Updated: Florida A&M Home Runs Lift Rattlers In Upset Over No. 12 Florida Gators (w/Video)

Florida A&M collected its first-ever victory over Florida in the
teams’19th meeting on the diamond.
Photo courtesy FAMU Sports Information

GAINESVILLE, Florida  -- First year head coach Jamey Shouppe earned his first signature win as Florida A&M (18-21, 10-7 MEAC) used two two-run home runs by Ryan Kennedy and Jeremy Barlow to defeat No. 12 Florida (27-15, 12-6 SEC) 4-3 on Wednesday evening at McKethan Stadium. The win was the first for the Rattlers over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 4 Miami 2-1 in 1980 in Tallahassee. It also marks the first win in the series over Florida for Florida A&M, 18 games, dating back to 1980.

Barlow went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI to lead the FAMU offense while Brandon  Fleming (3-3) came in in the fourth inning and only allowed one run over three innings with two strikeouts for the win. Kendal Weeks pitched the final 2 1/3 innings for his first save.

Florida scored first with an unearned run in the bottom of the first inning. Richie Martin walked with one out, stole second and moved up a base on a flare to right from Harrison Bader. Starting pitcher William Carrasco tried to catch Bader stealing second but an errant throw to second allowed Martin to score from third for the 1-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, Kennedy’s seventh home run of the season, a two-run blast over the fence in left, put Florida A&M up 2-1. Bennie Robinson walked on four pitches to lead off the inning and stole second with no outs. Marlon Gibbs laid down a nice sac bunt to advance Robinson to third before Kennedy’s shot put the Rattlers on the board.

UF tied the game at 2-2 in the sixth on an RBI single from Bader. Casey Turgeon was hit-by-pitch to start the home half of the inning for Florida and moved all the way to third on a high chopper from Martin back to the pitcher. Martin was tagged out by Fleming on the play.

The Rattlers regained the lead for good at 4-2 in the seventh on Barlow’s two-run home run. Just as it happened to the Gators in the last half inning, Michael Birdsong was hit-by-pitch to start the Rattler seventh inning. Jared Walker who has missed the last nine games with a hand injury came in to pinch run for Birdsong. Walker stole second and was pushed to third on Ryan Hutson’s sac bunt to watch Barlow’s home run sail into the bleachers in left field.

The seventh inning got a little dicey for the Rattlers. Cameron Sims came in for relief of John Marcus Roberts following back-to-back one-out singles by the Gators that put runners at first and second. Sims pitched Sternagel to fly out to center but hit Turgeon to load the bases with two outs. With the bases loaded, Weeks moved from second to pitch in relief of Sims and caused Martin to fly out on the very first pitch, holding the FAMU lead at 4-2

Bader’s solo home run in the eighth for the Gators cut the Rattler lead to 4-3. Zack Powers later tripled to center with two outs but Peter Alonso flew out to right to end the inning and the scoring threat for UF.

Florida reliever Shaun Anderson (0-1) suffered the loss for the Gators after giving up the go ahead run in the fourth inning.

Florida A&M returns to MEAC action this weekend with a key conference series against North Carolina Central (15-25-1, 10-9 MEAC) in Durham, NC. The Rattlers and Eagles will play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 26, as game times are scheduled for 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The series finale will be on Sunday at 1:00 pm.

As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @FAMUAthletics and live stats will be available via www.FAMUAthletics.com.

Postgame Quotes

Florida Gators Head coach Kevin O’Sullivan:

On tonight’s game:

“Congratulate Coach Shouppe, his staff and his players. They played well tonight. They threw strikes, changed speed and had some different looks, different angles that frustrated us a little bit I think. They made one error and didn’t give us much. They deserved to win.”



COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Florida A&M Stuns #6 Florida, 4-3

Jamey Shouppe
Head Baseball Coach
Florida A&M University

GAINESVILLE, Florida  -- Louisiana State couldn't do it. Georgia couldn't do it. Fourth-ranked Florida State couldn't either. But FAMU did. The Rattlers (18-21, 10-7 MEAC) stunned the sixth-ranked Florida Gators (27-15, 12-6) on Wednesday night, 4-3, in McKethan Stadium.

It's the Rattlers first win against Florida in program history.

Florida scored in the first inning off a throwing error from Alex Carrasco.

But in the 5th, the Rattlers responded. Bennie Robinson started the inning with the walk, then proceeded to steal second. Marlon Gibbs laid down a sac bunt to move Robinson to third. But apparently there was no need. Ryan Kennedy whacked a two-run blast to give FAMU a 2-1 lead.

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XU hosts NAIA qualifying tournament with star power

Tournament bracket (PDF file)    Tournament scoreboard

NEW ORLEANS -- Six ranked tennis teams, including the women and men of Xavier University of Louisiana, will compete Friday in the NAIA Unaffiliated Group 2 Tournament at two local sites.

Of the six women's teams in Group 2, three are in the top 10 of the NAIA coaches poll -- No. 1 Georgia Gwinnett, No. 2 Xavier and No. 10 Oklahoma Baptist. Of the eight men's teams, Georgia Gwinnett is No. 3, Xavier is No. 10, and Oklahoma Baptist is No. 25. Georgia Gwinnett's men are 14-0 with 10 victories against ranked teams from the NAIA and NCAA divisions II and III.

Individually, Xavier's Nour Abbes, Georgia Gwinnett's Valeria Podda and Oklahoma Baptist's Anastasia Baranova are 2-3-4 in the ITA's most recent ranking of NAIA women's singles players. Those schools also have three of the NAIA's top five women's doubles teams, including Xavier's No. 5 Kourtney Howell and Brion Flowers.

Abbes, a freshman, is 13-0 in singles this season.

In men's singles, Georgia Gwinnett's Bruno Tiberti is No. 4, and Oklahoma Baptist's Marco Carvajal is No. 7. Tiberti and Carvajal are part of top-10 doubles teams.

Nine-of-10 Friday duals will be played at the University of New Orleans. The exception will be the XU men's first-round dual against Tougaloo, which will start at 9 a.m. at XU Tennis Center. UNO will play host to the semifinals on Friday afternoon, and both championship duals will be played Saturday at Xavier.

Xavier's women (13-6) have a bye into the semifinals and will play Oklahoma Baptist or Our Lady of the Lake at 2 p.m. Friday at UNO.

If Xavier's men defeat Tougaloo, they will play Oklahoma Baptist or the University of the Southwest in the semifinals at 1 p.m. Friday at UNO.

The men's and women's champions will receive automatic bids to the NAIA National Championship May 13-17 at Mobile, Ala.

The NAIA has three unaffiliated groups for tennis this season. Group 2 is comprised of teams from the Gulf Coast Athletic, Sooner Athletic and Red River Athletic conferences, plus Georgia Gwinnett from the Association of Independent Institutions. Those conferences do not have the minimum six tennis-playing schools to earn automatic bids to nationals, so the NAIA combines them to form a group which can qualify for an automatic bid.

The Gold Rush have a school-record active streak of eight consecutive conference/group championships. The Gold Nuggets have won nine conference/group championships in the past 11 seasons, including 2013.

The Gold Rush (9-9) have one regular-season dual remaining -- 2 p.m. Thursday against Alcorn State at XU.

NAIA Unaffiliated Group 2 Tennis Tournament

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold  

UAPB Releases Its 2014 Football Schedule

UAPB SPORTS INFORMATION

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Athletics has released its 2014 football schedule, a slate of 11 games that includes five home contests, six road games and two matchups against first-ever opponents.

UAPB head football coach Monte Coleman calls his team's schedule a challenging one that should be exciting for both the players and the fans.

"I am excited about the 2014 season and schedule. Of course, we know, we will play nine conference games.  But our two nonconference games will also be exciting against Texas State and Concordia College out of Selma, Ala.," said UAPB Head Football Coach Monte Colman.

UAPB will open up the 2014 season on the road against Texas State at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Tex. on Saturday, Aug. 30.  This will be the first-ever meeting on the gridiron between the Golden Lions and Bobcats.

The following weekend, September 6, the Golden Lions will return to the friendly confines of Golden Lion Stadium in their home-opener against Concordia College on Saturday, Sept. 6.  This first-ever matchup will serve as UAPB's annual High School and Community Appreciation Day.

"I am looking forward to traveling to San Marcus, Texas and playing Texas State for the first time in my tenure as head coach at UAPB and then playing Concordia College, the following week in our home opener at Golden Lions Stadium," Coleman also stated.


After a one week hiatus, UAPB will travel to Montgomery, Ala., to take on Alabama State on Saturday, Sept. 20 at ASU Stadium.   In last year's meeting, the Hornets scored the game-winner with just 4:10 left in the contest to give 'Bama State a 40-39 win.

In the annual Military Appreciation Game, UAPB will welcome rival Jackson State to Golden Lion Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27 in a 6 p.m. start.  Last season, the JSU Tigers avenged a pair of defeats to the Golden Lions from the 2012 season.

In the month of October, the Golden Lions will be the foes for three opponent homecoming games, starting with the October 4 contest against Southern University at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.  This contest will have a 5:30 p.m. kickoff.

Following a bye weekend on Oct. 11, UAPB will then take on Grambling State and Texas Southern on those teams' homecoming dates.  The UAPB-GSU game will be played on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium.  A week later, the Golden Lions will travel to Houston, Texas to take on the TSU Tigers at BBVA Compass Stadium at 2 p.m.

After three straight road contests, UAPB will return to Golden Lion Stadium for back-to-back home games against Mississippi Valley State and Prairie View A&M, with UAPB taking on the MVSU Delta Devils on Saturday, Nov. 1 in a 2:30 p.m. start in their annual Take-A-Kid-to-the-Game Day.  On Saturday, November 8, the Panthers of Prairie View A&M will come to Golden Lion Stadium for UAPB's homecoming at 2:30 p.m.

In final road trip of the regular-season, UAPB will travel to Alcorn State, Miss. to take on the Alcorn State Braves at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m.

UAPB will close out the 2014 regular-season against Alabama A&M on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Golden Lion Stadium.  This contest will serve as the Golden Lions' annual Senior Day/Church Day game and will be played in honor of the departing senior class.  Area church groups will be invited as special guests of the Department of Athletics.

"I truly believe this will be a very competitive season in the SWAC with the parity in the conference," Coleman added.


The Toyota Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

"Spring practice has gone extremely well and we are looking forward to the start of the 2014 season to get back to our winning ways of 2012 and to get bitter taste out of our mouth from last season," Coleman concluded.


Season tickets to Arkansas-Pine Bluff's home games in Pine Bluff will go on sale on May 1.

2014 UAPB FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Site Stadium Time
Aug. 30 at Texas State San Marcos, Texas Bobcat Stadium TBA
Sept. 6 Concordia College! Pine Bluff, Ark Golden Lions Stadium 6 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Alabama State* Montgomery, Ala. New ASU Stadium TBA
Sept. 27 Jackson State*@ Pine Bluff, Ark. Golden Lions Stadium 6 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Southern Univ.* Baton Rouge, La. A.W. Mumford Stadium 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Grambling State* Grambling, La. Eddie G. Robinson Stadium 2 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Texas Southern* Houston, Texas BBVA Compass Stadium 2 p.m.
Nov. 1 Miss. Valley State *# Pine Bluff, Ark. Golden Lions Stadium 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 Prairie View A&M*$ Pine Bluff, Ark. Golden Lions Stadium 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Alcorn State* Alcorn State, Miss. Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium 4 p.m.
Nov. 22 Alabama A&M*% Pine Bluff, Ark. Golden Lions Stadium 2:30 p.m.

! – High School and Community Appreciation Day
@ - Military Appreciation Day
#-Take a Kid to the Game Day
$ - Homecoming
% - Senior Day/Church Day
*-Southwestern Athletic Conference Games

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Nuggets rank 17th, will compete Saturday at NSU

2nd consecutive GCAC women’s outdoor track and field team championship.

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana's women dropped three places to 17th in the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Team Computer Rankings announced Wednesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The rankings are the third of the season. Xavier was 14th in the two earlier rankings.

The Gold Nuggets, who have not competed since repeating as Gulf Coast Athletic Conference team champion on April 12, will resume competition Saturday in the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational at Natchitoches, La. Field events will start at 10 a.m., followed by track events at 1 p.m.

It will be Xavier's sixth meet of the season.

The Gold Nuggets have met A- or B-qualifying marks in seven events for next month's NAIA National Championships.

The top 25:

1. Indiana Tech
2. British Columbia
3. Oklahoma Baptist
4. Doane
5. Wayland Baptist
6. College of Idaho
7. Concordia (Neb.)
8. Baker
9. Hastings
10. Cal State San Marcos
11. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
12. Carroll (Mont.)
13. Cornerstone
14. Westmont
15. Siena Heights
16. The Master's
17. Xavier
18. Olivet Nazarene
19. Bethel (Ind.)
20. Indiana Wesleyan
21. Biola
22. Southern Oregon
23. Morningside
24. Missouri Baptist
25. Concordia (Ore.)

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Alabama State men's golf earns a third consecutive crown

Courtesy SWAC.org

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana  --  Branson Ferrier shot 12 under to help guide Alabama State University to it third consecutive crown after winning the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championship on Wednesday at Oak Wings Golf Club.

As a unit, ASU shot 865 including a 291 in the final round and had four players named to the all-conference team. Ferrier, Francis Berthiaume, Yann Pfeiffer and Ian Mmbando finished in the top 10.

Ferrier finished first overall earning SWAC Player of the Year honors after shooting 1-under par 72 on the final day. He recorded a 68 on day one followed by a 65 for the second round, completing the three-day event with a stroke count of 204. He made par on 31 holes while recording 16 birdies and an eagle for the entire championship.

For the remainder of the team standings, Jackson State finished second with 908 and was led by Josh McCormick. McCormick shot a 224 to lead JSU and was joined on the top 10 leaderboard with teammates Kyle Borderstine, Aaron Rhaney, and Rovanta Young.

Texas Southern notched third place with a team score of 966. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (966), Alabama A&M (331), Prairie View A&M (1039), Alcorn State (1061) and Mississippi Valley State (1454) rounded out the team standings.

AAMU's Phillip Fitzgerald captured SWAC Freshman of the Year honors.

ASU will face a team to be announced during the NCAA Men's Golf Regionals Selection Show on Monday, May 5, at 9 a.m. CT on the Golf Channel.

ALL CONFERENCE TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Branson Ferrier (Alabama State)

Phillip Fitzgerald (Alabama A&M)

Francis Berthiamu (Alabama State)

Yann Pfeiffer (Alabama State)

Josh McCormick (Jackson State)

SECOND TEAM

Kyle Borderstine (Jackson State)

Aaron Rhaney (Jackson State)

Ian Mmbando (Alabama State)

Jeff Chitando (Arkanasas-Pine Bluff)

Nqobani Ndabambi (Arkansas-Pine Bluff)

Rovanta Young (Jackson State)

CHAMPIONSHIP MVP

Branson Ferrier (Alabama State)

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

Phillip Fitzgerald (Alabama A&M)

COACH OF THE YEAR

Gary Grandison (Alabama State)

 

 

COURTESY SWAC.ORG

Former TSU Star Robert Covington Featured in Jet Magazine; Wins NBA D-League Rookie of Year Award

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

Governor McCrory hosts Livingstone Basketball team

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Governor Pat McCrory hosted student athletes from Livingstone College Tuesday for a reception honoring the men’s basketball team for its 2014 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship title. The governor received an autographed basketball and he said he will proudly display it in the governor’s office until next year.

"These young men exemplify the all-encompassing and well-rounded educational experience we strive for in North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory. “Their talents clearly ...

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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.

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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

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.

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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 ...

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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.

The Trojans added to their lead in the top of the fifth inning with a Paulino ground out to shortstop scoring Pfeiffer, making the score 4-2 in favor of UALR.

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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.



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MSU Blue-Orange Spring Game set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26

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BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Morgan State fans should mark their calendars for Saturday, April 26 as the Bears will conclude its spring football practice with the annual Blue-Orange Spring Game under new head coach Lee Hull.

"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.

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Hampton Sailing Finishes Ninth in Maisa Women's Championship

PHOTO COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

ITHACA, New York – The Hampton University sailing team finished ninth in the MAISA Women's Championship, which was hosted by Cornell University this past Saturday and Sunday.

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

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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.”

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ASU men, women lead SWAC golf after opening round

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana – Both Alabama State golf teams are in first place after the first round of competition at the Southwestern Athletic Conference golf championships.

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."

The women's team returns all five starters from ...

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Dana Ford Announced as TSU New Men's Basketball Coach

DANA FORD
HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Photo Courtesy of TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Dana Ford was introduced as the next head coach of the Tennessee State men’s basketball team at a press conference on Monday.

“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 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

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Southern University Banks agree in principle to new deal

ROMAN BANKS
Photo courtesy of SU Athletics

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University and head men's basketball coach Roman Banks have reached an agreement in principle to a new deal ensuring the return of the two-time SWAC and Louisiana Sports Writers' Association's Coach of the Year, athletic department officials confirmed Monday.

"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.

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