FVSU Readies for Opening Game against Florida A&M

Fort Valley, GA - In Central Georgia, the Fort Valley State Wildcats look to erase the memory of last season, which ended with a playoff snub and two straight losses.

The road to redemption for the Wildcats starts on Saturday. Leading FVSU onto the field will be former standout Peach County quarterback Antonio Helton as well as his tag-team partners Chris Slaughter and incoming freshman Travis Richmond.

The blue and gold will travel to Tallahasse to face FCS foe Florida A&M in their opening game of the 2011 season.



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Pigskin Preview: Fort Valley State Wildcats

Fort Valley, GA - Depending on how you look at the 2010 season, Fort Valley State Wildcat fans and players alike debate on whether their 8-3 finish was successful or disappointing. After going 8-1 before the season ending SIAC championship game with Albany State, the Cats dropped two straight to end the season while losing their starting quarterback to off the field trouble in the process.

"We just fell short," says head coach Don Pittman. "We felt like we just lost our momentum. We were disappointed that we didnt make the playoff and we lost in the Pioneer bowl because of that I think that was the main reason."



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16 Student-Athletes Sign FVSU Letters of Intent

Fort Valley State University Head Football Coach Donald Pittman has announced that 16 student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play football with the Wildcats beginning in the 2011 season. The class includes two quarterbacks, two running backs, four receivers, two offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, one linebacker, and one kicker.

"As a program, we are extremely pleased with the student-athletes who have decided to become a part of the Wildcat football family," said Pittman. "We believe that these recruits have the potential to help us take Wildcat Football to next level. I, and the rest of the coaching staff, look forward to working with these recruits to make them better players and quality young men."

2011 Fort Valley State Football Signees

Name                          Pos.   HGT   WGT         Hometown/Previous School

Jonathan Adams        DL      6'4     280           Stone Mtn., GA/S.W Dekalb H.S. 
Brandon Baker           OL       6'4     290          Columbus, GA/Northside H.S. 
Tony Collins                OL       6'3     270          East Point, GA/Tri-Cities H.S. 
Chartavious Danzy     C         6'1     285          Tennile, GA/Washington Co. H.S. 
Jonte Davis                 QB       5'8    170           East Point, GA/Tri-Cities H.S. 
Deonzo Farrie             DE       6'6    240           Stone Mtn., GA/S.W. Dekalb H.S. 
Eric Horsley                 RB      5'8    180            Dallas, TX/Madison H.S. 
Tyler Hunt                    K         5'10   165           Jonesboro, GA/Lovejoy H.S. 
Alex Martin                   LB       5'10   190           Tifton, GA/Tift Co. H.S. 
Cameron Pearson    QB       6'7     215           Dallas, TX/Madison H.S. 
Travis Richmond       RB       5'7     165           Fort Valley, GA/Peach Co. H.S. 
Justin Scott                 TE        6'4     200           Bessemer, AL/Hueytown H.S. 
Tarvarus Talley           DT       6'1     270          Columbus, GA/Carver Col.H.S. 
Jevon Watson            WR       6'3    185           Hampton, GA/Lovejoy H.S. 
Jacovi White               WR       6'2     225          Cusseta, GA/Chatta. Co. H.S. 
Ronald Wilcots          WR       6'2     180          Dallas, TX/ Madison H.S 

by FVSU Office of Sports Information

Fort Valley State University Releases 2011 Football Schedule

Fort Valley, GA - The Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will face one of its most challenging seasons with the announcement of its' 2011 football schedule. The rigorous campaign includes trips to two of the most popular Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the nation, Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune Cookman University (BCU).

This year's meeting between FVSU and FAMU will be the first since the Wildcats upset the Rattlers (19-14) in Tallahassee in 1984. When FVSU travels to...

Fla. A&M, Delta St. and Bethune Cookman highlight FVSU's 2011 football schedule

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) enters the 2011 football campaign with an exponentially more difficult schedule on paper with the addition of two teams from the always-tough Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Bethune Cookman and Florida A&M.

