New star emerges from hurdles debris at WC Athletics Daegu

DAEGU, South Korea — Thrilling and controversial, an incident-packed world 110m hurdles final lived up to its billing by producing a dramatic disqualification for the Olympic champion -- and a new star.

In Monday's first ever meeting in a global final between the three fastest sprint hurdlers of all time -- Dayron Robles, Liu Xiang and David Oliver (Howard University) -- it was Jason Richardson who emerged with the gold after the dust had settled.

A day after defending champion Usain Bolt saw his 100m dream shattered after sensationally false-starting, the worlds were again rocked as another of the biggest stars in athletics was stripped of his medal for obstruction.

Cuba's Robles had won a thriller in 13.14sec, edging out American Richardson by just 0.02sec but made contact with former Olympic and world champion Liu in the latter stages of the race in South Korea.

A protest by China on behalf of Liu, who appeared to be impeded when Robles strayed to the edge of his lane and the pair clashed arms at each of the last two hurdles, was upheld and Robles lost his gold.

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110m Hurdles Men Final WC Athletics Daegu 2011
Jason Richardson USA 13.16
Xiang Liu CHN 13.27
Andrew Turner GBR 13.44
David Oliver USA 13.44
William Sharman GBR 13.67
Aries Merritt USA 13.67
Dayron Robles CUB DQ
Dwight Thomas JAM DNF

Howard's going back to the future

Washington, D.C. - Interspersed with dramatic footage from the film "Transformers" are Howard football highlights. The two-minute trailer on the school's athletic website, titled the "Road to Redemption," introduces a new era of high expectations for Howard football.

When the video was shown to the Bison at the start of preseason camp, the first image that popped on screen was 11-0.

If that goal sounds preposterous for a team coming off a 1-10 season, consider the man who authored it. If anyone knows the road map to 11-0 at Howard, it's new coach Gary "Flea" Harrell. As a player, the former New York Giants wide receiver helped Howard improve from 2-9 in 1991 to 11-1 in 1993, the last time the Bison went undefeated in the regular season and won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.



"When I was here, [11-0] was our goal...

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World's Top 3 Hurdlers Will Finally Have a Showdown

DAEGU, SOUTH KOREA — They are the three fastest 110-meter hurdlers in history, and for a change, Dayron Robles, Liu Xiang and David Oliver (Howard University) are all in the same place.

“It’s probably the best field ever assembled,” said Vin Lananna, head coach of the U.S. men’s team at the world track and field championships. “I think it’s going to be a dogfight.”

With all three men advancing comfortably Sunday in their heats, the final on Monday still has a fine chance to be the race of these championships. Though Robles’s world record of 12.87 seconds remains unlikely to fall, it is hardly unthinkable with this much talent sharing space and the same objective on the new blue track in Daegu Stadium.

“One mistake and you are dead,” Robles said.



110m Hurdles Men Heat 3 WC Athletics Daegu 2011
David Oliver USA 13.27 Q
Fan Jiang CHN 13.47 Q (PB)
Andrew Riley JAM 13.47 Q
Dimitri Bascou FRA 13.51
William Sharman GBR 13.52
Héctor Cotto PUR 13.60 Lehann Fourie RSA 13.86

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Friends of Howard Football hosts "The Meet The Bison Luncheon" for the Howard University football team

Washington, DC -- Friends of Howard Football, a local alumni-based fundraising group that promotes interest in the Howard University football program, hosts the “Meet the Bison” luncheon in the Howard University Blackburn Ballroom on Sunday, August 28th from 12 pm to 3 pm.

The “Meet the Bison” luncheon is a fundraising opportunity for friends, family, alumni, and Howard University supporters to be introduced to the 2011 Football team. The entire Howard University Football program coaching staff, including head coach Gary “Flea” Harrell, will be in attendance to make introductions and familiarize supporters to the Howard University Football Team and the Howard University community.



Event tickets are $55.00 per person or $550.00 for a 10 person table. Tickets are available at the Friends of Howard Football website or at http://2011fhfmeetthebisonluncheon.eventbrite.com. The ticket purchase deadline is Wednesday, August 24th. Advance registration is required and seating is open and based the first-come-first-served basis; except for reserved tables. All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be available.

Throughout the year, representatives of the Friends of Howard Football group organize fundraising events that benefit Howard University’s Football Program. These events afford Friends of Howard Football members the opportunity to network and socialize in a festive environment, while raising funds to support the football program. Their goal is to help provide the best academic and athletic opportunities for the student-athletes, while maintaining Howard’s high standard of excellence.

