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Showing posts with label Alabama State University Hornets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alabama State University Hornets. Show all posts
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State University football team went through its second scrimmage of August, running approximately 65 plays Saturday morning at Hornet Stadium.
And while the offense put up solid numbers for the second straight week, the defense performed well as the first and second units saw more action and were more diversified than last week. LB Leland Baker led all defenders with five tackles. DE Chris Terry had three tackles and one pass breakup. CB Donovan Masline, LB Brandon Slater, and DE Chris Terry each had one sack.
"We have some good players on defense," head coach Reggie Barlow said of the unit that was among the best in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the nation last season. "Last week we stayed vanilla schematic-wise. Today (Defensive Coordinator Cedric Thornton) was mixing it up with twists and stunts and a few blitzes here and there. They were doing well and playing fast."
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State University football team ended preseason camp Tuesday afternoon at Hornet Stadium.
With fall classes beginning Wednesday, the Hornets will not practice tomorrow and will resume practice Thursday and Friday at 3:30 p.m., prior to a Saturday scrimmage at 9 a.m.
The Hornets had one practice Tuesday afternoon in full pads, their 15th practice over a two-week period that began on August 3.
"We have a group that has come together, that has been working hard and doing some good things," head coach Reggie Barlow said as he assessed the team's status at the end of camp. "We have a host of guys we know are going to show up on a daily basis, like Kynjee Cotton, DreQuay Everett, T.C. McWilliams, Greg Jenkins just to name a few, and I really admire those guys. We have some other guys that are coming along also."
ASU New Hornets Stadium Flyover Graphics (Bootleg Version I provided by ASUcheerguy) See the real deal at:BAMASTATESPORTS
Barlow likes how the team has progressed but will look for continued improvement with the Sept. 3 season opener at Mississippi Valley State just 18 days away.
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MONTGOMERY, AL -- Alabama State University's soccer program has reported to campus and will begin practice for the 2011 season Thursday at 7 a.m.
Head Coach Jodie Smith enters his fifth season at the helm of the program and is very excited about this year's team as the Hornets are coming off the best season in the short seven-year history of the program.
"The girls realized towards the end of the last season we could be a different team," Smith said. "We have several starters returning and we actually had several players hang around this summer and you could tell they had a different approach during the spring and summer towards the program."
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The 2011 Alabama State football team begins its quest for the SWAC Championship Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. when fall practice opens at Hornet Stadium.
"We have high expectations," head coach Reggie Barlow said of his team, which won the Eastern Division title last season. "We're coming from a different place; far different from where it was five years ago or even three years ago. We are at a place where we want to get back to the championship game and win it all this time."
Barlow and the football coaching staff will welcome approximately 90 players to camp, which opens with six consecutive practice days. The first two-a-day practice is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 8.
Wetumpka, AL - Wetumpka High graduate and current Alabama State University standout Kejuan Riley has become a player to watch in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Over the course of the week, Riley - who finished the 2010 season with seven interceptions, one behind FCS leader Moses Ellis (Prairie View A&M) tied for second in the nation - has been awarded a host of preseason honors.
"It's a great accomplishment," said Riley, a junior defensive back for the Alabama State Hornets. "I put god first and I always want to thank Him. I accomplished this because of my teammates. They really helped me, along with (defensive coordinator) Cedric Thornton, to put me in a position to make plays."
Riley also extended thanks to ASU head coach Reggie Barlow for "allowing me to be a Hornet." At Southwestern Athletic Conference media days to start the week, Riley was one of seven Hornets named Preseason All-SWAC.
Montgomery, AL - At this point in his Alabama State career, senior receiver Nick Andrews isn't fazed by a change of offensive coordinators. He'd be surprised if there wasn't one. This is Andrews' fourth year at ASU. Fred Kaiss, hired prior to spring practice, is his fourth offensive coordinator.
"It's not unusual at all," Andrews said, smiling. "In a way, I think it's kind of helped us. We've learned a lot of different styles and techniques, and I think we're better off. And really, it's not that big of a deal. Football's football, you know. The terminology might be a little different, but we're still trying to do the same stuff out there."
What the Hornets are trying to do, of course, is work their way back to Birmingham and the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game. They were there last year and fell to Texas Southern.
Montgomery, AL - Alabama State University generates $901 million and 10,500 jobs for the state each year, according to a report commissioned by the school.
Officials said the study is part of a broader push to remind the local business community of the school's growth and development over the past several years. ASU leaders hope to drum up support as they cope with state funding cuts and mull another possible tuition increase.
