Grambling State University coach wins 27th SWAC title

Grambling, Louisiana -- SWAC championships haven't lost any of their luster for Grambling coach Bertram Lovell — not even after 27. Lovell, most of whose titles have come in track and field, said last week's men's cross country crown isn't any less exciting.

"It's something," he said with a laugh. "We just had a great group of kids, and the youngsters did really well, but this is the first time for the guys to win in the last three years. They've gotten to accomplish it in indoors and outdoors, but in cross country we've always gotten nipped at the end, so it was a really sweet experience."

Mississippi Valley edged out the Tigers in 2010, but this time it was Lovell and his team leaving Prairie View A&M frustrated at the Mississippi College course. Lovell, who also earned his 27th SWAC coach of the year honors, said seeing his three seniors, including Darwin Price, finally claim the title before their graduation was special.

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Warren Central's Collins signs with University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

UAPB Golden Lions signee "ReeRee" Collins maintains a 3.89 GPA and hold school records in the 800, 1600, 3200 and 4000 meter races. Her best recorded times are 400-58:46, 800-2:17, 1600 - 5:14, 3200-12:03, 4K-15:50 and 5K-18:42.

Vicksburg, MS - With a full ride in hand, Warren Central High School track and cross country standout Condrea "ReeRee" Marie Collins is running her way to the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff. Collins signed across country and track athletic scholarship with the Golden Lions on Thursday in front of her parents, Derrick and Connie Collins, and Warren Central’s cross country coach Chad McMullin.

Collins said it was not a hard decision to sign with Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Golden Lions won the 2009 SWAC cross country championship for the first time in school history and also earned a bid to the NCAA Division I Cross Country Southern Regional meet.

“They gave me the best scholarship. Coach (Curtis) Pittman has been after me since my sophomore year,” Collins said. “They offered me a full ride, including tuition and no out-of-state fees.” Collins will compete in both cross country and track and field for the Golden Lions. “I loved my visit there,” Collins said. “They are going to work me pretty hard. For cross country, their runners put in 60 miles a week.” Collegiate cross country competes in the fall and track performs in the spring, so Collins will have no problem doing both. She said she expects to run the 800 meters and the 1,600 meter relay for Arkansas - Pine Bluff.

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