2011 Road To The SIAC Championship Episode 3

Former Delaware State Player and Coach Jackie DeVane named Head Women's Basketball Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan

Coach Jackie DeVane

Buckhannon, WV - West Virginia Wesleyan College Director of Athletics Ken Tyler announced today the hiring of Jackie DeVane as Head Women’s Basketball Coach. DeVane was selected from a pool of almost 100 applicants.

Tyler stated, "We are very pleased to welcome Coach DeVane to West Virginia Wesleyan. She brings a wealth of successful experience, as well as strong enthusiasm for teaching and coaching. Jackie will be a real asset to Wesleyan."

DeVane has spent 15 years as a collegiate head coach, including 10 on the Division I level. She began her career at Division II Cheyney University, where she led the Lady Wolves to their first 20-win season in 10 years. From Cheyney, DeVane was hired as the head coach at Division I Delaware State University, where she earned MEAC Coach of the Year honors. In addition, she coached the men’s basketball team for the final three games of their season and the conference tournament.

In 2000, DeVane accepted the head coaching position at Division I Monmouth University where she compiled an overall record of 75-57, made an appearance in the NEC finals, won the most games (18) since Monmouth joined the NEC, and set a school record with four consecutive winning seasons.

After so many years on the road, DeVane left coaching in 2005 to raise her daughter Kiki in a more stable environment. Kiki will be a freshman student-athlete at Bethune-Cookman University this fall. From her new base in Houston, Texas, DeVane stayed active in the game by coaching AAU and helping young athletes move on to college. During her 15-year head-coaching career, DeVane served on the Board of Directors of both the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association and the Black Coaches’ Association.

DeVane earned a bachelor’s degree from Delaware State, a master’s from Penn State, and has completed doctoral work at Temple University. DeVane was a four-year letter winner and captain at Delaware State and led the team in rebounding three years. She pulled down a school-record 28 rebounds in one game her freshman year, and was inducted into the DSU Hall of Fame in 1997.

DeVane summed up her hiring by stating, "I am excited to be a part of the West Virginia Wesleyan family. I think Ken Tyler is doing a wonderful job with the athletic department and I love that President Balch is so supportive of athletics! It’s an awesome feeling to be back in the saddle, and I’m looking forward to working with the student-athletes in the program."

What they’re saying about Jackie DeVane:

"She is a hard worker who pays close attention to dotting her I’s and crossing her T’s. Jackie is very diligent, is a great communicator, and is very smart when it comes to achieving educational goals."
-Hall of Fame Coach John Chaney, formerly of Temple University

"Wesleyan has hired a quality individual who also happens to be one of my favorite people. She is intelligent and relates extremely well to young people. She knows the game and is a great basketball coach who has always had a great love for the game. I think you guys got someone who the community will love. She is a very, very good recruiter and you’ll be very proud of the job she does with the young women that make up your basketball program. Congratulations on hiring such a beautiful person."
-Former Syracuse University Head Coach Marianne Freeman (DeVane’s coach at Delaware State)

By West Virginia Wesleyan College Sports Information

Forty-One Bowie State Student-Athletes Earn Degrees

Bowie, MD - Forty-one current and former student-athletes, managers and cheerleaders were among Bowie State University graduates who received degrees in the 2011 Spring Commencement – Friday, May 20th in BSU's Bulldog Stadium.

“We are very proud of our student-athlete graduates today. These young men and young ladies are the true examples of student-athletes. They have embraced the mission of the Athletic Department and understand the importance we have stressed about academics. It is a proud moment for our coaches and administrators to be a part of the joyous occasion”, said Athletic Director Anton Goff.

The graduating class included six student-athletes who graduated with honors, BSU Athletics Male Student-Athlete of the Year Sterling Grant-Jones, two-time winning CIAA Softball Champion Danielle McClay, two-time winning CIAA Bowling Champion Rebecca Frusciante and Jatyra Heath member of the Women's Volleyball team who won this year's CIAA team's highest grade point average for women's volleyball.

We thank you for your contribution to BSU Athletic Department and your respective sport. Congratulations and best wishes to you as you begin your next journey.

Academic Honors
JaTyra Heath – Magna Cum Laude – Women's Volleyball
Shawnita Briggs – Magna cum Laude – Women's Basketball
Lacreshia Mason – Cum Laude – Cheerleading
Daryl Sanders – Cum Laude – Men's Cross Country/Track
Brianna Taylor – Cum Laude – Women's Basketball
Jayde Gavin – Academic Recognition – Men's Basketball

