B-CU playing, coaching legend Cy McClairen reflects on turning 80

Jack "Cy" McClairen is "The Living Legend" at Bethune-Cookman University.

He's done it all for the Wildcats and then some.

The Living Legend turned 80 Wednesday and he still looks like he could post up and put the ball in the basket like he did as a center for the Wildcats in the early 1950s. (That is, when teammate John Chaney -- yes, that John Chaney who is in the Basketball Hall of Fame -- wasn't shooting the ball.)

Whether it was scoring the Wildcats' only touchdown in Bethune-Cookman's first win over rival Florida A&M in 1952; becoming the first Wildcat to get drafted into the NFL in 1953; or driving a Lincoln Continental for college founder Mary McLeod Bethune and guests like First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the first female ambassador of India, Madame Pandit; McClairen has been a part of or witness to some of the biggest events in school history.

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B-CU wins MEAC

DAYTONA BEACH -- At halftime, Bethune-Cookman coach Clifford Reed knew his team had already clinched the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's regular-season championship for the first time in the Wildcats' undistinguished 32-year history in Division I basketball.

He made sure to keep the information to himself. Not that it would have mattered. The Wildcats were more intent on winning their sixth straight game, a 73-60 victory over North Carolina Central on Monday night at the Ocean Center than taking a breath to recognize history.

"When we came here, we set out to play in the NCAA Tournament and dance in March," said C.J. Reed, the coach's son, who scored a game-high 23 points Monday. "That was our goal, not just to win the regular-season title."

Bethune-Cookman beats NC Central 73-60, wins MEAC

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – C.J. Reed scored 23 points and Stanley Elliott added 16 to carry Bethune-Cookman past North Carolina Central 73-60 on Monday night.

The Wildcats (19-11) learned at halftime that they had wrapped up their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season title since joining the league in 1980-81, by virtue of Morgan State's 68-60 loss to North Carolina A&T.

LADY EAGLES BASKETBALL FALLS IN OVERTIME BATTLE TO BETHUNE-COOKMAN, 66-60

DAYTON BEACH, Fla. - The Lady Eagles of North Carolina Central hit the Daytona Beach, Fla., hardwood looking to obtain its first road win of the 2010-11 campaign on Monday, Feb. 28. But Bethune-Cookman rejected the idea of a home loss, defeating NCCU 66-60 in an overtime battle.

The mighty maroon appeared to have the contest sealed, until the Lady Wildcats chiseled away at a first-half 13-point lead and tied the contest at the 8:58 mark of the second-half.

B-CU’s Jasmine Elum opened the final 20 minutes of play with a three-point shot, bringing the opening half lead to a single-digit margin. Sarah Bolden followed with a two-pointer, nailing the first five-points of half.

The two teams went point-for-point heading down the final stretch of the game, until junior Blaire Houston hit the charity stripe with four seconds left on the clock. With two shots in the palm of her hand, Houston sinked the first shot for the tie and missed the second shot for a score of 53-53, sending the contest into overtime.

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BCU Announces 2011 Football Schedule

Wildcats Open With MEAC/SWAC Challenge; Face Miami on 10/1

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - A season opening ESPN game and a first-ever meeting with a renowned national powerhouse highlight the 2011 Bethune-Cookman University football schedule released today.

Coming off a 10-2 season that saw them claim a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, advance to their first NCAA FCS playoff appearance since 2003 and being named National Black College Football Champions, the Wildcats will open the season against SWAC foe Prairie View A&M in ESPN's MEAC/SWAC Challenge on September 3 in Orlando. On October 1, the Wildcats travel to south Florida for a date with the Miami Hurricanes; their first foray against a BCS team.

"We announced in 2010 that we wanted to upgrade our schedule. The success of our program in Brian Jenkins' inaugural season paved the way for us to consider new and bigger opportunities for our team, university and fans to experience," said B-CU Athletic Director Lynn Thompson. "We are proud to move in this new direction."

Jenkins agreed with Thompson and is looking forward to the challenging 11-game slate. "It's a strong schedule that will test us early," Jenkins said.

Of the Wildcats' 11 games, eight are in the state of Florida, including five in Daytona Beach. The Daytona Beach games includes two early season matchups against MEAC power South Carolina State and Hampton that will set the tone for the conference race.

"It will be very convenient for our fans to follow us in record numbers like they did last year," Thompson said. "We're excited about what 2011 will bring to our fans."

Two key dates always important for Wildcat fans are Homecoming - slated for October 15 against Fort Valley State, an old rival from the days of Division II -- and the Florida Classic November 19 against Florida A&M.

For season ticket information, contact the BCU ticket office at (386) 481-2465.



2011 B-CU Wildcats Football Schedule
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION
September 4 Prairie View (MEAC/SWAC Challenge) Orlando, Fla.
September 10 South Carolina State * Daytona Beach, Fla.
September 17 Open
September 24 Hampton * Daytona Beach, Fla.
October 1 Miami Miami, Fla.
October 8 North Carolina A&T * Greensboro, N.C.
October 15 Fort Valley State (Homecoming) Daytona Beach, Fla.
October 22 Norfolk State * Norfolk, Va.
October 29 North Carolina Central * Durham, N.C.
November 5 Morgan State * Daytona Beach, Fla.
November 12 Savannah State Daytona Beach, Fla.
November 19 Florida A&M * (Florida Classic) Orlando, Fla.

HOME GAMES IN BOLD -- *-MEAC Game

By Bethune Cookman Media Relations

Hampton Pirates fall in double O.T to B-CU; fall out of 1st

HAMPTON– The Hampton University men’s basketball team fell 78-76 in double overtime to Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at the HU Convocation Center. The Pirates (19-7, 9-4 MEAC) have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season and fall a game behind Bethune-Cookman in the conference standings.

