Embracing its heritage, HU is proud to join the Big South Conference

HAMPTON, Virginia -- William Harvey will always be proud of Hampton University’s standing as a historically black institution.

Founders established the school three years after the Civil War to educate former slaves and train teachers. Booker T. Washington studied there. Rosa Parks worked there.

But Harvey, HU’s president since 1978, is equally proud of the university’s Proton Therapy Institute, which treats cancer patients, and its 13-story Harbour Centre building that includes a $5 million weather antenna.

“The fact that we’re an HBCU is wonderful,” Harvey said. “But we happen to be an HBCU that’s one of the best modest-sized institutions in the entire country.”



Harvey has never backed away from taking a bold step. And that has extended to athletics.

In what generated some controversy in the HBCU world, Hampton announced in December it would join the Big South Conference after 23 years in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which is comprised entirely of HBCUs. The move became official on July 1.

In the Big South, Hampton is the only institution that is not predominantly white. It is also one of two HBCUs in Division I that does not belong to either the MEAC or Southwestern Athletic Conference. Tennessee State, in the Ohio Valley Conference, is the other.

“We’re always going to be an HBCU,” HU athletic director Eugene Marshall said. “That goes without saying. But we wanted to be in the cutting edge of where conference realignment is.”

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Seven Morgan Bears Named to 2018 Preseason All-MEAC Teams

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Seven (7) Morgan State football players were named today to the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's (MEAC) preseason team, which was voted on by the conference head coaches and sports information directors. The announcement was made at the MEAC Football Luncheon at the Hilton Norfolk The Main.



Senior defensive lineman Malachi Washington and junior linebacker Rico Kennedy were first-team selections.
 
Senior offensive linemen Joshua Miles and Matthew Thompson were third-team picks, along with junior wideout Manasseh Bailey, junior linebacker Ian McBorrough, and senior defensive back Carl Garnes.
 
The seven preseason All-MEAC performers are part of a group of 37 lettermen and 16 starters returning for the 2018 Morgan State football season.
 
The Bears, under the direction of interim head coach Ernest T. Jones are predicted to finish ninth in the MEAC standings, according to the poll of the conference head coaches and sports information directors.
 
North Carolina A&T quarterback Lamar Raynard was selected preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while North Carolina Central defensive back Davanta Reynolds was picked preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
 
North Carolina A&T received the first place ranking in the conference's preseason poll for the 2018 MEAC football season.
 
Listed below are the 2018 MEAC Preseason Predicted Order of Finish. For Preseason All-MEAC teams, click here:
 
2018 PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. North Carolina A&T
2. Howard
3. N.C. Central
4. Bethune-Cookman
5. Florida A&M
6. Norfolk State
7. S.C. State
8. Savannah State
9. Morgan State
10. Delaware State
 
About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of high education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

Philander Smith Lady Panthers Earn 2017-18 NAIA Scholar-Team Recognition

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- The Philander Smith College Women's Basketball team has made national recognition with the "2017-18 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Scholar-Teams." The Lady Panthers earned a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.11.  Philander Smith Women's Basketball and Xavier University of Louisiana Women's Cross Country teams were the only two Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) teams to earn recognition.

The Lady Panthers had six student-athletes on The GCAC Commissioner's Honor Roll this past May. The Women's Basketball team also recorded the highest GPA in the Athletic Department for 2017-18. Head Coach Brandon Greenwood stated, "I am extremely proud of my women's team. Our team motto has always been: It's bigger than basketball." Greenwood continued, "I truly believe in that motto and that is why I push my team on and off the court."

Athletic Director, Nathan Cochran, said, "I am very excited about our Women's Basketball team earning this recognition. I cannot say enough about their hard work and the work of Coach Greenwood"

You can see the complete list of schools by clicking the following link:

2017-18 NAIA Scholar-Teams (PDFs) Sorted by Institution | Sorted by Sport 

For complete coverage of Philander Smith College Athletics, please follow @PSCAthletics1 on Twitter and Philander Athletics on Facebook. You can also find up-to-date information on all things Philander Smith Athletics at www.philanderathletics.com.

Langston's TeNeisha McKinney Selected as Vice President for ACAA

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- The NAIA unveiled the Athletics Compliance Administrators Association (ACAA) with Langston University Assistant Athletic Director and Compliance Administrator TeNeisha McKinney being named Vice President of the organization.

