Watson, Lockett, Thomas Completes Coaching Staff Overhaul for DSU Lady Hornets

COURTESY: DSU ATHLETCS

DOVER, Delaware -- Monday afternoon, under the direction of first-year head coach Barbara Burgess, the Delaware State women’s basketball program announced the addition Vanessa Watson, Beverly Lockett and Donell Thomas as its new assistant coaches.

Watson, a veteran with 30 years of head coaching experience at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, N.J., is regarded as one of the most prestigious coaches in the history of the state.

“Coach Watson will be a great asset to our team,” said Burgess. “She brings years of experience with developing and motivating players to be the best they can be, while her track record for state championships in New Jersey is like no other.”

Lockett, on the other hand, comes to Delaware State from the Dallas, Texas area after 16 years of coaching in the high school and AAU ranks.

“Beverly is another added dimension to our women’s basketball program,” said Burgess. “Her loyalty and dedication to the game of women’s basketball will definitely impact our program.”

Thomas, a former Delaware State men’s basketball standout (1989-93), returns to his alma mater after spending a combined 12 seasons at nearby Caesar Rodney High School, including the last three as the head men’s basketball coach. He also served as an assistant coach with the Wesley College (Del.) men’s basketball program for two seasons, overseeing the development and growth of post players.

“I am thrilled and excited to welcome Donell “Train” Thomas back home to our DSU family,” said Burgess. “He is a veteran of the game as well as a teacher of the game at all levels.”

Below are full bios on Watson, Lockett and Thomas:

Posting a 720-190 overall record, Watson’s championship pedigree includes six New Jersey Tournaments of Championship titles, 10 state championships, 18 state sectional championships, 17 Essex County championships and 16 conference crowns. She also has sent several players to Division I programs, most notably Matee Ajavon (Rutgers), who is a seven-year WNBA veteran currently playing for the Atlanta Dream.

As a member of the Newark Athletic and New Jersey State Coaches Hall of Fame’s, notable accolades for Watson includes a New Jersey State Coach of the Year honor (2003), three Tri-State Coach of the Year awards (2003, 2004, 2013), Star-Ledger Coach of the Year recognition (2004), Northeast Regional Coach of the Year honoree (2004) and garnering District Coach of the Year honors in 2006.

Watson has also manned the sidelines for numerous All-Star games, headlined by being selected for the 2015 Jordan Brand Classic All-American East squad. Also, she served as a coach for the USA Basketball 17 under and 18 under Trials Court squads. Watson also participated with Nike during its Skills Academy and as a coach for its WBCA All-American Team.

Educationally, Watson received her bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education from Virginia State (1980), whereas she earned her master’s degree from University of Phoenix in Educational Administration & Supervision (2007). As a player, Watson was the starting point guard for Virginia State as a senior, who went on to win the 1980 Central intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament Championship.

Lockett’s coaching experience includes being at the helm of the Richardson High School (1999-2006) and Lancaster High School (2006-10) varsity women’s basketball teams, along with the North Texas Blaze (2011-12) AAU program.

At Richardson, Lockett tallied a 125-86 overall record, which included back-to-back District 10-5A Championships (2004-05, 2005-06), two District 12-4A Coach of the Year honors (2003-04, 2005-06) and a Richardson Morning News Coach of the Year honor (2003-04). During her four seasons at Lancaster, which featured a state playoff appearance each year, Lockett posted an 86-47 overall record. The defensive-minded leader also earned District 15-4A Coach of the Year honors in her first season, along with leading the squad to back-to-back district second place finishes (2006-07, 2007-08).

With the North Texas Blaze, based out of a Plano, Texas, Lockett led the team to numerous top finishes in tournaments, both locally and nationally, including a National D-I Classic Championship Bracket Runner-Up feat (2011). In 2012, multiple players signed athletic scholarships to North Texas, Arkansas-Fort Smith, Hardin Simmons and Ranger College.

As a player, Lockett starred as a power forward at Livingston University, which is now known as University of West Alabama. Considered as one of the most decorated players in program history, Lockett received All-Conference recognition both seasons and earned National Player of the Week and All-American honors as a sophomore. The Meridian, Miss. native, also set several individual school records that still stand today. Lockett finished up her final two seasons at Southwestern Louisiana (now known as Louisana-Lafayette), garnering All-Conference honors each year. For her career, Lockett averaged 22.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, along with recording single-game highs of 45 points and 25 rebounds.

Lockett’s educational credentials include a Master’s Degree from Southern University (1993), along with two bachelor’s degrees from Southeastern Louisiana (1984, 1986).

“Family is very important to me,” Lockett stated. “My husband, Rodney, as well as my sons are helping make this coaching dream possible.”

Lockett has four sons: Racoya, Jordan and twins Bradley and Brandon.

Before the start of his coaching career, Thomas helped lead Delaware State to two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament championship games (1991, 1993), in addition to serving as a team captain twice. His best season on the court occurred during Thomas’ senior year, averaging 10.2 points, 8.1 rebounds (team-best) and 1.2 blocks (team-best) per contest.

Thomas went on to play professionally in the United States Basketball League (USBL) for one season with the Long Island Surf (1998-99), in addition to one season overseas in Europe with Panathinaikos Athens (2000-01). He also had a brief stint with the world renowned Harlem Globetrotters in 2000.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Thomas received his bachelor’s degree from Delaware State in Recreation.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMAITON

Tuskegee University Marching Band Fall 2015 Promo Video Released

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY CRIMSON PIPERS BAND

FAMU AD Overton plans to implement new academic software in 100-day plan

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Milton Overton Jr hasn’t arrived in Tallahassee yet, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t working to overhaul FAMU’s troubled athletics department.

Overton — the fourth athletic director of FAMU in less than a year — officially starts Aug. 3. Vut he has spent time on the phone with FAMU’s coaches and current members of the department trying to figure out which issues to tackle first.

He has plenty to choose from.

Several FAMU teams are dealing with NCAA sanctions due to low Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, the school’s proposed athletic budget is $8.7 million, compared to last year's approved budget of nearly $9.4 million, and donations to the department are down to a projected $500,000.

Overton said his current 100-day plan involves making sure student-athletes excel in the classroom first.

