NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Former Tennessee State University standout and reigning NBA D-League Rookie of the Year Robert Covington was recently featured in Jet Magazine. To read the full article, click here.
Season highlights of Houston Rockets forward Robert Covington, who won the NBA D-League's Rookie of the Year award after averaging 23.2 points and 9.2 rebounds while on assignment with the affiliate RGV Vipers.
The NBA Development League, the NBA's official minor league, is now on YouTube, showing over 350 live games on the NBA D-League YouTube Channel and NBADLeague.com. Fans can get a glimpse at the players, coaches and officials competing to ascend to the NBA's ranks. More than 40% of players drafted into the NBA since 2005 have played in the NBA D-League. Ten former NBA players are in the NBA D-League coaching ranks this season.
With 24 percent of players boasting NBA D-League experience when the NBA tipped off the 2013-2014 campaign in October, the NBA D-League YouTube Channel is the best place to see the future now.
The NBA D-League consists of 17 teams for the 2013-2014 season: Austin Toros, Bakersfield Jam, Canton Charge, Delaware 87ers, Erie BayHawks, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Idaho Stampede, Iowa Energy, Los Angeles D-Fenders, Maine Red Claws, Reno Bighorns, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Santa Cruz Warriors, Springfield Armor, Texas Legends and Tulsa 66ers.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION AND NBA D-LEAGUE
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Governor McCrory hosts Livingstone Basketball team
"These young men exemplify the all-encompassing and well-rounded educational experience we strive for in North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory. “Their talents clearly ...
Bowie State optimistic about 2014 season after spring football game
BOWIE, Maryland -- With alumni, fans and families in attendance, Bowie State University football held its annual spring game Saturday.
Following an alumni flag football game, the Bowie State football team split into the Black and Gold teams. Each team had a pregame huddle to get hyped to beat their fellow teammates and put on a show for the fans.
The game was a defensive struggle with lots of big hits, turnovers and plenty of trash talk.
The Black team won the game 3-0. An early field goal turned out to be the winning score.
A highlight of the day was having two alumni with NFL ties at the game, running back Isaac Redman (‘09) and linebacker Delano Johnson (‘11). Redman appeared in Super Bowl XLV as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers and was with the team from 2009-2013. Johnson spent the 2012 season as a member of the Houston Texans practice squad.
2014 SIAC Baseball All-Conference Team Announced
ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference today announced its 2014 SIAC Baseball All-Conference Teams, as voted by the SIAC Baseball Coaches Association.
The list of All-Conference and Superlative award winners is highlighted by Fernando Tanaka of Stillman College. Tanaka, a junior shortstop from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been selected as the 2014 SIAC Baseball Player of the Year. Tanaka registered a .394 batting average (54-of-137) in 41 games for the Western Division Champion Tigers, scoring 48 runs, driving in 38 additional and stealing 18 bases in the process. Tanaka's average of runs scored per game (1.17) ranked 21st nationally, while his 48 runs scored (25th) and four triples (28th) also ranked in Division II Baseball annals.
Stillman pitcher Joseph Falletta has been named the SIAC Starting Pitcher of the Year for the second straight season. Falletta, a senior from Franklin, Tennessee, made 11 appearances on the mound this season, posting a 7-1 record and an ERA of 2.07. Over the course of 61.0 innings pitched, Falletta recorded 58 strikeouts with 18 walks, en route to securing two shutouts. He also engineered six complete games, a number that ranked 12th nationally.
Stillman pitcher Tyler Vails has been selected as the 2014 SIAC Relief Pitcher of the Year. This marks Vails third straight Relief Pitcher of the Year honor, as he posted a 6-1 record with two shutouts, two complete games and one save on the year. Vails, a senior from Gordo, Alabama, ended his season with a 2.01 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 58.1 innings pitched. His WHIP of 0.94 ranked 32nd nationally.
Daniel Young of Benedict College has been chosen as the 2014 SIAC Utility Player of the Year. Young, a sophomore third baseman from Columbia, South Carolina, hit .350 (48-of-137) from the plate while notching six home runs, 14 doubles and two triples on the season. He also swiped 11 stolen bases and secured 14 walks to round out his second season with the Tigers. Young's eight sacrifice flies ranked third nationally, while his average of 1.2 RBI's per contest and total of 48 RBI's ranked 13th and 14th in Division II, respectively.
