Walker Resigns as Director of Athletics at Winston-Salem State University

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson announced today the resignation of Tonia Walker as Director of Athletics. Her resignation is effective May 31, 2018.

Walker has served as the Director of Athletics since April 30, 2014, and has been part of the WSSU athletics program since 2000.

As athletic director, Walker has guided the Rams to six NCAA Division II tournament appearances, 15 CIAA Championship titles, nine CIAA Divisional titles, and eight CIAA Coach of the Year honors. In 2015-16, she was named the CIAA Athletic Director of the Year and the National Association for Collegiate Athletics Administrators 2016 Administrator of the Year. She was also responsible for launching the She's Got It Covered; Bond. Score. Win.; and the Winston-Salem Classic. Her commitment to academic excellence has resulted in the highest departmental cumulative grade point average over the past two decades.

Additionally, student-athletes amass more than 3,000 hours of community service each year.

"When I came to WSSU in 2015, I was both excited and proud to serve at an institution with a female athletic director. Currently, WSSU is one of just two schools within the CIAA with a woman at the helm of its athletics program. I wish Tonia well in her future endeavors and appreciate all her hard work. While we will certainly miss her, I know she is leaving us well-positioned to continue our tradition as a powerhouse in the CIAA. With a new head basketball coach on board, this is a time of change and opportunity – a new era for WSSU."

"While this is a bittersweet moment for me, I have to do what is best for my personal and professional lives," Walker said. "I am confident that the transition of onboarding coaches and the direction of the strategic plan will move Ram Athletics to its next era. Now is the perfect time for me to move forward. Though I am departing, I will hold a special place in my heart for the students and friends I have met here. It is my sincere hope that WSSU continues to build upon the legacy I have started."

The university will launch a national search to find a successor as soon as possible. Until then, George Knox, assistant athletic director for compliance, has been appointed as interim athletics director.

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

SC State's Tashombe Riley Headed To South Alabama

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State forward Tashombe Riley has decided to transfer to South Alabama for his last year of eligibility. He missed his senior season due to an ankle injury. The OW product averaged almost 12 points per game and 5 rebounds per game as a junior.

Richie Riley is the head coach of South Alabama and he's a former Clemson assistant coach.

Bulldogs head coach Murray Garvin released this statement on Tashombe's departure and where SC State basketball stands.



"Just got word today that Tashombe Riley has decided to go to South Alabama to finish his eligibility. We wish him nothing but success. Tashombe is great young man and comes from a first class family. He has fulfilled his obligation to our program by graduating this past May.

As we all have witnessed this 5th year grad transfer rule has affected us all and especially the smaller Division I programs. The past 3 seasons has been hard for us pertaining to this rule. First, Doudou Gueye (Ball State) then Ed Stephens (Austin Peay) and now Tashombe Riley (South Alabama). Our guys understand and we are confident that we will continue to rise to the challenge and compete for a MEAC Championship in 2018-2019."

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MEAC Golf: Augusta University Everett Claims NCAA National Championship

Augusta University golfer Broc Everett, a West Des Moines Valley graduate,
poses with his  individual NCAA Championship  trophy Monday at Karsten
 Creek Golf Club  in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

STILLWATER, Oklahoma – Augusta University senior Broc Everett carded a final round 1-under 71 on Monday to win the individual 2018 NCAA National Championship at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Okla. Tied at 7-under-par, Everett edged out Auburn's Brandon Mancheno with a birdie in the first playoff hole on No. 18 to win his first collegiate tournament in his last collegiate start.

• PHOTOS
• RESULTS

He was told he wouldn't make it in Division-I golf by several college coaches. Joining the Jaguars as a freshman in 2014-15, Everett finishes his career at the top of his game.

"It's crazy how far in five years that I've been able to come," Everett said. "To have it all kind of accumulate into a national championship is obviously a dream come true. You can't have a better finish to your collegiate career that this."

Everett and Mancheno finished the final round of stroke play knotted at the top of the leaderboard after the latter birdied No. 18 and the former parred the hole later in the evening. Their 7-under 281 sets the course record for a 72-hole score at Karsten Creek.

