashariki said. The Tigers (19-18) lost that game 27-1.

SSU has played four games without Hardy. The team is being supervised by assistant coach Emanuel Wheeler. Heyward said Hardy "has been suspended, effective April 18, pending the outcome of an internal investigation." Because the case is a personnel matter, Heyward said she could not provide further information "in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, and Mr. Hardy's rights."

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Moore impresses as UAPB wraps up spring camp

Although the 2008 season does not begin until Aug. 30, Monte Coleman said that Saturday’s Black and Gold Game felt like a real game.

“This whole day has been feeling like it’s a game day instead of a scrimmage,” Coleman said. “It came to reality when my wife called and she was asking me all these questions about parking passes and tickets for the game. And I was saying it was only a practice. That’s when the reality was setting in that it was only a practice.”

The Black and Gold Game, “won” by the Black Team 24-8, won’t count in the standings, but it will help the first-year head coach evaluate the Golden Lions, who are coming off of a 4-7 campaign last season.

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UAPB and Alcorn State were originally scheduled to play each other on Saturday, Sept. 20, but the game has been moved to Thursday, Sept. 18 for television. The Sept. 18 matchup between UAPB and Alcorn will be televised on ESPNU at 4 p.m. Central.

Arizona Cardinals earn high praise for Rodgers-Cromartie selection at #16, 1st Round

No pick in the first round of Saturday's NFL draft drew a louder or more positive response from any of the talking heads on the NFL Network than the selection of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. When the Cardinals took the Tennessee State cornerback at No. 16, all you could hear on the television was someone shouting, "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"

It was Deion Sanders. "I love the intangibles! I love the upside!" Sanders, the former eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, said. " . . . I want to work with this guy."

Say what you want about Sanders, be it his mouth, flamboyance or his fear and loathing to make tackles during his NFL career. But when a cornerback of the stature of Prime Time says he wants to personally work out with your rookie defensive back, it should tell you something.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, 2008 Senior Bowl Defensive MVP.


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UAPB Coleman makes transition easy

Monte Coleman’s ascension to head football coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff was about as smooth as college coaching changes get.

When the former Central Arkansas and NFL standout was bumped up from his defensive coordinator position after the dismissal of former Coach Mo Forte, Coleman passed on making sweeping changes. The coaching staff remained intact, as did the packages, plays and terminology.

Today’s Black and Gold scrimmage at 1 p.m. at Golden Lion Stadium will conclude UAPB’s 15-day spring practice session, and it should be an early indicator of whether more of the same is what the Golden Lions need.

Archive Photo: UAPB Golden Lions vs. New Mexico State University (2007).

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Today's Pine Bluff Commercial newspaper is reporting former UAPB players Jason Jones and Chris Wallace could be members of the National Football League by the end of this weekend.

Jones, who starred at wide receiver for the Golden Lions the last three seasons, has garnered interest from several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and St. Louis Rams. Coach Monte Coleman said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown interest in Jones as well.

The 6-foot-1 Jones has been projected as a possible fourth to fifth round pick in this weekend’s NFL Draft. Wallace, who helped quarterback the Golden Lions to the SWAC Championship Game in 2006, may be a late-round pick or a free agent.

FAMU signs JUCO Softball Pitcher, Amanda Reyes

Photo: RH Pitcher Amanda Reyes (Photo provided TCC).

Tallahassee Community College (FL) announced yesterday that student-athlete Amanda Reyes has been signed to a national letter of intent by Florida A&M University.

A native of Scotts Valley, California, Reyes has appeared in 59 games during her two seasons with the Eagles. She has a career record of 24-22, including a 14-7 mark as a freshman in 2007, with a 1.75 ERA. The only returning pitcher for the Eagles in 2008, her ten wins have helped TCC secure its fourth straight berth in the FCCAA Gulf District Tournament.

Reyes appeared in 28 games with 14 complete games. She recorded 88 strikeouts with 54walks and in Panhandle Conference games, she went 5-3 with 3.06 ERA with 18 strikeouts.