"We want this business community in this region to recognize the importance of Alabama State and invest in it, and support it," said John Knight, a state representative and Alabama State's executive vice president and chief operating officer.
The report, done by the Washington Economics Group, based in Coral Gables, Fla., found the school generates $885 million for the River Region, including 9,714 jobs and $111 million in state and local taxes. University operations create an economic impact of $341 million, according to the study, and support 3,931 jobs.
Montgomery, AL - Officials from Alabama State University announced today the schedule for the 2011 Football Coaches Caravan that runs from July 11 through July 15.
The inaugural caravan, aimed at promoting ASU Athletics and boosting football season ticket sales, will roll through five cities in Alabama and Georgia. ASU athletic director Stacy Danley and head football coach Reggie Barlow will lead the Tour Team during stops in Mobile, Birmingham, Phenix City/Columbus, Ga., Atlanta, and Montgomery. Also traveling on the tour are ASU's associate vice president for Development, Zillah Fluker, and director of Alumni Relations, Cromwell Handy.
“'It's a GREAT time to be a Hornet' is more than just a catch phrase,” Danley said. “The transformation that is taking place on campus directly affects where we are looking to go with ASU Athletics. I am excited to get out and meet with alumni, fans and friends of Alabama State on the caravan.”
The Tour Team will meet alumni, fans and other ASU supporters at various venues during the five-city tour. Danley will provide an overview of the entire Hornet athletics program. The Tour will also showcase the University's Vision 2020 Transformation Plan, construction progress of the new Hornets Football Stadium, the outlook for the upcoming football season, season tickets packages, the Hornet Club and the many new and exciting developments taking place on campus.
Fans will get an insight on the crown jewel of the athletics construction project, the new Alabama State University Football Stadium. Located on campus just off of I-85, the 30,000-seat stadium will feature 20 suites, club and loge seating and will be one of the premier facilities of its size in the nation. Construction is set to be completed in time to host the 2012 Turkey Day Classic.
The Caravan will also allow Hornet fans a chance to get to hear from Coach Barlow and members of his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2011 season. Entering his fifth season as head football coach, Barlow is thrilled to meet with supporters as well.
“I am looking forward to meeting with everyone that stands with ASU,” Barlow said. “I love Alabama State and feel blessed to be at my alma mater during this amazing time of transformation.”
The 2010-2011 ASU Athletic season was arguably the best in school history. A total of five Hornet teams won SWAC divisional, league or tournament titles, helping Alabama State finish second in the Commissioners Cup standings for Best Overall Program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The ASU football team had a big season in 2010. The Hornets had a pair of three-game winning streaks, posting its highest win total since 2003. They won the Eastern Division Championship for the first time since 2004 and won the State Farm Magic City Classic defeating archrival Alabama A&M.
The following is the official schedule, subject to change: Monday, July 11: Mobile, Ala; 6-8 P.M. Mobile Marriott, 3101 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, Ala. 36606 Tuesday, July 12 – Birmingham, Ala; 6-8 P.M. Birmingham Sheraton, 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, Ala. 35203 Wednesday, July 13 – Columbus, Ga; 6-8 P.M. Columbus Double Tree, 5351 Sidney Simmons Boulevard, Columbus, Ga. 31909 Thursday, July 14 – Atlanta, Ga; 7-9 P.M. Stats Restaurant, 300 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30313 Friday, July 15 – Montgomery, Ala; – 6-8 P.M. Alabama State University Acadome, 1595 Robert C. Hatch Drive, Montgomery, Ala. 36106 By Alabama State University Sports Information
It's a resume that is among the best in small college baseball.
Mervyl Melendez has transformed Bethune-Cookman into a baseball powerhouse, not only making the Wildcats the envy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities programs everywhere but even those small college programs that dare to dream the impossible dream.
And when Melendez stepped to the podium on Tuesday to entertain questions as the new baseball coach at Alabama State, there were plenty of optimistic observers who believe the Hornets' baseball program has stepped into a new era as well. Daring to dream can be contagious.
"It was never about money with him," said ASU athletic director Stacy Danley. "He's all about vision and the direction of the university and the baseball program. He was sold on Alabama State University. This is a clear message to everyone that we are taking our program to the next level. He understood that, could see it and knew we were not just talking."
This season, Alabama State will finally be free from the NCAA sanctions placed on the program in 2008.
The probation included a ban on postseason play in 2009 and a reduction in recruiting activities and scholarships in addition to the elimination of victories in the 2000 and 2001 seasons, including the 2001 SWAC championship.
