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TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- After an abbreviated Friday practice, the Tuskegee University football team went for just about 90 minutes on Saturday inside Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium. The practice wrapped up the second week for the Golden Tigers.
After warming up and going through individual drills with their position coaches, the Golden Tigers came together and went live for 90 minutes inside the stadium. There were big plays on both sides of the ball as the team wrapped up camp officially this afternoon.
Tuskegee will now turn their attention to their opening game opponent, Clark Atlanta and a first-year head coach, on September 5 at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium.
After a day off on Sunday, the Golden Tigers will get on a regular schedule as they begin preparations for the season opener on Monday afternoon.
For single game tickets or season ticket information, please contact the Tuskegee University Athletics Ticket Office at (334) 727-8594 or (334) 724-4385. Single game advance tickets are also available for the White Water Classic on September 12 and the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic on October 10.
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GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling’s second week of fall camp unofficially belongs to the offense.
Less than a day after Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs said the defense has enjoyed the upper hand this summer, the Tigers’ first-team offense appeared in midseason form during Saturday’s scrimmage, slicing through the defense like it was a game of flag football.
The unit, led by senior quarterback Johnathan Williams, ran just 13 plays during two drives, but scored both times in what resulted in a “pretty sharp” day for the offense.
Williams finished 6-of-8 for 64 yards and a touchdown an added two rushes for 26 yards and a touchdown, and TCU transfer Cameron White caught a 20-yard touchdown to leave Fobbs pleased with the effort during the 105-plays.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern coach Dawson Odums had several areas in which he wanted the Jaguars to show improvement from last week’s scrimmage to the one Saturday morning.
He wanted to see more energy from the whole team, the defense getting faster to the football and creating turnovers, and improvement from the run game.
The players seemed to fulfill each request during a 100-play scrimmage at the Louisiana Leadership Institute.
“I thought the energy was where it needed to be in order to have a successful scrimmage,” Odums said. “I thought we competed. I thought both sides did some good things.”
The biggest improvement came from the defense, which allowed eight touchdowns and didn’t get a turnover a week earlier. On Saturday, it allowed four touchdowns, created four turnovers, produced two touchdowns and a safety, and made a goal-line stand.
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- He has a way of getting the attention of his players.
When first-year Alabama State coach Brian Jenkins wanted to have a 1-on-1 conversation with an individual during Saturday's scrimmage at ASU Stadium, he signaled him over with a one or two-finger motion.
Other times, he yelled at them to basically get their you know what together. Regardless of the delivery, the players are getting Jenkins' message loud and clear — and embracing it.
"Him and the coaches are very demanding, but they get the best out of us," ASU senior quarterback Daniel Duhart said. "We're all on board, and we're ready to go. It's a family atmosphere everyday."
GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The Grambling football team put in its second and final scrimmage of fall camp Saturday In front of a couple hundred eager fans who are more than ready for the 2015 season to begin.
There were plenty of highlights — the first-team offense looked like it was in midseason form — and there were some lowlights when the defense blew several coverages resulting in wide open receivers for long gains or touchdowns.
Just from his initial impressions, Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs came away pleased from the scrimmage. Below are three takeaways from the 105-play session.
1. Grambling's offense will be even better than 2014 — After an 0-3 start to the 2014 season, Grambling finished 7-2 thanks to one of the league's most potent offenses. In those nine games, the Tigers averaged 37 points per game. For the season, Grambling averaged ,,,
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M Football team essentially “broke camp” Saturday morning, with a nearly two-hour scrimmage in blazing temperatures in Bragg Stadium.
FAMU head coach Alex Wood and his staff rotated quarterbacks, and deployed different personnel groupings on offense and defense to get a better look at the backups.
Kenny Coleman (Hazelhurst, Miss.), heralded recruit Ryan Stanley (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and Davonte Austin (Jacksonville, Fla.) all rotated behind center Saturday, getting more field time than starter Carson Royal (Yulee, Fla.), who got in on about three series.