Amanda played at Scotts Valley High School where she was a four-year starter and two-time MVP. As a senior, she earned Pitcher of the Year honors for Scotts Valley in the Santa Cruz Athletic League in California; was named 1st team all-conference; and posted a 0.36 ERA while averaging 8.4 strikeouts per game.

Reyes pitching will be a welcomed addition next season to a Lady Rattlers club that is sporting a 2008 record of 11-36 (1-5 MEAC), going into this weekend home series with Bethune Cookman University.

FAMU currently has only two pitchers on a team led by Coach Veronica Wiggins. Wiggins has a 367-412 career record, and last won a MEAC championship and participated in the NCAA softball tournament in 1999.

WSSU's Hayes eager to see if he gets drafted

Archive Photo: Winston Salem State University William Hayes awaits NFL draft selection, possibly on Sunday in Rounds 4 thru 7.

This is a big week for William Hayes, a defensive end from Winston-Salem State. Hayes has been poked and prodded and asked plenty of unusual questions by NFL scouts and assistant coaches. In the process, he has learned a lot about the NFL. "Oh, definitely I've found out that it's all business," Hayes said.

He has had visits with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts, and a scout for the Atlanta Falcons was on campus yesterday to talk with Hayes one more time.

Hayes, a 6-2, 272-pounder and a graduate of High Point Andrews High, started at WSSU for four seasons. He led the team with 8.5 sacks last season and was second in tackles with 78. Earlier this month, he ran a very good 40-yard dash time for scouts, 4.62 seconds.

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Grambling legend Patricia Cage-Bibbs will not return to take over former program

Photo: North Carolina A&T State University head women's basketball coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs turns down her alma mater's head coaching position at Grambling State University. Coach Cage-Bibbs has 422 career wins and nine conference championships on her resume.

GRAMBLING — Nearly three weeks into the search for a new Grambling State women’s basketball coach, it remains unclear who will replace David “Rusty” Ponton. We now know, however, who it will not be: GSU product Patricia Bibbs. Bibbs, currently head coach at North Carolina A&T, called Grambling athletics director Troy Mathieu on Tuesday and removed her name from consideration.

“He told me to think about it, to sleep on it,” Bibbs said. “I love my school, and I will always love my school, but I have to do what’s best for me and my family — and that’s stay here.”

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Ingrid Wicker-McCree named NCCU Athletic Director

Photo: North Carolina Central University athletic director, Ingrid Wicker-McCree.

It turned out to be something entirely different when N.C. Central on Wednesday announced that Ingrid Wicker-McCree, 41, had been hired from a large pool of candidates as the school's athletic director, a job she had held on an interim basis for five months.

In landing the job, Wicker-McCree qualifies as a rarity in college athletics. Less than 2 percent of the NCAA's 300-plus Division I schools have female African-American ADs, which in part explains her surprise when the school made the decision.

"It was a big surprise, but it was a big, pleasant surprise," she said. "I don't know who all of the candidates were, but I do know there were a lot of very good ones."

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Rodgers-Cromartie’s success harkens back to Tennessee State Tigers glory days

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has become one of the nation’s best cornerbacks and on Saturday, is expected to become the first Tennessee State University player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Waymond Bryant were selected 34 years ago.

“I always thought I was capable of playing in the NFL,” said Rodgers-
Cromartie. “That didn’t just come about this past year or the year before. I thought I could play on that level ever since I got to TSU and it's something I've looked forward to, like everybody does.”

Rodgers-Cromartie made big splashes at the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine, and during individual workouts for pro scouts. The 6-2, 184 pound Bradenton, Fla., native’s last workout came Tuesday at TSU’s Hale Stadium for the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints. The Patriots have the seventh pick and are in the market for a cornerback after losing Asante Samuel to free agency.

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TSU Express Interests In Playing Football Games at New Stadium

Dynamo Stadium Efforts Land a New Ally

The Houston Dynamo's efforts to partner with the City of Houston on a downtown soccer stadium received a boost Wednesday when Texas Southern University expressed interest in playing its home games in the proposed facility.