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Lincoln’s Kemoi Charles Selected to Represent Virgin Islands at World University Games in South Korea

LINCOLN UNIVERITY, Pennsylvania -- Rising senior on the men's cross country/track and field team at Lincoln University, Kemoi Charles (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands/Charlotte Amalie HS) has been selected to represent The Virgin Islands in the prestigious World University Games to be held on July 3^rd through 15^th in Gwangju City, South Korea.

The team is organized by The Virgin Islands University Sports Federation, an organization that is responsible for assembling college teams together for international competition. Charles is one of four student-athletes from two sports (golf and track and field) that will represent the Virgin Islands. He will participate in the 400 meter hurdles at the 16^th World University Games.

Though this is Charles' first time representing his country in track and field, he has prior international experience as a volleyball player (while attending Charlotte Amalie High School in the Virgin Islands) representing the Virgin Islands in tournaments held in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, respectively. His family is also no stranger to international competition as Kemoi's older brother Keithroy Charles III also represented the Virgin Islands as a youngster playing in the Junior League World Series held in Michigan.

Charles is a three sport student-athlete for the Lions participating in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field. During the indoor season he focuses his attention on the multi-events for the CIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships and concentrates more on the 400 meter hurdle event heading into the CIAA Outdoor Championships. This past year Charles finished fifth in the heptathlon event, sixth in the pole vault and played a key role in the men's program achieving a program best fourth place finish. During the outdoor season he  won the 400 meter hurdles at the Coppin State Twilight Meet the first time he competed in the event for the season. His success continued as a runner up at the annual "Battle of the First" home meet and finished in the top-10 at the CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

"Kemoi is a trust worthy competitor that I've grown to have confidence in as a first year head coach of the program. I believe the opportunity is great for him and hopefully he will return with an even more mature mind to lead his teammates in the quest for becoming a top conference contender," said Damion Drummond, the Head Men's and Women's XC/Track & Field coach at Lincoln University.

Charles will suit up for the preliminary rounds of competition at the games on July 8^th. A general schedule of the games can be found at the following link  http://www.gwangju2015.com/info/

COURTESY THE LINCOLN UNIVESITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Central State joins Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

WILBERFORCE, Ohio -- Central State University President Cynthia Jackson-Hammond announced that Central State will join the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (S-I-A-C).

"Joining the SIAC is a great opportunity for Central State University. The SIAC provides additional exposure for Central State and enhances the collegiate and academic experience," Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said. "We look forward to the camaraderie and athletic competition with some of the best universities in the country."Presidents of the SIAC institutions voted unanimously on the decision to grant full membership status to Central State University. CSU, which had established partial membership with football in 2013, will see all its sports compete under the rules and by-laws of the SIAC beginning this Fall.

SIAC Presidents Council Chairman and Miles College President Dr. George T. French said, "Central State's participation in the conference is exciting because it will not only add to the competitive spirit that already exists among conference members but will strengthen our conference as a leader within NCAA ranks."

Central State previously competed as a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in cross-country, volleyball, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's tennis, women's tennis, women's track & field, and men's track & field. CSU officially ended its affiliation with the conference on June 15.

"We (SIAC) are very pleased to welcome Central State University as a full member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference," said SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore. "Central State is an outstanding academic institution with a rich athletic tradition. We look forward to working with President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond and her staff as they make the transition to full membership."

Founded in 1913, the SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities. Its headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia. The primary mission and purpose of the SIAC is to leverage intercollegiate athletics to the benefit of its student-athletes and to advance the overarching strategic interests of SIAC member institutions. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions. They are: Albany State University, Benedict College, Central State University Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Spring Hill College, Stillman College, Tuskegee University. The institutions which are located within a contiguous six-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio)."Joining the SIAC is an investment into our program. It shows our commitment to enhancing our brand and broadening our fan base," CSU Athletic Director Jahan Culbreath said. "We are excited to start this new era of Marauder sports as a part of the SIAC family."

Central State has been a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference since its inception in 2011. CSU recently celebrated a 10-year anniversary of achieving NCAA Div. II status, which dates back to 2004. Prior to joining the NCAA, Central State competed as a member of the NAIA.

For more information on the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, please visit - http://www.thesiac.com/

COURTESY CENTRAL STATE UNIVESITY (OH) SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU Spartans Signs 7-foot Iona Transfer, Norfolk Native Daniel Robinson

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Norfolk State men's basketball program added some size to its future rosters when Iona transfer and Norfolk native Daniel Robinson recently signed to join the Spartans.

Robinson, a 7-foot-0, 220-pound forward, competed for Iona during the last two seasons. After sitting out the upcoming season, he will have two years of eligibility left beginning in 2016-17.

Robinson attended Atlantic Shores Christian Academy in Chesapeake. He spent a year at IMG Academy in Florida in 2012-13 and his following two collegiate seasons at Iona.

"We are pleased and excited to have Daniel Robinson join our program," said head coach Robert Jones. "We recruited Daniel out of high school, and we are happy he has decided to finally come home. Although he received limited action at Iona, our style of play is a match made in heaven for us and him."

Robinson played in 10 games as a freshman in 2013-14 at Iona before sitting out the rest of the season due to injury. He finished with totals of 11 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks while shooting 5-of-11 from the floor. He had four points, one rebound and one block in just two games as a sophomore in 2014-15.

Robinson was a second-team All-Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) honoree as a senior at Atlantic Christian in 2011-12 after averaging 9.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game.

"We were looking to add more frontcourt depth for this year," Jones stated. "However, we did not have a lot of great options to meet that need, so adding Daniel will help solidify our post rotation for the future."

He joins a Spartan program that currently has 12 players on the 2015-16 roster, including two seniors in Jeff Short and D'Shon Taylor, the team's leading returning scorers. NSU has now added seven players to this year's recruiting class, including Robinson, to go along with the six returning players.

Norfolk State finished 20-14 last year and 12-4 in the MEAC, the regular season runner-up. The Spartans have competed in the postseason each of the last four seasons.

Mike Bello, Asst. SID
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

David Bowser Officially Named Fayetteville State Football Defensive Coordinator

DAVID BOWSER
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
FSU BRONCOS

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State University head football coach Lawrence Kershaw has appointed veteran assistant coach David Bowser to defensive coordinator for the upcoming 2015 season. Bowser served as the inside linebackers and special teams coach last season at FSU. He has been a member of the Broncos football coaching staff since 2000.

