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Showing posts with label Alcorn State University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alcorn State University. Show all posts
JONESBORO, Arkansas -- Arkansas State Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee announced Wednesday the addition of a home game against FCS member Alcorn State to ASU's 2012 football schedule, completing the Red Wolves' non-conference lineup of opponents for next season.
The Red Wolves will play their fourth game of the season when they host SWAC member Alcorn State on Sept. 22, catching the Braves for the first time in school history. The Red Wolves first four games will all be against non-conference opponents, including longtime rival Memphis in their home opener on Sept. 8.
A-State will open its 2012 campaign on the road at Oregon on Sept. 1 and play at Nebraska a week before its game against Alcorn State. With the addition of Alcorn State to its schedule, the Red Wolves will have six home games on its schedule for the second consecutive year and the third time over the last five. Arkansas State is 5-0 at home this season and has put together seven consecutive seasons with a winning record at ASU Stadium.
The Sun Belt Conference office will set the dates early next year for ASU's eight league games.
"We are thrilled to complete our 2012 non-conference schedule with the addition of Alcorn State," said Lee. "We feel like alternating home and road games to complete our non-conference schedule before starting conference play benefitted our team this year, so we are excited that the 2012 schedule will mirror that layout. We feel like this schedule is built for success."
While ASU has never played Alcorn State, the Red Wolves have played four current SWAC members a combined five times and hold a 5-0 record in those games. A-State most recently defeated Mississippi Valley State 61-0 in its 2009 season opener, but also defeated the Delta Devils in 1995 and holds additional victories over Jackson State, Grambling and Texas Southern. The Red Wolves will play an FCS opponent for the second consecutive season and for the third time over the last four seasons.
LORMAN, Mississippi — Alcorn State had no problem moving the ball against Prairie View A&M Saturday afternoon. It was scoring that proved elusive.
And the Braves didn’t help themselves with four turnovers and 14 penalties for minus-120 yards as the Panthers (5-5, 5-3) pulled away in the third quarter en route to a 40-14 blowout loss for Alcorn. Alcorn scored just once in two trips to the Panthers’ red zone, and Braves head coach Melvin Spears said inconsistency and lack of focus was the culprit.
“First-and-15, second-and-15 (killed us),” Spears said. “We’d have a great play here, then we’d come back and have some mishap. It really boils down to our focus. We have to continue to hone in on the finer things of the game. There’s no substitute for great discipline.”
After failing to score on its opening possession, Alcorn punted ...
SMU HOSTS ALCORN STATE BRAVES IN SEASON OPENER
Radio: KAAM 770 AM Ray Canaveri (Play-by-Play)
Location: Dallas, Texas (Moody Coliseum)
Live stats and streaming available on SMUMustangs.com
UPCOMING GAMES
SMU opens the season with three games in six days, beginning with Alcorn State in Moody Coliseum on Saturday at 12 p.m. The Mustangs travel to Little Rock, Ark., to face Arkansas-Little Rock in the first road test on Nov. 14 before hosting TCU on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
ABOUT THE MUSTANGS
The Mustangs return three starters from last season, including the top two scorers in Christine Elliott (10.5 ppg) and Samantha Mahnesmith (10.2 ppg). Mahnesmith connected on 55 3-point attempts last season, marking just the 12th time a Mustang hit more than 50 in a season. Alisha Filmore also returns after starting 28 games last season. As a sophomore, Filmore led the conference shooting 41.4-percent from behind the 3-point arc. Akil Simpson earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors after scoring 4.9 points and grabbing 4.2 rebounds per game in her first collegiate campaign.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION ALCORN STATE: The Lady Braves return nine letterwinners and all five starters from last season's squad, which went 13-15 overall and 12-6 in the SWAC. Alcorn State also won seven of its last 10 games. Kiara Ruffin led the team last season with 17.79 points per game, but junior Carolinsia Crumbly was the only other player to average double-figures, scoring 14.65 points per game. As a team, Alcorn State averaged 59.3 points per game, while allowing 66.8. Series History: This is the first meeting.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- With one last chance to win at A.W. Mumford Stadium, a group of seniors on Southern’s football team held an impromptu meeting. This homecoming game against Alcorn State, they said, was a gift. It was senior night. It was the home finale.