Photo: Texas Southern University athletic director Charles McClelland hits the ground running to improve the Tigers facilities.

"Although I officially start on May 1 at Texas Southern University and I haven't had an opportunity to look at all of the data involving the proposed stadium, TSU athletics and its football program would be excited to be able to participate and partner with all entities involved in the project to ensure Texas Southern has a state of the art football facility," said Charles McClelland, the schools' new athletics director in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

The Dynamo and the City of Houston are in the midst of intense negotiations on the project that would be built near Minute Maid Park with an estimated cost of $110 million.

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SCSU to take on Bethune-Cookman in Lowcountry Classic

Visits to the Port City have generally gone well for the South Carolina State football team under head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough.

On Sept. 13, SCSU will get another shot at the Bethune Cookman University Wildcats in Johnson Hagood Stadium on the campus of The Citadel. SCSU Board Chairman Maurice Washington made the announcement Thursday of the game moving from Orangeburg to Charleston as part of the fourth Lowcountry Classic.

Photo: SCSU Cleve McCoy scores over Bethune Cookman's Cedric Mason in the 2007 game at Daytona Beach, FL.

SCSU is 2-1 in the Classic, including last year’s 51-7 trouncing of North Carolina A&T. The lone loss, however, was a 45-21 pouncing by Bethune-Cookman in which SCSU jumped out to an early 14-0 lead before allowing 45 unanswered points and giving up 493 passing yards before an estimated 16,000 fans.

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Who the hell will they draft 2008: Howard DE Rudolph Hardie

While it is possible that the Colts will draft Georgia DE Marcus Howard or Purdue's Cliff Avril in rounds 2 or 3, that does not mean pass rushers in later rounds will get ignored. A player like Hardie is intriguing here, especially when you consider Indy's success with drafting late round defensive talent. First and foremost, Hardie played college ball at Howard, an African American college that does not play premiere talent. But I'm not one to put a ton of stock in the big school mentality. As I've said before, Laurence Phillips played a lot of college ball against top tier talent, and still sucked at the pro level. Vince Young and Reggie Bush played top tier college talent, and both are fading fast in the pros. Hardie's college, Howard University, runs a Tampa 2-style defense and it produced Colts starting safety (and Pro Bowler) Antoine Bethea.

Photo: #99 Howard University's Rudolph Hardie vs. Hampton University in the Real HU Game 2007. Will the Indianapolis Colts draft Hardie is the question?

The system Howard runs is a system very similar to Indy's. So, naturally, Indy's scouts take an interest when a player from Howard starts to make waves. Hardie was not present at the NFL Combine, but his production at Howard (in particular his knack for destroying QBs) and his university work out on March 11 impressed scouts. With Hardie, it is not his timed speed that wows scouts but rather his quick first step and non-stop motor. Hardie is also very stout against the run, as NFL Draft Scout notes, able to take on guards and tackles.

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Pitchers coming through for FAMU

Photo: Cirilo Manego, 5-9/165 Pitcher/IF, senior, New Orleans, LA De La Salle HS.

FAMU baseball coach Robert Lucas has done some tinkering in his bullpen that is paying big dividends as the Rattlers have reeled off four victories in their last five games.

Lucas seems to have found the perfect pitching rotation with Miguel Parga, Anthony Espin and Cirilo Manego. The trio is pitching with more consistency than they did earlier in the season to give FAMU a late-season surge in the MEAC standings.

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Norfolk State signs Casey Pomeroy to NLI

Norfolk State University has signed to a national letter of intent a star softball pitcher and second baseman in Casey Pomeroy, Fallon High School, Fallon, Nevada.

Pomeroy has been a pitcher and second baseman for the Greenwave softball for the last four years. She plans to major in kinesiotherapy at Norfolk State. She's the fourth Greenwave softball player to sign with a Division I school in the last four years. "I'm excited," Pomeroy said. "I'll pitch and play outfield and fill in wherever they need me."