For more information about the Friends of Howard Football, Inc., the Howard University Football program, or to purchase tickets to the “Meet the Bison” luncheon please visit www.friendsofhowardfootball.org or email us at info@friendsofhowardfootball.org.

VISIT:  Friends of Howard Football, Inc.

Howard University Football starts on the Road to Redemption

Howard Bison 2011 Football Team
 (Click on photo enlarge)
(Photo Courtesy Howard University Athletics)

Washington, D.C. - The Howard University football began its two-a-day practices on Wednesday and according to Coach Gary Harrell, there were mixed reviews. “The offense got the upper hand early in the practice,” noted Harrell, who is in his first season as a head coach.

“Then the defense began to assert itself and from there, they dominated. Part of the offense’s slide could be attributed to the loss of starting center Terrell Hawkins, who injured his leg. Harrell says that it is only a minor injury and he should be back soon.

Another factor could be the installation of a new offense under Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Ted White. White is a former All American at Howard who owns most of the school passing and offensive records.

When talking specifically about the offense, Harrell was quick to point out that he is very pleased with the rapid progress of freshman quarterback Greg McGhee, who is projected as the starter.

“Greg McGhee is really picking up the scheme much quicker than we anticipated,” said Harrell, of the talented 6-3, 200-pound freshman from Pittsburgh, PA. “He is improving with each snap. Evan Pittman is also coming along very nicely.” Pittman is a 6-3, 195-pound freshman from Baltimore, MD.

The running back position may be the most competitive unit on the team. Red-shirt junior Jarren Brown, who showed well in the spring, is slated to start, but he is getting get stiff competition from red-shirt junior Charles Brice, senior Terrance Leffall, sophomore Andra Williams and freshmen Aquanius Freeman. Brice led the team in rushing last season with 462 yards and 6 TDs in 8 games. Leffall rushed for 84 yards last season in two games before being injured and missing the rest of the season. Williams missed all of last season due to personal reasons, but he was the team-leading rusher with 419 yards as a freshman in 2009. And Freeman created a lot of buzz during practice with his speed and explosiveness.

All-MEAC wide receiver Willie Carter looks in mid-season form but there is concern by Coach Harrell of the unit as a whole.

“I have not been pleased with the wide receivers,” says Harrell, the school’s all-time leading receiver with 184 receptions during his career. “We have a lot of young players there and there have been too many dropped balls. I know that they are young, but they are going to grow up fast if we are to improve in that area.”

Traditionally, the defense is ahead of the offense this early in the process, but Harrell feels that they may even be a bit ahead of schedule. The task of revamping a defense that allowed over 30 points per game last season has been handed to defensive coordinator Rayford Petty, a former head coach at Howard who is generally regarded as one of the best at the FCS level.

“The defense is jelling well under Coach Petty’s system,” says Harrell. “They look very solid in all areas and appear to be very comfortable in what they want to do.”

The defensive secondary, which was very young last season, has looked especially sharp early on under the coaching of secondary coaches Ron Bolton and Billy Jenkins and volunteer coach Vontae Long. Sophomore safeties Cam Long and Julian David came up with spectacular plays on several occasions and both appear prime for fine seasons.

“Coach Bolton, Billy Jenkins and Vontae Long are doing a good job of coaching those young guys up,” said Harrell.

Bolton, a former NFL performer, who is in his second tenure at Howard, is credited with the development of two former Bison standouts and current pros, Antoine “Deuce” Bethea of the Indianapolis Colts and Ronald Bartell, Jr., who is the starting cornerback for the St. Louis Rams. Jenkins is a former NFL performer, who was an All MEAC selection with the Bison. Long is also former Howard All MEAC selection, who was the conference Rookie of the Year as a freshman

Harrell added that he has been pleasantly surprised at the improvement of the kicking game, an area that has long been an Achilles Heel at Howard.

The Bison will continue two-a-day practices through August 20, just in time for classes which start on August 22. The season opener is September 3 against Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI at 7 pm.

By: Howard University Sports Information

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2011 New York Urban League Football Classic

Howard University and Morgan State University will faceoff once again in the New York Urban League Classic at the New Meadowlands Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011.

In 2010, NYUL had the first college football game ever played at New Meadowlands Stadium and we are excited about returning for the second year.

Last year, after two field goals and three interceptions, the Morgan State Bears defeated Howard University’s Bison 20-3 in front of nearly 35,000 football fans. The tension between the college rivals has had nearly a year to brew and it will be an all out battle on the field to see which team will march out of New Meadowlands Stadium victorious. The competition doesn’t miss a beat as the ultimate Battle of the Bands takes the field during the Halftime Show. The New York Urban League Football Classic steeped in tradition, reunions, and football fun.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: New York Urban League Football Classic

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETICS
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Shrine All-Star game: Central valedictorian heading to Howard

EUREKA, IL — Travis Kellum of Peoria Central High will play in the 37th annual Shrine All-Star football game Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Peoria Stadium. In a few weeks he’ll head to Howard University, in Washington, D.C., with the opportunity to walk on the Division I-AA football program. A year ago today he had yet to play his first game of high school football.

