2011 Honda Battle of the Band Performances

Eight HBCU Bands, Bow Wow Perform at 9th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands

Atlanta, Ga. - The ninth annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase delivered on its promise to bring the ultimate party with a purpose to the people, offering a little something for everyone – from “Hip-Hop’s very own “Bow Wow” in live performance, to spirited marching band renditions of the latest chart-topping soul, R&B and Hip-Hop hits. Atlanta’s WVEE Radio evening drive-time host, Ryan Cameron, introduced the bands, while “Bow Wow” treated fans to a special performance of “Ain’t Thinkin’ ‘Bout You,” from his new album, Underrated.

2011 Invitational Showcase, themed “Hollywood Lights,” featured a mass band performance medley of music in film, as nearly 60,000 HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni from all parts of the country made their annual pilgrimage to support their favorite bands.


Videographer: MarchingsportHD

This year’s Showcase bands included: Albany State University, Bethune Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, Virginia State University and Winston-Salem State University.


Videographer: Ram2010Pride

The Honda Battle of the Bands not only showcases the pageantry and showmanship of HBCU bands, but also and more importantly, acts as the nation’s only HBCU music scholarship program of its kind. The eight bands selected to participate in the Invitational Showcase were awarded $20,000 each for their music scholarship programs, plus an additional $1,000 grant for their participation in the Celebration Tour, the Honda Battle of the Bands’ pre-qualifying event. In all, a total of $205,000 in scholarship money was given to HBCU music programs this year.













Credits:
1. Bethune-Cookman University, Videographer: MarchingsportsHD
2. Jackson State University, Videographer: MarchingsportsHD
2b.Jackson State University, Videographer; Jarquavius101
3. South Carolina State University, Videographer: MarchingsportsHD
4. Tennessee State University, Videographer: doublea198505
5. Albany State University (Ga.), Videographer: JGASU08
6. Winston Salem State University, Videographer; doublea198505
7. Clark-Atlanta University, Videographer; doublea198505
8. Virginia State University, Videographer; doublea 198505
9. Mass Band Closing, Videographer; SoSouthernTV
10.Intro...Honda Battle Of The Bands 2011 featuring DJ Baby Yu, Ryan Cameron & Bow Wow; Videographer: djbabyyu

RELATED LINK: The 9th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands

Virginia State Lady Trojans win in OT over Shaw Lady Bears

ETTRICK, VA - If the Virginia State women's basketball team was going to reach its lofty goals for the season, the team from Ettrick needed to find a way to rebound after a 63-53 home loss to Winston-Salem State on Thursday.

That is exactly what VSU did in a 74-68 overtime victory over CIAA foe Shaw on Saturday at Daniel Gymnasium. The defending Eastern Division champions overcame an uninspiring shooting performance by outrebounding the Lady Bears 58-44.

The victory meant a little more to VSU coach James Hill, who was an assistant coach on three Shaw CIAA championship teams. Now in his fifth season with VSU, Hill said locking horns with Shaw coach Jacques Curtis still has a special feel.

TAYLOR'S DOUBLE DOUBLE POWERS VSU IN OT WIN

Senior guard, Rhon’Neisha Taylor matched her career best of 23 points in a 74-68 OT win over the Lady Bears of Shaw University in Daniel Gymnasium on Saturday, Jan. 8. Taylor scored 23 points in back to back CIAA conference games and recorded 11 rebounds. Junior, Pamela Muldrow led the team with 6 assists and Betty Appiah and Mariame Sylla both grabbed 9 rebounds apiece.

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WSSU knows task at hand vs. Virginia Union

RICHMOND, Va. -- Two of the most storied men's basketball programs in the CIAA will meet tonight when Winston-Salem State takes on Virginia Union.

The Rams and Panthers have combined to win 28 CIAA titles, and both are expected to contend this season. Coach Bobby Collins of WSSU, whose team is coming off a 67-56 win over Virginia State, said he's looking forward to the game, which will be the Rams' third in five days. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

"We will be prepared, and we will know what they do and what they have," Collins said of the Panthers. "We just have to go out and play like we are capable. We can't let them go out and beat us on the boards. We have to take care of the basketball, and if we can do that, we can be in the game."

The Panthers (3-3) are 1-0 in the CIAA with...

PHOTOS: Image Gallery for Rams tough

Medley nets 24 as Winston-Salem State topples Virginia State

ETTRICK, VA - The Virginia State women's basketball team was undone by a Medley of 3-pointers, mid-range jumpers and dribble drives against Winston-Salem State on Thursday. The likes of which cut the Trojans so deep, not even a Taylor could stitch things back together.

WSSU junior Courtney Medley and VSU senior Rhon'Neisha Taylor both racked up 24 points, but Medley erupted for 11 points down the stretch to spur the Lady Rams to a 63-53 road victory at Daniel Gymnasium. The matchup was the first CIAA game of the year for the Lady Trojans, who were picked to finish first in the conference in a preseason poll. VSU coach James Hill said the loss was the result of poor defensive rotation.

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VSU: Alfred the Great

ETTRICK, Va. -- Every day after practice, Virginia State Football coach Andrew Faison leaves Rogers Stadium and heads down a winding walkway that takes him past Daniel Gymnasium and in the direction of the James Hugo Johnston Memorial Library.

Along the way, he sometimes pauses to watch intramural football games at a nearby field. He's not necessarily expecting to find anything, but he looks nonetheless. Good thing he does. It was on one of those visits in 2009, albeit after the urging of some of his players, that he first discovered Alfred Ngauja.

Faison liked what he saw enough to offer Ngauja a chance to participate in spring workouts. "Once we got a chance to put the pads on him and see how he fared, he had that 'it' with him," Faison said.


Videographer: UrbanSportsITG (#26 Alfred Ngauja earns MVP for performance in 2010 CIAA Championship game).

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VSU's good footing

ETTRICK, VA - The Virginia State football team's improbable run to the CIAA championship game is going to be a tough act to follow. But the men's basketball team is not shying away from the challenge. Like the football team, the Trojans were picked to finish fourth in the Northern Division and are looking to duplicate that success.

"They raised the bar for us," said senior Brandon Plummer. "Since they went to the championship, we knew we have to come in and set the tone, just like they did." So far, so good. VSU defeated visiting Pfeiffer 65-52 in the season opener at Daniel Gymnasium Monday.

 Image Gallery for VSU's good footing

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Shaw Edges Virginia State 14-7 to Claim CIAA Championship

The Central Interscholastic Athletic Association (CIAA) football championship game was a tale of two stories Saturday, Nov. 14 at Durham County Stadium.

You would think the Shaw University Bears completely toppled the Virginia State University Trojans (VSU) by looking at the box score. Shaw out gained VSU with 412 total yards compared to the Trojans’ 136. Yet Shaw only barely edged the Trojans, 14-7, to claim the CIAA crown.

VSU was able to keep the score tight despite being blasted by Shaw’s potent running game. Bears’ star tailback Raymond Williams was named Shaw's Most Valuable Player after rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries.



Videographer: hbcusportsonline - (Virginia State University Trojan Explosion 11/13/10)

Trojans fall to the Bears

DURHAM, N.C. - Brian Berry had a step on his defender, it seemed, but the ball sailed just beyond his outstretched arms, thus ending the Virginia State University football team's storybook season. The CIAA Northern Division champions lost to Shaw 14-7, winners of the Southern Division, in the conference championship game at Durham County Stadium on Saturday.

The Bears dominated at times, posting a 412-136 advantage in offensive yards, but the Trojans lingered thanks to an ability to play timely defense and propensity to make big plays when they needed them most. In the end, however, Shaw's senior duo of running back Raymond Williams and quarterback Kevin Atkins did enough to secure the Bears' third conference title in four years.

VSU comes up short in title game

DURHAM, N.C. -- The Virginia State Trojans tried to make the most out of the least yesterday in the CIAA football championship game. And it almost worked. But the Trojans were unable to score when they needed a touchdown most and lost to Shaw University 14-7 in Durham County Stadium.

Shaw will find out today if it advances to the Division II playoffs. The Trojans' postseason hopes rest with the chance of an invitation to the Pioneer Bowl in Columbus, Ga.

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Videographer: hbcusportsonline

Woo Woo Woo

ETTRICK, VA - The Virginia State University football team provided several memorable moments on its way to a CIAA Northern Division championship.

Ian White's 70-yard interception return for a touchdown in the homecoming win over Lincoln and Brian Berry's electrifying 54-yard touchdown reception in the season finale at St. Paul's spring to mind. But no moment was more meaningful than the third play of the Trojans' final series in a road game at Bowie State.

Trailing 15-10 late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Jarred Battle hit wide receivers Timothy Paulk and Brian Berry on consecutive short out routes to start the drive. Battle, who had struggled all game, took a snap from midfield on the next play and found a wide-open Paulk on an out-and-up route for the game-winning touchdown with 1:07 remaining.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

County recruits bolster VSU Trojans

First cousins are combining to put the “foot” in football at Virginia State University (VSU).

Justin Parker and Billy Rudd, the “kickin’ cousins,” give the Trojans a strong Chesterfield presence, along with dynamic defensive back Howard Spencer Jr. Coach Andrew Faison’s squad entered the final week of the season (at St. Paul’s) with the chance to win the CIAA North and advance to the Nov. 13 CIAA championship game in Durham.

The overall CIAA kingpin earns an automatic berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. A trip to the playoffs would be a first for VSU, but then again, it’s the first time first cousins have supplied all the kicking. Place-kicking Parker, a senior and Matoaca High graduate, has nailed all six field goals this season (long of 39) and is 28-for-30 in extra points.

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Videographer: nsuathletics

VSU controls destiny for CIAA final berth

Virginia State will go into Saturday's game at archrival Virginia Union controlling its destiny for the Northern Division berth in the CIAA championship game, which will be played in Durham County (N.C.) Stadium for the third straight year Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.

"We look forward to our premier football event returning to Durham. Without question, the 2010 season is one of the most exciting in CIAA history," Commissioner Leon Kerry said. "We still have seven teams with a realistic chance of winning their division and a place in the championship game."

Still in the Northern Division hunt with the Trojans over the closing weeks of the regular season are Bowie State, Elizabeth City State and Chowan.

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Virginia State Trojans take over first in CIAA North

ETTRICK, VA -- Daronte McNeill took Elizabeth City as far as he could, but it was a balanced Virginia State attack that prevailed 15-10 last night. Playing on just five days rest, the Trojans went with a wildcat offense that spread the carries around, then let sophomore quarterback Jarred Battle finish the job.

The Vikings had McNeill, who nearly completed a second-half comeback, but his mud-stained jersey showed just how heavy the team rode its workhorse back. Unlike VSU, McNeill had no quarterback to lean on -- sophomore Namon Jones threw three interceptions in his first collegiate start.

Trojans hold off Vikings 15-10

ETTRICK, VA - The spotlight suits the Virginia State University football team. The Trojans played host to the CBS Division II game of the week and were seemingly unphased by the national audience. They jumped out to a first-half lead and held on to beat visiting Elizabeth City State University 15-10 on Thursday in a CIAA North Division game.

After fumbling on its first possession and punting on its second, Virginia State performed the football equivalent of batting for the cycle. The Trojans scored in every possible way - tallying a touchdown, two field goals and a safety en route to a 15-3 lead.

Virginia State defeats ECSU

Elizabeth City State’s football team’s motto this season is “Seal the Deal.” On Saturday, the Vikings had several chances to seal the game and ultimately had to turn to a handful of backups to secure a 17-14 win over Virginia Union.

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TONIGHT: ECSU Vikings and VSU Trojans CBS College Sports Game of the Week

The Virginia State University Trojans and Elizabeth City State University Vikings football game on Thursday night, October 14 at 8:00 pm can be viewed live on CBS College Sports Network.

The network is available via satellite on DIRECTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 152. For Time Warner digital customers the game is available on sports tier channel 537. Verizon Fios channel 94 and Comcast channel 732. In the Hampton Roads region on Cox Communications channel 216 and in HD on channel 816.

If you have none of the above -- watch via the Internet at: http://www.ncaa.com/allaccess/

Vikings in prime time; on TV, web tonight

Last year, Elizabeth City State was riding high atop the division standings when it took a trip to Ettrick, Va. where Virginia State stunned the Vikings 23-10 to begin a skid that cost ECSU a trip to the CIAA championship game.

The Vikings (4-2, 3-0) are in the same position and cannot afford a loss at Virginia State (4-2, 2-1) when the two teams meet tonight in a nationally televised contest.

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VSU Trojans Rush To Third Win Over Chowan Hawks

Virginia State University's football team held on late in the fourth quarter to secure a 20-13 win against Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC on Sept. 25. Justin Parker's 2nd made field-goal (19; 30), from a season long 30 yards out gave VSU a 20-6 lead with 3:23 remaining in the game. Coach Andrew Faison and the VSU Trojans won their first northern divisional conference game with a balance attack of 168 yards passing and 153 yards rushing improving to their best start at 3-1 since the 2002 season.

(3-1) Virginia State University's defense gave up a late touchdown with a minute left in the fourth, after only giving up only two Chowan field-goals the entire game. Chowan rushed for 66 total team yards due to the Trojans stingy and smart defensive group.

Led with 9 tackles from senior LaQuentin Milo (Florence, SC), senior James Pratt's (Alexandria, VA) and junior Clifton Haney's (Orlando, FL) 7 tackles the Hawks averaged 1.8 yards rushing on 36 carries. Chowan also received pressure when they attempted to pass as VSU recorded a season high 6 sacks. Red-shirt freshmen Timothy Durant (Hyattsville, MD) and senior Isiah Townsend (San Francisco, CA) both had 2 sacks each and three others each recorded one; senior Andre' Adams (Washington, DC), senior James Pratt (Alexandria, VA), and sophomore Thomas Sykes (Newport News, VA).

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VSU rolls but still sees room for improvement‎

ETTRICK, VA - Virginia State picked up where it left off last season, playing strong at both ends of the field, but it still wasn't enough to satisfy coach Andrew Faison in the Trojans' season opener. "We got the 'W,' that's the main thing," said Faison, after watching his Trojans whip Livingstone 30-6 last night before 2,577 at Rogers Stadium.

"I thought we had too many personal fouls. We played to the end and then we had a couple of letdowns, special teams-wise. A couple of big third-down plays [by Livingstone]. I'm real disappointed for us because we put the ball on the ground so many times [five fumbles]. "We got down in the red zone and couldn't punch it in." Indeed, as VSU linebacker Jeremy Pruitt put it, "I think we could have won by at least 50 points."


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Woo Woo: A legacy of love

ETTRICK, Va. - Dr. Paulette Johnson is a rare breed of coach.

She has no true rival. And no true peer. What she does have - without having to ask - is respect and a legion of former Virginia State University cheerleaders (Woo Woos) who remain loyal. Johnson has earned every ounce of those positive feelings. Feelings not just from within the Virginia State community, but from the NCAA Division II ranks as well.

During her tenure, she helped guide the Woo Woos to the top of the CIAA - and the nation. Few schools have a cheerleading program that can challenge Virginia State. Thanks to Johnson, who is stepping down after coaching the Woo Woos since 1974.

Expect an outpouring of love over the weekend as Virginia State celebrates the career of Johnson, including a meet-and-greet session Friday and a banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Colonial Heights on Saturday night.




Image Gallery for Woo Woo: A legacy of love

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Flythe ends time at Savannah State University

Dr. Claud Flythe ends 40 year career in higher education at Savannah State, Virginia State and Shaw Universities. Flythe is credited with SSU Tigers successful entry into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Claud Flythe's three-year term as Savannah State University's Vice President for Administration - and his 40-year career in higher education - ended Wednesday. "Relaxation will be No. 1 on my agenda," said Flythe, who has residences in Savannah and Virginia but is moving to Charlotte, N.C. When SSU President Earl Yarbrough began his tenure July 1, 2007, hiring Flythe was first on his agenda. He created a position for Flythe to oversee SSU's athletic program, facilities operations and public safety.

Yarbrough, who worked with Flythe at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va., convinced Flythe to come out of retirement. Athletically, Yarbrough charged Flythe with three primary tasks:

-- Get the athletic department fully certified by the NCAA.

-- Get the football team through its NCAA-imposed three-year probation.

-- Get the Tigers into a conference.

Flythe accomplished all three goals, crowned by SSU's admittance to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on March 10, 2010. "We," Flythe said, deflecting credit. "We did all three of those things."

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Norfolk State's QB Dennis Brown is ready to go

NORFOLK, VA -- He has yet to throw a pass, but Dennis Brown is already the talk of Norfolk State football. Frankly, the guy everybody calls Dino says he'd rather be just another Spartan. But there's no chance of that with all the hype around the transfer from the University of Connecticut, despite his efforts to make himself just one of the guys since he set foot on campus in January. Coach Pete Adrian raves about his new quarterback's arm, talks up his ability to scramble and even suggests that the magnetic Brown is almost too mentally sharp.

"Sometimes I have to calm him down. I don't want him to think he has to go out against Virginia State and win the game by himself," Adrian said. "He doesn't have to throw the ball 200 mph. He's really hyped up. He's not a milquetoast guy who hangs in the corner. He's someone who can walk in a room and immediately start talking to everyone there."

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Virginia State University 'Trojan Explosion' Marching Band

Virginia State University Cheerleaders "Woo Woos"