Saturday night, the seniors didn’t want to blow it. “We gathered up and said, ‘We’re not going to lose our homecoming,’” receiver LaQuinton Evans recalled. “It was up to the players, whether or not we were going to win tonight.” And win they did.
The Jaguars got a steely performance from their defense, scored three lightning-quick touchdowns and overcame a sloppy second half en route to an easy 30-14 victory over the Braves.
“I’m glad we came out with the victory,” Evans said. “Nobody wants to lose on homecoming and on senior night. So I’m glad. I’m glad.” Of course, Evans had a big hand in the win.
It took just less than 11 minutes before Alcorn State dug itself into an enormous hole, en route to a 30-14 defeat against Southern University on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. On Alcorn’s first three drives, the Braves had three three-and-outs. It was a different story for SU. The Jaguars converted their first three drives into touchdowns.
J.P. Douglas scrambled 50 yards for the Jaguars’ first score, followed by his touchdown passes to Mike Berry from 59 yards out and a 25-yard toss to LaQuinton Evans.
On all three scores, the Braves made mistakes defensively that could have been avoided. First, it was missed tackles against Douglas, then broken coverage against Berry and tangled feet by cornerback Jamison Knox on Evans down the sideline.
Southern University’s defense was missing three key players Saturday night against Southwest Athletic Conference rival Alcorn State, but the Jaguars turned in an effort that was anything but short-handed.
Behind Southern’s best defensive performance of the Stump Mitchell era, the Jaguars dominated Alcorn’s offense on the way to a 30-14 homecoming win at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
Southern held Alcorn to 219 total yards, well below its 315-yard average. Most importantly, Southern’s defense pitched a “shutout” as both Alcorn touchdowns came off of special teams miscues.
“The defense played well,” Mitchell said. “They didn’t give up any points, so that’s definitely a bright spot. I don’t think (Alcorn State) had too many big plays against us.”
J.P. Douglas threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Southern scored the game's first 30 points and held on for a 30-14 win over Alcorn State Saturday in Southern's homecoming at Mumford Stadium.
Douglas threw touchcown passes of 25 yards to LaQuinton Evans and 60 yards to Mike Berry as SU (3-5, 3-3) snapped a two-game losing streak. Alcorn dropped to 2-5, 1-5.
Sylvester Nzekwe added a 58-yard touchdown run for Southern, which led 23-0 at halftime and increased the lead to 30-0 in the third quarter.
Lorman, Mississippi -- Alcorn State appears to have grounded Air Canada. The Braves (1-4) entertain Concordia College at 4 p.m. Saturday. Bridge, nicknamed Air Canada, was benched a month ago as Darius Smith started the Braves’ last two games. Smith is expected to start against Concordia. Bridge was named SWAC’s freshman of the year.
“We felt the other guy was the best guy at the time,” Braves coach Melvin Spears said during a SWAC teleconference call. “We’re looking for consistency. He has more poise than Bridge and is not looking to run as much.”
Jackson, Mississippi -- News Channel 12 has learned that the Capital City Classic between Jackson State and Alcorn State will return to the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for at least one more year.
Back in May, Alcorn State University President Christopher Brown announced that his university would consider withdrawing from the annual match-up in Jackson. He told us Thursday that the game greatly benefits both universities, and this fall's Classic will go on. But Alcorn is interested in bringing the game to Lorman in the future.
"Certainly the Alcornites are united around a return to the "Soul Bowl"," says Dr. Brown. "But it's in the best interest of both Jackson State and Alcorn for this year to allow the Capital City Classic name to continue."
Jackson businesses don't want to see the Capital City Classic leave the Capital City.
It's Thursday night, and as usual, Sal and Mookie's parking lot is packed. In the distance is Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, the home of the Tigers. The 60,000 people that can pack the stadium for the Classic pack Sal and Mookie's before and after the action.
Lorman, MS - Alabama State controls its destiny in the Eastern Division championship race. The Hornets (3-1, 3-0 SWAC) entertain Alcorn State on Saturday at 7 p.m. in a game that could determine who reaches the SWAC championship game.