“All through high school the coaches were always trying to get me to come out for football,” said Kellum, also a four-year basketball player at Central. “With the merging of (Central and Woodruff) last year, I thought it might be the right time to give football a shot.”


Travis Kellum (#42) will be a football "preferred walk-on" at Howard. The Peoria Central (IL) High School valedictorian is planning to major in mechanical engineering at the Mecca.

A 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive end, Kellum ended up all-area with the Journal Star and first-team all-conference in the Mid-State 6. He set an unofficial state record with 6½ sacks in a win over Rock Falls. "When I look back, the whole thing was like a dream," he said.

What got him into Howard, however, was his 4.0 grade point average. Kellum was Central’s 2011 valedictorian.  “I’m definitely going to Howard for academics,” he said. “At first I thought I would try to walk on with the basketball team. Now I’m going to try and walk on in football.”

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With development coming on all sides, Howard University takes a look inward

Washington, D.C. - Howard University sits in the midst of one of the country’s best real estate markets, and there are signs all around it.

A few blocks to the west, a 184-unit building, View 14, recently sold for $104 million, or $670 per square foot, maybe the highest ever for a Washington apartment building.

A few blocks to the south, atop the Metro station that bears the university’s name, the mixed-use “Progression Place” is under construction, which will add another new 205 apartments and a new headquarters for the United Negro College Fund.

While the neighborhood around it has seen an incredible growth of new housing and retail in the past 20 years, Howard has allowed large swaths of property its owns in the Cardozo-Shaw neighborhood north of U Street Northwest to be used as surface parking lots or to languish vacant.

Meanwhile Howard residence halls are currently able to house just 45 percent of the school’s students, compared with 60 to 70 percent at competing schools. Of the students who do live on campus, about three-quarters live in buildings that are at least 50 years old.

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New Howard University Campus Plan Finalized

While campus plans for American and Georgetown Universities -- the latter of which is apparently considering expanding into Northern Virginia to circumvent the wrath of its Advisory Neighborhood Commission -- Howard University's plans are rolling along. The University officially released its finalized decennial Campus Master Plan to the public on July 12, 2011.

The plan has been under development since 2009. (Neighborhood blog Left for LeDroit has a fine repository of information on the several drafts that have been produced since that time.) Among the key features of the plan are the closure of several alleys, the construction of new residence halls and the renovation of several buildings around the campus. A minority of Howard's student population lives on campus -- the overarching goal of the plan is to attempt to pull more students closer to the University's core, enrich Georgia Avenue's commercial potential and increase transportation options -- including Bikeshare -- inside the campus.

You can read an entire copy of the plan below; all of the maps in the final plan can be viewed here.

Birmingham's Darieal Wimbley earns lacrosse scholarship to Howard University

Darieal Shana Wimbley
Howard LAX

Birmingham, AL - Three years ago, Darieal Wimbley had never heard of lacrosse. Next month, she will head to Howard University in Washington, D.C., on a lacrosse scholarship.

It’s a historic event for the recent Ramsay High School graduate. Wimbley is the first girls athlete from a Birmingham city school to sign an NCAA Division I lacrosse scholarship.

Wimbley has Ramsay assistant principal and lacrosse coach Yancey Williams to thank for her improbable college sports choice. Wimbley had been a member of the Rams’ highly successful basketball program throughout high school. She also played soccer until Williams introduced lacrosse to the students one day during Wimbley’s sophomore year.

"He came to our P.E. class and had a trash can full of (lacrosse) sticks and some balls," Wimbley recalled. "I looked at him and said to myself, ‘What in the world does this man have with him?’ He started talking about lacrosse and we played it in the gym."

It still took some convincing from Williams for the 5-foot-7 Wimbley to join Ramsay’s lacrosse club team that spring.

"I was playing soccer and I didn’t want to play lacrosse," Wimbley said. "He kept asking me, so finally I went out there and fell in love with it.

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The Washington Post's Eric Prisbell talks Howard Athletics with Coach Kevin Nickelberry and Athletic Director Louis Perkins

Clark Francis, (Hoop Scoop) recruiting analyst labeled the recruiting class that Howard men’s basketball coach Kevin Nickelberry signed as a top 40 class.