Both Bethune Cookman and FAMU finished with identical 7 and 1 conference records in 2010 and pose a serious challenge for the upcoming season.

Wildcats in for a "Wild' ride in 2011 Football Season

Fort Valley, GA – The Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will face one of its most challenging seasons with the announcement of its’ 2011 football schedule. The rigorous campaign includes trips to two of the most popular Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the nation, Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune Cookman University (BCU).

This year’s meeting between FVSU and FAMU will be the first since the Wildcats upset the Rattlers (19-14) in Tallahassee in 1984. When FVSU travels to Daytona Beach to meet the Wildcats of BCU, they will be playing the defending co-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions. BCU shared the 2010 title with FAMU and South Carolina State University. The last time FVSU and BCU played was in 1964.

The 2011 schedule also features a bout between the FVSU Wildcats and region opponent, the Statesmen of Delta State University of the Gulf South Conference. The match up will be played at Wildcat Stadium and is the first between the two schools since the Wildcats defeated the Statesmen in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Division II Playoffs.

The start of the 2011 also marks the beginning of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) transition to an East/West Divisional format with the winner of each division competing for the conference title on November 12th in Columbus, Ga.

As a member of the East division, FVSU will play seven conference games in 2011.

Conference match ups include away games at Clark Atlanta University, Benedict College, and Kentucky State University. Home, conference contests include visits to Wildcat Stadium by Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, and Stillman College. The October 22nd game against Stillman College has been designated as Homecoming 2011 for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats will conclude the regular season on November 5th in the 22nd Annual Fountain City Classic when they meet the Golden Rams of Albany State University at McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Ga.



“Talk about a challenging schedule! This is about as demanding as they come,” said third-year FVSU Head Coach Donald Pittman. “The combination of two FCS schools, a region opponent who made last year’s NCAA playoffs, and an always tough conference schedule, provides us with an opportunity to show just how competitive FVSU football can truly be. While challenging, we embrace the chance for a real breakout season for Wildcats Football. From start to finish, this will be an exciting year for the Wildcats.”

Those wishing to reserve tickets for the 2011 season can contact the FVSU Cashier's Office at 478-825-6433 or go to the following link on FVSU's website: http://www.wildcatticketoffice.com.

2011 FVSU Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT CONFERENCE GAME HOME / AWAY LOCATION TIME
9/3/2011 Florida A&M University A Tallahassee, FL 6 p.m.
9/10/2011 Delta State University H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
9/17/2011 Clark Atlanta University * A Atlanta, GA 2 p.m.
9/24/2011 Benedict College * A Columbus, SC 6 p.m.
10/1/2011 Tuskegee University * H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
10/8/2011 Kentucky State University * A Frankfort, KY 1 p.m.
10/15/2011 Bethune Cookman University A Daytona Beach, FL TBA
10/22/2011 Stillman College (Homecoming) * H Fort Valley, GA 2 p.m.
10/29/2011 Morehouse College(Senior Day)* * H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
11/5/2011 Albany State (22nd Annual Fountain City Classic)*N Columbus, GA 2 p.m.
11/12/2011 SIAC Championship * N TBA TBA

By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
LINK: FVSUSPORTS


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Success adds to recruiting focus at Fort Valley State

Fort Valley State has gone 7-4 and 8-3 the past two seasons, giving head coach Donald Pittman an impressive 15-7 record. Add to the fact that the Wildcats have only a two-year-old stadium, and it would be easy to think that recruiting is getting a little easier. “Never,” Pittman said with a chuckle. “Never.”

While most fans are tuned in to the heat put on big-name coaches like Mark Richt at Georgia, it stays pretty warm on the Division II level. “The pressures of it is the last two (head) coaches didn’t make it past their third year here,” Pittman said, referring to John Morgan and Deondri Clark. “After the last two years, more is expected of us.”

