Prep, college, NFL teammates will be among supporters turning out ...
When it comes time Saturday night for Jacksonville native and the late Bob Hayes to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his family and friends in attendance - despite being 725 miles away in Canton, Ohio -will have no problem feeling at home. It's because hundreds of Hayes supporters, including all five of his children, seven grandchildren and former teammates from Matthew Gilbert High, Florida A&M and the Dallas Cowboys, are expected to be on hand at Fawcett Stadium for his posthumous induction. Hayes, a speedy receiver who first became a star as a double-gold medalist sprinter at the 1964 Olympics, is Jacksonville's first Hall of Famer in any major pro sport.
People are coming by the bus loads; it's going to be an amazing sight," said Bob Hayes Jr., a Dallas resident who will help present his father for induction along with Roger Staubach, the Cowboys' Hall of Fame quarterback. Hayes' approximate 10-minute enshrinement ceremony will begin with a video presentation of his son making remarks about his father, the excerpts coming from a taped interview done in June by NFL Films.
USF, Florida A&M talking about 2011 game
Florida A&M could be returning to Raymond James Stadium in two years, as USF officials have talked with the Rattlers about being the Bulls' 2011 season opener. The first meeting in 2005 drew an announced 43,122 fans, then the second-largest home crowd ever to see the Bulls. "The only thing we haven't done is sign a contract," said FAMU assistant athletic director Alvin Hollins Jr., who coordinates the program's football scheduling. "Our president is very interested in us opening the (2011) season there, and we're looking at trying to do something down there every other year. ... It's percolating pretty good."
USF dominated Florida A&M 37-3 when the two teams first met in 2005, but the game -- and the allure of FAMU's famous "Marching 100" band -- drew a strong crowd in Tampa. USF's three home games against I-AA opponents since that game have averaged an announced 36,016 fans by comparison. Anticipating that, the game contract in 2005 called for FAMU to get a share of ticket revenues once the attendance passed a certain mark, but it's unknown if such an arrangement would be in place for future games.
Famu's Okeafor wants trip to playoffs
Robert Okeafor has a few reasons for wanting FAMU to finish the football season with a chance to play in the postseason. It's his senior year and the memories would be nice. Plus, winning the conference title also would make his story about overcoming adversity even more significant. His biggest reason for wanting to play beyond the 11-game schedule doesn't have much too much to do with him, though. He thinks his program deserves the prize. Considering the decline that FAMU's football program had seen the last three seasons before Joe Taylor took over and guided the Rattlers to a 9-3 finish, Okeafor might be sharing the same wish of his teammates.
"This is the most important season I'll ever have," the senior offensive lineman said. "I've never been on a team that is this well put together." Okeafor is a big part of that. He came back last season after missing the final three games of the 2007 season with a torn meniscus in his left knee. It required surgery and he came back just before the start of the 2008 season.
MEAC coaches follow Taylor's blueprint »
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Donovan Rose and Alonzo Lee might be the newest head coaches in the MEAC, but they've known for a long time how they would run a college football program when they got their chance. They learned the how-to concepts from FAMU head coach Joe Taylor. They've turned to the same blueprint that has given Taylor more titles than any other coach in the league. Neither Rose nor Lee was shy about making it known Friday afternoon that the way they are preparing their teams – Rose at Hampton University and Lee at North Carolina A&T State — is similar to the system Taylor used when they were assistants on his staff at Hampton.
Having two more of his former assistants at the helm of other programs is another sign that Taylor's blueprint is getting around the MEAC. Donald Hill-Eley, another Taylor's protege, has been using it at Morgan State since he became head in 2002. Taylor didn't seem to mind that his fundamentals for developing a football program are getting popular. "It's really humbling because those guys mean a lot to me in terms of my success," he said. "I know it means I'm getting older, but it says that the blueprint works. They came through it and look at them."
Pulley may be the MEAC's biggest star »
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A large photo of FAMU return specialist Leroy Vann was hard to miss on the table where coach Joe Taylor fielded questions from reporters in a room where football was the only topic. Every other coach had a similar photo of a star player on his table. A lot was said about Vann, who had a record-setting season last year.
But it was Curtis Pulley who created the buzz during Friday's MEAC media day inside the Marriott City Center. It's been at least 15 years since FAMU has had a quarterback that garnered so much attention. "A guy like Curtis doesn't come along at this level too often," Taylor said. "Not only does he have a strong arm, but he is very athletic. When the pocket is breaking down he has the ability to make something out of nothing." Pulley's star appeal has given the league an attraction — not to the level of the University of Florida's Tim Tebow, although Pulley has the kind of talent that makes him the talk of the conference.
FAMU picked to finish second in MEAC title race »
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Some moaning from a section near the head table broke the silence that came over the room as the announcement was made that FAMU was predicted to finish second in the MEAC this season. About two hours after South Carolina State was picked to repeat as conference champion, FAMU coach Joe Taylor had some consoling words for those who expected better.
"I don't know how much stock you put into the preseason," Taylor said. "This conference has really gotten a lot stronger and any time you're picked in the top half it's a real honor. "But it's just on paper right now." FAMU finished second last year with a 9-3 record after being picked to place seventh. The predicted order of finish behind the Bulldogs and Rattlers are Hampton University, Bethune-Cookman, Norfolk State, Morgan State, Delaware State, North Carolina A&T State and Howard University.
FAMU's swimming coach hopes to revive pool »
Every day when FAMU swim coach Douglas Carrington walks into his office and turns on his computer, there is a vivid reminder of what his program used to be — and where he is trying to get it. His screen saver flashes photos of the pool that's nestled between the campus tennis courts and the athletic department. The snapshots show swimmers competing in crystal clear blue water. For almost two years, the pool has been drained and the team uses FSU's pool for training.
But Carrington hasn't missed a beat since being hired last year, even as it gets tougher every day that the pool is empty for him to persuade potential recruits that they should join the team. The screen saver keeps him optimistic. "Seeing the pool just lets me know that it can be done," Carrington said, as the pictures of better days flashed behind him. "It's not just being done at this moment. When I look at (pictures of) the pool, I know it's empty but I look at my screen and know that there can be a pool. It's just going to take time."
Vasquez to coach FAMU's special teams »
Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor already knew of Juan Vasquez's ability to work with kickers. Then, Vasquez brought something else to the table during a staff development meeting that made Taylor give up on searching for a new coach for his special teams. Vasquez touched on a few things during the meeting that Taylor was looking for in the man who would be his new special teams coach.
"When that happened, I was excited about it because he knows the whole program," Taylor said. "He showed me that he not only knows it, but I was totally impressed." Taylor confirmed Thursday that Vasquez has been promoted to special teams coach. He replaces Rod Plummer, who left at the end of last season. Taylor also said Jimmie Tyson, who worked with the Rattlers' secondary as a graduate assistant, also was promoted to full-time.
Friends reunite to kick at FAMU »
Trevor Scott and Brandon Holdren, two former high school teammates who were brought together by a bit of irony, have just a little more than a week to enjoy the rest of their summertime reunion. Both Scott and Holdren were soccer teammates at First Coast High School in Jacksonville. They also shared kicking duties with the football team.
Ironically, both took the same round-about path to FAMU. Scott was at USF looking for a walk-on spot with the soccer team two seasons, but never got his break before transferring. Holdren was just hoping to play somewhere after he graduated from high school. Instead, he spent a year wondering if he'd ever kick a punt for a college team. All the time, Scott was talking him up with FAMU coaches. Associate head coach George Small saw enough in him to offer him a partial scholarship.
Lucas returns as head coach of FAMU baseball »
Robert Lucas will return for at least one more season as head baseball coach at FAMU, with his top priority being to shore up the Rattlers' bullpen. At the end of last season when the Rattlers reached the semifinals of the MEAC tournament, Lucas hedged on saying whether he'll return. That was answered recently when he and assistant Brett Richardson signed one-year contracts.
"You can breathe a sign of relief," Richardson said of having a new contract. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but Florida A&M. I'm a hometown kid. I played baseball here so I've always been close to the program for as long as I can remember. Honestly, this is my dream job." While Lucas is going into the fifth season of his second stint as coach at FAMU, Richardson will be embarking on his 12th as an assistant.
FAMU's Priester all about everyday sacrifice »
It's just a little after 8 in the morning and FAMU linebacker Damien Priester is already wrapping up his workout for the day. Some days he makes it to the practice field for a second workout in 7-on-7 drills. He might even make some time for watching film. All that and it's still summertime. "I have no problem making the sacrifice because I know the ultimate goal is a championship," Priester said. "It's just something I have to do."
Priester has been putting in overtime since his freshman season when he had to play behind starter Vernon Wilder. That was a major adjustment for Priester, who came to FAMU after being a star linebacker at Orlando Jones High School. Now that he's in his senior year he finds himself as part of a linebacking unit that is loaded and on a defense that was top-ranked in the MEAC last season. But just being one of the guys is fine with Priester, who the unit will be looking to for leadership.
Acosta feels FAMU is perfect collegiate destination »
After spending time at three different prep-schools following his graduation from New London High School in Connecticut, Nikko Acosta found himself on a bit of a whirlwind tour. His stop included three pre-schools over the past 18 months. Now he's convinced he's done moving since signing to bring to FAMU a post presence it so lacked last season. "I'm bringing it all here," Acosta said. "I'll continue to work hard and you'll see when I get on the floor. This is the next chapter; FAMU basketball. I feel like I've picked the right school."
Acosta is well-traveled, a journey he might not have had to take if it weren't for a knee injury just before the start of his senior year at New London. Suddenly, all of the big schools that were pursuing him backed off. Some of them began calling again just before he signed with FAMU, but the more serious offers came from MEAC and SWAC schools. He signed soon after visiting FAMU.
Rattlers' Chaney deals with change »
Crystal Chaney knows that a change is coming. She played her entire high school career at center for a team that didn't have too many tall players. At 6-foot, Chaney was the second tallest player for the Collins Hill (Ga.) Screaming Eagles last season. But that is about to change now that she's signed to play at FAMU. Since the start of summer drills, she's been working on the adjustment that will put her in a position to get more touches and do more dribbling.
No more catching and shooting.
"That's all I knew," Chaney said. "That's all I've played my whole life. Every time I've played I've always played the post. They might try to put me somewhere else, but I've gone back to the post. I like that. I like to be dominating in the post. "I've never really had to dribble but I'm excited that I will be getting more touches on the ball." In high school, there were times when Chaney had to do more than block shots and take down rebounds. That much FAMU coach LeDawn Gibson saw while recruiting Chaney, who Gibson said comes with a knack for playing physical.
Durden balancing track, hoops at FAMU »
If there were any questions that basketball — not track and field — will be Simone Durden's priority at FAMU, she quickly put those concerns to rest. "I really want to contribute to the team," she said. "I'm going to give it my all. I'm going to try my hardest." But first there is the business of going to the AAU track and field national championships in two weeks. Up until her recent signing to join FAMU's women's basketball team, Durden competed in both sports at Gainesville Buchholz High School.
She became better than average at both, too. Durden was ranked as one of the top runners in Florida at the high school and AAU levels. Yet she managed to average 12 points and 15 rebounds per game during her senior season. The option to run track for the Rattlers is still on the table, said FAMU women's basketball coach LeDawn Gibson, who is allowing Durden to split her time between both sports this summer. She commutes every other week to participate in summer workouts with her new teammates in Tallahassee while the rest of her time is spent preparing in Gainesville with the Striders for the upcoming national meet in Iowa.
South Carolina State University
SC State picked to win MEAC
South Carolina State, led by reigning offensive MVP Will Ford, is the preseason pick to win the MEAC championship. The Bulldogs, who finished 8-0 in the conference and 10-3 overall last season, received 10 first-place votes and 290 total points. Florida A&M was picked to finish second with Hampton, Bethune-Cookman and Norfolk State rounding out the top five.
Ford, a second-team All-American last season, was named the preseason offensive player of the year with Norfolk State DB Terrell Whitehead earning defensive honors. In addition to Ford, South Carolina State had four first-team selections while the Rattlers, led by QB Curtis Pulley, had nine first-team selections. For the entire preseason squad, visit the MEAC website.
SC State Coach Buddy Pough's Head is Uneasy With Preseason Crown
His team went 8-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference last season and returns preseason offensive player of the year Will Ford, who rushed for 1,499 yards. But South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough isn't counting his conference crowns just yet. "I didn't quite pick us to win, but the rest of the guys did," Pough said. "I actually picked us to be fourth. ... We think that we've got our work cut out for us."
The Bulldogs, who went 10-3 and lost to Appalachian State 37-21 in the first round of the FCS playoffs, received 10 first-place votes. "It's good that we've got enough respect that people feel like our program is going in the right direction, but that's about as much as you get out of it," Pough said. "Once we leave here today, I don't know if it'll ever be brought up again in our offices."
Florida A&M, in former Hampton coach Joe Taylor's second season, lost just four starters from last year's 9-3 team and has 24 seniors. "Coaches love experience, and we do have some experience on both sides," said Taylor, who isn't conceding the league title to the Bulldogs or anyone else. "Every January, you get up and you start your season. You get up at 5:45 a.m. You don't get up that early to lose. You do that because you anticipate winning."
Bulldogs Picked to Repeat in MEAC
For the third consecutive year, South Carolina State has been picked to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football title. In a preseason poll of head football coaches, sports information directors and selected media, the defending champion Bulldogs earned 10 first-place votes and 290 points to edge runner-up Florida A&M as the 2009 choice. The Rattlers received five first-place votes and 273 points and led the preseason All-MEAC team with 11 selections.
Eight SC State players were named to the preseason team, led by senior running back Will Ford, the 2008 Offensive Player of the Year. The Travelers Rest native was the preseason pick for Offensive Player of the Year for a second consecutive season. "Everybody in our league respects Will Ford and what he does for our team," said Bulldog Head Coach Buddy Pough. "He's about as good a player as we've had around here and in the MEAC. He will be the guy for us this season."
Ford was joined on the preseason first team by junior offensive lineman Johnny Culbreath and three other seniors -- wide receiver Oliver (Tre') Young, linebacker Marshall McFadden and safety Markee Hamlin. SC State second-team selections were sophomore offensive lineman Juavahr Nathan, senior defensive lineman Markus James and cornerback Phillip Adams, also a senior.
The Bulldogs open the 2009 campaign Sept. 6 against Grambling in the 5th ESPN MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando, FL in a 2 p.m. contest. SC State opens its home schedule Sept. 26 against Winston-Salem State. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
SCSU gets breach of contract letter from Carter
Buddy Pough is not the only South Carolina State coach unhappy with dealings within the athletic department. The Times and Democrat confirmed that South Carolina State men’s basketball coach Tim Carter had a letter delivered Tuesday to S.C. State President George Cooper and the university’s general counsel, Edward Givens, claiming his contract was breached.
The author of Carter’s letter was his attorney, Joseph R. Lefft, who also presented Cooper and Givens with Pough’s letter claiming breach of contract less than a week ago.According to Lefft, at the crux of Carter’s complaint is an agreement that was in place with the university to develop the Bulldog men’s basketball team into a mid-major contender. The plan included a guarantee that Carter would be able to comprise his own staff of three assistants and one director of basketball operations. According to Lefft, South Carolina State has reduced Carter’s staff by one assistant. He said it also included issues of funding.
“There was a long-term strategy,” Lefft said. “It was a plan to build the program into an elite mid-major. As it stands, they have not followed through on the plan and the program has not evolved.” At the heart of the plan, according to Lefft, was a facilities outline for the team. “Look at some of the other institutions in the conference. Florida A&M just built an 11-million-dollar arena that is state of the art. If you look around the conference they are investing in basketball.”
Third DB transfer coming to SCSU
Something about South Carolina State University apparently is attractive to defensive backs looking for new teams this summer. The Times and Democrat confirmed that former N.C. State defensive back Dominique Ellis (5-11, 190) is transferring in to play for the Bulldogs next season. He joins former Boston College athelte Razzie Smith and Tillman Millhouse, formerly of The Citadel, as defensive backs transferring in with the hopes to play for SCSU next season.
In his first season of action with the Wolfpack, Ellis played in 13 games, recording 11 tackles and an interception. He played 136 specials teams snaps and 109 snaps from scrimmage. Ellis’ best game came against Maryland when he played a total of 30 snaps and recorded three tackles. A former North Carolina Shrine Bowl selection, Ellis was ranked as the nation’s No. 41 ranked cornerback by Rivals.com, and listed as No. 60 nationally at safety by Scout.com coming out of high school in 2007.
Agreement in place to bring Harrison back to SCSU coaching staff
South Carolina State head coach head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough has confirmed that Bulldogs assistant coach Gerald Harrison is scheduled to be re-instated by the school. “We worked it out in principle,” Pough said Wednesday afternoon. Word on Harrison’s re-instatement to the SCSU coaching staff comes just hours after South Carolina State President George Cooper balked at giving a definitive answer as to anything that may have been discussed regarding Harrison in the board of trustees executive session. Last week, Pough’s attorney, Joseph R. Lefft, sent a letter to Cooper claiming that Harrison’s firing was a breach of Pough’s contract.
“As I indicated earlier this week, our legal, we are seeking our own opinion in order to respond,” Cooper said following Wednesday’s meeting. “When I have an opinion I will let you know. At this particular point, I acknowledge receipt of the letter. I indicate that we are reviewing the letter from coach Pough’s attorney and when I render an opinion the public will know.”
‘Top Dogs’: S.C. State’s Hamlin is a gambling man, aggressive
Markee Hamlin is a gambling man. No, the South Carolina State safety has not been hitting the slots in Las Vegas over the summer. In this instance, gambling refers to his tendency to take risks on the playing field. It can be a positive sometimes. Other times, it can be a major negative. The 6-foot, 170-pound rising junior, the fifth-ranked player in The T&D’s top 20 countdown, said he has had several discussions about his approach to the game with the SCSU coaching staff and that he is doing his best to reign himself in a bit.
“It’s pretty tough (to not be so aggressive),” he said. “I’m trying to listen to what they say they want me to do.” Last season, Hamlin’s aggressiveness put him right in the middle of the on-field action. He finished third on the team in tackles with 56 and collected one interception. He played one of his best games in S.C. State’s 17-0 loss to Central Florida, coming up with eight tackles, seven solo and a fumble recovery. In 2007, Hamlin had five interceptions, and despite the fact that he wants to tune the on-field gambling down his goals are high for this season. “Stay healthy … that’s my first goal,” Hamlin said. “My second goal is to break the school record for interceptions with 10 and win the MEAC.”
‘Top Dogs’: Johnny Culbreath is the nastiest Bulldog on the field
The thinking is pretty simple when Johnny Culbreath looks across the line of scrimmage at his opponent. “I’m basically thinking ...” he said, pausing for a moment to laugh a bit. “Basically, I’m thinking about which way I’m going to knock him down. And, I don’t just think it. I tell him too. I tell him what is fixing to happen to him. I tell him I’m about to whip his butt. I want it to be the worst game they have ever had.”
The thing about the 6-6, 300-pounder is the nasty streak is a beautiful thing to have in an offensive lineman but, at times, Culbreath can take it a bit too far. Johnny Culbreath picking up a 15-yard penalty every now and then is to be expected. “That is the only thing,” Culbreath said. “It does come back to bite me. I get a little over aggressive, but coach tells me it’s better to be over aggressive than not. I try to give everything.”
“He is the prettiest offensive lineman in the league by far,” South Carolina State head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough said. “He is athletic as anything, has pretty could strength ... he could be a great player. I really feel an obligation to drive this guy to greatness. He could almost be a first-round guy. He’s a little immature at times, but he has really come a long way from where he started.”
Grambling State University
Tech and Grambling in talks for 2010 football matchup
Louisiana Tech and Grambling State are close to signing a contract to open the 2010 football season in Shreveport’s Independence Stadium. The Labor Day contest would be played Sept. 4 and would be the inaugural meeting between the Lincoln Parish neighbors located just three miles apart. Apparently, the game would be designated as a home game for the Tigers. Tech already has six games scheduled for Ruston’s Joe Aillet Stadium in 2010.
Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover, who apparently has sought a Grambling game in Shreveport for quite some time, held a meeting Friday attended by SPAR, Independence Bowl, Shreveport Regional Sports Authority and Shreveport-Bossier City Convention and Tourism officials.
ALL BUSINESS: Grambling still committed to getting better
Even after winning a championship, the mantra for third-year Grambling coach Rod Broadway remains “getting better.” Converse with Broadway long enough, and you’ll hear the phrase often enough to become numb to its implications. “Everybody has to improve,” he’ll say. “Every individual has to improve. That’s one of the goals. We have talked about that as a team.”
No one is questioning the talent of this group, which opens the season as favorites to win in a return trip to Birmingham, Ala., and the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game. That includes Broadway, who — when talking, say, about shooting star Greg Dillon, the former walk-on quarterback turned MVP of both the Bayou Classic and 2008’s conference title match — will occasionally invert the thought. “Greg made the whole offense better,” Broadway will say.
Yet the conversation always turns back to ... getting better.
Grambling, Jackson State the favorites in SWAC
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Defending champion Grambling is the preseason pick to win the SWAC West Division title for the third straight year, and Jackson State is predicted to three-peat in the East. The preseason vote, which came during Tuesday's SWAC Media Day, also had Alabama A&M second in the East, followed by Alabama State, Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State. "A lot of times our conference doesn't get its just due for the player product we produce, but there's great parity in our league," said Grambling coach Rod Broadway. "Last year we had to battle week in and week out for every win we got, and we're not expecting anything short of that this year."
Grambling and Jackson State have split the last two SWAC titles. "We have a solid football team," said JSU coach Rick Comegy. "We had a great spring and our guys are ready. There are some great teams in this conference and this game is played between the lines. Therefore, preseason polls are nice, but we have to suit up and play football week in and week out." Southern University quarterback Bryant Lee was selected the preseason offensive player of the year. The senior led the league in passing yards (2,498) and touchdowns (19) last season, and accounted for 3,008 yards of total offense. Grambling defensive lineman Christian Anthony was chosen the defensive player of the year after posting 55 tackles (17 for loss) and 8 sacks.
LET'S DO IT AGAIN: Grambling picked to win SWAC in preseason poll
It may as well be 2008 all over again. Or 2007, for that matter. Grambling and Jackson State are predicted to win their respective divisions and meet in the SWAC championship, according to a poll of conference coaches released on Tuesday at the SWAC media day. Grambling finished last season with an 11-2 overall record (7-0 SWAC) and beat Jackson State 41-9 in the conference championship game. JSU had the upper hand the previous season, beating Grambling 42-31 to win the SWAC title.
Grambling's Anthony named SWAC preseason defensive player of year
Grambling defender Christian Anthony has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference's preseason defensive player of the year. GSU had four others honored in preseason voting: Offensive lineman Revay Smith and defensive back Kenneth Anio made first team, while running back Cornelius Walker and quarterback Greg Dillon earned second-team honors. Grambling was picked to repeat as SWAC champions. GSU, the two-time reigning Western Division champs, has played in back-to-back title games, and last year avenged a 2007 SWAC Championship Game loss to Jackson State.
HAIL TO THE HALL: 25 inducted into Grambling's inaugural class
Some of the biggest names in the history of Grambling State athletics were on hand at the Monroe Civic Center on Saturday (7/19/09) for the inaugural induction ceremony of the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame. Inductees Charles Hardnett, Willis Reed, Robert Hopkins, Willie Brown, Willie Young, Lane Howell, Charlie Joiner, Helen Richards-Smith, Richard Stebbins, Willie Davis and Henry Dyer were all present.
In attendance, too, were many of the families of honorees who have passed away — including Eddie Robinson Jr., son of Grambling’s celebrated late football coach; the daughter-in-law and grandson of school president and baseball coach Ralph W.E. “Prez” Jones and the widows of sports information director Collie J. Nicholson and basketball coach Fred Hobdy. The stars of the night were Grambling’s four true “legends” — the pioneers who built the university into an athletic powerhouse. Robinson, Jones, Hobdy, and Nicholson were memorialized throughout the night by the players they mentored.Jones was inducted first, followed by Hobdy, Nicholson, Robinson and then the rest.
Photo Galleries: Grambling Legends I Grambling Legends II
Four 'Legends' were main inspiration for new Grambling hall of fame
Twenty-five of the biggest names in Grambling athletics history compose the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame’s inaugural class, which was inducted in a ceremony at the Monroe Civic Center. Though all 25 names have a special place in Grambling lore, there are four specific individuals — the Mount Rushmore of GSU sports — that give “Legends” a capital “L.” Football coach Eddie Robinson, basketball coach Fred Hobdy, school president and baseball coach Ralph W.E. Jones, and sports information director Collie Nicholson were the main source of inspiration behind the forming of the hall of fame.
"We looked on those four guys as the legends, and that’s where the name came from,” said James “Shack” Harris, who helped organize the hall along with fellow GSU great Doug Williams. “We felt all the players who played for them were a part of their legacy, and we wanted to keep it alive. “So we organized this group, and it was more than Doug and myself. There were a lot of different athletes that came together and wanted to support it, and wanted to do something on behalf of Grambling.” Williams said it wasn’t difficult to gather support.
Tennessee State University
OVC's football coaches place TSU fourth
Tennessee State was picked to finish fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference in football this season by the league's coaches and sports information directors. Tennessee Tech was projected sixth and Austin Peay was picked to tie for seventh. Eastern Kentucky is favored to finish first.
TSU defensive back Eugene Clifford, Tennessee Tech defensive lineman Charlie Seivers and APSU linebacker Daniel Becker, defensive back Kevis Buckley and return specialist Terrence Holt made the preseason All-OVC team.
TSU plans to build indoor practice field
A change in location has delayed the start of construction, but work on a $3.2-million indoor practice facility for Tennessee State's football team is still expected to begin this fall. Initial plans called for the structure to be built atop a hill overlooking Hale Stadium, where the team has many of its practices. School officials eventually decided to retain that site as a practice area and now plan to build the 50,000 square foot indoor facility in the parking lot of Gentry Center, where the basketball teams play and the football weight room is located.
"By putting the indoor facility up on that upper practice field we were losing a practice field,'' Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. "We didn't want to do that. This is really a better location." Primarily, the football team will use the facility; it will also be available for use by other sports teams and the school's marching band. The indoor facility project is being funded by an increase in student fees, which was approved in the spring of 2007 by TSU students, who were allowed to vote when the athletics department presented its budget at that time. No state funds will be used for the project.
Two-sport TSU player might go football only
Gershom Jordan is hard to miss. Not only because of his size — the former Whites Creek star is 6-foot-6 and weighs 309 pounds — but also because he shows up in football — and basketball — season at Tennessee State. Jordan grew up playing both sports and saw no reason to stop when he got to college. "I feel like if it's something you can do in college then why not?" Jordan said. It is something Jordan proved versatile enough in last year when he played in eight football games and all but three basketball games. However, it also is something Jordan is reconsidering as he heads into his sophomore season.
The football team is in need of defensive linemen. Jordan, who is on a football scholarship, will move from tight end to defensive tackle when camp opens next month. That probably will mean more playing time and definitely require a stronger commitment to football, Coach James Webster said. "With him moving to defense he has a chance to be a major contributor if he will continue to dedicate himself,'' Webster said. "He just needs to decide what he wants to do. If he decides he wants to play football then he'll be an excellent player."
Southern University
Southern players report today as fall camp starts
In four weeks and six days, the Southern University football team will play its first game of the season. Let the countdown begin. Coach Pete Richardson, entering his 17th season at SU’s helm, welcomes players to campus today as the team reports for fall camp. “I’m excited about this group,” Richardson said. “We have a good nucleus coming back that showed some leadership, and it’s just a matter of some individuals coming in — especially in certain areas — and competing to add some depth to our team.” Richardson said SU, which went 6-5 last season, has no team activities planned for today.
Monday, however, looks to be busy. Players will take physicals and be issued equipment, and they will meet with the school’s academic compliance team. Wednesday, SU will have its first practice. The Jaguars open the season Sept. 5 at Louisiana-Lafayette, followed by three home games to close the month. Quarterback Bryant Lee, the Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason player of the year, and wide receiver Juamorris Stewart lead the list of returning starters. Lee — like many veterans — spent the summer working out on campus, Richardson said.
Jaguars ready for bigger move soon
While Southern football players had their annual move-in day Sunday, a move that looms as much more significant for the program is on the horizon. Soon, the program will move out of cramped, worn-out Jesse Owens Hall and into the new north end zone facility — containing coaches offices, training room, locker room, meeting rooms, equipment room and weight room along with luxury suites and seating — once the building gets released for use. That could happen within the next few weeks.
After the building is released, Southern coach Pete Richardson said, his staff likely will make a gradual transition to the new digs. “At least that gives us an opportunity to have more ample meeting space,” Richardson said. For years, SU has had to meet in nearby classroom buildings for team meetings bigger than small group meetings.
Cador staying put as Southern coach
Roger Cador went to school at Southern University, played basketball and baseball there, went on to coach both sports there and has, in the past 25 years, put together a baseball dynasty at the school. And Sunday, for at least the sixth time after being courted by another school, he reaffirmed his lifelong commitment by agreeing to a three-year contract which will pay him at least $125,000 per year. Cador had interviewed at the University of New Orleans twice in the past few weeks, but after a day of negotiating with SU officials, he agreed Sunday to stay where he’s always been.
“It tells me there must be something that is so powerful that keeps me yearning to come back and give it a little bit more,” Cador said. SU Chancellor Kofi Lomotey said the school will pay Cador $125,000 per year and has agreed to allow him to raise up to another $25,000 per year through the Southern University Foundation. Cador, who coached without a contract last season, said he had been paid $83,000 per year, with a housing allowance for an additional $12,000.
Hampton University
HU coach Rose still getting adjusted to new role
There's a lot that goes into being a head coach. Donovan Rose still is learning — and listening — seven months after taking over Hampton University's program. Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor's take?"Everybody must have ownership," Taylor said. "You must convince (assistants) that it is theirs just as much as yours, (and) you've got to impress upon them the importance of carrying out their responsibilities.
"South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough's advice?"You've got to surround yourself with good people. You've got to be in a situation where you get great support from the administrative people. And you've got to have players," Pough said. "If you can get all those ingredients together, and if you can stay calm enough on the sidelines to not just mess it up, most times you've got a chance to be OK."Pough, who's coached the Bulldogs for seven seasons, and Taylor, who was Hampton University's head coach for 16 years before taking over the Rattlers two years ago, have decades of head-coaching experience between them.
Norfolk State University
NSU's whitehead tabbed as top defensive player
The preseason honors continue to roll in for Norfolk State's Terrell Whitehead.
Already tabbed as a first-team preseason All-American, Whitehead was selected as the MEAC preseason Defensive Player of the Year by the conference's coaches and sports information directors. "It's a team award," said Whitehead, a senior safety from Kempsville High. "It's my teammates pushing me hard to be the best." Whitehead led NSU with 83 tackles in 2008 and had four interceptions and 11 passes broken up.
Transfers bolster Spartans' secondary
With Whitehead and three other players with starting experience returning, the secondary already was shaping up as strength for the Spartans. With the addition of two recent transfers, the unit looks even stronger. Cornerback Dante Barnes, a former teammate of Whitehead's at Kempsville, has transfered from Akron and will have two years of eligibility. Barnes was recruited by NSU out of high school but wanted to get away from home, he said. He redshirted in 2006, played on special teams in 2007 and missed last year because of an injury.
He opted to transfer after the coach who recruited him left, he said. "He'll probably be the fastest guy on the team," coach Pete Adrian said. "He's got legitimate 4.3 speed and has that big corner size (6-2, 190) that you like to see." Also expected to join the team is Davon Smart, a former reserve defensive back at Rutgers who has a year of eligibility and will play as a graduate student. Smart played in 26 games in 2007 and 2008, making 32 tackles.
Delaware State University
Lavan not hung up on preseason poll
Like many successful football coaches, Delaware State University's Al Lavan hardly puts any stock in preseason polls and predictions. What matters the most to Lavan is the effort he sees at practices and steady improvement from week to week. So when Delaware State was picked to finish in seventh place out of the nine teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference at the MEAC Football Press Luncheon on Friday, Lavan simply shrugged it off.