C.J. Reed hit a floater as time expired to give the Wildcats (16-11, 10-3 MEAC) the win, after the Pirates fought back with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 76-76 on a layup from junior guard Kwame Morgan with 50 seconds left in the second overtime period.

HU loses double overtime heartbreaker to Bethune-Cookman

HAMPTON — Darrion Pellum knew how important Saturday's game was in terms of Hampton University's seeding situation with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament two weeks away.

He'd only discussed it a few dozen times with his teammates in the days leading up to HU's meeting with Bethune-Cookman, which sat tied atop the MEAC with HU at 9-3 in the conference heading into the game.

After Bethune's 78-76 double overtime victory at HU's Convocation Center, Pellum and his teammates were left to wonder what it would mean for HU (19-7 overall, 9-4 MEAC). It's a serious blow to HU's confidence heading down the stretch in what is traditionally a one-NCAA tournament bid conference — and will be again this season.

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Jefferson 2B Muniz commits to Bethune-Cookman

Jefferson second baseman Einar Muniz has committed to Bethune-Cookman University, Jefferson coach Pop Cuesta confirmed Thursday.

The 5-foot-3, 140-pound Muniz is small in stature, but has been one of the Dragons' top players. As a junior he hit .358 and struck out just five times in 81 at bats. He also made just three errors in the field in 28 games last year.



BCU Wildcats Pre-Season Pick to Repeat as MEAC Baseball Champs; O'Brien Named Pre-Season POTY, Four Named All-MEAC

NORFOLK, Va. - The votes are in and it's the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats getting the pre-season nod to be Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions in the 2011 season, officials from the MEAC announced. The Wildcats are seeking their sixth consecutive MEAC title in 2011 under the guidance of 2010 MEAC Coach of the Year Mervyl Melendez. The Wildcats received a unanimous decision in the vote by the league's sports information directors and head coaches.

But the pre-season honors don't end there for the defending champions; B-CU junior catcher, recently tabbed as the #18 player in America by College Baseball Today, was selected as the MEAC's pre-season Player of the Year. O'Brien won final MEAC Player of the Year award last season.

oining O'Brien in recognition on the pre-season All-MEAC team, the 'Cats filled three other spots on the team. Pitcher Ali Simpson, first baseman Ryan Durrence, and outfielder DJ Leonard all earned pre-season accolades.

Joining the Wildcats on the Preseason Team is pre-season Pitcher of the Year Esterlin Paulino (NCAT), along with Ryan Shook (NSU), Marquis Riley (NCAT), Chris Joyce (NSU), Xavier Macklin (NCAT), John Lynch (NSU) and Bryan Chaikowsky (UMES).

The Wildcats set off their season on Friday, February 18th, as Alabama A&M travels to Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The first pitch of the 2011 B-CU season is set to be thrown at 6:00 p.m.

2011 MEAC Preseason Baseball Predictions
As voted on by the conference’s Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors
(First Place Votes in Parenthesis)

Team …................................. Points
1. Bethune-Cookman (14) .............. 196
2. North Carolina A&T ….................. 134
3. Norfolk State …........................... 128
4. Delaware State ........................... 100
5. Florida A&M ……........................... 60
6. Maryland Eastern Shore ................ 46
7. Coppin State .................................36


2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Preseason All-Conference Awards
As voted on by the conference’s Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors

Player of the Year: Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman
Pitcher of the Year: Esterlin Paulino, North Carolina A&T

Pos Name School Cl. Ht. Wt. Hometown
P Ali Simpson Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-2 170 Campbell River, British Columbia
P Esterlin Paulino North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-6 147 Santo Domingo
RP Ryan Shook Norfolk State Jr. 6-2 185 Virginia Beach, Va.
C Peter O’Brien Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-3 215 Miami Gardens, Fla.
1B Ryan Durrence Bethune-Cookman Sr. 6-2 230 Jacksonville, Fla.
2B Marquis Riley North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-10 190 Efland, N.C.
3B Chris Joyce Norfolk State Sr. 6-1 195 Chesapeake, Va.
OF DJ Leonard Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-0 180 West Palm Beach, Fla.
OF Xavier Macklin North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-11 195 Rocky Mount, North Carolina
OF John Lynch Norfolk State Sr. 6-2 215 Newport News, Va.
DH Bryan Chaikowsky Maryland E. Shore Sr. 6-2 210 Bethlehem, Pa.

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Coppin State Upends First-Place Bethune-Cookman on Road

Tony Gallo missed all five of his shots in regulation, but made up for it with all eight of his points in overtime as Coppin State upset Bethune-Cookman in overtime, 90-79, in a MEAC contest at Moore Gym in Daytona Beach Saturday.

Gallo went 0-5 in regulation, but outscored BCU 7-1 in the first two minutes of the extra period, part of a 19-8 drubbing in overtime for the Eagles (11-10, 6-3).

C.J. Reed scored a career-high 34 points for the Wildcats (13-10, 7-2), who fell a half-game behind Hampton (18-5, 8-2) for the MEAC lead. Reed sent the game into overtime when he nailed his sixth three-pointer of the game just before the buzzer.

Coppin State Tops Bethune-Cookman 90-79 in Overtime

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Akeem Ellis and Tony Gallo combined to score 15 of Coppin State’s 19 points in overtime leading the Eagles to a 90-79 victory over Bethune-Cookman in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game on Saturday in Moore Gymnasium.

Led by Ellis and Gallo, Coppin State outscored the Wildcats 19-8 in the extra session to win for the fifth time in the last six games. The Eagles improved to 11-10 overall and 6-3 in the MEAC. Bethune-Cookman, which entered the contest in first place in the MEAC, fell to 13-10 overall and 7-2 in league play.

Eagles Win for Sixth Time in Last Eight Games

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Shawntae Payne led five players in double figures with 14 points and Coppin State used a strong second half shooting performance to defeat Bethune-Cookman 76-57 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game on Saturday in Moore Gymnasium.