The 2010 season ended on a sour note with two losses, 12-7 to Albany State and 20-9 to Saint Augustine’s in the Pioneer Bowl.



Videographer: SIACSPORTS

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Saint Augustine's Falcons win Pioneer Bowl

COLUMBUS, GA -- Saint Augustine’s survived a conversion returned for a touchdown in the first half and the absence of standout Walter Sanders to score 14 second-half points and knock off Fort Valley State 20-9 on Saturday afternoon in the Pioneer Bowl. The Falcons ended their season at 9-2 while the Wildcats concluded at 8-3, losing their second game in a month at A.J. McClung Stadium.

Saint Augustine’s Jone’ Jones was named the offensive and game MVP for his three receptions for 54 yards, two going for touchdowns. FVSU’s Ricky Johnson was the defensive MVP. Deonte Toliver rushed for 70 yards on 17 carries for the Falcons, who got 220 yards passing from Joaquin Green and Teddy Bacote.

Wildcats stumble to finish

COLUMBUS, Ga. -- At least this time, Ricky Johnson had a positive momento. But being named the defensive MVP of the Pioneer Bowl didn’t help. “We had this nasty taste in our mouths here (four) weeks ago,” the senior from Fort Valley State said. “It came back.”

FVSU’s sudden quarterback problems were too much to overcome and a struggling offense was the roadblock as the Wildcats fell 20-9 on Saturday to St. Augustine’s in the Pioneer Bowl. A crowd of about 1,500 watched the bowl game between the SIAC and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, the site of the Fountain City Classic between FVSU and Albany State.



FVSU Ends Year With Loss in Pioneer Bowl

On Saturday the Fort Valley St. Wildcats made their first postseason visit since 1999. Don Pittman's team entered the Pioneer Bowl shorthanded thanks to the arrest and suspension of standout quarterback Eugene Smith, and the departure of backup Nick Stephens, who decided to leave the team for personal reasons.

Behind center for FVSU was freshman Chris Broomfield, getting his first start. A year ago Broomfiel as the team equiptment manager.

ATTENDANCE: 1,500

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Pioneer Bowl: FVSU Wildcats look to rebound from missing playoffs

FORT VALLEY, Ga. -- Not being included in the NCAA Division II playoffs was obviously disappointing for Fort Valley State. But getting three more weeks of practice and getting to play in one of three Division II bowl games and having the chance to end the season on a winning note is a pretty good consolation prize.

It took a little while for the Wildcats to realize it after getting over a loss to end the regular season that kept them out of the playoffs. “You saw some pep in their step,” FVSU head coach Donald Pittman said of recent practices. “Everybody’s about back.”

FVSU takes on St. Augustine’s at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Pioneer Bowl at Columbus’ A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, home to the Fountain City Classic between FVSU and Albany State.

Former Huss standout hoping to help St. Aug's to school record

GASTONIA – Stedman Gardner says his St. Augustine’s College football coaches haven’t talked about the Falcons’ opportunity at history in Saturday’s 1 p.m. Pioneer Bowl at McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Ga. “They’re just trying to keep us focused on what’s ahead,” said Gardner, a 2008 Hunter Huss High graduate. “But it would feel great to get in the record book.”

St. Augustine’s (8-2) missed its first opportunity at history when it dropped its regular-season finale to crosstown rival Shaw 10-6 in its Nov. 6 regular-season finale. Then, the Falcons could’ve taken a school-record 9th victory while also advancing to the CIAA championship game for the first time. St. Augustine’s, which restarted its football program in 2002 after a 35-year absence, had previously won eight games in 1950, 1965 and 2005. The 1950 team has a school-best 8-1 record.

The Pioneer Bowl appearance against Fort Valley State (8-2) gives the Falcons a second chance to win their 9th game of the season. The contest is in its 12th season and pits a CIAA team against a SIAC team.

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Albany State Golden Rams win SIAC title in a thriller!