There were several colleges interested in Pomeroy, including the College of Idaho and Boise State.

Video: Casey Pomeroy


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Alcorn's Steve McNair left lasting impression

Where do I start in talking about former Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair, who announced his retirement from the Baltimore Ravens last week? The many last-second wins at Henderson Stadium and then Jack Spinks Stadium where a concert-like crowd was treated to another rock-star type performance?

Steve McNair NFL Retirement Speech


The guy who went from saying maybe four sentences a game following a game his freshman year to a go who talked with ease with the country smile when he was a senior? The guy who played through so much pain and through so many injuries that bandage companies probably lost revenue after he left town?

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FAMU signs Atlanta's Shauib Winters

The FAMU track team signed Atlanta distance standout Shauib Winters to a national letter-of-intent, the Rattlers announced Wednesday.

He won distance titles in the Southern Indoor Nationals in 2006 and 2007 while taking eighth and the AAU Junior Olympics. He also won the men's 5,000 meters at the Morehouse College Relays and took third in the men's 3,000 at the Ed Temple Indoor Track Classic at Tennessee State.

His best times are 4:30 in the 1,600, 9:14 in the 3,000, 9:47 in the 3,200 and 15:43 in the 5,000.

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HU's Langford an NFL mid-rounder

HAMPTON - — A Hampton University football player has been selected in 12 of the past 16 NFL Drafts. Barring the unexpected, defensive end Kendall Langford will add to the list. Pro Football Weekly personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki wrote on Tuesday: "Hampton DE Kendall Langford may be available in the fourth (round), but his value could be too great for 3-4 fronts to make it that far into the draft."

Photo: NFL draft prospect Kendall Langford, #98, Hampton University.

Langford said on Thursday that he is hearing that he'll go in the fourth round or earlier. Langford, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound senior, started four seasons at Hampton and was selected to two All-American teams for his play in 2007.

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Pine Bluff’s Torii Hunter at home in L.A., continues to be a force on, off the field

Photo: Los Angeles Angels superstar Torii Hunter has provided UAPB with $500,000 in seed money to build an on campus baseball only stadium. The facility will be named in honor of Hunter, who never attended college.

Torii Hunter has won seven Gold Glove awards. He’s been named an American League All-Star twice. And the new contract he recently signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim makes him one of the wealthiest professional athletes in the world today.

The day the Pine Bluff native was taken 20th overall in the 1993 amateur baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins, he could’ve left his hometown and never looked back, like many athletes tend to do. But that’s not Hunter.

“I just like to help people,” Hunter said modestly. “And I’m in the position to do it.”

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Prairie View A&M selects interim AD

PRAIRIE VIEW — Prairie View A&M named Fred Washington as its interim athletic director Wednesday, effective May 1.

Washington has served as the school's vice president of administration and auxiliary services and will oversee the Panthers' athletic program in the wake of Charles McClelland's departure to Texas Southern last week.

"Mr. Washington is the right person for the job; as a part of the university's Athletic Council, he is knowledgeable about the current projects and all the program's activities," said Prairie View president George C. Wright.

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UAPB's Ivory Signs Five in First Recruiting Class

Photo: UAPB Golden Lion head basketball coach George Ivory.

PINE BLUFF - George Ivory, recently hired as University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men's basketball coach, announced a signing class of five athletes following the start of the spring national signing period on April 16. The Golden Lions signed three high school and two junior college transfers to NCAA national letters of intent.

"We're very excited about these players," Ivory, a former UAPB assistant coach who spent the past season on the staff at Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Mississippi Valley State. "I believe we've addressed some much-needed areas in our program with these five signees."

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Hampton's Marcus Dixon prepares for 2008 NFL Draft, Looks to Escape Past

Photo: Marcus Dixon, #94 (left) intercepts pass from defensive end position against Morgan State.

