Cooper Is Firmly at the Controls for Howard Bison

Video Games Help LB Develop Plan of Attack

Before he would entrust his defense to Endor Cooper, Howard coordinator Andre Creamer wanted to make certain the senior middle linebacker fully understood all of its nuances. The two men spent countless hours going over the playbook, watching film together and discussing defensive strategies. But it wasn't until they sat down in front of a television and played football video games that Creamer became convinced that Cooper grasped every aspect.

By manipulating the outcome of the game, Creamer was able to throw every scenario he could think of at Cooper. Trailing 21-17 with four minutes to go: What's the plan? The opponent just went to a hurry-up offense: How do you react? Each time, Creamer allowed Cooper to work through the situation, to make mistakes and to learn from them.

Howard University Bison 2008 Team Photo.

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Howard University 'Show-Time' Marching Band

Ray Ray McElrathbey Begins a New Chapter at HU

There is a 13-year-old running around in Cook Hall, hanging out with the football players and playing video games. Fahmarr McElrathbey seems like a typical kid but he's far from that. He followed his brother Ramon "Ray Ray" McElrathbey to Howard University from Clemson University where his brother is an alum and also played football.

While most students have classes, extracurricular activities and maybe a job to juggle, McElrathbey who is a graduate student studying Mass Communications, has more responsibilities than the average college student. In 2006, he adopted Fahmarr from his mother who is a recovering drug addict. And wherever big brother goes, little brother isn't too far behind. Finding a place to live and searching for the perfect school for Fahmarr are some of the decisions the 21-year-old has to make.

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Ex-Howard Bison athlete captures bronze in hurdles

It wasn't that long ago that David Oliver was an afterthought on the U.S. track team, a hurdler who went unrecognized by television analysts when he finally won a major race. "A nobody," he said. But Thursday night, the 26-year-old Denver East High School (and Howard University) graduate stood on a podium in National Stadium, a 2008 Olympic bronze medal hanging around his neck, eight years after a college scholarship seemed beyond his grasp.

"They only pass out three of these every four years, so to be one of the people who've got one is definitely an accomplishment in itself," Oliver said. "To get one of them (means) you'll always be remembered." Once Chinese superhero Liu Xiang pulled out of a preliminary heat with a foot injury, the race lost its luster in China. But Cuba's Dayron Robles, the world record-holder, ran a remarkable 12.93 seconds to take the gold.

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Former HU Denique Graves named assistant women's basketball coach

VESTAL, N.Y. -- The Binghamton University women's basketball team has announced the hiring of former Howard University Bison player, Denique Graves as an assistant coach to first-year head coach Nicole Scholl.

Graves is a three-year veteran of the WNBA and has seven years of international playing experience. She was drafted 15th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Monarchs and played for two seasons. In 2001, she signed as a free agent with the Orlando Miracle.

Around the globe, Graves played in Brazil (1997), Greece (1998), Turkey (1999) and Bulgaria (2001). In addition, she was both a professional player and a coach in Sweden (2000), Switzerland (2002), Austria (2003-04) and China (2004).

"I am very excited for Denique to join our coaching staff here at Binghamton," Scholl said. "She brings a wealth of playing experience and will be instrumental in the development of our post players. Her ties to the east coast and internationally will also benefit our program. Denique and I have the same philosophy when it comes to teaching and providing a positive experience for the young women in our program."

A 2008 graduate of Howard University, Graves starred for the Bison from 1993-97 before launching her professional career. She was a three-year All-MEAC selection and was the first player from a historically black college or university to be drafted by the WNBA.

Since 2004, Graves has been a coach at seven different basketball camps. Most recently, she was the Girls Basketball Director and Coach for the Headfirst Camp in Washington D.C.

Binghamton University, a SUNY doctoral research university for 13,000 students in beautiful upstate New York, plays Division I Women's Basketball in the American East Conference. Each of the nine institutions - University at Albany, Binghamton University, Boston University, University of Hartford, University of Maine, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), University of New Hampshire, Stony Brook University, and University of Vermont - offer a unique blend of academic and athletic tradition.