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - It wasn't easy or pretty but Albany State got the job done. The Rams held off Fort Valley State 12-7 in the Fountain City Classic to claim their first SIAC title since 2006. Stanley Jennings connected on 2 touchdown passes to Ronnie Childs in the second half after both teams failed to get on the score board in the first half.

The Rams' defense stepped up big in the 4th quarter with less than a minute left. ASU held Fort Valley out of the end zone after a blocked punt gave the Wildcats possession at the Ram 10 yard line. The win closes out a 10-0 regular season for the Rams.

Rams Edge FVSU for SIAC Title

This year's Fountain City Classic was more than a rivalry game. The SIAC Championship was at stake in Columbus between the 6th ranked undefeated Albany State Rams, and No. 25 Fort Valley State, winners of seven straight.

After battling to a scoreless tie in the first, the Wildcats' Emanuel Williams scooped up a fumble by LiRonnie Davis and took it to the end zone to give FVSU a 7-0 edge. The Rams responded with back-to-back touchdown passes from Stanley Jennings to Ronnie Childs to put Albany State ahead 12-7.



Wrong shade of blue: Fort Valley State falls short against Albany State

COLUMBUS — Tony Reid could only kneel down and watch, listen and stare blankly ahead as fans in blue and gold celebrated. The problem for the junior running back was simple — the wrong fans in the wrong blue and gold were happy.

“We came in and won last year and Albany State looked at it as a fluke, it just so happened we got lucky,” the Fort Valley State running back said. “We knew that it wasn’t luck last year. We had to do it again and make them respect us. We didn’t do that.”

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ATTENDANCE: 23,966


ASU Golden Passionettes 11/6/10

FVSU rallies to knock off Lane

The Fort Valley State Wildcats improved to 8-1 overall and 7-1 in the SIAC with a 31-18 win over Lane on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats entered the fourth quarter trailing 18-14, but they dominated the final quarter, scoring the final 17 points against the winless Dragons.

With his team trailing in the final quarter, Tony Reid took over. He scored from 1 yard out with 14:15 left and added a 6-yarder with 12:03 left to give the Wildcats control of the game. FVSU’s Justin Rosenbaum made a 47-yard field goal with less than six minutes remaining to close the scoring.

Lane falls to Fort Valley

For three quarters, it was difficult to tell which team entered Saturday's game at Lane Field No. 3 in the nation and which team was winless. Looking for its first win of the season, Lane College (0-9, 0-8) took an 18-14 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats (No. 3, NCAA Division II, HBCUDigest.com poll) responded with 17 unanswered points, pulling out a 31-18 win.

The Wildcats' Tony Reid scored on a one-yard run on the second play of the fourth quarter after racing 53 yards in the wildcat formation that gave Fort Valley the lead for keeps in Lane's final home game of the season.

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FVSU Wildcats looking to keep things clean on road

FORT VALLEY, GA — The MUFLY tour is done for Fort Valley State. The Wildcats have made up for last year — aka MUFLY — by avenging 2009’s conference losses with consecutive wins over Benedict, Clark Atlanta and Tuskegee.

Now, for two weeks, the mantra might as well be TCOB — as in take care of business. And that starts with Saturday’s long road trip to Kentucky State. FVSU is 6-1 overall and 5-1 in conference action, sharing second with Morehouse, both a game behind unbeaten (7-0, 6-0) Albany State. The Wildcats will be keeping their ears open to in-game scoring updates at Alumni Stadium, since Morehouse hosts Albany State with the same 2 p.m. kickoff Saturday.

KSU's Derrick Addai proves he's more than Joseph Addai's little brother

Saturday afternoon will be a day of lasts for Kentucky State senior linebacker Derrick Addai. Last game at Alumni Stadium, last day to excite Thorobred nation with a jarring tackle or interception, last pre-game fight with nerves in the KSU locker room. But in spite of all the lasts, it’s the first that may stand out the most.