Wood and his staff pushed the Rattler hopefuls through a fast-paced session, emphasizing the up tempo, no-huddle approach on offense, with an interesting mix of quick passes and running plays, featuring several series with the number one offense against the number one defense.
RATTLERS MEET THE MEDIA, FANS: Later Saturday afternoon, the Rattler players and coaches headed over to the air conditioned comfort of the nearby Al Lawson Center for Media and Fan Day.
The players shot publicity stills in the media room on the ground floor of the Center, then rode the elevator to the third floor main concourses where they autographed team posters and met adoring friends, family and fans.
WHAT’S NEXT: The 2015 Fall Semester begins Monday, and the Rattler practice schedule is slated to move to primarily afternoon (3:00) regime.
FAMU opens the 2015 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 in Tampa against the University of South Florida (7:00 p.m. – ESPN3).
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Hale Stadium played host to the second and final scrimmage of camp 2015 for Tennessee State football. Approximately 300 spectators enjoyed the eight series, 65 play contest on Saturday evening.
The Tigers tried to set the tone by rushing the ball and finished the night with 139 yards on 24 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Ronald Butler led the way with 68 yards on five runs, including two for over 20 yards. Senior Telvin Hooks added to the success on the ground as he joined Butler with a rush over 20-yards.
Hooks busted loose around the left side on the second play of the contest for 21 yards giving the first unit a first down at their own 41. The first drive would stall as sophomore defensive end Latrelle Lee busted through for a sack and a seven yard loss, forcing the first punt of the night.
After the change of possession, the first unit returned to the field for a second opportunity. The squad picked up back-to-back first downs as O’Shay Ackerman-Carter connected on a 14-yard pass to Mahlon Medley and a six-yarder to Archie Dennard.
The first team defense seemed to come up with its second stop, but a defensive holding allowed the offense to continue its drive. Ackerman-Carter too advantage of the new life as he hit Tom Smith at the 32 on a third and nine. Smith would break free and got help on a blindsided block down the field by Medley. Smith looked to be stopped at the 12, but the senior back continued to drive and carry his would-be tacklers down to the five.
Two plays later, after a false start moved the offense back to the ten, the Tigers found the end zone. Ackerman-Carter received plenty of protection from his lineman giving him time to find Chris Sanders-McCollum for the lone touchdown of the scrimmage.
Ronald Butler brought the second team on the field for their first series and struck immediately. The junior broke around the right end for 35 yards, crossing midfield to the 30. Butler broke loose on the next play for 10 yards, but the play was brought back to a hold behind the play. The setback was short-lived as Butler went over the top of the defense to Quindell Cousin who came down with the ball at the five.
The penalty bug struck for the second squad as back-to-back flags brought them back to the 15 for a first and goal. The defense pinned their ears back and attacked as Kevin DeWalt charged through the offense on consecutive plays for a pair of sacks, each for nine yard losses. The two plays from the defensive end transfer from Kent State created a third and goal from the 33.
The drive ended with no points as Lane Clark missed just to the right on a 50-yard field goal attempt.
The stop inspired the defense as they forced two straight three-and-out possessions against the offense, one led by each quarterback. On the following series, the offense picked up a first down on a seven yard run by Arkeem Granger before the defense once again stuffed their opponents. Defensive back A.J. Flowers would bring the crowd to its feet as he upended Morris who went up for a Butler pass.
The scrimmage ended with each squad having a chance at a two-minute drive. Ackerman-Carter went back to the recipe from the second drive picking up two first downs with the help of Medley and Dennard. The defense would flex its muscle again as freshman defensive back Gabe Scott came down with an Ackerman-Carter pass for his first interception of camp.
Butler started the second units drive as he scrambled and found running room for 22 yards to the 42. Butler would continue to drive his squad down the field hooking up with Isaiah Jeffries-Freeman for a first down, followed by a pass to Dantwaun O’Neal for another new set of downs.