Coppin State (8-12, 5-4 MEAC) shot 57.7 percent from the floor in the second half to pull away from the Wildcats. The Eagles won for the sixth time in their last eight games and moved over the .500 mark in conference play at 5-4.

Payne was 6-of-13 from the floor to lead the Eagles, while Leola Spotwood and Larrisa Carter each added 13 points for Coppin State. CSU also received 11 points each from Ashle Craig and Kyra Coleman.

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Bethune-Cookman Football Signs 27 for 2011

Daytona Beach, FL - “I think this recruiting class is very talented,” said Head Coach Brian Jenkins. “We have some size that we wanted. We have a lot of speed and a lot of range. “I think we were very successful with this class; that is yet to be seen because they still have to take the field.

The exciting thing about his class is 90 percent of these guys are already qualified. That is exceptional. I am really excited about this class. It’s a lot of talent, and we have to get it out of them early. That’s what we are looking for, all of these guys to jump in and contribute right away.”

The 2011 class features 27 new additions to the Wildcats roster, including four presently enrolled in the spring semester at B-CU. The list also features three Division I FBS transfers, a highly-rated defensive back from Florida, and a wide receiver, free safety, and linebacker considered among the top players in the prep school ranks…plus let’s not forget that the Wildcats picked up Florida's "Mr. Football".

Bethune-Cookman 2011 Football Signing Class

Dominic Addison- CB - 6’2” - 170 - Freshman - Riverview, Fla. - Spoto High School
Coach Jenkins on Addison: “Tremendous athlete; Anybody who has watched his film knows that this man can get it done on either side of the ball. He’s going to play corner for us. At between 6’1” and 6’2” he is a great addition for us because it gives us two big corners, and I can see Nick contributing right away.”

Breon Allen - RB - 5’6” - 170 - Freshman - Daytona Beach, Fla. - Warner Christian High School

Ryan Bryson - DT - 6’3” - 280 - Freshman - Jacksonville, Fla. - Menendez High School
Coach Jenkins on Bryson: “Defensive lineman, very strong and athletic guy. We watched him throw guys side to side and make plays. His strength and size is something we have been lacking and he has a chance to come in and make a name for himself right away.”

Seth Clayton - WR - 6’1” - 185 - Freshman - Altamonte Springs, Fla. - Lyman High School
Coach Jenkins on Clayton: “Very explosive, very smooth, and another one that runs great routes. His ability has only been scraped. I think he can be an explosive guy with us in our offense at many different positions, and I expect great things from him.”

*Tavares Dantzler - LB - 6’3” -230 - Freshman - Homestead, Fla. - North Carolina Prep
Coach Jenkins on Dantzler: “Originally out of Homestead, Florida. 6’3” 230 pounds and has been clocked at 4.5. Great upside; this guy can play anywhere on the field. Anywhere you put him, he will perform because he has that much ability.”

*Marquis Drayton - S - 6’1” - 220 - Freshman - Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. - North Carolina Prep
Coach Jenkins on Drayton: “Coming to us out of North Carolina Prep School, he is originally out of Dillard High School in Ft. Lauderdale. As a 220 pound free safety, he has a lot of range. He can cover the middle of the field and is big enough to come down into the box and tackle those big running backs.”

Al-Ghaffar - LB - 6’2” - 225 - East Orange, N.J. – Transfer/Rutgers
Coach Jenkins on Ghaffar: “Very fast; has been clocked at 4.49. Will graduate from Rutgers and still have two years to be able to play. He’s a guy who has played a lot of football and I am excited about him because he brings a lot of speed to our linebackers, and he’s a competitor.”

Jhomo Gordon - WR - 6’0” – 185 - Freshman - Palm Bay, Fla. - Bayside High School
Coach Jenkins on Gordon: “A young achiever who possesses a lot of talent. More of a possession guy; Runs good routes; Very aware of the package that we run; Very physical with the ball after the catch. A young man who I think has a very bright future here.”

Tyree Green - WR - 6’1” -190 - Freshman - St. Petersburg, Fla. - Boca Ciega High School
Coach Jenkins on Green: “This young man possesses great size and speed. Very, very athletic and has the ability to possibly contribute right away.”

Daniel Jackson - LB - 6’2” - 225 - Freshman - Winter Haven, Fla. - Bartow High School
Coach Jenkins on Jackson: “A young kid who has a great upside. He runs extremely well, and he’s going to have to develop a little bit, but he has a big frame and a lot of ability. I think he’s going to be the big surprise out of the whole recruiting class.”

Howard Jones - CB - 6’2” - 170 - Freshman - Harvey, La. - Warren Easton High School
Coach Jenkins on Jones: “Great upside; Reminds us of Ozzie Slater a little bit. A very fast kid, long arms, and gives us what we’ve been looking for at the corner spot. You know we wanted big corners and you know this young man is out of New Orleans and has played in the inner city league and knows what it takes to be accustomed to being a physical football player at that position.”

Rakeem Knight - DL - 6’3” – 294 - Freshman - Birmingham, Ala. - Restoration Academy
Coach Jenkins on Knight: “He’s one that has not played much football, but I’ll tell you what, he’s been clocked at 4.49. He can run; he pursues ball carriers, runs them down, and causes damage.”

Harold Love - DL - 6’2” -305 - Junior - Portland, Ore. - Feather River CC
Coach Jenkins on Love: “He’s going to be an anchor for us on the inside. I’m really excited about this guy because his attitude is tremendous. He’s a great leader, and he’s one that I really think is going to elevate to the next level defensively.”

Stavion Lowe - OT - 6’5” - 330 - Junior - Brownwood, Texas - Tyler CC
Coach Jenkins on Lowe: “He originally signed with LSU out of High School, a real big, big offensive lineman, period. He’s another young man that I think will play at that tackle spot for us. He understands our scheme and he understands what it takes just to be a top offensive linemen. He was one of the top offensive linemen coming out of high school, and we expect him to come and step right on the field from day one and lead the charge for us.”

