Showing posts with label Florida A and M University Athletics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida A and M University Athletics. Show all posts
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
FAMU A.D. Derek Horne's Rattler Progress Report
You will want to watch the exclusive interviews (see below) conducted by Tallahassee WCTV's Elton Gumbel with Florida A&M University athletic director Derek Horne. I can honestly say that the RattlerNation is well pleased with Horne's actions to raise the bar on Rattler athletics.
Yes, we know the Rattlers men basketball program need some serious attention, but that's coming with the completion of the present coaching staff contracts.
When the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., finalizes negotiations with Southern University to be the 2011 classic opponent for FAMU, the football schedule will have some great new flavor, with Fort Valley State (SIAC), University of South Florida (Big East), North Carolina Central (MEAC) and possibly Southern (SWAC).
The FVSU Wildcats finished 8-2 in 2010, and will be an exciting season opener for FVSU's eighth president, Dr. Larry E. Rivers on his return to the hill. Dr. Rivers previously served as one of two FAMU “distinguished university professor” and dean of the FAMU College of Arts and Sciences. We will talk more about the schedule later.
Now, back to Derek Hornes and his perspectives on where he is leading the Rattlers athletic programs.
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Just a few years ago the FAMU Rattlers' athletic road seemed to be full of speed bumps and maybe even a few wrong turns. But now their Wahnish Way is brighter and brighter by the day. For the last 149 days (and counting), Quitman, Georgia native Derek Horne has been settling into his role as athletic director.
Having the Rattlers win a MEAC football title just 4 months into the job helps make the new gig easier... But now that FAMU has transitioned from football and started putting the focus on Winter and Spring sports, the new leader has had a little bit of time to sit back and evaluate the state of the program. Safe to say, he likes what he sees.
READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.
Please Click Each Title below to view WCTV Video Interview
FAMU's Derek Horne on FAMU Optimism
FAMU's Derek Horne Unplugged
FAMU's Derek Horne on Spring Sports
FAMU's Derek Horne on Atlanta Classic Changes
FAMU's Derek Horne on First 4 Months as A.D.
Yes, we know the Rattlers men basketball program need some serious attention, but that's coming with the completion of the present coaching staff contracts.
When the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., finalizes negotiations with Southern University to be the 2011 classic opponent for FAMU, the football schedule will have some great new flavor, with Fort Valley State (SIAC), University of South Florida (Big East), North Carolina Central (MEAC) and possibly Southern (SWAC).
The FVSU Wildcats finished 8-2 in 2010, and will be an exciting season opener for FVSU's eighth president, Dr. Larry E. Rivers on his return to the hill. Dr. Rivers previously served as one of two FAMU “distinguished university professor” and dean of the FAMU College of Arts and Sciences. We will talk more about the schedule later.
Now, back to Derek Hornes and his perspectives on where he is leading the Rattlers athletic programs.
(beepbeep)
------------------
Just a few years ago the FAMU Rattlers' athletic road seemed to be full of speed bumps and maybe even a few wrong turns. But now their Wahnish Way is brighter and brighter by the day. For the last 149 days (and counting), Quitman, Georgia native Derek Horne has been settling into his role as athletic director.
Having the Rattlers win a MEAC football title just 4 months into the job helps make the new gig easier... But now that FAMU has transitioned from football and started putting the focus on Winter and Spring sports, the new leader has had a little bit of time to sit back and evaluate the state of the program. Safe to say, he likes what he sees.
READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.
Please Click Each Title below to view WCTV Video Interview
FAMU's Derek Horne on FAMU Optimism
FAMU's Derek Horne Unplugged
FAMU's Derek Horne on Spring Sports
FAMU's Derek Horne on Atlanta Classic Changes
FAMU's Derek Horne on First 4 Months as A.D.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Ammons, Taylor have FAMU football team walking stage
Little of what Joe Taylor tells his football players when they show up in the spring changes during the years. At some point in the conversation, he'll tell them if they don't attend classes they won't play for him. His reason is this: If a student-athlete commits to the classroom he will show the same commitment on the field. Frankly, Taylor says, it's about trust.
"You cannot have a relationship if there isn't trust involved," Taylor said. "I can't help you and you can't help me if we can't trust each other."
