Yarbrough Era Ends at Savannah State University

By Loretta Haywood, SSU Public Relations

Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., Ph.D 

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Savannah State University President Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. addressed students, faculty, and staff Friday about the Georgia Board of Regents’ decision to not renew his contract, which expires June 30, 2011.

Yarbrough stressed that no misconduct occurred during his time as president.

“It is important for our campus community to know I have not done anything illegal or violated any laws, policies or procedures of the University System of Georgia,” Yarbrough said. “In my opinion, and in this current climate, resigning would have implied misconduct on my part. I chose to stand on my principles of what is right.”

Yarbrough said when he arrived at SSU in 2007, he established four goals: improve recruitment, retention and graduation rates; continue strengthening academic programs; increase community partnerships; and ensure fiscal soundness. “I am happy to report that we achieved great success in all four categories,” he said.

Under Yarbrough’s leadership, SSU experienced unprecedented growth in various sectors, including: significant enrollment increases, major transformation of the campus, stability in the athletics department, new campus-community initiatives and the long-awaited return of teacher education preparation.

• Savannah State’s fall 2010 enrollment reached 4,080 students, up from 3,200 students in fall 2007. The 6.8 percent enrollment increase from fall 2009 to fall 2010 was the highest percentage increase among the 13 state universities — and continued the upward trend that saw enrollment rise 10.6 percent between fall 2008 and fall 2009.

• In February 2011, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved three, new degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Chemistry or Biology; Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Education; and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education.

• Savannah State University received more than $45.2 million in funds for 44 active research grants, including a $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen the university’s research capacity and infrastructure to promote minority health and eliminate health disparities. The NIH grant is the largest research grant received in SSU history.

• Construction will be completed by the fall 2011 semester on several key projects, initiated by the Yarbrough administration, including:

• $17 million for the renovation of Wright Stadium and a new student center construction, financed by the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority.

• $24 million - freshman housing complex that will add approximately 600 beds; the housing project includes the restoration of three buildings on the historic campus circle — Adams, Morgan and Camilla-Hubert halls — and once completed, all campus buildings will be occupied and operational.

• Yarbrough initiated numerous campus beautification projects that have transformed the 196-acre site, including a soon-to-be open pavilion and lake near the canal and clearing of previously overgrown areas to expose the breathtaking views of the adjacent salt-water marsh.

• In August 2010, Tiger Express diner opened, giving students a unique dining venue on the west end of campus. The $900,000 project was funded primarily by the SSU Real Estate Foundation LLC, Inc.

• A $320,000 brick-and-iron perimeter fence designed to enhance campus safety was also completed in 2010 and paid for through the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Major Renovation and Repair Funds.

• Approximately $3 million has been invested in new technology during the Yarbrough administration. The university’s first chief information officer was hired and technology infrastructure and systems were enhanced.

• Contributions to the Annual Fund increased 467 percent during the Yarbrough administration. The Annual Fund campaign supports the university’s areas of greatest need, including student scholarships, faculty development, community outreach, athletics and student travel.

• Savannah State University was extended provisional membership to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in 2010, positioning the athletic programs for post-season championship opportunities as well as national exposure. In fall 2011, SSU will participate as a full member.

• The SSU Community Futures Corporation (CFC) was established in October 2010 to serve as a catalyst for public and private sector collaborations aimed at improving the educational, social and economic conditions of neighborhoods in the greater Savannah State community.

• In 2008, SSU partnered with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, local entrepreneurs and philanthropists on the Savannah Education Initiative Scholarship Program.

• During the Yarbrough administration, Savannah State University’s audit rating has continually improved. When he arrived in July 2007, the audit rating was a low of 5. The rating improved to a code of 3 in fiscal year 2007-2008, and to a code of 2 in 2008-2009. The Georgia Board of Regents Internal Audit Office annually rates the state audit reports on a scale from 1 (good) to 5 (bad). A rating for fiscal year 2009-2010 has not yet been released.

Earl Yarbrough: Differences with Regents led to contract non-renewal at SSU

Savannah State University President Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. was swarmed by well-wishers Friday after a meeting to clear the air about his unexpected departure.