"You can tell the student-athletes we're free and can get on with the business at hand," said fifth-year ASU coach Reggie Barlow.
Watkins Steps Down as Baseball Coach; Hornets Make Coaching Changes
Longtime Head Baseball Coach Larry Watkins has stepped down to take an administrative position within the Athletic Department, Athletic Director Stacy Danley announced Tuesday.
In other coaching moves, Head Volleyball Coach Sonia Price and Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach Bernard Sewell were relieved of their duties.
Assistant Coach Anthony Macon has been named Interim Head Baseball Coach, and Assistant Coach Frederick Whitt has been named Interim Head Volleyball Coach.
Watkins served as head baseball coach for 30 seasons and was just the third baseball coach in the school's history. A 1974 ASU graduate who played centerfield, Watkins became assistant coach upon graduation and was named head coach in 1982. This past season, the Hornets went 14-29 overall, 6-18 in conference play and were eliminated in the first round of Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament.
"To be associated with a program for more than 40 years takes a special individual," Danley said. "Coach Watkins is truly that person, one who has been tremendously dedicated to ASU and the baseball program. In this day and time, serving as head coach for 30 consecutive years at one school speaks of Coach Watkins' devotion and is a milestone that will be difficult to match. I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity."
Price had served as head volleyball coach for 16 seasons (1995-2010), while Sewell led the tennis programs for 14 seasons (1997-2011).
“After careful evaluation of the past history of each program, we are not receiving the needed results and will go in a different direction,” Danley said. “We will conduct a national search for whom we believe is the best candidate to lead these respective programs to a championship level.”
Last season, ASU Volleyball posted a 12-21 overall record and 3-5 in conference play as the Lady Hornets were eliminated in the second round of the SWAC Tournament. Price came to Alabama State in 1992 as an assistant coach in volleyball and women's basketball. She was named interim head volleyball coach in 1995 and became the permanent head coach one year later after relinquishing her role with women's basketball. Price also was Interim Athletic Director from August 2003-April 2004.
Sewell led the Lady Hornets to the 1999 SWAC Tennis Championship. This past season, the men's team was eliminated in the first round of the SWAC Tournament, while the women's team failed to qualify for postseason play.
NEW ORLEANS, La.— The Alabama State University Lady Hornets held a 57-point lead heading into Sunday's final round of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship and did nothing to deter from that lead as the Lady Hornets won their second consecutive SWAC Outdoor Championship in commanding fashion scoring 222 points, with the second place team only scoring 106 points.
“I am very happy for the girls and so happy for these seniors,” head coach Ritchie Beene said. “Words can't explain how happy I am for what they accomplished. We had the mindset of bending but not breaking, and that is exactly what the women did. When they were tired, they pushed through.”
The men entered today's final day in sixth place and made a push during the day to wind up the championship in third place. The Hornets were only seven points behind second-place Texas Southern.
In 2010, the Grambling State baseball team seemingly came out of nowhere when it caught fire late in the season, captured the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament championship, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
This season, the Tigers have been in the thick of the SWAC race all along.
Grambling (16-15 overall, 10-5 SWAC) now sits in second place in the SWAC Western Division standings, one game behind first-place Southern (19-12, 11-4). The Tigers visit Alabama State today for a doubleheader starting at noon in Montgomery, Ala.
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State University has a busy Saturday of athletic events planned, which will include the annual Black and Gold football game set for 2 p.m. at Hornet Stadium.
The Hornets held their final of 14 spring practices prior to the game, which will feature a defensive unit returning several key players and a defensive coordinator back for another year. The defense ranked second in the SWAC in fewest points allowed and third in total defense.
The offense is learning a new scheme, which is being installed by first-year offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss.
MONTGOMERY, AL - The Alabama State football team held its second scrimmage of spring drills Saturday morning at Hornet Stadium. Running approximately 65 plays, the offense showed improvement from last week, gaining 248 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterbacks Greg Jenkins and Demetric Price combined to complete 12 of 21 passes for 148 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Jenkins also rushed 15 times for 42 yards, and threw a 12-yard scoring pass to Quendarius McKibben. Price completed a 48-yard pass to Jordan McFadden to set up the second touchdown, a one-yard sneak by Price.
"From an offensive standpoint, we moved the ball a little better," Hornets' head coach Reggie Barlow said. "(Both quarterbacks) were more in command of the offense. Naturally, there are some things we have to continue do better. I was impressed with the way they took ownership of the offense. Since the last scrimmage, we tried to identify 11 guys, and one or two backups, that we could try to stay with for first 15 or 20 plays to establish some type of camaraderie with those guys and I think it worked out.”
