SIAC MEDIA DAY: New Albany State coach Dan Land embracing the challenge

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — In his first year as the Albany State head football coach, Dan Land has some big shoes to fill.

He inherits a team that finished 7-3 and came up just short of winning the SIAC championship. As though that weren’t a high enough bar, the Rams were picked by coaches as East Division favorites at the 2015 SIAC Media Day on Monday at the Holiday Inn hotel.

With all that said, Land said he feels everything that happened last year as well as Monday should serve as nothing more than motivation. He said that’s the main sentiment he’s trying to get through to his team.

“Work hard to get it, they believe in you,” he said. “They’re telling you they believe in you because they selected you number one, now go out and do it. So we’re just trying to use that as motivation for the guys.”

While the expectations are ...

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Tuskegee Picked to Win the SIAC Western Division

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) released their predicted order of finish, as selected by the league's head coaches, on Monday afternoon with the two teams who played in the SIAC championship game last season predicted to do the same in 2015.

Tuskegee, the defending SIAC champions, were selected unanimously to win the Western Division of the conference as they picked up all 10 first place votes. The were followed by Miles (November 7), Stillman (October 10), Central State (October 24), Kentucky State (October 17), and Lane (September 26). The Golden Tigers return nine starters, three on offense and six on defense, from that championship team; including nine selections to the 2015 SIAC Preseason First or Second Team.

Albany State, last year's opponent in the SIAC championship game, was picked to win the Eastern Division - picking up six first place votes. Fort Valley State was picked to finish second in the division, picking up three first place votes, while Benedict was picked to finish third and picked up the final two first place votes. The rest of the Eastern Division included Morehouse at fifth, Clark Atlanta at sixth.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

Eastern Division	Western Division
Albany State (6)	Tuskegee (10)
Fort Valley State (3)	Miles
Benedict (2)	Stillman
Morehouse	Central State
Clark Atlanta	Kentucky State
	Lane

Tuskegee opens the season on September 5 against Clark Atlanta at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, and the game can be heard on the Tuskegee Sports Network.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SIAC MEDIA DAY: Albany State picked to win SIAC East Division again

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Though it’s just on paper, the Albany State Rams head into the 2015 football season on top. Monday afternoon, the Rams were tabbed as the team to beat at the 2015 SIAC Media Day at the Holiday Inn hotel.

It was there the Rams were named the favorite to finish atop the East Division. Reigning SIAC champion Tuskegee was picked to finish first in the West this season as well. The two teams met in the SIAC Championship Game last year with Tuskegee pulling out a last-minute victory and earning a berth into the NCAA Division II playoffs.

While first-year head coach Dan Land was honored that the coaches picked his squad to finish first, he said it ultimately means nothing if they can’t put in the work on the field this season.

“I’m old school, seeing stuff on paper doesn’t mean a whole lot to me,” he said. “Once we get out there and prove stuff on the field, then we will worry about the rankings. I appreciate the coaches voting us first place, but we want to prove it on the field.”

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Statement from FAMU President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., on the Passing of Alumnus George E. Cooper, Ph.D.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and the Tallahassee community joins the White House, HBCU family, agricultural industry, family, and friends in mourning the loss of alumnus and advocate George E. Cooper, Ph.D.

Dr. Cooper served as the executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and recently returned to his alma mater to serve as the summer 2014 commencement speaker.

His contributions to the FAMU community and the nation at-large are underscored by his service as a senior fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, chair of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities – Council of 1890 Universities, chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and his service on the HBCU and Limited Resource Institution Academic Advisory Group.

Dr. Cooper also spent 17 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and served five years at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) as vice president for academic affairs and as dean of the School of Applied Sciences at Tuskegee University. Cooper received his bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry from FAMU, a master’s degree in animal science from Tuskegee University, and a doctorate in animal nutrition from the University of Illinois.