It was not mismanagement, or alumni pressure, he said, but administrative differences with the State Board of Regents which resulted in the non-renewal of his contract.

“As president I believe I need to lead the university and plan for its future, and hopefully my administrative team will follow and the University System will support it,” Yarbrough said. “But responsible people often have differences in their approach and it is the system that makes the ultimate decision.

For this reason there has been conflict over the last few years.”

Earl Yarbrough loses Savannah State University presidency

ATLANTA -- Earl G. Yarbrough will not continue as president of Savannah State University even if he isn’t selected as chancellor at Southern University because Tuesday he lost his job.

The Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia voted not to renew Yarbrough’s annual contract to head the 4,000-student institution.

The board didn’t announce its reasons and held its discussion behind closed doors Tuesday along with other personnel matters. It met behind closed doors and then voted in “public session” after all of the members of the public attending the meeting had drifted away.

Earlier this month, the 64-year-old Yarbrough received the highest ranking among candidates for the Southern University post at the school’s Baton Rouge, La., campus. Southern University System President Ronald Mason Jr., is expected to interview Yarbrough this week, along with five other candidates, and to name the new chancellor any day.

Yarbrough holds press conference

Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., former president for Savannah State University, said today at a press conference held in SSU's Torian Auditorium that he conducted himself well as president.

"First, it is important for our campus community to know I have not done anything illegal, violated any laws, policies or procedures of the University System of Georgia," Yarbrough said. "Definitely no misconduct occurred over my four years as president."

Yarbrough says his vision for SSU was for it to expand, but he believes his approach was a source of conflict.

"As president I had a vision for SSU. My vision wasn't much different from that of most university presidents," Yarbrough said. " I believe we needed to grow, build an infrastructure and campus that would attract some of the best students in Georgia, this country, and internationally."

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VISIT: SSUATHLETICS

Harrison's new destiny is Division I athlete at Howard University

Seoul American's Destinee Harrison blasts a spike kill past the block
 of Osan American's Alina Hauter during Saturday's Korean-American
 Interscholastic Activities Conference girls volleyball match.

Destinee Harrison is taking her volleyball game to a new level.

Seoul American’s two-time All-Far East Division I Tournament middle blocker on Thursday signed a national letter of intent and accepted a full volleyball scholarship at Howard University in Washington starting next fall.

“I think I made the right choice,” Harrison said. “It’s a prestigious school and when I went there, everybody was so welcoming and (coach Dawn Barnes) was a really nice lady and made the process very easy.”

Playing Division I volleyball is a lifelong dream come true, Harrison said. “People are always going to be nervous about change, but more than nervous, I’m excited about playing at the Division I level.

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North Carolina A&T will lose baseball coach after season

Coach Keith Shumate

Baseball coach Keith Shumate, who has led N.C. A&T to the MEAC championship game four of the last six seasons, resigned Tuesday effective July 31.

Shumate led the Aggies to a school-record 31 victories last season, and his 2005 team won the MEAC championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament. Shumate, now in his 15th season, has 294 victories and counting.

When Shumate took over in 1997, A&T was coming off a 4-45 season. Since then he has coached 17 All-MEAC first-teamers, 11 players who signed pro contracts, 5 major-league draft picks and 3 All-Americans.

Aggies Hit Four Home Runs, Sweep UMES

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Injuries to the North Carolina A&T pitching staff and to its everyday lineup has made the game of baseball tough for the Aggies this season.

But on Sunday it was back to the good old days. Several North Carolina A&T batters had multiple-hit afternoons, and the Aggies didn't have to use a lot of arms to work numerous innings. The result was a 14-3 and 12-5 doubleheader sweep of Maryland Eastern Shore at War Memorial Stadium.

Marquis Riley, Xavier Macklin, Luke Tendler and Dairio Little all homered on Sunday. Little had had three RBIs in the second game, while Little had two. Carvell Copeland went 3-for-4 with three runs scored. N.C. A&T put the second game away with an eight-run fifth inning.