The offense would settle for a 45-yard field goal from freshman Mitchell Boudreaux to make the final 7-3.
The Tigers will be in full force on Sunday as they host Fan Day at the TSU Indoor Facility. The event will last from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and will have inflatables for kids, as well as an opportunity to meet the team and receive the 2015 poster. Players will be on hand to sign autographs.
Rushing
Ronald Butler 5-68
Tom Smith 4-27
Telvin Hooks 2-24
Marcus Deanes 7-22
O’Shay Ackerman-Carter 3-16
Arkeem Granger 3-4
Passing
Ackerman-Carter 6-12 80 1-1
Ronald Butler 4-6 50 0-0
Receiving
Archie Denard 2-23
Mahlon Medley 2-20
Quindell Cousins 1-33
Tom Smith 1-27
Chris Sanders-McCollum 1-10
Isaiah Jeffries-Freeman 1-7
Dantwaun O’Neal 1-7
Rodney Morris 1-3
Schedule:
Sunday, Aug. 23 - 2:00-5:00 p.m. - Fan Day
Monday, Aug. 24 – Off Day
Tuesday, Aug. 25 – 4:00-6:30 p.m. (Full)
Wednesday, Aug. 26 - 4:00-6:30 p.m. (Full)
Thursday, Aug. 27 - 4:00-6:30 p.m. (Full)
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- With the 2015 football season quickly approaching for South Carolina State, the Bulldogs held their second preseason team scrimmage on Saturday afternoon at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
The scrimmage was an opportunity for the coaches to get to see how their quarterbacks perform in a game situation as they battle for the starting job and key backup spots. Battling for a chance to lead the offense are redshirt junior Adrian “L.A.” Kollock Jr. and newcomer and true freshman Caleb York.
“We’ve got at least two guys that seem to be coming along,” S.C. State head coach Buddy Pough said. “L.A. is our established guy, he’ll be our starter. But he’s getting a little pressure from Caleb York.
“It’ll be interesting to see exactly how that situation sorts out as the season goes on; it’s an ongoing process. Just because it starts off one way doesn’t mean it necessarily has to finish that way.”
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Head Coach Willie Simmons recaps PVAMU's practice at Waller ISD Stadium on Friday, Aug. 21 and talks about the upcoming scrimmage and other philosophies.
COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – FAMU fans are ready for some football! That point was emphasized with the mass of supporters who filled the concourse of the Al Lawson Center on Saturday. There was at least 100 people waiting in the heat by 1:30 p.m., with doors set to open at 2 p.m. When the floodgates opened, there was a steady flow of Rattler spirit, optimism and enthusiasm. All accounted for, an estimated 1,000 folks walked through the doors throughout the event.
One of the first people to arrive at Fan Day was FAMU president, Dr. Elmira Mangum. Mangum was the first in a rotation of FAMU and FAMU Athletics representatives to pose for photos with fans in the Rattler photo booth. Fans flocked to the booth, with the athletic staff having to extend her time to allow those who were in line to get a photo with her the opportunity to do so.
Music was blaring to the sounds of young DJs, DJ Laila Jade and Z-Dub Beats. With an old school flow, it was a family friendly environment for the masses.
The Rattler volleyball team joined the festivities for the first time. The Lady Rattlers are actually the first team to compete, as they will play in the University of Miami tournament in Coral Gables, Fla., next weekend. Their posters were also available, so fans had the opportunity to meet coach Tony Trifonov’s roster of athletes.
The voice of the Marching “100”, Joe Bullard, was the emcee for the event. His usual witty humor kept the entertainment flowing from segment to segment.
The first person to address the crowd was FAMU athletic director Milton Overton, Jr. Attending his first fan day, Overton was electrified by the turnout. “We are strong, and together we are going to build champions in this house. We’re going to do it together and we’re going to do it one step at a time,” Overton told the crowd. Overton was a crowd favorite. He stayed until the end of the event, posing for photos, encouraging folks to get season tickets and making sure the operation was run smoothly.
The Rattler football team began to emerge from the floor of the arena as they concluded individual head shots in the media room. Several players were also available for media outlets from around the country. After the entire team was mustered, they rose to the concourse level to take seats around the arena to sign autographs and take photos with fans. Some fans brought their own items for the players to sign, while most grabbed a poster from the promotions table to get signed.
Right around that time, the world-famous Marching “100” struck up the tunes. The band played all of the stadium favorites, really bringing a game atmosphere to the arena. There is just about nothing that gets FAMU fans riled up like the sound of its prized marching band.
Angela Suggs, Assoc. Athletic Director for External Affairs and D’Wayne Robinson, Assoc. Athletic Director for Compliance, were two of the department’s leaders who oversaw the activities. The entire athletics staff put time and effort into making the day a success.
With the emergence of Alex Wood into the mix of fans, the day seemed to elevate to yet another level. There is much anticipation about Wood and his staff’s ability to turn the FAMU football program around, and seeing him in person for the first time was a treat for FAMU faithful.
Wood was proud to be a part of the festivities. “This is great! There’s great excitement and I know our players love it. We love it! Football is football, but this is part of the entertainment and there is nothing like having fans to come out and support and get excited. Please buy your season tickets and come out to Bragg and watch some good football,” Wood said.
Fans were afforded the opportunity to sign up for the Venom Kids Club. Venom was a part of the day’s festivities, taking an extended turn in the photo booth and taking photos with fans throughout the day. The event concluded around 4 p.m. with a buzz…the buzz of excitement that the wait is over…football season is here.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NORFOLK, Virginia -- There's no avoiding the fact that bridging the gap between Norfolk State's dominant defense and its underachieving offense will take time.
In this summer's second full-contact scrimmage, the Spartans made minor advances on offense Saturday. But there was no question which unit carried the day.
"Definitely, if you had to say who won the scrimmage today, our defense was definitely ahead," first-year coach Latrell Scott said. "But there were some positives on offense. We moved the ball in spots. We just didn't move the ball as consistently as we would need to to win a football game."
Junior quarterback Greg Hankerson, a transfer from Florida Atlantic who inherited the starting job when Terrance Ervin left the program this month for "personal reasons," had stretches of inaccuracy, often throwing behind or too deep for open receivers.
HOUSTON, Texas -- The excitement in anticipation of the 2015 football season is building around the campus of Texas Southern University as the Tigers hosted their annual Media Day on Wednesday, August 19th at BBVA Compass Stadium.
The event was carried live online on the TSU Athletics YouTube page as well via the airwaves on KTSU 90.0 FM radio.
Texas Southern footballs' coaching staff as well as select student-athletes highlighted the event that helped kickoff and preview the Tigers upcoming football season.
The Tigers open the season against Prairie View A&M in the Labor Day Classic. This years' game will be held Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8:00 pm at BBVA Compass Stadium home of the TSU Tigers.
Please click the play button above to watch the event.
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
ANN ARBOR, Michigan -- Dennis Norfleet has found a new home, and his time at Michigan is now officially over.
The wide receiver/kick returner is now officially a member of Tuskegee University's football team, and is eligible to play immediately as a senior. Tuskegee is a Division II program, meaning Norfleet does not have to sit out a year.
The 5-foot-7, 168-pounder is officially enrolled in the school, is on campus in Alabama and took part in initial team meetings Tuesday, per a Tuskegee spokesman.
According to his high school coach, Norfleet was dismissed from Michigan's program by coach Jim Harbaugh shortly after spring practice came to a close. Norfleet was then allowed an opportunity to work his way back onto the program, and ultimately finish his academic career at Michigan.
That never materialized, though, as Norfleet's Michigan career is now officially finished.
GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The North Carolina A&T men’s basketball team released a schedule on Monday which includes a whopping 14 games at home in Corbett Sports Center. The last time the Aggies played 14 games at home was during the 1986-87 season when they finished the season undefeated at home.
There are a few other things on the Aggies 2015-16 schedule that have not occurred in recent years. UNC Greensboro comes to Corbett on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. It will mark the first the Spartans have played at Corbett since Jan. 30, 1992, a 72-57 A&T win.
Grambling State will also make a return to Corbett after a long hiatus. The Aggies will host the non-conference HBCU rival on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. It will be the Aggies first time hosting a SWAC opponent at Corbett since the 1988-89 season when they defeated Alabama State 73-62. GSU comes to Corbett for the first time since ‘81 when they lost to A&T 65-61. The Charlotte 49ers comeback to Corbett for the first time since ‘90 when they face the Aggies on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
“It’s rare to see mid to low mid-major programs have this many home games,” said head coach Cy Alexander, who is entering his fourth season at A&T. “Most of the time you’re only going to get 12 because you’re on the road throughout November and December. We must take advantage of this rare opportunity.”
The Aggies other non-conference home games include a visit by Barber-Scotia (Nov. 18), Northern Kentucky (Nov. 30) and Kent State (Dec. 30). Northern Kentucky and Kent State are coming to Greensboro after A&T played at both of their respective home arenas last season. Both will be making their first-ever visit to Corbett.
A&T will open the season in the 2015 Tip-Off Tournament conducted by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The two programs from power conferences the Aggies are Purdue on Nov. 13 in the season opener and a road game against the University of Florida on Nov. 16. The Aggies then play in the Springfield Bracket which includes Buffalo University, Niagara and Vermont. The Aggies face another power conference team on Nov. 24 when it travels to Blacksburg, Va., to face the Hokies of Virginia Tech before flying to Fargo, N.D., to face North Dakota State on Nov. 28. Other non-conference road games are at East Carolina (Dec. 13), Toledo (Dec. 21) and USC Upstate (Jan. 5).
The conference season begins Saturday, Dec. 5 at home against Howard University at 4 p.m., before A&T plays Maryland Eastern Shore at Corbett on Monday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
“As I look at our schedule that is one stretch of home games I’m looking to take advantage of,” said Alexander referring to four straight games at home from Nov. 30-Dec. 7. “We bring in two tough non-conference opponents in Northern Kentucky and UNCG before having our first two conference games of the year at home. That stretch for us is going to be crucial.”
The Aggies play on the road against their chief rival N.C. Central on Saturday, Feb. 6 before the Eagles return the game on Thursday, March 3 (7:30 p.m.) in the regular-season finale.
“You at least want to finish .500 on the road in your conference games. That would be ideal,” said Alexander. “But I think to be where we want to be, we really have to win a vast majority of the 14 games we have at home.”
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
ALBANY, Georgia -- The Albany State football team is going into the 2015 season with an interim head coach and a large chip on their shoulders.
The Golden rams hosted a media day early Saturday morning. Last season ended in heartbreak when they fell to Tuskegee in the SIAC championship.
The biggest question surrounding the rams this off season regards the quarterback position. The depth charts that were released have junior Caleb Edmonds as the starter.
Underclassmen Ta'Keevian Harris and Rodricous Gates are still in the running.
HAMPTON, Virginia --As a college quarterback, Connell Maynor learned the importance of continuity. Of everyone, pardon the cliché, being on the same page. His first team at Hampton University didn't have that last season, at least not enough. That was to be expected, given the new staff bringing in a new system and no one quite understanding the other.
"It was a learning curve where I had to learn them and they had to learn me," Maynor said. The result: a 3-9 season, the program's worst finish since 1991. The offense was mistake prone, and the defense couldn't stop water. And yet, you could argue at least six of their losses could have gone the other way with better execution and fewer turnovers. That's all behind the Pirates now, and 2015 is here. Maynor feels the learning curve is over now, that he knows his kids and they know what he wants from them.
"It's a night-and-day difference from last year," he said. "I think we can really make some major improvements." A few minute later, he chuckles. "Every coach in America probably feels good about his team right now. On Sept. 5, that's when we'll really find out what we've got."
THE COACH, CONNELL MAYNOR, Sixth year (48-15, 3-9 in one season at HU).
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Coaching transition | Pete Adrian retired after a 10-year run that included the 2011 MEAC championship and an automatic playoff bid. But the Spartans were 11-24 from 2012-14, creating considerable challenges for new head coach Latrell Scott, a former Hampton University tight end who's now worked at six in-state schools.
Balance needed | Norfolk State ranked among the nation's top 10 in every major defensive statistical category last season, among the bottom 15 in every key offensive category. In short, averaging 11.7 points in the era of spread offenses is unacceptable.
Non-conference gantlet | The Spartans didn't win a game outside the MEAC last year, and that's unlikely to change in 2015. Each of Norfolk State's three non-league contests are against Bowl Subdivision opponents: the Big Ten's Rutgers and Conference USA's Old Dominion and Marshall.
LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State University adds an Olympian and NCAA champion to head their track and field program.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Derek Horne announced the selection of Brian Johnson as the new leader of the Brave's track and field program.
"We are very excited to have Brian join our staff. He is a great recruiter and is a seasoned coach. We look forward to him coming on board and making a positive impact on our track program," said Horne.
Johnson comes to Alcorn State after spending a year on the University Georgia Bulldogs' staff as an assistant coach. Prior to his stint at Georgia, he led the track & field program at Southern University.
A native of Iowa, Louisiana, Johnson led Southern's track and field program from August 2010 to 2014, was an assistant at the school starting in 2003 and a Southern graduate. He coached both the men's and women's Jaguar teams to second-place finishes at the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships. Johnson also was instrumental in the success of Devin Jenkins, who was a standout runner at Southern. Johnson helped Jenkins capture the 60-meter dash, 100-meter and 200-meter titles at the 2014 SWAC conference meet.
Johnson had an exceptional career at Southern before joining the institution's coaching ranks. He finished third in the long jump at the 2001 and 2002 NCAA Outdoor Championships and was also fifth in the 100-meter (10.46) at the 2002 outdoor nationals, which were in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Then in 2003, Johnson traveled 27 feet, and 2 inches to claim the NCAA indoor championship in the long jump. Soon after his national title, Johnson graduated with a bachelor's degree.
Braves fans are encouraged to log on to alcornsports.com for the latest news, scores and updates on Alcorn State athletics. Fans can also access the latest information on Alcorn State athletics through social media by following @BRAVESSPORTS on Twitter, @alcornstatesports on Instagram or liking the Facebook page at Facebook.com/AlcornStateSports
COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Athletics will host "Legends and Legacies -- An Evening with NFL Stars" on Thursday, October 1 at the Clinton Presidential Center (1200 President Clinton, Ave.) in Little Rock, Ark.
The cost of the event is $250 per ticket, with the proceeds benefitting the UAPB Football Scholarship Fund. Tickets to Legends and Legacies will include a tour of the Clinton Presidential Museum and a reception, starting at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner with the pro football stars at 7:15 p.m.
During the Legends and Legacies event, fans will have a chance interact with NFL greats of the gridiron, including:
•Art Monk – Football Hall-of-Famer with the Washington Redskins (1980-93), New York Jets (1994) and Philadelphia Eagles (1995);
•Keith Jackson – Five-time pro bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles (1988-91), Miami Dolphins (1992-94) and Green Bay Packers (1995-96);
•Jay Novacek – Five-time pro bowler with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals (1985-89) and Dallas Cowboys (1990-95);
•Anthony Jones – Former Washington Redskin (1984-88) and current UAPB offensive coordinator;
•Monte Coleman – Three-time Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins (1979-94) and current UAPB head coach.
For more information, contact the UAPB Office of Development at 870.575.8701/8702.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State head women's basketball coach Doug Robertson announced the hiring of Roderick Woods as an assistant coach for the Lady Bulldog program.
"Roderick brings a great deal of basketball experience and knowledge to our program and we are excited to have him on the sidelines this season," Robertson said.
Woods comes to SC State after spending 12 years as the head women's basketball coach and athletics director at Clinton Junior College in Rock Hill, S.C.
During his time at Clinton, Woods amassed over 180 victories and coached three Region X Players of the Year (2010, 2012, 2014). His players not only excelled on the court, but they were successful in the classroom as well. Six of Woods' players were named valedictorians of their graduating classes at Clinton.
Prior to coaching on the collegiate level, Woods served as an assistant coach at Lamar High School in Lamar, S.C. from 1999-2001.
During the summers of 1997-2014, Woods spent his time recruiting and leading basketball camps at various institutions including Rutgers University, the University of Connecticut, Eastern Kentucky University, Duke University and the University of Illinois. He also served as the Associate Director of the Nike Girls Basketball Camp at Amherst College.
Woods was an All-Region X First-Team performer at Spartanburg Methodist College. He was a member of the team that advanced to the championship game of the 1992 NJCAA National Championship. Woods then went on to play at Eastern Kentucky University from 1994-1996 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1999.
The Florence, S.C. native is the son Phyllis Evans and the late Al Woods. After the passing of his father, Woods returned to his home where he graduated from Wilson High School in 1991.
Woods is married to Katrina Judge-Woods and they have three children: Oriona (16), Kaiden (6) and Kaelyn (4).
Woods is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in sports administration from American Public University.
The Lady Bulldogs open the 2015-16 season on November 14 when they host Morris College.
COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – With the 2015 regular season opener just a week away, the Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball program is excited about this year’s prospects thanks to a trio of players who gained some valuable international playing experience this summer.
Two members of the trio are returning veterans: 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year Pamela Soriano, a 5-10 sophomore outside hitter from the Dominican Republic, and 6-3 senior middle blocker Ginna Lopez-Chavez, from Lima, Peru, who was a preseason All-MEAC pick, and a two-time first team All-MEAC selection (2013, 2014), while the third is incoming freshman libero
Valentina Carrasco from Lima, Peru
FAMU head coach Tanio “Tony” Trifonov was excited for his players and more excited for their potential impact on the 2015 Rattler Volleyball team.
“This has been a great experience for our players, and hopefully they will provide the leadership that will help us elevate our play this year through the MEAC Tournament and potentially into the NCAA Tournament as well,” Trifonov said.
World Under 23 Championships duo
The returning FAMU duo of Soriano and Lopez-Chavez played in the FIVB (International Federation for Volleyball) Under 23 World Volleyball Championships in Turkey, which concluded this week, with Soriano, as a member of the bronze medal-winning Dominican Republic National team, and Lopez-Chavez a member of the Peruvian National team.
Soriano’s Dominican team dropped a five-set heartbreaker in the semifinals to eventual world champion Brazil, but rallied literally and figuratively in the third place match, coming from two sets down to overtake Japan, 3-2 (21-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-16, 15-11) for the bronze.
Lopez-Chavez’s Peruvian team finished tied for ninth (9th), but individually, she had an outstanding tournament, finishing #10 overall in blocks among all players, averaging 0.56 blocks per set.
The Under 23 World Championships was the second summer event for Lopez-Chavez, who played for Peru in the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto in July, along with a FAMU Volleyball alum, libero Susan Egoavil.
FAMU freshman in Under 18 Championships
Speaking of the libero position, FAMU’s third international summer competitor was incoming freshman Valentina Carrasco, another in the long line of Lima, Peru natives to wear the Orange and Green.
Carrasco played in the FIVB Under 18 World Championships for Peru, finishing the event ranked as the #5 libero overall in the event.
All three players will be on campus by Sunday, just in time for the start of the 2015 Fall Semester on Monday, August 24, and they’ll have a few days of practice to gear up for next Friday’s season opener in the University of Miami Tournament against Kansas State at 5:00 p.m.
They will face host Miami (12:30 p.m.) and Illinois State (5:30 p.m.) on Saturday, August 29.
FAMU opens at home Friday, September 11 against Xavier (Ohio) University in the FAMU-FSU Tournament at 7:00 p.m. in the Al Lawson Center.
For more information on the FAMU Volleyball Team and all other Rattler sports teams, go to www.FAMUAthletics.com.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TIERRA PULLARD COURTESY: SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
EDINBURG, Texas – Sophomore midfielder Tierra Pullard scored a career-high three goals to lead the South Carolina State women's soccer team to a 5-1 win over Southern University on Friday afternoon in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Tournament.
Pullard scored the first goal of the match in the 11th minute on an assist from sophomore defender Alexandria Trujillo to give SC State (1-0) a 1-0 lead. Southern (0-1) got on the board 15 minutes later on a goal by Jami Blackston to tie the match at 1-1.
In the second period, the Lady Bulldogs exploded for four goals. Freshman midfielder Justine Zepeda got things started with an unassisted goal in the 56th minute. In the next three minutes, SC State got scores from Pullard and freshman forward Cortney Welch to go up 4-1. Pullard's final goal of the day ended the scoring and gave the Lady Bulldogs their third straight 1-0 start under head coach Sandy Burris.
Senior goalkeeper Hailey Austin picked up the win. She allowed one goal and had three saves in 90 minutes.
The Lady Bulldogs return to action on Sunday in the UTRGV Tournament when they take on Incarnate Word at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Live stats are available at www.sidearmstats.come.utrgv/wsoc.
COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
ASHLEY WALKER HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH WILEY COLLEGE LADY WILDCATS
MARSHALL, Texas -- Wiley College Acting Athletic Director/Vice President of Student Affairs Joseph Morale announced the hiring of Ashley Walker as the new head women's basketball coach. Walker replaces Courtney Pruitt, who led the Lady Wildcats for four seasons.
"I would like to thank Dr. Morale and the Wiley College Administration for the amazing opportunity to be the head women's basketball coach at Wiley College," Walker said. "Wiley is a great college with rich tradition and values and I am excited to be a part of that. It also helps that it's much closer to home for me."
Walker spent the last three seasons as an assistant at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C. While at SC State, she helped the team to an impressive 20-9 record in her first season and coached two-time All-MEAC performer Kourtney Williams, who finished her career as the seventh all-time leading scorer in school history.
Prior to SC State, Walker spent seven seasons (2005-2012) as an assistant coach at Angelina College in Lufkin, Tex. During her time there, the team went 135-81. Walker, a Bryan, Texas, native, played two years at Angelina College after leaving Bryan High School as a highly sought-after recruit. In the 1999-2000 season, she was part of the team that broke the program record for wins in a season with a 24-7 mark. Her success at the junior college level led to a scholarship at Texas Wesleyan University, where she played for another two seasons before receiving her Bachelor of Science in exercise of sports studies in 2005.
Upon graduating, Walker returned to Angelina College as an assistant to head coach Bryan Coleman. At Angelina, the team set a school-record with 26 wins in the 2009-10 season. She helped coach three National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Americans, two Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-Americans and two freshmen of the year. Additionally, the 2006-07 team earned Academic All-American honors. Several of Walker's Lady Roadrunner players went on to play Division I basketball.
COURTESY RED RIVER ATHLETICS CONFERENCE MEDIA RELATIONS