The ACAA will assist with the professional development of athletics compliance administrators. In addition to McKinney, Georgia Gwinnett's Dr. Ian Potter will serve as the ACAA Chair and Vanguard's Mike Teague was selected as secretary.

"Our goal is to simplify the compliance process for our fellow compliance administrators which will in turn help our student athletes at every institution," McKinney noted. "We're here to serve our student athletes, first and foremost, so anything we're able to do to help with process is a win-win for the NAIA. I think it's extremely important that we display the change we want to see."

An ACAA webpage is currently under development and will be shared once complete. Please contact any of the officers if you have questions.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Four Panthers Named Preseason All-Conference During SIAC Football Media Day; Ramsey Looking Forward to New Season

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Clark Atlanta University head football coach Kevin Ramsey was full of smiles as he talked to reporters at this week's Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Football Media Day at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Ramsey's optimism permeates a Panther football program that will feature new additions to the squad, to his staff, and even to Panther Stadium.

"My message to fans is this: we have some outstanding football," Ramsey said. "Our product is going to be a product worthy of seeing. We want to get into the playoffs and make some noise. Above all to the fans, I want them to remember this is the year of the Panther."

The conference announced Tuesday that four Panthers – defensive back Quantavious Singletary, kicker Carlos Saldana, offensive lineman Jah-Mai Davidson, and wide receiver Johnathan Sanders – were all named to the Preseason All-SIAC team.

And though the Panthers finished 4-6 last season and were picked by SIAC coaches and sports information directors to finish fifth in the SIAC East this year, particularly with some key graduation losses on offense and defense, Ramsey points to a solid group returning and his new additions as a reason for his optimism.

The offense will be led new offensive coordinator Willie "Satellite" Totten. Totten, the legendary Mississippi Valley State quarterback who's main target was NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, is himself a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

He now is a veteran offensive coordinator and former head coach who promises a faster tempo on offense for CAU.

"I'm excited," Totten said. "I like the way the guys embraced the offense during the Spring," Totten said. "We did do some exciting things to bring a different tempo, no huddle offense to Clark Atlanta, and I think the guys embraced that very well."

Charles Stafford and P.J. Sanford are the top candidates to replace Johnathan McCrary at quarterback. They will have Sanders, one of the SIAC's top receivers last season, to throw to, as well as Josh Banks who is returning from injury.

On defense, the Panthers also suffered some key graduation losses, but return Singletary, defensive back Kenneth Morgan, and defensive linemen Xavier Lewis and De'Angelo Penn among others.

"It starts on the defensive side of the ball," Ramsey said. "We lost some kids. We lost a couple of linebackers. In this league, you have to be ready in all three phases of the game – special teams, offense and defense. I thought this spring was a good boost for our defense with guys flying around."

Another addition every one at CAU is excited about is a state-of-the-art video board at Panther Stadium that will significantly increase the fan experience on Saturdays.

"That's a good thing, as long as we get that thing lit up and then have a goose egg on the other side," Ramsey quipped. "Our president, Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, and athletic director J Lin Dawson did a good job in getting that video board out there. And it's sitting there facing Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, so hopefully we get more fan in the stands supporting these guys. It's just another example of how great our university supports our student-athletes."

The Panthers report for fall practice in early August and begin preparations for the season-opener at Mississippi College on Aug. 30. After a trip the next week to Central State, the Panthers then open the home season against Tuskegee on Sept. 15.

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Five Savannah State Tigers Named to Preseason All-MEAC Team

NORFOLK, Virginia --  Five Savannah State football players have been named to the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason All Conference Team which was released during the annual Football Press Luncheon which was held at the Hilton Norfolk The Main hotel.

All votes were submitted by the MEAC's ten head football coaches and sports information contacts.

Senior defensive lineman Stefen Banks was named to the First Team Defense; junior place kicker Giovanni Lugo was named to the Second Team Special Teams; senior tight end Paris Baker was named to the Third Team Offense; Brandon Carswell, a senior defensive lineman, was named to the Third Team Defense; and sophomore return specialist JaMichael Baldwin was named to the Third Team Special Teams.

Banks, a 2017 BOXTOROW All-American, finished last season with 71 tackles, 18 tackles for losses, 10 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, one pass breakup and seven quarterback hurries. The Columbus, Ohio native led the MEAC in sacks and was second in tackles for losses.

Lugo made 26 of 27 extra point attempts last year and kicked eight field goals with a long of 43 yards. He also punted 29 times for an average of 40.1 yards per punt and had a long of 66 yards. Lugo is from Belle Glade, Florida.

Savannah, Ga. native Baker caught seven passes for 203 yards and a score last season.

Carswell, who hails from Mount Vernon, Georgia, had 34 tackles, nine tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one quarterback hurry.

Baldwin returned 30 kickoffs for 664 yards and a touchdown and averaged 22.1 yards per return. The Conyers, Ga. native also returned 15 punts for 202 yards and averaged 13.5 yards per return. He was second in the MEAC in kickoff returns.

Last season Banks made the All-MEAC First Team Defense while Carswelland Baldwin both made the All-MEAC Third Team Defense.

North Carolina A&T State quarterback Lamar Raynard was selected as the MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while North Carolina Central defensive back Davanta Reynolds was selected as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

Savannah State was picked to finish eighth in the conference preseason poll.

North Carolina A&T State was picked to defend its MEAC Football Championship as the Aggies topped the league's annual preseason poll.

Howard was predicted to place second followed by North Carolina Central in third place and Bethune-Cookman in fourth. Florida A&M was picked fifth followed by Norfolk State, South Carolina State, SSU, Morgan State and Delaware State.

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Can S.C. State Surprise In 2018?

The legacies of the 2018 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame inductees: Tougaloo College Coach Lafayette Stribling

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- All but one of the six inductees into this year's Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame shaped their legacy through coaching.

Former Murrah High basketball coach, Anna Jackson, led her girls teams to nine class 5A state championships. Not only is that a state record, but her team won all nine.

She said being inducted felt winning the first state title.

"I had to exhale, first," said Jackson. "And then I wanted to celebrate like I did when I won the first state championship with a big yay."



Former Ole Miss track and field coach Joe Walker, Jr. joins Jackson in this class.

"A lot of us are coaches," Walker said. "I always believed coaches made a difference in people's lives, so that's why we're all here because evidently we had some impact and did some things good that way."

Before Walker won at Ole Miss and Florida, he coached championship teams at Mississippi College where he mentored Larry Myricks, an Olympic medalist and Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer.

Joining Walker and Jackson is Lafayette Stribling.

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Panthers Open Training Camp Presented By Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

Click To Watch Comments From Head Coach Eric Dooley

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Prairie View A&M University Football Training Camp presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance opened Friday morning at Panther Stadium.

Coverage of Panthers Training Camp on pvpanthers.com is sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance. Texas Farm Bureau Members get free tickets to Panther home athletics contests by showing proof of membership at the PVAMU Ticket Office. Panther Nation can visit the local Texas Farm Bureau Agent in Waller to become a member today.

With a major focus on individual skills, first-year head coach Eric Dooley took his team through the first fall practice, with the season opener Saturday August 25 at Rice at 6 p.m.

"It's going to always be tough out here because of the expectations," Dooley said. "We have high expectations, and that's the way it should be. I'm pretty sure some guys did some great things and we'll get a chance to take a look at it once we watch the video."

There was marked level of increased intensity from the first spring under Dooley to today's practice session.

"I thought the intensity was turned up a lot," Dooley said. "I thought the guys tried to fly around but we kind of surprised them with some things we did at the beginning of practice. A lot of the veteran guys took it and challenged themselves. I know what I'm expecting will always be tough, but just looking at the overall picture, there are some pleasing sights and some positions we have to work on."

The Panthers will practice Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Kevin Darcy Names to guide Hampton Women's Soccer

HAMPTON, Virginia – The Hampton University athletic department named Kevin Darcy to head the women's soccer program for the 2018 season. He is the third head coach in program history, taking over for Frank Hughes who spent the last two seasons with HU.