Football was an unexpected path for the 22-year-old defensive standout. Derrick never played the game until his senior year at Sharptown High School in Houston, Texas. By his second season with the Breds he had become the team leader in tackles. This year he is leading the entire SIAC in the category.

Derrick’s a conference standout, no doubt; one that should get a shot to play on Sundays. Maybe that’s not as surprising considering his cheering section for Saturday’s 1 p.m. Senior Day game against Fort Valley State, which will include his older sister Josephine and older brother Joseph.

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FVSU Beats Tuskegee 26-0 for 5th Straight 'W'

Two SIAC heavyweights did battle in the Valley Saturday. Fort Valley State and Tuskegee rolled in at 5-1, tied for 2nd in the conference behind undefeated Albany State.

The Wildcats scored on their opening drive, thanks to a six-yard TD run from Tony Reid to make it 6-0. In the second quarter Aaron Courtney punched it in, followed by a failed two-point conversion to make it a 12-0 game. FVSU QB Eugene Smith connected with Demario Barber before halftime to make it 19-0.

Wildcats dominate Golden Tigers in SIAC showdown

FORT VALLEY, GA – Back in August, there was talk about the old Fort Valley State “blue death” defense. That was talk. The live 2010 version showed up against Tuskegee. When FVSU’s offense actually let Tuskegee have the ball, FVSU’s defense made it pay.

Tuskegee was held to only 92 yards in total offense and blanked for the first time since 2003 as the Wildcats were dominant on both sides of the ball in pounding the 16th-ranked Golden Tigers 26-0 on Saturday night at Wildcat Stadium. FVSU improved to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in SIAC play on senior night while Tuskegee fell to 5-2 and 4-2.

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Tuskegee, 5-1, at Fort Valley State today

For No. 16 Tuskegee (5-1, 4-1 SIAC), its brutal stretch of confer ence games concludes with Fort Valley State (5-1, 4-1). After a home throttling at the hands of conference- leading Albany State, the Golden Tigers have rebounded well with wins over FCS opponent Texas Southern and SIAC foes Miles and previously undefeated Morehouse.

The primary reason has been the play of Tuskegee's defense, which ranks seventh in Division II in total defense and first in passing yards allowed. Fort Valley State's defense, however, has been nearly as sturdy.

FVSU readies for key contest with Tuskegee

FORT VALLEY, GA — Donald Pittman looked like a man who needed a few administrative assistants, immediately. Two different phones rang, and his office was filled with boxes of blue T-shirts with his team’s midseason motto: Making Up For Last Year.

Fort Valley State’s head coach needed to order more small T-shirts, and it appeared they wouldn’t be delivered in time for Thursday night’s pep rally. And that wasn’t making him happy.

Then the conversation returned to Saturday night’s opponent, and Pittman’s attention immediately returned to football. “Seven long years,” he said. “It’s about time for that to change.”

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This is the funniest guy in Georgia.

FVSU Wildcats gain some more revenge

Fort Valley State is in the middle of its revenge tour, trying to take care of teams that beat the Wildcats a year ago. They’re 2-for-2. FVSU never trailed and scored in the final minute of the second quarter to take control en route to a 40-16 win Saturday over Clark Atlanta in SIAC action.
The Wildcats won their fourth straight game to improve to 5-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The Panthers fell to 3-3 and 3-2.

Now FVSU can focus on one of its two games of the year. Defending SIAC champion Tuskegee visits Fort Valley in six days with the loser all but being eliminated from postseason contention.

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FVSU Wildcats gain their homecoming revenge

FORT VALLEY, GA — About two-thirds of the way through the third quarter, running back Aaron Courtney was stopped at the line, but he disposed of the two Benedict tacklers who had him wrapped up and raced 22 yards for a touchdown.