It's a philosophy that has worked well for Taylor, especially at Florida A&M where a record number of football players are graduating from the program. Taylor has gotten a lot of help from FAMU president James Ammons, who has made the Rattlers' athletic program top priority since becoming president three years ago.
Videographer:FAMUSPORTS
Olaves rebuilding FAMU swimming program
The stoic look on Jorge Olaves' face was a good sign that he wasn't joking as he stared at the list of records set over the past eight years by Florida A&M swimmers, then made a very bold statement. "I want to break all those records," he said emphatically. "All those records."
That from a man who took over the men's and women's teams for a second time with a handful of swimmers and without a home pool. But he said he's seeing progress as his swimmers are dropping their times and he's getting overseas inquiries from potential recruits.
All he needs is time, said Olaves, who coached the Rattlers from 1997 to 2002. Back then, he started with five swimmers and had a men's and women's squad of 35 when he left the program.
Stevens stepping into leadership role for Rattlers
Defenders were all around Amin Stevens early in the second half as Florida A&M was in the midst of a run. Stevens got enough clearance to sink a layup that trimmed Bethune-Cookman's lead to one. The Rattlers scored on their next possession to go up by one point for their only lead in the game, which they eventually lost. But with every touch of the ball, Stevens tried to deliver.
"I just try to make plays for everybody," he said. "I drive to the goal and if anybody collapses on me I just kick it out for the open shot. But I'm looking to score more than I did last year."
READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.
"You cannot have a relationship if there isn't trust involved," Taylor said. "I can't help you and you can't help me if we can't trust each other."
It's a philosophy that has worked well for Taylor, especially at Florida A&M where a record number of football players are graduating from the program. Taylor has gotten a lot of help from FAMU president James Ammons, who has made the Rattlers' athletic program top priority since becoming president three years ago.
Videographer:FAMUSPORTS
Olaves rebuilding FAMU swimming program
The stoic look on Jorge Olaves' face was a good sign that he wasn't joking as he stared at the list of records set over the past eight years by Florida A&M swimmers, then made a very bold statement. "I want to break all those records," he said emphatically. "All those records."
That from a man who took over the men's and women's teams for a second time with a handful of swimmers and without a home pool. But he said he's seeing progress as his swimmers are dropping their times and he's getting overseas inquiries from potential recruits.
All he needs is time, said Olaves, who coached the Rattlers from 1997 to 2002. Back then, he started with five swimmers and had a men's and women's squad of 35 when he left the program.
Stevens stepping into leadership role for Rattlers
Defenders were all around Amin Stevens early in the second half as Florida A&M was in the midst of a run. Stevens got enough clearance to sink a layup that trimmed Bethune-Cookman's lead to one. The Rattlers scored on their next possession to go up by one point for their only lead in the game, which they eventually lost. But with every touch of the ball, Stevens tried to deliver.
"I just try to make plays for everybody," he said. "I drive to the goal and if anybody collapses on me I just kick it out for the open shot. But I'm looking to score more than I did last year."
READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Trainor moves up FAMU depth chart»
If Austin Trainor plays his role with the same confidence and tenacity that he demonstrates during an interview, the former North Florida Christian quarterback should give some kind of effort.
Coach Joe Taylor announced earlier this week Trainor has been promoted on the Florida A&M depth chart to second-string quarterback behind Martin Ukpai. Maybe it's the innocence of being a redshirt freshman, but Trainor responded to the move from third-string as if he was handed the reins.
FAMU's Ojo making a positive impact at safety
As Florida A&M offense struggled last weekend to put points on the board, safety Oye Ojo felt a sense of responsibility as the game went on.
The former Florida High standout just wanted to do something — anything defensively — to get the Rattlers in a position to score. That didn't happen, of course. But as a result of his effort, Ojo ended the game with a career-best 12 tackles in the game, becoming the team's second leading tackler.
FAMU benefits from added depth »
Last season when South Carolina State University made a personnel switch to strengthen its lineup in the finals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tennis championships, Carl Goodman couldn't counter. His Florida A&M team didn't have the depth.
But with an eight-player roster, with the possible addition of another in January, Goodman is already seeing the advantage of having a deeper roster this season. The Rattlers didn't have a single overworked player two weeks ago when they captured the HBCU national championship in Atlanta.
READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.
Coach Joe Taylor announced earlier this week Trainor has been promoted on the Florida A&M depth chart to second-string quarterback behind Martin Ukpai. Maybe it's the innocence of being a redshirt freshman, but Trainor responded to the move from third-string as if he was handed the reins.
FAMU's Ojo making a positive impact at safety
As Florida A&M offense struggled last weekend to put points on the board, safety Oye Ojo felt a sense of responsibility as the game went on.
The former Florida High standout just wanted to do something — anything defensively — to get the Rattlers in a position to score. That didn't happen, of course. But as a result of his effort, Ojo ended the game with a career-best 12 tackles in the game, becoming the team's second leading tackler.
FAMU benefits from added depth »
Last season when South Carolina State University made a personnel switch to strengthen its lineup in the finals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tennis championships, Carl Goodman couldn't counter. His Florida A&M team didn't have the depth.
But with an eight-player roster, with the possible addition of another in January, Goodman is already seeing the advantage of having a deeper roster this season. The Rattlers didn't have a single overworked player two weeks ago when they captured the HBCU national championship in Atlanta.
READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
FAMU Rattlers Steps Up Its Marketing Game
What a difference a new season makes...
The Bears, Tigers, Bulldogs and Pirates have made it to the big screen-- that is the FAMU Jumbotron-- with their own personalized marketing clips. This is part of a home game series package of animations featuring the FAMU Rattler vs. its opponents, produced on behalf of the Florida A&M University Rattler Boosters.
Produced by Derek Ham Production + Design, the Rattler clips are on the high definition cutting edge in creativity and with the underline message that the Rattlers are ready to dominate its MEAC foes. The basketball and Rattler Strike clips will definitely become a FAMU fan favorite
Back away from your computer and big screen TV this weekend and go to a stadium and watch your local HBCU teams. I'm planning an evening trip to check out Bowie State vs. Morgan State in Baltimore this weekend. Go Rattlers!
Back away from your computer and big screen TV this weekend and go to a stadium and watch your local HBCU teams. I'm planning an evening trip to check out Bowie State vs. Morgan State in Baltimore this weekend. Go Rattlers!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
New FAMU AD comes from Ole Miss
FAMU's president James Ammons confirmed Friday that Horne has accepted the job as the Rattlers' athletic director, under a three year contract.TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Derek Horne, an associate athletic director at Ole Miss, has been hired as the athletic director at Florida A&M, FAMU president James Ammons confirmed tonight.
“I think Derek has a wide-range of experiences at the University of Mississippi and in the SEC, a conference that is a football powerhouse,” Ammons said. Ammons touted Horne’s leadership abilities, saying that he has “the potential to help us usher in a new era in Rattlers sports.”
According to an offer letter sent by the school to Horne and obtained by the Democrat, Horne will receive a three-year contract at $200,000 annually. “This offer is conditioned upon your written acceptance, and successful completion and review of a criminal background check,” Ammons wrote in his offer letter to Horne.
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READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Horne accepts FAMU athletic director job
FAMU picked to finish second in MEAC »
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
FAMU looks to get athletic program out of the red
Florida A&M University president Dr. James H. Ammons.If indeed it takes a village to raise a child, then Florida A&M President James Ammons might be on to something to help his athletic program get out of the red. While FAMU has made great strides during the past year to reduce its athletic department's deficit by almost $1 million, Ammons believes that if coaches recruit more local athletes they'd eventually help gate receipts that could put more bodies in the Lawson Center and Bragg Stadium on game days.
"I think there is some merit in looking at local athletes, especially when you have a 10,000-seat facility," Ammons said during a recent interview with the Tallahassee Democrat. "The family, the church, the community — I think everybody would come to watch local athletes play." Meanwhile, FAMU's athletic department continues efforts to cut into a budget deficit that totaled $5.3 million a year ago. Ammons said the gap is now at $4.6 million and the goal is to make the department profitable within the next three to five years.
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READ RELATED ARTICLES:
FAMU's New Strength Coach |
FAMU freshmen becoming early risers »
Wallace leaves FAMU over contract dispute »
FAMU's offensive lineman Ahmad must prove himself, again »
FAMU volleyball schedule announced »
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