Bowser graduated from North Carolina State University in 1992. He joined the FSU football coaching staff prior to the 2000 season as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Bowser is the longest tenured assistant coach at Fayetteville State. This is his first appointment to the defensive coordinator position.

“I’m humbled deeply by the promotion and I’m excited by the opportunity,” said Bowser. “Moving forward, we’re going to use multiple fronts on the defensive line, apply pressure, and focus more on man coverage schemes. Ultimately, it’s about utilizing the right student-athletes in the right positions to be successful.”

During his time at FSU, Bowser has also served as the assistant head coach under Kenny Phillips, running backs coach, defensive backs coach, linebackers coach, secondary coach and recruiting coordinator. He has also had several duties off the field pertaining to housing, admissions and academics in assisting FSU football student-athletes.

“My overall philosophy has always been about promoting from within if possible,” said head coach Lawrence Kershaw. “He (Bowser) has shown the desire for this opportunity. He has the knowledge, experience, passion, and he’s a great teacher.”

Bowser recruited Bronco standouts Richard Medlin and Michael Johnson. Medlin spent four seasons at FSU (2007-10) at running back and in special teams. He was named CIAA Special Teams’ Player of the Year and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011 with the New England Patriots. Michael Johnson has earned multiple All-CIAA and All-American honors at the safety position. Johnson has garnered interest from several teams following the 2015 NFL Draft and looks to join a club as a free agent. He led the Broncos in tackles (79) and interceptions (3) in 2014.

Bowser has coached several All-CIAA offensive and defensive players in his time as FSU. He looks to continue the pattern. Bowser has also been an instrumental member of the coaching staff during three CIAA Championships (2002, 2003, 2009).

“As a coach, I’m charge to develop and grow our student-athletes. My aspirations are to help our guys improve and become better on the field and in life.”

Prior to joining the FSU coaching staff, Bowser accumulated experience and success at a few North Carolina high schools. Bowser has coached at Garner High, Anson High, Westover High in Fayetteville, NC, Chapel Hill High and Orange High.

Fayetteville State finished the 2014 season 5-5 overall and ranked 6th in the CIAA for yards allowed (361) and 5th in points allowed (21.4). The Broncos open the 2015 season on September 5th against Chowan University at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

2015 FSU BRONCOS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date Opponent / Event Location Time
09/05/15 vs. Chowan Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m.
Two Rivers Classic
09/12/15 vs. UNC Pembroke Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m.
09/19/15 at West Georgia Carrollton, GA 2:00 p.m.
09/26/15 at Virginia State * Ettrick, VA 2:00 p.m.
10/03/15 vs. Lincoln (Pa.) * Fayetteville, NC 1:00 p.m.
10/10/15 vs. Shaw * Fayetteville, NC 1:30 p.m.
10/17/15 at Johnson C. Smith * Charlotte, NC 3:00 p.m.
Homecoming
10/24/15 vs. Saint Augustine's * Fayetteville, NC 2:00 p.m.
10/31/15 at Livingstone * Salisbury, NC 1:30 p.m.
11/07/15 at Winston-Salem State * Winston-Salem, NC 1:30 p.m.

*Conference Event


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COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Chicago State Athletics Closes 2014-15 with 52 Academic All-WAC Accolades

LEARN       COMPETE      INSPIRE

CHICAGO, Illinois – The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) announced the release of its 2015 spring and freshmen/transfer Academic All-WAC honorees to which 52 Chicago State University student-athletes received recognition on the list.

To be eligible for the honor, a student-athlete must have completed at least one academic year at their institution, have at least a cumulative 3.2 grade point average and have competed in at least 50 percent of their team's contests. The student-athletes on the list are from spring sports and freshmen/transfers from all conference-sponsored sports throughout the 2014-15 academic year.

2015 Spring and Freshman/Transfer Academic All-WAC Release

Listed below are CSU's honorees:

Spring Honorees

Freshmen/Transfer Honorees

Baseball Tyler Abbott (Simi Valley, Calif./Royal), Sr. Evan Davis (Sterling, IL/Sterling), Sr. Nick Kostalek (Huntley, IL/Huntley), Sr. Chase Matheson (McHenry, IL/McHenry), Sr. Jake Perkins (Huntley, IL/Huntley), So. Jerry Silva (Chicago, IL/Holy Trinity), Sr. Jordan Stroschein (Marion, Iowa/Linn-Mar), Sr. Men's Golf David Keenan (Caitlin, Ill./Caitlin), Sr. Dan Patkunsa, Sr. Drew Vannoy (Mahomet, Ill./Mahomet Seymour), Sr. Women's Golf Tali Letoi (Lakeside, Calif./El Capitan), So. Casey MacNeil (Massey, Ontario/Espanola), Jr. Taneka Sandiford (Nassau, Bahamas/St. John's College High School), Jr. Fernanda Valdes Solis (Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico/Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey), Jr. Men's Tennis Julian Chavez (Bogota, Colombia), Sr. Sergiu Muresan (Roman, Romania), Sr. Mario Noboa (Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador), Sr. Luis Ulloa (Guayaquil, Ecuador), Sr. Rashley Yeremia (Jakarta, Indonesia), Sr. Women's Tennis Faith Huckabee (Hazel Crest, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor), So. Men's Outdoor Track and Field DeShaunte Lewis (Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Poly), Sr. Desmond Meyer (Oswego, IL /Oswego HS), So. Women's Outdoor Track and Field Tochkuwu Akujieze, So. Jessica McCaskill, Jr. Veronica Tovar (Cicero, Ill./Morton East), Jr. Alisha Wren, R-Jr.