That gave Fort Valley State a two-touchdown lead, and the Wildcats could breathe a little bit. Homecoming appeared to be saved, and the weekend would be a good one for FVSU. FVSU’s defense surrendered only a few big plays and the Wildcats blocked two punts and rolled past Benedict 41-13 on Saturday afternoon at Wildcat Stadium.

The crowd was announced at 12,455 watched FVSU improve to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in SIAC play. Benedict fell to 1-5 and 1-4.

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Smith leads FVSU to 56-2 rout over Stillman

FORT VALLEY, GA — Eugene Smith has waited a long time for his Fort Valley State debut. He was in school last year but didn’t play. And assorted paperwork and administrative issues kept him off the field for FVSU’s first three games. His debut was the kind one dreams of.

“It’s about time,” the 6-foot-3 quarterback said. “It’s been a long time. The strong right-hander had 167 yards worth of touchdown passes before halftime as FVSU rolled past Stillman 56-2 on Saturday night at Wildcat Stadium.

FVSU improved to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the SIAC while Stillman fell to 0-4 overall and in conference play. The Wildcats are off before hosting Benedict on Oct. 2 for homecoming.

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Fort Valley State opens with win over Miles Golden Bears

FAIRFIELD, Ala. — With its starting quarterback, running back and left tackle all injured for the season opener against Miles, Fort Valley State knew its defense had to dominate. Miles quarterback Carlton Hill can attest that the Wildcats did just that.



A relentless Fort Valley State defensive front seven kept Hill under pressure all game and helped limit the Golden Bears to 141 yards of offense in a 24-3 road victory Saturday. “Offensively, we knew we were going to struggle,” Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman said. “Defensively, we knew we were going to control the game.”

Hill never could get comfortable in the pocket while completing 16-of-33 passes for 135 yards. The Wildcats entered halftime with only 36 yards passing, couldn’t sustain scoring drives in the final two quarters and finished the game with minus-3 rushing yards.

FVSU Wildcats dealing with issues of early start

When Fort Valley State head football coach Donald Pittman got the chance earlier this month to get ahead of things as far as classes and registration for his players, he was ecstatic. “It’s huge,” he said. “You can focus on the season.”

But he also knew that there odds were long that the Wildcats would have absolutely everybody in uniform for the season opener Saturday at Miles, mostly because of assorted paperwork and transcript issues regarding transfers and players regaining eligibility. And he was right.

The Wildcats did get some key players back on the practice field recently, like wideout...

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FVSU Enters Year Two Under Pittman

The FVSU Wildcats had their uniforms on Saturday afternoon, but won't do so in a true game situation until August 28th. Instead, it was picture day at Fort Valley St., another sign that the football season is fast approaching. For the blue and gold that means year two under head coach Donald Pittman, who guided the Wildcats to a 7-4 mark in 2009.



In year two Pittman has a squad that features seven preseason all-conference picks, and plans to go beyond their projected 3rd place finish in the SIAC. Both players and coach say their familiarity with one another in season two will help them do just that. "We know each other, we know the different temperaments, we know what kids we can really approach in a certain way," Pittman said. "We became more of a team, we're a family now."

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FVSU Wildcats make their return to practice field

FORT VALLEY, GA — The first day of football practice at Fort Valley State was like most of the ones at nearly every college throughout the land: fairly routine and injury-free. Everybody head coach Donald Pittman expected to be in uniform was there Wednesday for the first day of practice, and the returning Wildcats came back in shape. But Pittman and his staff will have a little less stress as they prepare for the season and the opener Aug. 28 at Miles College.

“I’ll tell you what the most important part of it is,” said Pittman, beginning his second season at FVSU. “The president, Dr. (Larry) Rivers, he gave us an opportunity to come in two days before (camp) started and gave us the chance to register and get cleared and do all of those things.

“We don’t have to worry about that at the end. It’s all cleared now.” Pittman and his predecessors regularly went through August camp with players having to wait on a variety of administrative and financial aid issues to be cleared with players. And often, some of those matters weren’t taken care of before the season started, so a player might miss a game or more.

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