Current Student-Athletes
Ashley Cook – B.A. Fine Arts - Softball
Ciarra Roulhac - B.A. English - Cheerleading
Adeshola Ashiru – B.S. Biology – Women's Bowling
Santiato Ennis – B.S. Communications - Men's Track
Sterling Grant-Jones - B.S. Communications - Football
Courtney Halsey - B.S. Communications - Cheerleading
Lacreshia Mason – B.S. Communications - Cheerleading
Brianna Taylor – B.S. Communications - Women's Basketball
Rodney Webb – B.S. Communications – Football
Brittney Jackson – B.S. Business Administration - Women's Basketball
Daryl Sanders – B.S. Business Administration - Men's Cross Country/Track
Rebecca Frusciante – B.S. Elementary Education - Women's Bowling
April Johnson – B.S. Elementary Education - Cheerleading
Anthony Green – B.S. Child and Adolescent Studies - Football
Tiffany Queen – B.S. Child and Adolescent Studies – Football Manager
Jayde Gavin – B.S. Sociology - Men's Basketball
Jatyra Heath – B.S. Sociology - Women's Volleyball
Danielle McClay – B.S. Sociology - Women's Softball
Travis Reed - B.S. Sociology - Football
Nicole Robinson – B.S. Sport Management – Football
Joyous Willis – M.A. Organizational Communications

Former Student-Athletes
Shawnita Briggs – B.S. Biology – Women's Basketball
Meron “Mary” Wudneh – B.S. Biology – Women's Basketball
Erica Barron – B.S. Communications – Women's Tennis
Maurice Berry – B.S. Communications – Football
Arthur Bowers – B.S. Communications – Men's Basketball
James Hardaway, II – B.S. Computer Technology – Football
Irby Alexander – B.S. Business Administration – Football
Antonio Carter – B.S. Business Administration – Football
Carmen Herbert – B.S. Business Administration – Softball
Juwuhn Smith – B.S. Business Administration – Football
Jonathan Mason – B.S. Sport Management – Football
Dajuana Hill – B.S. Nursing – Women's Track
Jasmine McNair - B.S. Nursing - Women's Volleyball and Tennis
Elise Perkins – B.S. Early Childhood/Special Education - Women's Track
Ashley Robinson – B.S. Business Administration - Women's Volleyball
Joseph Embree – B.S. Child and Adolescent Studies – Football
Krystle Earle – B.S. Psychology – Women's Basketball
Donovan Carroll – B.S. Sociology - Men's Track
Bianca Lee – B.S. Sociology – Women's Basketball
Annette Makle – B.S. Sociology – Softball
Hamzat Saba – B.S. Sociology - Football

By Bowie State University Sports Information


Videographer: jvspears

CIAA Honors 2011 Commissioner’s All-Academic Team

Hampton, VA - Twenty student-athletes representing eleven of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) twelve member schools have been named to the CIAA Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. This year’s team defines the total NCAA DII student-athlete experience with each member excelling on their respective playing fields and courts as well as in their classrooms and communities.

“Being a Division II and CIAA student-athlete means living Life in the Balance,” notes Commissioner Leon G. Kerry. “That means dedicating an equal amount of excellence towards academic pursuits, athletic accomplishment and personal development. This year’s honorees embody that concept and we’re forever proud of them for their hard work .”

Ten CIAA student-athletes were named First Team CIAA Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. Those ten student-athletes boasted a 3.76 overall grade point average. The second team also consists of ten student-athletes, averaging a 3.8 overall grade point average. Johnson C. Smith University placed two student-athletes on this year’s team while Saint Augustine’s continued their dominance on the team with four team members, including two on the first team.



First Team
Orolando Duffus SAC Track & Field SR 3.92 St. Catherine, Jamaica Business Administration
Tricia Gorman CU Softball SR 3.51 Ambridge, PA Psychology
Leford Green JCSU Track & Field SR 3.77 St. Catherine, Jamaica Information Systems Engineering
Kalada Kienka SU Men’s Tennis SR 3.95 Lagos, Nigeria Computer Science
Lolia Kienka SU Women’s Tennis JR 3.92 Lagos, Nigeria Business/International Relations
Allie Kolezynski CU Softball SO 3.93 Strongsville, OH Business Administration
Allison Sikes SAC Women’s Bskt. SR 3.61 Richmond, VA Psychology
Rhon’Neisha Taylor VSU Women’s Bskt. SR 3.44 Nashville, TN Sport Management
Travis Taylor WSSU Football SR 3.75 Newberry, SC Political Science
Justin Parker VSU Football/Golf SR 3.76 Chesterfield, VA HPER

Second Team
Adidias Arrington VUU Football SR 3.56 Norfolk, VA Criminal Justice
Bryan Aycoth LC Football/T&F JR 3.87 Salisbury, NC Biology
Christopher Copeland SAC Track & Field JR 3.66 Suffolk, VA Sport Management
Sarah Danaher LUP Women’s Bowling FR 4.00 Waitsfield, VT French/Secondary Education
Brucelee Sterile LUP Football JR 3.8 Miami, FL Business Management
Maximilian Glodde WSSU Men’s Tennis SR 3.98 Potsdam, Germany Economics & Finance
Dallin Gray FSU Football SO 3.95 Colorado Springs, CO Chemistry
Jasmine Nixon BSU Volleyball SO 3.80 Middletown, NY Psychology
Kathryn Tokarski SAC VB/SB/T&F JR 3.81 Saskatchewan, CAN Human Performance
Shermaine Williams JCSU Track & Field SR 3.77 St. Andrew, Jamaica Biology