With no national ranking next to his name, Everett entered Monday's final round of stroke play at 6-under-par, after firing three consecutive 70s (-2) on the weekend. Battling some of the top ranked players in the country, he opened his round with a birdie on the first hole and carded another on No. 3. Everett went into the back nine 7-under with a one stroke lead over the field.



After bogeying No. 10, Everett recovered and fired birdies on No. 12 and 14. He reached the 18th hole in regulation play, but missed a go-ahead birdie putt to force a playoff with Mancheno. In the playoff, the left-handed Mancheno got up and down to par the hole and put the pressure on the Augusta senior. Everett was up to the task though, as he sunk a 15-foot birdie putt from the back of the 18th green to clinch the individual national championship.

"I really stayed consistent out there – I didn't get too high or too low," Everett said. "I got off to a good start, then got an unfortunate break and made bogey on four, but I knew I just needed to keep plugging away. I couldn't get too aggressive on this course. You have to keep it between the trees and in the fairways. Par is a great score on this course. We just kept hitting good spots and then we were able to finish it off."

With Augusta head coach Jack O'Keefe by his side, Everett entered Monday's final round three shots back of then-leader Bryson Nimmer. He was one of the field's most consistent players throughout the week, posting 70 in each of the first three rounds and a 71 to close on Sunday.

For his four-year career as a Jaguar, Everett posted 12 top-five finishes, 19 top-10 finishes, 27 top-25 finishes, and now a NCAA National Championship. He led the team in 15 tournaments and finished runner up five times. Everett's stroke average of 70.97 as a junior in 2016-17 is the fourth best for Augusta since 1993-94. His No. 24 national ranking in 2017 is the eighth-highest for AU in the modern era.

Everett is the first Jaguar to win an individual NCAA Championship. Augusta has now had five top-five finishes individually at the NCAA finals. Jamie Elson tied for second in 2001, Major Manning took fourth in 2005, Henrik Norlander fifth in 2010, and Patrick Reed tied for third in 2011 also at Karsten Creek.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email list serve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics / on Twitter at @AugustaJags and on Instagram @augustajags

AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY JAGUARS MEN'S GOLF IS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (MEAC).

College Baseball Central Podcast: Previewing the Austin Regional in Ten Minutes or Less -- Texas Southern University Tigers

AUSTIN, Texas -- On this regional preview edition of the College Baseball Central Podcast, Joe Healy and Scott Stone take a look at the Austin Regional, hosted by the Texas Longhorns. The teams competing for a regional title here are:

Texas Southern Tigers (27-26, SWAC automatic)

TSU swept their way through the SWAC tournament and coming into Austin not only with momentum, but also loaded with both the SWAC Player of the Year in Kamren Dukes (.396/.463/.548, 22 2B) and the SWAC Pitcher of the Year in Aaron Solis (10-3, 3.44 ERA). TSU has plenty of regional experience, and they’ll be looking to do more than just compete hard this time around.



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Slightly new offense: Braves replace a lot of production on offense, have breakout stars

LORMAN, Mississippi — Can you feel it? Alcorn State University football is almost back — 95 days to be exact. Some of the players will report back in June, but a majority of them will arrive in Lorman for summer workouts in July. The Braves look to build upon a decent 2017 campaign, as they went 7-5 overall and 5-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference — all but one of their losses (Grambling State) were decided by a single score.

While there is optimism surrounding the program about Alcorn State’s chances to claim a SWAC title this season, the team will be experiencing turnover on offense. Starting quarterback Leonaris Footman has graduated. All-American running back De’Lance Turner also graduated and is with the Baltimore Ravens now. Plus, the Braves said goodbye to nearly 70 percent of their receiving yards as well.

Not only does Alcorn lose a lot of talent, it has a new offensive coordinator in Ryan Stanchek (who was formerly the Braves’ offensive line and run game coordinator) and is working on opening up its passing game. Despite the offensive exodus, Alcorn does have players who are ready to breakout and make an impact, according to the coaching staff.

