2018 NFL Draft: 15 FCS defensive prospects to watch

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina – With about 150 former FCS players on NFL rosters annually, teams are looking closer than ever at the quality across the subdivision.

And they’re liking what they see.

The FCS has averaged about 18 selections per draft over the last decade, with dozens more signing as undrafted free agents. South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard leads the way among the defensive prospects this year.

Darius Leonard, OLB, South Carolina State, 6-2, 234 (third-fourth)

Leonard’s instinctive feel for the game reflects in his school-record 394 tackles, including a career-high 19 in a 2016 game against Clemson, the eventual FBS champ. … The two-time MEAC defensive player of the year didn’t stop there as he racked up a game-high 14 tackles at the Senior Bowl in January. … Has an NFL frame with athletic range. Noted for workmanlike characteristics. … Named to the 2017 STATS FCS All-America first team, up from the second team as a junior.

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Dixon out as Jackson State women's basketball coach

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State will not renew the contract of women's basketball coach Surina Dixon. JSU President William Bynum said he met with both Dixon and her team Thursday morning regarding the university's decision.

Dixon will receive her full pay and benefits until her contract expires in June, but Bynum said he went public with his decision Thursday so he can start the coaching search immediately.

"The job will be advertised next week," Bynum said. "Our goal is to move quickly and have a new coach in place by April 15."

JSU went 82-93 overall and 55-53 in SWAC play in six seasons under Dixon's leadership. The Lady Tigers got off to another hot start for the second year in a row this past season, going 10-6 overall and 3-0 to start the SWAC slate, but faltered down the stretch and finished an underwhelming 15-13 overall and 10-8 in the SWAC.

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Enthusiasm 'really high' as FAMU Rattlers open practice

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Wednesday was another important step in a process that Terry Jefferson believes the Florida A&M Rattlers must master to regain their relevance in MEAC football.

FAMU opened spring practice under new head coach Willie Simmons, and the early-morning session - it started at 6 a.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium - represented a new mindset for a program that last embraced a winning record in 2011.



"I liked the energy we came out with today (Wednesday)," said Jefferson, a redshirt junior defensive back who had 51 tackles and a team-best three interceptions last season.

"We were very competitive. We are out here competing and working. It feels like a new beginning. We all get a fresh start. We are trusting the process.

"At this stage... we have to master this phase of the game."

Simmons, hired last December to replace Alex Wood, and his staff are installing new systems offensively (spread) and defensively (4-2-5).

He has stressed accountability, discipline and trust, on and off the field.

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Tuskegee University assistant coach arrested on federal drug trafficking, gun charges

RUSSELL COUNTY, Alabama -- An assistant football coach at Tuskegee University was arrested Wednesday on federal drug and gun charges.

Ramone Jardon Nickerson, 33, is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one charge of possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, said Middle District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin Sr.

Nickerson, who also played at Tuskegee, is accused of selling cocaine and marijuana in the Tuskegee area. Nickerson was indicted by a federal grand jury after being found with approximately 3 ounces of cocaine, a pound of marijuana, and a .40 caliber handgun on March 13, 2018 in Russell County, Franklin said.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Gulf Coast H.I.D.T.A., Montgomery Police Department, Autauga County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Alabama Attorney General's Office, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Prattville Police Department, and Russell County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Baxley is prosecuting the case.

No additional details were released.

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Livingstone College Release 2018 Football Schedule

SALISBURY, North Carolina -- Livingstone College Department of Athletics has released its 2018 football schedule. Livingstone will play 10 games during the 2018 season, seven on the road and three at home. The schedule features three non-conference games.

The Blue Bears kick off the 2018 season on the road on August 30, in the first of three straight non-conference games.  Livingstone will roam in Pikeville, Kentucky, to take on the Bears of the University of Pikeville on Thursday night for a 7 p.m., kickoff.  This is the first time these two schools have met.  "UPIKE" is a member of the Mid-South Conference.

The following week, Livingstone will travel to Jackson, Tennessee to face the Dragons of Lane College of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Sept. 8.

The final non-conference game of the Blue Bears' away contests will be against Hornets of Allen University.   Allen University dropped its football program in 2006, revamped its program in January 2018. This game is scheduled for Sept. 15.

Livingstone, which went 0-10 overall and 0-7 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association last year, will open CIAA play and its first home game in Salisbury, North Carolina, in a CIAA cross-over game on September 22, in Alumni Memorial Stadium taking on the Lions of Lincoln University (PA), in its annual West End Classic.

The Blue Bears will hit the road again to Richmond, Virginia on September 29, to take on the Panthers of Virginia Union University in its second CIAA cross-over game of the season.