School Legend
BSU- Bowie State University
CU- Chowan University
FSU- Fayetteville State University
JCSU- Johnson C. Smith University
LC- Livingstone College
LUP-Lincoln University (PA)
SAC- St. Augustine’s College
SU- Shaw University
VSU- Virginia State University
VUU- Virginia Union University
WSSU-Winston-Salem State University

Saint Augustine’s ran their way to the top of this year’s team with three student-athletes from each squad represented. Saint Augustine’s College was headlined by Allison Sikes (Richmond, VA) and Orolando Duffus (St. Catherine, Jamaica). Both student-athletes earned spots on the first team. Sikes, a member of the SAC women’s basketball program, was this year’s CIAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and was a three-time All-CIAA selection. She graduated Magna Cum Laude earlier this month. Duffus maintains a 3.92 GPA in Business Administration while also sporting Five NCAA DII Track & Field All American titles. Duffus is a two time member of the CIAA Commissioner’s Scholar-Athlete Team. Duffus was named last year’s CIAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

JSCU’s Leford Green (St. Catherine, Jamaica) was named to the First Team for the Golden Bulls. The All-American Track & Field athlete is a three-time member of the CIAA Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. The senior, Information Systems Engineering major, has maintained a 3.776 grade point average. He was named an Indoor All-American after winning the 400m National Title and was on the 4 X 400m team that took home the national indoor title.

Shaw University also placed two student-athletes of the First Team in Kalada Kienka (Lagos, Nigeria), Lolia Kienda (Lagos, Nigeria). Kalada Kienka has compiled a 3.95 overall grade point average in Computer Science. He was named Shaw’s Outstanding Student in Computer Science, an award usually reserved for senior ranking students. He was also named to the All-CIAA Men’s Tennis Team after helping his team win their seventh straight conference championships. Lolia Kienka was named to the CIAA Women’s Tennis Team after going 16-0 in conference play and maintains a 3.92 GPA in Business/International Relations.

Allie Kolezynski (Strongsville, OH) represents Chowan on the First Team this year. She was named First Team All-CIAA for softball after helping lead her team to a regular season championship. She has maintained a 3.97 grade point average in Business Administration. She was named All-CIAA for softball two years in a row and is a two time member of the CIAA Scholar-Athlete Team. Chowan’s Tricia Gorman (Ambridge, PA) was also named to the team after being named the CIAA Softball Player of the Year. Gorman led all of NCAA DII in RBI this year and maintained a 3.51 GPA in Psychology.

Justin Parker (Petersburg, VA) led the CIAA’s Field Goal category for the 2010 season. This Presidential Scholar with a 3.76 GPA in HPER, finished 8 for 8 (100 pct.) in field goals with a long of 40 yards. He also ranked 2nd in PAT kicking, 32-34 at 94 pct. Parker won the 2011 CIAA Special Teams Player of the Year and was named to the ALL-CIAA Football First Team.

WSSU’s Travis Taylor (Newberry, SC) was instrumental in the Rams football program’s success this season as an offensive lineman. He helped the Rams roll up more than 2,000 rushing yards and 1,999 passing yards anchoring the offensive line. Taylor has a 3.75 GPA in Political Science.

VSU’s Rhon’Neisha Taylor (Nashville, TN) is a two-time member of the team. She helped the Lady Trojans to NCAA post season play after averaging 17.7 points an outing. She was named this year’s Lowe’s Senior Class Award winner and maintains a 3.44 GPA in Sport Management.

The CIAA Commissioner’s Scholar-Athlete Second Team is made up of ten deserving athletes, led by Sarah Danaher (Waitsfield, VT) who maintained a 4.0 GPA in French/Secondary Education. She was Lincoln’s best bowler this season. Livingstone’s Bryan Acoth (Salisbury, NC) has a 3.87 GPA in Biology and led the Blue Bear defense with 67 tackles. BSU’s Jasmine Nixon (Middletown, NY) led the Lady Bulldogs volleyball team in kills and points this season while also maintaining a 3.8 GPA in Psychology.

VUU”s Adidias Arrington (Norfolk, VA) led the Panthers in total tackles with 85 this season. He was an All-CIAA performer and a two-time member of the CIAA Scholar-Athlete Team. He has a 3.56 GPA in Sport Management. JCSU’s Shermaine Williams (St. Andrew, Jamaica earned a spot on the team. Williams helped lead the Lady Golden Bulls to their first-ever CIAA Championship in Track & Field this year. She was an Indoor All-American and this year’s CIAA Outdoor MVP. She has a 3.776 GPA in Biology. Brucelee Sterile (Miami, FL) was named to the team after being named Lincoln’s Male Athlete of the Year. Sterile maintained a 3.8 GPA in Business Management. He was an All CIAA performer at linebacker for the Lions this season and a NCAA Super Region Second Team member.

SAC’s Kathryn Tokarski (Saskatchewan, CAN) was a three-sport athlete for the Lady Falcons and maintained a 3.818 GPA in Human Performance & Wellness. She starred on the SAC volleyball team, softball team, and the track & field team. She was a CIAA First Team member for volleyball and claimed the CIAA Outdoor Championships Javelin title. The Falcons also placed Christopher Copeland (Suffolk ,V A) on the team. He is a five-time NCAA Outdoor Track & Field All-American and claimed both Indoor and Outdoor CIAA high jump titles this season. He has a 3.668 GPA in Sport Management.

FSU’s Dallin Gray (Mebane, NC) rounds out this year’s team. Gray was the starting tight end on the Bronco’s football team this year. He has a 3.95 GPA in Physical Education. This season he caught four touchdowns led the tight end position in total receiving this year.

The CIAA Commissioner’s All-Academic Team is voted on by the CIAA Sports Information Directors’ Association and is in its 14th year. To be eligible for the team a student-athlete must have completed one academic year at a CIAA institution, earned a minimum 3.2 grade point average, and have excelled as a starter or significant reserve in a CIAA sanctioned sport.

By CIAA Media Relations
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Navy SEALs push CIAA athletes to get mentally tough

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Five teams of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association athletes hit the water and scaled walls as part of their training in April at the U.S. Navy SEALs’ Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Chowan University, Saint Paul’s College, Bowie State University, Saint Augustine’s College and Virginia State University players all got a taste of the rigors of training with the SEALs in a 12-foot-deep, Olympic-size pool and on the Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Confidence Course, a 17-station land obstacle course.

The training—part of a “Mental Toughness, Never Quit” campaign conducted by the SEALs for CIAA schools—occurred April 16-17. The event was a follow-up to on-campus seminars at the CIAA schools in February and March.



The “Mental Toughness, Never Quit” program, focusing on schools in the CIAA—the nation’s oldest black athletic conference, established in 1912—was developed as part of the Naval Special Warfare’s effort to attract top minority talent. More than 1,000 athletes from 11 schools attended the on-campus “Mental Toughness” seminars.

The goal of “Mental Toughness, Never Quit”—which includes goal-setting, visualization, positive self talk and 4x4x4 breathing skills—is to provide valuable training to athletes while making them aware of potential career opportunities within the SEAL Teams. The SEALs provided players with a unique look into how mental preparation is essential to winning.

Navy SEALs are a special breed of warrior who conduct special operations in any environment, but who are uniquely trained and equipped to operate from, around and in maritime areas. SEALs take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. Their small highly trained teams usually work quietly at night conducting some of the nation's most important missions. SEALs are constantly deployed throughout the world to protect U.S. national interests.

VISIT: THE CENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
VISIT: U.S. NAVY SEALs

CIAA Board of Directors Addresses Discontinuance of Saint Paul’s College Athletics Program

Charlotte, NC -- In a closed-door meeting of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors, the group of thirteen presidents and chancellors received a report from Saint Paul’s College President, Dr. Robert L. Satcher, Sr. of the action taken last Thursday by the SPC Board of Trustees to discontinue its athletic program.

On behalf of the CIAA Board of Directors, Chairman and Livingstone College President, Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. “received the report with sadness, but also recognizes that since the college is no longer participating in collegiate athletics, it will not continue as a member of the CIAA. In accordance with that fact, the Board acknowledges that the CIAA’s Two-Year Transfer Rule will no longer prove relevant for Saint Paul’s College student-athletes who wish to transfer to any CIAA school.”

The Two-Year Transfer Rule is instituted when a student-athlete transfers between two conference member institutions. The discontinuance of the college’s membership cancels the effect of this rule.


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THE IMPACT: READ RELATED ARTICLES
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CIAA Will Allow St. Paul's Athletes To Transfer Within Conference

Athletic Program Discontinued at Saint Paul's College

**LAWRENCEVILLE, VA — (May 09, 2011) At its recent Spring Meeting, The Saint Paul’s College Board of Trustees took a bold step towards restoring financial stability to the 123 year old historical Episcopal College. The Board resolved to discontinue the entire Athletic Program at the College, effective July 1, 2011. The Administration is establishing a time schedule for implementation of the resolution with regard to its effect on the student body and their moral responsibility to the Athletic Staff. There was no doubt that once the College becomes financially stable again, consideration would be given to reinstating the Athletic Program.

While the Board of Trustees acknowledged that some notable progress has been made in the financial affairs under the current administration, in that the College has achieved a balanced budget twice in the last three years; however, the longstanding financial problems have yet to be remedied. Also, the U. S. Department of Education and the accrediting agency, SACSCOC have acknowledged some improvement in the financial affairs of the College.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robert L. Satcher, Sr., President and his Executive Cabinet have begun establishing a time schedule for the College to implement a full-scale Intramural Program for its students.

The 123-year old school fielded 7 men's and women's teams and was a member of the CIAA.

CIAA Statement Regarding Saint Paul’s College Athletic Department Dissolution

Hampton, VA -- It is with much sadness that the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has learned of the dissolution of the athletic program at St. Paul’s College. The CIAA remains dedicated to the welfare of each affected student-athlete and will make every effort to protect their interests.

In anticipation of the discussion of this matter at the CIAA Board of Directors’ meeting slated for this week, the conference and Commissioner will wait to make any official comment until after its conclusion.

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** From Saint Paul's College Press Release

CIAA Opens Door of Opportunity for Student-Athletes with Navy SEALs

We posted an impressive article on Sunday on the partnership of the U.S. Navy SEALS and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.  If you missed this informative story, here is a link to the press release on the “Mental Toughness, Never Quit” campaign and yesterday's linked article.

USNAVYSEALS.COM BLOG reports:  The partnership between the SEALs and the CIAA is two-fold. Aside from raising awareness regarding the SEALs among CIAA athletes, it also gives them an opportunity to reach out to possible recruits who are of African-American descent.  The CIAA is composed mostly of schools that are historically African-American.

Diversity officer Cmdr. Brodes Hartley explains: “More than ever, our force needs to be a reflection of our society… but we’re not even close to that.” Less than 50 of the roughly 2,500 active-duty SEALs are African-Americans; the count is even less for Asians and Hispanics.

Cmdr. Hartley said that part of the problem that results in low recruits for African-Americans is a fear of the water; for most of them, swimming was an activity that was not within reach – economically and culturally. “We’re working to change that… I mean, look at how many guys we had in the water today,” Hartley said.



If you like data, here are a few numbers to chew on, coming from the SEALs.

"An estimated 25% of all individuals who go through Navy SEAL training actually pass their training. When it comes to other types of military training, 85% of people who undergo these trainings will pass their training."

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Shaw University Shuts Down For Semester After Tornado

RALEIGH, N.C. - Due to extensive damage from the tornado and storms that hit Raleigh on Saturday, Shaw University in downtown Raleigh will be closed for the rest of the semester, although graduation will proceed as planned.

The school made the announcement through its website today.

“While I knew that the situation was adverse during the evening, daylight has revealed that it will be impossible for us to safely conduct classes and return to business as usual,” said Dr. Irma McLaurin, President of Shaw University. “Thus, I have made the difficult decision of suspending classes for the remainder of the semester.”

The school said it would would officially close at noon today (April 17, 2011).





Damage at Shaw sends students home

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Hours after scrambling off campus to escape a devastating storm, students at Shaw University returned Sunday, only to gather their belongings and head home. They won't return for months.

Classes at Shaw are canceled, and the university is closed for the remainder of spring semester as a result of Saturday's storm, which dismantled buildings on the school's downtown campus and displaced almost 150 students.

"The campus is difficult to navigate, trees are down and glass is everywhere," Shaw President Dr. Irma McClaurin said Sunday. "... Many students are in shock."

Shaw officials said a tornado touched down directly over the quad between 4 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Two students were taken to the hospital with injuries. Others were forced to take refuge for the night in the gymnasium at Southeast Raleigh High School.

NCSU Campus considered lucky, 'dodges bullet'

A severe storm cell swept across North Carolina Saturday, killing 22 and injuring 130 others as several tornadoes touched down across the region. Areas of Raleigh hit hardest were South Saunders Street, Stony Brook mobile home park, where three people died, and the area around Shaw University.

Irma McClaurin, President of Shaw University, released a letter to all students and parents stating that the university would be closed for the remainder of the semester. According to McClaurin, Shaw "students will be graded on the work they have accomplished to date. The Math and English Competency Exam requirements are suspended for this semester only."

The storms that hit North Carolina were part of a three-day ordeal that hit the southern United States, killing more than forty people in total. North Carolina was hit the hardest and has the highest number of casualties, with 20 counties facing significant damage and over 200,000 people without power.

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CIAA athletes train with the U.S. Navy SEALs

If you know how to swim, raise your hand. Most of the 36 black college football players gathered around the indoor pool at Little Creek on Saturday lifted their hands in response to the SEAL's directive.

"When we say 'swim,' " Master Chief Shawn Johnson added, "we mean, 'If we put you in that pool right now, could you tread water for five minutes?' " The young men looked at one another. All but four hands dropped. "That's OK," Johnson said. "We can work with that."

Minutes later, the Chowan University athletes were in the water, practicing the sidestroke, navigating obstacles and learning how to use their clothes as flotation devices.

They were among hundreds of athletes from a dozen colleges in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association who have signed on to train with the SEALs this month at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

Photo Gallary: View all 4 photos 

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Paine College selects school's first full-time Athletic Director

Augusta, GA - When he was contacted six weeks ago for the open athletic director position, Tim Duncan liked what he saw. Paine College President George C. Bradley's 25-year master plan appealed to Duncan, especially the strategic plan for athletics.

Paine named Duncan, the former UNC-Wilmington associate athletic director and director of major gifts, as its new athletic director at a Friday morning news conference at the Yerby House. "We want Paine to be the class of the SIAC," Duncan said of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. "I want to win. I know that takes time and resources. It's my job to provide the resources."

Duncan will become the school's first full-time athletic director. He will start May 9 with a 90-day plan that includes reviewing personnel and policies, as well as coming up with ways to build new revenue streams.

Lions Athletics Director Tim Duncan
(B.B.A.. Memphis '92, M.S. Sports Admin. Grambling State '97)
Courtesy: UNCWSports.com

Duncan Accepts A.D. Post at Paine 

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Tim Duncan, who headed up UNCW's Seahawk Club for two years before taking over the athletic department's major gifts program in February, has been named Director of Athletics at Paine College.

Duncan was introduced during a press conference on Friday at the Augusta, Ga., institution. Paine is an NCAA Division II member that competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Lions sponsor 10 sports in men and women's basketball, men's and women's track and field, men's and women's cross country, men's golf, baseball, softball, and women's volleyball

"My family and I have enjoyed our two years at UNCW," said Duncan. "The Wilmington community holds a very dear place in our hearts and it was going to take a very special opportunity for us to leave the Seahawk family.

"The chance to work with Paine College president Dr. (George C.) Bradley, a former college student-athlete, and become the first non-coach athletic director was a unique enough combination to intrigue Lisa and I to take advantage of this opportunity.

"I would like to thank former Director of Athletics Kelly Mehrtens for hiring me and introducing me to the Wilmington community. I would also like to thank Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, Max Allen and Jimmy Bass for supporting me during this process. Finally, I want to thank the faculty/staff, the Seahawk Club Board of Directors and all of the Seahawk fans who have been extremely kind to my family and me. We plan to continue to visit Wilmington for family vacations in the years to come."

Duncan began his association with the program in the spring of 2009 as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Executive Director of the UNCW Student Aid Association (Seahawk Club) and was appointed Associate A.D. for Major Gifts in February.

In his position with the Seahawk Club, Duncan increased unrestricted giving by 20 percent and oversaw the development of "Dancing with the Wilmington Stars," the largest athletics fundraiser in the program's history.

"I've only worked with Tim for a short time, but he's been very helpful in my transition here at UNCW," said Bass. "Tim has prepared himself well for this new challenge and we certainly wish Tim, Lisa, and their family the very best in this next stage of his career."

Duncan previously served as Director of the M Club at the University of Memphis, where he helped the Tigers increase their revenue by 35 percent and membership by 40 percent over his first year. He also solicited major gifts from donors and former student-athletes, including the largest single gift ($1 million) for naming rights to the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.

In addition, he spearheaded the strategic planning, direction and management for the school's former letter winners. He was an integral part of UM's annual athletic fundraising and major gifts programs.

Prior to his appointment at Memphis, Duncan was a managing partner in PRStore, a marketing firm in Memphis. He developed strategies for small business owners and managed store operations and personnel.

The Memphis native began his career path as a public relations coordinator for Russell Corporation in Midland, Ga., in 1996. He assisted in managing sponsorships for the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, and coordinated various other promotional programs for two years.

From 1998-2003, Duncan worked as an assistant marketing manager and marketing manager at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem, N.C. He assisted in managing the execution of a $70 million event marketing program initially and later managed the start-up of a $13 million program for one of the company's brands. He also coordinated 51 high-profile events for R.J. Reynolds, including NASCAR Winston Cup and NHRA Drag Racing.

In 2003, Duncan founded Infrared Marketing, LLC, to develop strategies for Fortune 500 companies who wanted to accomplish their marketing objectives.

Duncan is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) and the National Letterwinners Association (NLWA).

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at Memphis in 1992 and completed his Master of Science Degree in Sports Administration at Grambling State in 1997.

Duncan played four years on the Memphis men's basketball team and helped the Tigers and former coach Larry Finch reach the NCAA's Elite Eight during his senior year in 1992.

Courtesy: UNCWSports.com

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Livingstone College athletes victorious in the classroom

SALISBURY, N.C. — In nationally televised speeches, President Barack Obama, a diehard sports fan, has insisted the U.S. do a better job educating its young men and women. In fact, the president has issued a challenge for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

Chances are good Obama would be excited about what’s going on at Livingstone College.

While the Blue Bears want to win on the hardwood, gridiron and in other sports, the college is winning where it should — in the classroom. So much so that just the men’s cross country team was recognized as having the highest GPA in the CIAA, and the men’s basketball team was recognized for the same accomplishment in early March.

“I think it speaks volumes for Livingstone College that two of our teams had the highest grade point average in the CIAA,” said Dr. Leroy Simmons, vice president of academic affairs. “It shows that our students, coaches and faculty get it. They realize they’re students first.”

Men's Cross Country Earns Highest GPA Award for Fall 2010 Season

HAMPTON, VA – The Livingstone men’s cross country team had the highest team GPA among the CIAA men’s cross country teams for the fall 2010 season it was announced Friday by the conference office.

The Livingstone men’s outdoor track and field team also won the highest GPA award for the Spring 2010 season. Grade point averages are calculated on the previous two semesters, excluding freshmen, and are evaluated by the CIAA Faculty Athletic Representative’s Association.

The Blue Bear men’s cross country team consisted of Derrick Tinsley, Tim Handy, Ezra Mutai, Octavious Matthews, Dorian Clay and Jonathan Handy and is coached by Justin Davis.

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VISIT: LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE
VISIT: BLUEBEARATHLETICS

WSSU Audit Finds $3.9 Million Athletics Deficit

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- A state audit of finances at Winston-Salem State University found a $3.9 million athletics department deficit, but the university blamed the shortfall on its decision to move its athletics programs to NCAA Division I classification.

The audit also found no means of eliminating the deficit in the coming years and that the university is using "unidentified funds" to support the athletics program.

Read Full Audit

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Harris: Does anyone care about Elizabeth City State's Michael Bonner?

Harris: Does anyone care about Michael Bonner?

At one end of the basketball court in the R.L. Vaughan Center are team photos for the Elizabeth City State teams. In the men’s basketball picture, one of the biggest smiles belongs to Perquimans graduate Michael Bonner. Although he didn’t know it then, it was the only time Bonner would put on an ECSU uniform.

Since then, Bonner has been getting a raw deal. And that is about as nice as I can put it and get it past my editors.

He should be playing with the Vikings and contributing as they make a run in the final weeks of the season. Instead, Bonner is watching the games from the stands. Always with a smile on his face...

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READ RELATED ARTICES:

ECSU's Bonner in limbo - The Daily Advance

Incoming ... Booner comes to ECSU - The Daily Advance

NOTE TO VIKINGS AND HBCU FANS:

Please pass the link to this story "Harris: Does anyone care about Michael Bonner?" on to your friends and let us all assist this deserving student-athlete in receiving a fair decision from CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry.

ECSU beat writer Will Harris of the Daily Advance Newspaper is on point -- that student Michael Bonner has received a raw deal from the professionals that he and his family trusted to provide the proper guidance for both his academic and athletic careers. Why should he suffer for their incompetency?

Will you help by bringing political pressure on the CIAA Commissioner's Office to provide Mr. Michael Bonner with a quick waiver of this silly two-year rule, that should not be applied to the Winston Salem State University situation? Please express your support and ask the Commissioner to render a decision, now, that is long overdue to Mr. Bonner and his family.

You may contact the CIAA commissioner's office at:

Mr. Leon Kerry, Commissioner
E-mail: LeonKerry@aol.com
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Post Office Box 7349
22 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 210
Hampton, Virginia 23666
E-Mail: TheCIAA@aol.com
Office: 757-865-0071
Fax: 757-865-8436

We appreciate your support and assistance on this effort for this deserving CIAA student-athlete. Thank you.

beepbeep

P.S. If this was my son, I would be breaking out a can of whoop ass on the Commissioner's office -- but I won't go there today.


Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

WSSU's big priority: Retention of athletes

Out with the cockroaches. In with state-of-the-art study space. Winston-Salem State’s work to strengthen its athletics program through the addition of an academic center is complete. The center is in the bowels of the Gaines Center, with part of it using a room known as “The Dungeon.”

Athletics Director Bill Hayes had a vision to build a place where athletes could go to study or for tutoring. “Who would have thought that ‘The Dungeon’ that was infested with cockroaches could be turned into an academic center?” Hayes said.

Chancellor Donald Reaves has talked at length about retention of all students at WSSU, including student-athletes. The new center features a computer lab with 10 computers and enough space for as many as 45 athletes to study at one time.


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Paine coach Ronnie Spry resigns

Augusta, Ga-- After 31 years at the helm of the Paine College men's basketball team and as the school's athletic director, today, Ronnie Spry steps down and resigning both positions.

Emotions were running high as Spry made the decision with family and friends on hand. This comes mid-season in the midst of controversy surrounding Spry and the program. You may remember he's has been on administrative leave for nearly a month now and his future had been uncertain. While no one, including spry, will address why exactly he was placed on leave, he's just glad the situation has been resolved.



Paine College Issues Statement On Ron Spry's Indefinite Leave


Augusta, GA -- Paine College athletic director and men's basketball head coach Ron Spry is still awaiting the decision of the college in regards to his indefinite administrative leave from the school. Paine College officials issued a statement Wednesday. WJBF News Channel 6 Sports' Merissa Lynn has more.

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Source: Athletic director hit list at Lincoln University (Pa.)?

LU Lions Athletic Director Dianthia Ford-Kee

LOWER OXFORD, Pa. — The mid-December departure of women's basketball coach Andy Haman is not the end of alleged house cleaning within the Lincoln University Athletic Department, several people with direct knowledge of the situation told the Daily Local News.

Two unnamed sources independently confirmed that Lincoln Athletic Director Dianthia Ford-Kee openly acknowledged having an unwritten "hit list" of athletic department personnel she was targeting for dismissal. Former assistant track coach Bobby Young -- reportedly on the alleged list along with Haman and several others -- said that the hit list was common knowledge among Lincoln coaches and administrators.

"I know I was on the list," said Young, who resigned on Dec. 20. "I thought it was inappropriate for (Ford-Kee) to tell everybody about the hit list and who she wanted to get rid of.

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Preview: Week 8 - CIAA, SIAC, SWAC, MEAC Football Games

EXCITING CIAA DIVISIONAL RACES ENTER STRETCH RUN!

GAME OF THE WEEK: ELIZABETH CITY STATE AT BOWIE STATE: The winner of this contest has won the Division four of the past five seasons. This season, however, both teams trail Virginia State after prior losses to the Trojans. Consequently, BSU and ECSU must take care of their business and wish for a Virginia State stumble. The question for the Vikings is....



This Week in the SWAC for Oct. 20, 2010

THE RATING GAME

1. GRAMBLING

Another week, another big game from RB Frank Warren.

2. TEXAS SOUTHERN

Tigers play four of last five regular-season games at home.

3. JACKSON STATE

Nov. 20 game against Alcorn could decide Eastern Division.

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Bowie State Names Goff New Athletic Director

BOWIE, Md. - Bowie State University named Anton Goff as the institution's new director of athletics, effective October 1. Goff, formerly associate director for the Academic Support and Career Development Unit (ASCDU) at the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP), served in collegiate athletics administration for the past 15 years.

A press conference at Bowie State is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at 3 p.m. The event's location is the Thurgood Marshall Library in the Special Collections Room on the second floor.

Goff succeeds interim athletic director Arlene Creek, an alumna who has been associated with Bowie State for over 30 years.

At UMCP, Goff focused on leading the Terps' academic support unit in providing quality developmental programs and need-based services that enhanced academic progress, facilitated career development and encouraged the psychosocial growth of all student-athletes.

"Mr. Goff brings an array of experiences that are certain to enhance the athletic programs at Bowie State University," said Mickey L. Burnim, president of Bowie State University. "His credentials are impressive and we are indeed delighted he is joining BSU to help lead an already thriving Division II program to the next level of excellence."

At Bowie State, Goff will oversee its 13 men's and women's athletic teams, which are part of the NCAA Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

Goff will take on the role soon after Bowie State unveils its new artificial turf at Bulldog Stadium on September 25 at the first home football game versus Virginia Union University.

It is a great day to be a Bulldog," stated Anton Goff. "This is a tremendous opportunity for me professionally and personally. My goals and values mirror those of BSU and I am looking forward to leading the Athletic Department in pursuit of academic and athletic excellence as well as community participation. I am honored to be placed in this leadership position. My family and I are excited to become contributing members of the Bowie State University community."

Goff served as the sport supervisor and administrator at UMCP for six of its 27 varsity sports (men's and women's track and field program), while overseeing the program's yearly budget. He managed the areas of student services, academic support, community service, and life skills for all 27 varsity sports and 700 student-athletes.

While at Michigan State University, Goff served as the academic coordinator for the Spartan football team, where he was responsible for tracking the student-athletes' classroom efforts and monitoring progress toward their degrees in compliance with NCAA and Big Ten regulations. Goff was responsible for overseeing the tutoring programs and study table at MSU and coordinated a faculty/staff mentorship program. Goff supervised four full-time academic counselors/learning specialists, graduate students and several undergraduate tutors.

Prior to his tenure at MSU, Goff provided academic support for Maryland men's basketball, men's and women's track, men's and women's soccer and softball programs from 1998 to 2001. During his first stint in College Park, Goff was instrumental in the development of the Terrapin Student-Athlete Handbook and the implementation of educational programs concerning alcohol and drug abuse, academic integrity, gender violence and human diversity.

He completed the NCAA Leadership Institute and is a member of several associations and societies including the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the African American Scholars Honor Society, the Golden Key National Honors Society, the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics, the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Goff earned a bachelor's degree in the administration of justice from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in 1991, before receiving a master's degree in the same discipline from VCU two years later. He completed all of the requirements, excluding the dissertation (ABD), for a doctorate degree from Kent State University in Education Administration with a concentration in Sports Administration. He lives in Bowie with his wife and two daughters.

From Press Release: Bowie State University 9/10/2010

WSSU Gaines Hall of Fame Class 2010 Features a Star-Studded Cast of Honorees

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - The Winston-Salem State University C.E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame will welcome its class of 2010 inductees when eight individuals along with the 2000 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champion Rams football team will take their place among the WSSU greats.

The individual inductees will be inducted in a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 17 at the Grand Pavilion Ballroom located at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Winston-Salem, N.C. and will be honored at halftime of the Winston-Salem State versus Chowan University football game on Saturday, Sept. 18.

"To an athlete, being enshrined into your university's athletic hall of fame is reaching the mountaintop. There is no higher honor," WSSU Director of Athletics, William "Bill" Hayes said. "On behalf of the entire WSSU Department of Athletics, congratulations to all inductees for reaching this milestone."

The Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2010 will include some of the top student-athletes in school history. The class will include two softball players (Kenisha Williams and Sheila Vanhook McDonald), one tennis player (Darrell Edmund Galloway), four football players (Masha Paul, Kelley D. Goodman, Gary Raiford and Antonio Stevenson), and one member of the Rams track & field team (George Dillard Macklin).

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