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North Carolina A&T 2018 Football Season Tickets On Sale

2018 NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY AGGIES SCHEDULE
DATE	OPPONENT	TIME
Sat, Aug 25	vs Jacksonville State*	TBD
Sat, Sept 1	@ East Carolina	TBD
Sat, Sept 8	vs Gardner-Webb	6:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 22	vs Morgan State	6:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 29	vs South Carolina State	1:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 6	@ Delaware State	TBD
Sat, Oct 13	vs Florida A&M	1:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 20	@ Bethune-Cookman	4:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 3	vs Norfolk State	1:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 10	@ Savannah State	1:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 17	@ N.C. Central	2:00 PM ET

* Game played at neutral location.
Blue: Home Game

A&T T&F Sends Another Solid Contingent to NCAA's

TAMPA, Florida -- North Carolina A&T spent the final day of the 2018 NCAA East Preliminary Round at USF Track & Field Stadium adding to their NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship qualifying totals. Junior men’s sprinter Rodney and junior women’s jumper Anisa Toppin led the way on Saturday.

The NCAA championships are June 6-9 in Eugene, Ore. Rowe will head to Eugene with the excitement that he has a legitimate chance at winning a national championship. Rowe ran the fastest 200-meter time at the 2018 East prelims by running a personal-best 20.26. Rowe’s time is the 10th-best in the nation this year and the sixth-best in the East.

NCAA East Prelim Final Results

Rowe earned first-team All-American honors as a part of the Aggies historic 2017 4x100 meter relay team that has the eighth-best time in NCAA history. Rowe was also a second-team All-American sprinter in the 200m at the NCAA indoor championships earlier this year.

He will compete in the 200 for the first time at the NCAA outdoor nationals after just narrowly missing qualifying in the 100 on Friday.

“Rodney is my leader,” said Duane Ross, N.C. A&T’s director of track and field programs. “He does a great job of leading by example.”

Toppin will join Rowe on the flight to Eugene after placing ninth in the women’s triple with her best leap giving her a personal-best 42-feet, 7 ½-inch mark. Toppin’s previous best was 42-feet 1 ¼-inches at the Florida Relays in late March.

“I’m very happy for Rodney and Anisa. They’ve worked and performed hard all year and they showed up even more when the bright lights came on,” said Ross. “Anisa is a straight gamer. I’m excited to see how she performs in Eugene.”

Once again, N.C. A&T will have strong representation in the relays in Eugene. Rowe is back at nationals in the 4x100. This year he will be joined by senior Joel Thomas, junior Michael Dickson and freshman Michael Bell as the quartet placed seventh on Saturday in 39.21.

The 4x400 relay team is coming to the NCAA championships too. Senior Dajuan Harding, freshman Trevor Stewart and juniors Michael Dickson and Justin Hamilton were sixth at the East prelims on Saturday with a time of 3:06.87. The Aggies are the reigning three-time MEAC champions. Stewart is also going to nationals as a 400m runner.

Things did not go as well for the women’s relay teams. The 4x100 team of senior India Brown, sophomore Tori Ray and juniors Kayla White and Jadzia Beasley was disqualified and the 4x400 team of freshmen Payton Russell and Nia Lundy and sophomores Sun-Sara Williams and Ray finished 20th in 3:39.04.

“Our relays ran well enough to get to Eugene but nowhere near our potential,” said Ross. “Making it to the NCAA’s is what we’re supposed to do, so I’m not jumping for joy over the times and places we received.”

The other Aggie competitors included junior men’s jumper Lasheon Strozier and sophomore hurdler Robert Miller. Strozier finished 24th in the triple jump at 49-feet, 11-inches while Miller ran the 110-meter hurdles in 14.20 to finish 18th.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

2018 NSU Football Season Tickets Available!

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Season tickets for 2018 Norfolk State University football are on sale now at the NSU Ticket Center and online at www.nsuspartanstickets.com.

