Haven Native LeDawn Gibson Looks for a Bigger Year At FAMU

LeDawn Gibson, the former head coach of the Winter Haven girl's basketball team, is no stranger to exceeding expectations. During her first season as the head coach of the Florida A&M women's basketball team, she coached the Lady Rattlers to a victory over then-favored Coppin State in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.

In her second season, despite a heavily depleted roster caused by injuries, she led the team to an 18-11 overall record, its best win total since a 17-win season in 2003. The season included victories over out-of-conference opponents South Florida and Florida.

Season Opener: Nov. 12, 2010 - At University of Arkansas, 12 noon, Little Rock, AR

FAMU Rattlers fighting through injuries

Safety Anthony Shutt went out with a minor injury. Cornerback Qier Hall was cramping, while defensive back Curtis Holcomb was still hobbling from an old ankle injury. That was just last Saturday against Morgan State for Florida A&M. Each unit has been hit, but no unit was hit as hard all season with injuries as the secondary last week.

FAMU's Stewart beating the odds

When Jerral Stewart blew a coverage that allowed a Morgan State touchdown, the Florida A&M cornerback shrugged it off as just another situation that he'd have to overcome. On the ensuing Bears possession, Stewart snagged an interception that he returned for a touchdown. He felt a bit of redemption.

FAMU signs 3-year deal with IMG

Florida A&M University is going the way of the heavyweights of college athletics in hopes of cashing in on its name and tradition in athletics.

The university announced Tuesday that it has signed a three-year agreement with International Management Group for the mega marketing company to encourage Corporate America to spend some of its advertising dollars with the school. The partnership is believed to be the first between IMG and a school in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.



University inks multi-year deal with marketer

Florida A&M University officials on Tuesday announced a multi-year deal with IMG College that will put at least $250,000 (annually) of extra revenue in the athletics department.

IMG College, a division of IMG Worldwide, is considered the leader in developing integrated licensing marketing and multimedia opportunities for collegiate brands across a regional and national platform. The company has a partnership with the NCAA and its 88 championships, leading conferences and universities.

Anthony ready for a battle

Florida A&M center Shelley Anthony heard enough about linebacker Brandon Jackson to know that he'll be the main player who could cause havoc for the Rattlers' offense, although he couldn't readily recall his name.

"We've got to block, whoever he is," Anthony said during Tuesday's team press conference. "What's his name, Jackson?

FAMU's Marching 100 Takes Sound to National TV Airwaves

The Battle Presented by AT&T – an inside look at the HBCU (Historically Black College and University) Marching Bands from Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M – will air five 30-minute shows during four straight weeks, every Thursday from Nov. 4 to Nov. 25, on ESPNU. The shows reach into the training, discipline, heart and soul that make up HBCU bands. The bands train rigorously day-in and day-out for the football games and rivalries that date back decades as part of the HBCU culture.

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