The Blue Bears will return home to celebrate "Homecoming", on Oct. 6 and will face off against the Falcons of Saint Augustine's University and to close out the its 2018 home season the Blue Bears will host Shaw University for Senior Day, Oct. 13. Game times have yet to be released.

Livingstone's will be on the road for three straight CIAA southern division conference games, and will be on a "homecoming tour" for two of the opponents. First, LC will visit Winston-Salem State University on Oct. 20, and then back on the bus to Fayetteville State University on Oct. 27 to take on the Broncos.
 
To close out the 2018 gridiron season on Nov. 3 the Blue Bears visit arch-rival Johnson C. Smith University. Dubbed as The Commemorative Classic, Livingstone and JCSU became the first two black college football teams to play an organized game when they met on Livingstone's front lawn on Dec. 27, 1892. 
 
On Nov. 10, the CIAA Southern and Northern division winners will compete for the league title. The time and location for the game will be determined by conference officials.
 
Locations are subject to change and game time will be announced at a later date.
 
Date Opponent Location Time
Aug. 30 Pikeville Pikeville, KY 7pm
Sept. 8 Allen University, Columbia, SC TBA
Sept. 15 Lane College, Jackson, TN TBA
Sept. 22 Lincoln (Pa.) (West End Classic) Salisbury, NC TBA
Sept. 29 Virginia Union Richmond, VA TBA
Oct. 6 Saint Augustine's (Homecoming) Salisbury, NC TBA
Oct. 13 Shaw Salisbury, NC TBA
Oct. 20 Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC TBA
Oct. 27 Fayetteville State Fayetteville, NC TBA
Nov. 3 Johnson C. Smith(Commemorative Classic) Charlotte, NC TBA
Nov. 10 CIAA Championships Durham, NC TBA

Saint Augustine's Falcons Announces 2018 Football Schedule

RALEIGH, North Carolina  – Saint Augustine's University released its 2018 football schedule Wednesday, highlighted by games against archrival Shaw University, defending CIAA champion Virginia State University and Division I North Carolina Central University.

The 10-game slate also features Division I Jacksonville University, CIAA Runner-Up Fayetteville State University and conference contenders Winston-Salem State University and Bowie State University. Four games will be played on campus at the George Williams Athletic Complex.

"This is a very competitive schedule," Head Coach Tim Chavous said. "We are ready for the challenge after a successful season."

In 2017, the Falcons were 5-5 overall and 5-2 in the CIAA. They tied for the best conference mark in the Southern Division, a feat accomplished by the Falcons for the first time in recent memory.

This season, the Falcons open at Jacksonville (Sept. 1) and at North Carolina Central (Sept. 8) before hosting Virginia State (Sept. 15) and Bowie State (Sept. 22). The next three games are on the road as the Falcons visit Elizabeth City State University (Sept. 29), Livingstone College (Oct. 6) and Winston-Salem State (Oct. 13).

Fayetteville State visits the Falcons on Homecoming Day (Oct. 20). The Falcons wrap up the regular season at Johnson C. Smith University (Oct. 27) and at home against Shaw (Nov. 3) in the third edition of the Raleigh Classic. Last season, the Falcons wrestled the trophy away from the Bears in a 31-14 victory.

The CIAA Championship Game (Nov. 10) will be held in Salem, Va., for the third straight season. 
 
                                                         SAU 2018 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Location	Time
Sept. 1	at Jacksonville	Jacksonville, FL	1 p.m.
Sept. 8	at North Carolina Central	Durham, NC	6 p.m.
SEPT. 15	VIRGINIA STATE	RALEIGH, NC	1 P.M.
SEPT. 22	BOWIE STATE*	RALEIGH, NC	1 P.M.
Sept. 29	at Elizabeth City State*	Elizabeth City, NC	TBA
Oct. 6	at Livingstone*	Salisbury, NC	TBA
Oct. 13	at Winston-Salem State*	Winston-Salem, NC	1:30 p.m.
OCT. 20	FAYETTEVILLE STATE*#	RALEIGH, NC	1 P.M.
Oct. 27	at Johnson C. Smith*	Charlotte, NC	1 p.m.
NOV. 3	SHAW*	RALEIGH, NC	1 P.M.
Nov. 10	CIAA Championship	Salem, VA	TBA

 
*CIAA Games
# - Homecoming
TBA – Time To Be Announced
Home Games in BOLD CAPS at the George Williams Athletic Complex

SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

North Carolina Central Eagles Announces 2018 Football Schedule

DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University's 2018 football schedule includes six games in Durham, North Carolina, plus visits to Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and Florida.

The Eagles will play five home games inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, including against rival North Carolina A&T, and will make the three-mile drive to Duke University for the Bull City Gridiron Classic.

NCCU kicks off the 2018 season on Sunday, Sept. 2 against Prairie View A&M inside Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta as part of the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The game, owned and operated by ESPN Events, will be televised live on ESPN2.

The Eagles' first home game is on Sept. 8 versus Saint Augustine's, a former Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) opponent. NCCU holds a 29-2-1 overall advantage in the series, including five straight wins.

NCCU begins conference play on Sept. 15 at South Carolina State. After a 33-28 victory last season, the Eagles narrowed the series deficit to the Bulldogs to 12-11 since the first match-up in 1927.

NCCU returns to Durham on Sept. 22, taking a short trip to Wallace Wade Stadium to play Duke. The Blue Devils have won all six contests in the series with the Eagles that started in 2009, including last year's 60-7 result.

The Eagles then host back-to-back home games on Sept. 29 versus Florida A&M and Oct. 6 against Howard. The Rattlers lead the series 6-4-1, but the Eagles have won the last three outings. NCCU has defeated the Bison in six straight contests to take a 12-9-1 advantage in the series.

After an open week in the schedule (Oct. 13), NCCU returns to MEAC action by visiting Norfolk State on Oct. 20. The Spartans edged the Eagles 28-21 in Durham last season to snap a five-game losing skid versus NCCU. The Eagles lead the series 9-6.

NCCU heads north on Oct. 27 to challenge Delaware State. The Eagles have won nine of the last 10 meetings against the Hornets, including five in-a-row, to improve its series lead over DSU to 18-6.

NCCU will celebrate homecoming on Nov. 3 against Edward Waters College, an NAIA football program out of Jacksonville, Florida. The Eagles have won all four prior meetings with the Tigers between 2001-10. The Eagles also boast a record of 63-19-2 (.762 winning percentage) on homecoming since 1931.

On Nov. 10, the Eagles travel to the Sunshine State to face Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats ended NCCU's chance at a MEAC title last year when they completed a Hail Mary pass on the final play of the game in Durham. BCU leads the series 7-2.

NCCU will salute its seniors on Nov. 17 prior to the 90th meeting against rival North Carolina A&T in Durham. The Eagles have won three of the last four match-ups, but the Aggies triumphed by a score of 24-10 last season.

The Eagles look to make a return trip to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on Dec. 15 inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against the champion from the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

NCCU will hold its spring football game on Saturday, April 21 at 4 p.m. inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

BCU GridIron Pro Day Set for March 23

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman Football will hold its annual Pro Day this week Municipal Stadiu

m in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event will begin Friday, March 23, at 10 a.m.

Joining Bethune-Cookman Football student-athletes will be players from Warner Southern and Stetson, respectfully. Last season, BCU also had players from as far as Central State in Ohio visit Daytona Beach for Pro Day workouts.

"We are extremely excited for our Pro Day this year, and our defensive coordinator Charles 'Yogi' Jones always does an excellent job coordinating this event each year," said Head Coach Terry Sims. "This is going to be a really good group of guys working out, and we're excited to see what they can bring to the table on Friday."

The workouts begin at 10 a.m. with lifting, followed by speed testing, vertical jump and a number of tests on the field.

A complete list of athletes working out, along with times and results will be made available afterwards on Friday afternoon at BCUathletics.com.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

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Fobbs: Offseason changes brought Grambling coaching staff 'closer'

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Admittedly, it’s been a while since Broderick Fobbs has been this involved in his team’s offense.

When he lost this past December the only offensive coordinator he’s had since taking over his alma mater back in 2013, the Grambling State head football coach found himself on the hunt for a replacement. Former OC Eric Dooley left his position at GSU to take his first head coaching gig at Prairie View A&M.

While the offensive numbers the Tigers put with Dooley in charge are staggering, lighting up the scoreboard for more than 31 points per game on average, setting up a long-stay residence at the top of the SWAC, Fobbs noticed the attack needed some tweaks.

After fielding calls and running through several interviews, he ultimately looked within and promoted offensive line coach Reggie Nelson to offensive coordinator, and when the G-Men opened spring drills last week, the offensive approach has been about looking for balance.

“I wanted to bring ...

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Three takeaways from Jackson State's first spring practice of 2018

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The sun had yet to rise over the Jackson skyline when Jackson State wrapped up the first day of spring practice behind the Walter Payton Center early Tuesday morning.

"I was very, very pleased with our effort, attitude and work ethic," Hughes said. "I was happy with the start of our new offense. I thought we did a lot of good things. We caught the ball well and ran well. We had a few execution issues, but that's to be expected being the first day.

"I think we've got a chance to have a good football team this year."

That may be true, but as Hughes also pointed out, everyone looks like an All-American in shorts. Here are three takeaways from the first practice.

Pondering Ponder
The switch from a ground-and-pound offense to an air-raid has captured the imaginations of JSU's players and fans alike.

The skill position players are there: Terrell Kennedy and Jordan Johnson out of the backfield and a veteran wide receiver corps bolstered by JUCO additions Ra'meik Wallace, Kobe Gates and Calvin Keyes.

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Tennessee State Tigers Football Begins Spring Practices

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team is coming off its fifth non-losing season in the last six years. Head coach will head into spring practices on Monday, Mar. 19 looking to find replacements for seven starters on the defensive side of the ball.

The depth of the defense was a strength in 2017 and coach Reed, as well as defensive coordinator Garry Fisher look for the youngsters to step up during the spring session. Offensive coordinator Jeff Parker will look to replace all-conference wide receiver Patrick Smith and offensive lineman Ty Allen, but returns nine starters heading into the non-traditional season.

The Tigers will practice for four weeks with scrimmages at the end of the first three weeks. The Spring Game caps off the spring practices on Saturday, Apr. 14. The Legends Game kicks off the festivities at 1:00 p.m. and is followed by the Annual Game at 3:00 p.m.

The scrimmages and final game are open to the public.

WEEK 1
Mon., Mar. 19 – 1st Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 21 – 2nd Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 23 – 3rd Practice - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 24 – 4th Practice/1st Scrimmage - 1:15 p.m.

WEEK 2
Mon., Mar. 26 – 5th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 28 – 6th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 30 – 7th Practice - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 31 – 8th Practice/2nd Scrimmage - 11:15 a.m.

WEEK 3
Mon., Apr. 2 – 9th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 4 – 10th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Fri., Apr. 6 – 11th Practice - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sat., Apr. 7 – 12th Practice/3rd Scrimmage - 11:15 a.m.

WEEK 4
Mon., Apr. 9 – 13th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 11 – 14th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Sat., Apr. 14 – Legends Game 1:00 p.m. / SPRING GAME 3:00 p.m.

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Florida A&M Lady Rattlers Eye 2018 MEAC Bowling Title

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The FAMU Women’s Bowling team will be riding a wave of confidence as they head to Virginia for the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Bowling Championships Friday through Sunday at the AMF Chesapeake Lanes in Chesapeake, Va.

Coach Karen Brown’s Lady Rattlers finished the regular season second place in the MEAC Southern Division at 11-7, while compiling a 40-25 overall record.

FAMU tied division winner North Carolina A&T for first place in the final of three divisional tournaments in February, which along with the team’s overall winning mark, has stirred the confidence of youth-laden group.

The FAMU Women will be looking for their first MEAC title, having made the final round twice, losing to perennial kingpin Maryland-Eastern Shore both times, including once in a playoff.

The Lady Rattlers have just one senior among the seven-person contingent heading North to represent the Orange and Green, with two of the remaining six being true freshmen.

Evanston, Illinois native Jazmine Aron is the team’s lone senior, and she has turned in a nifty 178.92 per-game average through 13 games, with a high game of 224 in the second MEAC Southern Divisional event in December at Tallahassee.

On the opposite end of the classification spectrum, the team’s two first-year performers – Keondra Eaton (Baton Rouge, La.) and Bethany Noel (Lawrenceville, Ga.) – have been among the club’s high rollers.

Eaton, finished the regular season with a 187.2 per-game average in 24 games with a club-best 244 high game in her collegiate debut event in New Orleans at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic in November.

Noel meanwhile, finished the campaign with a 177.1 per game average in 17 games, rolling a 233 high game in the Alabama State Hornet Classic in November.

Heading the list of sophomore performers for FAMU is Monique Ragland (Flint, Mich.), who has rolled a team-best 190.04 per-game average through 24 games, scoring a season high 232 in the MEAC Southern Divisional at Greensboro, N.C., in February.

Other FAMUans to look for this weekend include:

Demetria Bethel from Piscataway, New Jersey, who brings a 176.66 game average (21 games) into this week’s tournament, having posted a 232 high game for the season in the MEAC Southern Divisional at Greensboro, N.C. last month.


Mikayla Davis of Valdosta, Ga., who holds a 165.56 per game average, with a high game of 219 in the December MEAC Southern Divisional event in Tallahassee.