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VISIT: NCATAGGIES

Coppin State basketball coach Fang Mitchell agrees to new deal

Longtime Eagles coach will return for 26th season next fall

Baltimore, MD - Faced with a mandate to reverse Coppin State's long, painful slide to basketball mediocrity, Fang Mitchell rebuilt the program almost overnight and delivered the program's first winning season in seven years in 2010-11. Now, apparently, he will get a chance to continue the turnaround.

The iconic coach said Tuesday that he has agreed in principle on a new contract that will allow him to reap the dividends of his 2010 recruiting class of precocious junior college players. "I want to be able to coach the guys I brought in," Mitchell said Tuesday.

• Pictures: Fang Mitchell 

Mitchell's job security has been in question for more than a year, and it took more than a month after the 2010-11 season ended to arrive at a resolution for next season. Mitchell said he had reached "common ground" in his negotiation with university president Reginald Avery and that he expected the contract to be finalized this week.

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VISIT: COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: CSUEAGLES

Gerber chooses Coppin State Eagles

Gerber, who placed center field and catcher for the Tide last season, batted .328 with 21 runs scored and 11-for-12 in stolen bases.

Pottsville, PA - When Cheyenne Gerber visited Coppin State, she knew the Baltimore, Md., school was right for her. When the Eagles' softball coaches saw Gerber play last summer, they knew she was right for them. So the Pottsville Area High School (Pa.) senior signed her letter-of-intent recently to play softball for Division I Coppin State.

"Ever since I was little, I wanted to do something big in softball and go Division I,'' Gerber said Friday.

Coppin State participates in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Eagles are 9-12 this season, 2-4 in the MEAC. The roster features a pair of senior catchers: Stacey Burgos and Amber Miller. Gerber, an accomplished outfielder for most of her career, became the Crimson Tide's starting catcher last season. She joined the Sellersville Belles 18-and-under team last summer to learn her new position better.

"The (Coppin State) coach saw me at a showcase, we talked there and scheduled a visit,'' she said. "I felt really at home with the campus and how everything was set up.

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VISIT: COPPIN STATE EAGLES

Delaware State End Spring Camp with Alumni Stadium Scrimmage

Dover, Del. (Apr. 17, 2011) - The Delaware State University football team wrapped up its first spring camp under new head coach Kermit Blount with a full contact scrimmage at Alumni Stadium today. The offense vs. defense scrimmage featured nearly 70 plays.

The first string offense accounted for two touchdowns. Junior quarterback Nick Elko completed 13-of-18 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He was also intercepted once. Elko connected with Justin Brewton on a seven-yard touchdown pass and hooked up with Justin Wilson on a five-yard scoring pass.

Wilson, a 2010 All-MEAC First Team selection, had a team-high seven catches in the scrimmage. The Windsor, Conn., native led the MEAC in receptions (59), receiving yards (937) and touchdown catches (11) last season.

The Hornet defense scored two touchdowns during the scrimmage. Defensive end Carl Russell, a University of Maryland transfer participating in his first camp with the Hornets, returned a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown. Cornerback Josh Alexander, a former University of Connecticut signee, returned an interception of a pass by back quarterback Marlon Kelly 20 yards for a score.

The defense also recorded four sacks in the scrimmage.



"I was pleased with the intensity during the scrimmage, but our execution was lacking on too many plays," said Blount, who was introduced as head coach of the Hornets on Feb. 4. "Both sides made some good plays, but we still have a lot of work to do. Overall, I'm pleased with way the players have adjusted to the changes we have made."

The Hornets will begin their preseason summer camp in August.

The 2011 season begins on Sep. 3 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. The home opener is Sep. 10 against Shaw (6:00 p.m.). The Hornets will play the University of Delaware for the second time in a regular season game on Sep. 17 at Delaware Stadium in Newark. Morgan State will be this year's homecoming opponent on Oct. 29 (1:00 p.m.).

DSU 2011 Football Schedule

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations

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VISIT: DSUHORNETS

Howard Drops Series to Hampton with Sunday Loss

HAMPTON, VA. – After trading wins with the Lady Pirates in their Saturday doubleheader, the Howard softball team dropped the weekend series to their MEAC rival after falling 4-2 on Sunday. Overall, the Lady Bison (13-23, 4-5 MEAC) went 1-2 over the weekend.