Long-suffering Howard basketball pulls in heralded recruiting haul

Washington, D.C. -- Howard men’s basketball coach Kevin Nickelberry was never confident about securing a commitment from Prince Okoroh, the Eleanor Roosevelt forward who Nickelberry felt was good enough to play in the Atlantic 10 Conference and smart enough to thrive in the Ivy League.

As a Gates Millennium Scholar, Okoroh had his choice of schools. Would Okoroh want to suit up for a team that had won just six games this past season? Would he commit to a program whose basketball court was sprinkled with dead spots and whose poorly ventilated locker room was no bigger than a large storage closet?

The answer was yes. And when Okoroh called Nickelberry with the news in mid-April, a few days before he was named MVP of the preliminary game of the Capital Classic, the coach was “astonished,” Okoroh recalled. “He almost didn’t believe me at first. When I told him I was coming, it was almost like he fainted.”

This area’s already competitive college basketball recruiting landscape became more competitive in recent weeks with coaching hires at Maryland, George Washington and George Mason. But an under-the-radar development has been the recruiting by success-starved Howard, which assembled an attention-grabbing class punctuated by Okoroh’s signing.

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Howard University's David Oliver win 110M hurdles national title

EUGENE, Ore. — Four years ago, David Oliver injured a hamstring before he even stepped on the track for the 110-meter hurdles at the world championships in Osaka, Japan, his first appearance at the event. The injury was not serious, but his disappointment was.

“You just never know when you’ll ever get the opportunity again to represent the U.S.A.,” Oliver said Saturday. “Especially in the hurdles.”

Two years later, a strained calf muscle kept him from competing at the world championships in Berlin. That, he said, marked “a down point of my career.”


Former Howard University Bison football player David Oliver is set for the World Championship in Daegu  with this victory. Former Oklahoma (Bethune-Cookman transfer) Ronnie Ash finished 6th.

Oliver did not care to extend his streak of frustration Saturday at the U.S. track and field championships with another world berth on the line. With a carefully executed, workmanlike performance in the 110 final, Oliver bulled his way to a victory in 13.04 seconds, securing a chance to pursue the world medal that has eluded him at the August championships in Daegu, South Korea.

“It feels good to be done, to be on that team,” Oliver said after beating Aries Merritt, who finished second in 13.12, and Jason Richardson, who was third in 13.15. “I just stayed relaxed, focused on not false-starting and doing anything stupid.”

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SWAC Assistant Commissioner Davis Moving to Howard

Shelley Davis
Senior Associate Athletic Director
Senior Women's Administrator
Howard University

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – SWAC Assistant Commissioner for Championships, Shelley Davis, has been named Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Howard University and will move to her new position following the July 4th holiday.

Commissioner Duer Sharp congratulated Davis on her move back to on-campus athletics from the conference office. "The conference office thanks Shelley for her hard work and dedication to the SWAC, and we wish her success as she heads to Howard University."

Davis said she has enjoyed her time with the conference and feels the league has a bright future ahead. "From my colleagues at the conference office, to the individual coaches and administrators at the member institutions, to all the student-athletes I have seen perform to the best of their abilities, my tenure in the SWAC has been filled with great memories and great people. I see nothing but positives for the SWAC moving forward."

Davis graduated with honors from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in 1998. She is the first female graduate of NCCU (the first and only HBCU to have an accredited Athletic Training Education program) to become a Certified Athletic Trainer. Shelley is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and currently resides in Birmingham with her son Donovan.

by SWAC Media Relations
VISIT: SWAC.org

Under Brooks Johnson’s tutelage former Howard star David Oliver clears every hurdle

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The old man in the straw hat sat in the temporary stands next to the track oval, a few rows up, eyeing a half-dozen world-class hurdlers and runners, including the star of the group, Olympic bronze medalist David Oliver. As the athletes went through the morning’s paces, they peered into the stands after every drill, looking for approval.

By the end of practice, Oliver looked sick with exhaustion. After a final sprint of 300 meters, he staggered toward the hurdles he had used during the workout, intending to remove them from the track. Instead, he dropped to his knees, sucking in air, his back heaving. He stole a quick glance at the old man.

“You got a cramp?” Brooks Johnson, 77, bellowed. “Gee-zus Christ. One 300, and we got everybody crippled.”

Oliver has lived through the daily pain, profane commentary and incisive corrections since he came out of Howard University and landed in Johnson’s camp of professional track athletes seven years ago, kicking off a meteoric rise from small-school afterthought to early favorite for the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2012 Summer Games in London.


David Oliver's 12.89 seconds 110m hurdles at the Stade de France AREVA meet, on 16 July 2010, clocking the third fastest time ever.