Sprinter headed to Olympic time trials

Since the seventh grade, Romulus' Landria Buckley has been excelling in track. Now this soon to be junior at Howard University in Washington D.C. is headed to the July 6 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. "In the beginning of the year my goal was to run under 13.3 seconds and qualify for regionals," Buckley said. "I surprised myself and made to nationals and ran 13.24 in the 100-meter hurdles."

She said that the adjustment from high school to college was different. For her she had to continue to work hard and really hit the weight room. The workouts are a lot harder and a lot more," she said. "The competition ends up being the best in the country."

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Student Jazz Singers of Howard University

NPR - All Things Considered - Nine music majors at Washington, D.C.'s Howard University are also part of the schools vocal jazz ensemble AfroBlue. Michele Norris talks with the group's director, Connaitre Miller, and listens as the students demonstrate "crunchy" harmonies on a familiar tune, as well as some smooth chords on a cappella versions of "Surrey with a Fringe on Top" and "Sometimes I'm Happy."

LISTEN NOW: http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=90832142&m=90832117

Howard University names Sidney Ribeau president

Photo: Dr. Sidney Ribeau (Courtesy Toledo Blade)

Howard University named the head of Bowling Green State University, Sidney Ribeau, as its 16th president Wednesday after an eight-month search, replacing the embattled Patrick Swygert.

Ribeau, who has led the 21,000-student Ohio university since 1995, will take over Aug. 1. A professor of communication, he previously was vice president for academic affairs at California Polytechnic State University in Pomona.

"I am excited by the opportunity to serve this historic institution," Ribeau said of the 10,000-student university. "Howard is a remarkable university, a truly international university and one that has made significant contributions not only in this country but around the world, training principally African-Americans for global leadership roles in America and the world."

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who co-chaired the search committee with Time Warner Inc. Chairman Richard Parsons, stressed Ribeau's reputation for communication.

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Howard Football to Host Spring Game on Saturday

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Howard University football team will close out its 2008 spring schedule with the spring game at Greene Stadium on Saturday, April 19. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m.

Head Coach Carey Bailey and his staff will split the squad into two teams and run an offense/defense format. "We've had a very good spring and are looking forward to finishing on a strong note on Saturday," Bailey said.

Bailey, who is completing his first season with Howard, and the Bison will open the 2008 season on September 6 at home versus cross town rival Georgetown University.

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Detroit native, CBS broadcaster Johnson's fame speaks for itself

Photo: Gus Johnson joined CBS Sports in 1995 as a play-by-play announcer for the CBS Television Network's coverage of college basketball, including the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. Johnson graduated from Howard University with a degree in political science and attended the university on a baseball scholarship.

Wherever he goes, Gus Johnson's head is on a swivel.

A longtime broadcaster of NFL and professional basketball games, he's often just another excitable announcer talking into a microphone.

But put Johnson, a Detroit native, in front of an NCAA tournament microphone and he becomes a rock star. His enthusiasm and passion have spilled over into many of the recent great moments of the tournament, and he's reminded everywhere he goes.

Best of Gus Johnson - Rise and Fire


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Coppin State Eagles knocks out Howard Bison

Photo: Coppin State senior guard Tywain McKee.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Senior guard Tywain McKee scored 18 points and nailed a pair of free throws with seven seconds remaining to lead Coppin State to a 55-54 victory over Howard in the opening round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament on Tuesday at the RBC Center.

With the Eagles clinging to a 53-51 lead, McKee hit two free throws to seal the victory for Coppin State.

"I just had to make the free throws," McKee, who leads the MEAC in free throw shooting percentage, said.

Curtis White hit a three-pointer at the buzzer bringing the final score to 55-54.

The Eagles (13-20) will advance to the quarterfinals where they will face second-seeded Hampton at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday (March 12).

Antwan Harrison added 12 points for Coppin State, which has won nine of its last 10 games.

"Howard never quit," said head coach Ron Mitchell. "We didn't play as aggresively tonight as we have down the stretch, but we did enough to win. We will have to do a better job against Hampton."

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Howard Lady Bison routed by Hampton University

Photo: Senior guard Rachel Butler lead the Lady Pirates in the rout by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds.

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University Lady Pirates basketball team concluded regular-season play with a 28-point shellacking of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Howard University here on Thursday, defeating the Lady Bison 74-46 at the HU Convocation Center.

Hampton, 17-12 overall and 10-6 in the MEAC, led 41-31 at halftime. Howard ended the regular-season with records of 4-25 overall and 3-13 in the conference. Mebane said his team’s performances over the last three games are hopefully an indication of the level of preparedness his players have for next week’s MEAC tournament, which will be played at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on March 10-15.

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Howard Comeback Falls Short In Loss To Morgan State

Photo: Boubacar Coly, 6-9/220 senior forward, blocked 4 shots, snatched 14 rebounds and scored 8 points in the victory over the Howard Bison.

BALTIMORE, MD. - Howard University staged a furious second half rally but fell just short in a 64-59 loss to Morgan State University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's basketball game at Hill Fieldhouse.

The Bison (5-22 overall, 2-10 in the MEAC) appeared all but done when the Bears took a seemingly insurmountable 59-34 lead at the 9:39 mark of the second half. Morgan State (17-9 overall, 11-2 in the MEAC) combined some stifling defense and a sizzling fast break to keep Howard on its heels.

The Bears, who are now alone in first place in the MEAC after Norfolk State's loss to Coppin State, got a team-high 17 from Marquise Kately, 12 from Jamar Smith and 10 from Reggie Holmes off the bench. Boubacar Coly, one of the top rebounders and shot blockers in the nation, grabbed 14 caroms and was credited with 4 blocks.

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WSSU Rams win 58-57 at Howard U. to end their road skid

Photo: Jamal Durham free throws help WSSU defeat a struggling Howard Bison team. The 6-6/215 junior forward and Computer Science major is from North Davidson H.S., Winston-Salem, N.C.








WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jamal Durham, who has been fighting a shooting slump, hit two crucial free throws with two seconds left last night to lift Winston-Salem State to a 58-57 victory over Howard.

The Rams broke a nine-game road losing streak this season and a 14-game road losing streak over the past two seasons. “It’s just a relief,” Durham said. “There’s no doubt that we’ve struggled on the road, so this is nice that I was able to help out my teammates and hit the shots.”

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Howard University signs 21 to NLI

Photo: Carey Bailey, head football coach Howard University Bison

Coach Carey Bailey, who completed his first season as head coach, announced 21 recruits for the upcoming season. Howard signed seven offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, three running backs, three linebackers, one quarterback, two defensive backs and two wide receivers. The players are broken down geographically as South Carolina (6), Texas (3), Florida (2), Georgia (2), New York (2) and one each from New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, DC, Tennessee, Illinois and Ohio.

"Overall, I am pleased with the class we were able to bring in," said Bailey. "We were able to get a bunch of East Coast kids as well as some local kids. We have a combination of some older players from the JC's and other transfers who will help the maturation of some of the younger players."

Bison 2008 Signees

1. Aramide Adefemiwa DL 6-6 310 Commack, NY/Nassau CC
2. Jahmaine Rodriguez RB 5-10 190 Commack, NY/Nassau CC
3. Bruce Cabell S 6-0 190 Joliet, IL/Joliet JC
4. Davin Morris OL 6-4 315 Houston, TX/Yates HS
5.Quintin Powell WR 6-3 180 Houston, TX/Yates HS
6. Willie Carter WR 6-2 180 Denmark, SC/Denmark-Olar HS
7. Jeramen Bennette DL 6-4 280 St. Matthews, SC/Calhoun County HS
8. Kashin McElveen OL 6-4 320 Salters, SC/Denmark-Olar HS
9. DeAngelo Moody LB 6-3 225 Denmark, SC/Denmark-Olar HS
10. Terrell Hawkins OL 6-4 320 Temple Hills, MD/Friendly HS
11. D'Angelo Lucas OL 6-6 360 Washington, DC/H.D. Woodson HS
12. Brandon Drayton RB 5-9 170 Miami, FL/Northwestern HS
13. Terell Killings OL 6-4 290 Miami, FL/Northwestern HS
14. Jarad Dorsey QB 6-2 180 Ellenwood, GA/MLK Jr. HS
15. Glynn Jones LB 5-10 215 Kennesaw, GA/North Cobb HS
16. Keith Pough LB 6-2 220 Orangeburg, SC/Scotts Branch HS
17. DeCarlos Knight S 6-0 190 Nashville, TN/Pearl-Cohn HS
18. Ashton Wilder DL 6-4 290 Newark, NJ/Malcolm X Shabazz HS
19. Jarrett Ford OL 6-3 280 Cincinnati, OH/Harmony Community HS
20. Charles Brice RB 6-0 180 Columbia, SC/Keenan HS
21. Quindarole King OL 6-4 310 Texas City, TX/Lamarque HS

Deloach corrals energy after missed dunk, lifts NSU Spartans

Photo: Michael Deloach, guard, 6-0/175 Junior, Rocky Mount, N.C., Bonner Academy.

NORFOLK, VA - Norfolk State's Michael Deloach stands about 5-foot-11, which made his 360-degree dunk attempt in the first half Monday night look problematic from the start. Deloach appeared to take off too close to the bucket, failed to get sufficient elevation and smacked the ball against the bottom of the rim.

NSU coach Anthony Evans didn't bat an eye at the audacious attempt. It was just Deloach being Deloach, the Spartans' energy guy off the bench. The junior from Rocky Mount, N.C., played his role to the hilt Monday, pumping in 16 points in 21 minutes to lead Norfolk State past Howard 59-44.

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Pop diva Roberta Flack sets musical future for students at Bronx school

Photo: Famed pop singer Roberta Flack was raised in Arlington, Virginia (born in Asheville, NC) and entered Howard University on a music scholarship at age 15 and graduated at age 19.

The house was packed, but easily the most enthusiastic fan at the Roberta Flack School of Music's first Winter Music Festival last week was the school's chief benefactor and namesake. Time and again the multi-Grammy Award-winning Flack leaped from her first-row center seat to lead the applause during the two-hour program, held in the Hyde Leadership Charter School auditorium in Hunts Point, the Bronx.

She stalked the footlights for better angles, hugged every child - and many adults - who ventured within arms' reach and even admonished the crowd to quiet down. "I didn't know it was going to be this good!" Flack said with a grin. "These children have worked so hard. Please give them your undivided attention."

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The school is trying to raise $12,000 to send a dozen students to the 28th annual Alcorn State University Jazz Festival in Lorman, Mississippi on April 19, 2008. Contributions can be sent to the school, 730 Bryant Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10474. The phone number is (718) 991-5500.

Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

NCA&T Aggies win 6th straight as Howard falls

Photo: Guard Steve Rush hit 8-of-11 shots to finish with a game-high 24 points. The 5-11/170 senior is from Greensboro, N.C.

GREENSBORO -- The Howard Bison were bigger, stronger and more physical than N.C. A&T. But they had no answers for either the Aggies' press or sharp shooting. A&T spotted Howard an early nine-point lead, but thanks to a strong defensive effort and nine-of-13 shooting from the arc by guards Steven Rush (4-6) and Austin Ewing (5-7), the Aggies cruised to an easy 72-56 win at the Corbett Sports Center on Saturday.

Once the Aggies (11-9, 5-2) started to score, they set up their full-court pressure, which gave the Bison fits. "When we came off the bench with our subs and started to press them, I think we had eight steals at halftime," Eaves said. "We ended up with 13 steals, which is the way we play. I was glad to see that."

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Howard at Eastern Michigan

BY JEFF ARNOLD, Ann Arbor News

It's EMU's turn for a I-AA foe
Eagles say they aren't taking Howard lightly

Carey Bailey understands the inspiration that many of his I-AA coaching brethren may draw from a certain season-opening victory by Appalachian State.

But the first-year Howard University head coach isn't buying it.

While Bailey can appreciate the aftershocks the Mountaineers' 34-32 win over then No. 5-ranked Michigan left among lower-division programs like his, he won't allow his team to think it has anything to do with its preparations for today's road test at Eastern Michigan.

"To us, this is just the next game on our schedule,'' Bailey said earlier this week. "I try and not get into the whole I-AA versus I-A thing. This is just another game for us to try and go out and execute. It doesn't matter who we're playing. We have to do that if we hope to win.''

Eastern Michigan (1-2) represents the lone I-A opponent for the Bisons (0-2), who are coming off a 30-17 loss at Florida A&M.

Howard, which posted a 6-6 record last season while competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, traveled to Rutgers in 2006, filling out a schedule comprised with the likes of Coppin State, Delaware State and North Carolina A&T.

And despite the differences in Eastern Michigan's weekly level of competition, coach Jeff Genyk refuses to consider Howard anything less than another challenge the Eagles have to contend with.

After all, Eastern's last I-AA test resulted in a 31-28 home loss to Eastern Illinois in 2005.

And with I-AA programs more than holding their own this season between Appalachian State's win at Michigan Stadium, Southern Illinois' victory over Northern Illinois and The Citadel remaining close with Wisconsin for three quarters, Genyk knows Howard will bring a competitive mentality into today's game.

Not to mention a spread

offense that possesses the ability to put points on the board and that will test Eastern's young secondary.

"You have to prepare very well for these games,'' Genyk said. "These teams are generally feeling (how other I-AA teams have fared) and realize that, 'Hey, we've got 63 scholarships, Eastern Michigan's got 85 - so what? Let's go steal one.' ''

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, Mich.

Records: Bison 0-2; Eagles 1-2.

Still Stinging: After staying close with Hampton in the season opener, the Bison gave a dispirited performance last week at Florida A&M. Howard surrendered more than 300 rushing yards in the 30-17 loss, 222 of them by freshman tailback Philip Sylvester. Brian Johnson completed 12 of 16 passes for 126 yards for the Bison, five of them to Jarahn Williams, including both touchdowns. Endor Cooper led Howard with 13 tackles, including 3 1/2 for losses.

Breaking Ground: This the first time the schools have met, and the Bison will be the first MEAC team to play in Rynearson Stadium.

Howard quarterback Johnson will challenge FAMU

Photo: Howard University's QB Brian Johnson, 6-0/190 Sr., Gardenia, Calif./LA Southwest C.C.

By St. Clair Murraine, Democrat Staff Writer

Brian Johnson carried the ball 14 times for 79 yards and was Howard's leading rushing against Hampton University. That's Brian Johnson the Bison's quarterback.

Johnson's ability to pass and run the ball has been more than just casual talk around FAMU's fieldhouse this week. He has been one of the primary concerns for the Rattlers as they prepare to face the Bison in a match-up of winless MEAC teams.

"He's very athletic," coach Rubin Carter said. "He moves around and could cause some problems because it's hard to defend that type of mobile quarterback. We will have to make sure that we have good schemes to defend what Howard is doing."

For the second consecutive year - and three straight 0-2 starts - FAMU is facing Howard (0-1) in a pivotal game. FAMU began to turn its season around last year with a win over the Bison.

But even with a first-year head coach in Carey Bailey, Howard could still pose some challenges for the Rattlers.

Johnson is the main reason. In addition to his rushing yards, he completed 21 of 37 pass attempts for 244 yards in a 31-24 loss to Hampton on Saturday.

Johnson, a 6-0, 190-pound senior, took over as quarterback late last season when he started the Bison's last fives games, winning four. He solidified his claim to start this season with a strong spring.

"He is a very, very smart football player," Bailey said, assessing Johnson earlier this week. "He's been able to take a grasp of our offense and know it inside-out. He was able throughout the game to make checks.

"The only thing we asked him to do is to not try to create a play that is going to be impossible. He did a great job of making smart decisions."

Bailey is aware that FAMU has shown deficiencies against the pass and rush in both of its games As a result the Rattlers are ranked seventh in both areas in the league, but Bailey isn't counting on FAMU continuing that pattern.

"Florida A&M poses a lot of different challenges," Bailey said. "One, they have an extremely fast football team. Two, that environment down there is very difficult to play in. And three, we know right now they're a very hungry football squad. They're very, very motivated."

FAMU Jazz Ensemble

Hampton University's Mitchell takes the reins

By MARTY O'BRIEN , Daily Press

Pirates' new starting QB gets first assignment at tough Howard in "the Real HU Classic."

HAMPTON-After almost four seasons with one starting quarterback, Hampton University fans quite naturally wonder if new guy Terry "T.J." Mitchell will pass the leadership test in Saturday's season-opener at Howard. The following anecdote might provide a clue.

Pirates coach Joe Taylor spent much of spring practice searching for his third offensive coordinator in two months. He even brought legendary former Florida A&M coach Billy Joe to town for an interview.

But Mitchell and his offensive teammates took a liking to receivers coach Corey Sullivan, who filled in as coordinator during the spring. Upon hearing that Billy Joe or someone else might replace Sullivan, Mitchell sprung into action.

"I grabbed a couple of guys from the other offensive segments and walked into Coach Taylor's office," said Mitchell, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound sophomore. "I told him I felt like Coach Sullivan was the best guy for the job. I said he was a hard worker and a competitive guy who would push us, but treat us like men.

"I said we didn't need to change our offense. Coach Taylor is like a father-figure, the kind of guy who will listen to what you're saying and take it into consideration."

Taylor stopped the job search immediately and handed the offense to Sullivan.

"The team belongs to the players," Taylor said. "Coaches are service stations: We're there to refuel and give guidance. We felt Coach Sullivan had been doing a fine job, but T.J. took control and made sure I knew the players felt he was their guy.

"He's got the mentality of a leader."

Hampton fans who made the trip to Birmingham, Ala. for the game against Grambling State last September knew that already. When fourth-year starter Princeton Shepherd cramped in the second half, Mitchell replaced him at quarterback and led the Pirates to a 27-26 overtime victory.

He struggled early, but led a comeback with touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and overtime. Mitchell had never before taken a snap in college.

"When they told me I had to go into the game, I was so nervous I could hardly find my helmet," said Mitchell, who transferred to Hampton 13 months ago from West Virginia. "I hadn't even had any practice repetitions with the first team.

"After the first hit, the jitters went away. That game really helped my confidence level."

Mitchell started the homecoming game against Winston-Salem while Shepherd sat out with a minor injury. He completed 17-of-27 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown in the Pirates' 13-3 victory.

He assumed the starting role when Shepherd exhausted his eligibility after a 2006 season in which the Pirates went 10-2 and won a third consecutive MEAC title. By spring, a stronger Mitchell was displaying more zip on his passes and a running ability that HU quarterbacks had lacked in recent years.

But the team's offensive coaching carousel made him uncomfortable. Chris Beatty, who had coached Mitchell at Landstown High of Virginia Beach, became an assistant in February at Northern Illinois. Then next coordinator, Charles Bankins, took an assistant's position in April at Richmond.

Sullivan appreciates Mitchell's vote of support.

"I was surprised when I heard he did that," Sullivan said of Mitchell's summit with Taylor. "I felt confident I could do the job. But I believe that whatever you're trying to get done, if the kids have confidence in you it will get done.

"And a confident starting quarterback is huge."

Self-assurance will be particularly important at Howard's Green Stadium, the site this year for the showdown known as "the Real HU Classic." A standing room only crowd of about 10,000 is expected at the tiny facility, where the Pirates often struggle.

The Bison fans can be unkind to opposing quarterbacks, but Mitchell is unfazed.

"I know the crowd will be on our back, and it will be so condensed we'll be able to see people eating popcorn and hot dogs," he said. "But you block all that out on the snap of the ball.

"I've always played quarterback, so I've always had guys counting on me. I've always wanted to put guys on my back and win."