Howard crossed home plate first giving the Bison the quick 1-0 lead in the first. Rebecca Kirshner sent a shot to right field to bring home Lorae Robison who scored from second. The Lady Bison responded with a RBI double to tie the game at one all.

Following a scoreless second inning, Howard gave up three runs in the bottom of the third, pushing the Lady Pirates (12-26, 5-4 MEAC) ahead 4-1. The Lady Bison were unable to produce a run until the seventh inning when Andascha Moore scored on Emily Johnson's groundout to shortstop. The run would not be enough to cut Hampton's 4-2 lead, giving the Lady Pirates the series, 2-1.

Robinson, Johnson and Ciera Gordon led the Lady Bison with two hits, each went 2-for-3 at the plate.



Starting off the game on the mound was Samantha Gatson. In the opening three innings Gatson allowed five hits and three earned runs and fell to a 5-6 record on the season. Johnson also made an appearance in the circle and went on to strike out five and allowed one hit. Johnson pitched the final three innings and kept Hampton scoreless for the remainder of the game.

The Lady Bison softball team will host MEAC opponent Morgan State on April 30 and Maryland Eastern Shore on May 7 for the final regular season games of the year. On May 12 the team will make their way to Daytona, Fla. for the MEAC Championship Tournament.

Visit www.howard-bison.com/ for more information on the Howard softball team.

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
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Bethune Cookman: QBs 'need work in every area,' but there is hope

ORMOND BEACH, FL -- After Saturday's Maroon and Gold scrimmage, Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins still seemed unsure about the Wildcats' quarterback situation. "Both of them need work in every area," Jenkins said of sophomore QBs Jackie Wilson and David Blackwell after Maroon defeated Gold 14-7 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

With spring drills now complete and preseason practice less than four months away, you'd think this would be a major concern. Until you realize that last year, Jenkins and his staff felt the same way.

The coaches weren't sure if Matt Johnson could handle the quarterback job in the Wildcats' new no-huddle spread system. But the senior worked hard after the spring and looked like a different quarterback when summer drills got underway.



B-CU's spring game had different feel

ORMOND BEACH -- That Ormond Beach dateline leading off a local football story might seem a bit different, but it was a different type of spring football outing for Bethune-Cookman.

Moving the annual Maroon-and-Gold game to the Ormond Beach Sports Complex seemed as pleasant was it was different. It was more of a neighborly affair, complete with barbecue, music, some baseball diamonds across the way and a couple of youth-soccer games within a decent punt to the east.

The other differences involved the events at hand. Normally, the spring game is designed to give the football-starved fan base a little look-see at what's coming four months down the road.

BCU Spring Football 2011 - Photo Gallery

Pros, B-CU, charity all win

DAYTONA BEACH -- What does Bethune-Cookman football alum Nick Collins do to follow up his 37-yard pick-six in this year's Super Bowl? The NFL lockout and another season with his Green Bay Packers will have to wait.

Friday night, Collins and fellow former-Wildcat great Eric Weems of the Atlanta Falcons hosted a "Pros vs. Joes" basketball game at Moore Gymnasium. With D.J. turntables spinning live at courtside, color commentary from emcee Harold Ford and some 700 fans on hand, the Pros eventually prevailed 102-89 after a close first three quarters.

Ticket proceeds benefited Wildcats football, which plays its spring game at 4 p.m. today at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, as well as Collins' Jump Start Foundation. The foundation works with single parents and youth and awards scholarships to students Collins' old high school in Cross City.

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S.C. State: Defense adds to offensive ‘darkness'

Aside from a brief rain shower and occasional hovering dark clouds, the weather was virtually a non-factor at South Carolina State's Garnet and Blue game Saturday at Willie Jeffries Field in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The Bulldog defense was non-relenting against the offense, with three touchdowns in the Garnet's 32-23 victory over the Blue. Defensive backs Courtney Ingram and Mason Harris each scored off turnovers in the second quarter when the Garnet posted 18 unanswered points to take control of the scrimmage.