Baseball Cody Freund (McHenry, IL/McHenry), Fr. Men's Basketball Jawad Adekoya (Tinley Park, IL/Victor J. Andrew High School), Jr. Anthony Glover (Toledo, OH/St. John's Jesuit), Fr. Trayvon Palmer (Milwaukee, WI/Brown Deer), Jr. Women's Cross Country Daeja Hooks (Chicago, IL/UIC Prep), Fr. Men's Golf Austin Egbers (Bloomington, Ill./Bloomington Central Catholic), Jr. Women's Golf Pia Serrano (San Antonio, Texas/Antonian College Preparatory), Fr. Women's Soccer Chloe Cain (Jackson, Mich. /Jackson), Fr. Taylor Conroy (Omaha, Neb./Millard West), Fr. Hannah Etcitty (Gallup, N.M./Middle College), Fr. Vialy Garcia-Hernandez (St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell), Fr. Jordan Hinterser (Granite City, Ill./Marquette Catholic), Fr. Cassidy Kepler (Omaha, Neb./Millard South), Fr. Gabby Klemp (Muskegon, Mich./Reeths-Puffer), Fr. Lina Lorence (Henderson, Nev./Basic), Fr. Sara Marcotte (Republic, Mo./Republic), Fr. Olivia McCafferty (Crown Point, Ind./Boone Grove), Fr. Lexi Montgomery (St. Charles, Mo. /Francis Howell), Fr. Megan Stapleton (Cincinnati, Ohio/Madeira), Fr. Men's Tennis Christian Gonzalez (Mungia, Spain/Larramendi Ikastola), Fr. Women's Indoor Track and Field Daeja Hooks (Chicago, IL/UIC Prep), Fr. Jessica McCaskill, Jr. Veronica Tovar (Cicero, Ill./Morton East), Jr. Women's Outdoor Track and Field Daeja Hooks (Chicago, IL/UIC Prep), Fr. Caitlyn Howard, Fr. Volleyball Sarah Metcalfe, Fr. Selena Newell (Pembroke Pines, Fla./Pembroke Pines Charter), Jr. Elli Woinowsky (Berlin, Germany/Merian Oberschule), Jr.

COURTESY CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Grambling State hoops records lowest Division I attendance

COURTESY: GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling's men's basketball team has dealt with its fair share of struggles by failing to record a winning record in 10 seasons, but the program hit a new low Monday when the NCAA announced its annual attendance report.

Grambling finished with an average attendance of 305, the lowest among 351 teams, on the heels of a 2-27 season in 2015, which included a winless campaign against Division I teams.

The Tigers' latest home average is the lowest since they joined the Division I ranks in 1978. The previous low was 852 in 2002, and the program even averaged 1,713 fans during an 0-28 campaign.

It also marks the second-lowest average in the country since 2005. St. Francis (N.Y) averaged 297 people in 2007. Nicholls State averaged 316 people in 2007.

"We gotta put a good product on the floor," Grambling coach Shawn Walker said.

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Men's basketball attendance numbers up slightly in 2014-15

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- NCAA men’s basketball saw a slight bump in overall attendance for the 2014-15 season as 32,510,647 fans came to watch student-athletes in Divisions I, II and III.

Compared to last year, 480 more fans attended games, making this past season the eighth highest attendance in NCAA history. The record of 33,396,316 fans in a single season was set in 2007-08.

In Division I, attendance totaled 27,422,615 for the year. Although it was down slightly from a season ago, the attendance is the ninth highest total in history. However, the NCAA tournament total attendance increased. The tournament earned its third-highest attendance in history with 739,798 fans. The record-setting total of 800,377 came in 2012-13.

With the addition of Maryland and Rutgers, the Big Ten Conference led the way among conferences with a home and conference tournament total of 3,195,137, the second-highest total number of any conference in history. The all-time record of 3,259,992 was set by the 16-team Big East Conference in 2006-07.

Syracuse slightly edged Kentucky for the home attendance title for the second year in a row, as the Orange averaged 23,854 while the Wildcats brought in 23,572 a game. Kentucky led the nation the previous eight seasons. Louisville was third with 21,386 per game. North Carolina was fourth with 19,582; and Wisconsin finished in the top five with 17,279.

“NCAA college basketball attendance remains remarkably consistent across the country and all three NCAA divisions, as fans and alumni support their favorite teams from the largest arenas to the smallest gyms,” said Dan Gavitt, NCAA vice president for men’s basketball championships. “NCAA Division I games were attended by over 27 million fans for the ninth consecutive year, and March Madness was experienced by the third highest fan attendance in history for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.”

Full Attendance Charts

Other attendance highlights include:

• Kentucky led the nation in total home attendance with 447,874 fans at its games this season at Rupp Arena. The other two schools to reach at least 400,000 were Syracuse (429,378) and Louisville (406,338).
A total of 41 schools averaged more than 10,000 fans per game, including 11 from the Big Ten.
• The Big Ten also led all conferences in average attendance with 12,781 fans, ahead of the Atlantic Coast Conference (11,368), Southeastern Conference (10,819), Big 12 Conference (10,181) and Big East Conference (9,853). It marks the 39th consecutive season the Big Ten has led the nation in average attendance.
• There were 24 schools that had an increase of more than 1,000 fans from the 2013-14 season, led by North Carolina State, which saw attendance increase by 2,795 fans a game from 12,641 in 2013-14 to 15,436 in 2014-15.
• Kentucky led the nation in overall attendance as 845,594 fans saw the Wildcats play at home, on the road and in neutral sites. Wisconsin was second with 711,115 and Duke placed third with 664,146.
• Division II attendance was up 37,373 fans from a season ago with a total of 2,785,383, the most since 2011-12.
• For the eighth consecutive year, Northern State led Division II in attendance with 3,402 fans per game. Augustana (S.D.) was second (2,697), Fort Hays State was third (2,656), Central Missouri fourth (2,647) and fifth place went to Dixie State (2,607).
• For Division II conferences, the Mid-America Intercol
legiate Athletic Association had the highest home attendance average for the sixth consecutive year with an average of 1,514. The Lone Star Conference (1,169) also averaged more than 1,000 fans per game.

COURTESY NCAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Fox Sports Broadcaster Pam Oliver to Deliver Keynote Address

PAM OLIVER
COURTESY: FAMU SPORTS INFORMATION

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) announced that iconic television personality Pam Oliver will address graduates at the University’s 2015 summer commencement ceremony.

Oliver is a renowned sports broadcaster with more than 30 years of experience. She received her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from FAMU in 1984. Currently, she is entering her 21st season as a sideline reporter for FOX Sports’ award-winning presentation of National Football League games. She was originally a reporter with ESPN during the early 1990s before joining FOX Sports in 1995. In recent years, she also has done courtside reporting on TNT during the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs.