The light came on for a few moments Saturday morning. As Alabama State continues installing a new no-huddle spread attack, there are flashes of brilliance broken up by botched assignments, miscommunication and inconsistent performances.
The Hornet offense continues to be a work in progress, but there were significant strides in its second scrimmage as the offense managed 240 yards and a pair of touchdowns on six possessions.
"We made a lot of strides," offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss said. "I felt this was a big week for us. Granted, as soon as we made some strides, I pulled a couple of guys out and then we fell off, but the 'one' group is starting to get it. They had some success and hopefully they'll say, 'This stuff is going to work,' and they'll keep pushing."
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama State football team reached the midway point of its 2011 spring football season with an approximately 50+play scrimmage Saturday morning at Hornet Stadium.
"I was so excited last night I couldn't sleep thinking about getting out there and watching these guys play," Hornets' head coach Reggie Barlow said of his anticipation of Saturday's scrimmage. "It was fun to have them out there to see them tackling. They've been itching at the bit to do that."
The defense was impressive in the session, scoring on a safety while making four sacks and allowing just four-of-14 third down conversions and one touchdown. DE Charlie Long led the defense with six tackles, including four for loss, and two sacks.
MONTGOMERY, Alabama-- For the first time in 15 years, the Alabama State University baseball team will play on Hornet territory at the ASU Baseball Complex inaugural game this Saturday.
The first pitch of Saturday's game against Alcorn State will be preceded by a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. followed by an introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.
The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State, including a new on-campus football stadium and softball complex currently under construction.
MONTGOMERY, AL - For the first time since the 1996 season, Alabama State baseball has returned home to the ASU campus. This Saturday, March 26th, the Hornets will play the inaugural game at the ASU Baseball Complex at 1 p.m. vs. Alcorn St.
The splendor of what will be a grand event will commence with a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. leading right up to the first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader. Other special events for the complex opening include an interactive area for kids and the introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.
The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State. The football team is scheduled to move into its new football complex building later this spring and the initial phases of the new on-campus football stadium and softball complex are underway.
DAYTON, Ohio -- Alabama State was hoping to make history on Wednesday night.
Those dreams fell apart quickly against Texas-San Antonio. The Roadrunners roared out to a 27-point halftime lead to earn the team's first NCAA Tournament victory, hanging on for a 70-61 win over the Hornets in the "First Four" at the University of Dayton Arena.
Texas-San Antonio (20-13) will face the tournament's No. 1 overall seed, Ohio State, on Friday in Cleveland.
DAYTON, Ohio — Shot by shot, Melvin Johnson III played up to his penmanship. The smooth guard with "SWISH" scrawled on the side of each orange shoe scored a career-high 29 points Wednesday night, putting on the most scintillating show so far in the NCAA tournament while leading Texas San Antonio to a 70-61 victory over Alabama State in the "First Four" round.
The Roadrunners (20-13) and their smooth guard head to Cleveland for a game Friday against top-seeded Ohio State, which won't allow all those open shots. Against Alabama State (17-18), Johnson took advantage of...
MONTGOMERY – Alabama State head football coach Reggie Barlow has named four new coaches to his staff.
Fred Kaiss joins the staff as offensive coordinator/running backs coach, Shannon Harris as wide receivers coach, Willard Scissum as offensive line coach, and Dominique Stevenson as safeties coach.
“With success, sometimes things change and we had some success this year,” said fifth-year head coach Reggie Barlow of his team which won the SWAC Eastern Division championship last season. ”We had a few guys that had an opportunity to move on to other positions. All in all, we have four really good guys we've brought into the fold that we think can give us what we need to take care of unfinished business.”
MONTGOMERY—Alabama State University's football team held the first of 15 practice sessions today with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement as the Hornets look to build on their 2010 SWAC Eastern Division Championship.
“It was a good first day,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “The guys worked hard and did well on the first day. It was not hot and we were in helmets so we were able to get some things done.”
The Hornets welcomed some new faces on the coaching staff, but Coach Cedric Thornton is back to run the ASU defense and there were not a lot of changes on that side of the ball.
INDIANAPOLIS — The UTSA men's basketball team learned its NCAA Tournament destination and opponent on Sunday evening and the Southland Conference Tournament Champion Roadrunners will square off against Alabama State, which won this weekend's Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament. The two squads will play at 5:40 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday at UD Arena as part of the newly-created "First Four" games on the campus of the University of Dayton.
UTSA, winners of five consecutive outings in the last 11 days, will bring a 19-13 overall record into its fourth "Big Dance" appearance in program history and first since 2004 (1988, '99 are the others). The No. 7 seed Roadrunners earned the Southland's automatic bid following their 75-72 championship game victory against top-seeded McNeese State on Saturday afternoon. Senior guard Devin Gibson was named the Tournament's Most Valuable Player and he was joined on the All-Tournament Team by freshman Jeromie Hill.
The Alabama State men's basketball team will face Texas-San Antonio in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. central time in Dayton, Ohio. The two teams will be a part of the newly created “First Four” games on the campus of the University of Dayton.
The Hornets emerged from the fourth seed in the Farmers Insurance SWAC Tournament to win the title and the league's automatic berth for the fourth time in school history and second time in three seasons.
“We're excited to have an opportunity to be in the NCAA Tournament again,” Hornets' head coach Lewis Jackson said. “It's great for our players, Alabama State University, the community of Montgomery and people around the city and the state. Guys will have the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament again and that's big. That's as high as it gets, and we're excited about being in it.”
Alabama State (17-17) enters the NCAA's as one of the nation's hottest teams, being victorious 11 of their last 12 games. That lone loss, a 74-73 decision at Grambling on March 5, was avenged in the tournament championship game Saturday night with a 65-48 win over the Tigers.
ASU Coach Lewis Jackson and the Hornets are rolling to the Big Dance
GARLAND, Texas - Tremayne Moorer scored 14 points and Tramaine Butler added 13, lifting Alabama State to a 65-48 victory over Grambling on Saturday night to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament.
The Hornets are sure to be a low seed considering they are only 17-17. At least they have momentum going for them — they were 6-16 at the start of February, but head into the tournament on an 11-1 run. This victory avenged their only loss in their recent spurt, a one-pointer on the road in the regular-season finale.
Grambling (12-21) reached the SWAC tournament finals for the first time on a big roll of its own, winning nine of 11. The sixth-seeded Tigers led 28-26 at halftime, then fell apart.
The red-hot Grambling basketball team's fire finally burned out in the second half of the SWAC tournament championship game. The Tigers led Alabama State by two points at halftime, but were badly out-played in the second half and lost 65-48 at the Special Events Center in Garland, Texas.
The second half opened with GSU leading 28-26, and Alabama State quickly tied the game at 30-30 after a jump shot from Shareif Adamu. A Tramaine Butler layup gave the Hornets the lead, and from that point the lead only continued to grow.
Garland, Tx. –Alabama State defeated Grambling State 65-48 at the Special Events Center in the 2011 Farmers Insurance Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament Championship. The victory gave Lewis Jackson his second conference tournament crown in his six years as head coach and the school's fourth.
ASU led 10-4 at the 15 minute mark of the first half. GSU responded with a pair of layups each from Justin Patton and Donald Qualls tying the game at 10 apiece. Qualls scored 35 points the night prior in the semi-finals against Jackson State. He finished with only 12 points on the night to lead Grambling.
Grambling's first lead came off of a Peter Robinson jump hook to make the score 22-20, with just under seven minutes to play before halftime. Four free throws later from Qualls and all of a sudden GSU led 26-20. The biggest deficit the hornets would see all tournament long.
GARLAND, TX - The Texas Southern Tigers believed they had the talent, drive and fortitude to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003. They certainly had the bravado. But they didn't have quite enough time to get past Alabama State in the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.
The top-seeded Tigers fell behind by a huge margin in the first half and came up short in their attempt at a furious second-half comeback, falling 73-66 to the fourth-seeded Hornets on Friday night at the Special Events Center.
Alabama State (16-17) moves on to face Grambling State in today's SWAC championship game. TSU, on the other hand, is destined for the National Invitation Tournament after winning the SWAC regular-season title but failing to capture the tournament championship and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA.
Videographer: CelebrityMLMarketing; ASU Mighty Marching Hornets - The Story of Fight Fanfare
GARLAND, Texas -- The Alabama State men's basketball team dominated the first half against Texas Southern and held on for a 73-66 win, advancing to the Farmers Insurance SWAC Tournament Championship game. For the second straight game, the Hornets never trailed.
ASU jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game. After TSU responded with a 7-0 spurt of its own, the Hornets' Jeffery Middlebrooks and Ivory White hit a pair of 3-pointers pointers each.
Tremayne Moorer and Kenderek Washington also chipped in as ASU built a 19-point lead in the first half.
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State University football team went through its second scrimmage of August, running approximately 65 plays Saturday morning at Hornet Stadium.