De’Shon Nettles - WR - 6’3” - 195 - Freshman - Buffalo, N.Y. - North Carolina Prep
Coach Jenkins on Nettles: “A big, physical receiver who possesses everything needed to be a playmaker. I think he will be a very, very good replacement for Reams, who we lost as a senior. I expect really, really good things from him, and I think he’ll come in and contribute right away.”

Leroy Pate - CB - 6’1” - 205 - Freshman - Jacksonville, Fla. - Raines High School
Coach Jenkins on Pate: “A guy who is dual-threat player, who can play safety or corner. The thing that he has is he’s a ball hawk; he has a nose for the ball and making plays, and he is a big kid. He gives us another big corner at close to 200 pounds, and 5’11”, and exactly what we were looking for.”

Rashard Payne - CB - 5’10” - 180 - Orchard Park, N.Y. - Eerie CC
Coach Jenkins on Payne: “Originally out of Pompano Beach, Florida, but went to a junior college in Buffalo. He is a tough medium-sized corner. He reminded us of Dion Hanks who we have here now. Great upside is he has a nose for the ball; one that’s not scared of contact and he will hit you whenever he has a chance to lay some wood on you.”

Reginald Polite - DL - 6’3” - 260 - Freshman - Bartow, Fla. - Hargrave Military Academy
Coach Jenkins on Polite: “Very quick, agile type of player, and we really expect some great things from him.”

Blake Pritchard - OT - 6’5” - 295 - Junior - Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West CC
Coach Jenkins on Pritchard: “A very strong force on the offensive line. He’s going to play offensive tackle for us. A very strong, very tall guy, with a great frame. He’s going to be a tremendous addition to this team. He is originally from Jacksonville. Went to school in California. He is a very good pass blocker and has a very, very mean streak when he plays.”

Jean Prophete - TE - 6’3” – 250 - Boynton Beach, Fla. - Summit Christian High School
Coach Jenkins on Prophete: “This is a man-child right here. He already has a college body; an ex-basketball player with tremendous upside, who catches the ball well. He can get north and south and has really good speed. He’s going to be a bright spot out of our recruiting class.”

Quincy Quetant - S - 6’1” - 205 - Redshirt Sophomore - Orlando, Fla. - Transfer/Univ. of Cincinnati
Coach Jenkins on Quetant: “He’s a safety out of Orlando that had a lot of playing time there at Cincinnati, will graduate, and still have two years to play. He will bring experience and accountability for our secondary.”

Johnothan Quintero - K - 5’11” - 185 - Freshman - Port St. Lucie, Fla. - Treasure Coast High School
Coach Jenkins on Quintero: “Has repeatedly kicked 50-yard field goals. He can make an extra point, that’s all I care about (flashes a joking smile). He’ll definitely be one who steps in and does stuff right away.”

*Rodney Scott - RB - 5’10” - 198 - Junior - Cross City, Fla. - Transfer/Univ. of Mississippi
Coach Jenkins on Scott: “Transfer from Ole Miss, who was the number-three rated running back in the state of Florida coming out of high school. Now, he’s come home to show his talent, and I think he’s already proven that he can be the ‘guy’.

Daniel Stewart - OG - 6’3” - 270 - Freshman - Sunrise, Fla. – Plantation
Coach Jenkins on Stewart: “He’s very strong and one of the top wrestlers in the state. He plays with good balance and has good awareness. The upside with him is that he can play any position on the front line.”

*Andre “Ross” Williams - DL - 6’4” -240 - Freshman - Jacksonville, Fla. - Hargrave Military Academy
Coach Jenkins on R. Williams: “Originally from Jacksonville, he is big and has a lot of range as a player, can run, and will only get bigger and better as a player. I’m very excited about him. He has a great attitude and a great work ethic.”

Kevin Williams - OL - 6’2” – 305 - Freshman - Brandon, Fla. - Armwood High School
Coach Jenkins on K. Williams: “He’s a young man that we are going to give a look at center, but he could play either side of the ball. Good wide body kid. Originally started out playing D-line in high school, but moved to offensive lineman. He was a mainstay for Armwood, and he’s a kid that we think is going to develop very fast on either side of the ball.”

Quentin Williams - QB - 6’0” - 190 - Freshman - Tampa, Fla. - Jefferson High School
Coach Jenkins on Q. Williams: “Exciting Player. Has one of the strongest arms I’ve seen since I’ve been coaching. The kid is a true leader, a true winner, which he’s exemplified by winning the State Championship. He also exemplified the caliber of player that he is being awarded the Florida ‘Mr. Football’ award. He’s broken every quarterback passing record in the state of Florida, and is a young man that I think is going to have a chance to lead the charge for the Wildcats in the near future.”

Anthony Woodard - DE - 6’3” - 256 - Junior - Tracy, Calif. - Phoenix CC
Coach Jenkins on Woodward: “Gives us a chance to be very good on the edge. Another big defensive end. He is quick on the ball and has a great technique. We are going to use him mainly on the edge at defensive end. And the sky is the limit for this young man and I think he will really turn heads when he gets here.”

*=Presently Enrolled at B-CU

By Bethune Cookman University Sports Information

NCCU'S Second-Half Rally Falls Short Against Bethune Cookman

DURHAM, N.C. - Down by two points with 19 seconds left in the contest, North Carolina Central University got the ball in the hands of senior guard C.J. Wilkerson, the Eagles’ clutch performer who has averaged 32 points in his last three outings. Driving towards the basket in front of the NCCU bench, the physical defensive pressure by Bethune-Cookman University forced Wilkerson to lose his handle on the ball and the visiting Wildcats collected the turnover to secure a 67-64 victory inside McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium on Monday night.