Garnet 32, Blue 23 final

A forced fumble by Courtney Ingram on quarterback Derrick Wiley was the final play in the nine-point win by the defense Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium at Willie Jeffries Field.

Ingram had one of two defensive touchdowns for the Garnet, returning a forced fumble by Dominique Ellis 43 yards for a touchdown in the first half. The other score came on a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mason Harris.

Defense Outscores Offense 32-23 in Garnet & Blue Game

Orangeburg, SC – The South Carolina State defense matched the offense with three touchdowns scored and got several other defensive stops to outscore the offense 32-23 Saturday in the Bulldogs' annual Garnet and Blue game. Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough said he was not surprised at the outcome, as the defense is typically ahead of the offense during the spring.

“The defense played very well, I thought,” Pough said. “But that's not so unusual as our defense has a knack for creating turnovers and touchdown-scoring opportunities, especially during the spring.


Videographer: ncaaoncampus; Looking Back - 2010 - MEAC Career Rushing Leader, William Ford

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Howard Lady Bison Split Doubleheader with Hampton

HAMPTON, VA. – The Lady Bison softball team faced off against MEAC rival Hampton and traded wins in the doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. Howard (13-22, 4-4 MEAC) dropped a close game to Hampton (11-26, 4-4 MEAC) in game one, 9-7, but stole the second game, to beat the Lady Pirates, 6-1.

In the first game Howard got off to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and scored another duo of runs in the third. Hampton caught up with the Lady Bison and grossed four runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game.

Howard bolted three runs in the fifth courtesy of Samantha Gatson who ignited a 3-run homer. The Lady Pirates matched Howard again with a home run of their own that brought in two runs and scored their third run of the inning on a wild pitch.

Gatson took over the pitching reigns following the Pirate homer from Carly Martin. Martin – the reigning MEAC Pitcher of the Week – struck out four batters, walked two and allowed ten hits before leaving the game.

Howard remained scoreless the remainder of the game, helping Hampton to secure the win following their two runs scored in the bottom of the sixth.

Gatson struck out two batters, walked one and kept the Pirates hitless. Meanwhile at the plate, Rebecca Kirshner led the Bison with three hits.

Game two proved to hold a different atmosphere as Emily Johnson set the tone of the game with a leadoff home run. The Lady Bison went on to outhit Hampton 11-2.

Johnson finished the game with the most hits (3) while Marissa Coats and Christine Sborz added two hits each. Coats led the team with four RBI.

Gatson made her second appearance of the day, striking out three batters and allowed one walk.
The Howard softball team will resume play on April 30 and will play host to MEAC opponent Morgan State. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more updates on the Lady Bison softball team.

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

UMES Takes Home 2011 Crown; Lady Hawks Win Second National Title, Top Vandy

Coach Sharon Brummell wins second NCAA
National Bowling Championship (2011, 2008)
with a talented roster with FIVE 2011 All-Americans,
Paula Vilas, Martha Perez, Anggie Ramirez,
Kristina Frahm and Maria Rodriguez.

TAYLOR, Mich. -- Maryland-Eastern Shore took home the crown at the 2011 NCAA Women's Bowling Championships, defeating Vanderbilt, 4-2 at Skore Lanes in Taylor, Mich. Saturday. The Lady Hawks rebounded from a two-games-to-one deficit to win three consecutive games and the match.

UMES grabbed the early lead with a 215-197 win in the opening game but Vanderbilt answered with a 193-164 win in game two. The Commodores struck in each of the first six frames en route to a 248-201 win in game three. The Lady Hawks roared back with a 30-pin win for the equalizer in game four and it became a best-of-three for the national title.

The Lady Hawks re-gained the lead with a commanding 235-166 victory in the fifth game, inching UMES closer to its second national championship. The sixth game was a back-and-forth affair all the way to the final frame when a Vanderbilt open frame opened the door for UMES. Lady Hawk anchor Maria Rodriguez marked 29 in the 10th to put it away.

To qualify for the championship match, both teams needed to win a pair of matches against undefeated and higher-seeded teams earlier in the bracket. Each did.

UMES knocked-out top seed Fairleigh Dickinson with a 4-2 win Saturday morning, following-up a 4-1 win in Friday's final round in the double-elimination bracket. VU duplicated its Friday afternoon win over second-seeded Nebraska with 4-1 victories on each occasion to advance to the championship.

Saturday's championship will air on ESPN Sunday afternoon beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Courtesy Detroit Athletics

Championship Bracket

2010/11 UMES Lady Hawks National Champions Roster

NO NAME Year Handed Hometown Last School 04 Buja, Megan FR Right Rockford, Ill. Thomas Jefferson H.S. 23 Falbo, T'nia SO Right Greensburg, Pa. Hempfield Senior H.S. 14 Frahm, Kristina SR Left Oswego Ill. Oswego East H.S. 21 Perez, Martha SR Right Bogota, Colombia English School 02 Ramirez, Anggie SO Left Bogota, Colombia Saint George School 01 Rodriguez, Maria SR Right Ibague Tolima, Colombia La Presentacion 05 Vilas, Paula JR Right Santo Domingo, Dominican Repub Univ. of APEC Sharon Brummell - Head Coach Doug Dukes - Assistant Coach Vince Brummell - Assistant Coach Maurice Lee - Manager

VISIT: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
VISIT: UMESHAWKS

2011 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: UMES HEADS BACK TO THE TITLE MATCH WITH 4-2 WIN OVER FDU

TAYLOR, Mich. - Three times is a charm, all three, as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) defeated Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) 4-2 and will advance to the National Championship match against Vanderbilt.

The Commodores defeated Nebraska 4-1 to earn their second trip to the finals. FDU only had three losses in the entire tournament, all three were to the Hawks who defeated them yesterday to force today's match and then again today to eliminate them from the event.

The quintet of Paula Vilas, Martha Perez, Anggie Ramirez, Kristina Frahm and Maria Rodriguez, all All-Americans, dominated on right lane, winning games one, three and five before overcoming the left lane to win game six and handing the Knights a 4-2 loss.

In game one UMES rolled six strikes and took advantage of three FDU opens to post a 50 pin spread, 217-167.

Photo Gallery

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2011 NCAA BOWLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: MARYLAND - EASTERN SHORE MAKES FINAL FOUR; IN TITLE HUNT

Past four NCAA championship teams remain in title hunt.  UMES to face Fairleigh Dickinson (2010 NCAA National Champs) today.



The top four seeded teams all remain alive with one loss heading into the final day of the 2011 NCAA Women's Bowling Championship at Skore Lanes in Taylor, Mich. The four teams represent the last four NCAA champions in the sport and are the only schools to win the crown since the tournament began in 2004.

Top-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson and second-seeded Nebraska advanced through the winner's bracket in their first two matches while Maryland Eastern Shore and Vanderbilt had to fight back through elimination matches.

The day wasn't without its drama, as FDU had to fend off Vanderbilt in an epic second-round match that went to a tiebreaker. The 192-192 tie in the first game set the tone for this match. After the Commodores posted wins in each of the next two games, defending NCAA-champ FDU answered with three consecutive wins. VU's 199-184 win in the seventh game left the teams each with 3.5 games through seventh forcing a tiebreaker. In the five-frame roll-off, FDU squeaked by with a 107-105 win to advance.

Saturday's matches include FDU (2010 NCAA champ) against UMES (2008) with the other semifinal pitting Nebraska (2009) against Vanderbilt (2007). Nebraska won it all the last time the championships were held in the Detroit area.



Semifinals begin at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday with the championship set for 3:40 p.m. A tape-delayed broadcast of the final round can be seen on ESPN on Sun., April 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Courtesy NCAA.com

SATURDAY: 10:40 AM CT, WATCH LIVE --UMES VS. FDU, CLICK HERE

HOW THEY GOT THERE: • Printable Bracket

What to look for at B-CU's spring football game today

ABOUT THE GAME
WHERE: Ormond Beach Sports Complex
WHEN: Today, 4 p.m.
ADMISSION: $5 ($1 students with ID); parking

1. Quarterbacks
This could be the last chance for Jackie Wilson or David Blackwell to get a leg up heading into summer drills in the battle to replace 2010 MEAC player of the year Matt Johnson. Head coach Brian Jenkins calls the two QBs mirror images of each other. Will Wilson have an advantage playing with the maroon squad and the first-team O-line?  In the summer, the position battle could heat up even more when freshman Quentin Williams, Florida's Mr. Football winner, arrives.

2. Running backs
This could be a chance for someone to break out of a crowded pack. Three of last season's top four rushers (excluding quarterbacks) return: Isidore Jackson (514 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, eight TDs), Johnathan Moment (257 yards, 4.4 ypc, three TDs) and Andronicus Lovette (261 yards, 6.7 ypc, six TDs). Throw into the mix...


Videographer: madie1898; BCU Symphonic Band, Spring Concert 2011, "Someone"

Will Spirited Spring Game Draft Add To Saturday's Show?

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –- What was the difference between the Bethune-Cookman University football team’s spring game player draft and those drafts you’re accustomed to watching on television? Well, Mel Kiper Jr. would have been completely clueless for one thing.

Part actual draft, part brokering session and part deal-making that you expect to find in smoke-filled rooms – in this case, without the smoke – as the evening progressed, the Wildcats gathered Thursday night in the football coaches office and labored until the wee hours of the morning hammering out the line-ups for Saturday’s game at Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

There were players practicing to be agents and the ever-looming threat of a “blockbuster trade” at the 11th hour, but the most important thing for B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins was seeing a lot of enthusiasm and camaraderie among the coaching staff and players.

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VISIT: BCUATHLETICS

Baseball players sign letters-of-intent to Bethune-Cookman

Four high school baseball players from around Hillsborough County signed their national letters-of-intent Thursday night. The players, members of the Team Xtreme travel baseball team, gathered at the Westchase Beef O' Brady's.

Middleton's Eric Comstock signed his letter-of-intent to play at Eastern Michigan University. He was joined by Einar Muniz (Jefferson, Bethune-Cookman University), Mike Estevez (Jefferson, Bethune-Cookman) and Sean Cramer (Armwood, Polk State College). Strawberry Crest's Jordan Keys, who was also there and a member of Team X, will sign his letter-of-intent April 21 to play baseball at St. Pete College.

BCU Incoming: Big County Prep Interviews B-CU Tampa Bay Area Signees

FAMU to interview Virginia Commonwealth assistant coach

VCU Assistant Coach Mike Jones (Howard U.,1990)

Tallahassee, FL - Mike Jones, who is currently an assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University, is expected to interview today for the Florida A&M men's basketball job, multiple sources have told the Tallahassee Democrat.

 Jones, a former assistant coach at the University of Georgia, met with FAMU athletic director Derek Horne during the week of the NCAA Final Four, a source in Richmond, Va., said Thursday night.

It wasn't clear if Horne and Jones came to terms and that he would be signing to become the next head coach of the Rattlers. Horne wasn't available for comment Thursday night. Should Jones sign, he would become the second major FAMU athletic hire with a history in the SEC.

FAMU's Taylor satisfied with spring practice

After giving the Florida A&M football team its first look at what to expect from its opening day opponent, coach Joe Taylor expressed satisfaction Thursday afternoon with the Rattlers' progress at the end of spring practice. FAMU culminated the spring with one last scrimmage, simulating Fort Valley State's offense and defense.

 FAMU opens the season at Bragg Stadium on Sept. 3.

"It's 143 days before that game kicks off, but when you come back in August, there is a lot going on so this is all about preparation and giving them some reps," Taylor said. "Those guys who we feel we would be playing really got a chance to play as a team.

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VIDEOGRAPHER: FAMURecreationCenter;
On April 6th, 2011 the Florida A&M Recreation Center officially opened Phase II & Phase III of the buildings completed projects. The FAMU Recreation Center is also know as the Hansel E. Tookes Student Recreational Center "The Tooke"!


VISIT: FLORIDA A&M University
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VISIT: e-RATTLER