Oliver, who started in agricultural journalism and later migrated to space and science reporting, credits FAMU with giving her the support needed to go outside her comfort zone and discard fears of moving to unfamiliar places. She says, “FAMU was almost my agent in the beginning when they said, ‘There is an opening here, and we think you should go for it.’”

Oliver, who grew up in Niceville, Fla. was a college All-American in both the 400-meter and the mile relay while attending FAMU. She was inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

“I am grateful that Pam Oliver has agreed to share her experience and vision with our graduates," said FAMU President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. "Her story is so inspirational and uplifting. She is a living testament to the value of courage, hard work, perseverance, and dedication. These are values that we strive to instill in our students every day at FAMU.”

Summer commencement will be held at 4 p.m. on August 7 at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium that is located at 1800 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee, FL 32307.


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COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

New AD Overton evaluating FAMU athletics, plans to release survey

MILTON OVERTON
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- New FAMU Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. has hit the ground running, and has already made plans to make his official start on Aug. 3 as smooth as possible.

Overton on Monday said he's going to release a football-heavy survey within the next two weeks to gauge where Rattler Nation wants the athletic department to go.

"I want people to understand, what I want to be about is a collective vision and making sure we listen," he said via phone.

"We want to respond to all of our constituents. The survey is going to go out to everyone. I want to hear from everyone.

"People want to see change. I get it. I understand it. I've got to make sure everyone has some input. The survey is going to be 75 percent about football. The other 25 percent is going to ask, 'What do you want from your athletic department?' That's going out to everyone who matters, and everyone matters."

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Morgan State Ken Lucas Promoted to Assistant Head Coach

KEN LUCUS
ASSISTANT HEAD COACH
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Running backs coach Ken Lucas has been promoted to assistant head coach, announced today by Morgan State head football coach Lee Hull.

"Coach Lucas has done a fantastic job in his first year," said Hull. "His experience as a college coach and head coach in high school brings a wealth of knowledge to our program."

Morgan State's ground attack flourished in 2014 and helped lead the Bears to its first MEAC Championship since 1979, including its first ever appearance in the NCAA Division I Playoffs. The Bears completed the season ranked second in the MEAC with 208.5 rushing yards per game (ranked No. 26 in FCS) and produced 29 rushing TDs, the second most in the MEAC ¾ and the most for the Bears since 2004.

The unit was led by sophomore Herb Walker Jr., who produced a school single-season rushing record with 1,408 yards (ranked No. 14 in FCS), averaged 117.3 yards per game (ranked No. 12 in FCS) and accounted for 15 touchdowns (13 rushing). Walker, who also posted a school single game record of 271 rushing yards (ranked No. 5 in FCS), capped the season being named to the All-MEAC first team.

Prior to joining the Bears, Lucas spent seven seasons as the head coach at Annapolis Christian School (AACS). Previous to AACS, he spent six seasons as head coach at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C.

Lucas was an assistant coach at Georgetown University (1997-2000), was head coach at Archbishop Carroll High School (1995-96), and was the Assistant Director of Sports and Coaches' Education for D.C. Special Olympics from 1990-95.

Lucas graduated in 1988 from the University of Delaware, where he was a three-year letterman for the Blue Hens and was named an Associated Press All-American 1986-1987.

The Bears will open their 2015 season on Sept. 5 at Air Force. MSU's home-opener at Hughes Stadium will be on Sept. 19 against Virginia-Lynchburg.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Beloved Bowie State Administrator, Professor Has Died

Dr. Freddie Vaughns Will Be Remembered for His Dedication to Promoting Student Success

BOWIE, Maryland -- Dr. Freddie Vaughns, assistant vice president for academic affairs, assistant professor of child and adolescent studies, and faculty athletic representative at Bowie State University, has died.

“Dr. Vaughns was a beloved administrator and faculty member who will be deeply missed by the Bowie State University community,” said President Mickey L. Burnim. “He worked tirelessly to promote student success and graduation. He always demonstrated his passion for his work in his interactions with all members of the university community.”

As assistant vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Vaughns worked closely with the provost on student concerns ranging from academic difficulties to retention and graduation efforts. He was also tenured faculty in the child and adolescent studies program.

Many first-time students know Dr. Vaughns as the head of the Bulldog Academy, a summer program for incoming freshmen that is designed to ease their transition into college.

Earlier this year, Dr. Vaughns was honored by the White House as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Champion of Change, along with 10 other HBCU administrators and faculty. The award recognizes their outstanding work to cultivate a rich learning environment and build initiatives to promote post-baccalaureate success.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of one of our CIAA family members, Dr. Freddie Vaughns. Dr. Vaughns' extensive work and commitment to support the Conference, his passion for students, his sense of humor and his love of the CIAA will be missed and can never be replaced," said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "Our prayers are in abundance for the Vaughns and Bowie State University family."

Dr. Vaughns served instrumental roles in the CIAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Association and its’ symposiums; along with appointments on numerous CIAA and NCAA committees. On the campus of Bowie State University, Dr. Vaughns was also the assistant vice president for academic affairs and assistant professor of child and adolescent studies.

Information about the funeral arrangements will be announced.

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Louisiana-Lafayette lineman, University Lab alum Drew Moore transferring to Texas Southern

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana -- Drew Moore is transferring to Texas Southern after having spent his freshman year at Louisiana-Lafayette.

The former University Lab standout was on his way to Houston on Sunday, father Tony Moore confirmed.

"Drew decided he wanted to explore his options after recovering from quad injury last summer," Tony said. "Texas Southern immediately expressed interest and we felt this was the right time for a transition."



Drew Moore, a former all-district performer for the Cubs, will be immediately eligible and maintain four years of eligibility after missing his lone season with the Ragin' Cajuns with the injury.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound lineman expects to push for a starting role at center this fall for the SWAC program.

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AG Cooper, Ritz-Carlton and CIAA reach agreement over service charge

Ritz to pay refunds to consumers who paid extra charge, donate $75,000 for CIAA scholarships

Raleigh, North Carolina -- The Ritz-Carlton will pay refunds to consumers, fund college scholarships and clearly notify customers about any future special service fees under an agreement announced today between the Ritz, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Office of Attorney General Roy Cooper.

“Being upfront with consumers about fees is always the best way to do business,” Cooper said.

Consumers who visited the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz in Charlotte during the CIAA Basketball Tournament in late February, 2015 complained that an extra service charge was unexpectedly added to their bills. Following complaints from consumers, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division launched an investigation into the charge. Today’s agreement resolves that investigation.

Copy of THE AGREEMENT

About the agreement
Under the agreement, the Ritz will:
• Pay refunds to consumers who paid the service charge.
• Notify customers if a special service charge will be applied to their bill by disclosing the fee in writing in the menu and having servers remind customers about the charge.
• Donate $75,000 to the CIAA Scholarship Fund.
• Pay $5,000 to the NC Department of Justice for consumer protection efforts.

How to claim refunds
Eligible consumers have 90 days to apply to get money back. Consumers who believe they are eligible for a refund should take the following steps: • File a consumer complaint with the Consumer Protection Division online at ncdoj.gov, call 1-877-5-NO- SCAM toll-free within North Carolina to request a complaint form in the mail, or send a letter requesting a refund to:

Consumer Protection
Attorney General's Office
Mail Service Center 9001
Raleigh, NC 27699-9001

• Include a copy of your bill, credit card or bank statement, or some other record that indicates the amount of service charge paid.

The Attorney General’s Office will forward all requests for refunds to the Ritz. Consumers who have previously filed a complaint with the Attorney General about Ritz service charges do not need to file a new complaint.

“I encourage consumers to apply immediately if they believe they’re due a refund,” Cooper said.

Release date: 7/6/2015, North Carolina Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Protection

Tuskegee's Dunn Adds Six Signees for 2015-16 Season

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Second-year Tuskegee University head men's basketball coach Jerry Dunn announced the addition of six student-athletes for the 2015-16 basketball season this week. This group will join Joshua Culver, who joined the Golden Tigers during the early signing period.

Joshua Culver, 6'-9 1/2, Freshman Forward, Berkmar High School (Lilburn, Ga.)
I am impressed with his skill set and inside presence that he brings to our team," said Head Coach Jerry Dunn. "He is a big guy that has great hands, runs the floor very well and likes playing inside. More important, Josh is a high character young man and a great teammate."



Austin Cherry, 6-2, Freshman, Combo Guard, Hoover High School (Birmingham, Ala.)
As a senior, Cherry averaged 19 points per game, three assists and five rebounds per game. An Honorable Mention pick for the Birmingham All-Area team, led Hoover in the state championship game with 14 points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes of play. He was selected as the Class 7A AHSAA State Tournament Most Valuable Player in the Final Four.

"Austin can play both guard positions as well as score the basketball with consistency," Dunn said. "He brings experience at a high level as he was the MVP of his state championship team."



Andrew Jimenez, 5-11, Sophomore, Point Guard, Barton College (Kennesaw, Ga.)
Jimenez played in 19 games last season at Barton College, shooting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the free throw line. The sophomore guard, a product of Kennesaw Mountain High School, will be eligible immediately for the Golden Tigers. As a senior at Kennesaw Mountain High School, Jimenez averaged 21 points and four assists per game, while shooting 45 percent from the floor.

"Andrew is a heady lead guard who is a pass-first player," Dunn said. "He makes others better, but is a capable scorer and competitor."



James Eads, 6-4, Freshman, Guard/Forward, Edgewater High School (Orlando, Fla.)
During his senior season, Eads played in 30 games for Edgewater High School, averaging 15 points per game. He also averaged 1.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The incoming freshman connected on 50 (156-of-313) percent of his shots from the floor, and connected on 16 3-pointers during his senior season.

"James is explosive and skilled," Dunn said. "He can play multiple positions that will help us and is tough, tough competitor."



Thomas Massey, 6-9, Freshman, Forward/Center, Shiloh High School (Snellville, Ga.)
Massey comes to Tuskegee with four years of eligibility remaining after sitting out last season.

"Thomas is a skilled big man with a huge upside," Dunn said. "He is capable of scoring in the paint or from the perimeter, and he is just scratching the surface of his potential."

DANIEL ROACH
6-6 FRESHMAN FORWARD

Daniel Roach, 6-6, Freshman, Forward, Collins Hill High School (Suwannee, Ga.)
Roach ended his prep career by averaging 12.7 point per game for Collins Hill High School. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 steals, to go along with one block and one steal per game as senior.

"Daniel is a multiple position player who is still growing," Dunn said. "He is a skilled player that has great potential, with his best years ahead of him."

CHRIS STEELE
6-2 FRESHMAN GUARD
 

Chris Steele, 6-2, Freshman, Guard, St. Francis High School (Alpharetta, Ga.)
Steele averaged six points per game as senior, while playing in 32 games and leading his team to a state championship. He connected on 45 (68-of-152) percent of his field goal attempts, while also connecting on 38 (31-of-82) percent of his 3-point attempts.

"Chris is a good shot maker who can score the ball in a variety of ways," Dunn said. "He is a good teammate who understands how to play the game of basketball. Chris will bring the leadership and determination to win from his senior season as he helped lead his team to the state championship."

Tuskegee (15-13, 11-8 SIAC) is coming off of a quarterfinal appearance in the SIAC Tournament last season, and will return six players from last season to go along with the seven signees for 2015-16.

For more information and up-to-the minute updates, follow Tuskegee Athletics on Twitter @MyTUAthletics, or like us on Facebook.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WVSU Jackets' Thompson Signs Minor League Contract

Tyler Thompson
Pitcher, RH
6'-2," 175
 Resides: Athens, Ohio             

INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- Former West Virginia State University (WVSU) pitching star Tyler Thompson has signed a Minor League baseball contract with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association of Independent Baseball.

Thompson saw his first action for the RedHawks Thursday, July 2.

This year's Mountain East Conference tournament MVP tossed two innings of scoreless relief allowing just one hit while striking out two as the North Dakota based RedHawks defeated Gary, Indiana, 3-1.

Thompson finished his WVSU career with a record of 25-6 and struck out 221 batters in 203.2 innings while playing an important role on conference champion teams in 2014 and 2015.

RedHawks games are streamed online here -- http://player.tritondigital.com/19461

The team's web site can be found here -- FARGO-MOORHEAD REDHAWKS

COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

UDC Champions Featured in East Coast Conference 2014-15 Year In Review

CENTRAL ISLIP, New York – The East Coast Conference media relations office recently released its 2014-15 "Year in Review" featuring summaries of all 17 sport seasons as well as all conference-wide community service initiatives.  (Click HERE for 2014-15 ECC Year in Review).

The University of the District of Columbia athletic highlights in this review were one regular season ECC champion (women's basketball), one ECC runner-up (women's outdoor track & field), two NCAA Division II Tournament teams (women's basketball and men's tennis), three ECC playoff contenders (women's basketball, women's tennis and men's tennis), a rookie of the year in both men's and women's tennis (Diego Pinto and Laura Dimante), a Defensive Player of the Year in women's basketball (Denikka Brent) and an Athlete of the Year in women's outdoor track & field (Simone Grant).

UDC was also recognized in the review for its involvement in two conference-wide community service initiatives: ECC Team-Up to Clean-Up and the ECC Spirit Showcase. Additionally, a conference-high three Firebird student-athletes earned ECC Scholar-Athlete awards in their respective sports.

 

Read more by following this link, and follow East Coast Conference news by going to www.eccsports.org.
 

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU's Kyle O'Quinn should blossom with the New York Knicks

O'Quinn has agreed on a four-year, $16 million deal with a player option for the fourth year.

NEW YORK -- Kyle O'Quinn hasn't produced much yet in the NBA. In irregular minutes as a Magicman, he showed the basic dexterity and willingness to do most things, but never quite embraced a role. Over the next 3-4 years in New York, O'Quinn will hopefully earn more stable work, and find an effective niche for himself in the process.

O'Quinn is 25. He is a large gentleman -- around 6'10 and easily 250 pounds, with broad shoulders, a 7'5 wingspan, and often sports a beard you or I could comfortably sleep inside. He smiles constantly.

O'Quinn grew up in Queens, then attended Norfolk State for 4 years, winning MEAC DPOY as a junior. He shot threes regularly in college, though with decreasing accuracy (from quite good to quite horrible) each season. The jewel of O'Quinn's fine college career was the Spartans' famous upset of Missouri in 2012, in which he dropped 26 and 14 and played grief counselor for Phil Pressey:

He kills you, then he hugs you so tenderly you forget you're dead.



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Grambling State University Begins New Era With Installation of 9th President in 114 Year History

Willie D. Larkin, Ph.D.
President
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  --  Greetings Grambling Family!

I am extremely honored to have been selected as the 9^th President of Grambling State University!  As you ALL know, Grambling is an exceptional, innovative, creative, and outstanding university.  I know our university will only get better and better!

I call upon each of you to work with me as a team and embrace and confront the challenges and expand and create new and innovative opportunities to return our beloved institution to the highest level of greatness.  As my wife and I drove onto campus, a breath of fresh air welcomed us as we surveyed our new citadel of greatness–Grambling!

As I reflected on the selection and recruitment process, I knew, in every ounce of my being, that Grambling needed me as much as I needed Grambling.  I have come home; but my stay will be marked by how much we ALL can do together to restore Grambling to that once great roar!

Grambling State is hallowed grounds and many iconic legends have walked across our campus and many more will in the future.  You and I have a great opportunity before us to build on past successes. Although it will not always be easy, I am asking all Gramblinites to embrace a new tomorrow; a new day has come to our beloved institution–THE Grambling State University Tigers!

To achieve our ends, our duty, our goal is simple: to embrace and grow the university and establish a robust resource acquisition strategy.  We will ask Grambling men and women, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni to give as they have never given before!

And rest assured that every penny will be accounted for and every resource will be for the healing of dear ole’ Grambling.  My administration will be transparent and transformative as we re-brand Grambling as a phoenix Tiger rising again in the higher education arena. We will expand the university’s reach and continue to attract a broader array of talented, motivated, and achievement-oriented students.

In addition to elevating the academic standards on campus, we will rebuild our athletic prowess, and claw our way to greatness as we place competitive gamesmanship and fear into the hearts and minds of our opponents as they serve as our honored competitors.  We will be both scholars and fierce competitors to all those we encounter.

The ultimate goal is to become one of the top universities in the country.  Remember, we are “ONE GRAMBLING: Honoring History, Keeping Promises, and Fulfilling Dreams.” 

Come join me as we begin the process of rebuilding a dynasty of excellence–in all that we do!  In order for us to accomplish our shared vision, we must all push and pull in the same direction.  We are family and we must work together.

Stay tuned, as you will hear more from me in the days, weeks, and months to come. 

Again, thank you for welcoming me to the Grambling State University Family and allowing me to become a “G.”

With Great Enthusiasm,


Willie D. Larkin, Ph.D.
President
Grambling State University.

Biographical Sketch

As the son of sharecropper parents who never had the chance to go to college, Dr. Willie D. Larkin recognized the value of higher education from an early age and has always strived to help others achieve their dream of a college education. As the ninth president of Grambling State University, he vows to continue the university’s historic commitment to put students first and prepare them to become leaders, pioneers and innovators.

Dr. Larkin has served as Chief of Staff to leaders of Morgan State University and the University of Wisconsin Colleges, where he worked directly with the chancellor, and the president at Morgan State University, to provide oversight of nearly 3,000 employees and an operating budget of more than $300 million. At Auburn University, he was the faculty advisor to the university’s Board of Trustees and the first African American to chair the university’s 90-member University Senate.

With his extensive experience in education, Dr. Larkin began his career by working more than 20 years as a leadership and organizational development specialist at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, where he created leadership and economic development initiatives for the state of Alabama. Dr. Larkin is also a nationally recognized motivational speaker, trainer, consultant and writer who delivers high-impact speeches and seminars on personal and professional empowerment, leadership, conflict resolution and diversity in the workplace.

Dr. Larkin is a former Kellogg Fellow who earned his doctorate in Agricultural Education Extension from The Ohio State University, where he specialized in 4-H and Youth Development. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and a master’s degree in Extension Education from Tuskegee University.