Wilkerson finished with 21 points, 18 of which he tallied after intermission. NCCU junior sharpshooter Landon Clement connected on five of his 10 three-point attempts to finish with a team-best 23 points, but no other Eagle reached double figures in the scoring column. Junior Nick Chasten was the closest with eight points and six rebounds.


Videographer: NCCUEagles

LADY WILDCAT STEALS LEAD TO 64-53 VICTORY OVER NCCU BASKETBALL

DURHAM, N.C. – In recent matchups, the three-point arc has not been the most favorable shooting point for North Carolina Central University. But in Monday night’s contest against Bethune-Cookman University in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium, senior Shanise Blanks thrived from the long range.

Despite Blanks’ leading the Lady Eagles with season-high17 points, 15 from behind three-point arc, and a ninth double-double performance from Jori Nwachukwu, the Lady Wildcats were able to secure an 11-point win over NCCU, 64-53.

The Lady Eagles began the contest with a six-point lead, Blanks came off the bench sinking her first long range basket at the 15:24 mark. Within a matter of minutes, B-CU took its first lead of the game.


Videographer: NCCUEagles

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Armwood's Kevin J. Williams will help protect Florida's Mr. Football, Quentin Williams at BCU

Kevin Jamal Williams just missed on a 4A State Championship at Armwood, but he will be joining a team with a realistic chance at a FCS Championship in 2011. Williams informed bigcountypreps.com (BCP) he has verbally committed to a scholarship offer from Bethune-Cookman University.

Williams, at 6'2" and 305 pounds, will slide inside and play either center or guard for the Wildcats. At Armwood his main priority playing left tackle was to keep QB Josh Grady's blindside protected and to open up holes quickly for backs Kyle Wilcox and Matt Jones. After transferring from Jefferson before his junior year, Williams played defense before starting at tackle for the Hawks this season. He regularly imposed his will on defenders with numerous pancake blocks and rarely was Grady ever harassed from his left side.

Bethune-Cookman has made inroads recruiting here in Hillsborough County since Brian Jenkins has taken over as head coach in Daytona...

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Bethune-Cookman 61, South Carolina State 60

Another day, another close loss for the South Carolina State men's basketball team. All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference guard C.J. Reed hit two free throws with 22.6 seconds left and Khalif Toombs missed a jumper with four seconds left to give Bethune-Cookman a 61-60 victory over the Bulldogs.

Reed finished with 17 points and Stanley Elliott added 11 to lead the Wildcats (12-9, 7-1), who own a two-game lead in the conference standings. It was the fifth loss this season by four or less points for the Bulldogs (5-15, 1-6), who have lost six straight games and dropped to 5-4 at home this season.

With Howard's win over Maryland-Eastern Shore, both teams and S.C. State are tied for last place in the win column.

Bethune-Cookman 64, South Carolina State 55

Home cooking was not enough to stem the South Carolina State women's basketball team's slump Saturday at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

Despite a season-high 20 points from Whitney Wiley and 14 points and five assists from Tiara Knotts, another lax second-half effort on defense resulted in the Lady Bulldogs' fifth consecutive loss.

Trailing 27-22 at halftime, the Lady Bulldogs were outscored 37-33 in the second half. In the last three games, S.C. State (6-11, 2-5) has allowed an average of 45.3 points in the second half.

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New Mexico defends recruiting policies after Addison re-commits to B-CU

Bethune-Cookman University Head Coach Brian Jenkins

Following what his coach characterized as a disastrous flirtation with the University of New Mexico, Spoto three-way star Nick Addison has reaffirmed his commitment to Bethune-Cookman.

Spartans coach Dale Caparaso confirmed Addison's re-commitment Thursday. Addison, who committed to B-CU last fall, re-opened his recruitment and visited New Mexico last weekend, but Caparaso said the Lobos rescinded their offer after Addison and his mother made the cross-country flight to Albuquerque.

"They brought him out there and knew they were going to pull the scholarship," Caparaso said in a text message to the Times. "New Mexico paid for his trip. His mother paid for her trip. Pretty poor way of doing business. We all were shocked."

Spoto's Addison Commits To Bethune-Cookman After New Mexico Debacle

Dominic “Nic” Addison, arguably the most athletically gifted player in Hillsborough County prep football will play for Bethune-Cookman University next fall. He informed me that he will head to Daytona Beach this weekend for a face-to-face visit with Wildcat head coach Brian Jenkins where he will confirm his commitment to them. The 6’3” 180-pound dual threat Spoto High senior can do it all on the gridiron. He completed 24 TD passes as the Spartan QB last season but will be a shutdown cornerback, the position he prefers, at BCU. He ended his high school career with seven interceptions, including one plus a fumble recovery versus state power Plant, but most teams did not dare throw in his direction.

Click here for Addison's 2009 highlights 
Videographer: bigcountypreps.com

Spoto's Nick Addison re-opening his recruiting

Spoto two-way football standout Nick Addison, who committed to Division I-AA Bethune-Cookman just before Thanksgiving, is apparently opening up his recruiting again.

Addison, a Times' all-Suncoast first-team selection, said Friday evening that he is planning an official visit to New Mexico on Jan. 21. It is his only scheduled official visit. He said the Lobos are recruiting him as an athlete, so he might play cornerback or even wide receiver at New Mexico.

The 6-foot-3 senior emerged as a lockdown cornerback last season, but thrived this fall as Spoto's starting quarterback, throwing for 2,410 and 24 touchdowns, second-most in the bay area to Jefferson quarterback Florida Mr. Football Quentin Williams, who has committed to Bethune-Cookman.

Spoto's Addison a threat on both sides of the field

Ole Miss, Washington State and Iowa State have offered Addison scholarships and are recruiting him at cornerback.

RIVERVIEW, FL - Spoto senior Nick Addison is the type of player that can change the outcome of a football game, on both sides of the field. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he can throw, run, catch, defend and dish out punishing hits. Too bad Spoto can't clone more of him. In his last three games, he's put on quite a show.

In Friday's season opener against Wharton, a 37-10 victory, Addison finished the night with 300 total yards and five touchdowns. He threw for 239 passing yards with four touchdowns on plays of 4, 77, 9 and 35 yards and rushed for 61 yards with a touchdown.

Pick a position, any position, and Spoto's Addison can conquer it

RIVERVIEW, FL — Given Nick Addison’s ability to light up the scoreboard at quarterback, shut down opposing receivers at cornerback, and return kickoffs and punts, Spoto coach Dale Caparaso was already convinced his do-it-all senior could fill any need the Spartans had.

But last Thursday, while Spoto was going through its usual walkthrough on the field, Addison managed to again leave his coach bewildered. Rather than stand back and watch the second-team offense, the senior grabbed a ball, holder and center, went to the other side of the field and started nailing 40-yard field goals.

“Son, why didn’t you tell us you could do this?” Caparaso asked. “Coach,” Addison responded, “you didn’t ask.”

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Hampton 68, Bethune-Cookman 56

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman coach Clifford Reed thought his team "lacked passion . . . and toughness" in a disappointing 68-56 loss Saturday to Hampton at Moore Gymnasium.

"There's no excuse for our guys to come out flat and not play hard," Reed said.

Bethune-Cookman fell to 10-9, 5-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference as it lost its first conference game and first game at home this season. In their first home conference game, the Wildcats never led and were only able to tie the score twice. Reed said the home letdown wasn't a surprise.

Hampton rolls to win at Bethune-Cookman, ties for MEAC lead

Charles Funches scored the game’s first nine points on 3-pointers, and Hampton University never trailed during a 68-56 victory Saturday at Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Pirates (15-4, 5-1), who have won three straight games, moved into a tie for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference lead with B-CU's Wildcats (10-9, 5-1), whose five MEAC wins all came on the road.

After leading 34-23 at halftime, the Pirates poured it on. Kwame Morgan scored six points during a 10-3 run, and Wesley Dunning scored four in an 11-3 push to put HU in front 55-32 with 10:52 remaining.

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UMES men fall to Bethune-Cookman

PRINCESS ANNE, MD -- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team tried to make a late second-half comeback, but fell short 71-64 on Monday to Bethune-Cookman. The Hawks trailed Bethune-Cookman 38-28 at halftime. UMES outscored Bethune-Cookman 36-33 in the second half.

Tyler Hines led the Hawks with 19 points, and also grabbed six rebounds. Hillary Haley chipped in with 12 points in the loss.

Morton steps up game in UMES win

PRINCESS ANNE, MD -- Paced by guard Casey Morton matching her career high of 24 points, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore women's basketball team cruised to a 69-52 win over Bethune-Cookman in the first game of Monday's matinee doubleheader. The win was their second in a row and second straight at home.

"I'm Casey's biggest critic, so I always look at her turnovers," said UMES head coach Fred Batchelor. "I look and say she had too many turnovers in any given game, but the fact is when she puts the ball in the basket, she makes us a better team. When she can control the ball and take care of it and get us going, we go when she goes."

B-CU stays perfect in MEAC

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. -- C.J. Reed and Garrius Holloman scored 15 points each as Bethune-Cookman defeated Maryland-Eastern Shore 71-64 on Monday to remain unbeaten in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play. The Wildcats (10-8, 5-0) led by 14 points, 47-33, less than 5 minutes into the second half, but the Hawks (4-13, 1-3) didn't fold, coming within a point, 49-48, after a 15-2 run that included two 3-pointers by Dishawn Bradshaw -- his only 3-pointers in 10 attempts.

The Hawks trailed by two, 62-60 with 1:53 to play, but a layup by Reed made it 64-60, and Stanley Elliott, Javoris Bryant and Holloman each hit two free throws for Bethune-Cookman down the stretch.

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Wild About Bethune Cookman

Boca Ciega (Florida) WR Tyree Green has committed to Bethune-Cookman University, not a bad landing spot for the 6-2, 190-pounder. Green had a good junior season and was hoping to use a bigger senior season to attract some notice. But the Pirates struggled in 2010, and his stock never quite rose. But Bethune-Cookman, which had seen him play in the spring, stepped up with an offer a few weeks ago, telling Green he had a chance to play immediately.

"I feel relieved," Green said. "I feel like I made the right decision. They have some good talent going there next year. It's close to home and they showed the most interest out of everybody." Green had drawn interest from USF, Middle Tennessee State and Iowa State, and he always seemed closest to West Virginia until the coaching changes there last year.



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MEAC entertains nixing FCS playoffs for new bowl

DAYTONA BEACH -- Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins may never again take the Wildcats to the playoffs, regardless of how well he coaches and how well his team plays.

Leaders of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference -- the school presidents, ultimately -- are expected to vote next March on whether or not to skip the Division I-AA (Football Championship Subdivision) playoffs and instead schedule a new mid-December game, the "Legacy Bowl," pitting the winner of the MEAC with the champion of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (the other major conference for Historically Black College and Universities).

Bethune-Cookman Football: New Boys on the BC Block

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – When college football fans see the initials BC, the team that immediately comes to mind is Boston College, a powerhouse among teams in the Northeast, nestled atop Chestnut Hill just outside of Beantown. But there's another BC football team, not quite holding the national stature of the Eagles, but climbing fast.

That would be Bethune-Cookman University tucked away in northeastern Florida, just this side of sunny, sandy Daytona Beach. The Wildcats, who prefer to refer to themselves as B-CU...