"I am excited and appreciative to be given this opportunity by Mr. Eugene Marshall and Hampton University to take Pirate soccer to the next level.  Coach Hughes and Reoyo have laid the groundwork and with the commitment from the school to enter the Big South Conference, the tools are in place for success," said Darcy.  "I have been very fortunate to play and coach at all levels of the game and am ready to return to Division 1 college coaching. The experiences and relationships established throughout the region as a player and coach will serve me well as I dig in to create a fast, competitive environment to challenge the student/athletes daily.  Hard work and details will turn things around and I'm ready to get on the field to compete!"  

Darcy brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to Hampton as a USSF "A" licensed coach, NSCAA Premier diploma holder and coaching education staff instructor. He most recently served as the head coach of Legacy 76, a member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), from 2015 through 2018. In addition, he also served as the head coach and general manager for the PDL Virginia Legacy, the PASL Tidewater Sharks men and for the WPSL Tidewater Sharks women's team.

Darcy led his Legacy 76 squad to the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tournament after winning the Mid Atlantic Conference Championship. His squads also qualified for the regional playoffs in 2016 and 2017.

Darcy coached internationally in Costa Rica and Czech Republic with VA ODP and was selected as one of six coaches nationally to the "USL Experience" staff in 2016, as well as the USL Regional Scouting Series. Proving his success at all levels, Darcy has served as Technical Director for the Legacy, Chesterfield United and the Sharks youth clubs in the region.  Named a seven-time high school Coach of the Year in Maryland and Virginia, he has recently completed a four year run at Walsingham Academy as the Technical Advisor coaching the boys and girls varsity programs.

Collegiately, Darcy was an assistant coach for the women's soccer program at the College of William & Mary from 2009 to 2010. He began his collegiate career in 1992 as the assistant men's soccer coach at Salisbury University. He held that position until 1995, when he began building his playing and coaching resume at the professional level.
 
Darcy finished his professional playing career with the Maryland Mania of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) A League in 1999 after spending prior seasons with the Delaware Wizards, Baltimore Bays, and Eastern Shore Sharks of the D3 Pro League.
 
After a successful soccer and basketball career at Pocomoke High School in Maryland, Darcy began his college playing career at Old Dominion University before transferring to Salisbury State University where he graduated in 1991 with a Bachelors of Arts in liberal studies.

 
For more information on Hampton University women's soccer, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
 

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Picked to Finish Fourth in Preseason MEAC Poll

NORFOLK, Virginia  – Bethune-Cookman Football has been predicted to finish fourth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) preseason poll released Friday, July 27 during the annual MEAC Kickoff Luncheon held at The Hilton The Main Hotel. Additionally, five Wildcats student-athletes were voted to the All-MEAC Preseason First-, Second- or Third Team.
 
Leading the preseason team members for Bethune-Cookman was senior offensive lineman Dwayne Brown (Indianapolis, Ind.). The only returning starter along the offensive line for fourth-year Head Coach Terry Sims and the second place team from a season ago, Brown was selected to the First Team on offense. The transfer from Eastern Michigan ended the 2017 campaign as a First Team All-MEAC Team member after playing and starting in all 11 games for the Maroon and Gold. In blocking for quarterbacks Larry Brihm Jr. and Akevious Williams, Brown helped pave the way for an offensive unit that finished fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with an average of 341.2 yards/game. He was an anchor on the offensive front that finished the league season with the third-best passing offense (215.3 yards/game). He would grade out at 92 percent on all assignments throughout the campaign, seeing action on 94 percent of all plays. He was selected as the MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Oct. 2) following BCU's win over Savannah State.
 
Joining Brown on the All-MEAC Preseason First Team for the special teams unit is senior kicker Uriel Hernandez (Homestead, Fla.). A season ago, Hernandez led the Wildcats in scoring with 60 points, connecting on 12-of-18 field goals, in addition to 24-of-26 point-after attempts. On kickoffs, the former soccer player in high school toed the tee 24 times, booting the ball for an average of 55.8 yards per kick, totaling 1,339 yards altogether. He would also secure three punts, placing a pair inside the 20 yard line when used as a spot kicker.
 
Redshirt senior Todney Evans (Delray Beach, Fla.) represented Bethune-Cookman on the All-MEAC Preseason Second Team along the defensive line, earning his place as a defensive end/rush end. Last year, the transfer from Middle Tennessee State secured his spot as a second team member of the 2017 all-conference team. Playing and starting in 10 games – missing just one game due to injury, Evans finished the 017 campaign eighth on the team with 34 tackles (15 solo / 19 assisted). He also led the Maroon and Gold with 8.5 tackles for loss, pulling down 2.5 quarterback sacks. In all, he would tally three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries from his rush end position along the line.
 
