Monday, July 1, 2013

Three TSU Tigers Chosen to TSN FCS All-American Teams

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Three Tennessee State football players were selected to the Sports Network FCS Preseason All-American Team, released Monday.

Tight end A.C. Leonard and cornerback Steven Godbolt III were chosen on the First Team, while guard Kadeem Edwards earned a spot on the Third Team.

The announcement comes shortly after the Beyond Sports Network honored all three players, plus kicker Jamin Godfrey, on its All-American lists.

Last season, Leonard led all OVC tight ends and underclassmen in receiving yards (733). He was also selected an FCS All-American at the conclusion of last season.

For Godbolt, his inclusion on the list also comes as no surprise as the redshirt junior was also an FCS First Team All-American last year. Godbolt was a key part of the Tigers’ OVC-leading pass defense from a year ago.

Edwards follows former TSU offensive lineman Sherman Carter and Rogers Gaines in garnering national buzz. Edwards, a senior from Sanford, Fla. will be in the spotlight this year, as he will be called upon to continue Tennessee State’s running-game dominance (175.7 ypg).

The Sports Network, North America's foremost international real-time sports wire service, furnishes a wide range of content on a 24/7 basis utilizing state-of-the-art technology which sets the tone and standard for the entire industry. From statistics to news, weather and injury reports to instant scores, branded product and gamecasts to photography and complete fantasy coverage data, domestic or world-wide, radio or TV, print or Internet, mobile to signage, TSN leads the way.
 
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Texas Southern Lady Tigers Basketball Unveils Complete 2013 Recruiting Class

HOUSTON, Texas  --  The Texas Southern University Head Women's Basketball Coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry has released her complete 2013 recruiting class.

TSU has announced that Kiana Ingram (Houston, Texas) Miracle Davis (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Dana Jones (Gulfport, Mississippi), Sarah Williams (Roanoke, Virginia) Tashara Jones (Douglasville, Georgia), Ashley Ferguson (Arlington, Texas) and Jazzmin Parker (Houston, Texas) have each signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) to continue their education and basketball careers at the Texas Southern University.

"I think our staff did a great job this year of recruiting quality student-athletes that will help our program to continue to grow," said TSU head women's basketball coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry. "Overall we feel like we've filled our major needs going into next season."

Last season the Texas Southern Lady Tigers basketball program won their first ever Southwestern Athletic Conference title after dominating league play throughout the year. TSU reeled off a school record 15 consecutive wins en route to claiming the number one seed in the 2013 SWAC Basketball Tournament.

"The young ladies that we have signed all have one thing in common they are all competitors," said Hayes-Perry. "I believe that each of these ladies possess the skill sets needed to step in and make immediate impacts within our program."

The Lady Tigers 2013 recruiting class features a total of three freshman and four college/JUCO transfers. The seven student-athletes hail from five states (Virginia, Oklahoma, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas) and all of them arrive to TSU after competing on quality basketball programs prior to their arrival.

"Hopefully we can be a melting pot," said Hayes-Perry. "With seven new faces on the team it is important that our team chemistry is good. I certainly feel this will be a direct affect on how well our incoming student-athletes are able transition and pickup our teams' philosophies and goals. This all will play a major role in the amount of success we're able to have this upcoming season. We feel like we've put together a quality team with our new additions and the return of several key players from our squad last year."

Sarah Williams
5'6 Guard
Roanoke, Virginia
Tallahassee CC

Started in 11 games a Tallahassee Community College while participating in a total of 17 contests due to a severe ankle injury. Played a total of 417 minutes averaging 5.8 points per game along with 2.4 rebounds per outing. Tallied 33 assists and 24 steals. Played on average 24.5 minutes per contests while contributing 99 points. Initially verbal to Virginia Tech.


Coach Hayes-Perry on Sarah Williams:
"Sarah is a smart point guard and she has shown the ability to lead a team. She distributes the ball well and she also defends well. We will look for her to be our floor general for our team."




Miracle Davis
5'11 Guard/Forward
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Allen CC

Davis was as an Honorable Mention selection for Allen Community College after posting impressive numbers. She started 23 out of 26 games tallying 176 points scoring on average 6.8 points per game. She also contributed to her team on the defensive end of the floor racking up 52 steals and 3 blocked shots. Davis averaged 6.6 rebounds per outing to go along with 112 assists. She shot 35.5 percent from the floor and was one of her teams' key scoring threats offensively.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Miracle Davis:

"Miracle Davis is a JUCO transfer that is extremely versatile as she can play positions one through three. She is a solid player, very vocal and a good defender."

Kiana Ingram  (VIDEO)
5'7 Guard
Houston, Texas
Kempner High School

Ingram scored a season high 35 points during her senior season against Stratford High School. During her senior campaign Ingram averaged 15.9 points per game along with 3.5 rebounds. She also contributed 3.5 steals per contest on the defensive end of the floor while dishing out 2.3 assists a game offensively. She was one of her teams' premier scoring threats while proving valuable team leadership on and off the court.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Kiana Ingram:

"Kiana is a combo guard defensively she is aggressive on the ball, she is a very long build which should be great going thru passing lanes. Offensively she looks to get her teammates in positions to score easy baskets.''

Tashara Jones
5'10 Guard
Douglasville, GA
Lithia Springs High School

Tashara Jones attended Lithia Springs High School. She was named 2011-12 Douglas County Sentinel Girls' Co-Player of the Year. Jones, who served as a team captain, was the shining star for Lithia Springs. Her individual accolades include leading the county in scoring with 18.8 points per game and dropping a career-high 42 points versus Kell. She finished her junior campaign as the team's leading scorer and third leading rebounder. A native of Pensacola, Florida, Jones' athletic talents have also been on display playing with the AAU Atlanta Celtics. Tashara chose Texas Southern over Miami, Clemson, Auburn, and Prairie View A&M.

 
Coach Hayes-Perry on Tashara Jones:
"Tashara will be a great addition to our program, not only can she score the ball but she also has very good vision. She played point guard in high school but we plan to utilize her at the wing position. She is a rebounding guard that is capable of being a good defender"

Jazzmin Parker
5'8 Guard
Houston, TX
TCU/Blinn JC

Jazzmin Parker played at Mayde Creek High School. She was named team MVP in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Parker was also named all-state in 2010 and 2011 by the TABC. She was named 3-Time 1st All-District honoree, 2-Time TABC All-Region, District MVP and Houston Girls Coaches Association All-Star Selection in 2011. Parker was ranked the 34th best guard in the nation by ESPN HoopGurlz, 7th best guard in Texas by Premier Basketball Report, and the No. 18 ranked player in Texas. Parker was also ranked as the No. 96th ranked player in the country by Dan Olson of the Collegiate Girls Report. Parker averaged 23 pts, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in her senior campaign. She closed her school career owning a total of six school records, including career points (1,892), most points in a single season (750), and best career average (19.5). Jazzmin signed with TCU in 2011 before transferring to Blinn JC.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Jazzmin Parker:

"Jazzmin Parker is a transfer that we expect to contribute to our team immediately. She is a prolific scorer and she has one of the best mid range jumper that I've seen in a long time in women's basketball. She can score the ball from just about anywhere on the court and she has a solid three point shooter."

Ashley Ferguson
6'1 Forward
Arlington, TX
Bowie High School

Ashley Ferguson will arrive on the Texas Southern campus after an impressive career at Arlington Bowie High School. She was inducted into the Arlington Wall of Fame. She was named District Newcomer of the Year her sophomore season. She was named 1st Team All-District as a junior/senior year. District MVP her junior/senior year as well. Ferguson averaged 13 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal per game as a junior. As a senior she averaged 17.5 pts, 11 rebound, 2 blocks a game. She was also named to the All-District team. Ferguson chose Texas Southern over Southern Mississippi and University of Alabama-Birmingham, and ORU.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Ashley Ferguson:
"Ferguson has great hands and a knack for getting her hands on the ball defensively. She has shown the ability to make smart plays both offensively and defensively." Looking forward to working with her around the basket.

Dana Jones
6'0 Forward


Gulfport, Miss.
East Carolina University

As a Freshman at ECU (2011-12): Played in 25 contests during her rookie campaign. Missed five games from Jan. 6-28 due to a foot injury. Ranked third on the squad in free throw percentage (.756). Netted a career-best 19 points against Virginia Intermont (11/17) while setting her personal high in rebounds with six versus Elon (11/27). Shot 5-for-7 from the field and 7-for-10 from behind the free throw line against the Cobras. Pulled down three offensive rebounds at Southern Miss (2/5). Averaged 12.3 points per game as a senior at Gulfport High School, where she helped revive the Lady Admiral program. The versatile athlete was named Gulfport's most valuable player the last two seasons and earned a plethora of honors - including selection to the Division 8 6A All-Tournament Team, All-South Mississippi 6A accolades and All-Division 8 6A laurels. Was also tabbed to the All-Sun Herald Coast Team. As a senior, was listed as the 37th-best prospect out of Mississippi by FILA.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Dana Jones:

"Dana Jones will bring a lot of versatility to our team as she passes the ball well and is a solid scoring option. She can play the three or four positions and does a great job rebounding the ball. She will be a solid addition to our team."


By Andrew Roberts, Sports Information Director W Sports
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 

Tuskegee University to regain property from Veterans Affairs

United States Department of Veterans Affairs to return 65 acres donated by school 90 years ago

WASHINGTON, D.C.  —  The Department of Veterans Affairs will donate 65 unused acres and about 20 buildings to dramatically expand Tuskegee University under a property transfer that is awaiting congressional approval.

Tuskegee said it plans to use the area for more classrooms, dorms, research labs and faculty offices for several new degree programs.

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers of Saks and endorsed by the entire Alabama House delegation is part of an ongoing effort to return the property that the college originally gave up 90 years ago for the creation of a medical facility for black war veterans.

In 1923, the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute donated 300 acres for what would eventually become the Tuskegee VA Medical Center. But now, the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System — created in 1997 through a merger of the VA medical centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee — no longer needs the property.

“The ... transfer would allow CAVHS to provide these unutilized, empty buildings for job creation in a severely economically depressed local community while at the same time providing CAVHS and the community access to future clinical interns for the CAVHS system,” said Tracy Boleware, a spokeswoman for Tuskegee University.

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Mount Tabor’s Long signs with WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- Nate Long, a 6-4 guard who recently graduated from Mount Tabor, has signed to play basketball at Winston-Salem State.

Long was originally going to go to Cape Fear Community College but decided on WSSU to be closer to home.

“My mom got sick and it was just better for me to be close to home. Winston-Salem State is a perfect fit for me,” Long said by telephone Thursday morning.


Nate Long, #15 -- WATCH IN HD 1080p

Long was a key player for Coach Andy Muse and the Spartans as they went 27-4 this past season and made it to the 4-A Western Regional final before losing to Charlotte Olympic 69-64.

Long averaged 14 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists a game for the high-scoring Spartans.

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Tuskegee University selects Campbell as new Athletic Director

Curtis Campbell
Athletic Director
Tuskegee University
(Photo Courtesy: Stillman College Athletics)
 
TUSKEGEE, Alabama  --  Curtis Campbell has been chosen to serve as Tuskegee University's new athletic director after an extensive search and interviews with an array of highly qualified finalists, starting today. For six years, he was the athletic director at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. An experienced athletic administrator, Campbell has 14 years of service in intercollegiate athletics.

While at Stillman, he oversaw several major athletic projects. In 2009, Campbell was instrumental in the opening of the Stillman College Tennis Facility. During his tenure, there were extensive renovations to Birthright Alumni Hall, home of the basketball and volleyball programs. As an administrator, he also worked to increase operational and scholarship funds for each of Stillman's 12 sports.

During his time, Stillman posted a number of first-time events in competition: the school's first NCAA national outdoor track and field champion, the department's first SIAC tennis titles, the men's basketball team reached the South Region final – the best an SIAC school had accomplished in recent history; and the baseball team won their first game in NCAA region play and reached the South Region final for the first time in program history.

Campbell also upgraded the attention to student-athlete welfare at Stillman. He organized the department's Student Athlete Advisory Committee and initiated the development of the school's chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also initiated a successful academic enrichment program, "Grades First," that was a requirement for the maintenance of athletic eligibility. As a result, 10 student athletes graduated with honors at the 2013 commencement service. Under his leadership, two of the last three valedictorians at the college were student-athletes.

Prior to his position at Stillman, he served for two years as athletic director at Division III Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois. At Blackburn, Campbell completely renovated the weight room and improved the operation of the sports information office. During his tenure, Blackburn also successfully hosted the 2006 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) men's basketball tournament and the 2006 SLIAC sportsmanship summit. He also worked to improve athletic-academic relations at Blackburn while streamlining the efficiency of the athletic department.

Campbell has extensive experience with Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schools. He also worked at Kentucky State University for four years, where he served as assistant athletic director for compliance and later served as interim athletic director. While at KSU, he also monitored athletic scholarships, assisted with game-day operations, coordinated tickets and ticket sales, and assisted with the management and development of the athletic budget.


Prior to his time at KSU, Campbell served as coordinator of student-athlete development at the University of Minnesota, where he assisted in the development and implementation of a comprehensive CHAMPS Life Skills Program for 700 student-athletes. He also coordinated the community service program for student-athletes.

In addition to his administrative background, Campbell has teaching experience and served on numerous committees including being chair of the SIAC football and baseball committees and a member of the Division II/NCAA bylaws/legislation committee. He is a 1990 graduate of Longwood University and holds a Bachelor of Science in social work. In 1999, he earned a master's degree in student affairs administration from Radford University.

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WSSU baseball adds four players

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina --  Coach Kevin Ritsche of the Winston-Salem State baseball team announced the signing of four more players to this fall’s recruiting class.

The Rams, coming off a school-record 39 victories, have added UNC Greensboro transfer Ray Crawford , who played at Dudley High School; outfielder Gavin Culler , who played at West Forsyth; first baseman Brad Miller from Largo, Fla. and pitcher Eric Corlett , who played at East Forsyth.

Ritsche says that Culler is a leadoff hitter who led the state of North Carolina in stolen bases during his junior season at West Forsyth.

Crawford, who will join ...


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Wells, assistant at WSSU, going to Arizona State

Coach Tim Wells
(Courtesy: WSSU Athletics)
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Tim Wells, an assistant basketball coach at Winston-Salem State, has accepted a similar position at Arizona State.     

Wells, 35, spent the last five seasons as an assistant for Coach Bobby Collins, helping the Rams with recruiting, scouting of opponents and working with inside players.
 
Wells, a Carver graduate and Winston-Salem native, played four seasons at N.C. State and graduated in 2000.

Collins said that Wells was instrumental in the success of the program. The Rams have averaged 20 wins over the last three seasons and won a CIAA title; they have been to the NCAA Division II Tournament three straight seasons.

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