Reise McDaniel, an outfielder from Albany State University, has been named the 2014 SIAC Freshman of the Year. McDaniel, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, registered a .365 (58-of-159) batting average with 38 RBI's, 14 doubles, one triple and 13 stolen bases for the Golden Rams. His 50 runs scored during the season ranked 15th nationally, while his average of 1.16 runs scored per contest ranked 25th.
For the second consecutive season, Albany State head coach Kenyan Conner has been selected as the SIAC Coach of the Year. Conner guided his Golden Rams club to a perfect 20-0 record in conference play, capturing his second Eastern Division title in successive seasons. Albany State ended its campaign with a 28-16 overall mark.
The Panthers of Claflin University were named the 2014 SIAC All-Academic Champions.
2014 SIAC Baseball First Team All-Conference
Name Position Class School
Robert Latner C Senior Albany State
Nick Baldelli-Boggs 1B Senior Stillman
Ryan Latner 2B Junior Albany State
Fernando Tanaka SS Junior Stillman
Cash Oliver 3B Senior Tuskegee
James Campbell OF Senior Albany State
Daniel Young OF Sophomore Benedict
Reise McDaniel OF Freshman Albany State
Joseph Falletta SP Senior Stillman
Tyler Vails RP Senior Stillman
2014 SIAC Baseball Second Team All-Conference
Name Position Class School
Johnny Surry C Sophomore Clark Atlanta
Andre Collum 1B Sophomore Albany State
Kevin Davis 2B Junior Benedict
Allen Hardy SS Junior Albany State
Paul Winterbottom 3B Junior Stillman
Caleb Pyscher OF Freshman Morehouse
Jonathan Richey OF Senior Paine
Sixto Guerrero OF Sophomore Claflin
John Paul Bernard SP Freshman Albany State
Justin Langdale RP R-Sophomore Miles
Player of the Year: Fernando Tanaka, Stillman
Starting Pitcher of the Year: Joseph Falletta, Stillman
Relief Pitcher of the Year: Tyler Vails, Stillman
Utility Player of the Year: Daniel Young, Benedict
Freshman of the Year: Reise McDaniel, Albany State
Coach of the Year: Kenyan Conner, Albany State
2014 SIAC Baseball All-Academic Team
Name School Class GPA Major
Justin Vreeland Claflin Junior 4.00 Sports Management
Justin Vreeland Claflin Junior 4.00 Sports Management
Kent Fuller Lane Sophomore 4.00 Biology
James Cogman Claflin Sophomore 3.90 Politics & Justice Studies
Sixto Guerrero Claflin Sophomore 3.90 Finance
Theodore Woodward Kentucky State Junior 3.85 Psychology
Christopher Emerson Tuskegee Sophomore 3.82 Electrical Engineering
Anthony Ford Claflin Junior 3.80 Sports Management
Reginald Grimes Kentucky State Junior 3.77 Social & Political Science
Jalen Thompson Claflin Sophomore 3.70 Biology
Nick Baldelli-Boggs Stillman Senior 3.67 Psychology
2014 SIAC Baseball All-Academic Team Champions: Claflin
COURTESY THESIAC.COM
Alcorn Braves add a ‘Monsta’ in Johnson
LORMAN, Mississippi -- Reginal Johnson Sr. wanted to create a monster.
That is, a monster on the basketball court.
He felt he accomplished that in his son Reginal Johnson Jr., who signed with Alcorn State on Wednesday.
“I didn’t have a dad in my life to tell me you need to play defense, block out, rebound,” Johnson Sr. said. “I thought I just needed to shoot.
“Well I got a rude awakening when I got in the military and learned you have to do more than that. What I did was make sure that everything I didn’t have, I was going to make sure my son had. And so I’d put all that together and create a monster.”
A Monroe, La., native, the younger Johnson averaged 32 points and 15 rebounds for Richwood High School, helping his team to a Class 3A runner-up finish, and was chosen as Mr. Basketball in Louisiana. He earned two Class 3A MVPs and also played on the Nike D1 circuit.
North Carolina A&T Nursing School: Future Uncertain
GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T's nursing degree program is in peril after the UNC Board of Governors decided to temporarily suspend enrollment.
In 2010 and 2011, fewer than 75 percent of A&T's nursing school passed the National Council Licensure Examination on the first try. That could have terminated the program, but the Board of Governors gave the nursing school two more years to get passing scores above 85 percent.
A&T fell short again in 2013, with only 81 percent of students passing on the first try. Now, the board of governors has put the brakes on the 2015 school year. They have 60 days to set up a review panel, which will then consider whether to close the degree program.