The Spartans host six games at Dick Price Stadium this year for the second consecutive season. The home schedule begins on Saturday, Sept. 1 with the Labor Day Classic against Virginia State University. More information on this year's Labor Day Classic, including a full slate of events leading up to game day, will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Spartans also welcome intrastate foe and defending FCS national runner-up James Madison on Sept. 8 before hosting four MEAC opponents over the final two months of the season. Delaware State concludes the September schedule at Dick Price Stadium on Sept. 29. NSU hosts North Carolina Central for Homecoming on Oct. 20, then concludes the season with Howard on Nov. 10 and Morgan State for Senior Day on Nov. 17.

Season tickets remain the same price as last year, just $135 for reserved seating, $110 for general admission and $100 for NSU faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased online at www.nsuspartanstickets.com or at the NSU Ticket Center between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.



By: Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communication
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

NFL draft shows teams again paying attention to HBCU talent

Early-round selection of Darius Leonard and Brandon Parker proves it

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Since the debut of former North Carolina A&T running back and current Chicago Bears standout Tarik Cohen, interest in historically black college prospects is on the rise. With that kind of interest it might not be long until we see another golden age of HBCU NFL talent.

In this year’s NFL draft, former South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard was selected in the second round by the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 36th pick overall. That makes the two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) defensive player of the year and the Bulldogs’ all-time leader in tackles, one of the highest HBCU prospects taken in recent history.

Tarik Cohen Chicago Bears VIDEO: https://youtu.be/-BR-i75Yfzc

“If you are a ballplayer, they can find you,” said Leonard. “Just because you didn’t go to a big-time school like Clemson, Carolina or Alabama, you still can get picked high in the draft if you are doing all the right things and if you got that right tape, you can still be a great ball player.”

Leonard believes his speed, athleticism and intelligence about the game can help get him on the field in Indianapolis early. However, it’s his work ethic and ubiquitous “chip on his shoulder” that could turn Leonard into a standout performer for the Colts.

“You have to make the best of your opportunity to stand out. I wanted to go to Clemson, and with them not offering, I had a big chip on my shoulder,” said Leonard. “I think personally I work harder than anybody in the NFL draft because in my head I want to be the best.”

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Washington Redskins' Doug Williams keeps an eye out for HBCU talent

ASHBURN, Virginia — Reggie Barlow called Doug Williams to talk about a couple of his Virginia State players as potential rookie camp invites for the Washington Redskins.

Williams was convinced, so he gave receiver Zac Parker a shot.

Parker is one of a handful of players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities the Williams-led Redskins front office invited to rookie-camp tryouts. The group joined two undrafted free agent signings, Grambling running back Martez Carter and Southern cornerback Danny Johnson, on the field Friday trying to earn a job from a team with a reputation for giving HBCU products a look this time of year.



Williams, a Grambling star who also coached there twice, isn't the only NFL executive looking to HBCUs for talent. But Washington's senior vice president of player personnel and his scouts continue to invite several players from places like his alma mater, Southern, Texas Southern, Norfolk State and Alabama A&M in the hopes of adding depth to the roster.

"HBCUs, they might get looked down on a little bit more as maybe not a big school, but we have talent for sure," Parker said. "As you can see: Doug Williams went to an HBCU. He's the prime example of it."

His legacy as a Super Bowl MVP quarterback is common knowledge for Carter given his time at Grambling and for Johnson, who grew up in Louisiana not far from Williams' hometown. The name Doug Williams has value at places like Grambling and Southern — "He's in history," Carter said — and his reputation as an executive precedes him even for players 40 years younger.

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Augusta Finishes NCAA Championships, Everett Advances Individually

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- The Augusta University men's golf team had a final round score of 18-over 306 on Sunday and finished 29th at the 2018 NCAA National Championships tournament at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Augusta senior Broc Everett is tied for third overall at 6-under-par and qualified as an individual for Monday's final round of stroke play.
"The fairways are wide and have big landing areas, but it's just outside of the landing areas – thee is thick brush. It's really kind of a mental trick," Everett said. "You've got so much room out there and you just gotta' tell yourself there's a huge area to play at and make a smooth swing at it and keep it play. That's been the key all week, trying to keep it in between the tree lines."