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FCS playoffs: UNH rolls past Bethune-Cookman

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – The University of New Hampshire survived a very shaky second period and roared back in the third behind junior quarterback Kevin Decker on the way to a 45-20 FCS playoff win over Bethune-Cookman University Saturday at Municipal Field.

The Wildcats, now 8-4, head to the NCAA playoff quarterfinal round for the sixth time in the last seven years, and will travel to Newark, Del., to take on No. 3 seed Delaware next weekend. Bethune-Cookman, which won its first 10 games of the season, lost its last two games and finished at 10-2.

B-CU backup QB played tough

DAYTONA BEACH -- It wasn't ideal circumstances for Bethune-Cookman quarterback Jackie Wilson to make his first college start on Saturday. To say the odds were against the true freshman would be an understatement. Wilson wasn't fully recovered from a high ankle sprain sustained two weeks earlier in B-CU's loss to Florida A&M, yet he was the best option for coach Brian Jenkins because Matt Johnson -- the senior who started every other game -- has a shoulder injury.

Playing against a New Hampshire team that has years of playoff experience, Wilson was sacked five times, fumbled twice and threw two interceptions in the 45-20 loss at Municipal Stadium.



Wildcats kept it close early on

DAYTONA BEACH -- Bethune-Cookman sophomore Kory Kowalski nailed a 44-yard punt and then was leveled by New Hampshire's Chris Setian in the second quarter Saturday. Kowalski lay flat on Municipal Stadium's Field Turf as trainers attended to him. Then he got up and fell down again.

Many of the 5,738 fans at Muncipal Stadium had to be wondering what B-CU would do if it had to go the rest of the game without the only healthy punter and kicker on its team. But Kowalski, who bruised his left knee on the play, admitted after the game that his second collapse was just milking the situation, giving B-CU's offense a little time to rest.

Backup QB Decker leads UNH football to 45-20 playoff win

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Making his first start of the season in place of injured starter R.J. Toman, junior quarterback Kevin Decker threw for three second-half touchdowns to lead the University of New Hampshire football team to a 45-20 victory over Bethune-Cookman in the second round of the Division I playoffs on Saturday afternoon.

Tenth-ranked UNH, which improved to 8-4 with the win, will meet No. 3 seed Delaware next weekend in the quarterfinals. The Blue Hens dispatched Lehigh, 42-20, in their second-round game Saturday. The Wildcats won a postseason game for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. Bethune-Cookman, the MEAC champion making its first postseason appearance since 2003, saw its season end with a record of 10-2.



Bethune-Cookman loses in 2nd round of FCS playoffs

DAYTONA BEACH — Game-changing adjustments usually happen on the field. But the decision to bench starting quarterbacks for both Bethune-Cookman University and New Hampshire came just hours before their 1 p.m. kickoff at Municipal Stadium.

BCU coach Brian Jenkins chose to sit Matt Johnson, voted MEAC offensive player of the year, Saturday despite receiving clearance from team doctors for a left shoulder injury. Jackie Wilson, a freshman backup, quarterbacked the Wildacts in a 45-20 loss in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Meltdown

DAYTONA BEACH -- For Matt Johnson the toughest game was his last one. And he never got off the sideline. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Year had to stand and watch as his Bethune-Cookman Wildcats succumbed to a second-half offensive barrage that propelled visiting New Hampshire to a 45-20 victory Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Division I playoffs at Municipal Stadium.

"It was hard -- very, very hard. I couldn't even put it in words," said Johnson, who broke his left shoulder blade two weeks ago in a loss to Florida A&M.

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ATTENDANCE: 5,738



BCU Wildcats 2010 a mix of success, promise

DAYTONA BEACH -- It was nearly 10 minutes into the third quarter when it began looking like Bethune-Cookman's football season would finally end on its 12th Saturday of the fall.

New Hampshire quarterback Kevin Decker lobbed a pass toward the right sideline, where receiver Chris Chandler, angling toward the B-CU bench, had a half-step on B-CU defender Dion Hanks. Chandler made the catch; Hanks missed the tackle. As Hanks fell aside, Chandler gathered his footing and took off down the sideline toward the end zone, with B-CU's Chris Perry giving a desperate chase that came up just short.

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I-AA Playoff fever captures Bethune-Cookman football

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Author a successful season at the highest level of college football, you're rewarded with a bowl game. It's a trip that includes gift bags, fancy downtown dinners and, depending on the host city, anything from a cow-milking contest to a group hug with Minnie Mouse.

But outside of that marquee world -- where the Alabamas, Ohio States and Floridas reside -- the rest of college football rewards its best with a different type of post-season action, the type recognized by nearly every other sport at every level: Playoffs. Win and continue; lose and go home. Or, in Bethune-Cookman's case, lose and stay home.

Quarterback Matt Johnson still a question mark as Bethune-Cookman hosts New Hampshire today

There will be one anxious moment at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium Saturday when the Bethune-Cookman offense first takes the field. Fans will be waiting to see if No. 13 runs onto the field to take his usual spot in the huddle.

Matt Johnson suffered a dislocation of his left, non-throwing shoulder two weeks ago in the Wildcats' loss to Florida A&M and B-CU coach Brian Jenkins has danced around questions about his senior signal caller's availability since then.

Saturday, however, will finally shed light on the mystery of Johnson, the MEAC offensive player of the year, when BCU takes on New Hampshire in the second round of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium. Game time is set for 1 p.m. and NCAA.com is supposed to have live coverage of the game.

New Hampshire (7-4) at Bethune-Cookman (10-1)
1 p.m. Saturday, Municipal Stadium, Daytona Beach, FL
Local Radio: WELE 1380-AM
LIVE GAME VIDEO BROADCAST VIA NCAA.COM - CLICK HERE

Eddie Poole helps lead Bethune-Cookman into NCAA Division I-AA playoffs

Eddie Poole has a steel rod in his left leg, the result of surgical procedures to support a broken fibula he suffered last year. One would figure, with the changing Central Florida weather this week, that the star Bethune-Cookman wide receiver might be having issues with his repaired leg. Of course, if he was hurting, as Wildcats' head coach Brian Jenkins has come to know, he wouldn't admit it.