The entire nation will be forever impacted by the tireless and influential work of Dr. Cooper. He will be profoundly missed.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Norfolk State believes it can pull off the upset | Scouting Rutgers' opponents

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey -- It's the calm before the storm in college football. July is one of the few periods during the year that coaches take some time to recharge their batteries before the grind of training camp begins in August.

Still, you can bet that even as Rutgers' coaches are relaxing on a beach, they're thinking about the upcoming season. The same goes for NJ Advance Media's beat writers. As the offseason winds down, we're going to take an inside look at each of Rutgers' 2015 opponents.

I connected with David Hall, who covers Norfolk State for Virginia Pilot, for a Q&A on the Spartans.

2014 result: Did not play
2015 game: Norfolk State at Rutgers, Sept. 5 at 12 p.m. (ESPNews)

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N.C. A&T Aggies Men Basketball Hires Brown As An Assistant

JAMAL BROWN
Assistant Coach
Aggie Basketball

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Cy Alexander has announced the hiring of Jamal Brown as an assistant coach. Brown’s primary responsibility will be to work with the A&T post players, scouting, recruiting and scheduling.

“I’m happy to have Jamal join our staff,” said Alexander. “I think he will be a valuable attribute in the development of our big guys. He has Division I head coaching experience and brings a bevy of knowledge and contacts in recruiting across the country.”

This will be Brown’s third time working under Alexander as an assistant. He also played for Alexander at S.C. State, where he helped the Bulldogs win the 1996 MEAC championship. In fact, Brown’s coaching career started under Alexander at S.C. State. The Bulldogs enjoyed the school’s most successful period in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with Brown as an assistant as they won MEAC titles in 1998, 2000 and ‘03.

Alexander would leave S.C. State after the ‘03 championship season to become the head coach at Tennessee State, where Brown joined him as his associate head coach for three seasons before becoming head coach at his alma mater S.C. State in 2006 for one season.

He spent the next five seasons in Princess Anne, Md., as an associate head coach at Maryland Eastern Shore under head coach Frankie Allen. During his time at UMES, he was selected to attend the ACE Program for Minority Coaches.

His last coaching stop was at nearby Winston-Salem State University where he started with the Rams in 2013.

“I’m excited to be a part of this staff,” said Brown. “Coach Alexander has been a mentor and confidant to me throughout my whole career. I look forward to helping North Carolina A&T piece together some MEAC championship teams.”

Brown is a 1997 graduate of S.C. State with a degree business marketing. He has one son, Gilbert Jamal Brown II.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

ASU WR DeMario Bell gearing up for big senior season

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- DeMario Bell said he's approaching this season like any other one, but this is not like any other season for him.

This is Bell's final one at Alabama State.

To summarize Bell's college career so far, his production hasn't matched his talent. He led the Hornets in receiving yards last season with 625, but only caught 28 passes and four touchdowns in 11 games.

If the Hornets are going to have a big year, the 6-foot, 2-inch, 180-pound wideout out of Wetumpka will have to have a season unlike any he's had at ASU.

"I'm going to go out every game and do the best I can to help my team come out with a win and help myself and market myself as well as an outstanding young man who can play the game of football," Bell said.

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JSU opponent preview: Middle Tennessee State

JACKSON, Mississippi -- There's quite some time -- about a month and half -- until Jackson State hits the field for its opening game of the 2015 football season.

The wait might be long, but it won't stop us from taking a look at the Tigers' upcoming opponents.

Each weekday for the next few weeks,The Clarion-Ledger will release a preview of each one of JSU's 2015 opponents. Today we preview the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, who host the Tigers to kick off the new campaign.

Twenty-five years have passed since the last time Jackson State and Middle Tennessee State have met on the gridiron, so this contest, which will be held at the Blue Raiders' Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium, will bring some newness with it.

MTSU, which was picked ...

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Sights and Sounds from FAMU 2015 Summer Band Camp Finale

 ALWAYS WATCH VIDEOS IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN


 COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AND  RATTLER ATHLETICS

Ravens rookie guard Robert 'Snacks' Myers (TSU) a hungry and raw talent, with time to develop

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- The legend of Ravens rookie guard Robert "Snacks" Myers and his awesome nickname was launched inside the Tennessee State cafeteria.

Raised in nearby La Vergne, Myers arrived on the Nashville campus five years ago as a hungry young man. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound future fifth-round NFL draft pick haunted the cafeteria and typically was the first player to enter and the last to leave.

That's when Tennessee State coach Rod Reed started to call the hulking young offensive lineman "Snacks," after taking notice of Myers' habit of eating several smaller items of food, including bags of chips and pretzels, before the main course was served.

"'Snacks' definitely has a big appetite," Tennessee State offensive line coach Russ Ehrenfeld said in a recent telephone interview. "He's huge, but he carries his weight very well and is powerful and explosive."

The nickname stuck, cemented when teammates and Reed saw Myers open the trunk of his car to retrieve football equipment on the way to practice. Inside of the trunk were a bunch of snacks that "Snacks" was protecting from his roommate.

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CIAA football is all about quarterbacks in 2015

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- When the league’s media day event kicks off Thursday in Durham, they’ll be the focus of attention. Most of the contenders have a good one. Those who don’t will have to compensate.

Last year’s champion, Virginia State, has one of the best in junior Tarian Ayers. Johnson C. Smith, under first-year coach Kermit Blount, is an unknown after losing its first- and second-string quarterbacks to graduation.

Freshman Jordan Lane, who led Victory Christian to a pair of N.C. independent schools Division II championships, is in the mix for the starting job. Lane, a 6-3, 202-pounder, connected on 119-of-175 passes (68 percent) for 2,091 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior at VCC. As a junior, he hit 133-of-245 for 2,450 yards and 22 scores.

The Golden Bulls (3-7 in 2014) averaged a CIAA-worst 13.2 points per game last season with Kehan Wallace and Andrew Alexander behind center. JCSU also doesn’t have much of a running attack returning with senior Richard Brannon the leading incumbent at 14 carries for 21 yards. Senior receiver Fred Scott (47 catches, 488 yards, six touchdowns) returns as the top target.

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The SWAC’s football coaches are well-aware that Southern’s Anthony Mosley is back

COURTESY SU ATHLETICS

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference’s football coaches haven’t forgotten about Anthony Mosley.

They voted the Southern offensive lineman a first-team preseason All-SWAC player for the second consecutive year Friday even though he sat out last season as an academic casualty.

“I’m glad to have him back,” Jaguars coach Dawson Odums said. “I think (the coaches) knew when they heard the name. It was unfortunate for him, but he’s still got this year and next year, and I just told him to make the best of it.”

Odums said two other key players who were academically ineligible last season — linebacker Daniel Brown and receiver Nico Talbert — are also back for Southern, which was picked second in the SWAC West, receiving a mere two points fewer than Grambling.

Mosley was a key player when the Jaguars won the SWAC championship two years ago, but he was relegated to the scout team last season as they won another West Division title before losing to Alcorn State in the SWAC title game.

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Lane takes huge step in improving athletics

JACKSON, Tennessee -- Lane College is receiving a major boost to their athletic facilities. The school unveiled their new weight room to the community on Thursday afternoon.

It was one of athletic director Derrick Burroughs immediate goals when returning to Lane in January.

"Our kids have endured so much and so with out. This gives our kids a great opportunity to get a great workout in," Burroughs said at the grand opening. "Compared to other schools, I think this may be the best field house in our conference."

Burroughs credits President Dr. Logan Hampton's for sharing the same vision as him.

He says Hampton's support says a lot about the school's commitment to athletics.



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Spring Hill College Notified of NCAA Division II Membership Decision

SHC Joined the SIAC in 2014

MOBILE, Alabama -- Spring Hill College received notification from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that the Division II Membership Committee recommended that the college repeat candidacy year two of the membership process. The Membership Committee's decision is subject to final approval from the NCAA Division II Manage-ment Council which will meet in late July. Spring Hill College President Dr. Christopher Puto received the notification via a phone call on Thursday afternoon.

"We are absolutely committed to achieving full membership status in NCAA Division II," Puto said. "The added preparatory time will allow us to assure the highest quality ed-ucational and athletic experience for our student-athletes and we fully expect to compete at the highest level."

Spring Hill College was accepted into the NCAA Division II membership process in July 2013. The Membership Committee's decision means Spring Hill will repeat year two of the membership process during the 2015-16 academic year. Upon successful completion of year two, the college will become a provisional member of NCAA Division II during the 2016-17 academic year before potentially gaining full membership status for the 2017-18 academic year.

The decision also means that Badger athletic teams will not be eligible for NCAA post-season competition for the next two years.

"Obviously, we are disappointed in this outcome," said Athletic Director Jim Hall. "However, as an institution, we understand the Committee's rationale. All indications are that the committee's decision is based on giving the college an additional year to test all of its compliance related policies and procedures thoroughly given the fact that we have several new people in key compliance related positions. The decision is not reflective of anything we did wrong, problems with any of our teams or coaches, issues of student-athlete eligibility, or non-compliance with the rules of competition."

The college will receive official notification of the NCAA Division II Management Council's final decision regarding the Membership Committee's recommendation in late July. At that time the college will decide whether to file an appeal of the decision.

SPRING HILL COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Chowan's Chaussee Named Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach

MURFREESBORO -- The Chowan University athletic department has named Melanie Chaussee Head Coach of the Men's and Women's Cross Country teams. Chaussee embarks on her first season as Head Coach of both cross country teams after serving as the Assistant Volleyball Coach during the 2015 off-season.

She noted, "I am very excited for the opportunity to coach cross country. I look forward to working with a great group of student-athletes who will strive for their individual best, yet work for team cohesiveness as well."

Chaussee competed for the Chowan University volleyball team for two seasons. She was an integral part of the team's 2014 CIAA Northern Division title and CIAA Championship. Chaussee earned All-CIAA recognition, Atlantic Regional All-Tournament Team recognition and NCCSIA All-State honors her senior year while tallying 334 season kills and 61 blocks (eight solo, 53 assisted) for the Blue and White.

She graduated in December 2014 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Prior to attending Chowan, Chaussee earned an Associate's degree from Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. She served as a student athletic trainer during her two years there.

The Lawrence, Kansas native currently resides in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

COURTESY CHOWAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

UDC Announces Hiring of DeWayne Burroughs as Head Women’s Basketball Coach

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- University of the District of Columbia Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Patricia Thomas, has announced the hiring of DeWayne Burroughs as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach. Burroughs, an Assistant Women's Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at UDC since 2011, replaces Lester Butler, Jr., who was announced the new Head Men's Basketball Coach at his alma mater, Virginia Union.

"DeWayne Burroughs has solid coaching experience and has been an integral part of the women's basketball program's success every step of the way," Thomas said. "Under his leadership, I am confident our women's basketball program will continue on its current path of success."

During his four-year tenure as Butler's assistant coach, Burroughs helped the Firebirds reach three NCAA Tournaments (2012, 2014 and 2015), win the program's first East Coast Conference Tournament Championship (2014) and its first ECC Regular Season Championship (2015), as well as set school single-season records for wins (25) and consecutive wins (14). In 2014-15, the Firebirds were ranked as high as No. 18 and finished No. 22 in the final USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Poll.