Making his way onto preseason third team for offense is running back Tupac Isme (Naples, Fla.). The junior running back that is a deadly threat out of the backfield accepting passes from the quarterback as well, played in 10 games last season, missing just one game (at Howard). He rushed for 173 yards on 50 carries across the season, finishing third on the squad in total rushing yards. Isme, a fan-favorite since his arrival to Daytona Beach, averaged 3.5 yards per carry. He would score one touchdown via the ground, in addition to averaging 17.3 yards per game via the rush. He stepped out of the offensive backfield to register eight catches for 161 yards and an average of 20.1 yards per reception across the year.
 
The final Wildcats performer earning a spot on the all-conference preseason third team for defense is redshirt senior Kevin Thompson (Baltimore, Md.). The defensive tackle missed almost all of the 2017 campaign after suffering a season-ending injury during the Southeastern Louisiana win on the road. In two games against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent Miami (Fla.) and FCS power Southeastern Louisiana, respectfully, he secured three tackles from his interior position along the defensive front.
 
As a team, BCU was predicted to finish fourth overall, sitting behind defending champion North Carolina A&T (1st), Howard (2nd) and North Carolina Central (3rd).
 
North Carolina A&T senior quarterback Lamar Raynard was predicted as the MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while North Carolina central senior defensive back Davanta Reynolds was tabbed the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
 
For more information on the 2018 Preseason All-MEAC Team and predicted order of finish, please visit MEACsports.com.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

North Carolina A&T State Reaps Rewards From Championship Seasons

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – After the conclusion of spring sports, North Carolina A&T State University ranks 99th in the Learfield Director’s Cup Standings, first amongst Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schools.

The Learfield Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. In the Directors’ Cup, schools may count points in up to 19 sports programs, four of which must be men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball



Earning points for N.C. A&T in the spring was baseball and men’s track and field. The Spring brought in 48 points adding to the winter score of 94 points and the fall score of 45 points.

The baseball team made their second postseason appearance in school history reaching the NCAA Baseball Championship Tournament as the No. 4 seed in the Chapel Hill Regional aiding to their 25 Learfield points. N.C. A&T opened the season 5-10 but went 27-13 over their last 40 games including a 3-0 sweep through the MEAC Baseball Championship Tournament to win the title for the first time in 13 years. The Aggies also claimed the MEAC Southern Division title, broke the school record for wins (32) and the school record for conference wins (16).

The men’s track and field team added 23 Learfield points. Junior sprinter Rodney Rowe finished fifth in the 200 meters earning his third first-team All-American honor. The men's 4x100 relay team of Rowe, Joel Thomas, Michael Bell and Michael Dickson earned second-team All-American honors along with Trevor Stewart in the 400 meters during the NCAA outdoor championships.

Joining the Aggies in the 2017-18 Learfield Directors’ Cup Division I Final Standings out of the MEAC was South Carolina State (83.50), Bethune-Cookman (25.00), Morgan State (25.00), Norfolk State (23.50) and North Carolina Central (5.00).

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU picked to finish fifth in preseason MEAC poll

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- In the eyes of its peers in the Mid-Eastern Conference, Florida A&M will be a middle-of-the-pack team in 2018.

During the league's Media Day festivities in Norfolk, Va., the Rattlers were picked to finish fifth in the preseason poll.

This position is an upgrade from 2017, when FAMU earned a sixth-place ranking.


"Of course, preseason doesn't mean anything to coaches. This gives us a barometer and the fans some excitement," FAMU coach Willie Simmons said.

This was the first Media Day for Simmons in the MEAC. He previously attended this affair on multiple occasions while coaching in the SWAC.

While on stage during the question-and-answer session with ESPN's Jay Walker, Simmons was asked to give his thoughts on a variety of topics. They ranged from working so close to his hometown of Quincy to the long losing streak to rival Bethune-Cookman. The Rattlers last defeated their top nemesis in 2010.