Marcus Dixon, a defensive end from Hampton University, is hoping to get selected in the 2008 NFL Draft on Saturday despite his troubled past. While in high school, Dixon, then a student at Pepperell H.S. in Lindale, Georgia, had a controversial record of incidents.

Two alleged incidents got him suspended from school for a total of 10 days. In March of his sophomore year, Dixon exposed himself in a classroom, and a year later he allegedly touched a 14-year-old girl inappropriately after track practice. Neither situation was reported to the Floyd County police despite his suspension.

According to an ESPN report, the first incident was a "stupid prank", while the second incident was of Dixon and the girl "making out".

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Morgan State's Coly decides to go pro

Photo: NBA draft prospect Boubacar Coly.

Boubacar Coly, Morgan State's 6-foot-9 defensive enforcer, will forgo his last year of NCAA eligibility to pursue a pro basketball career, Bears coach Todd Bozeman said this week. Coly, who played this season as a 24-year-old graduate student, leaves as reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. He led the MEAC in rebounds (10.9 per game) and blocked shots (84).

A native of Senegal, Coly transferred from Xavier University, where he played in only a handful of games while undergoing two knee surgeries. He earned a degree in mass communication there, and that enabled him to play his first season at Morgan in 2006-07.

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Howard U., Georgetown Agree to Four-Game Series in Football

The Georgetown and Howard football teams have agreed to a four-game series that will begin on Sept. 6 at Howard. The division I-AA schools have not met in football previously. "I have seen both schools play over the years and as a Washingtonian, I always wondered why we were not playing each other," Howard Athletic Director Dwight Datcher said.

The schools will take turns hosting the game through 2011. Georgetown, a member of the Patriot League, went 1-10 last season. Howard, a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, went 4-7.

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Morgan State Announces 2008 Football Schedule

MSU Sports Information

BALTIMORE, Md. - The 2008 Morgan State Bears prepare for another challenging schedule under 7th year head coach Donald Hill-Eley. The Bears’ season will include 7 road games and 5 games at Hughes Stadium. (Some game times have yet to be announced.)

Morgan State will open the 2008 season on the road and finish the year off with two games at home. The Bears will start the season by playing against two of their three non-conference foes of 2008. "We are excited about the challenge of 12 consecutive games in a row, said Hill, " and the opportunity to play a BCS Bowl Championship team (Rutgers)."

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Date Opponent Location Time/Result
9/6/2008 Towson Towson, Md. TBA
9/13/2008 North Carolina Central (Prince Hall Day) Hughes Stadium 4:00 p.m.
9/20/2008 * Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, N.C. TBA
9/27/2008 Rutgers New Brunswick, NJ TBA
10/4/2008 * Bethune-Cookman (Varsity "M" Letterman's Day/Fullwood Youth Day) Hughes Stadium 4:00 p.m.
10/11/2008 * North Carolina A&T Greensboro, N.C. TBA
10/18/2008 * Howard Washington, D.C. TBA
10/25/2008 * Delaware State (Homecoming) Hughes Stadium 1:00 p.m.
11/1/2008 * Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla. TBA
11/8/2008 * Norfolk State Norfolk, Va. 1:00 p.m.
11/15/2008 * South Carolina State Hughes Stadium 4:00 p.m.
11/22/2008 * Hampton Hughes Stadium 1:00 p.m.

Morgan State University Marching Band 2007 "Torture"

Jackson State women win SWAC Track and Field Title

NEW ORLEANS — When Pauline Banks got hired away from her alma mater, Mississippi Valley State, to take over the Jackson State’s women program, she promised progress in five years. True to her word, Jackson State won the Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s track and field outdoors championship by holding off Grambling, 182.5 points to 180, Monday at Tad Gormley Stadium, and Banks will make five years in September.

Leadrianna White, the outstanding field performer, contributed 20 points by winning the hammer throw and the shot put. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight,” Banks said. “We just kept putting numbers where we needed to be.”

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Southern University women's basketball signs 3 prospects

The Southern women’s basketball team has landed a big one in 6-foot-4 center Sabrina Scott. The heir apparent to 6-4 Fredrieka Lewis was a recruiting must and one of a trio of players signing Tuesday and Wednesday.