If Alcorn (1-3, 1-3) loses, the Braves would be all but eliminated from the SWAC championship game picture. Alabama State would build a huge cushion in the Division standings.
Alabama State quarterback Greg Jenkins played two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, helping the Bulldogs win a MACJC state championship. He transferred from Troy University. He threw for over 140 yards against Jackson State.
Houston, Texas - Texas Southern punter Francois Ejifor caught the snap on a short hop and had to make a quick decision as Alcorn State's rush bore down on him. The Tigers needed 17 yards for a first down. Ejifor made like a running back and picked up 24.
The sophomore's breathtaking, fourth-down sprint from his own 44-yard line gave TSU a fresh set of snaps with just under 3:30 remaining and helped seal a 14-7 victory before a crowd of 2,735 Saturday afternoon at Delmar Stadium.
Running back Martin Gilbert ultimately clinched the game for TSU (2-1, 1-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) with a crucial 3-yard gain on fourth-and-1 at the Alcorn State 23 that allowed the Tigers to run out the clock with under two minutes left.
Houston, TX - Texas Southern quarterback Riko Smalls had to wait three weeks after the start of summer camp before he could practice with the team. He didn't have to wait nearly as long to see game action.
Smalls, a junior, was pressed into punting duty during the Tigers' Sept. 10 season opener against Prairie View A&M after starter Francois Ejiofor was benched for disciplinary reasons. He saw his first snaps at quarterback last weekend, filling in for injured starter Dantavious Parker against Texas College.
Small (6-2, 185) will make his third career start today against Alcorn State and likely remain the No. 1 quarterback for the near future with Parker expected to miss three to four weeks after undergoing left knee surgery Monday.
It's a remarkable reversal of fortune for Smalls, who missed ...
Alcorn State vs. Texas Southern When/where: 1 p.m.; Delmar Stadium. TV/radio: None; 90.9 FM. Records: Alcorn State 1-2, 1-2 SWAC; Texas Southern 1-1, 0-1 SWAC.
LORMAN, MS — It was a tale of two halves for the Alcorn State offense Saturday night, but the defense stayed solid throughout and powered the Braves to their first victory of the season.
The Braves’ 39-14 win over Mississippi Valley State was a welcome site for first-year head coach Melvin Spears. The Braves dropped their first two SWAC games of the season prior to beating the Delta Devils Saturday night.
“(The win is) huge. Anytime you are 0-2, and you’ve been anemic for 17 years in winning a championship, and you haven’t won a whole bunch of games around here (it’s important). We just needed a win,” Spears said.
The Alcorn defense held the Delta Devils to just 14 points on 331 yards of total offense. The Braves’ defense was also opportunistic and forced three Mississippi Valley State turnovers.
PINE BLUFF, Ark.- After falling behind 20-10 going into intermission the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football team (1-1, 1-0 SWAC) knew they would have to put together a solid second half in order to capture a win over the Alcorn State Braves (0-2, 0-2 SWAC).
The Golden Lions did just that rallying with 17 unanswered points in the games' final two quarters capturing a thrilling come from behind victory over Alcorn State on Saturday night.
The spark UAPB needed came in the form of a dominating running game that found new life in the second half. In all Arkansas-Pine Bluff rushed for 238 rushing yards on 47 attempts led by Adrian Moore's 130 yard rushing performance.
“Moore, Jones, and Jenkins played outstanding tonight, said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman. “And our defense was able to rise to the challenge that we set before them at halftime.”
The Golden Lions defense continued to apply pressure to Alcorn State's Brandon Bridge in the second half keeping the quick, agile sophomore on the run the majority of the evening.
“Bridge is an amazing athlete,” said Coleman. “He actually got my vote for Preseason Player of the Year. We told our guys that in order to be successful against him pressure would be the key and we were able to generate that pressure with consistency in the second half.”
NEW ORLEANS - The University of New Orleans volleyball program will play the first of 10 home matches on Tuesday as they host Alcorn State at 7 p.m. at the Human Performance Center.
Tuesday's contest is one of two home matches on the 2011 slate scheduled to take place at the HPC. The remaining home events with the exception of a Nov. 2 match against Southern (N.O.) will occur at Lakefront Arena.