As recruiting coordinator, Burroughs brought in three All-ECC performers: Denikka Brent, Telisha Turner and Tajruba Baldwin-Kollore. Brent was an ECC All-Rookie Team selection in 2012, a two-time First Team All-ECC performer in 2013-14 and 2014-15, the 2014-15 ECC Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team Daktronics All-East Region selection. Turner was a First Team All-ECC performer in 2013-14 and a Second Team All-ECC selection in 2014-15. She was also the ECC Tournament Most Valuable Player in 2014. Baldwin-Kollore (Criminal Justice – Newport News, VA/Denbigh HS), who is one of nine returning student-athletes from last year's record-setting squad, was an All-ECC Honorable Mention selection last season.

Burroughs' previous college coaching stops were Chesapeake College and Bowie State University. While at Bowie State, Burroughs served as an assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator. He helped guide BSU to two 9th-place Atlantic Region rankings, two Eastern Division titles and two CIAA Finals appearances. Burroughs also recruited two CIAA defensive players of the year, three CIAA All-Rookie team selections and several players that went on to earn CIAA All-Conference honors.

Before advancing to the college level, Burroughs served as head coach at Woodlawn High School, St. Paul School for Girls, and Northwestern High School. He compiled a high school coaching record of 143-40. While at Woodlawn High School, Burroughs won four Baltimore County Championships and three Regional Championships, and earned one State Semi-final appearance and two State Final appearances.

Burroughs also served as an AAU coach for Maryland Freeplay from 1991-2006. He produced numerous student-athletes that went on to very successful playing careers and are now coaching on the high school and collegiate levels.

"I would like to thank our Athletic Director Patricia Thomas and the entire search committee for affording me the opportunity to be the new Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of the District of Columbia," Burroughs said. "I am honored and humbled to be selected as the new coach, and I am eager to lead this program with the goal of cultivating an enjoyable and successful environment for our student-athletes."

Burroughs played baseball at his alma mater Coppin State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sports Management. He was recently inducted into the Coppin State University Hall of Fame Class of 2015. Burroughs later went on to receive his Masters Degree from Mountain State University in Organizational and Strategic Leadership.

Burroughs is married to the former Tabby Rideout (Columbia, MD) and they are the parents of three children: Kristina, Christopher and Stephanie.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPORTS INFORMATION

Howard University Unveils New Athletics Logo

New Logo Athletics Style Guide 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  ---  #OurNewBison is finally here

This afternoon, Howard University unveiled the highly anticipated new brand identity for its athletic department. A gathering of more than 50 Howard coaches, staff, and supporters caught a glimpse of the new logos that will represent Howard's 19 NCAA Division I sports moving forward.

The unveiling was moderated by Interim Director of Athletics Shelley Davis, with University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, head football coach Gary Harrell and head women's volleyball coach Shaun Kupferberg also giving remarks about the meaning of the new logos and what being a Bison means to them personally and professionally.

"Getting a new symbol is exciting. It is the visual evidence of our Bison spirit and pride," said Davis about the new logo set. "The new logo represents a fresh opportunity for our student-athletes to rally around the values that make Howard University great."

Added President Frederick, "Athletic competition is an important part of the Howard experience, and this new logo is evidence of our commitment to excellence in sports alongside our pursuit of excellence in academics and research. The logo will provide a unique, unifying image which the entire Howard University community can share."

The complete brand identity consists of several elements:
- The primary logo will be a combination of the new "Howard Bison" word mark and the "Bison Face" mark;
- In addition, a revitalized "Charging" or "Leaping" Bison will act as secondary mark and a link to Howard's past;
- The logo set is brought to life by three distinct colors: Bison Blue, Bison Pewter and Bison Red.

The development of the new logo began in 2014, using a process that engaged all stakeholders in the Howard community. In January 2015, the University solicited input from students, faculty, staff and alumni via social media, asking, "What makes you a Bison?" using the #OurNewBison campaign. Chief Brand Strategy, the firm chosen to direct the process, incorporated those ideas in developing a set of draft designs. Then, focus groups were convened to narrow down the options. Students, faculty, staff and alumni were surveyed before a final design was selected.

Those in attendance were also treated to a sneak peek of possible team uniform designs as student-athletes Rasheeda Ansari (women's soccer), Jasmine Sasser (women's volleyball) and John Smith (football) modeled generic uniform prototypes with Howard's new branding emblazoned on them.

Over the next several months, the logo and the associated wordmarks will become integrated across the athletic department and with the assistance of the University administration, become part of the institution's marketing and promotional materials.

Below are reactions from the event and across social media regarding the new logo:

New Logo Athletics Style Guide 

Gary Harrell, Head Football Coach
"This is our logo and we look forward to going out and representing the logo the right way. As a Howard Man, I stand behind this logo and I stand behind the brand."

Shaun Kupferberg, Head Women's Volleyball Coach
"We're entering a new phase for our athletic department and with our University, with our new president...there are a lot of great things going on and nothing quite wraps that up like a new logo."

Marc Harrison, Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach
"The new logos are a step into the future and they embody a lot of Howard pride. The boldness of the Bison symbolizes the strength behind the University and the support that Howard University has around the world. I think this logo is going to send us in the right direction."

Brent Leiba, Head Women's Soccer Coach
"It represents a very exciting time, a new era and a changing of the guard for us. This logo perfectly represents what direction this program is going in. We are looking for this logo to glorify our brand well into the future."

Shana Ervin, President of Howard University Alumni Association of Greater Washington DC
"I love the new logo. I am excited about it and the alumni are excited about it as well. We hope it helps get more student-athlete alumni engaged with the program moving forward."

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Offseason has Grambling eager for start of 2015

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- An offseason full of 27 newcomers, summer camps and workouts has Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs eager for the 2015 season opener in September.

To put Fobbs’ enthusiasm in perspective, the second-year coach used the word ‘excited’ 10 times during an eight-minute interview earlier this week.

And this was before Grambling garnered attention Friday as the preseason pick to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division.

“Summer has really, really gone well. All of our guys … they’re basically policing themselves and really getting better — lifting, running and all the things they need to do to be prepared for training camp,” Fobbs said Tuesday. “I’ve been very, very excited and pleased with just the little bit I’ve seen.”

Fobbs, who made it clear back in April he wants to win the SWAC title, is tasked with getting 27 newcomers up to speed before players report Aug. 5 for a fall camp start date of Aug. 7.

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Five UAPB Golden Lions Earn Preseason Honors

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference released its 2015 SWAC Preseason Teams and predicted order of finish with five Golden Lions earning preseason honors as UAPB was predicted to finish fifth in the Western Division, voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information.

UAPB was predicted to finish fifth in the Western Division with 34 votes, whereas Grambling State was predicted to win division as they received 93 points and eight first-place votes. Southern received 91 point, followed by Prairie View (72), Texas Southern (40).

On the Eastern Side, defending SWAC Champion Alcorn State was predicted to win the East as the Braves tallied 95 points and 10 first place votes. Jackson State followed with 83 points, Alabama A&M tallied 66 points, with Alabama State (50) and Mississippi Valley state (31) closing the division's preseason rankings.



UAPB had three Golden Lions to earn First Teams All-SWAC Preseason honors in Demarcus Berry, Willie Duncan, III and Kevin Rucker and had two player to received Second Team All-SWAC honors in Brian Handley and Willie Young.

Berry, a 6-3. 250, junior defensive lineman from Alexandria, La., who led the Golden Lions in sack with 8.5. He was the team's third leading tackler with 53 total tackles and four quarterback hurries.

Duncan, a 6-0, 220 sophomore linebacker from Southfield, Mich., finished last season as the team's leading tackler with 100 (43 UA, 57 Asst.) and 5.5 tackles for loss.

Kevin Rucker, a 5-11, 195, red shirt Junior from Idabel, Okla., led the team and the conference in interceptions with five. He also finished the season as the team's fourth leading tackler with 50 total takedowns and four pass break ups.