Duncanville (Texas) High guard Carneta Henderson and forward Chardennae McGowan of Houston also have signed with SU. That brings the current signing class to four. We’re just ecstatic. … I think we sold her the first time she tasted the crawfish,” Pugh said of Scott, from Mount Tahoma in Tacoma, Washington. “There’s nothing like a little Louisiana food to entice the average person.”

A week earlier, Southern signed 6-0 forward Kim Griffin of Southwest Mississippi Community College.

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New Jacksonville State basketball coach aims to build program with good citizens

JACKSONVILLE, AL - New Jacksonville State University men's basketball coach James Green promised to develop good players and good citizens as he was introduced to supporters and media on Wednesday. Green's contract at JSU will be for five years and is expected to pay approximately the same as the $106,000 paid LaPlante.

Video: http://www.annistonstar.com/PDF/video/042408jsu.htm

Green, who also coached eight years at Southern Mississippi, becomes the first black head coach in a major sport at JSU and just the second in any sport there. He will also be the second black men's head coach in the Ohio Valley Conference, joining Cy Alexander of historically black Tennessee State University.

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ASU basketball player dies in pickup game

Grief counselors were at Alabama State University's Joe L. Reed Acadome hours after 19-year-old Deshean Porchea died Wednesday during a pickup basketball game on campus. They will have their work cut out for them.

This is just a heartbreaking loss for us," said ASU head basketball coach Lewis Jackson about the death of Porchea, a player on the team that won the regular season SWAC championship just a month ago. "I don't think we've comprehended it all just yet." Wednesday there were many mourners, but few answers.

Porchea, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound sophomore from Rochester, N.Y., was playing basketball with a large group of students in ASU's Lockhart Gymnasium when he collapsed. He never regained consciousness.

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MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street creates Division II site

Today, we launched a mirror site of MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street to cover Division II HBCU sports for both the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and Division II HBCU Independent programs.

Our objectives are to maximize exposure for these 23 member institutions and to develop a repository of current HBCU sports information on Division II athletic programs.

You may visit the new site, "CIAA/SIAC Sports Main Street" at: http://ciaasiacsports.blogspot.com/

For the 38,658 regular visitors to "MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street," we hope you equally enjoy the CIAA/SIAC site and continue to share the information with others around the world. The MEAC/SWAC site has regular visitors from 104 countries and territories--which indicates that HBCU sports are important and have a global marketplace.

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FAMU athletics certified by NCAA

Florida A&M's athletic program, which has struggled with academic problems in recent years, received good news from the NCAA on Wednesday. The Rattlers' program received a designation of certified from the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification.

FAMU, which underwent an athletic peer review session in October, was one of 35 institutions designated as certified. Two other schools were certified with conditions. All 326 active Division I members participate in the certification process.

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The following 35 institutions were certified, including MEAC members FAMU, Morgan State and Hampton University (with conditions):

• University of Arizona
• Austin Peay State University
• University of California, Irvine
• Chicago State University
• The Citadel
• University of Connecticut
• Duquesne University
• Florida A&M University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• University of Houston
• McNeese State University
• Morgan State University
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
• Nicholls State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Pepperdine University
• Purdue University
• Robert Morris University
• Sacred Heart University
• St. Peter’s College
• University of South Florida
• Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
• University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
• University of Toledo
• Utah State University
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
• Western Michigan University
• University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
• Wofford College
• Xavier University

In addition, two Division I institutions have been certified with conditions:
• Hampton University
• New Mexico State University

This classification means that the institution is considered to be operating its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the NCAA’s Division I membership. However, problems identified during the course of the institution’s self-study and the peer-review team’s evaluation were considered serious enough by the Committee on Athletics Certification to cause it to withhold full certification until those problems have been corrected. The NCAA does not divulge specific information related to an institution’s self-study or peer-review visit or specific information concerning the conditions set forth for certification.

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