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Seven Members of the Howard Tennis Team Achieve National ITA Scholar-Athlete Award Status

Alyssa Works

Washington, D.C. - Five women and two men qualified for Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s 2011 National ITA Scholar-Athlete’s Award. The award is given annually tennis student-athletes who are varsity letter winners, have a grade point average of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the current academic year, and have been enrolled at their present school for at least 2 semesters.

"I'm just tremendously proud of their success as both students and atheltes," commented head coach Lawrence Strickland. "It is indicative of the way these young men and women perform all of their tasks."

Anne Akhimien

The women are lead by senior Health Science major, Alyssa Works with a 4.0. Other women’s team award winners include Anne Akhimien a junior Human Nutrition major with a 3.87, Michelle Brown a junior Biology major with a 3.85, Brooke Hawthorne a freshman Marketing major with a 3.65 and Amber Cuff a senior Fashion Merchandising major with a 3.59. The two men receiving the award are Christopher Brown a senior Radio-TV and Film major with a 3.61 and freshman Timothy Staton-Davis a Systems and Computer Science major with a 3.76.

Michelle Brown

The eight member woman’s team achieved the 2011 ITA All-Academic Team award given to a team that records (1) a grade point average of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale (2)all NCAA eligible student –athletes who are letter winners GPA’s for the current year must be averaged. The team had GPA average of 3.48. This is first time in ten years the women have received the award. The seven men and women bring the total to sixty-two National ITA Scholar-Athlete awards since 1998.




by Jamilah Corbett, Assistant Director of Sports Information
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Howard University Announces New Additions to Coaching Staff‎

Howard University head football coach Gary Harrell has added the following coaches to his staff for the upcoming season:

Rayford Petty       Defensive Coordinator
Ted White            Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback Coach
Ron Bolton           Defensive Back Coach
Bobby Jones         Defensive Line Coach
Jonathan Brewer   Wide Receivers Coach
Chennis Berry       Offensive Line Coach
Theron Smith         Running Backs
Mike Andrews       Kicking Coach/Special Teams


Videographer: wcsaTV

Petty is no stranger to Howard. He served as head coach of the Bison from 2002-06. He also served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator here. The highly respected Petty has also served as defensive coordinator at both Delaware State and Norfolk State.

Petty was the defensive coordinator for the Bison during both the 1993 and 1996 seasons when the team captured the Black National championship.

White comes to Howard from Southern University where he served as quarterbacks coach last year. White is the Bison and MEAC all-time leading passer and total offense leader with almost 10,000 yards during his productive career at Howard from 1994-98.

White gained valuable coaching experience early in his career as a quarterbacks coach for Texas Southern University in 2006-07.

He played professionally for five years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White also had stints with the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Bolton also has strong ties to Howard, having served as defensive back coach under Petty from 2002-06 and playing a key role in the development of current NFL standouts, Antoine “Deuce” Bethea of the Indianapolis Colts and Ronald Bartell, Jr of the St. Louis Rams.

Prior to coming to Howard, Bolton served as secondary coach for Delaware State since 2009. He also coached at Norfolk State from 1997-2001 and at Liberty University from 1996-97.

Bolton played collegiately at Norfolk State and had an outstanding career before playing in the NFL for the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns.

Jones comes from Delaware State where he served as defensive line coach since 2009. Jones also served in the same capacity for the Bison under Petty from 2002-06. Jones played for Howard and was a member of the 1996 team that captured the Black National championship.


Videographer: meazteam1

Brewer comes to Howard from Johnson C. Smith where he served as wide receivers coach from 2006-09. He was a four-year letterman at Howard from 1999-2003 and was named all MEAC in 2003.

Berry comes to Howard from North Carolina A&T where he served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach the past five years. The 1996 Savannah State graduate has also served stints at Morgan State and Forth Valley State.

Smith comes to Howard from Bowie State where he had served since 2004. At Bowie State, Smith coached under Coach Harrell, who was the offensive coordinator. He graduated from North Carolina A&T in 1993.

Andrews brings a wealth of knowledge to the kicking game. He was a standout and all-conference selection at Morgan State. He served as both punter and placekicker for the Bears.

Samuel Pough, who served as wide receivers coach last season, will continue his role of video coordinator.

By Howard University Sports Information
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Indianapolis Colts' Defensive Standout Antoine Bethea Provides Fundamentals for Success at Youth Football Camp at Howard University

Antoine Bethea, defensive back for the Indianapolis Colts will host a youth football camp on June 20-21 in Washington, DC at his alma mater, Howard University. The camp will run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open to high school student athletes.