Chicago, Illinois product Destiny Williams, who has a 166.75 per game average this season with a 200 high game in the AllState Sugar Bowl Classic in November.

2018 MEAC BOWLING TOURNEY FIELD, SCHEDULE

Eight teams from the MEAC qualify for the championship, four coming from the Northern and Southern Divisions.

North Carolina A&T (50-41, 14-4 MEAC) won the Southern, just ahead of a late-surging FAMU (11-7, 40-25), while Delaware State (59-24, 20-4 MEAC) captured the Northern Division, with perennial national power house Maryland Eastern Shore (64-36, 18-6 MEAC) coming in second.

The opening round of the 2018 MEAC Championship will start Friday at 9:15 a.m. at the AMF Chesapeake Lanes with Team Games play.

Saturday’s Bracket Play round opens at 9:00 a.m., with the eight teams being seeded based on their performances on Friday.

Sunday’s Championship Round will start at 12 noon. The Final will air nationally on ESPNU via taped delay on Sunday, April 1.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Prairie View Football Back At Work For Second Spring Practice

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M University football team held its second spring practice Tuesday night at Panther Stadium.

"The effort of the guys is there," said first-year head coach Eric Dooley. "They are zoning in to what we are trying to accomplish. They are really flying around the field. We are thin at some positions, but the guys are working. They definitely want to learn, and they want to do what's best for the team."

With back-to-back practices, Dooley and his staff noticed the improvement from day one to day two in not only the grasp of the system, but also the effort and expectation of practice.

"They are definitely becoming accustomed to what we're looking for," Dooley said. "They've been working in that aspect in the weight room, in winter conditioning, and now here on the practice field. Now they see the tempo that we want and the high expectations. Our guys want to be good, and that works hand-in-hand."

The Panthers will end the first week of spring practice with sessions Thursday at 5:01 a.m. and Friday at 3:05 p.m.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

PVAMU Baseball Wins Home Opener Over Stephen F. Austin

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M baseball team won its home opener over Stephen F. Austin 8-2 Tuesday at Tankersley Field.

Trailing 1-0 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, the Panthers scored all eight runs to break the game open. Andrew Garcia singled to center to lead off the inning, followed by Avery Williams' bunt single between first and second base. Garcia then scored on a throwing error to a bunt attempt by Tyler Gordon to tie the game at 1-1. Corbin Jamison's two-run single scored A. Williams and Gordon to put PVAMU ahead for good at 3-1.

Jalyn Baker reached on a bunt single before Daniel Lingua walked to load the bases. Ezekiel Bear's double to left center cleared the bases to give the Panthers a 6-1 lead. Calvin Rucker then doubled to left, scoring Bear. Garcia came up again and singled up the middle, moving Rucker to third, before Avery Williams' groundout scored Rucker with the final Prairie View A&M run.

Garcia went 3-for-4 and Baker went 2-for-4 in the in the 11-hit attack for PVAMU. Kaelon Woods (1-0) earned the win in his first career start, throwing six innings allowing just four hits and one unearned run, walking six but striking out four. Tyler Laux pitched the final three innings to earn the save.

Prairie View A&M returns to action Wednesday at Houston at 6:30 p.m. before hosting Southern Friday at 3 p.m. in the first of a three-game Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division series at Tankersley Field.

BOX SCORE

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SWAC looks for new commissioner after 'unanimous concern'

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference is officially looking for a new commissioner after the resignation of Duer Sharp in January and the interim work of former SWAC associate commissioner Edgar Gantt.

The conference posted the job opening on the NCAA website's "The Market," a page where job openings can be shared and advertised. It said that the job would begin at or before July 1, 2018.

Former commissioner Duer's resignation was announced the first week of January and said that he would "pursue other opportunities"; sources stated that there was concern about the direction of Duer's leadership among leaders from various universities in the league.

Southern University athletic director Roman Banks said at the time that there was "unanimous concern," specifically in regards to his school's investigation into other conferences.

He told The Advocate in New Orleans that there was a lack of sponsorships" that caused Southern to "look around at other leagues."

"All had a concern about the last few years," Banks said. "What is our position, where we're going."

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Search Begins for Head Men's Basketball Coach at Winston-Salem State

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will begin a national search for the next head of its storied men's basketball program. WSSU Director of Athletics Tonia Walker has notified James Wilhelmi, head coach since June 2014, that the university will not renew his contract, which ends on May 31.

"I want to express my appreciation to Coach Wilhelmi for seven years of commitment to the program," Walker said. "This was a difficult decision, and we wish James nothing but the best for his future. We have tremendous expectations for our Rams men's basketball program at Winston-Salem State University, and I believe we can achieve great things within the Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association."

During four seasons, Wilhelmi compiled a 47-63 record. He led the team to the CIAA championship game and an 18-11 record during his first season as head coach. The Rams went 11-17, 13-14, and 5-22 in the following three seasons. The team also took losses in the opening round of the CIAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament the last three seasons. Wilhelmi joined the Rams coaching staff in 2011 as associate men's basketball coach and was named head coach in June 2014.

A national search will begin immediately for the ninth head coach of WSSU's men's basketball program. Andrew Brown, associate head basketball coach since 2015, will serve as interim while the university seeks a new head coach.

Over the program's 70-year history, WSSU has won 11 CIAA titles and in 1967, became the first historically Black college to win an NCAA title.

For more information on Rams men's basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

Weather pushes back start of FAMU's spring practice

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Growing up in Quincy, Willie Simmons is well aware of the area’s penchant for thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Tallahassee region Monday, forcing Florida A&M to postpone its NFL Pro Day for the program’s draft-eligible players.



With additional rain expected through Tuesday afternoon, Simmons – the Rattlers’ new football coach – also pushed back the start of spring practice one day until Wednesday morning.

“It is what it is – it’s Tallahassee weather, so you have love it,” Simmons said good-naturedly.

Despite the delay, Mother Nature hasn’t dampened Simmons’ enthusiasm.

The Rattlers will practice 15 days over the next month, including the annual Orange & Green game Saturday, April 21.

During FAMU’s team meeting Sunday night, Simmons explained his expectations to players as the new regime looks to turn around the struggling program.



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Bates named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Mikayla Bates was named Monday as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete in Division I women's basketball.
     
Bates is a junior from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of University Lab School. The XULA accounting major qualified for the NAIA honor by having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4-point scale and reaching junior academic status. The NAIA cited 143 for the award.
     
"Mikayla Bates represents everything a student-athlete should be," coach Bo Browdersaid. "She is a leader on and off the court. She does volunteer work. She is a great role model for young ladies in our community."
     
This past season Bates was named to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference All-Defensive team and was a GCAC Player of the Week. A 5-foot-7 guard, Bates averaged 8.2 points and 5.5 points per game and ranks seventh nationally with 2.8 steals per game.
     
This summer Bates will return to Northwestern Mutual for an internship. The company rated Bates as one of its top 10 interns of 2017 nationally.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Nuggets, Rush extend their winning streaks

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana extended winning streaks Sunday in 8-1 dual-match decisions against SCAD Atlanta at XULA Tennis Center.
     
The Gold Rush (7-6) — ranked second in the NAIA and the national runner-up in 2016 and 2017 — have won six in a row. The Gold Nuggets (10-7), ranked fifth, have won seven straight — their best streak since 11 consecutive victories in 2013 — and nine of their last 10. It was the Nuggets' seventh victory this season against a top-20 opponent.
     
Shaikh Abdullah and Samir Chikhaoui won in doubles and singles for the XULA men, who competed for the first time in 16 days. They defeated Alberto Menendez and Jordan Skalet 8-1 on the first doubles court. Abdullah beat Skalet 7-5, 6-2 at No. 2 singles, and Chikhaoui defeated Jonah Tewes-McCoy 6-3, 6-1 at No. 3.
    
Catalin Fifea posted his fifth consecutive victory at No. 1 singles, a 6-3, 6-1 decision against Menendez.

Results:  Men   •   Women
     
Winning in doubles and singles for the Gold Nuggets were Mariia Borodii, Yi Chen Pao,Angela Charles-Alfred and Farah Baklouti. Borodii and Pao defeated Sofia Guerra and Madison Umbaugh 8-3 at No. 1 doubles, and Charles-Alfred and Baklouti dominated Antonella Altamirano and Nathalia Bolivar in an 8-0 decision. In singles, Borodii clinched with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against Katrina De Guzman 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1, Charles-Alfred beat Madison Umbaugh 6-1, 6-4 at No. 3, Baklouti toppled Altamirano 6-0, 6-1 at No. 5, and Pao beat Madelyn Homan 6-1, 6-2 at No. 6.

Charlene Goreau, at No. 2, earned her eighth consecutive singles victory by beating Guerra 6-1, 6-1.
    
SCAD Atlanta's men are 0-5, and its women — ranked 14th in the NAIA — are 3-4.
     
The XULA men will play host to NCAA Division I Abilene Christian at 2 p.m. Friday, and the Nuggets will be at home the following day for a noon matchup with NAIA No. 11 LSU-Alexandria.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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School relay record, plus 5 new NAIA qualifying marks

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana set a school record and produced five new national qualifying marks Saturday at the Louisiana Classics track and field meet.
     
The women's 400-meter relay team of Martina Latting, Alexis Milton, Justyce Riggs and Ry-Anne Riley set a XULA mark of 46.66 seconds and finished fourth out of seven teams. The previous mark was 47.04 at the 2016 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships. Latting and Milton were members of that team as freshmen.
     
"The ladies knew it was going to be fast today," coach Joseph Moses said. "I'm just very pleased for the ladies working hard to get to this point."
     
The relay team met the A-qualifying standard for the NAIA National Championships for the third time in as many meets.
     
XULA's new B-qualifying marks were:
     •  Brandon Matthews in the men's triple jump — 14.31 meters/46 feet, 11 1/2 inches.
     •  Riggs (12.05), Latting (12.11) and Milton (12.13) in the 100.
     •  The 1,600 relay team of Milton, Riley, Janelle Jones and Clarke Allen (3:55.26).
     
XULA will compete next Friday and Saturday in Houston at the Rice Victor Lopez Classic.
     
Here are all the XULA Saturday results from the Louisiana Classics:

Women
     100:  Justyce Riggs, 12th in 12.05; Martina Latting, 15th in 12.11; Alexis Miltonm 17th in 12.13
     400:  Asja Thompson, 29th in 1:00.60; Junine Goodison, 42nd in 1:04.73
     800:  Brianna Pace, 9th in 2:25.52; Maluya Vaughan, 14th in 2:28.49
     1,500:  Taylor Price, 25th in 5:17.29; Maliya Vaughan, 26th in 5:21.28
     5,000:  Taylor Price, 14th in 22:47.15; Hajjia Mohammed, 15th in 26:04.84
     100 Hurdles:  Raven Davis, 22nd in 15.79
     400 Hurdles:  Toni Trail, 15th in 1:12.42
     400 Relay:  Martina Latting, Alexis Milton, Justyce Riggs, Ry-Anne Riley, 4th in 46.66
     1,600 Relay:  Alexis Milton, Ry-Anne Ro;ey, Janelle Jones, Clarke Allen, 6th in 3:55.26; Asja 
Thompson, Hillary Smith, Toni Trail, Junine Goodison, 11th in 4:18.93
     Discus:  Calah Williams, 15th in 29.55 meters/96 feet, 11 inches
     Long Jump:  Hillary Smith, 15th in 4.75 meters/15 feet, 7 inches
     Shot Put:  Calah Williams, 20th in 8.88 meters/29 feet, 1 3/4 inches
     Triple Jump:  Hillary Smith, 9th in 10.67 meters/35 feet, 0 1/4 inch

Men
     100:  Ethan Gipson, 34th in 11.31; Kyle Logan, 36th in 11.44
     400:  Ray Williams, 25th in 52.47
     800:  Damoy Boyd, 18th in 1:59.53; Ray Williams, 32nd in 2:22.09
     1,500:  Damoy Boyd, 13th in 4:16.89; Darrick Williams, 24th in 5:09.50
     5,000:  Darrick Williams, 18th in 19:43.42
     110 Hurdles:  Khalil Gallien, 8th in 15.27; Ayinde Abanu, 10th in 15.69; Jaland Green, 15th in 17.17
     400 Hurdles:  Ayinde Abanu, 15th in 59.80; Khalil Gallien, 16th in 1:03.45
     400 Relay:  Ethan Gipson, Jaland Green, Kyle Logan, Elijah Johnson-Henderson, 6th in 46.88
     Discus:  Evan Simmons, 17th in 40.03 meters/131 feet, 4 inches
     High Jump:  Edward Angel, tied for 5th in 2.02 meters/6 feet, 7 1/2 inches
     Long Jump:  Brandon Matthews, 20th in 6.26 meters/20 feet, 6 1/2 inches; Edward Angel, 29th in 5.65 meters/18 feet, 6 1/2 inches
     Shot Put:  Evan Simmons, 22nd in 10.07 meters/33 feet, 0 1/2 inch
     Triple Jump:  Brandon Matthews, 3rd in 14.31 meters/46 feet, 11 1/2 inches


Brandon Matthews

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Morgan State Men's Track & Field Capture Six Events at Maryland Invitational

COLLEGE PARK, Maryland -- In their second outdoor meet of the 2018 season, the Morgan State men's track and field team captured six events at the Maryland Invitational hosted by the University of Maryland.


Keon Rantin had a solid performance in the 100m dash where he took first place with a time of 11.26. Bear teammates Shindell Henry (11.38) and Caniggia Harriott (11.49) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

In the 200m dash, Desean White beat out the Terps' Alex Leto at the tape with an IC4A qualifying time of 22.13.

Morgan State also posted a pair of top times in the 400m, where Deyvon Howell placed fourth with a 50.00, and Stephen Varella ran a 50.31 which was good enough for sixth.

Complete Results

Vikarie Elliott placed first in the shot put. The sophomore recorded his best toss of the season with a throw of 15.04m (49'4.25"). Elliott also finished fourth in the hammer with a toss of 44.55m (146'2").

Sophomore Kurt Goodlitt finished fourth in both the shot (13.15m) and the discus (41.28m).

In long jump, Kobe-Jordan Rhooms was victorious with a jump of 6.71m (22'0.25"). Freshman Daenah Pressley finished seventh in the long jump (6.18m) and finished third in the high jump with a leap of 1.88m (6'2").

Morgan State 'A' team consisting of Kevin Leach, Desean White, Deyvon Howell and Keon Rantin clinched victory in the 4x100m relay with a time of 41.53. The Bears 'B' squad comprised of Shindell Henry, Caniggia Harriott, Lloyd Hylton and Stephen Varella finished as runners-up with a time of 43.65

The Bears return to action next Saturday (March 31) at the Navy Spring Invitational in Annapolis, Md.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

2018 MSU Football Schedule Announced

BALTIMORE, Maryland --  Morgan State's 2018 football schedule has been announced and it features five home games in Hughes Stadium, including a home opener matchup against Towson.
 
Coming off a 1-10 season (1-7 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) in 2017, Morgan State will open their 2018 campaign at home against Towson on Sept. 1 in the Battle for Greater Baltimore at Hughes Stadium. It will mark the 24th meeting between the teams and their 10th time facing each other in a season opener since 1979. Last year, Towson outlasted the Bears 10-0 at Unitas Stadium.  
 
MSU's next three contests will be on the road beginning with an FBS matchup at Akron on Sept. 8. It will mark the third meeting between the teams since 2009, with the Zips posting a 66-6 win at InfoCisison Stadium in 2012. Next, the Bears will face CAA member Albany on Sept. 15 in New York. The Bears will look to avenge last season's 26-0 home loss in the first-ever meeting between the teams.
 
The Bears will head south to challenge the reigning MEAC champion Aggies of North Carolina A&T on Sept. 22 in Greensboro, North Carolina. It will mark the Bears first trip to Aggie Stadium since suffering a 45-0 loss to the Aggies in 2014. The Aggies finished the 2017 season ranked No. 7 in the STATS FCS Poll.
 
Following a bye, the Bears will open MEAC conference play when they host South Carolina State for Homecoming on Oct. 6. The Bulldogs will be making their first trip to Baltimore since falling to the Bears 24-21 during the 2014 MEAC Championship run.
 
MSU will travel to Savannah State on Oct. 13 for the Tigers' homecoming festivities, followed by a home matchup to square-off against Beltway rival Howard on Oct. 20.
 
The Bears travel to Florida A&M on Oct. 27 for their first meeting in Tallahassee since suffering a 22-21 loss in 2016.
 
The Bears entertain Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 3, followed by a home finale matchup with Delaware State on Nov. 10 for 'Senior Day'.
 
MSU concludes its 2018 regular season when Norfolk State hosts the Bears in Dick Price Stadium on Nov. 17. The Bears will attempt to post its first win against the Spartans since 2006 – Norfolk State will enter the contest holding an 11-game winning streak against the Bears.
 
Game times and television plans for MSU's 2018 games will be announced at a later date.

All home games will be played at Earl C. Banks Field in Hughes Stadium.
 
The Bears open the 2018 campaign under Ernest T. Jones, set to enter his first year at the helm as interim head coach, and his third year at Morgan State.
 
Morgan State opens spring drills on Monday, March 26 and the annual spring game at Hughes Stadium on Saturday, April 28.

Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.
  
2018 MSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 1	TOWSON
Sept. 8	at Akron
Sept. 15	at Albany
Sept. 22	at N.C. A&T
Oct. 6	SOUTH CAROLINA STATE* (HC)
Oct. 13	at Savannah State*
Oct. 20	HOWARD*
Oct. 27	at Florida A&M*
Nov. 3	BETHUNE-COOKMAN*
Nov. 10	DELAWARE STATE*
Nov. 17	at Norfolk State*

* Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game
Game times to be announced at a later date

ABOUT MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is celebrating its 150th year of excellence in higher education. A Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, Morgan offers more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.