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COURTESY GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

XU's Moses and Fakler receive All-Louisiana distinction

CATHERINE FAKLER AND COACH JOSEPH MOSES RECEIVES ALL-LOUISIANA
RECOGNITION BY THE LSWA

NEW ORLEANS — Joseph Moses and Catherine Fakler are Xavier University of Louisiana's representatives on the 2015 All-Louisiana women's track and field team sponsored by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and announced late Saturday.
    
Moses, who led the Gold Nuggets to a third consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference outdoor team championship, was voted Coach of the Year by an LSWA panel of track sports information directors. Fakler qualified for the team in two events as the state's No. 3 performer this year in the 1,500 and 5,000-meter runs.
    
Moses, 47, produced qualifiers for the NAIA National Outdoor Championships in four events, and one — long-jumper Devinn Rolland — earned All-America for the third time in four years. Rolland and Fakler were Xavier's first-ever first-team CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
    
This is the first time for Moses to be named Louisiana Coach of the Year in track and field. He has won the LSWA award a combined nine times in men's and women's cross country. Runner-up for women's Coach of the Year was LSU's Dennis Shaver, who won or shared the honor eight of the past nine seasons.
    
Moses is the first from a non-NCAA university to be named Louisiana Coach of the Year in track and the second from an HBCU. Southern's Johnny Thomas won the men's award in 2003.
    
Fakler, from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory High School, was All-Louisiana in two events for the second time in three years. She qualified with a time of 4 minutes, 51.07 seconds in the 1,500 and 18:54.34 in the 5,000. In April she four individual events and anchored a winning relay at the GCAC Championships, and in May she became the first XU student-athlete on record to graduate with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.
    
Fakler is Xavier's first student-athlete to be named All-Louisiana in cross country and track. She was an all-state harrier each of the past two autumns.
    
The top three performers in each event, based on times compiled by the NCAA and NAIA, earn All-Louisiana.

 It's the third straight year that the Gold Nuggets were represented on the All-Louisiana team. Hannah Finnegan qualified in 2014 with the No. 1 time in the 3,000 steeplechase.
    
Although neither made the team, sprinter Joseph Moses III — the son of the coach — and hurdler Tylor Row were runners-up in Freshman of the Year voting.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Former WSSU and Pender County football star finds new outlook with new sport

ROCKY POINT, North Carolina -- Going into his junior year of high school, Desmond Jordan got the chance to become a pioneer in a sport he loved: football.

Now, he's charting a new path in life with a different sport: rugby.

With Trask High School about to open in his hometown of Rocky Point, Jordan transferred there from Pender High, where his parents and older brother went to school, and although he was a member of Trask’s second graduating class, he was involved in plenty of firsts on the football field.

PHOTO GALLERY

“I was the first football carrier. I was the first 300-yard guy at Trask. I was the first 1,500-plus-yard guy at Trask,” Jordan said. “There not too many times you can look in the yearbooks and say ‘I was on the first team here.'”

After high school, Jordan played football for Guilford College in Greensboro. Before his junior season, coach Mike Ketchum left for Winston-Salem State University, and Jordan decided to follow him, playing at Winston-Salem State for two years while the school was transitioning to the MEAC conference.

Coming out of college Jordan searched for opportunities to ...

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WSSU Rams Men's Basketball Welcomes Andrew Brown To Coaching Staff

ASSISTANT COACH ANDREW BROWN
WSSU RAMS MEN'S BASKETBALL

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina --
The Winston-Salem State University men's basketball program is proud to announce that Andrew Brown has joined the coaching staff for the 2015-16 season.

Andrew Brown joins the Rams coaching staff after spending three seasons as the head coach at St Andrew's University in Laurinburg, N.C. He comes to WSSU with a wealth of experience and will be a benefit for the program with his wealth of knowledge and sheer energy.

The Pontiac, Michigan native took over a program that was in transition into the NAIA in 2012 and has continued to build it up by incrementally increasing their win total every season during his time at the school. In the 14-15 season Brown lead the Knights to a 9-14 record and a 6-12 mark in the Appalachian Athletic Conference . St. Andrews's nine wins and six conference wins are the most for the program since 2011. In his first year in 2012, the Knights finished 2-25 overall and 1-15 in the AAC, and in year two they were 5-19 overall and 3-15 in conference. Two St. Andrews players who Brown assisted in the development into 2nd team All-Conference players were sophomore Guard Titus Gary from Fayetteville and senior Guard Aaron Smith from Raleigh. Brown served as an assistant coach for St Andrews in 11-12 season under former head coach and current ESPN 3 commentator Richie Schueler.

Brown gained valuable coaching experience at the D-I level while he was a Graduate Assistant Coach at Mercer University for two seasons (08-09 and 09-10) under Bob Hoffman. He was heavily involved with a variety of administrative duties within the program. He helped with community functions, severed as camp director for Mercer basketball camps, coordinated and participated in educational programs in the Bibb County School District. In addition he assisted with day-to-day office operations under the guidance of the director of basketball operations. In 2009-10 the Mercer Bears team advanced all the way to the title game of the Atlantic Sun Conference championships losing to eventual champion East Tennessee State. The team finished 16-17 overall and was 10-10 in the A-Sun. After the season Brown trained aspiring professional basketball players included three former Mercer Bears, Daniel Emerson (All-Atlantic Sun conference member), James Florence (Mercer's all-time leading scorer and current professional basketball player) and retired professional basketball player EJ Kusnyer (ranked second in the NCAA in 3pt Field Goals made in 2009-10).

In addition Brown was an assistant coach under John Meeks at Wallace Hanceville CC during the 10-11 season. Prior to coaching at Mercer, Brown aided the Bears of Mercer University (Macon, GA) on the court for three seasons by leading his team in scoring at 15.5ppg during his senior campaign. Brown played one season at Owens Community College (Toledo, OH); where he played an instrumental role in his team finishing with a overall record of 28-6 and ranked #4 in the Final poll of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II.

Andrew Brown had a brief professional career when he played in Germany in the 2nd league division and when he toured overseas to the Czech Republic and Bulgaria with Athletes In Action in 2008.

Brown holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree from Mercer University.

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION