Mississippi State Bulldogs Host Alcorn State Saturday In SEC-SWAC Showdown

STARKVILLE, Miss. - After last week’s 24-12 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, Mississippi State seeks to carry its momentum into this Saturday’s game against the Alcorn State Braves. Kick time between the instate opponents is set for 11 a.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium . The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net.

Last week, MSU quarterback Chris Relf had a career high 257 total offensive yards and two touchdowns through the air. The Bulldogs were able to compile 314 yards of total offense while Vick Ballard rushed for 65 yards and crossed the goal line for his fifth touchdown of the season.

Avoiding Ole Miss-type trap, Dawgs prep for Alcorn

Mississippi State will face Alcorn State this week in an in-state showdown that features the first ever pairing of these two schools but the second matchup between an SEC and a SWAC team - the first being MSU and Jackson State last season.

That contest ended in a 45-7 dismantling of the Tigers of Jackson State, and fans should expect some of the same out of this game. However, the Bulldogs feel they must stay focused and avoid a letdown like ...

Bulldogs know not to overlook unsung Braves

STARKVILLE — Coach Dan Mullen and Mississippi State are not underestimating or overlooking Alcorn State.

The warning shots have been fired and not necessarily from Lorman, the home of the Braves. Mullen and the players at MSU (2-2) have seen all the upsets inside and outside the state this year and realize nothing can be taken for granted.

TV: 11 AM CT/12:00 ET, Fox Sports Net

Internet: ESPN3.com

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Alcorn State 41, Alabama State 21: Alcorn takes battle of SWAC unbeatens

LORMAN, MS. -- Gabriel Nash had 29 carries for 135 yards and two touchdown, and Alcorn State took advantage of five Alabama State turnovers to take a 41-21 victory and emerge as the Southwestern Athletic Conference's only undefeated team Saturday.

Alabama State (3-1, 3-1 SWAC) began the game positively with a five-play, 62-yard drive capped off by a 10-yard touchdown run from quarterback Devin Dominguez, giving the Hornets a 7-0 lead following a PAT. "We came out of the gate and the first drive of the game was outstanding," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "After that drive, we did nothing positive on offense."

Alcorn (3-0, 2-0) quickly responded with Brandon Bridge's 57-yard TD run, and Gabriel Nash's 12-yard run to take the lead.

Alcorn offense leads way in win over Alabama State

LORMAN, MS —Alcorn State was averaging 38 1/2 points after two games coming into its matchup with Alabama State Saturday. And the Braves continued to thrive offensively, churning out another high-scoring game and defeating the Hornets 41-21 to improve to 3-0 on the season.

The win marked Alcorn’s first victory over Alabama State since 2002, something Braves head coach Earnest Collins was very happy about. “I wouldn’t have cared if it was 41-40, as long as we came out with the victory,” Collins said. “The kids played hard. We made some mistakes in the game that we have to get corrected, but the kids played together, and I’m proud of them.”

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Attendance: 2584
Next Games: Alcorn State at Mississippi State 
                       Texas Southern at Alabama State    

Alcorn ready to challenge in SWAC East

LORMAN, MS — It may only be the fourth week of the season, but when Alabama State heads into Jack Spinks Stadium to take on the Alcorn State Braves, SWAC East division title implications could be on the line.

Alabama State has a 3-0 record in the SWAC, including an 18-15 upset victory over Prairie View last week, while the Braves have a 1-0 conference mark following a 27-9 win over Mississippi Valley State. And if the Braves want to play in their first SWAC Championship Game, the Hornets might be the team that stands in their way.

“Regardless of what our records are early in the year, this is a big game,” Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins said.

Bridge gives Alcorn dual threat at quarterback‎ 

 Don't berate Alcorn State coach Earnest Collins if he's coy about his quarterback plans for Saturday's key conference game against streaking Alabama State. It's a coaching thing. They all do it. Collins replaced starting quarterback Terrence Barnes with true freshman Brandon Bridge during Alcorn's win over Mississippi Valley State last week, sparking the Braves to the 27-9 victory.