After all, crying about it won't accomplish anything. "I think it's about like it was my first year at Delaware State," Lavan said. "Whether we're picked No. 1 or seventh, it doesn't really change your approach. "It's certainly a reflection of how people see you. Our approach is going to be just as it's been each year that I've been here." And once the season gets under way in a little more than a month, the preseason predictions will be long forgotten anyway.
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
UAPBs Mickey Dean Named to the 2009 Preseason All-SWAC First Team
The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football team had a total of six players selected to receive preseason accolades as the Southwestern Athletic Conference unveiled it 2009 All-SWAC Preseason honors. The selections were based on votes from the conference's Sports Information Directors, Head Football Coaches, and select media personnel.
Running back Mickey Dean was the Golden Lions lone 1st team selection. Last season Dean served as one of UAPB's key offensive threats as he ranked second in rushing yards en route to amassing a total 632 yards on the ground. Fellow teammates Colton Jones (OL), Jared Dorn (DL), Michael Weatherspoon (LB), Kevin Thornton (DB) and Mareo Howard (RS) joined Dean on the All-Conference team as all five were tabbed 2nd team selections. Arkansas-Pine Bluff was picked to finish fifth in the SWAC's Western division as UAPB tallied a total of 36 points.
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF PRESEASON ALL-SWAC SELECTIONS 2008 STATISTICS
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 1ST TEAM RUNNING BACK
#23 Mickey Dean, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-10, 215, Sr., RB, Little Rock, Ark.)
Key Statistics (rankings) - Games: 12; Rushes: 150 for 632 yards (4th in SWAC, 2nd on team). Averaged 4.2 yards per carry(tied for 5th in SWAC) and 52.7 yard per game (4th in SWAC); Rushing touchdowns: 5, ranked 3rd on team in scoring, Season Highs - Ran for 129 yards against Central Arkansas, tallied a 58 yard rush and 32 yard pass reception.
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
#1 Jared Dorn, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-3, 255, Sr., DL, Pine Bluff, Ark.)
Key Statistics (rankings) - Games: 10; Tackles: 46 (5th in SWAC for lineman, 5th on team); Tackles for loss: 11 (15th in SWAC, 1st on team); Sacks: 6.5 (7th in SWAC, 1st on team); Quarterback Hurries: 3; Fumble forced: 2 (tied for 2nd on team); Season Highs -Accumulated 4 sacks against Mississippi Valley State and 4.5 tackles for losses.
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
#67 Colton Jones, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-2, 280, Jr., OL, Arlington, Texas)
Key Statistics (rankings) - Games: 12; Helped anchor a offensive line unit that ranked 5th in SWAC in rushing
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM KICK RETURNER
# 33 Mareo Howard, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-9, 180, Jr., ATH, Fort Valley, Ga.)
Key Statistics (rankings) - Games: 12; Kick Returns: 15; Average per return 26.8 (1st in SWAC, 1st on team); Tallied 402 return yards with a long of 55 yards. Averaged 10.1 yards per punt return (4th in SWAC, 1st on team);
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK
#7 Kevin Thornton, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-1, 210, Sr., DB, Little Rock, Ark.)
Key Statistics (rankings) - Games: 12; Tackles: 45 (12th in SWAC for defensive backs); Tackles for loss: 1.5; Interceptions: 5 (3rd in SWAC, 1st on team) for a total of 105 yards; Passes defended: 12 (6th in SWAC, 2nd on team) Pass Breakups: 6 (2nd on team); Season Highs - Tallied 2 interceptions versus Alabama A&M Awards/ Honors - 2008 All-SWAC 1st team member at defensive back, named to the 2009 CDS All-American-Honorable Mention list.
PRESEASON ALL-SWAC 2ND TEAM LINEBACKER
#5 Michael Witherspoon, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-3, 225, Sr., LB, Little Rock, Ark.) Key Statistics (rankings) - Games: 11; Tackles: 70 (3rd in SWAC for defensive backs, 3rd on team for team); Averaged 6.4 tackles per game, Tallied one pass breakup and five tackles for loss.
UAPB Sports Information
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Marching 100 Band Camp Rock Finale Performance
Local high school musicians showed they just might have what it takes to make it to the college level. Friends and family packed the stands, excited to see what more than 400 band campers have learned. Over the past week, the high school musicians got the chance to hit the high notes with the members of the "Marching 100". Some of the camp's leaders say the chance to learn from their role models played a huge part in coming to the camp.
"I honestly think that quietly most of the students come because of the counselors, because of the chance to meet some of the section leaders that they see across the field and get up close and personal with them and learn from them," says Craig Beachum, a member of the Marching 100, and camp counselor. This is the 20th year FAMU hosted the band camp.
Summer Band Camp 2009, Drill #2
BACKSTABBERS/ DRUM FEATURE/ TOTAL PRAISE
FAMU BAND CAMP '09 "NEW SCHOOL"
America the Beautiful
Summer Band Camp Dance Routine
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