At the conclusion of play on Sunday, the field of 30 was cut to the top 15 teams and the top nine individuals not on an advancing team. The remaining teams and players continue to Monday. For the third-straight day, the course record was destroyed, as No. 28 Duke posted a 12-under 276 to jump atop the leaderboard. The Blue Devils are first at 10-under-par, while host No. 1 Oklahoma State is second (-7), No. 13 Texas Tech third (-3), No. 4 Vanderbilt fourth (+2), and No. 3 Oklahoma fifth (+4).

• LIVE SCORING
• PHOTOS: Part III
• PHOTOS: Part II
• PHOTOS: Part I
• DAY TWO
• DAY ONE
• PREVIEW

Despite their elimination in the team competition, the Jaguars will be represented on Monday with a shot at an individual national championship title. Everett paced the team in all three rounds at Karsten Creek this weekend – firing three straight 70s (-2) to remain near the top of the leaderboard.

Sophomore Gustav Andersson finished 11-over-par and tied for 96th with a round-three 78 in his first NCAA National Championship. In their first taste at the big show, The freshman trio of Olof Gunnarsson, Laken Hinton and Alex Shead rounded out the Jags. Gunnarsson finished 16-over-par to take 134th, Hinton 19-over-par for 141st, and Shead 29-over-par for 150th. Augusta edged out No. 11 nationally-ranked Baylor in the team standings.

Everett tees off at 1:40 p.m. (CDT) for the final round of stroke play and a shot at an individual title.

AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY JAGUARS MEN'S GOLF IS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (MEAC).

MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

African American golf history celebrated with 2018 Hall of Fame awards and inductions

Mulbe Dillard IV is a freshman FAMU 
golfer from Chicago, Illinois.

GF2018 Collegiate Golfers of the Year: Mulbe Marcellous Dillard, IV, Florida A&M University,  Tallahassee, FL; Ethan Vincent Mangum, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA; and Camille Antonia Simon, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida -- West Palm Beach has become the home base for African American golf history, thanks to the efforts of the African American Golf Hall of Fame, and it's founder Malachi Knowles. The Hall got even more rich with history this weekend, as the past was celebrated, and the future was recognized at the 8th annual awards dinner and induction celebration.

While the weather cancelled the annual golf tournament, 12-time PGA Champions tour winner Jim Dent was happy to inspire the future of the sport that changed his life.

"You can't keep something (just) for yourself, pass it down to somebody else," says Dent, who's a Hall of Fame member himself.

"Mr. Dent is a legend of golf," says Ethan Mangum, who was awarded Collegiate Golfer of the Year honors. "It's awesome to even be in the same conversation as him. It really gives me that drive to be a professional golfer down the line.

Knowles, meanwhile, is also heading up the efforts for the Inner City Youth Golfers Learning Center and Museum, which is slated to open in Riviera Beach next year.



CONTINUE READING

Alcorn State Partners With Advanced-Online To Launch ALCORNSPORTSGEAR.COM

ALCORNSPORTSGEAR.COM

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Fans, alumni, parents and students will have a new online store for their Braves merchandise as Alcorn State University has teamed with Advanced-Online to create AlcornSportsGear.com.
 
Beginning Tuesday, Alcornites will have tees, sweats, bags, hats, mugs, bags and hundreds of other branded merchandise for sale through the online store at ALCORNSPORTSGEAR.COM.
 
As part of the grand opening, performance t-shirts will be 15 percent off until June 4.
 
"We are very excited to be working with Advanced-Online and for the launch of AlcornSportsGear.com. This online store will give our fans and supporters an extensive selection of apparel and Alcorn merchandise. All sales will significantly benefit the University," said director of athletics Derek Horne. "There's something for everybody in the store. It includes items for every sport and every climate, and we can't be more thrilled for today's launch."
 
Advanced-Online is the premier provider of online store solutions for institutions and college athletic departments across the country. Advanced-Online currently works with hundreds of schools across the country.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern University– New Orleans Lady Knights Wins Third Outdoor Track and Field National Championship

GULF SHORES, Alabama  --  Southern University New Orleans (SUNO) waited until the final track event of the meet to claim its crown. The Knights were first across the finish line in the 4×400 relay, which gave them a two-point win (64-62) over British Columbia, which came into the meet at the top of the final USTFCCCA National Team Rankings. 

Shadae Hylton was a force for SUNO. Hylton won the 400-meter crown by nearly three seconds and clocked a 54.56 split on the third leg of the winning 4×400 relay, which extended the Knights’ lead to an insurmountable margin.

British Columbia had three scorers in both the 800 and 1500 and two in the steeplechase. The Thunderbirds also captured the 4×800 relay title by 14 seconds.

Indiana Tech kept within contact, finishing third with 59 points. The Warriors scored points in seven events, including double digits in the 100 hurdles, high jump and long jump.

The final day of the 2018 Men’s and Women’s National Championships wrapped up with 29 more individual champions at the Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Champions

• Women’s Marathon – Stephanie Johnston, Concordia (Mich.), 3:00:47.44
• Men’s Marathon – Tony Weber, St. Mary (Kan.), 2:35:04.47
• Men’s Shot Put – Alex Wellington, Hastings (Neb.), 19.04m
• Men’s Pole Vault – Curtis Bell, Aquinas (Mich.), 5.05m
• Men’s Triple Jump – Goabaone Mosheleketi, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), 15.57m
• Women’s High Jump – Tyanna Petty, Rio Grande (Ohio), 1.77m
• Women’s Discus Throw – Adrianna Shaw, Concordia (Neb.), 47.04m
• Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase – Rachel Roelle, Eastern Oregon, 10:19.06
• Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase – John Gay, British Columbia, 9:04.36
• Women’s 4x100 – 45.80, Wiley (Texas)
• Men’s 4x100 – 40.17, Wiley (Texas)
• Women’s 1,500m – Anna Shields, Point Park (Pa.), 4:14.38
• Men’s 1,500m – Mackenzie Wahpepah-Harris, Oklahoma City, 3:48.40
• Women’s 100m Hurdles – Renae Dennie, Wiley (Texas), 14.16
• Men’s 110m Hurdles – Lafranz Campbell, Wiley (Texas), 13.98
• Women’s 100m Dash – Safia Bright, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), 11.68
• Men’s 100m Dash – Oraine Palmer, Wiley (Texas), 10.35
• Women’s 400m Hurdles – Kimona Smikle, Southern (La.), 57.63
• Men’s 400m Hurdles – Caleb Anthony, Taylor (Ind.), 52.31
• Women’s 400m – Shadae Hylton, Southern (La.), 52.66
• Men’s 400m – Rajay Hamilton, Wiley (Texas), 46.07
• Women’s 800m – Anna Shields, Point Park (Pa.), 2:04.75
• Men’s 800m – Isaac Clark, Friends (Kan.), 1:50.06
• Women’s 200m Dash – Argyana Bolton, Southern (La.), 23.68
• Men’s 200m Dash – Oraine Palmer, Wiley (Texas), 20.77
• Women’s 5,000m – Aminat Olowora, Oklahoma City, 16:54.38
• Men’s 5,000m – Geoffrey Kipchumba, William Carey (Miss.), 14:39.53
• Women’s 4x400 – 3:40.15, Southern (La.)
• Men’s 4x400 – 3:09.11, Wiley (Texas)

Records Broken

• Anna Shields broke the previous known record in the 1,500m with at time of 4:14.38. The previous known record was set by Sarah Howell of Simon Fraser (B.C.) in 1992, with a time of 4:16.56.

• 

  CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
  

  
  

  Highlights

  
  

  • Tony Weber who was unable to finish the marathon in 2017 came back in 2018 and won the marathon by a margin of nearly three seconds.
  • Anna Shields became a two-year/back-to-back national champion in the 1,500m run with her record-breaking run this year.
  • Aminat Olowora became a champion in the 5,000m today and Wednesday in the 10,000m.
  • Wiley (Texas) had champions in eight different events today alone.
  • Geoffrey Kipchumba of William Carey (Miss.) has won nine individual championships between outdoor track and field and cross country. He has won three straight 10,000m championships.
  • Goabaone Mosheleketi finished as a national champion in both the long jump and the triple jump.
  • The top eight finishers in each event are considered All-Americans.
  • Awards

  • Women’s Most Valuable Performer
    • Aminat Olowora of Oklahoma City
  • Anna Shields of Point Park (Pa.)
  • Men’s Most Valuable Performer
    • Goabaone Mosheleketi of Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)
    • Oraine Palmer of Wiley (Texas)
    • Geoffrey Kipchumba of Wiley (Texas)
• Southern-NO (La.) women’s team won its third title with a total of 64 points. The school’s first two championship titles were in 1995 and 1997.
• Wiley (Texas) men’s team won its first-ever title in school history with a total of 92 points.

Wiley College Wildcats (Texas) Wins First National Championship

GULF SHORES, Alabama -- In 2012, Wiley College was given 20 scholarships to recruit in Trinidad and Tobago to help build a national championship contending track and field team. Those student-athletes set the foundation for the 2018 Wildcats to dominate their way to the first NAIA Track & Field Title in program history Saturday at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium.

"This was three years in the making," said head coach Marlon Baugh, who won NAIA Men's Coach of the Year. "It started with Dan-Neil Telesford, Quinn-Lee Ralph, Justin Maloney and Moriba Morain. I'm proud of how our men performed. They executed."

The national title is the first in Wiley College athletic history and the first for a Red River Athletic Conference school in track & field. The Wildcats won six events and scored 92 points – which was 30 points ahead of Indiana Tech – which finished runner-up for the second consecutive year. Wiley College's point total is the highest since 2014. It is the first Historically Black College & University to win the national title since 1993 when Central State (Ohio) won. Eight Wildcats earned NAIA All-American.

Oraine Palmer (JR/Kingston, Jamaica) won the 100-meter dash (10.35), 200-meter dash (20.77) and ran on the champion 4 x 100-meter relay team with Fabian Hewitt (SO/Jamaica), Kimorie Shearman (SO/St. Vincent) and LaFranz Campbell (FR/Kingston, Jamaica). Palmer was named co-Most Valuable Performer – sharing the award with Goabaone Moshelekti of Lindsey Wilson Kentucky and Geoffrey Kipchumba of William Carey.

"I'm elated," Palmer said. "It's great being able to come up here and win a national title. I worked hard all year. This wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for God."

After running the anchor in the 4 x 100-meter relay, Campbell won the 110-meter hurdles in 13.98. He capped off his freshman season by being named Most Outstanding Performer.

"It feels great," Campbell said. "It took a lot of hard work and training. Now, I'm going to work on myself more and come back and do something bigger next season."

Rajay Hamilton (SR/Jamaica) sped past Wayland Baptist's Quintaveon Poole – who had the fastest qualifying time to win the 400-meter dash (46.07). It was the second straight season a Wiley College runner won the event.

The Wildcats finished the day with Kimorie Shearman, Jamoul Pierre (JR/Trinidad and Tobago), Marbeq Edgar (SR/Choiseul, St. Lucia) and Rajay Hamilton winning the 4 x 400-meter relay in 3:09.11. The Wildcats six titles give them 13 in program history.

Hewitt delivered NAIA All-American runs in the 100-meter dash (10.41) and the 200-meter dash (21.13) – finishing behind his teammate Palmer. Shearman earned NAIA All-American in the 200-meter dash (22.11) and 400-meter dash (47.00). Edgar (1:51.05) and Shevan Parks (SO/Jamaica) (1:52.04) earned NAIA All-American in the 800-meter run.

Edgar, Hamilton, Leonard Kiprono (SR/Chepkorio, Kenya), Kendell Perouza (SR/Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago) and Darion De La Rosa (SR/Freeport, Trinidad) depart. With Campbell, Pierre and Parks potentially returning, the Wildcats will look to add pieces for a repeat bid in 2019.

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS

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CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

The final day of the 2018 Men’s and Women’s National Championships wrapped up with 29 more individual champions at the Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Champions

• Women’s Marathon – Stephanie Johnston, Concordia (Mich.), 3:00:47.44
• Men’s Marathon – Tony Weber, St. Mary (Kan.), 2:35:04.47
• Men’s Shot Put – Alex Wellington, Hastings (Neb.), 19.04m
• Men’s Pole Vault – Curtis Bell, Aquinas (Mich.), 5.05m
• Men’s Triple Jump – Goabaone Mosheleketi, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), 15.57m
• Women’s High Jump – Tyanna Petty, Rio Grande (Ohio), 1.77m
• Women’s Discus Throw – Adrianna Shaw, Concordia (Neb.), 47.04m
• Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase – Rachel Roelle, Eastern Oregon, 10:19.06
• Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase – John Gay, British Columbia, 9:04.36
• Women’s 4x100 – 45.80, Wiley (Texas)
• Men’s 4x100 – 40.17, Wiley (Texas)
• Women’s 1,500m – Anna Shields, Point Park (Pa.), 4:14.38
• Men’s 1,500m – Mackenzie Wahpepah-Harris, Oklahoma City, 3:48.40
• Women’s 100m Hurdles – Renae Dennie, Wiley (Texas), 14.16
• Men’s 110m Hurdles – Lafranz Campbell, Wiley (Texas), 13.98
• Women’s 100m Dash – Safia Bright, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), 11.68
• Men’s 100m Dash – Oraine Palmer, Wiley (Texas), 10.35
• Women’s 400m Hurdles – Kimona Smikle, Southern (La.), 57.63
• Men’s 400m Hurdles – Caleb Anthony, Taylor (Ind.), 52.31
• Women’s 400m – Shadae Hylton, Southern (La.), 52.66
• Men’s 400m – Rajay Hamilton, Wiley (Texas), 46.07
• Women’s 800m – Anna Shields, Point Park (Pa.), 2:04.75
• Men’s 800m – Isaac Clark, Friends (Kan.), 1:50.06
• Women’s 200m Dash – Argyana Bolton, Southern (La.), 23.68
• Men’s 200m Dash – Oraine Palmer, Wiley (Texas), 20.77
• Women’s 5,000m – Aminat Olowora, Oklahoma City, 16:54.38
• Men’s 5,000m – Geoffrey Kipchumba, William Carey (Miss.), 14:39.53
• Women’s 4x400 – 3:40.15, Southern (La.)
• Men’s 4x400 – 3:09.11, Wiley (Texas)

Records Broken

• Anna Shields broke the previous known record in the 1,500m with at time of 4:14.38. The previous known record was set by Sarah Howell of Simon Fraser (B.C.) in 1992, with a time of 4:16.56.

Highlights

• Tony Weber who was unable to finish the marathon in 2017 came back in 2018 and won the marathon by a margin of nearly three seconds.
• Anna Shields became a two-year/back-to-back national champion in the 1,500m run with her record-breaking run this year.
• Aminat Olowora became a champion in the 5,000m today and Wednesday in the 10,000m.
• Wiley (Texas) had champions in eight different events today alone.
• Geoffrey Kipchumba of William Carey (Miss.) has won nine individual championships between outdoor track and field and cross country. He has won three straight 10,000m championships.
• Goabaone Mosheleketi finished as a national champion in both the long jump and the triple jump.
• The top eight finishers in each event are considered All-Americans.
• Awards
  • Women’s Most Valuable Performer
    • Aminat Olowora of Oklahoma City
    • Anna Shields of Point Park (Pa.)
  • Men’s Most Valuable Performer
    • Goabaone Mosheleketi of Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)
    • Oraine Palmer of Wiley (Texas)
    • Geoffrey Kipchumba of Wiley (Texas)

• Southern (La.) women’s team won its third title with a total of 64 points. The school’s first two championship titles were in 1995 and 1997.
• Wiley (Texas) men’s team won its first-ever title in school history with a total of 92 points.