"He'll just tell me, 'I ain't coming out, coach,' " said Jenkins, the first year coach who...

Dueling 'Cats face QB dilemmas: Bethune-Cookman, UNH ready for Saturday's battle

DURHAM, NH - Who will be playing quarterback? If it is the expected starters, how well will they be able to play through nagging injuries? Whether you're a University of New Hampshire Wildcat or a Bethune-Cookman Wildcat, those questions are being asked about your own QB and the other team's signal-caller. UNH senior R.J. Toman is nursing an ankle sprain. Bethune-Cookman run-pass threat Matt Johnson has an injured left (non-throwing) shoulder.

The two teams will meet for the first time Saturday in the second round of the 2010 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. No. 13 Bethune-Cookman (10-1), champions of the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference is hosting No. 10/11 UNH (7-4), which finished third in the Colonial Athletic Association, at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium. Game time is 1 p.m. The game will not be televised. It will be broadcast live on radio (WGIN-AM 930, WQSO-FM 96.7, WASR-AM 1420).

UNH, Jellison now have totake it one game at a time

Thanksgiving was a little bit different this year for Amherst’s Sean Jellison. He was able to spend it at home instead of with his University of New Hampshire football teammates. But the Wildcats reassembled last weekend in preparation for Saturday’s game in Daytona, Fla., against Bethune-Cookman.

It’s the seventh straight post-season appearance for the Wildcats, who recovered from a rocky start to finish 7-4 and gain one of the 20 playoff bids in the Football Championship Subdivision. Because the field was expanded to 20 teams and UNH drew a first-round bye, the Wildcats had Thanksgiving weekend off for the first time in a long time.

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Jenkins on the move?

B-CU Coach Brian Jenkins

It happens at every level of football, so Bethune-Cookman certainly isn't immune to it. A brand new coach finds success early, and it's not long before speculation begins about his near-term future. With coaching vacancies springing up this time of year, the questions are asked.

At B-CU's weekly media availability Wednesday, Wildcats coach Brian Jenkins ducked the question in one way ("I haven't given it any thought") but was very open in another way ("My phone has rung").

"Right now, I'm thinking about winning this game Saturday," Jenkins said of the upcoming playoff game against New Hampshire. "It happens in this sport. It's a question I've been asked, and people are concerned about...

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Battle of UNH and B-CU 'Cats could be classic

DURHAM, NH — Four days before football teams from the University of New Hampshire and Bethune-Cookman square off in the Division I playoffs, the first-ever matchup between the two unfamiliar foes is shaping up to be a handicapper's nightmare.

Bethune-Cookman (10-1) boasts a better record and home-field advantage, hosting Saturday's game at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, Fla. Meanwhile, the lineup for UNH (7-4) is littered with veterans of past playoff runs and tough CAA battles. So, who's the favorite when these teams square off in the Round of 16 on Saturday?



Hugo Souza headed to playoffs with UNH football

Marshfield, NH - The University of New Hampshire has earned a bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship for the seventh consecutive season, the longest current streak in the nation.

The 7-4 Wildcats will visit Bethune-Cookman University (10-1), champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, in a second-round game Saturday, Dec. 4, in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Souza, a 6-foot, 213-pound free safety, has 83 total tackles (46 solo) and one interception this season for the Wildcats. His tackles, both total and solo, rank Souza second on the team. In four years, Souza has 319 tackles and five interceptions for UNH.

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University of New Hampshire Wildcat Marching Band (Oct. 11, 2010)

B-CU to host UNH in playoff game

DAYTONA BEACH -- One day after losing their first game of the season and watching their starting quarterback and leader suffer a possible season-ending injury, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats received a double dose of good news Sunday.

B-CU knew after Saturday's 38-27 loss to Florida A&M in Orlando that it was headed to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, which start this week. On Sunday morning, the Wildcats found out they will receive a first-round bye and then host New Hampshire on Dec. 4 in the first NCAA playoff game at Municipal Stadium since 2003.

BCU quarterback Matt Johnson possibly out for FCS playoffs

Bethune Cookman University football may be in trouble before its first FCS playoff game next Saturday.

The Wildcats sports media relations department said Matt Johnson, voted the MEAC’s offensive player of the year, is undergoing evaluations and listed as a game time decision for their Dec. 4th playoff game against New Hampshire.

Painful Berth

ORLANDO -- The only thing rarer than a Bethune-Cookman turnover this season has been a Bethune-Cookman loss. As is often the case, the former led to the latter Saturday in the Florida Classic, as the Rattlers handed the Wildcats their first loss of the season, 38-27 in front of 61,712 fans at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.

The loss, B-CU's third straight to Joe Taylor and the Rattlers, dropped the seventh-ranked Wildcats (10-1, 7-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) into a three-way tie for first place in the conference with FAMU (8-3, 7-1) and South Carolina State (9-2, 7-1). However, the 'Cats won the league's automatic playoff bid based on the MEAC's tiebreaker system.



For B-CU and UNH Wildcats, waiting is the hardest part

Excerpt:

It might require equipment from the science lab to measure which team was more excited about its scenario — 11th-ranked UNH (7-4) or its opponent, 13th-ranked Bethune-Cookman, which will host the Round of 16 game on Dec. 4 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Bethune-Cookman, the automatic qualifier from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, went 10-1 under first-year coach Brian Jenkins and the selection committee took notice. The MEAC, traditionally a one-bid league, will see another of its members, South Carolina State (9-2), visit Georgia Southern in the newly-installed first round on Saturday.

"It just shows that people have noticed the hard work that this program has put in," said Jenkins...

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