UNO (0-4) enters the week seeking their first win of the campaign after dropping all four contests at the Millsaps Invitational in Jackson, Miss. this past weekend.
With eight freshmen on the roster, second-year head coach Kim Young is letting her young program grow with on the court experience. As the team put more sets under their belt as the opening weekend wore on, the squad showed vast improvement.
Freshman outside hitter Laila Hansen (Chugiak, Ak.) was the top offensive threat through four matches. Hansen accumulated 46 kills for a team-best 3.54 kills per set which included a season-best 17 in a four-set loss to Martin Methodist.
SHREVEPORT, LA — There is a new trend in the Alcorn State-Grambling State rivalry — freshman quarterbacks stealing the show. Last year, it was Alcorn State's Brandon Bridge, who single-handedly kept the Braves in the game. In Saturday's Port City Classic, however, it was Grambling's D.J. Williams who took on the starring role.
Williams tossed a pair of touchdowns in his first collegiate start and GSU held off a late Alcorn rally to give coach Doug Williams a 21-14 victory in his return to Grambling. Even when D.J. Williams did not have a hand in a touchdown, he set them up.
As a first-time starting quarterback, Grambling freshman D.J. Williams refused to make Saturday's Port City Classic matchup with Alcorn State all about him. Instead, he put the onus on the Tigers' defense.
"I've been telling those guys, 'We're putting it on y'all,'" Williams said. "They're the best defense in the SWAC and they showed it (Saturday) night."
The Tigers defense definitely did its job against Alcorn, leading the way in Grambling's 21-14 victory. A year after watching Alcorn quarterback Brandon Bridge torch them for 408 passing yards, the Tigers were ready for the sophomore known as Air Canada.
Detroit, MI - In between playing football and earning All-America honors on the track, Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Hughes got a nursing degree during his college days at Alcorn State. Other than the multiple classes, long days of practice, longer hours studying, three weekly eight-hour shifts at the hospital and the 70-mile roundtrip he had to make between nursing school and the football field, it was a breeze.
The NFL hopeful kept his nursing degree active during three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars by taking continuing education courses. In his 2009 rookie season, he had five catches and one touchdown in his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hughes spent last season on injured reserve before getting signed as a roster longshot by the Lions.
During this summer's lockout, Hughes took a job as an on-call nurse in his hometown of Macon, Miss. He plans to go to anesthesiology school whenever his football career ends.
Lorman, MS -- The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning today approved the request submitted by President M. Christopher Brown II to add Marino “The Godfather” Casem’s name to Alcorn’s football stadium.
Spinks Stadium, originally named for NFL player, former assistant Alcorn football coach, and alumnus Jack Spinks, will become Casem-Spinks Stadium. The unanimous vote honors Casem and Spinks who coached together at Alcorn. The names will appear in alphabetical order and the field remains named after Dwight Fisher.
“Coach Casem helped Alcorn athletics increase both in stature and in reputation, to become a nationally recognized university,” President Brown said. “Every Alcornite celebrates the Board’s decision. Coach Casem built a quality football and athletic program during his tenure at Alcorn. What’s more, he prepared athletes for life beyond the game. He believed in the concept of ‘student-athlete’ and stressed high academic performance in the classroom first.”
Never at a loss for words, a grateful Coach Marino Casem shared his joy, “This honor is only possible because of the hundreds of Alcorn student-athletes, coaches, staff, administrators and fans, and I humbly thank each of you, especially President Brown. I am truly overwhelmed by this honor from my Alcorn family.”
Alcorn State University National Alumni Association President Percy O. Norwood Jr. ’68 said, “Alcornites everywhere are rejoicing. It is about time. We will pack the stadium when Coach Casem is publicly recognized.”
During Casem’s over 20 years at Alcorn, he saw several of his players go on to successful careers and play sports on the professional level. Today, his former player Leslie Frazier is the only head NFL football coach from the SWAC.
Alcorn will celebrate the renaming of the stadium with a historic weekend of activities September 16-17, 2011. On Friday, September 16th, the weekend kicks off with the unveiling of the Dr. Walter Washington Parkway highway signs at 10 a.m. in the Ecology Resource Center. The Mississippi Legislature approved and Governor Haley Barbour signed into law, legislation designating segments of Mississippi Highway 552 beginning at Alcorn within Claiborne County and extending to its intersection with U.S. Highway 61 in Jefferson County be named in honor of Dr. Washington.
Miss Alcorn 2011-2012 will for the first time in the university’s history receive her crown before the first home game. “I am so excited,” says senior biochemistry/pre-medicine student Arkayla Ellis ’12. “I am grateful for the chance to showcase my crown throughout the football season and welcome the new tradition.” The lavish coronation is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
On Saturday, September 17th, to help high school and community college students learn more about opportunities available at Alcorn, the institution is hosting its fall High School and Community College Day, a chance for students and parents to experience Alcorn firsthand. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. and concludes with the 4:00 p.m. Alcorn vs. Mississippi Valley State football game.
At halftime, President Brown will unveil the new stadium signage honoring Coaches Casem and Spinks. The festivities will conclude with the Welcome to the Reservation Concert. The public is invited to attend all events. For more information, contact Elena Kostyleva at 601.443.3658 or elenad@alcorn.edu .
Lorman, MS - Alcorn State University seeks to add Marino “The Godfather” Casem’s name to Jack Spinks Stadium. After conversations with alumni groups, university staff, and athletic stakeholders, Alcorn’s President M. Christopher Brown II hopes to bring good news on this agenda item request after next week’s Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) meeting.
“Coach Casem is the Braves all-time leader in career wins,” explains President Brown. “He complied a 139–70–8 (86–48–7 in the SWAC) record, capturing seven (7) SWAC championships. His legendary legacy of leadership still demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and personal integrity. His achievements and courage serve as an inspiration for all student athletes in their pursuit of excellence on-and-off the field. This recognition is long overdue and the Alcorn family is honored to acknowledge the achievements of Coach Casem. It is important to note that Spinks and Casem were close friends and even coached together.”
If IHL approves the name change, new temporary signage will greet fans at the Braves first home game. The total renovation needs for the stadium are currently being assessed, in particular campus compliance with ADA, the ingress and egress of traffic during sporting events, and the audiovisual notification system given the University proximity to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant.
“One of the hardest parts of my job is walking into Alcorn’s stadium and not seeing Coach Marino Casem’s name anywhere,” says Braves Head Football Coach Melvin Spears ’83. “He was not only my coach, but whatever I or any of his players needed him to be. Coach insured we succeeded on the football field, in the classroom, and in life.” Numerous Alcorn alumni and friends agree with Coach Spears.
Coach Willie “Rat” McGowan ’61 added, “Coach Casem put Alcorn State University athletics on the map. This is a tremendous idea and no one deserves to have their name on a building at Alcorn more than Coach Casem. I am proud of our president and Alcorn State University for making this honor a priority.”
Alcorn State University alum and ASU Foundation Board member Nathaniel Hughes ’79 agreed. “This is the house that Coach Casem built and it is time to recognize his achievements.”
As Alcorn moves forward with repositioning the University and its programs, President Brown has reached out and engaged stakeholders. “This is one of the first steps in Alcorn’s new athletic development plan,” says Vice President for Institutional Affairs Marcus Ward. “Renewing relationships with alumni and professional athletes is a priority for our new director of athletic fundraising, Larry Smith. Alcorn will renew relationships and continue to raise funds to support student athletes.”
About Coach Marino Casem
Marino H. Casem is fondly known as “The Godfather of the SWAC” and the man who made the Alcorn Braves football program a household name during his over 20-year reign as head football coach and athletic director between 1964 and 1986. Coach Casem brought national acclaim to Alcorn when he assembled a winning team of coaches and staff members who made the University one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s most revered powerhouses. As head football coach from 1964 to 1985, he captured seven SWAC Championships, seven national black college championships, and was named both the National Black College and SWAC Coach-of-the-Year a total of seven times. The University produced an Olympic Gold Medalist, a world record holder in the 100-yard dash, first round draft picks in basketball and football, and built a world-class athletics complex and arena under Coach Casem’s reign.
In 1984, Coach Casem led Alcorn to a perfect 9–0 regular season. The team was ranked No. 1 in the final NCAA Division I-AA poll, the first time a black college had ever finished the regular football season in that position. He ranks 5th overall in victories amongst Division II-A football coaches. Throughout his career in athletics, Coach Casem served on many national committees including: NCAA Special Events, NCAA I-AA Football, NCAA Football Television, NCAA Football Rules and the NCAA Executive Committee. Other committees include the U.S. Olympic Committee Minority Task Force and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Visiting Committee.
Coach Casem has received numerous awards and citations throughout his professional career. A few of his notables include: Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame (1992), Alcorn State University Hall of Honor (1993), Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (1994), All-America Football Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (1994), Football Writers Association of America Citation of Honor (1994), Alcorn State University Sports Hall of Fame (1996), The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award (1998), The Louisiana Association of Athletic Directors’ The Carl Maddox Award (1999), College Football Hall of Fame (2003), and the 28th NACDA/NIT Athletics Directors Award (2009).
About Jack Spinks Stadium
Jack Spinks Stadium is home to the Alcorn Braves football team, winners of nine SWAC championships with seven wins under the leadership of Coach Casem. The multi-purpose stadium seats 22,500 and opened its doors in September of 1992. The stadium is also the site of annual rivalry games between the Braves and its Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) foes including Southern University, Mississippi Valley State.
University, Grambling State University and Texas Southern University. The field inside the stadium is named after Dwight Fisher, the all-time second winningest football coach in Alcorn’s history who coached from 1948-1956.
The stadium was named in honor of Johnnie Robert “Jack the Ripper” Spinks (August 15, 1930- September 29, 1994), a Toomsuba, Mississippi, native who played fullback for Alcorn from 1948-1952. In 1952, Spinks graduated from Alcorn and became the first African-American Mississippian to be drafted and play professional football in the National Football League (NFL). Spinks was selected number 126 in the 11th round by the Pittsburg Steelers and went on to play fullback for five seasons with the Chicago Cardinals, the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants. In 1958, Spinks retired from the NFL and returned to Alcorn to serve nearly thirty years as an Offensive Line Coach and Assistant Head Football Coach under legendary coaches Frank Purnell, E.E. Simmons and Marino Casem until his retirement from the state of Mississippi in 1984.
Lorman, MS - Former Piney Woods School point guard Xavian Rimmer, who earned second-team All-State honors this past season from The Clarion-Ledger, has signed to play basketball at Alcorn.
“Alcorn is really coming along with a great new coach in Coach (Luther) Riley,” said Rimmer. “It’s a great program that I would like to be a part of. I think we’re going to make things happen there.”
The 6-foot-2 Rimmer averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds, leading the Tornadoes to the Class 2A state title. He signed with Tennessee-Chattanooga, but after not qualifying academically because of his ACT score, he was released from his national letter-of-intent and was able to go elsewhere. He has since met the NCAA’s eligibility requirements and is expected to be eligible at Alcorn this fall.
Columbus, Miss. - Leslie Frazier is accustomed to heat. After all, he was raised in Columbus and grew up beneath the glare of the Mississippi sun. If the suffocating temperatures or the stranglehold of a media gaggle perturbed him Saturday afternoon, he didn't let it show. Instead, the Columbus native turned Minnesota Vikings head coach trotted easily up the steps of City Hall, ever the picture of grace and restrained Southern charm.
If anything good can be said of the NFL lockout, it is this: At least it gives a man a chance to spend a holiday with his family and old pals, away from the fishbowl. Well. Sort of.
Frazier arrived in Columbus Friday evening with his wife, Gale, his daughter, Chantel, his son, Corey, and a notebook-wielding, tripod-laden entourage that included a television crew from Minneapolis-based ABC affiliate KPTV and writers from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Outside City Hall on Saturday, beneath a shade tree on Main Street, Frazier insisted that the lack of privacy doesn't bother him, even when it turns a holiday weekend down home with the family into a media circus. It comes with the territory, he said. You can accept the exposure or wilt beneath it, but if you remember who you are and whom you represent, somehow things work out according to God's plan.
His unshakable faith has imparted to him an almost unflappable confidence, and it guides his every step.
Dr. Renardo R. Murray
Director of Marching & Pep Bands
ALCORN STATE, MS – Alcorn State University’s new Director of University Bands Samuel Griffin introduced the institution’s new Marching Band director, Renardo R. Murray on May 31,2011 on the Lorman campus.
“It is a tremendous honor and pleasure to introduce my former band student as the new Marching and Pep Band director,” stated a proud Samuel Griffin. “He was a talented student and is a skillful musician and director. I am proud to welcome him back home.”
An accomplished band director and music educator, Dr. Murray holds an outstanding track record in assuring student success both musically and academically. He has an extensive background of developing, operating, and maintaining quality band programs. Dr. Murray has been serving Jackson State University first as assistant band director from 2004 to 2009, and then as interim director of bands/instructor of music since 2009. He has also served as band director at the secondary education level: for Yazoo City High School, Yazoo City, Mississippi; Blackburn Middle School, Jackson, Mississippi; Clinton High School, Clinton, Louisiana; and as assistant band director for Wilkinson County High School, Woodville, Mississippi.
“Alcorn State University has given me so much,” says Dr. Renardo R. Murray. “It is always good to come home. I have carried Alcorn State with me throughout my career and all of my successes can be attributed to the solid foundation I received from Mr. Griffin and my institution.”
Videographer: asutrpt; Alcorn State Marching Band - Halftime, Capital City Classic 2010
M. Christopher Brown II, 18th president of Alcorn State University, acknowledged Samuel Griffin for his 40 plus years of service to the University and thanked him for leading the search process for a new marching and pep band director. “Let us applaud Mr. Griffin for his dedication to the task at hand and for his numerous years of outstanding service to the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite. His successes as a marching band director are astonishing, and his innovative view on our new band structure will take our program to even higher heights. I am certain our band leaders will learn a great deal from his experience and wisdom.”
Murray earned his doctorate degree in music education in 2011 from the University of Mississippi, a master’s degree in music education from Jackson State University in 2004 and his bachelor’s – also in music education – from Alcorn State University in 1995.
“We are extremely excited about our future with Dr. Renardo R. Murray,” says President Brown. “Renardo brings a depth of experience to the University and we are confident that he will take the Marching and Pep bands to the next level nationally.”
Dr. Murray and his wife Alicia have two sons - Malcolm (17) and Nicholas (11).
Houston, TX - When the regional pairings were announced for the NCAA baseball tournament, the Rice Owls already had a head-start on scouting reports. "They're not going to surprise us, that's for sure," Rice coach Wayne Graham said of No. 2 seed Baylor and No. 3 seed California being placed in the Houston Regional. "They've already beaten us."
Familiarity and a touch of don't-remind-us history will offer plenty of incentives why the top-seeded Owls can't overlook or underestimate the field in the four-team, double-elimination regional that begins Friday at Reckling Park.
The Owls, the No. 8 national seed, open the regional against fourth-seeded Alcorn State. The appearance of the Southwestern Athletic Conference champion offers another reminder of how quickly things can go awry in the postseason. In 2004, the Owls were the defending national champions and No. 6 national seed heading into the regional opener against Texas Southern.
No. 1 Rice (41-19, 16-8 in C-USA)
17th appearance (17 straight), automatic, Conference USA regular-season co-champion and tournament champion, No. 8 national seed
No. 2 Baylor (29-26, 13-14 in Big 12)
17th appearance (third straight), at-large, sixth place in Big 12 Conference
No. 3 California (31-20, 13-13 in Pac-10)
12th appearance (second straight), at-large, sixth place in Pacific-10 Conference
No. 4 Alcorn State (27-28, 19-4 in SWAC)
First appearance, automatic, Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champion
Rice's young pitching staff was thrown into the fire immediately during the Owls' challenging nonconference schedule, as ballyhooed freshmen righthanders Austin Kubitza (6-4, 2.33) and John Simms (3-2, 3.32) each took turns in the weekend rotation when the Owls opened against Stanford. Those young power arms matured in conference play, helping lead the Owls to a share of their fifth CUSA title in the six seasons since they joined the league, as well as their fourth CUSA tournament title.
JONESBORO, Arkansas -- Arkansas State Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee announced Wednesday the addition of a home game against FCS member Alcorn State to ASU's 2012 football schedule, completing the Red Wolves' non-conference lineup of opponents for next season.