Young, a 6-1, 180, red shirt sophomore wide receiver from New Orleans, La., last season led the Golden Lions in receiving with 727 yards on 45 receptions with nine TDs.

Handley, 5-9, 200, junior running back from Monticello, Ark., he finished last season with 820 rushing yards on 137 carries with two TDs.

UAPB will open their 2015 campaign in Orlando, Fla., against South Carolina State in the 11th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

SWAC coaches express respect for ASU's Jenkins

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Brian Jenkins put the other nine SWAC coaches on notice Friday.

He's coming.

At SWAC Media Day, each coach gave introductory statements on a stage at Birmingham Marriott about his team, the upcoming season and whatever else came to mind.

Jenkins closed out his comments by letting everyone know he's ready to battle.

"The 'Swarm and Sting' is on," said Jenkins in making reference to Alabama State's team theme for the 2015 season. "I can guarantee you that."

ASU was picked to finish fourth in the five-team East Division, but opposing SWAC coaches expect Jenkins to have Hornets seriously contend for a conference title, something they haven't won since 2004.

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Ex-NFL/JSU player’s alleged mistress kills wife, self after kidnapping

ATLANTA, Georgia -- A former NFL player's wife was kidnapped by his alleged lover and killed in a murder-suicide along an Alabama interstate Thursday, according to reports.

Sandra Barnett, who was married to former Buffalo Bills player Buster Barnett, was shot dead nearly 24 hours after being forced from her Ellenwood, Ga., home, WXIA reported.

The 49-year-old victim, identified as a middle school special needs teacher, had been heard arguing with a woman during a phone call with a co-worker moments before she vanished around noon Wednesday, AL.com reported citing a police report.

Barnett was reportedly heard saying "please don't hurt me." She also didn't seem to know the person she was arguing with.

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SWAC coaches set a low bar for Golden Lions coming off 4-7 year

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Monte Coleman was reminded during an interview Friday that he is now the dean of Southwestern Athletic Conference football coaches.

Coleman has been at Arkansas-Pine Bluff since 2003 and has served as its head coach since 2008, making him the longest-tenured head coach in a conference that regularly sees changes among its leaders.

"That's a hard pill," said Coleman, noting that UAPB has won one SWAC title in his seven seasons. "When I came in my first year as head coach, I'm expecting to win the SWAC [the first year]."

Coleman won the conference title in 2012 -- the school's first outright conference title -- but the Golden Lions aren't expected to deliver another this season.

A poll of league coaches and sports information directors picked UAPB to finish ...

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Six Jackson State players earn preseason SWAC honors

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Six Jackson State football players earned All-SWAC honors at the end of the 2014 season, and the Tigers will begin the 2015 season with the same amount of honorees as six players garnered spots on the 2015 Preseason All-SWAC team.

Offensive lineman Markus Cook, wide receiver Daniel Williams and kicker Ryan Deising were named first-team all conference, while LaMontiez Ivy was named second-team All-SWAC.

No JSU defensive players were put on the first team, but defensive end Javancy Jones was and defensive back Robert Porter were put on the second team.

Here's the full list for ...

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Record Setting Shotblocker Perry Murray Signs With Fisk

Jason Perry Murray
 COURTESY GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATHLETICS

BATAVIA, New York -- Jason Perry Murray recently signed a Letter of Intent to join the Fisk University Bulldogs (Nashville, Tenn.) men's basketball program beginning this fall.

The 6' 9 center from Harlem set the school record for career blocks with 117, topping the previous mark by eight. Perry Murray started in 36 out of the 49 career games he played at GCC and averaged 7.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

Fisk is a Division I Independent and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Bulldogs are coached by Larry Glover.

  Jason Perry Murray

The Murray File:

Height: 6'9"
Hometown: Harlem, NY
High School: Believe Academy

2014-2015: Recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in win against Columbus State Community College ... Had 10 points at home against St. John Fisher College (JV) ... Scored a career/season-high 18 points and had 15 rebounds and four blocks in road win at Elmira College (JV) ... Finished with 13 points in win against Cuyahoga Community College ... Collected 12 rebounds and scored 10 points to help beat the Community College of Rhode Island ... Grabbed 19 rebounds and scored nine points in win against Columbus State Community College ... Was named the Cougar Holiday Class Tournament MVP ... Just missed a triple-double, scoring 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking nine shots in win against the College of Southern Maryland ... Finished the first semester with a double-double (14 points and 13 rebounds) against Planet Athlete Academy.

2013-2014: Scored two points in first career game at Genesee in win vs. Jefferson Community College ... Made first career start and scored two points vs. St. John Fisher JV ... Collected 10 rebounds and scored eight points in win vs. Houghton College JV ... Recorded first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in road win vs. Lakeland Community College ... Grabbed eight rebounds and scored four points in win over Davis College ... Came off the bench to grab four rebounds and score two points in win vs. Community College of Rhode Island ... Collected nine rebounds and scored eight points in win over Cayuga Community College ... Scored 13 points and grabbed eight boards on the road at Niagara County Community College ... Recorded eight points and five blocks at Monroe Community College ... Played 42 minutes and scored 11 points in overtime game vs. Erie Community College ... Had 10 points and nine rebounds in win over Jamestown Community College ... Scored 13 points on 6-7 shooting and collected nine boards vs. Herkimer County Community College ... Was 6-6 from the field and 2-2 from the free-throw line, scoring 14 points in road win at Mercyhurst North East ... Recorded 10 points and seven rebounds at Jamestown Community College ... Scored 12 points and grabbed 10 boards in Region III Opening-round vs. Jamestown Community College ... Put together second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in Region III Semi-finals vs. Erie Community College.

COURTESY GENESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATHLETICS

JSU Bowler Marcela Sanchez to Represent El Salvador in Pan Am Games

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State University sophomore bowler Marcela Sánchez will represent El Salvador, her home country, in the 2015 Pan American Games. The Pan Am Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games; they are only surpassed in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. This year’s games are held in Toronto, Canada on July 10-26. The bowling portion will begin on July 22.

Sánchez sat down with JSUTIGERS.com to discuss the upcoming competition.

Q: How does it feel to be selected to represent your country in the Pan Am games?

A: It means the world to me. Being able to represent my country El Salvador in a tournament of this magnitude, puts a lot of responsibility on me. But it is a responsibility that I’m proud to take.

Q: When did you first find out that you had been selected?

A: I bowled the tryouts two months ago and after bowling 35 games on different lane conditions I placed second.

Q: What about this opportunity most excites you?

A: I'm excited about the event in general. This is a really big tournament where I'll (face) the top bowlers of all America, including bowlers who currently are participating in professional leagues. So besides taking this challenge, it is also an honor to be competing against all these people.

Q: How do you plan on representing Jackson State while competing?

A: Unfortunately I'm not allowed to use other (apparel) than the El Salvador's official uniform at a tournament of this magnitude and formality. Everything will resume when people ask me about the changes I've had since I have improved a lot in the last year thanks to the weekly practices and Coach Boykins.

Q: What does such an accomplishment mean to you and the rest of your JSU bowling family?

A: I have participated on international tournaments before but this is a very important one so it pushes me further on my bowling career. I have no doubt it will give me more experience and maturity which I expect to sow in the JSU bowling family in the future.

Q: What does bowling 300 game during practice before such an event do for your confidence?

A: The 300 game was completely unexpected but really satisfactory. I believe it is an achievment every bowler is constantly trying to reach. I don't want to be overconfident because I know that was just a game but I showed myself what I'm capable to do.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish during the Pan Am Games?

A: My main goal is to classify individually in the first 20 positions. I'm really looking forward to win a medal in doubles with my teammate. Even though it's a really tough competition I believe I have to set myself high goals in order to obtain the best results.

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS