MSU's Reggie Holmes Shines at NBA Prospect Camp

MSU 6'4 All-American senior guard Reggie Holmes was the only HBCU player invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Pro Basketball Exposure Camp, one of three camps considered a “stepping stone” towards the NBA draft.

The Morgan State Bears basketball squad ended its season weeks ago, but that hasn’t stopped its best player from dominating the court. MSU senior star Reggie Holmes—one of 64 players selected to compete in the Portsmouth Invitational pro basketball exposure camp held last week—was named as one of 10 members selected to the All-Tournament Team.

According to a MSU media relations representative, Holmes pleasantly surprised several scouts during the camp in Portsmouth, Va., which invited the top collegiate players in the nation to show off their skills to be potentially drafted or signed by NBA teams or other professional basketball clubs.

Holmes, the only player invited from a historically Black college/university (HBCU), recorded double-figures in each of the three tournament games he competed in, scoring a game-high 24 points with six rebounds in game-one, 22 points with seven rebounds in game-two and 15 points and six rebounds in game-three. “I’m very excited to have been the only Black college player represented in the tournament,” Holmes said. “I’m even more excited to have been recognized as one of the top 13 players in the whole tournament.”

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Spring over, but work just starting for Mississippi Valley‎

It was a hectic spring football season for new Mississippi Valley State coach Karl Morgan and his staff. Morgan was hired just three weeks prior to National Signing Day and had just finished assembling his coaching staff when spring training started a few weeks ago. The Delta Devils put a wrap on spring drills Saturday with a scrimmage at Rice-Totten Stadium. It was Morgan's final chance to evaluate his players before a 3 1/2-month layoff until fall practice. "I am pleased to see that we've made some strides, but we still have miles to go," Morgan said after watching his offense get a late score to tie the scrimmage at 17.

But just because Valley is putting up its pads for a while doesn't mean Morgan will get a break. He will likely work even harder as he tackles three main goals for the offseason: develop a quality strength and conditioning program, recruit more players and raise money to help offset his program's meager budget. All three are vital to turning around a losing program, and none of the three will be easy. But you've got to like Morgan's spirit as he tries. "I knew exactly what I was getting into before I came here, and I wouldn't have come if I didn't think I could get the job done," he said.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

The Delta Devils Fans and Alumni need to step it up in assisting Coach Karl Morgan and his staff in building this football program. A weight room with new equipment would be a great improvement for the team and funding for more that 39 scholarships will help immediately in the win column. The NCAA allows 63 for Division I, Football Championship Programs--so can't you Delta Devils alumni and fans fund 24 scholarships annually?

Yes, I think we can...The Delta Devils student-athletes deserve the best opportunity for success on the field and in the classroom. Write a check today--$5, $10, $20, $30, $50, $100 or more...send what you can afford to your MVSU Delta Devil Athletic Fund. Every donation helps your program.

-beepbeep

Fundraiser sought as Jackson State Tigers' next Athletic Director

Jackson State joins a growing list-- Florida A&M University, Mississippi Valley State University and Savannah State University-- seeking an experienced athletic director with fundraising, contract negotiations and creative marketing skills to elevate their athletic programs from financial distress.

Jackson State athletic director Bob Braddy will retire from his post on July 1 and one objective will be the primary task of his successor - fundraising. The athletic programs have had tremendous success on the field during the four years with Braddy at the helm, winning 12 SWAC championships and four Commissioner's Cup awards given to the league's top program across all sports. However, Braddy admits increasing revenue has fallen short of his expectations.

Jackson State worked under a $6.5 million budget in 2009-10 and there have been concerns in the last 12 months that some of the 18 individual programs could be cut if the department's financial situation does not improve. The next athletic director must have a skill set in one specific area. "A businessman or someone who understands the business of athletics, would be good," JSU president Ronald Mason said. "The next athletic director will have to be able to bridge the gap between traditional JSU (supporters) and potential JSU (supporters) and try to draw as much as we can from both."

Braddy was working on a $100,000 salary, and Mason hopes to increase that number. "The salary won't be extravagant, but we hope competitive enough," Mason said. "I think we can pay a little more, but not much more. ... We hope we can get some wiggle room there and we'll rely on Tiger Fund to help support that effort if necessary."

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff basketball signs four‎

Golden Lions slams Winthrop University for first NCAA Tournament victory in school history.

The 2010 Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament Champions, UAPB Golden Lions and second year Coach George Ivory, HSRN's Division I National Coach of the Year, have signed four solid players to the Golden Lions Den. The Golden Lions ended last season at 18-16, dropping a second round NCAA Tournament game to eventual National Champion Duke Blue Devils. However, the Golden Lions brought pride to the SWAC with a 61-44 thrashing of Winthrop University for their first victory in their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The win broke a 17 game conference losing streak for the SWAC in the tournament.

The Golden Lions lost five seniors, including four starters from their championship team. UAPB last won the SWAC basketball championship 42 years ago. But, Ivory is capitalizing on the Golden Lions rags to riches story after losing the first 11 games of a brutal schedule that took the program from Oregon to Michigan, and Georgia to Ohio in "Money Games" that UAPB had little chance of winning.

Coach Ivory is quickly proving he is more than a strong defensive coach, but also a top judge of basketball talent and an excellent recruiter. On Wednesday, the first day of the Spring open signing period, Ivory and his staff received official commitments from Daniel Broughton (Watson Chapel), Keith Ross (Watson Chapel), Lavoris Weathers (Paris Junior College) and Shamus Ferguson (Mineral Area College). "We're elated to be able to bring in players of the caliber of these four young men that we signed today," said UAPB's Ivory. "Our coaching staff is really excited about next season and the level of talent we'll have the ability to put on the floor at all five positions."

UAPB signees Keith Ross (L) and Daniel Broughton (R) have been playing on the same teams since sixth grade.

Keith Ross, 6'4 205, Guard, Watson Chapel, Arkansas, High School: Watson Chapel High School...Ross brings depth to the Golden Lions basketball program with his pure athletic talent and versatility. While in high school he was a key contributor for a high school team which made three consecutive semi-final appearances in the state playoffs. Ross averaged 12 points per game and led his team in 3 pointers made...High School Honors/Awards: He had an impressive high school career where he provided the Wildcats with a scoring threat and strong defender. A 2009 and 2010 All-State Class 6A Selection, Ross should be able to contribute immediately for the Golden Lions next season. Both Ross and UAPB signee, Daniel Broughton compiled a 65-23 record over the last three seasons, including a 47-8 mark over the last two and won a pair of conference titles.

Daniel Broughton, 6'8 255, Forward, Watson Chapel, Arkansas, High School: Watson Chapel High School...Broughton brings a physical, tough inside presence to the Golden Lions front court rotation and should be able to make an immediate impact next season. He has good fundamental skills and great size for low post position at the collegiate level. Broughton averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds per game at Watson Chapel...High School Honors/Awards: As a prepster he was dominating force leading his high school team to three consecutive semi-final appearances in the state playoffs. Broughton is a 2009 and 2010 Class 6A All-State selection, and currently ranks as one the top high school basketball players in the State of Arkansas and in the South Region. He selected the UAPB program over Central Arkansas (Coached by former NBA and University of Arkansas star Corliss Williamson, who was named head coach at UCA last month), Arkansas State, Murry State, Southeast Missouri State and others...Keith Ross and Broughton have been playing together since sixth grade on local AAU teams, and their familiarity with each other helped to bring success to Watson Chapel Junior and Senior high schools.

Lavoris Weathers, 6' 7 240, Forward, Paris Junior College, Texas (Greenwood, MS, High School)l...Weathers is a strong, athletic talent who can overpower opponents with his size and agility. He was a participant in the 2006 Mississippi High School all-star game. He signed with Division I, Ohio Valley Conference member Jacksonville State University for the 2007-08 season. He left JSU to attended Paris Junior College, Texas where an injury made him unavailable to compete for the 2008 season...High School Honors/Awards: Weathers had a standout career in high school. A 2 star rated performer according to Rivals.com, he had a dominating senior campaign averaging 17 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks per contest for the Bulldogs with numbers that led him to being named an All-State performer. He first started as a freshman while in prep school. As a sophomore, he averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots per game. During his junior season, he averaged 21 ppg, 12 rpg and 4 bpg. Chosen Honorable Mention All-State by The Clarion-Ledger newspaper as a junior.

Shamus Ferguson, 6'10 255, Center, Toronto, Canada, High School: Francis Libermann Catholic High School...Ferguson is an athletic big man that can run the floor and finish well in transition, block shots, and has a strong ability to score in the paint. He also attended Mineral Area College...High School Honors/Awards: MVP Senior Year, MIP Junior Year, Ferguson was an impact player for Francis Liebermann during his senior season averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks a game. He helped lead his team to the Metro Semi-Finals in Toronto in 2008 with his dazzling interior play. Shamus earned team "MVP" honors and was tabbed as the "Most Improved Player" by his coaching staff.

ASU's offense finds big plays in Black and Gold Game

ASU Hornets quarterback Anthoy Spleite (5th year senior) had a fumble in the red zone and interception for touchdown in the Black and Gold game. The Hornets 2010 season opener is on Sept. 4 against Mississippi Valley State at the Cramton Bowl.

Alabama State didn't show a lot of offensive firepower last season, forcing Hornet coach Reggie Barlow to bring in Melvin Spears to run the offense this season. The Hornets, determined to stretch the field with its passing attack, used big plays on Saturday in its annual Black and Gold Game at Hornet Stadium in a spring game pitting the offense against the defense.

The format meant there was no official score kept, but the offense scored on six of its 13 possessions, including a pair of Andrew Lyons' field goals and four touchdown receptions, three by Nick Andrews and another by Kyrea Rozier. The defense stopped two possessions after three plays and five more with turnovers, using interceptions by Kejuan Riley, Jacques Rickerson and Donovan Masline and fumble recoveries by Masline and Corey Schofield. Barlow split the offense's work between two quarterbacks, with redshirt freshman Rashard Burkette directing six possessions and fifth-year senior Anthony Speight at the helm of seven possesions.

Photo Gallery: ASU A-Day game

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:

ASU NOTEBOOK: Hornets go without scoring system in Black and Gold Game

ASU BLACK AND GOLD GAME: Hornets' offense could be a threat this season

'Bama State's Meredith continues torrid freshman golf pace at Huntingdon

Tigers sweep Alabama State

‎

Delaware State Hornets upbeat at Spring Camp‎

DOVER, DE -- The atmosphere at Delaware State University's Alumni Stadium for Saturday's Red-White football scrimmage was light years away from the doom-and-gloom that seemed to constantly envelop the Hornets last year. Quarterback Anthony Glaud was consistently finding his receivers in stride and the team's young defense showed promise at the linebacker positions. The feelings were of promise and great expectations for when the Hornets return to the field in August for summer football camp. "It was good in processing this entire spring," Glaud said, preparing for his senior season. "This is actually the best we've looked and it's a good thing to be the best that you are at the end of spring [camp], so now we have something to carry into the summer and then into the fall camp."

Coach Lavan sees signs of improvement in young DSU squad. Delaware State will open its 11-game 2010 season on Sunday, Sept. 5, against Southern University (La.) in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

Al Lavan, preparing for his seventh season as DSU's head coach, wasn't looking for greatness. He just wanted to see signs of improvement. "I think overall we accomplished in the last 15 days what we needed to accomplish which was to see an improvement of our football team," said Lavan, who is 38-28 overall with the Hornets. "It's such a young team in the offensive line and a lot of different areas, but I thought we made improvement, which was the main thing.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:

Gardner Pitches Hornets Past Rattlers ‎

Hornets take two from Florida A&M baseball

‎

TSU will practice indoors this year

Tennessee State University athletic director Teresa Phillips adds to the Tigers growing list of capital assets for improving the student-athletes quality of life in Division I, Ohio Valley Conference Sports -- a new Indoor Football Practice Facility with field turf. The Tigers home games are played at Nashville's LP Field, home to the NFL's Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State University football.

Tennessee State is ready to break ground for a new indoor football practice facility that Coach Rod Reed hopes will break new ground in recruiting. A groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place later this month for the $3.2 million facility that is to be completed this year, Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. The date has not yet been set. The building will house an artificial surface practice field, meeting and film rooms, along with coaches offices.

It will be located at the west end of the Gentry Center parking lot and one of the first features Reed points out to prospects. "It's going to be a nice new structure and pleasing to the eye and definitely something you want recruits to see the minute they hit campus,'' Reed said. "Kids don't like practicing in cold or really hot weather. It absolutely is a recruiting tool because I don't know of any other OVC school that has an indoor practice facility." A construction notice-to-proceed was issued April 7 to Lee Adcock Construction Company, contractor for the facility.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

QB DeFilippis hot, cold in SSU scrimmage‎

SSU Tigers QB A.J. DeFilippis

Savannah, GA (4/12) - There was a lot to like and a little to worry about for Savannah State's starting - and only academically eligible - quarterback, A.J. DeFilippis, during the Tigers' intrasquad spring game Sunday at T.A. Wright Stadium. During three untimed periods, the sophomore completed 14 of 27 passes for 114 yards with a 12-yard touchdown pass and an interception that was returned 50 yards for a touchdown by junior linebacker Vince Cochran. In 11 possessions, the Tigers ran 65 plays and scored a touchdown and four field goals, and at one time DeFilippis completed six straight passes.

Sophomore receiver Alakan Thomas caught DeFilipis' toss for a touchdown to end a 50-yard drive, during which DeFilippis completed all three of his pass attempts for 32 yards and scrambled for six yards. The Tigers' other offensive highlight was sophomore kicker Derek Williams, who connected on field goals of 34, 42, 37 and 36 yards. He missed his only point-after attempt. The Tigers only dressed 47 players for the scrimmage, and 31 of those players were either freshman or sophmores. DeFilippis, who appeared in seven games as a freshman in relief of starter Kurvin Curry and threw three touchdown passes against five interceptions, is the only SSU quarterback academically eligible for spring practice.

Curry was not in uniform for the spring game. SSU sports information director Opio Mashariki said Curry is expected to play for the Tigers in the fall. Despite the tumult of the current offseason and the challenges facing the program, DeFilippis has embraced being the Tigers' only option at quarterback. He said he did not consider transferring to another school.



View more photos from SSU's spring game here

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:

SSU softball team sweeps SC State

‎

SSU Presidential Scholarship Gala Set for May 1 at Tiger Arena ‎

SSU splits doubleheader

‎

Defense Shines in Howard U. Spring Game‎

Howard University Bison head football coach Carey Bailey

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Although the defense was able to make more outstanding plays, the offense had some bright spots in the Annual Howard University spring football game at Greene Stadium. Led by its linebacking corp headed up by Keith Pough, the Bison defense was able to force turnovers and make some sterling plays during the controlled scrimmage. A 6-3, 225-pound red-shirt sophomore from Orangeburg, SC, Pough picked up where he left off last season before missing the last three games with a knee injury. He had two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery while creating havoc for the Howard offense.

“He’s beginning to see things better from a defensive standpoint,” said Howard Coach Carey Bailey. “Now he is able to anticipate and read plays before they develop. He is performing at a high level.” Bailey was also quick to praise the play of the linebacking unit of sophomore Chase Mitchell, red-shirt freshman Clinton Gidron, red-shirt senior Jermell Eliis and transfer Kurt Mangum. “They played well today and have had an outstanding spring,” said Bailey.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE

FAMU Lady Netters Bow Out of MEAC TOURNEY to HOWARD

‎

Howard To Hold Spring Game

Howard Women's Tennis Sweeps Honors as It Prepares for Tournament

‎

Fort Lauderdale student learning business of NASCAR

Former football player's mother describes losing son to prescription drug abuse

Justina McIntyre holds a photo of her son, the late Ronald L. Powell III as Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman looks on Wednesday. Powell was a Fulbright Scholar at Tennessee State University.

Montgomery County, PA - As a standout football player at Souderton Area High School and Fulbright Scholar at Tennessee State University, Ronald Powell III had a lot going for him. But the 19-year-old kept addiction to painkillers a secret, and he died in 2008 of an overdose. The teenager’s parents, Justina and Daniel McIntyre, were devastated by Powell’s death. “Receiving that phone call was the worst day of my life,” Justina McIntyre said.

On Wednesday, the Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman held a press conference to announce a prescription drug collection program scheduled for Saturday. Powell’s road to addiction began not with buying illegal drugs on street, but from a nursing home co-worker who had given him painkillers to try. “As a parent, I truly believe my son did not realize that his choice of taking Vicodin would take him where it did,” McIntyre said.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE

Holy Cross Names Milan Brown (HU Alum) Head Men's Basketball Coach

What can BROWN do for you?

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross has named Milan Brown as its new head men's basketball coach, athletic director Richard M. Regan, Jr., announced. Brown becomes the 16th head coach in the history of the program, joining the Crusaders after spending the last seven seasons as head coach at Mount St. Mary's. Holy Cross has signed Brown to a five-year contract, with an option for a sixth season. He will be formally introduced at a press conference next week.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to come to Holy Cross and to try to lead the program back to the top of the Patriot League," said Brown. "My family and I are really pleased about the move, and I cannot wait to get started. I would also like to thank Mr. Regan, Fr. McFarland and the search committee, for entrusting me with leading these young men both on and off the court."

During the last three years at Mount St. Mary's, Brown led the Mountaineers to three straight winning seasons and a pair of postseason appearances. His teams posted a 54-44 record (.551) during those three years, including a 35-19 mark (.648) in Northeast Conference play. Defense was a staple of Brown's squads, as the Mountaineers allowed just 64.7 points per game and 41.7 percent field goal shooting over the last three seasons, while holding their opposition to under 70 points in 72 out of 98 games. During the 2007-2008 campaign, Brown led Mount St. Mary's to the first NCAA Division I Tournament victory in school history, with a 69-60 win over Coppin State in the opening round.

"We spent a lot of time on this search," said Regan. "We were very focused on hiring someone with head coaching experience, and we were very impressed with Milan both as a coach and a person. We were particularly pleased with the outstanding recommendations we received from a most important source - several coaches who coached against him over the past few years. One thing that was clear, both from his records and what those coaches told us, is that his players defend very well and they play very hard for him. We think that is particularly appropriate for the players in this program right now."

During the 2009-2010 season, Brown's Mount St. Mary's team posted an overall record of 16-15, and finished third in the Northeast Conference with a 12-6 mark in league games. The Mountaineers led the Northeast Conference and ranked 48th in the nation by allowing only 63.2 points per game. Mount St. Mary's also posted an 11-game winning streak from Jan. 28-March 4, the second-longest streak in the school's Division I history, and advanced to the semifinals of the Northeast Conference Tournament. In addition, the Mountaineers non-conference strength of schedule ranked as the 25th hardest in the nation.

In 2008-2009, Brown's squad went 19-14 overall and 12-6 in the Northeast Conference, placing second in the league. The Mountaineers advanced to the Northeast Conference championship game, before suffering a tough 48-46 loss on the road to Robert Morris. Mount St. Mary's was then selected to play in the College Insider Tournament, where it fell at James Madison 69-58 in the first round.

During the 2007-2008 campaign, Brown led the Mountaineers to their first winning record in 11 seasons, posting an overall mark of 19-15. Mount St. Mary's finished the regular season in fourth place in the Northeast Conference with an 11-7 mark in league games, before running off three straight victories to claim the NEC Tournament title. Included during that tournament run were an 83-65 victory at Robert Morris in the semifinals, and a 68-55 win at Sacred Heart in the championship game. The Mountaineers then took down Coppin State (69-60) in the NCAA opening round, before falling to North Carolina (113-74) in their next game.

Brown took over as the head coach at Mount St. Mary's in 2003-2004, and led his team to its first Northeast Conference Tournament appearance since 1998-1999 during his first season. By his third year in 2005-2006, the Mountaineers finished fourth in the Northeast Conference with an 11-7 record, good for their highest finish in the league since 1996-1997. Following the 2005-2006 campaign, Brown was selected as the Northeast Conference's Coach of the Year by College Insider. He then directed Mount St. Mary's to another fourth place finish in the NEC in 2006-2007, with a 9-9 mark in conference games.

Before serving as the head coach at Mount St. Mary's, Brown had two stints as an assistant coach for the Mountaineers under Jim Phelan. He was the associate head coach at Mount St. Mary's during the 2002-2003 campaign, after serving as an assistant coach from 1997-2000. During the 1998-1999 campaign, Brown helped lead the Mountaineers to the Northeast Conference Tournament crown and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

From 2000-2002, Brown was an assistant coach at William & Mary under Rick Boyages. He previously served as an assistant under Jeff Capel at Old Dominion from 1995-1997, helping lead the Monarchs to a combined record of 40-24 over two seasons. In 1996-1997, the Monarchs won both the Colonial Athletic Association regular season and tournament titles, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Brown began his coaching career in 1994-1995 as an assistant at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Va., where he helped lead the team to a 23-7 record and the state championship.

A 1993 graduate of Howard University with a bachelor's degree in marketing, Brown earned All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors his senior year after averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 assists per game. He currently ranks second on the Bison's all-time career list for assists with 445, and scored 1,102 career points. Brown led Howard to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles during the 1991-1992 season, earning All-MEAC Tournament honors. He was then named the CBS Player of the Game for the Bison's contest with Kansas in the 1992 NCAA Tournament. Brown had his number at Howard retired in December of 2005.

The son of Charles and Pamela Brown, he is the oldest of three children. His brother, Morocco, played football at North Carolina State, and is the director of pro personnel for the Washington Redskins. His other brother, Marseille, played basketball at both Richmond and Hampton, advancing to the NCAA Tournament at each school.

Brown, who turned 39 in January, and his wife Tina have two daughters (Nyla and Sanaa).

ASU Black & Gold game set for Saturday‎

QB Devin Dominguez

The Alabama State University football team will hold its Black & Gold game at 3 p.m. Saturday at Hornet Stadium. The annual game, which concludes the spring practice session for the ASU football program, caps off a full slate of activities at Alabama State. The day begins with ASU's 16th annual President's Golf Classic, a fundraising event that tees off at 8 a.m. on the Senator Course of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville. HornetFest, which includes free food and a variety of family activities, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at Hornet Stadium, to be followed by an ASU Alumni flag football game. In addition, the ASU baseball team hosts Savannah State at 1 p.m. at Paterson Field. We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting weekend at Alabama State," ASU head football coach Reggie Barlow said. "Hornet fans will have a lot of events to enjoy... . It looks like it will be a fun-filled Saturday for all ASU supporters."

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Southern University Mitchell set to go 'Stumping Thru the South'

Although first-year Southern football coach Stump Mitchell has already earned a reputation as a workaholic — players and other coaches have noticed his car in the A.W. Mumford Stadium parking lot late at night and early in the morning — Mitchell has also become something of a man about town. During basketball season, he regularly watched games inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Last week, he threw out the first pitch at softball and baseball games, and for much of the past two months, he has checked in on Roger Cador’s team at Lee-Hines Field.

Saturday afternoon, Mitchell and some of his players volunteered their time and muscle, moving hurdles and equipment during the Davenport-Milburn Pelican Relays. For the rest of the month, however, Mitchell will become a man about several towns. Following through on a promise he made earlier this spring, Mitchell confirmed he’ll join the Southern University Alumni Federation on “Stumping Thru the South,” a tour through six cities in Louisiana and Texas later this month, with two more dates in May.



READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Texas Southern's Reid college career marked by tirade, injury‎

Texas Southern University quarterback Bobby Reid

While some potential NFL players are eagerly waiting for their name to be called on draft day, beginning April 22, most players are waiting just for a chance to make a team. Texas Southern quarterback Bobby Reid is one of those players just searching for an opportunity. Reid tore the ACL and meniscus in his right knee during the 2008 season with the Texas Southern Tigers, missed all of the 2009 season rehabbing it and now is ready to take his career to the next level.

Reid is mainly known for being the spark of Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy's "I'm a man. I'm 40" rant in 2007. After that season, Reid transferred to Texas Southern, after toying with the idea of entering the NFL Draft. His preparation has included working out at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney in February, participating in Pro Days at Texas Southern and LSU, and even throwing passes to former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant during Bryant's workout for scouts last month in Lufkin. On Tuesday, Reid's agent, Brian Overstreet, said the quarterback has worked out for the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans since LSU's Pro Day.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Prairie View A&M's Cooper-Dyke Chooses to Exit UHouston Search

Updated: 4/17/10, 12:05 AM - HOUSTON, TX - College basketball sources told FOX 26 Sports that Prairie View A&M University women's basketball coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke has removed her name from consideration to become the next women's head coach at the University of Houston.

Sources told FOX 26 that Cooper-Dyke decided it was in her best interest to remain with the Lady Panthers program where she has done a sensational job since 2005. Prior to her arrival, the women's team at Prairie View A&M had never had a winning season.

(Translation: Cooper-Dyke learned that this opportunity wasn't a good fit for her career path)
------

HOUSTON, TX - College basketball sources told FOX 26 Sports on Tuesday that the search for a new women's basketball coach at the University of Houston is picking up steam. Sources told FOX 26 that UH officials will meet this week in Houston with three candidates -- all of them are current head coaches. They are Prairie View A&M's Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Todd Buchanan from Houston Baptist University and Jodi Kest from University of Akron.

Sources told FOX 26 that UH officials are not at the stage where they are labeling these candidates as finalists for the job. Cooper-Dyke, recently elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has been the head coach at Prairie View A&M since 2005. Prior to her arrival, the Lady Panthers never had a winning season. In the last five years, Cooper-Dyke has led Prairie View to three SWAC regular season titles, earning two trips to the NCAA Tournament and two trips to the Women's NIT. Cooper-Dyke is a former star with the Houston Comets. She led them to four consecutive WNBA titles.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Coach Kevin Nickleberry expected to land at University of Hawaii

Coach Kevin Nickleberry will soon be landing on the University of Hawaii Rainbow staff.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin and ESPN are reporting today, that Kevin Nickleberry is expected to join the staff as an assistant basketball coach at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The Rainbows new head coach Gib Arnold was hired on March 19, 2010. The former University of Southern California assistant coach (Arnold) is one of the elite recruiters in all of college basketball bringing top-caliber talent to USC. Gibson was the lead recruiter for former Trojan standouts DeMar DeRozan and Taj Gibson, who were selected in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft. View Video

Kevin Nickleberry is currently in Africa--coaching the Libya National Basketball Team. Arnold said he has offered one of his assistant coaching positions to Nickleberry, but details are still be worked out. The former Prince George's County, Maryland product has made coaching stops at seven schools between South Carolina and Massachusetts. Nickleberry is the former men's head basketball coach at Hampton University (2006-09). He resigned after three seasons and has held assistant coaching positions at Clemson, North Carolina -Charlotte, Holy Cross, Monmouth, Howard and Columbia Union. Coach Nickleberry is a 1984 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

NSU Spartans' defense focuses on safety issues this spring‎

NORFOLK, VA - Backing up Terrell Whitehead wasn’t the most demanding job a Norfolk State football player could’ve had last season. The All-American free safety, who led the team in interceptions and passes broken up and was second in tackles, rarely came off the field. That left few opportunities for the No. 2 man , redshirt sophomore DeVonte Reynolds. “I’d get a couple of reps per game,” he said. “Mostly, I played special teams.”

NSU head football coach Pete Adrian said Dwight Fluker-Berry, 6-2, 200-pound senior, is one of the team’s most versatile players. “He’s not a bad cover guy, and he’s a big physical guy who can come up and make a tackle.”

Reynolds played them well, becoming one of the Spartans’ top kick-coverage guys. Now, he’s in the mix to replace Whitehead, a task that is considerably more challenging than being his understudy. “To replace Terrell, that’s tough,” he said. “He played all over the field and had great instincts. Me, I’m still learning.” The learning curve has been steep for both Reynolds and Dwight Fluker-Berry, who are vying for the starting free safety job. Reynolds has two years in the system under his belt. Fluker-Berry is returning to safety after playing receiver last year.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Prairie View prepares to defend SWAC championship

The Panthers annual Spring game is scheduled at 5 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2010 at Blackshear Stadium.

Spring football is well underway on the campus of Prairie View A&M University as the Panther football team suited up in full pads after several days of non-contact action.
“I think we’re where we need to be as far as team intensity,” said head coach Henry Frazier III. “The intensity level is extremely high as we’re preaching to the guys about not resting on their laurels and giving maximum effort. I’m definitely impressed with the effort we’re displaying right now.”

After an offseason that featured several players receiving individual accolades for their success on the field, Frazier and staff have also spent a considerable amount of time on team unity as the Panthers prepare to defend their title for the upcoming season. “When you return the bulk of your team you just want to make sure everyone is on the same page,” said Frazier. “We don’t want jealousy or anything like it to creep in so as long as we’re together we have the ability to do something special in 2010.”

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Help Wanted (FAMU): Division I Transfer QB

Coach Joe Taylor, looks over his players in the FAMU athletic complex weight room.

If Martin Ukpai is "the man" coming out of Spring football practice, Rattler football fans just as well take out "Help Wanted Ads" in Division I Collegiate newspapers around the nation.

The Rattlers are in trouble--Ukpai is the man with no reliable back up or experience in the quarterbacking corps. Is there another talented strong armed Curtis Pulley type running/throwing quarterback available? What other team in the MEAC could Ukpai, Eddie Battle and Austin Trainor sit at 1-2-3?

It's a safe bet to say not at Hampton; not at Morgan State and definitely not at two-time MEAC champion South Carolina State. Maybe, North Carolina A&T because the Aggies have a Blue Death, lights-out defense. The others, doesn't matter. They are all perennial losers going no where fast toward a conference championship.

But with one bad hit or a high ankle sprain in the season opener at the University of Miami, the Rattlers may be in for a long, losing season, unless transfer quarterback help is on the way. Remember, both Curtis Pulley and Eddie Battle were injured last season and the Rattlers lost 0-25 in a blowout to lowly Hampton (5-6, 3-5 MEAC), whereas, a Rattlers win over the Pirates would have placed a possible 9-2 Rattler team in an at-large NCAA FCS Playoffs spot.

Why risk the 2010 season on a weak quarterbacking corps that may not make it past Miami. Is Coach Joe Taylor becoming a gambling man? I have all the admiration and respect for Coach Taylor, the 3rd ranked winningest coach in Division I FCS football, even though he has not won one playoff game in his career and last won the MEAC championship in 2006.

With a five year contract at $237,000 annually (which is really pocket change for all Division I FBS head coaches at Miami, Florida, Florida State, U Central Florida, S. Florida, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, etc.), Coach Taylor gets paid for winning championships and graduating student-athletes. A career record of 214-84-4 is very impressive; however, with no playoff wins or an NCAA championship on this resume, it doesn't say much to the Rattler Nation. Legendary status in Rattlers lore is gained by winning championships, like previous FAMU coaches named Gaither and Hubbard.

However, Coach Taylor and his staff are to be commended for graduating nearly all of its student-athletes on time in employable major fields of study. Definitely, in the classroom the Rattlers are well on their way to become national academic champions.

As the Marching 100 plays Janet Jackson's "What have you done for me lately," it makes you scream -- "talented Division I quarterback wanted for 2010 Rattler football team that has all other pieces in place for a 2010 MEAC and NCAA Division I FCS championship run." One stud quarterback like Curtis Pulley at FAMU, deserves another....an another.

I am beyond being patient or hoping we make it with one young, talented quarterback named Ukpai. Too much is at stake in 2010; next year is this year and April is like September. Time for Rattler Nation to rise up and demand championships from this highly paid coaching staff. Season records of 8-3 and 9-2 are no longer acceptable if it guarantees a seat at home during the NCAA national championship playoffs.

Aren't you tired of watching other brands named Appalachian State, Elon, William and Mary, Richmond, Villanova, Delaware, Montana, Weber State, McNeese State and New Hampshire in the championship race, while we are not even in the conversation? If you are not, there were more than 6,500 die hard Rattler fans out for the Spring game that want the FAMU Rattlers to join the 2010 championship race.

If we don't join the race soon, upstarts like Old Dominion, Georgia State and MEAC newcomer North Carolina Central will be knocking on the championship doors before our coaching staff can ask, what happened? (beepbeep)

Will Martin Ukpai go where no other Rattlers quarterback has gone since 1978, or will he become just another name soon to be forgotten in Rattlers history? Ukpai will pen his own football legacy beginning on Sept. 4, 2010 against the University of Miami Hurricanes at Landshark Stadium.

We celebrate you winning the starting quarterback role, Mr. Ukpai. This 1978 National Championship Coke drink is for you (with me drinking it) and the 2010 Rattlers who aspire to win championships.

Ukpai earns starting QB role for the Rattlers

With just two more practices remaining before Florida A&M wraps up spring workouts, coach Joe Taylor came away from Saturday morning's scrimmage naming Martin Ukpai as the team's starting quarterback. Taylor said he also saw huge improvements with the rest of the team, which had left several questions after last Saturday's spring game. "I thought we ran the ball better, Ukpai had did a better job, I saw leadership from (Chris) Sands and the offense line communicating," Taylor said. "We really got better as a result of that spring game last weekend."

Ukpai, who spent the spring competing with Eddie Battle and Austin Trainor, looked like the one to beat from the opening series of plays. A part from a high snap to start an 80-yard drive that ended with a deep pass to walk-on receiver Brian Tyms, Ukpai was almost flawless working against the second-team defense. "He has so much athleticism; he just has to learn how to use it," Taylor said. "We have to get him to tuck that ball away. He has to stop dancing because when you start dancing you're 5-5, but when you keep running you're 4-6."

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Jackson State's New-look 'O' starts slow, finishes fast

Coach Rick Comegy's new Air Raid offense did not disappoint, winning 44-18 going against the vaunted Dark Side defense, before about 7,500 JSU fans at the campus practice field.

The first half of Saturday's Blue and White game didn't look much different than recent Jackson State spring games. The defense flew around the field dominating the offense. Positive yardage was hard to come by as JSU quarterbacks threw three interceptions. And there was no "raid" in the new Air Raid offense. The second half, however, was encouraging for those who like to watch offense and were eager to see the new system under offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson.

The White offense rebounded from the ugly start to pull out a 44-18 win over the Blue defense at the JSU practice field."We started off slow and made some mistakes," quarterback Dedric McDonald said. "As the day went on we started to pick it up. "We just started getting in a groove." McDonald went 9-for-33 with 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The touchdown pass was a perfectly thrown 25-yard skinny post to Jarrell Young. The walk-on led all receivers with four catches for 78 yards.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Game notes
5 burning questions answered

Fans hoping for jazzier offense

Alabamian making mark at receiver

Absences giving coaches look at developing Tigers

Delaware State Reinstates Women's Equestrian Team in Legal Battle

The equestrian team was the brainchild of former DSU president Alan Sessoms as a means to engage the equine industry and horse culture of Delaware. He saw the team as an “opportunity to recruit different kinds of students,” and to help bring balance to the men-women athletic divide. Sessoms is currently the president of the University of District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.

Facing scrutiny over possible Title IX violations, Delaware State University has agreed to reinstate their women’s equestrian program through 2010-11 after announcing its elimination earlier this year for budgetary reasons. The move resolves part of a legal battle between the historically Black institution and student athletes who filed suit to have the program continued after the current year, officials said.

In February, the Lady Hornet equestrians filed for a preliminary injunction order to preserve the team and ensure its presence at the school. On Wednesday, DSU lawyers filed a motion in federal district court consenting to a court order that allows the team to compete through the 2010-11 year. DSU officials will fund the team and all awarded scholarships will be honored, according to the agreement.

The Delaware district court ordered that DSU fulfill the team funding and scholarship obligations under the presumption that if budget cuts were to occur the equestrian team would not suffer more than other athletic teams on campus.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:

Initial DSU Title IX lawsuit hearing canceled

Judge says DSU must fund equestrians next season‎
DSU and equestrian recruit settle Title IX lawsuit‎ -
DSU Western Riders To Compete For National Championship‎
DSU Equestrian Team Qualifies‎DSU equestrian earns trip to national championships‎

DSU defends dropping equestrian team ‎

NCCU Adds Seventh Home Football Game‎ to 2010 Gridiron Slate

NCCU Eagles Tim Shankle scored TD against Duke Blue Devils in historic 2009 Bull City Classic game. The 2010 slate will be even more exciting with Appalachian State, North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Hampton and newcomers - Georgia State and Old Dominion.

Durham, N.C. - The 2010 North Carolina Central University football schedule features seven home contests, including a Thursday night season-opener and the return of rival North Carolina A&T to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, along with four games against MEAC conference foes, as NCCU announced its updated gridiron slate on Saturday.

The seventh home contest has the Eagles hosting second year NCAA FCS Division I program, Old Dominion University Monarchs at 2 p.m., November 20. In what qualifies as one of the most successful season-ticket launches of a football team in NCAA history, the 2009 Monarchs sold over 14,859 season tickets and sold out each home game in Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium, which seats 19,782 for football. The Eagles will get a first-hand chance to see how the Monarchs travel to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. In 2011, Old Dominion will become a member of the Colonial Athletic Association for football.

The Monarchs were 9-2 in their inaugural season and is currently negotiating a buy-out with Presbyterian College in order to play the more competitive NCCU Eagles. Both winless Presbyterian and Georgetown University have been dropped from ODU 2010 schedule. Georgetown was replaced with an ODU road trip on October 30 to traditional MEAC power, Hampton University.

In each of the prior three seasons since moving to NCAA Division I competition, NCCU had only four home contests. This marks the first time in school history that NCCU hosts seven regular-season home games. The Eagles also have an entertaining road schedule, facing powerhouse Appalachian State at Boone, N.C., newcomer Georgia State in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, Delaware State and Savannah State.

The 2010 NCCU schedule also includes the continued series with rival Winston-Salem State, the first home contest against Hampton in 19 years, a game inside the Georgia Dome, and Bethune-Cookman's first visit to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. "It's a very competitive schedule," said Mose Rison, entering his fourth season as head football coach at NCCU. "We play seven games on our campus, which is a big plus. Our kids enjoy playing in front of our student body and our fans.

"Without a question, this is a great home schedule, with the likes of Winston-Salem State, North Carolina A&T, Hampton, Old Dominion and Bethune-Cookman coming to Durham. Plus, the return of former CIAA opponent Johnson C. Smith and Edward Waters for Homecoming," Rison added. "We're excited." NCCU will become members of the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) on July 1, 2010, but will not be eligible for the conference championship during the upcoming season.

No doubt, this will be an exciting season for Eagle fans and the MEAC.

2010 North Carolina Central University Eagles Football Schedule
Date Opponent

9/2 JOHNSON C. SMITH, DURHAM, N.C. 7:00 PM
9/11 WINSTON-SALEM STATE, DURHAM, N.C. 6:00 PM
9/18 at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C. TBA
9/25 NORTH CAROLINA A&T, DURHAM, N.C. 6:00 PM
10/9 HAMPTON, DURHAM, N.C. 4:00 PM
10/16 at Georgia State, Atlanta, GA TBA , Georgia Dome
10/23 BETHUNE-COOKMAN, DURHAM, N.C. 2:00 PM
10/30 EDWARD WATERS, DURHAM, N.C. 2:00 PM, “Homecoming"
11/6 at Delaware State, Dover, Del. TBA
11/13 at Savannah State, Savannah, Ga. TBA
11/20 OLD DOMINION, DURHAM, N.C. 2 PM