Inez Tuck is the Dean of North Carolina A&T's School of Nursing. She said they have improved curriculum, hired ...
UAPB downs UALR, 6-5 in extra innings
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- A Mike Wieland single to right field scoring Mitch Bruckshaw propelled the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Baseball team to a 6-5 win over Arkansas-Little Rock in the bottom of the 10th inning, here Tuesday afternoon at the Torii Hunter Baseball, Softball Complex.
UALR (16-22) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning with Ben Crumpton scoring on a Tanner Rockwell sacrifice to right field, followed by a Joseph Paulino single scoring Austin Pfeiffer and then a Sam Vogel fielder's choice scored Justin Steelmon.
UAPB cut the Trojans' lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the third inning as Jose Hernandez scored on a wild pitch, followed by an Andre Davis single scoring Wieland.
Wieland scored his second run of the game on an error, cutting UALR's lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning.
UAPB took the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning as both Isias Alcantar and Wieland scored on a pair of throwing errors, giving the Golden Lions a 5-4 lead.
UALR tied the contest at 5-5 on a Petr Sila bases loads walk scoring Crumpton in the top of the ninth inning.
UAPB (17-23) finished the contest with 11 hits with Davis going three-for-five from the plate to lead the Golden Lions, whereas UALR tallied six hits in the contest with Paulino going two-for-four from the plate to lead the Trojans.
Redmond Floyd (1-0) picked up the win for UAPB as he pitched one scoreless inning in the three batters he faced. Samuel Olson, the UAPB starter pitched three innings, allowing two hits, three earned runs and striking out two in the 14 batters he faced.
Travis McDonald (2-6) received the loss for UALR as he pitched one and two-third in
nings, allowing three hits, one earned runs and striking out two in the eight batters, he faced, while Jake Busiek the Trojan starter pitched two and one-third innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs and striking three in the 13 batters he faced.
nings, allowing three hits, one earned runs and striking out two in the eight batters, he faced, while Jake Busiek the Trojan starter pitched two and one-third innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs and striking three in the 13 batters he faced.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
AAMU Spring Football #13
NORMAL, Albabama – Head coach James Spady wrapped up his thirteenth practice of the spring semester at Alabama A&M with something rarely seen.
During a situational scrimmage the first year head coach made everyone live including the quarterbacks.
The players immediately celebrated the announcement as they have had to hold back during every meeting of live tackling drills.
The result was similar to previous drills with the players who have hit each other through the last 12 practices playing in a similar style remembering these were not only their teammates but classmates.
A&M will return to the field on Friday, April 25, at 4 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium for their final practice of the new year before the spring game.
The Maroon & White spring scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium.
Fans will be able to tailgate for free and are encouraged to come out and enjoy themselves on "The Hill".
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
During a situational scrimmage the first year head coach made everyone live including the quarterbacks.
The players immediately celebrated the announcement as they have had to hold back during every meeting of live tackling drills.
The result was similar to previous drills with the players who have hit each other through the last 12 practices playing in a similar style remembering these were not only their teammates but classmates.
A&M will return to the field on Friday, April 25, at 4 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium for their final practice of the new year before the spring game.
The Maroon & White spring scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium.
Fans will be able to tailgate for free and are encouraged to come out and enjoy themselves on "The Hill".
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Hill set to play ball at Fayetteville State
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Jordan Hill spent two seasons playing basketball at the junior college level. Not only did the New Bern native mature as a player, she became a dominant one at Lenoir Community College.
Hill, who led the Division II JUCO ranks with 24.4 points per game this past season, signed her National Letter of Intent to play women’s basketball at Fayetteville State.
“I made it. It’s like a dream come true,” Hill said.
Fayetteville State, a Division II program, competes in the CIAA conference. The Broncos finished 21-7 and lost by three points in the conference tournament championship game.
They are led by head coach Eva Patterson-Heath.
“I’m going to give them my all. Whatever they want me to do, I am going to do it,” Hill said.
CIAA Names Donnell Leathers as Coordinator of Football Officials
HAMPTON, Virginia – After a 39-year career at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Mr. Charles Bartlett retired from his position as coordinator of football officials at the end of December 2013. Bartlett worked as a CIAA official for 18 years and served as the coordinator of football officials for 21 years.
"We are thankful for all of Mr. Bartlett's hard work serving the CIAA for almost 40 years," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "The CIAA congratulates him on his well-deserved retirement."
Bartlett's successor will be Mr. Donnell Leathers, who has an extensive officiating resume. Liberty University alumni and a retired member of the United States Army, Leathers is currently a CIAA and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) football official. He has been with the CIAA since 1989 and with the MEAC since 2000 and has officiated more than 115 NCAA FCS college football games and over 120 regular season NCAA Division II college football games. He is an active member of the Southeastern Athletic Officials Association as well as three college Football Officials Associations.
Leathers also has been an active basketball official for the CIAA and the South Atlantic Conference (SAC-8) since 1989. He has officiated many regular season CIAA and SAC-8 basketball games and postseason games for NCAA Division II.
"Mr. Leathers is a longtime member of the CIAA family," said McWilliams. "We look forward to having him take the next step in his career as the new coordinator of football officials."
The CIAA Football mini-camp was held April 4-6 and had 62 attendees, 40 of which were trying out for the 2014 CIAA staff. The CIAA Annual Football Clinic will be August 1-2, and will only be open to CIAA staff. The next tryout will be held spring 2015.
COURTESY THECIAA.COM
NCCU Football Signs Tranfer to Fill Need at Wide Receiver
DURHAM, North Carolina -- At the end of spring practice, North Carolina Central University first-year head football coach Jerry Mack said he was looking for more offensive playmakers. Mack landed one on Tuesday with the signing of Scottsdale Community College wide receiver Anas Hasic.
The 6-0, 195-pound receiver collected 58 catches for 890 yards and 10 touchdowns during Scottsdale's 10-1 season in 2013.
Hasic, who was born in Croatia, was a two-year starter at North Canyon High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was selected as the region offensive player of the year after amassing 49 receptions for 1,016 yards and breaking every receiving record at North Canyon.
He originally signed with Northern Arizona University in February 2011, before playing the 2012 and 2013 seasons at Scottsdale Community College.
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
The 6-0, 195-pound receiver collected 58 catches for 890 yards and 10 touchdowns during Scottsdale's 10-1 season in 2013.
Hasic, who was born in Croatia, was a two-year starter at North Canyon High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was selected as the region offensive player of the year after amassing 49 receptions for 1,016 yards and breaking every receiving record at North Canyon.
He originally signed with Northern Arizona University in February 2011, before playing the 2012 and 2013 seasons at Scottsdale Community College.
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
MSU Blue-Orange Spring Game set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26
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| COURTESY MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS |
"We're wrapping up the spring practice season and we encourage our fans to come out and support the 2014 edition of the Bears Football Program," said Hull. "The spring game will be a great opportunity for fans to see all the hard work and effort this program has put in over the last few weeks."
"Fans will get a very good idea of what to expect for the upcoming 2014 season. They'll see a very exciting offense, a very physical defense, and a team that's going to go out there and compete."
Kickoff for the contest is set for 1 p.m. at Hughes Stadium. The admission is free of charge to the public.
The spring game is scheduled for four 15-minute quarters. The clock will stop during the first half and will run continuously in the second half. In addition to touchdowns and field goals, points are awarded on offense for explosive plays, while the defenders gain points for sacks, tackles for loss, three and outs, and turnovers.
Morgan State fans will have a chance to get a glimpse of what's shaping up to be another highly anticipated football season on East Cold Spring Lane.
COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Hampton Sailing Finishes Ninth in Maisa Women's Championship
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| PHOTO COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
It was Hampton's first time competing in this regatta.
The Pirates finished with 210 points overall. Georgetown won the r
Giuditta Di Laghi and Kitija Megne sailed in the A Division, tallying 118 points after recording three top-five finishes. Veronica Maccari and Ioana Kalfinova sailed in the B Division, recording six top-five finishes – including one second-place effort and four third-place finishes – tallying 92 points.
The Pirates will be in Great Neck, N.Y. this Saturday and Sunday to compete for the America Trophy. For more information on Hampton University sailing, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
egatta with 100 points.
RESULTS
ASU women's golf team wins SWAC title
ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana -- The Alabama State women's golf team won its second straight Southwestern Athletic Conference championship Tuesday at Links On The Bayou Golf Course. The Lady Hornets' two-day total of 618 was 50 strokes better than Texas Southern, which owned an 11-shot lead over Jackson State for second place. Prairie View A&M finished fourth, followed by Mississippi Valley State.
Alabama State won its third conference title in four years and will learn its NCAA tournament destination on Monday at 5 p.m. The selection show will be televised live by the Golf Channel.
"As a team, this is a special group," said Alabama State coach Gary Grandison, who won SWAC women's coach of the year honors for the second straight season. "They are good students, and they are ...
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Florida A&M's Retention Efforts Recognized By US News and World Report
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been listed as one of the top "Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Where Freshmen Return" by U.S. News & World Report.Announced on April 15, FAMU ranked No. 4 on the "Freshman Return" list with an average freshman retention rate of 79.5 percent.
The "Freshman Return" list reveals the top 10 institutions, out of 68 ranking HBCUs, with the highest average freshman retention rate for first-year students from fall 2008-2011. FAMU exceeded the list's average freshman retention rate of 63.5 by 16 percent. The rankings are based on the publication's 2013 survey.
"One of the common challenges HBCU's and many other institutions face is institutionalizing, in a systematic and sustained manner, initiatives to increase student retention, progression and graduation. This is due in impart to economic disparities," said William Hudson Jr., vice president for Student Affairs. "This top ranking by U.S News & World Report is a crucial testament to FAMU's ability to rise to the occasion, despite the odds, and meet these challenges through its tireless efforts to recruit, retain and graduate the nation's best and brightest students."
U.S. News also names FAMU among the top 10 HBCU's in the nation in its 2014 rankings.
| name (state) | Average freshman retention rate (2008-2011) | U.S. News Historically Black Colleges and Universities ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Spelman College (GA) | 88% | 1 |
| Morehouse College (GA) | 82.5% | 2 |
| Howard University (DC) | 82.3% | 3 |
| Florida A&M University | 79.5% | 9 |
| Winston-Salem State University (NC) | 78.3% | 17 |
| Elizabeth City State University (NC) | 76.5% | 18 |
| Southern University and A&M College (LA) | 75.7% | RNP* |
| Tougaloo College (MS) | 74.8% | 14 |
| Jackson State University (MS) | 74.5% | 25 |
| North Carolina A&T State University | 74.5% | 8 |
*RNP denotes an institution that is ranked in the bottom one-fourth of its ranking category. U.S. News calculates a rank for the school but has decided not to publish it.
Don't see your school in the top 10? Access the U.S. News College Compass to find freshman retention rate data, complete rankings and much more. School officials can access historical data and rankings, including of peer institutions, via U.S. News Academic Insights.
Judge, S.C. State tennis hope to find success at NCAA tournament
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Does it ever get old?
South Carolina State tennis coach Hardeep Judge has answered that question numerous times since adding two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships to his office desk at Rowe Hall. With another post-season conference tournament sweep by the men and women this past Sunday at the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center, the trophy count now stands at 24 overall, 20 and counting for the program under Judge.
Yet as S.C. State awaits the announcement of their first-round opponent in the upcoming NCAA tournament, these latest trophies have apparently earned a special place in Judge’s heart.
“Every year has its own challenges and this year we definitely had our own challenges and different challenges,” said Judge, who also claimed his 20th MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Coach award, 10 on each side. “They asked me that question (see top) ... and I really think this year — the two that we won this year ... meant the most.”
ASU men, women lead SWAC golf after opening round
The women's team, which have won two of the last three conference championships, hold a 30-shot lead over second-place Jackson State after shooting an opening round score of 306 at the Links on the Bayou Golf Course.
The men's team, which captured conference titles in 2012 and 2013, lead Jackson State by 21 strokes after shooting a one-under 287 at the Oak Wing Golf Course.
"I'm really focused on day two," ASU golf coach Gary Grandison said. "Day one is over. Both teams played well in spurts. They played better than their scores reflect, which is good for us."
Dana Ford Announced as TSU New Men's Basketball Coach
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| DANA FORD HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY Photo Courtesy of TSU Athletics |
“We are going to be in the hands of a rising star,” Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. “Dana is a well-rounded man with wisdom that goes beyond his years. He is the right fit at the right time.”
Ford, 29, will take over a program that went 5-25 last season. However, he has shown that he can turn things around quickly, as TSU increased its win total to twenty games during his final year as an assistant (2010-11).
“My main goal is to build a program that the current students and the past alumni can be proud of,” Ford said. “
"The focus will be about the players; they will be responsible for the wins, while I will be held accountable for the losses.
“Recruiting is the life-line of the program and I have a pretty good track record as a recruiter, but any head coach is just as good as his staff. I look forward to bringing together the best personnel.”
Ford was also responsible for signing high-profile Tigers Robert Covington, Patrick Miller and Kellen Thornton among others.
“The only thing that I can promise is that we will play defense like our hair is on fire and rebound like mad men.”
What others are saying about Ford’s hiring:
“I am really excited for Dana and his family. Dana was very integral to our success while I was there in Nashville. TSU is getting a fine young coach who will do things the right way while also leading a disciplined program. I expect Dana to educate young men on and off the court as well as compete for championships in due time.” - John Cooper, Head Coach Miami (OH)
“Dana Ford is a rising star in our profession. I was fortunate to be able to work alongside Dana for the past two years and watch him grow. His passion, energy, knowledge, intensity and ability to build relationships with people are going to allow Dana to be very successful as a head coach. We will all miss Dana here at Illinois State, but I could not be happier for him and his family to get this great opportunity at Tennessee State.” - Dan Muller, Head Coach Illinois State
“Dana Ford is a rising star in our profession. I was fortunate to be able to work alongside Dana for the past two years and watch him grow. His passion, energy, knowledge, intensity and ability to build relationships with people are going to allow Dana to be very successful as a head coach. We will all miss Dana here at Illinois State, but I could not be happier for him and his family to get this great opportunity at Tennessee State.” - Dan Muller, Head Coach Illinois State
"Dana Ford is a rising superstar in the college coaching ranks. He has paid his dues and prepared himself for this opportunity the right way. His résumé is topped off with an aggressive, charismatic style that is guarded with wonderful humility. The TSU fans can expect big things from this talented coach." - Stan Jones, Associate Head Coach Florida State
“I have known Dana since he was in high school and I tried to recruit him to attend Indiana State. The same qualities that he possessed back then to make him a successful basketball player are the exact same qualities that will make him a successful head coach. He is first and foremost a good person who cares about the welfare of others, with a relentless work ethic. He is extremely bright and relates well to all, regardless of demographics.” - Rick Ray, Head Coach Mississippi State
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
“I have known Dana since he was in high school and I tried to recruit him to attend Indiana State. The same qualities that he possessed back then to make him a successful basketball player are the exact same qualities that will make him a successful head coach. He is first and foremost a good person who cares about the welfare of others, with a relentless work ethic. He is extremely bright and relates well to all, regardless of demographics.” - Rick Ray, Head Coach Mississippi State
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Southern University Banks agree in principle to new deal
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| ROMAN BANKS Photo courtesy of SU Athletics |
"We're excited about the prospect of continuing our relationship with Coach Banks and I remain excited about his leadership of the men's basketball team at Southern U.," Athletics Director Dr. William Broussard said.
Approval for the new deal is pending and is not expected until the Southern University Board of Supervisors meet in May. Term of the contract were not disclosed at the present time.
"Today, Southern University has expressed its commitment to the future of the men's basketball program by investing in me to remain as head coach," Banks said. "With a new agreement in place, I am eager to move the men's basketball program forward while elevating the standard of excellence that we set as a coaching staff when I first arrived in 2011. But none of this would be possible without the relentless efforts of our university administration, athletics director, coaches and, most importantly, our student-athletes."
In three season as head coach, Banks has compiled a stellar 59-37 overall record, winning the SWAC tournament title in 2013 and the SWAC regular season crown in 2014. This past season, Banks guided Southern to a 19-13 record and the program's first regular season SWAC title since 2003.
Banks, a Shreveport native and former Northwestern State standout, is credited as the catalyst who helped restore the men's program to prominence after suffering through several losing seasons and NCAA imposed APR penalties.
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
TSU Tigers Complete Day One of OVC Championships
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| Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics |
MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama – The Tennessee State women’s golf team struggled to put all facets of the game together on day one of the 2014 Ohio Valley Conference golf championships. The 10-team field played the Par-72, 6,203 yard Fighting Joe course at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals under mostly sunny skies, with winds 7-9 mph and temperatures reaching 79 degrees.
Eastern Kentucky leads after the first 18-holes, while TSU is 10th with a 359.Sarah Needleman tied a career best with an 83, as she shot the team low. Needleman carded eight pars and two birdies during the first round. The sophomore hit 10-of-14 fairways, found nine greens in regulation and averaged under a putt per hole.
On the par-5, 7th, Needleman sank a 20 foot putt for birdie after she knocked her third shot on the green with a 7-wood from 171 yards out. On the par-4, 16th, the Fishers, Ind. native used a 6-iron from 142 yards to eight feet of the pin to set up her second bird of the day.
Laura Bremer (98) was one of only two Tigers to record two birdies on the day. Bremer dropped a pair of seven foot putts, No. 7 and the par-4, 15th. The sophomore-transfer hit six fairways and five greens, while using 36 putts.
TSU received scoring rounds from Amelia Dap (90), Kelly Merkel (91) and Natalie Spicer (95).
On the par-3, 5th, Dap hit a 7-iron into the wind and onto the green to set up a two putt for par.
Merkel notched seven pars on the day and hit eight fairways and eight greens, while Natalie Spicer made five pars as she hit 13-of-14 fairways and seven greens. Both golfers needed 36 putts on the day.
The second round will begin at 8:00am on Tuesday morning with Bremer in the first group. Spicer will tee-off at 8:10am, followed by Merkel at 8:20am, Dap at 8:30am and Needleman at 8:40am. Hole-by-hole live results from each day of the championships can be accessed through links at OVCSports.com.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
5 from Xavier are chosen Arthur Ashe Sports Scholars
 Jodi Chatters |  Alexandria Rencher |  Javon Mead |
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| Briana Simms |
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| Devinn Rolland |
Repeat selections from Xavier are Javon Mead (men's cross country/track and field) and Devinn Rolland (women's track and field). Mead is a three-time selection, and Rolland has been honored twice. Also chosen were women's volleyball players Jodi Chatters and Alexandria Rencher and women's cross country/track athlete Briana Simms.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education, a magazine based in Fairfax, Va., has sponsored the awards since the mid-1990s. Criteria for the awards include being a person of color with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 through the fall 2012 semester. Honorees must have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution and have a demonstrated record of service to the campus or community.
For the second consecutive year, Xavier is the only Louisiana university with an Ashe scholar. XU has five of the six Ashe scholars from NAIA members this year.
Mead, a senior from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School, is an accounting major with a 3.67 GPA. He is a three-time All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference cross country runner and has helped the Gold Rush win four GCAC team titles.
Mead is the fifth from Xavier to earn the Ashe honor three times. Alexandra Broussard (women's tennis), Jamaan Kenner (men's basketball), Kelechi Okoroha (men's basketball} and Terry Richardson (men's tennis) were the others.
Rolland, a junior from Harvey, La., and a graduate of Cabrini High School in New Orleans, is a pharmacy major with a 3.99 GPA. She is a three-time GCAC outdoor champion in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the long jump. This season she ranks third in the NAIA in the 100 and long jump and is tied for 10th in the 200.
Chatters, a sophomore from Lake Charles, La., and a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School, is a biology/pre-medical major with a 3.50 GPA. A libero/defensive specialist in volleyball, Chatters recorded 348 digs and 16 aces this past season for Xavier's 26-8 team which won GCAC regular-season and tournament titles and qualified for the NAIA National Championship.
Rencher, a junior from Mobile, Ala., and a graduate of Davidson High School, is a computer science major with a 3.37 GPA. She was second on the Gold Nuggets this past season with 361 assists and served a career-best six aces in a home victory against city rival Loyola. Like Chatters, Rencher was part of an XU team which set a school record of 20 consecutive victories in 2013.
Simms, a sophomore from Hendersonville, Tenn., and a graduate of Station Camp High School, is a chemistry major with a 3.23 GPA. Simms is a two-time All-GCAC cross country runner, and she was All-GCAC in the 3,000 steeplechase (second place) and 1,500 (third place) at the GCAC track championships earlier this month
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Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorXULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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XU's Flowers, Soifer voted GCAC Players of the Week
 Brion Flowers |  Nikita Soifer |
Both players were chosen for the awards for the second time this season and the third time in their careers.
Flowers, a sophomore from Lafayette, La., and a graduate of St. Thomas More High School, won in doubles and singles in the Gold Nuggets' 6-3 home victory against Southern University. She teamed with Kourtney Howell for an 8-3 victory against Laura Syori and Kendall Bunch at the top doubles flight, and she won 6-1, 6-3 against Bunch at No. 3 singles. Flowers helped Xavier defeat Southern for the first time since 2009.
Soifer, a junior from Beer Sheva, Israel, and a graduate ofHof Hasharon school, won in doubles and singles in the Gold Rush's 5-4 home victory against the University of New Orleans. He teamed with Kyle Montrel for an 8-5 No. 1 doubles victory against Timo Kranz and Rui Silva, and he clinched the dual at No. 2 singles with a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Gonzalo Garcia.
Xavier's men, ranked 10th in the NAIA, will conclude its regular season with a 2 p.m. Thursday home dual against Alcorn State. Both XU teams will compete Friday in the NAIA Unaffiliated Group 2 Tournament in New Orleans. The Gold Nuggets are ranked second nationally.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Report: Florida A&M Targets Missouri assistant basketball coach Tim Fuller
COLUMBIA, Missouri -- Missouri assistant basketball coach Tim Fuller will consider the head-coaching job at Florida A&M if he’s released from his Mizzou contract, a source close to the situation told the Post-Dispatch. FAMU, located in Tallahassee and a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, has targeted Fuller for the position, as first reported by CBSSports.com.
Fuller’s Missouri contract expires June 30. He makes $270,000 at MU. According to his contract, Fuller must obtain prior written permission from athletics director Mike Alden and the head coach or MU chancellor R. Bowen Loftin before he can terminate his contract.
Fuller has been serving as MU’s interim coach since Frank Haith accepted the head coaching job at Tulsa last Friday. Fuller, 36, is the only full-time assistant who has been with Haith all three seasons at Mizzou. Promoted to associate head coach in 2012, Fuller was acting coach during Haith’s five-game NCAA suspension to begin the 2013-14 season. He coached the Tigers to five wins over Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Illinois, Hawaii, Gardner-Webb and IUPUI.
Hired away from Rick Pitino’s Louisville staff, Fuller has been Haith’s top recruiter since ...
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Monday, April 21, 2014
Chowan Hawks Win the 2014 CIAA Women’s Championship with 5-0 Win Over Virginia State
ETTRICK, Virginia -- The Chowan Hawks claimed their first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women's Tennis Championship in school history with they took a dominating 5-0 win over the host Virginia State Lady Trojans at the VSU Tennis Complex on the campus of Virginia State University.
"It was a fantastic effort by the entire team, today," Chowan head coach Chris Stambaugh said. "We've really improved throughout this season and over the past few years."
The Hawks wasted little time in taking control of the match when they took all three doubles wins. Natalya Kamenshchikova and Holly Stambaugh kicked things off with an impressive 8-2 win at #1 doubles, followed by an 8-4 win by Jessica De Backre and Jennifer Humphrey at #3 doubles. The duo of Natalia Andrade and Breanne Johnson took an 8-6 win.
In singles play, Johnson scored the fourth point for the Hawks when she won #2 singles with a 6-0 win and a win by retirement. It was Straffai Cleveland who closed out the win and the championship when she took a 6-0, 6-0 win at #6 singles.
The win brought the first women's tennis championship in school history for the Hawks. However, Stambaugh sees the win being the start of larger goals for the program. "We opened the door, today and we're here," Stambaugh added. "We've laid the groundwork for a successful future here today."
With the win, the Hawks will represent the CIAA in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament.
Box Score
COURTESY THECIAA.COM
"It was a fantastic effort by the entire team, today," Chowan head coach Chris Stambaugh said. "We've really improved throughout this season and over the past few years."
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| The Chowan University women's tennis team won the 2014 CIAA Championship on Saturday. Photo courtesy of TheCIAA.COM |
In singles play, Johnson scored the fourth point for the Hawks when she won #2 singles with a 6-0 win and a win by retirement. It was Straffai Cleveland who closed out the win and the championship when she took a 6-0, 6-0 win at #6 singles.
The win brought the first women's tennis championship in school history for the Hawks. However, Stambaugh sees the win being the start of larger goals for the program. "We opened the door, today and we're here," Stambaugh added. "We've laid the groundwork for a successful future here today."
With the win, the Hawks will represent the CIAA in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament.
Box Score
COURTESY THECIAA.COM
Benicia (Calif.) softball player Chanler Powell signs with Texas Southern
BENICIA, California -- If Chanler Powell plays this relaxed all season, the Benicia High School softball team may be unstoppable.
Of course, signing her letter of intent to play at Texas Southern University may have had something to do with that.
During a week when she went 6-for-8 with two homers, two doubles, nine RBIs and .750 average, the senior second baseman made her signing official at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill in Benicia on Saturday afternoon.
"It is definitely stressful when you haven't made a decision yet," she said. "You definitely feel like you have something to prove. I think I am the type of player who plays better relaxed. I think once I had my offer and made my decision, I just relaxed and trusted my body and trusted my hands and just let it happen."
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