Washington, DC, (May 28, 2011)-- Antoine and the experienced coaching staff at Howard University will teach the campers football fundamentals and skills. The goal of the camp is to provide a solid foundation and instruction to help each individual participant maximize their natural ability. It also includes an equally important session off the field that addresses education and making good life choices.

"We're using football to draw them in, but I hope they leave being able to imagine the possibilities of their future with a higher education," says Bethea. “I want to instill a desire in them to learn off the field as well. Some may have never been exposed to Howard or any place of higher education, and I want to introduce that to them.”

Bethea leads by example and the importance of education is evident in his life. He left Howard early to play in the NFL, and contributed significantly to help the Colts win the Super Bowl during his rookie year. As a result of his stellar performance, Bethea’s hard work earned him a multi-year contract and a trip to the Pro Bowl. But as a testament to the beliefs his parents instilled in him, Bethea continued to work towards completing his studies and earned a degree in Administration of Justice from Howard in May 2011.



Throughout his time in the NFL, Antoine has dedicated himself to giving back to the communities that have helped him along the way. He established the Safe Coverage Foundation, which aims to empower youth toward academic success. In 2010, he gave 20 students from his former high school an all expense paid college trip to Howard and George Mason University. He also hosted a free football camp in his hometown of Newport News, VA.

Campers can register online at http://2011antoinebetheafootballcampdc.eventbrite.com/ and the cost for both days is $40. Proceeds from the camp will benefit the Antoine Bethea Safe Coverage Foundation and the Howard University Football program. Parents or Guardians will need to sign camper information form and release at check in. The camp will provide drinks, lunches and a camp T-shirt.

For more information on the camp or sponsorship opportunities contact profilespr@gmail.com.

About Howard University Football Program: Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black, private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality. The Howard Bison play in the NCAA Division 1 as a member of the MEAC Conference.

About Antoine Bethea: Bethea was a three-time All-America and All-MEAC player during his years at Howard. He was a sixth round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2006. Bethea is a two-time pro-bowler and has made two trips to the Super Bowl. He has developed a reputation as one of the top tacklers in the NFL and was recently selected to the 2010 USA Football/NFLPA All-Fundamentals Team.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

Contact Information
Antoine Bethea
Katrina Leonce
770-222-2229
profilespr@gmail.com
http://2011antoinebetheafootballcampdc.eventbrite.com/

Howard Women's Basketball Among the teams in Preseason WNIT Field

Washington, D.C.(May 26,2011) – The 16-team field for the 2011 Preseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament was announced today.

Top 10 teams Baylor, Notre Dame, and UCLA headline the field that also includes Akron, Chattanooga, Detroit, Drexel, ETSU, Hartford, Howard, Indiana State, Long Island, Manhattan, McNeese State, Tennessee Tech, and UAB.

The Preseason WNIT bracket will be announced in June. Here’s a quick snapshot of the field:

- Akron loses just one senior from its 14-16 team, and with the return of four starters, the Zips expect to get back to their form of 09-10 when they posted their best season in school history at 18-14.

- Baylor is a favorite to win next season’s national title after advancing to the Final Four in Indianapolis. The Lady Bears have U.S. Basketball Writers Association coach of the year Kim Mulkey to lead freshman of the year Odyssey Sims, All-American Brittney Griner, and the vast majority of the Bears that went 34-3 last season and captured the Big 12 Conference regular-season and tournament titles.

- Chattanooga won 11 straight Southern Conference titles until last season’s youth-laden team lost in overtime in the semifinals of the tournament. This year’s team is a year older and will build on a 17-14 mark with everyone on the roster back for another season under coach Wes Moore.

- Detroit is a program on the rise, as the Titans return all five starters from their 13-18 team that defeated Michigan on the road for the first time since 1983.

- Drexel earned its third straight trip to the postseason and finished 19-12 despite suffering some key injuries. The Dragons welcome all but one player back for next fall.

- ETSU has won three of the past four Atlantic Sun Tournament titles. The Lady Buccaneers return three starters from their 19-12 team, including Destiny Mitchell, who earned all-conference freshman team honors after suffering a season-ending knee injury in February.

- Hartford finished last season on a high note by winning the America East tournament and earning its sixth trip to the NCAAs despite a slow start with an inexperienced team. The Hawks, who were 27-5 a year ago, will again be a favorite this fall in the America East.

- Howard finished runner-up at the MEAC championships and returns conference Player of the Year Saadia Doyle for her junior season. The 16-18 Bison return all five of their starters for their first appearance in the Preseason WNIT.

- Indiana State head coach Teri Moren set a school record for most wins in a rookie season as the Sycamores were 16-16. They get all but one player back from a team that advanced to the Missouri Valley tournament’s semifinal round.

- Long Island returns its top players from a 19-11 team in the Northeast Conference, including senior Ashley Palmer, a two-time NEC first-team all-conference honoree.

- Manhattan is coming off its winningest season in school history, as it finished 24-10 and played in the postseason. The Jaspers welcome back four starters.

- McNeese State posted a record-setting season and tied the best turnaround in NCAA history with a 26-7 record after winning seven games the year before. The Cowgirls captured both the Southland Conference regular-season and tournament titles, and played in their first NCAA Tournament in school history. Their top players return to the team this fall.

- Notre Dame made it all the way to the NCAA championship game before falling to Texas A&M, and the Fighting Irish (31-8) will be back in force this fall for another strong run. They are led by point guard Skylar Diggins, who is among a record three Irish players who recently made the 14-player cut for the U.S. World University Games.

- Tennessee Tech won the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title and played in the Postseason WNIT. The Golden Eagles posted a nine-game turnaround from the season before, finishing with a 23-8 overall record. They get all five starters back this fall.

- UAB rolled to its first 20-win season in a decade, going 20-15 and winning the WBI postseason event. The Blazers return four of their five starters and all but one player on their roster.

- UCLA earned more regular-season wins (26) than ever before, and matched its highest seed in history in the NCAA Tournament at No. 3. The Bruins (28-5) will have a new coaching staff led by Cori Close after Nikki Caldwell took the LSU job, but should again be picked to finish around the No. 2 spot in the Pac-12 Conference this fall.


Videographer: howarduniversity; Performer Frenchy Davis tells how Howard University shaped her career

The Preseason WNIT features a three-game guarantee format. The event opens Nov. 11 with first-round games. Second-round games will be played Nov. 13-14; semifinals will be Nov. 16-17; and the championship is set for Sunday, Nov. 20. Teams that lose in the first two rounds will play consolation games on the second weekend, Nov. 18-19. All games are hosted by participating schools.

In last year’s Preseason WNIT, Purdue defeated DePaul 67-58.

For more information, visit the website at www.womensnit.com.

Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDATHLETICS

Bethune-Cookman Ends Howard's Run for MEAC Title

ORMOND BEACH, FL. – Bethune Cookman ended Howard’s run for the MEAC title in the semi-final game of the conference tournament. The Bison moved passed Florida A&M 7-0, and Coppin State 1-0 in 10 innings just a few hours prior to facing the defending champions. In all, HU played a total of 22 innings of softball on Friday.

Howard 7, Florida A&M 0 BoxScore
Howard defeated Florida A&, 7-0, in the in the double-elimination bracket of the tournament.

The Lady Bison posted nine hits each, including Marisa Coats' three run home run in the top of the fifth inning. Coats hit a fastball from Florida A&M's Lindsey out the park to left center, to put the game away. Rebecca Kirshner and Lorae Robinson also collected two hits apiece for the Lady Bison.

The Lady Rattlers never could organize a rally as they only mustered three hits off of Howard's Samantha Gatson (8-7).

Christina Robbs, Jennifer Lindsey and Erika Garcia registered hits for the Lady Rattlers in the loss. Whitney Robinson (15-11) took the loss for the Lady Rattlers, giving up three runs and three hits in three and one-third innings. Jennifer Lindsey came on in relief for two and two-thirds innings.

Gatson, went the distance for Howard. She gave up only three hits, while striking out six and walking one.


Videographer: HowardBands; Howard University Concert Band performed "Dakota Fanfare at the Historic Shiloh Baptist Church (May 2, 2011).

Howard 1, Coppin St. 0 – 10 innings BoxScore
Rebecca Kirshner singled in the winning run in the top of the 10th inning and Carly Martin outdueled Paige Arnold as Howard defeated Coppin State 1-0 in three extra frames.

The loss eliminated the Eagles from the tournament.

Arnold held the Bison without a run for nine innings before finally allowing a run in the 10th inning. The run scored by Howard snapped a 23-inning scoreless streak by Arnold.

Martin matched Arnold pitch for pitch as she held the Eagles to just four hits while striking out six batters. With one out, Lorae Robinson drew a walk to begin the Howard rally. She advanced to third base when Marisa Coats singled to right field. Kirshner then lofted a single to left that scored Robinson with the game's only run. The Eagles tried to rally in the bottom of the 10th inning, but came up short.

Tiffani Whaley singled with one out and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Erica Washington, but Martin induced a groundout to end the game.

The defending MEAC champion Bethune-Cookman Wildcats eliminated Howard Friday evening in the double-elimination bracket of the MEAC Softball Championship tournament.


Videographer: SirCookeMusic; Howard University Gospel Choir-- "Total Praise" (May 6, 2011)

Bethune Cookman 17, Howard 0 BoxScore

A 2-1 loss to Delaware State earlier in the day sent the Wildcats to the loser's bracket, but B-CU came back and blasted the Bison 17-0 after a three-hour lightning delay to earn a rematch with Delaware State Saturday at 1 p.m. B-CU needs to win that game and a second game at 3:30 p.m. to defend their conference championship title.

Against Howard, B-CU (31-24) scored 13 runs in the second inning as Aurelia Gamch drove in four runs and Kelsey Rodney added three. The Wildcats sent 17 batters to the plate in the inning.

Ashton Hinds drove in three runs while Allison Garcia threw a six-hit shutout for B-CU in the Howard win.

Courtesy MEAC Media Relations
Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Bison Dominate UMES Hawks, 15-5

WASHINGTON, DC – Marissa Coats knocked in six runs as the Howard University softball team dominated Maryland Eastern Shore (7-40, 2-13 MEAC) 15-5 in five innings on Sun. May 8 at Banneker Field. The Bison conclude the regular season 16-26 and 8-7 in conference play.

Samantha Gatson collected the win on the mound – fanning two batters and giving up six hits. Coats led the Bison at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs scored and six RBI.

HU started the game strong – erupting for seven runs in the bottom of the opening inning. Coats’ homerun quickly gave the Bison a 3-0 advantage with no outs. Christine Sborz hit a two-run double which drove in Andascha Moore and Rebecca Kirshner. Subsequently, a run by Sborz and Brittany Barker gave Howard a comfortable 7-0 cushion heading into the top of the second.

The Hawks tried to chip into the advantage, but only managed two hits and a run to cut it to 7-1. The Bison exploded with eight more runs in the bottom of the frame – highlighted by Cierra Gordon’s three-run homer to push the spread to 11-1. Gordon, who was held hitless the previous game, went 2-for-3 at bat with a run scored and five RBI. Coats also notched her second homerun of the game in the inning.

In the fourth inning, Charlise Castro homered to give the Hawks their second run. After posting 11 hits in the first three innings, the Bison were not allowed any hits in the bottom of the fourth. UMES added three more runs in the fifth, but fell short as the game ended via mercy rule at the conclusion of the top of the frame.

Howard softball now shits its focus to the upcoming MEAC Tournament held in Ormond Beach, Fla. from May 12-14.

BOX SCORE

By Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Johnson Homers Twice and Pitches One-Hitter in Howard's Final Home Series

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senior Emily Johnson led the Howard softball team in their series opener against Maryland Eastern Shore, knocking out two home runs and holding UMES (7-39, 2-12 MEAC) to one hit to land HU (16-24, 7-7 MEAC) the 9-1 win.

Johnson opened and closed the first game with a home run and went 3-for-4 at the plate and tallied 3 RBI. Shortstop Rebecca Kirshner also came up big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3.

Kirshner also tacked on 3 RBI of her own in HU’s game-defining third inning on a triple, where she scored Johnson, centerfielder Lorae Robinson – both of which reached base on bunt singles – as well as Marisa Coats. Prior to Kirshner’s triple, second baseman Trina Kindred led off the inning with a double and scored on Johnson’s bunt. Kirshner and Ciera Gordon scored the final two runs of the six-run inning.

After being on pace to landing her first no-hitter of the season, UMES spoiled Johnson’s run on the mound with their first hit of the game in the fifth inning. In the same inning, UMES scored their lone run of the game on the single, error and a wild pitch.

In all, Johnson finished the opening game with six strikeouts allowed one hit, one run and zero walks in her 5.2 innings of work.

In game two, Robinson got Howard on the board first with a grand slam, putting the Lady Bison up 4-0 in the second inning. Robinson’s grand slam came in back-to-back series as she blasted one last weekend against Morgan State. Robinson went on to notch two additional hits in the remainder of the game.

Despite leading UMES four runs, the Lady Bison spent the rest of the game playing catch up to their MEAC opponent after allowing eight runs in the third inning. The Lady Bison rallied two runs in the fifth and another in the sixth, but were unable to overcome UMES’s lead. Howard came up one run short as they dropped the game, 9-8.

Seniors Carly Martin and Johnson split the mound and each allowed five hits. Martin walked one, struck out two and was credited with the loss. Johnson struck out three batters and gave up two runs in her four innings in the circle.

Freshman Brittany Barker, senior Christine Sborz and Kirshner were notable performers at the plate in the loss, posting a two hits a piece.

The Lady Bison softball team will look to take the series against the Lady Hawks tomorrow at noon in their final game of the season. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more information on the Howard softball team.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON