Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Robert McCullum Tapped As New FAMU Head Basketball Coach

Robert McCullum Resume
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced today that former University of Oregon men's basketball assistant Robert McCullum will be the school's next head men's basketball coach.

A seasoned veteran with an impressive résuméspanning more than 30 years, McCullum comes to FAMU after spending the last three seasons at Oregon, which made its first trip to the Final Four in 78 years this past April.

McCullum's career, which is highlighted by head coaching assignments at Western Michigan and the University of South Florida, has been defined by the successful total development of his student-athletes in the classroom and on the court.

Milton Overton Jr., FAMU's director of Athletics, says he's excited about the possibilities for Rattler basketball under McCullum's leadership.

“Coach McCullum has a successful history of recruiting Final Four-level talent in two of the states important to FAMU's Basketball success – Georgia and Florida.,” Overton said. “McCullum's international connections will allow FAMU to expand its recruiting base globally and provide professional basketball opportunities for our exiting players.”

He added, “McCullum has also demonstrated success winning in a low resource mid-level college conference while graduating players and raising money for his program. Coach McCullum has a proven ability to develop players to reach their full basketball and academic potential. These key attributes make him the best fit and right man to lead the FAMU men's basketball program. ”

McCullum outlined his plan to get the team back to championship caliber.

“First and foremost my job, as I see it, is to help each student-athlete become a well-rounded graduate of FAMU, prepared for the challenges of the 21st-century,” he said. “We will play extremely hard, and with a level of toughness that our opponents will always know they're in for a fight. Simply put, I want to be known as the ‘Fighting Rattlers.'”

He added that in addition to focusing on rebounding the ball, which is “near and dear” to his heart, attacking offensively with three-pointers, and being physical inside, he wants to develop a culture of fun with the team

“On the court we want to be fun to watch – it's extremely important that the coaching staff emphasize the importance of our players having fun,” McCullum said. “Our job is to be good teachers. The best teachers in any discipline make learning fun for their students.”

At both Western Michigan and South Florida, he implemented class attendance policies and procedures that resulted in dramatic improvements in academic performance, earning both schools recognition on the conference level for highest team GPA and individual academic achievement.

In seven seasons as a head coach, 18 of the 23 players he recruited into his programs finished their eligibility and graduated within five years. During his career, he developed more than a dozen players who advanced to the NBA, including a number of first and second round draft picks.

FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said he welcomes the wealth of knowledge and experience that McCollum brings to FAMU.

“I commend Athletic Director Overton for working to bring this search to a close and identify a new coach for our basketball program. We look forward to Coach McCullum providing the type of support needed to create a winning program in and out of the classroom that our students, fans and supporters deserve,” Robinson said.

While at Western Michigan (2000-03), McCullum built the Broncos program into one of the best in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during his three seasons (2000-03), leading them to 20 wins and aNational Invitational Tournament berth in 2003.

From there, he served as the head coach at South Florida (2003-07), overseeing the Bulls' transition from Conference USA to the Big East.

His résumé also includes a second Final Four appearance (1994), where he played a vital role in the recruitment and development of student-athletes at the University of Florida as an assistant on Lon Kruger's staff.

McCullum's association with Kruger began when he joined the staff at Kansas State (1989-90), where the school made a NCAA Tournament appearance in 1990, continuing at Florida (1990-96), where the Gators made two NCAA appearances, including a run to the Final Four in 1994, and at Illinois (1996-2000), which won a Big Ten title and played in the NCAA Tournament three times.

McCullum has had an international impact on the game, serving as the Nigerian National Team head coach in 2007, which posted a 5-1 record at the All-Africa Games.

In addition to his time as Nigeria's head coach, he was an assistant for the Forshan Long Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association (2011-12), directed the first professional player camp in Russia from 2012-13 (Revolution Basketball Camp in Kazan) and was the director of the NBA's “Train the Trainer” program in Johannesburg, South Africa.

His coaching history also includes stops at San Francisco (2007-08), Central Florida (2009-10) and Georgia Tech (2010-11).

The new FAMU coach also served two stints as an assistant at South Alabama (1982-83 and 1984-87) and one year at Samford (1983-84). He moved on to Southern Illinois from 1987-89, where he helped the Salukis achieve a 20-win season and the school's first post-season bid in 11 years.

McCULLUM PERSONAL: The Birmingham, Alabama native earned his bachelor's degree at Birmingham Southern College in 1976 and his master's degree from Alabama State in 1980.

He played two seasons at Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida, where he was the team captain as a sophomore and earned his associate's degree there in 1974.

He and his wife Cheryl have two children, Richelle and Rashid.

QUOTES ABOUT McCULLUM:

Dana Altman - Head Coach Oregon

“Robert has been a big part of our success over the last three years. Working with our players in all facets including academically. On and off the floor, he's very experienced and has a wealth of knowledge. He worked well with our entire staff and those around the university. I'll miss him, FAMU is getting a good man. He's experienced and mature and doesn't carry an ego with him."

Lon Kruger - Former head coach University of Florida

“I am very excited for Robert and excited for FAMU. He will do a fantastic job at the school. He's not only a terrific guy, but an excellent basketball coach and will do an excellent job at FAMU. He has a great relationship with the young men. In our time together, his strengths were terrific floor instruction, has an outstanding recruiting network and he's an all-around ambassador of the game.”

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Monday, May 15, 2017

XU Richard, Fifea honored on All-Louisiana team


NEW ORLEANS — Antoine Richard and Catalin Fifea, who helped Xavier University of Louisiana continue its men's tennis success after enrolling in January, have earned high honors on the 2016-17 All-Louisiana collegiate team.

Richard was chosen to the first team, and Fifea was named Newcomer of the Year. A Louisiana Sports Writers Association panel of sports information directors selected the teams, which the LSWA announced late Saturday.

Richard, a freshman from Laval, Quebec, and a graduate of Le Tremplin, was 9-5 in singles and 10-3 in doubles during the regular season and holds top-10 ITA NAIA rankings in singles and doubles.
Fifea, a junior from Bucharest, Romania, a graduate of General School No. 31 and a transfer from VCU, is 10-2 and ranked 34th in singles. In doubles he is 9-6 and ranked 21st. Fifea and Pierre Andrieu defeated NCAA Division III's No. 1 doubles team — Emory's David Omsky and Jonathan Jemison — 9-8 at Emory in February.

Richard and Fifea helped the Gold Rush replace two departed NAIA first-team All-Americans from a year ago and remain No. 2 in every NAIA coaches poll. The XULA men were NAIA runner-up in 2016.

Fifea and teammate Karan Salwan received All-Louisiana honorable mention, as did the Gold Nuggets' Charlene Goreau on the women's team. A year ago Salwan made the first team, and Goreau was on the second team.

This is the ninth consecutive year that the Gold Rush produced a first-team All-Louisiana player, and it's the second straight year and fifth time in eight years that the XULA men have the state's top newcomer. A year ago Salwan was Newcomer of the Year. Richard is the second XULA freshman and the first since Kyle Montrel (2012-13) to make the first team.

Xavier was runner-up in voting for the major awards three times — Richard for Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year and Alan Green for men's Coach of the Year.

Both XULA teams will play in the round of 16 Wednesday at the NAIA National Championships in Mobile, Ala. The Gold Rush will play Reinhardt or SCAD Savannah at 9 a.m., and the Gold Nuggets will play Indiana Wesleyan or Asbury at 1 p.m.

2016-17 All-Louisiana Tennis
WOMEN
FIRST TEAM
Jade Lewis, freshman, LSU
Elena Muller, sophomore, Tulane
Petra Horakova, senior, Louisiana-Monroe
Ivone Alvaro, freshman, Tulane
Trang Dao, sophomore, New Orleans
Joana Valle Costa, senior, LSU

SECOND TEAM
Stefana Andrei, junior, Louisiana-Monroe
Tiffany Mylonas, sophomore, Louisiana-Monroe
Hannah Brett, junior, McNeese State
Ryann Foster, junior, LSU
Jazmin Britos, senior, Louisiana Tech
Nadja Manjon, freshman, Louisiana Tech

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jade Lewis, LSU
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Stefana Andrei, Louisiana-Monroe
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Jade Lewis, LSU
COACH OF THE YEAR: Terrence De Jongh, Louisiana-Monroe

HONORABLE MENTION: Madalina Grigoriu, Louisiana-Monroe; Judit Castillo, Northwestern State; Claudette Gilhespie, New Orleans; Charlene Goreau, XULA; Sara Andrade, LSU-Alexandria.

MEN
FIRST TEAM
Constantin Schmitz, junior, Tulane
Jordan Daigle, senior, LSU
Justin Butsch, senior, LSU
Antoine Richard, freshman, XULA
Ewan Moore, freshman, Tulane
Sebastian Rey, senior, Tulane

SECOND TEAM
None selected

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Constantin Schmitz, Tulane
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Catalin Fifea, XULA
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Ewan Moore, Tulane
COACH OF THE YEAR: Mark Booras, Tulane

HONORABLE MENTION: Arthur Libaud, Louisiana-Lafayette; Catalin Fifea, XULA; Karan Salwan, XULA

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
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Bethune-Cookman Men & Women Continue Dominance at 31st PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida – For an extraordinary 14th time, the women of Bethune-Cookman University left Port St. Lucie as victors of the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship presented by CastleOak Securities. The 31st edition of the 54-hole, stroke-play event was contested on PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker and Ryder Courses and featured six divisions.

The Bethune-Cookman women enjoyed their sixth consecutive Women’s Division victory with a three-day total of 889, defeating second place University of the Incarnate Word (919) by 30 strokes. The Wildcats were led by Mackenzie Butzer (215), whose final round, 1-under-par 71 solidified her position as the division’s medalist, finishing 1-under-par for the Championship and nine strokes ahead of teammate Alejandra Sanchez and Incarnate Word’s Madison Frerking.

MORE: Full Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Coverage

“Today, I had the mentality of playing easy golf,” said Butzer, who finished runner-up in the Women’s Division medalist race last year. “I worked extremely hard all year and my game has come together, finally.”

Not to be outdone by their fellow Wildcats, the men of Bethune-Cookman (875) claimed their fourth Men’s Division I victory in five years with a 16-stroke margin over Incarnate Word (891). Sam Sloman’s steady play and three-day total of 217 earned him the Division I medalist.

A three-stroke advantage heading into Sunday’s final round grew to five for the University of Connecticut’s Nabeel Khan. He carded a final round, 4-under-par 68, the Championship’s lowest round, and fended off last year’s champion Siyan Liu (213), of Palm Beach Atlantic University, to win the Men’s Individual Invitational. A sophomore from Westerville, Ohio, Khan (208) was the only player in any division to break par in all three rounds after a 1-under-par 71 on Friday and a 3-under-par 69 on Saturday.

“Any win means a lot, but this one in particular is special,” said Khan, who will tee it up tomorrow morning in a U.S. Open local qualifier at Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I get to represent my school and where I’m from. This is a really big stepping stone for my career.”

RELATED: Photos from Sunday's Final Round in Port St. Lucie

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FAMU Lady Rattlers Take MEAC Crown Winning Two Over B-CU

ORMOND BEACH, Florida  – The Florida A&M Softball team rode the gutsy pitching of senior Kenya Pereira to a pair victories over arch rival Bethune-Cookman to win the 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex Sunday.

FAMU (23-30-1), won the opening game, 1-0 and rallied to win the second and deciding game, by the final score of 4-2.

It was FAMU's fourth straight MEAC title and the league best 13th crown since 1993.

Pereira went the distance in both games Sunday finishing her career with a sparkling 13-2 record in the MEAC Tournament, capturing her third Outstanding Performer Award in four years.

She was confident in her teammates' resolve to focus on winning the tournament. “It feels so much better that we lost and weren't expected to come back and win these two games, but yesterday we said we had two games to play and that was the plan. I think it just feels so much better that we were coming from the bottom instead of the winner's bracket instead of the normal winner's bracket with just one game. Losing and coming back today makes it that much better,” Pereira said.

Head coach Veronica Wiggins was named MEAC Outstanding Tournament Coach for the 11th time in her 26-year career. In a season that was marked by her setting the HBCU softball record with her 700th career win, this was a special tournament as none of her classes of players had been able to win four consecutive championships.

Other FAMU players honored on the All-Tournament team were senior infielder Amber Fullwood, freshman shortstop Jamesia Stoudemire, junior pitcher Veronica Burse, and Pereira.

With FAMU and B-CU playing solid softball, it would come down to defense as runs were at a premium. Wiggins knew that each score would be crucial. “It was a pitcher's duel. KP (Kenya Pereira) has for four years been there in that circle and it paid off. From the beginning of the season we had to learn how to persevere, control the controlables, and it brought us to this point, so they knew what they were capable of doing. They just had to trust and believe and that was our theme this year, ‘believe',” Wiggins said.

In the first game, FAMU scored the lone run of the bout in the top of the sixth, when Stoudemire lashed an RBI double, scoring Trinity Alexander, pinch running for Miesha McBride.

Pereira held the Wildcats to three hits in the opener, striking out three against no walks. Solid defense led by senior third baseman Fullwood kept the Wildcats off the board. “We have this tradition where we go to the beach and say what we are going to sacrifice and I said I was going to sacrifice my body and I meant it. I was not going to let anything get past me out there on defense. I was going to be on my ‘A' game so we could get this fourth ring,” Fullwood said.

In game two, Bethune-Cookman took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second, on three hits and one error.

But, in the bottom of the third, the Rattlers took the lead with a four run rally on two hits, aided by two errors.

Stoudemire had an RBI double to score Shakayla Nixon for a 2-1 count. She later stole home to tie the game at 2-2, before Tashayla Irvis scored on a grounder by Alexis Day, and Fullwood scored from third on a throwing error.

After that, Pereira took center stage, pitching out of a one out, bases loaded jam in the top of the sixth, then allowing one hit before retiring the side in the top of the seventh to end the game.

Pereira scattered eight hits, allowed the two runs, with three strikeouts against one walk.

NCAA NOTE: FAMU was selected to go to the Gainesville Regional, hosted by the top-seeded Florida Gators.

2017 MEAC-ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM & SUPERLATIVES

Most Outstanding CoachVeronica WigginsFlorida A&M
Most Outstanding PlayerKenya PereiraFlorida A&M
Ryan JacksonBethune-Cookman
Sabrina AnguianoBethune-Cookman
Mariah DavisBethune-Cookman
Hannah ShieldsDelaware State
Amber FullwoodFlorida A&M
Jamesia StoudemireFlorida A&M
Veronica BurseFlorida A&M
Kenya PereiraFlorida A&M
Zadaisha WaddellNorth Carolina A&T State
Domonique WilsonNorth Carolina Central

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Florida A&M Rattlers Prepare to Square Off with Tennessee State Tigers in 2017 Tampa Classic

FAMU head coach Alex Wood and TSU Coach Rod Reed
Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information



TAMPA, Florida  –  Florida A&M University (FAMU), Tennessee State University (TSU) and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission gathered to formally announce the FAMU Tampa Football Classic which will be held on Saturday, September 16 at 6 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) classic football game will be a true clash of the titans, featuring two of college football's storied programs.

"We are extremely excited to return to the Bay Area with the Tampa Classic at Raymond James Stadium and look to continue our long-standing tradition of successful classic games through collaboration with our partners in the City of Tampa,” said FAMU Athletic Director, Milton Overton. “Our matchup against Tennessee State will prove to be an exciting contest reminiscent of legendary matchups between coaches Jake Gaither and John Merritt.”



The two teams have faced off numerous times since 1944, with the Tigers holding a narrow 30-24 edge over the Rattlers. Both programs rank in the NCAA Division I FCS Top Ten in all-time winning percentage, and the two schools have combined to win 22 Black College National Championships (FAMU 12, TSU 10). It's a match-up that shouldn't be missed.

Before the teams collide on the field, there will be an exciting series of events designed to welcome fans and engage the community.

On Friday, September 15, fans can join community partners, local business leaders and university officials for the FAMU Kickoff Luncheon. This energizing afternoon will feature a number of special guest speakers and provide attendees with a preview of the game and weekend events.

The FAMU Battle of the Bandswill feature top marching bands performing energetic and dynamic routines for fans. This incredible event will also feature performances by our participating schools' two elite bands, the FAMU “Marching 100” and the TSU “Aristocrat of Bands.”

Finally, the celebration continues on Saturday, September 16 at the FAMU FanFestwhere fans of both teams are invited to enjoy food, beverage and live entertainment all leading into kick-off of this exciting matchup.

“There is no doubt that the FAMU Tampa Football Classic will offer an exciting match-up on the field, but we are equally excited by this series of incredible fan events that will be featured throughout the weekend,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “We are thrilled to be welcoming FAMU and TSU fans to our community and to showcase all that Tampa Bay has to offer.”

Tickets for the FAMU Tampa Football Classic start at $38. Select seat locations are available now on Ticketmaster.com. All stadium seating locations will go on sale to the general public beginning on June 1 at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase premium seating before June 1 by signing up to become a FAMU Investing In Champions member. For more information on how to join, visit FAMUBuildingChampions.com.  Additional details for each of the ancillary events will be released in the coming weeks. To learn more visit TampaFootballClassic.com and follow @SportsTampaBay on Twitter.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Air Force Reserve Celebration to kick off bowl season on ABC



BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  – The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl will once again be televised live on ABC and open the bowl season. The postseason college football bowl game will kick off at noon ET/ 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, which showcases the heritage, legacy, pageantry and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), pits the conference champion from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) against the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Each conference has claimed a victory in the event's first two years, with MEAC Champion North Carolina A&T defeating Alcorn State in 2015 and SWAC Champion Grambling State beating North Carolina Central in 2016. Two bowl alumni were just selected in the 2017 NFL Draft: 2015 Offensive MVP Tarik Cohen (North Carolina A&T) and 2016 champion Chad Williams (Grambling State).



“We are thrilled to once again kickoff the college football bowl season with the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on ABC," said John Grant, Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl Executive Director. "This year's game will be the first bowl game to be played in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In our third year of featuring the champions from the MEAC and SWAC conferences, football fans have been exposed to two very competitive games that each went down to the wire. With the conference win records tied at one each this year's game will showcase to millions of fans and viewers another exciting championship game. Atlanta will play host to both the Celebration Bowl to open the season as well as the College Football Playoff Championship as the season finale.”

"We are pleased to know that the 2017 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl will be on ABC again," said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas. "The exposure on an international and national level is not only good for our conferences but is also good for the participating institutions. To start the 2017 bowl season is an excellent opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches and institutions as they're on a national platform that will enhance their brand and marketability. ESPN should be commended for providing this avenue of exposure for the MEAC and SWAC Champions."

“The Southwestern Athletic Conference is excited to continue its relationship with the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, ABC and the city of Atlanta,” SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said.



 “The best football fans in country will once again have the outstanding opportunity to watch the MEAC and SWAC champions kick off bowl season, playing in front of a nationally televised audience. The excitement of the game, the halftime battle of the bands and the opportunity to play in the new home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, makes for a fantastic bowl experience for our student-athletes and football fans everywhere.”

Tickets for the game, a full ancillary event schedule and discounted rates at downtown Atlanta hotels will be available this summer. To stay up to date on Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl announcements, sign up for updates on www.TheCelebrationBowl.com, and follow the event on Facebook and Twitter.`\

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Xavier Athletics has largest post-Katrina graduation class

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's largest post-Hurricane Katrina graduating class of current and former student-athletes — 29 in all — received degrees Saturday at the 2017 commencement at XULA's Convocation Center.

It was Xavier's 90th annual commencement. The total number of athletic-related degrees was 35.
    

"At Xavier University, our primary mission is for our student-athletes to make the most of their time here — both in the classroom and with their teams — and then to graduate and excel in the next chapters of their lives," Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Hornsaid. "Congratulations to all Xavier graduates, especially our student-athletes. We are extremely proud of you."
     

Student-athletes graduating (with high schools in parentheses) were:

     •  Devin Emile Andrew, Harvey, La. (Vandebilt Catholic), men's basketball, master of arts.
     •  Eliqua Dianna Brooks, Upper Marlboro, Md. (Wise), women's basketball, bachelor of arts.
     •  Bianca Patricia Brown, Springdale, Md. (Charles H. Flowers), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Sha'Nel Eleeza Bruins, Colfax, La. (Grant), women's tennis, bachelor of science . . . cum laude, honors in theology, honors in business.
     •  Jasmine Perneicius Bush, Meridian, Miss. (Southeast Lauderdale), women's basketball, bachelor of arts.
     •  Manav Chakma, Agartala, India (Kendriya Vidyalaya Maligaon), men's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Kevin Chaouat, Sarcelles, France (home-schooled), men's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Terri Cinclair Cunningham, Nashville, Tenn. (Martin Luther King Magnet), women's track and field, bachelor of science . . . cum laude.
     •  Roland Warren (RJ) Daniels, New Orleans, La. (St. Augustine), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Clarke Caran Evans, Baton Rouge, La. (Redemptorist), women's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Keenan Cornel Gay, New Orleans, La. (Sam Houston), men's basketball, doctor of pharmacy.
     •  Darian Janae Harris, Gretna, La. (McGehee), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Claudia Ann Haywood, Memphis, Tenn. (Cordova), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Kayla Jeree' Jones, Kansas City, Kan. (Piper), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Kelsey Amanda Joseph, LaPlace, La. (Riverside Academy), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Brent Anthony Kitto (Holy Cross), men's cross country/track and field, doctor of pharmacy . . . magna cum laude.
     •  Donyeah Danielle Mayfield, Vicksburg, Miss. (Vicksburg), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Katelyn Terrell McMorris, Baton Rouge, La. (Christian Life Academy), women's track and field, bachelor of arts.
     •  Kaylee Alexis Moore, Erwinville, La. (Catholic of Pointe Coupee), women's track and field, bachelor of science . . . summa cum laude, honors in biology, honors in chemistry.
     •  Brandi Ashley Nelson, Jonesboro, Ga. (Faith Academy), women's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Wesley Joshua Pluviose-Philip, Albany, N.Y. (Albany), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Taylor Lindley Reuther, Metairie, La. (Dominican), women's volleyball, doctor of pharmacy . . . cum laude.
     •  Devinn Kristen Rolland, Harvey, La. (Cabrini), women's track and field, doctor of pharmacy . . . magna cum laude.
     •  Karan Salwan, New Delhi, India (Modern School), men's tennis, bachelor of science . . . cum laude, honors in business.
     •  Kelsee Lenee' Singleton, New Orleans, La. (Karr), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Ralitsa Asenova Slanchev, Razlog, Bulgaria (Kanazirevi), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Gary Edward Smith, Sugar Land, Texas (The Village School), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Riley Cleveland Smith, Sacramento, Calif. (Rio Linda), men's basketball, bachelor of science . . . honors in English.
     •  Jana van der Walt, Houston, Texas (de Aar), women's tennis, bachelor of science.
     

Also graduating were:

     •  Sierra Nichol' Blanchard-Hodge, cheerleader student coach, bachelor of arts . . . Mother M. Agatha Ryan Award for appreciation for the spirit and standards of XULA through reverence, personal integrity, loyalty, service and scholarship; university service key award.
     •  William Thomas Green, women's basketball student manager, bachelor of science.
     •  Gia Genae Jennings, track and field/cross country manager, bachelor of science.
     •  Alethia I. Love, spirit group (Golden Girls pom squad), bachelor of science.
     •  Ashlyn Janae Pinkins, spirit group (cheerleader), bachelor of science.
     •  Amanda Tillie Ware, women's volleyball student manager, bachelor of science . . . summa cum laude, honors in communication studies, honors in theology, honors in business, university service key award.
     

XULA is one of 47 colleges listed as a "Best Buy School" in the 2017 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges. XULA's intercollegiate teams compete in the NAIA and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
     

NOTES:  Andrew is an XULA men's basketball assistant coach . . . Chaouat is a XULA tennis student assistant . . . Bruins, Nelson and Salwan will compete for XULA next week in the NAIA National Tennis Championships at Mobile, Ala.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
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Vernon Dean named Defensive Backs Coach at VSU


ETTRICK, Virginia -- Virginia State University head football coach Reggie Barlow has announced that Vernon Dean will take over as the Trojans defensive backs coach for the upcoming 2017 season.

"Making Vernon our defensive backs coach was a good move for our football program," Coach Barlow said. "Vernon is very intelligent and a plus to our program. He brings a lot of knowledge and savvy to our program. It is honor to have coach apart of the Trojan family and I am looking forward to great things out of defensive backs this year."

Dean brings 17 years of experience to the Trojans coaching staff as he has coached on the high school, collegiate and professional level.

He joined the NFL coaching ranks in 2003 after spending 10 seasons coaching on the collegiate and high school level. He assisted Peter Giunta in tutoring the Kansas City Chiefs secondary in 2003 prior to taking over the reigns as cornerbacks coach the next two seasons. The addition of Dean to the Chiefs coaching staff in 2003 coincided with Safety Jerome Woods earning his initial Pro Bowl berth. That season Kansas City ranked third in the NFL with 25 interceptions due in large part to the play of the Chiefs defensive backs.

Dean brings a wealth of hands-on expertise after serving seven seasons as an NFL cornerback with Washington ('82-87) and Seattle ('88). Originally a second-round draft choice (49th overall) of the Redskins in '82, Dean played in 101 regular season games (59 starts), registering 22 interceptions for 274 yards with two touchdowns, as well as seven fumble recoveries, including one for a TD. He also saw duty in 15 career postseason contests, producing four INTs in those games.

Raised in Los Angeles, California, Dean made three Super Bowl appearances with Washington and was a part of Joe Gibbs' squads that claimed victories in Super Bowls XVII and XXII. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by Football Digest in '82 and also earned first-team NFL All-Rookie honors from the Pro Football Writers Association and second-team All-NFC accolades from UPI that same season.

Dean gained his initial NFL coaching experience serving an NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Baltimore Ravens during their 2001 training camp, working under the direction of linebackers coach Jack Del Rio (former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars) and defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis (now head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals). He was scheduled to serve a fellowship with the Arizona Cardinals in training camp in 2002, before accepting a post as the defensive backs coach at Western Illinois.

Prior to his stint with the Leathernecks, Dean coached the secondary at Western Oregon in 2000-01. From '97-99 he served as the defensive backs coach at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, California after spending several years working in both finance and real estate.

He began his coaching career at Georgetown University where he tutored defensive backs for the Hoyas in '90 before serving as the club's defensive coordinator in '92 and '93. An All-Western Athletic Conference selection and honorable mention All-America pick as a senior at San Diego State, Dean led the league with six interceptions that season. His coaching career also includes a stint at Fort Valley State (2008) where he coached the secondary.

Dean holds a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University.

A native of Houston, Texas, Dean is the proud parent of two sons, Joshua (34) and Jaylon (18).

For more information on VSU football, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern baseball coach Roger Cador walks back from statements about retiring after next season

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Longtime Southern baseball coach Roger Cador walked back from statements Wednesday that he was planning to retire at the end of next season given the opportunity.

Originally, Cador said, if Athletic Director Roman Banks allowed him to return next season, he would, but that it would be his final with the University. He later clarified to say he was only considering retirement after next season, and that he had not settled on nor discussed any specifics with Banks at that time.

In his original statement Cador said, “I’m only going to be here one more year at most. Then I’ll be going down the road to greener pastures.”

Banks declined to comment on any developments in Cador’s future until after the season when the two can sit down and have a full discussion on the topic, but emphasized that no decision had been made at the time and that he has not yet spoken with Cador about any specifics regarding next year being his last.

As of now, Banks said, the most important concern is getting the team ready for Sunday’s game against Texas Southern that will decide if Southern makes the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.

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Southern basketball hires assistant coach Chrys Cornelius to complete coaching staff; signs three transfers for next season

SU HEAD COACH MORRIS SCOTT
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern men’s basketball program is beginning to take shape under new coach Morris Scott.

Scott announced the hiring of assistant coach Chrys Cornelius on Wednesday, completing Scott’s first coaching staff for the 2017-18 season.

Assistant coaches Pedro Cipriano and Jethro Hillman, who were hired during the Roman Banks era, are expected to remain on staff under Scott.

Fortunately, Cornelius won’t have much adjusting to do when he joins Scott’s staff, having worked together at Florida A&M, where Scott was a graduate assistant when Cornelius was an assistant coach.

“He’s a guy that taught me a lot about the coaching business and the do’s and don’t’s of being in the college coaching profession,” Scott said. “He’s an older veteran and a guy I’m comfortable with, a guy that I know knows me. I felt like it was a good move to bring him on and be a part of our staff.”

Cornelius comes to Southern after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant at Bethune- Cookman.

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Saturday, May 13, 2017

Bowie State TE Khari Lee Is looking To Make His Mark In The NFL



DETROIT, Michigan -- Khari Lee wracked up a lot of accolades for Bowie State during his time there. He was a two-sport star in high school. He earned Team MVP awards in both football and basketball for two straight seasons at Western Tech in Baltimore. His basketball background shows in his fluid movement. Lee was first team All-CIAA from 2012-2014, and a D2Football.com All-American in 2014.

He led the Bulldogs in 2014 and received their offensive MVP award. He participated in the 2014 Medal of Honor Bowl, which earned him an invite to the East-West Shrine game. His performance definitely drew the attention of scouts, as 24 teams sent representatives to the Bowie State pro day. Unfortunately for Lee, while he is a fluid athlete, he is not an explosive athlete. He put up 40 yard dash times over 5s and pedestrian scores all around at his pro day. Lee went undrafted despite visiting with ten teams.

Khari Lee’s Pro Journey
Lee was signed with the Houston Texans but did no make a mark during the preseason. He had only five receptions for 71 yards. The Texans received a great return on their investment, however. They traded their soon to be cut player for a sixth-round pick in 2017 to the Chicago Bears. Lee dressed for 16 games in Chicago but finished the season with only one reception. He competed for a job with the bears in 2016 but found himself unemployed in the wake of the cut down to 53. The Lions claimed him on waivers but released him as their Tight end group got healthier mid-season. He finished out the year there and signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions in January 2017.

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'We can compete with the best,' UMES bowling coach says

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- At just 7 years old, Jacqueline Rhoda picked up a bowling ball for the first time in her life not knowing what to expect.

As she attempted to roll the ball toward the 10 pins that stood 60 feet away, her thumb became caught in one of the three holes drilled into the ball, causing Rhoda’s body to fly down the lane at top speed.

The experience left a sour taste in her mouth, making Rhoda hate the idea of bowling even at such a young age.

Though her parents, who had both grown up playing the sport, pushed Rhoda to pursue a bowling path, her previous encounter led her to try other activities such as softball and track and field.

But bowling continued to have a presence in her life — it was in her blood.

“My grandfather was professional bowler, and he passed it down to my mom, and it was really my mom pushing me to bowl … that’s how I really got into bowling,” Rhoda said.

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Friday, May 12, 2017

The 20th ANNUAL CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC Announces Teams: Grambling State University Tigers battles Clark Atlanta University Panthers

CHICAGO, Illinois -- The 20th ANNUAL CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC Announces Teams Grambling State University Tigers battles Clark Atlanta University Panthers

(Chicago, May 8, 2017) The Chicago Football Classic proudly announces this year’s teams. Celebrating a major milestone 20 years in the making, the Chicago Football Classic features a “not to be missed” game between Grambling State University Tigers and the Clark Atlanta University Panthers, Saturday, September 30th at 3:30 PM at Soldier Field.

"The Chicago Football Classic is excited to announce this exciting game that everyone wants to see, and we are proud to bring it to Chicago, says Larry Huggins, Co-Founder of the Chicago Football Classic.

This year’s Classic will be a destination event showcasing not only our series of events including the President’s Reception, Golf Tournament, Pep Rally, HBCU College Fair and Empowerment Summit, Battle of the Bands and of course, the highly-anticipated game, but some exciting surprises as well. Plans are underway to make this the “must attend” Classic of all time.

“This signature event demonstrates the commitment that the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District have towards the Chicago Football Classic, and the experience that is provided to the families of Chicago", says Tim Rand Co-Founder of the Chicago Football Classic.

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Central State releases 2017 football schedule


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WILBERFORCE, Ohio -- The Central State University athletic department is pleased to announce the 2017 football schedule which features four home games and an appearance in the Circle City Classic®.

The Marauders open up the season at home against Elizabeth City State on Sept. 2. The meeting between CSU and ECSU will be the first since the 1992 season. CSU opens SIAC play the following week in Georgia against Clark Atlanta on Sept. 9. The Marauders return home on Sept. 16 to host Morehouse. The Marauders will then head to Indianapolis, Indiana to play in the 34th Circle City Classic against SIAC rival Kentucky State in Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 23. The month of September wraps up with the Marauders traveling to Columbia, South Carolina to play Benedict on Sept. 30.

CSU celebrates Homecoming on Oct. 7 against Miles. CSU will face SWAC opponent Arkansas – Pine Bluff for the first time since 1996 on Oct. 14 in Arkansas. Senior student-athletes will be recognized during the last home game of the season on Oct. 21 against Fort Valley State.

The Marauders will end the regular season with back-to-back road games against Tuskegee on Oct. 28 and Lane on Nov. 4

All Central State University home games are scheduled to kickoff at 1 pm. Central State will be partnering with the Gem City Sports Network to provide live radio and video coverage of every home game.

For the schedule details, please go to - http://www.maraudersports.com/schedule.aspx?path=football

Ticket information will be made available on www.maraudersports.com in the upcoming weeks.

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship changing the face of golf

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida — The PGA of America is hosting one of the more culturally significant tournaments played at the collegiate level. The 31st annual PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship has now become more competitive than ever.

"I used to grow up watching this tournament," says Dante Davis of the defending champions Bethune Cookman University. "Now to have the opportunity to play in it, and to defend the Championship is a great honor."

And as the defending men's and women's team champions from Bethune Cookman prepare for a battle on the golf course, the competition itself is just part of what the tournament is all about.\

"I see more people like me here playing," says Cameron Riley of the FAMU golf team. "Golf is really a white dominated sport, so when you see minorities playing it makes you feel more at home and welcome."

It's uniquely amazing for Abhinav Walia, the first ever collegiate golfer from Zambia, a small country in Central Africa.

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After a bye, Rush will play Georgia foe in 2nd round

Men's Bracket  (PDF)

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's tennis received a No. 2 seed and a first-round bye Tuesday when the NAIA announced the bracket and seedings for its national championship tournament at Mobile, Ala.

The Gold Rush (11-5) will play in the second round — the round of 16 — at 9 a.m. May 17 against a Georgia opponent, 15th-seeded Reinhardt or 18th-seeded SCAD Savannah. The Eagles (13-5) and the Bees (8-8) will meet at 8:30 a.m. May 16 in the opening round. Tournament venue for the 14th consecutive year will be Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center (851 Gaillard Drive, zip code 36608, phone 251-208-5181). Admission is free.

XULA will make its ninth consecutive appearance at nationals and ninth overall. The Gold Rush feature four nationally ranked singles players — No. 4 Antoine Richard, No. 19 Moses Micheal, No. 21 Karan Salwan and No. 34 Catalin Fifea — and three ranked doubles teams.

The No. 2 national seeding is the program's highest ever. The Gold Rush have six dual-match victories this season against ranked opponents and three against NCAA Division I teams.

Reinhardt makes its third consecutive appearance at nationals and third overall. The Eagles, who qualified with an automatic bid by winning the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament, opened their dual-match season Feb. 16 by winning 5-4 at SCAD Savannah.

In the most recent meeting between XULA and Reinhardt, the Gold Rush won 9-0 at the 2009 Auburn Montgomery Invitational in Montgomery, Ala.

Like XULA, SCAD Savannah qualified with an at-large bid. The Bees make their fourth appearance at nationals and first since 2009. XULA defeated the Bees 6-0 in their most recent meeting at the 2016 Green and Gray Invitational in Lawrenceville, Ga.

If seedings prevail, XULA would face three teams it already played this year. The Gold Rush could draw No. 7 William Carey in the quarterfinals, No. 3 Keiser in the semifinals and No. 1 Georgia Gwinnett — the three-time defending champion — in the final. XULA is 2-0 in 2017 against William Carey, 1-0 against Keiser and 0-1 against Georgia Gwinnett. The Grizzlies defeated the Gold Rush 5-2 in the 2016 championship round.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Nuggets draw bye, will play IWU or Asbury in 2nd round


Women's Bracket  (PDF)

NEW ORLEANS — Eighty-four days ago, Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis was ranked 19th in the NAIA and trying to find a way to move up.

The Gold Nuggets succeeded, beating five ranked teams since then and climbing in five of the next six coaches polls. XULA was rewarded Tuesday with a No. 7 seeding and a first-round bye for next week's NAIA National Championships at Mobile, Ala.

XULA (7-13) will play in the second round — the round of 16 — at 1 p.m. May 17 against 10th-seeded Indiana Wesleyan or 23rd-seeded Asbury. The Wildcats (33-7) and the Eagles (12-3) will meet at 1:30 p.m. May 16 in the first round. Tournament venue for the 14th consecutive year will be Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center (851 Gaillard Drive, zip code 36608, phone 251-208-5181). Admission is free.

XULA qualified for nationals with an at-large bid; Indiana Wesleyan (Crossroads League) and Asbury (River States Athletic) earned automatic bids as a result of winning conference tournaments.

One of the victories which sparked the Gold Nuggets' ascent was a come-from-behind 5-4 victory Feb. 18 against then-No. 7 Indiana Wesleyan in the Grizzly Invitational at Lawrenceville, Ga. After falling behind 4-2, XULA rallied with singles victories from Lacee Ancar, Brandi Nelson and Sha'Nel Bruins, who clinched with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 decision over Olivia Reed. The dual match lasted more than five hours — it began at 8:24 p.m. and concluded at 1:29 a.m.

"That was one of the Nuggets' best victories ever," said 14th-year XULA coach Alan Green. "Our team learned it was capable of handling pressure against a talented opponent. The match was a big boost to our confidence."

XULA is 3-0 all-time vs. IWU — including victories at nationals in 2010 and 2013 — and never has met Asbury.

The Gold Nuggets earned a bye for the fourth time in the last five years. They lost 5-2 to Northwestern Ohio in the 2016 opening round. This is XULA's 11th all-time appearance at nationals, its sixth in a row and ninth in the last 10 years.

XULA sophomore Charlene Goreau, a consensus NAIA All-American a year ago, is No. 34 in the most recent ITA singles rankings. Including fall tournaments, Goreau is 14-12 in singles and 11-13 in doubles this season.

Indiana Wesleyan, located in Marion, makes its 18th consecutive appearance at nationals — the Wildcats never have missed since the NAIA adopted a dual-match format in 2000. IWU reached the quarterfinals a year ago and has three ranked singles players this season: No. 19 Rachel Bottorff, No. 40 Alex Mella and No. 44 Lizzie Bauss. Goreau beat Bottorff 6-4, 6-0, and Nelson defeated Bauss 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in February.

Asbury, from Wilmore, Ky., makes its second straight appearance at nationals and second overall. The Eagles lost in the 2016 first round. This year Asbury won 12-of-13 duals, including its last nine, after an 0-2 start.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Thursday, May 11, 2017

It's official: All FAMU teams are eligible for postseason

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- When the 2017-18 academic year begins, and for the first time in years, all of FAMU's athletic programs will be eligible for postseason play.

The NCAA on Wednesday released Academic Progress Rate reports for all schools -- and the penalties various schools will face for low scores. No FAMU program is listed as ineligible for the postseason. It's the first time since the 2013-14 academic year all of FAMU's teams are postseason-eligible.

APR scores, provided and tracked by the NCAA, take eligibility and retention rates into account and provide team-based scores.

Multiyear scores are an average of APR scores over four years.

Typically, teams need multiyear scores of 930 or higher to be eligible for postseason play, however, teams that show improvement over previous years can apply for waivers.

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Judge: FAMU owes fired coach Earl Holmes nothing

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- A Leon County Circuit judge ruled last week Florida A&M "did not violate the terms of its agreement" with then-head football coach Earl Holmes when he was fired four days before homecoming in 2014.

Holmes, in January of 2015, filed a civil lawsuit against FAMU trying to claim he was owed the remaining $400,000 on his contract. He went 6-16 at the helm and was the team's head coach for one full season. He coached two games in 2012 and ei
ght in 2014 before he was fired.

Judge James O. Shelfer, after hearing arguments from the university and from Holmes, said in a May 2 summary judgment that Holmes had the opportunity to do "due diligence" and discover on what terms he could be fired as head football coach.

Holmes was given a 60-day non-renewal notice on Oct. 28, 2014. His contract was officially terminated on Jan. 20 the next year. According to university regulations, any Administrative and Professional Employee can be fired in this way — Shelfer ruled even though Holmes' contract didn't specifically reference that regulation, it was still subject to it, per the language in his deal.

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Monday, May 8, 2017

Savannah State University 2017 Athletics in Review



SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU 2016-17 Athletics Highlight Video

DURHAM, North Carolina -- It's been another great year on the Sloping Hills and Verdant Green for North Carolina Central University Athletics, including a third consecutive MEAC Championship for football and a second NCAA Tournament appearance for Men's Basketball! Relive the sights and sounds from the 2016-17 season in this highlight video! A special thanks to NCCU seniors Justice Davis and Khadijah McIntyre for their help in filming athletics this year and during their academic career, thank you for all of your dedication!



NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Trisha Stafford-Odom Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at North Carolina Central University

DURHAM, North Carolina – With a reputation as one of the nation's top recruiters and over 10 years of coaching experience, including local stints at UNC and Duke, Trisha Stafford-Odom was announced as North Carolina Central University's ninth head women's basketball coach on Monday, May 8.

"I am thrilled about having the opportunity to work with Coach Stafford-Odom," said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree. "Her varied coaching and playing experiences in collegiate and professional sports will definitely help move our women's basketball program to the next level. These experiences will enable her to recruit the best scholar-athletes and provide them with the tools and quality coaching necessary to win championships."



The former Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) player and collegiate hall of fame inductee returns to The Triangle to continue her head coaching career after last coaching three seasons at Concordia University Irvine from 2013-2016. Prior to that, Stafford-Odom was a successful assistant coach for four seasons with both the UNC Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils. She began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant for the UCLA Bruins.

"I am elated to be announced as North Carolina Central University's head women's basketball coach," said Stafford-Odom. "As I look to the future I see great things for us. I am very excited about the opportunity."

Stafford-Odom won the Concordia Eagles first conference championship in 18 years to highlight her time coaching in California. In her second season as head coach, CUI posted a 23-7 record and won the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Championship. She produced two All-Americans and was named the league's coach of the year.

As an assistant coach at UNC from 2011-2013, Stafford-Odom was a valuable recruiter for the No. 1 nationally-ranked recruiting class in 2013. She aided the development of two WNBA players, two ACC Players of the Year and two ACC Freshmen of the Year while working under the leadership of Naismith Hall of Fame coach Sylvia Hatchell.

Stafford-Odom brought her first No. 1 nationally-ranked recruiting class to Durham when she was an assistant at Duke from 2009-2011. The Blue Devils won the ACC Championship both seasons as she mentored WNBA draft picks, an ACC Tournament MVP, a two-time ACC Academic All-American and a ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

"We are definitely not strangers to Durham, North Carolina," said Stafford-Odom about her family. "It's the opposite coast for us, but we made it home several years ago. We are onto new and greater things by being at NCCU."

While at UCLA from 2005-2008, Stafford-Odom was the recruiting coordinator for a No. 3 nationally-ranked recruiting class her first season and went on to develop two top-5 WNBA draft picks and the Pac-10 Tournament MVP.

Stafford-Odom was enshrined into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. She led the Golden Bears to their first two NCAA Tournament appearances. She was a multiple All-Pac-10 honoree as well as a Kodak All-America honorable mention. Stafford-Odom averaged 15.3 points during her four seasons (sixth all-time at Cal) and led the Pac-10 in scoring with over 23 points her senior year.

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in mass communications in 1992, Stafford-Odom pursued a professional basketball playing career that included a couple years in the WNBA with Houston (2001) and Miami (2002) as well as time in the ABL, NWBL, NBDL, NBA Entertainment League and European leagues.

Stafford-Odom continued her education while coaching at Concordia Irvine and earned a Master of Arts degree in coaching and athletic administration in 2015, and continues to be a student in the assistant coaches program of the NBA.

"I am confident that the preparation I've had in coaching will help make me the most elite Division I basketball coach that I can be," concluded Odom-Stafford.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU coaching search down to final 3



TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- After two months of searching, Florida A&M’s athletic department is closing in on its new men’s head basketball coach.

Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. said on Monday the school is down to its final three in the search.

Robert McCullum, Pat Kennedy and Lindsey Hunter are the three finalists, he said. No “official or unofficial offer” has been made to any of the three. Overton said all three are undergoing background checks and he hopes to make a decision by the end of the week.

All three coaches come with strong backgrounds.

More:See who applied for the job

Hunter, 46, a two-time NBA champion, was the interim head coach for the Phoenix Suns and was also an assistant for the Golden State Warriors. He is an assistant at University of Buffalo.

Overton said of the 122 applicants for the job, roughly 15 were interviewed. He said now the department is doing its due diligence in terms of hiring its next coach.

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Nuggets climb to 7th; tournament bids announced Monday


NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana made its fifth climb of the season Sunday in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 poll.

The Gold Nuggets moved from eighth to seventh. Their five climbs this season are their most since 2013.

Indiana Wesleyan, a 5-4 loser to XULA Feb. 18 in the Grizzly Invitational at Lawrenceville, Ga., aided the Gold Nuggets' ranking with a 5-4 victory Friday at Northwestern Ohio. UNOH fell from fifth to eighth.

XULA's ranking is its highest of the post-Nour Abbes era. Abbes, an consensus All-America player for the Gold Nuggets in 2014 and 2015, led the Gold Nuggets twice to the national semifinals.

The Gold Nuggets are the lone top-15 team with a losing record (7-13), but they have five victories against ranked opponents. All of XULA's losses are to ranked or NCAA Division I opponents.

XULA will learn by 5 p.m. Monday if it earned a bid to the NAIA National Championships May 16-20 at Mobile, Ala. The NAIA will announce Tuesday the seedings and the brackets for the event, which will consist of 24 women's teams and 24 men's teams.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through May 5)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Georgia Gwinnett (14) 21-0 374 1
2 Lindsey Wilson 19-4 362 2
3 SCAD Savannah 12-3 350 3
4 Keiser 12-7 337 4
5 San Diego Christian 15-3 319 6
6 William Carey 17-3 313 7
7 XULA 7-13 295 8
8 Northwestern Ohio 19-6 291 5
9 LSU-Alexandria 17-3 275 9
10 Indiana Wesleyan 31-7 272 12
11 Mobile 22-4 257 10
12 William Woods 11-9 248 11
13 Cardinal Stritch 15-5 231 13
14 Arizona Christian 17-8 218 14
15 Cumberlands 15-8 209 15
16 Lewis-Clark State 7-13 193 16
17 Middle Georgia 13-8 179 17
18 Davenport 14-10 167 18
19 Olivet Nazarene 10-11 154 19
20 SCAD Atlanta 12-6 148 20
21 Campbellsville 11-8 137 21
22 McPherson 12-2 107 23
23 Georgetown (Ky.) 16-7 105 25
24 St. Thomas (Fla.) 4-10 91 22
25 Tennessee Wesleyan 12-7 88 RV

Dropped from rankings: No. 24 Reinhardt
Others receiving votes: Marian (Ind.) 65, Reinhardt 57, Cumberland 50, Coastal Georgia 40, Brenau 19, Missouri Valley 12, Asbury 9, Southwestern (Kan.) 9, Southeastern (Fla.) 5, Biola 4

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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