That raises the question: Who will start Saturday? "We'll work that out in practice," Collins said earlier this week.

Bridge, a 6-foot-5, 195-pounder from Canada, ran and threw for a combined 250 yards. He threw a touchdown and ran for another after replacing Barnes in the second quarter. Bridge, who Collins says runs the 40-yard dash in less than 4.6 seconds, accounted for 150 yards more in three quarters than Barnes had in the first two games.

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Alcorn State Braves hits right notes at Soldier Field‎

Braves set tone for 27-9 victory over Mississippi Valley State on special teams.

Chicago, IL - Alcorn State has proved in its first two games that while it's nice to have offense, it's really not necessary for getting in the end zone. The Braves used two early special teams touchdowns to set the pace in their 27-9 victory over Mississippi Valley State (0-3) in the Chicago Football Classic on Saturday at a musically boisterous Soldier Field.

"We saw some flaws in their punt protection and we tried to exploit it, and it ended up working out for us," Alcorn State coach Earnest Collins Jr. said. Saturday's performance came two weeks after Alcorn State (2-0) returned three turnovers for touchdowns in its season-opening victory over Langston. Mississippi Valley State punted on its first possession to Alcorn State receiver Edward Johnson, who returned it for a 70-yard touchdown. Johnson, who scored twice, was named the game's offensive MVP.





Alcorn State gets easy win over MVSU

CHICAGO — The Alcorn State defense had all the fun two weeks ago against Langston, scoring three touchdowns. So Saturday against Mississippi Valley State in the Chicago Football Classic, the Braves special teams decided they would get in on the action. Alcorn scored two special teams touchdowns in the first quarter to jump out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back in a 27-9 victory over the Delta Devils.

Alcorn true freshman quarterback Brandon Bridge also had a great game, coming off the bench to throw for 127 yards and a touchdown and rush for another 67 yards.

Alcorn State beats MVSU at Soldier Field

Edward Johnson scored two touchdowns, including one on a 70-yard punt return, and Alcorn State defeated Mississippi Valley State 27-9. Gabriel Nash added 81 rushing yards and a TD, and the Braves (2-0, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) also scored on a blocked punt. The game was played at Soldier Field as part of the annual Chicago Football Classic.

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Alcorn's defense scores three TD's in 50-27 win

LORMAN, MS — The Alcorn State defense prides itself on being an aggressive bunch with a nose for the football and a reputation on wreaking havoc. And that was never more the case than in the Braves’ 50-27 victory over Langston Saturday. The Alcorn defense scored three defensive touchdowns, recorded a safety, and set the offense up inside the 5-yard line after turnovers on two other occasions.

“Defensive coordinator Zach Shay does an awesome job with instilling that attitude,” Alcorn head coach Earnest Collins said. “We call it BIA, Best in America, at hustle. It’s not about athletic ability, but 100 percent about hustle. He preaches that every day.” And Alcorn State needed every one of those defensive scores, as the Braves offense sputtered for a majority of the game.

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Alcorn looks for improvement in run game

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins liked what he saw from running back Arnold Walker in last year’s Capital City Classic. But he’ll like it even better if Walker can have that kind of production over the entire 2010 season. Walker, then a true freshman, rushed for a career-high 120 yards in Alcorn’s 14-7 win over Jackson State and was the game’s offensive MVP.

“Arnold got a little taste last year in the Jackson State game of his role and what it has to be for us,” Collins said. “Basically in the second half we just handed the ball to him, and he was a workhorse for us in that game. We’re looking for him to do more of what he did in that game.”

Walker and fellow sophomore Gabriel Nash each bring something different to the table when they get the ball, Collins said.

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Fall camp gets under way for Alcorn State

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins noticed a big difference on the Braves first day of fall practice Thursday — more players. And Collins said that should have a big impact on the kind of season the Braves will have in 2010. “Last year we came into camp with 70 some odd players, which is not enough,” Collins said. “Now we’re about to capacity, and I feel a lot better about it.”

As the Braves began fall practice to prepare for their Sept. 4 season-opener against Langston, Collins said the added depth means every player will have to fight for his position. “Now the players know there is depth behind them,” Collins said. “There is somebody pushing them, and they won’t be playing by default. Last year we had some players who had to play by default because there was nobody behind them. That’s not the case this year at any position we have.”

In addition to the added depth, Collins said he was pleased with the physical condition of his players, and could tell they have been working hard over the summer to stay in shape.

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Collins: It's time for Alcorn State to win

NATCHEZ, MS — Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins had one message for Braves fans Thursday night. It’s time to win. Collins and Alcorn offensive coordinator Michael Armour and defensive coordinator Zach Shay addressed Braves fans at the annual Alcorn State Powwow on the ASU Natchez campus. “We’re not going to be satisfied just beating Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State every year,” Collins said. “We want to win SWAC championships. You didn’t hear me say that last year. But what I’m saying now is that we expect to win.”

















Collins said his team has built off last season’s 14-7 victory over Jackson State in the season-ending Capital City Classic, and has ridden that momentum into this season. “The phenomenal thing about that game was we played as a team on both sides of the ball,” Collins said. “The offense scored two quick touchdowns and that was all we needed. We held Jackson State to minus-12 yards rushing, and anytime you can do that, you’re going to win the football game. “I told the guys after the game that we were on our way if they just continued to do what they were doing.”

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Alcorn State football players conditioning for 2010 season

LORMAN, MS — Because of NCAA rules, Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins is only allowed to have limited contact with his players until Aug. 4. Because of this, Collins defers to the Braves’ strength and conditioning coach, Lavell Williams, in keeping his team busy during July. And Williams is taking his experience as a former coach with Kansas, Texas Tech and the Dallas Cowboys, and using it to get the Braves in peak physical condition for the upcoming season.

“At this point in the summer, conditioning is the main thing. We’re doing strength and conditioning together, but focusing on conditioning,” Williams said. “The reason for that is that these guys have to be out in the heat. We want to make sure they can go at 100 percent without their muscles being bogged down.” That way, by the time the fall rolls around, muscle endurance won’t be an issue, Williams added. “That’s the main reason why we’re concentrating on conditioning, after we concentrated more on strength (closer to) the beginning of the summer,” he said.

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From The Sports Network

Alcorn State enters season overflowing with optimism

Earnest Collins' Alcorn State Braves won only three games in 2009, his first as head coach, but two of the three were especially huge.


Alcorn defeated both in-state SWAC rivals Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State en route to a 3-6 finish that was the Braves' best since 2006. It's almost as if the Braves are starting 2010 at 1-0, because Collins openly called last year's Capital City Classic, the season-ender against Jackson State, "our first game of the 2010 season."

Alcorn beat the JSU Tigers 14-7, a victory that made winter workouts and spring training much more fun and productive, Braves players say. "We got a taste in our mouth that we enjoyed," Isaac Williams of Clinton, a three-year starter at center, said. "It made everything go better in the off-season. It was big for us, especially beating Jackson State. Everybody knows how big that is."

Big? Yes. The supreme goal? "No," answered Collins. "I want to win them all. You play the game to win championships. I expect us to be much, much better this year."

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Football season is only six weeks away

Excerpt:

Lorman, MS - On the college circuit, the feeling at Alcorn State is completely different than it was this time last year. While last year, the Braves were coming off a messy coaching change and 2-10 season, this year there is hope as coach Earnest Collins led his team to a surprising second place finish in the SWAC East division and a 14-7 victory over archrival Jackson State in the Capital City Classic.

Alcorn has some good things going for it this season, most notably a more favorable schedule. Instead of opening their season on the road against Bowl Subdivision teams Southern Miss and Central Michigan, the Braves open their 2010 season at home against NAIA school Langston. They then take a week off before beginning SWAC play against Mississippi Valley State at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The Braves do have to replace all-everything quarterback Tim Buckley, but do return their top receivers Edward Johnson and Terrance Lewis and their entire stable of running backs, as well as several key defensive starters.

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Grambling State University claims SWAC baseball tournament title

Grambling State University Tigers first year coach James Cooper wins first SWAC championship.

SHREVEPORT, LA — As the Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball tournament crawled along, the regular-season powerhouses quietly tiptoed out of Fairgrounds Field. Eventually, Grambling and Alcorn State found themselves in the championship game. Sunday afternoon, with an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament on the line, Grambling was quiet no more. The long-suffering Tigers — playing against Alcorn State University and their former coach, Barret Rey — unloaded on the Braves pitching staff and got a sterling effort from left-hander Adrian Turner in a convincing 15-2 victory.

It is the ninth SWAC championship for Grambling, but its first in 25 seasons. The Tigers hadn’t won a baseball title since 1985, when then-coach Wilbur Ellis led them to their third consecutive crown. This time, their coach is James Cooper, who, at 29 years old, took over the Grambling program last summer when Rey left after three years for the same job at Alcorn.

The Braves (28-27), who finished third in the SWAC Eastern Division, were 3-0 in the tournament heading into Sunday’s championship game, with two wins over Southern and one more against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Grambling (22-30), which finished third in the SWAC West, went undefeated in four games at Fairgrounds Field. Jackson State lost its first two games. Southern and Texas Southern flamed out Friday.

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NCAA's: Alabama Softball Beats Alcorn State, 9-0

Alabama Softball Beats Alcorn State, 9-0

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - - The Alabama softball team (49-9) opened NCAA postseason play with a convincing 9-0 victory over Alcorn State (24-25) Friday evening in game two of the Tuscaloosa Regional at the Alabama Softball Complex. With the win the Crimson Tide has run off 25 straight victories, tying the third longest winning streak in school history. “We talked about whoever we play, you play your best and respect the opponent by coming out and playing a great game,” UA head coach Pat Murphy said. “I think we did just that. Lauren Sewell did a really good job and Amanda Locke was awesome in the three batters she faced. We scored in every inning and that’s what we do.”

Tide slugs its way past Alcorn State

TUSCALOOSA | Alcorn State coach Kevin Montgomery figured his team's only chance against the University of Alabama softball team would be if the Crimson Tide took his Lady Braves lightly in the first round of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional. Fat chance. Alabama (49-9) needed less than an hour-and-a-quarter Friday to send Alcorn State (24-25) to the loser's bracket with a 9-0 victory, shortened to five innings by the mercy rule. The Crimson Tide, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, won for the 25th time in a row, extending the nation's longest winning streak.

“We talk about whoever we play — no matter the opponent, the situation, the site — you play your best and you respect the opponent by coming out and playing a great game,” Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said. “I think we did just that. “We scored in every inning. That's kind of like our … what we do. That's how we roll.” Alabama got rolling early against the Lady Braves, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding three in the second and three more in the third.

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Alcorn State will face the University of Alabama-Birmingham in an elimination game Saturday at 4 p.m.

Alcorn State releases 2010 football schedule

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State University released the Braves’ tentative 2010 football schedule on Tuesday, and head coach Earnest Collins can breath a little easier not only when he sees the teams the Braves are playing, but who they aren’t. Unlike last season, when Alcorn opened its season on the road against Bowl Subdivision teams Southern Miss and Central Michigan — and lost those two games by a combined 100-0 — the Braves will open up the 2010 season at Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 18.

That could change, however, as Collins said the school is trying to find an opponent to come to Lorman and play Alcorn on Sept. 4. Alcorn currently has four games scheduled at Jack Spinks Stadium. If the Braves are able to find an opponent to play them on Sept. 4, that would give them five home games only one year after they played just three games in Lorman. “We’re excited we have more home games this year,” Collins said. “We’d prefer to get a team to come in here on Sept. 4 and then leave the 11th open.”

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Alcorn State Braves 2010 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time

9/18 Mississippi Valley* Itta Bena, MS TBA

9/25 Alabama State* Alcorn State, MS 2:00PM

10/2 Mississippi State Starkville, MS TBA

10/9 Texas Southern* (Homecoming) Alcorn State, MS 2:00PM

10/16 Grambling State* Grambling, LA TBA

10/ 21Arkansas Pine Bluff* Alcorn State, MS TBA

10/30 Southern University* Alcorn State, MS 2:00PM

11/6 Alabama A&M* Huntsville, AL TBA

11/13 Prairie View A&M* Prairie View, TX TBA

11/20 Jackson State* (Capital City Classic) Jackson, MS 1:00PM

12/11 SWAC Championship Birmingham, AL 1:00PM CT

Alcorn ready to tackle baseball season with new coach

Alcorn State baseball coach Barret L. Rey, Sr., ended his first head coaching job at Grambling State with a 56-94 record over a three year span moving the Tigers from the cellar to the SWAC semi-finals in 2009.

LORMAN, MS — Three things are on Alcorn State baseball coach Barret Rey’s mind, and those three things are the key to a championship season, he said. “It’s what I tell them every year,” Rey said. “All we need is defense, situational pitching and situational hitting. If we have those three things, we’ll be alright.” And Rey said he’s not satisfied with simply making the SWAC championship game. The Braves did last year, only to lose 11-7 against Southern University.

“We want to make it back, without a doubt,” Rey said. “But we don’t want to just be content with just getting there this year. We want to win, and we won’t be satisfied until we win. “This is a mature team, with a lot of juniors that were in the championship game last year. If we do things right — if we don’t beat ourselves — we’re going to be awfully tough to beat.” Rey singled out hitting as his team’s biggest strength, and said his players’ athleticism has allowed him the flexibility to move them around to different positions. “We can swing the bat,” Rey said. “We’re a pretty athletic team, too, and our success is going to come from our hitting and athleticism.

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Former Alcorn State coach Whitney selected for NABC Hall of Fame

For 31 years, Coach Davey Whitney paced the hardwood at Alcorn State and Texas Southern winning with a career record of 550-337. The legendary coach led ASU to the first win by an HBCU in the NCAA Tournament. Whitney also defeated Mississippi State in the 1979 NIT Tournament and won 12 SWAC Championships.

Former Alcorn State coach Whitney selected for NABC Hall of Fame

Davey Whitney transformed Alcorn State University basketball into a consistent winner and charmed contemporaries, sportswriters and just about everyone else along the way. Then again, it might have taken awhile with his players. Whitney, 80, was a demanding coach. He suffered no fools. He had a sense of humor, sure, but only after the work had been done. On Tuesday, Whitney learned he had been elected to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Whitney has lived in Biloxi for several years and tends to his ailing wife, Bernice. He also lends a hand as a marshal at Sunkist Country Club, although he insists his handicap is nothing to write home about. On the basketball court, however, the diminutive Whitney always stood tall. "You never really expect anything like that, a call from someone's Hall of Fame," Whitney said. "I never got into the game for that. I got into the game because I wanted to help kids, and I wanted to win." And win he did.
Whitney inducted into college hoops hall of fame

Longtime Alcorn State basketball coach Davey Whitney will be enshrined into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Whitney, 80, posted a 550-337 record in 31 years as head coach, including two stops at Alcorn State. He guided the Braves to the 1979 National Invitation Tournament, where his team defeated Mississippi State, and in 1980 he led Alcorn to the NCAA Tournament and a victory over South Alabama to become the first historically black university to win a tournament game. His Alcorn teams won 495 games and 12 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships. The ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 21 in Kansas City, Mo.

Fitting tribute: Alcorn's 'Wiz' worthy of shrine
Excerpt: Modest Rewards

So it was that Whitney's highest-ever salary was $67,000, and that right at the end of his career. For most of his career, he made less than half that and lived in campus housing. He recruited smalltown Mississippi kids who could run and jump - and he taught them to play basketball. He taught them to win. He just won and won and won. His teams won 550 games, while losing only 337. His Alcorn teams won 495 games and 12 SWAC titles. He could, as Jake Gaither, the late Florida A&M football coach famously said, "Take his'n and beat your'n, or take your'n and beat his'n."

His 1978-79 Alcorn State team defeated Mississippi State at Starkville in the NIT and then almost beat Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers in their next game. Knight was so impressed he later appointed Whitney to his U.S. Olympic team staff. Whitney's 1979-80 team became the first historically black college to win an NCAA Tournament game.

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Reprint: From the United States Congressional Record: TRIBUTE TO COACH DAVEY WHITNEY, ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY -- (U.S. Senate - July 19, 1999)
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Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I honor a Mississippian who made numerous contributions to Alcorn State University, to countless young student athletes and to the community. Coach Davey L. Whitney, Head Coach of the Men's Basketball team at Alcorn State University, has served as a leader at this educational institution, a professor of championship athletics and a mentor for many of his players.

Nearly 30 years ago, Coach Whitney first arrived on the Lorman, Mississippi, campus. From the beginning, Davey's tenure at Alcorn was destined for greatness. Within ten years, the Alcorn State Men's Basketball team went from little notoriety to groundbreaking achievement. His list of accomplishments is exemplary. His determination is heroic.

He was the first coach to lead an historically black college team to wins in both NCAA and NIT tournaments. His teams also won nine Southwestern Athletic Conference titles. In 1979, Alcorn accomplished something that no previous historically black college had done--winning a National Invitational Tournament game--when they defeated Mississippi State University.

Coach Whitney has been a mentor to many young men. Many of his players have become successful businessmen. Several of his players even had successful professional athletic careers in the National Basketball Association. Larry Smith, who was drafted by the Golden State Warriors, is now an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets. He is reproducing Coach Whitney's approach of discipline coupled with a warm personal devotion for the players.

Coach Whitney's career has not been one without trials. In 1989 he was fired after losing three successive seasons. Still Coach Whitney stayed involved in basketball by coaching in the Continental Basketball Association and the United States Basketball League.

Coach Whitney also remained close to Alcorn State for the next eight years, while the Braves struggled and in 1997 Alcorn asked him to return. After much thought, Coach Whitney returned to the Alcorn State University Family as head coach. Within two years, he took the struggling Braves to the 1999 Southwestern Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship where they not only won, they triumphed. This tournament championship earned the Braves a berth in the NCAA Tournament. This marked the first time since the 1986 season that the Braves have won the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season title. This was also the first time since 1984 that the Braves have won the tournament title and appeared in the NCAA tournament.

Coach Whitney's 442 wins in 28 years--with 10 regular season titles, four consecutive titles between 1978-82, twelve post season tourneys and five NAIA district titles--earned him nine Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. It is a fitting tribute to Coach Whitney's accomplishments that he coaches in the complex named after him. Various groups have recognized Coach Whitney for his renowned success. USA Today's Reporter Jack Carey wrote, ``At Alcorn State Coach Davey Whitney is proving not only that you can go home again, but you also can be darned successful once you get there.'' Whitney is surely a man worthy of recognition.

Coach Whitney is not only a successful coach but an accomplished family man. He and his wife of more than 40 years have reared a fine family of four daughters and one son, all of whom attended Alcorn State University. He is a member of the National Association of Coaches, the Mississippi Association of Coaches, the National Black Association of Coaches, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., just to name a few.

Mr. President, it is a great honor to pay tribute to Coach Davey L. Whitney for his athletic accomplishments and his dedication to the students of Alcorn State University. His efforts are both uplifting and encouraging. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Davey Whitney many more years of success.

Bill would name Alcorn State baseball facilities for former coaches McGowan and Foster

The legendary Willie E."Rat" McGowan, Sr. (#25 in photo) will be honored with the naming of the Alcorn State University baseball stadium.

JACKSON, MS — Alcorn State University could honor its sports history by naming its baseball stadium and the field inside the stadium after two former coaches. A bill that passed the Mississippi House 116-0 on Tuesday would name the park as the Willie E. "Rat" McGowan Sr. Baseball Stadium. McGowan retired in 2009 after coaching Alcorn State baseball for 40 years. The field inside the stadium would be named for the late William "Bill" Foster, the school's first baseball coach.

Foster was a left-handed pitcher in the Negro Leagues in the 1920s and '30s and is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The legendary "Rat" McGowan finished his Alcorn career with 720 wins and was inducted in the Alcorn State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, for baseball and football. The bill moves to the Senate for more work.

Negro Leagues Baseball eMuseum: Personal Profiles: William Foster
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MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2010 Regular Session

To: Public Property; Universities and Colleges

By: Representatives Holloway, Middleton, Clarke, Wooten, Arinder, DuVall, Espy, Gibbs, Harrison, Huddleston (30th), Johnson, Jones (82nd), Thomas, Scott, Clark

House Bill 730
(As Passed the House)
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BASEBALL PARK ON THE CAMPUS OF ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY IN LORMAN, MISSISSIPPI, SHALL BE NAMED THE WILLIE E. "RAT" MCGOWAN, SR., BASEBALL STADIUM; TO PROVIDE THAT THE BASEBALL FIELD WITHIN THE WILLIE E. "RAT" MCGOWAN STADIUM SHALL BE NAMED THE WILLIAM "BILL" FOSTER BASEBALL FIELD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The Alcorn State University Baseball Park on the campus of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, shall be named the Willie E. "Rat" McGowan, Sr., Baseball Stadium. The Department of Finance and Administration shall prepare a distinctive plaque to be placed in a prominent place within the Willie E. "Rat" McGowan, Sr., Baseball Stadium, which states the background, accomplishments and service to the university of Mr. McGowan.

SECTION 2. The baseball field within the Willie E. "Rat" McGowan, Sr., Baseball Stadium, as designated in Section 1 of this act, located on the campus of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, shall be named the William "Bill" Foster Baseball Field. The Department of Finance and Administration shall prepare a distinctive plaque to be placed in a prominent place on the William "Bill" Foster Baseball Field, which states the background, accomplishments and service to the university of Mr. Foster.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2010.

Grambling State stun Alcorn State

GRAMBLING, LA — The Grambling women's basketball team took down Alcorn State 82-74 on Monday. It was GSU's second win in a row and fourth in five games. Secrett Anderson (transfer from Florida A&M) came off the bench and had a game-high 35 points for the Lady Tigers (8-12, 5-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference). The forward also had a game-high 11 rebounds. In large part to Anderson's play, GSU had 38 points in the paint. The game was tied eight times, but GSU separated itself late in the second half. GSU went on a 9-3 run with 8:56 left in the game. The Lady Tigers had a 34-30 lead at halftime and extended it to 10 — their largest of the game — with 2:02 left in the game. Alcorn State dropped to 13-7 and 7-3 in the SWAC.

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Alcorn State Goes Offensive With 23 New Signees

The Alcorn State University football program has announced the signing of 23 new Braves for the 2010 recruiting class. Coach Earnest Collins Jr., and his staff focused on the offensive side of the ball by signing seven offensive linemen, three quarterbacks and three wide receivers. The offensive linemen average 6-3/305 in size. The gem of the group is all-state selectee, Derrick Henderson, (6-4/310) Brookhaven High School (Mississippi).

On paper, quarterback Jeremy Collins appears to be a potential star with over 4,000 career passing yards and 20 touchdowns. In his junior year at Greenwood High School (M.S.), the All-Region quarterback had only six interceptions the entire season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Braves signed Ricky Joseph from Miami Northwestern H.S. (Florida), who comes from a great program with a winning tradition. ESPN has this to say about the 6-2/275 defensive tackle: "Joseph comes from a program that produces many good prospects so you know he is used to competing against good competition. He has solid size for the defensive tackle position and displays the frame to be able to add more good bulk."

Joining Joseph from South Florida is Fort Lauderdale Stranahan H.S. safety/DB Derwin Brown, a 6-1/180 athlete that can play running back or wide receiver. Brown played on both sides of the ball for the 9-3 Stranahan Dragons.

At this time of the year, every coach will tell you that they have fulfilled their needs with the incoming recruiting class. And Coach Earnest Collins, Jr. is no difference in that regard. The "undefeated" and new Alcorn University Braves are:

Derrick Henderson- OL 6’4” 310 Brookhaven High School (MS)
Brandon Bridge- QB 6’5” 195 St. Marcellinus Secondary School (ONT)
Jacody Rose- OL 6’3” 309 O.P. Walker High School (LA)
Rodney Whitmore- WR 6’1” 175 Mansfield High School (TX)
LaRon Trigg- LS 6’2” 205 Hinds Community College (MS)
Michael Young- QB 6’2” 207 McLaurin High School (MS)
Chris Perkins- WR 6’6” 205 Hazlehurst High School (MS)
Ricky Joseph- DL 6’2” 275 Miami Northwestern High School (FL)
Jamison Knox- DB 5’9” 185 East High School (TN)
Maurice Redick- OL 6’3” 298 East High School (TN)
Fred Avery- DL 6’1” 278 Mobile Christian School (AL)
Jeremy Collins- QB 6’2” 210 Greenwood High School (MS)
Joshua Dupre- OL 6’4” 285 Captain Shreveport High School (LA)
Thomas Lacy- OL 6’2” 305 Robert Lee High School (TX)
Orlando Stringer- LB 6’0” 195 Carver High School (AL)
Derwin Brown- DB 6’1” 180 Stranahan High School (FL)
Terrence Barnes- DT 6’0” 295 Mize Attendance Center (MS)
Josh Dotson- ATH 5’10”175 Port Gibson High School (MS)
Stephen Fields- DB 5’11”175 Cedar Hill High School (TX)
Brian Malone- OL 6’5” 310 Hinds Community College (MS)
Avis Shelton- OL 6’3” 320 E. Mississippi Community College (MS)
Kenny Roby- LB 6’1” 220 E. Mississippi Community College (MS)
Ramon Brown- DB 6’2” 195 College of Dupage (IL)

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Alcorn State University head football coach Earnest Collins, Jr. finished his first season with a 3-6, 3-4 SWAC record.

Alcorn fills needs with signing class

LORMAN, MS — Having a full year to get to know players makes a huge difference in recruiting, especially compared to only a few months. Now that Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins has been on the job for about a year, his hard work convincing athletes to sign with the Braves is much more evident. This past Wednesday, the Braves landed signatures from 23 high school and junior college athletes who will be joining the Braves in the fall.

“We had some needs we needed to fill, and the biggest one was on the offensive line,” Collins said. “We signed six total on Wednesday, so that was a big need we got filled.” In addition, Collins said he needed more athletes in the secondary, and competition at quarterback.

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Alcorn State Made the Correct Decision

Collins given three-year extension

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State has extended the contract of head football coach Earnest Collins by three years. The Braves (3-6, 3-4) sat alone in first place in the Eastern Division midway through the season after being picked to finish last. Alcorn couldn’t hold on, but a win against Jackson State gave the program three wins for the first time since 2006 when the team finished 6-5. Collins coached the Braves this season on a one-year deal, following the firing of former coach Johnny Thomas and weeks of turmoil within the program.

“We are delighted that Coach Collins will continue to lead the Alcorn State University Braves football program,” said Mrs. Brenda T. Square, interim director of athletics. “He and the entire football staff share the University’s vision for excellence and they care about the welfare of our student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom.” In 2008, Collins served as the defensive coordinator/associate head coach for the Braves. Prior to joining the Braves’ staff, Collins spent a year coaching secondary for the University of Central Florida, where the Knights ranked third in the C-USA defensive statistics.

Alcorn made the correct decision

I’m sure most Alcorn State fans remember what was going on with the football program about this time last year. To put it mildly, it was chaos. Seven assistant coaches were fired without the knowledge of the head coach. Then, after the head coach threatened to sue the school, the assistants were reinstated, and then the head coach, Ernest Jones, was fired himself. Through all of the turmoil, one man stood out and was left with picking up the pieces and trying to rebuild what had been torn down. That man was Earnest Collins. Collins, was the defensive coordinator under Jones and was named interim head coach after Jones was fired.

Collins might have only been just that, an interim, if some senior football players hadn’t met with Alcorn State President George Ross and convinced him to make Collins the head coach on a permanent basis. So Collins was given the job full-time, but only received a one-year contract, which put him in a tough situation from the outset. Most coaches don’t operate on one-year contracts, and schools usually extend a coach’s contract before it comes down to the last year because they don’t want the coach to be seen as a lame duck.

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