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FAMU's James Spady brings depth to coaching staff

Football lifer with 25 years of experience joins Rattlers as associate HC, tight ends coach and special teams coordinator

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The coaching fraternity is a close-knit circle where stories are exchanged and network opportunities developed.

However, the bond which led to the eventual connection between James Spady and Willie Simmons was the byproduct of an encounter with their wives - Barbara Tatum-Spady and Shaia Simmons.

In 2014, the women exchanged pleasantries during a game when Spady, who coached at Alabama A&M, matched wits against Simmons' Prairie View A&M Panthers.

Their conversation continued after the game where the wives gathered near the locker room with their rival husbands. This led to a chain reaction of multiple off-the-field discussion between the men on a variety of topics.

Last season, the coaches parted ways from their respective teams. Simmons resigned and took over at Florida A&M. Spady was relieved of his duties at Alabama A&M.

As Simmons began to pick his assistants, one of the coaches he called to join him in Tallahassee was Spady.

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TSU Football: OVC Media Day 2018

Nine NCCU Eagles Earn Preseason All-MEAC Football Honors

Reynolds Tabbed Preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year

NORFOLK, Virginia – NORFOLK, Va. – North Carolina Central University senior safety Davanta Reynolds headlines a list of nine NCCU Eagles to be named to the 2018 Preseason All-MEAC Football Teams by being recognized as the Preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced on Friday from its annual football media day and luncheon in Norfolk, Virginia.
 
A native of Tucker, Georgia, Reynolds is coming off a spectacular junior campaign. He was voted First-Team All-MEAC, named Associated Press FCS All-American as a member of the Third Team, and announced to 11th annual BOXTOROW All-America Team, honoring the top 29 players in HBCU football. Reynolds tied for second in the nation (FCS) with a conference-high six interceptions for 141 return yards and a touchdown (31-yard TD), while also returning a fumble 85 yards for a touchdown (featured on ESPN Top-10 Plays). The safety tallied 54 tackles (35 solo), including 2.5 stops for a loss with a sack, along with a forced fumble and a pass break-up.
 
In addition to being named Preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Reynolds is also a member of the Preseason All-MEAC First Team along with sophomore running back Isaiah Totten, junior offensive lineman Nick Leverett, and junior defensive lineman Kawuan Cox.
 
Three NCCU Eagles on the Preseason All-MEAC Second Team are senior tight end Josh McCoy, sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Dale, and senior defensive lineman Randy Anyanwu.
 
Receiving Preseason All-MEAC Third Team honors are junior wide receiver Xavier McKoy and senior defensive back De'Mario Evans.
 Totten (Apex, N.C.) earned a spot on the All-MEAC Second Team as a redshirt freshman last season. He ranked fifth in MEAC with 65.3 rushing yards per game and third with an average of 5.7 yards per carry, totaling a team-high 718 rushing yards with five touchdowns.
 
Leverett (Concord, N.C.) was a Second Team All-MEAC member after last season. In 738 plays, he graded out at a team-best 90 percent with 52 pancake blocks and allowed just three sacks.
 
Cox (Summerville, S.C.) was voted First Team All-MEAC and announced to the BOXTOROW All-America Team last season after tying for second in the MEAC with a team-high 8.0 sacks for 42 yards lost and three forced fumbles, while also collecting 43 total tackles (27 solo), five quarterback hurries, two pass break-ups and an interception returned six yards for a touchdown.
 
McCoy (Sharon, S.C.) was selected Second Team All-MEAC in 2017 after collecting 11 receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 11.0 yards per catch. His three touchdown grabs were second-most on the squad.
 
Dale (Morehead City, N.C.) allowed just one sack in 614 plays with 37 pancake blocks and a blocking grade of 84 percent as a redshirt freshman in 2017.
 
Anyanwu (Lovejoy, Ga.) recorded 30 tackles, including 5.5 hits for a loss with 2 assisted sacks, along with two pass deflections and a team-high seven quarterback hurries a year ago.
 
McKoy (Charlotte, N.C.) ranked third on the team with 18 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 15.3 yards per catch.
 
Evans (Columbia, S.C.) finished 2017 with 28 tackles (24 solo), five pass break-ups and an interception for an 18-yard return.
 
For a complete list of the 2018 Preseason All-MEAC Football Teams, visit MEACsports.com.



NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY EAGLES SPORTS INFORMATION

Buddy Pough - :" The ox is in the ditch and we've got to get him out"

North Carolina A&T State's Raynard Named Preseason Player of the Year

NORFOLK, Virginia – The North Carolina A&T football was perfect again. All nine players they nominated for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason all-conference teams were voted on by the conference’s football head coaches and sports information directors including seven who were named first team.

The MEAC announced their preseason team on Friday during their media day at the Hilton Norfolk The Main Hotel.



Quarterback Lamar Raynard (6-4, 195, R-SR, High Point, N.C.) led the way. He was predicted to repeat as offensive player of the year as a preseason first-teamer. Joining him on the first team are running back Marquell Cartwright (5-8, 203, R-SR, High Point, N.C.), cornerback Frank “Mac” McCain (5-11, 173, R-SO, Greensboro), left tackle Marcus Pettiford (6-4, 293, R-JR, Durham, N.C.), wide receiver Elijah Bell (6-1, 221, JR, Wheeling, WVa.), cornerback Timadre Abram (5-10, 168, R-Sr., Lakeland, Fla.), Darryl Johnson, Jr. (6-5, 232, R-Jr.) and tight end Leroy Hill (6-3, 247, R-SR, Smithfield, N.C.).

Defensive tackle Julian McKnight (6-3, 287, R-SR, Conyers, Ga.) was a second-team selection.

Raynard comes into the season with a 26-0 record as a starter. He has a chance to continue his pummeling of school records this season. After breaking numerous single-season school marks last season, Raynard could end his career owning many career records. He enters the 2018 season needing 1,942 yards, 195 completions, 2,590 total yards of offense and 12 touchdown passes to become the Aggies all-time leader in those categories. He also needs 11 more touchdowns (passing or rushing) to become the Aggies all-time leader in touchdowns responsible for.

In 2017, he broke single-season school records in passing yards (2,932), passing TDs (27), touchdowns responsible for (31), completions (209), attempts (328) and passing efficiency. He completed 63.7 percent of his passes to come less than a percentage point away from breaking his own single-season school record for completion percentage (64.6). Raynard was one of four finalist for the 2017 Deacon Jones Award given to the best black college football player in the nation by ranking in the top-35 nationally in passing efficiency (6th, 161.7), yards per pass attempt (7th, 8.94), passing touchdowns (11th, 27), points responsible for per game (13th, 15.7), passing yards (17th, 2,932), passing yards per completion (18th, 14.03), passing yards per game (19th, 244.3), total offense (22nd, 259.8) and completions per game (35th, 17.42).

Cartwright helped the Aggies produce their seventh 1,000-yard rusher in eight seasons. He comes into this season with 1,778 career rushing yards. Another strong season could see him rank in the school’s top-5 in rushing all-time. Last season he ranked in the top-20 nationally in five statistical categories including rushing touchdowns (5th, 14), total touchdowns (6th, 15), rushing yards (7th, 1,190), rushing yards per game (12th, 99.2) and scoring (16th, 90).

In addition to leading the conference in rushing, he also led the league in rushing touchdowns, rushing yards per game, scoring and total touchdowns. He had five 1,00-yard rushing games including a career-high 176 yards at Morgan.

McCain had a fabulous freshman season where he earned All-America honors from the Associated Press (third team), Phil Steele Magazine and BoxToRow. He made six interceptions and returned three of those picks for touchdowns. He had a game-winning pick-6 in the Aggies upset win over Charlotte last season and he returned an INT 100 yards at Morgan State.

Pettiford will fill in for Parker who is now an NFL tackle. Pettiford played 649 snaps with 24 knockdown blocks and had an average grade of 83.3 percent. In one of the biggest games of the season, Pettiford graded out with an 87 against Bethune-Cookman. The Aggies offense complied 5,122 yards of offense and surrendered only 11 sacks all season.

Bell was 47 yards shy of 1,000 yards receiving, caught a school-record 11 touchdown passes and he is seven touchdown receptions away from breaking the school’s career mark with two years of eligibility remaining. Before his career is over, he could be considered the undisputed greatest receiver to ever do it at N.C. A&T. He comes into the 2018 season with 1,584 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns on 99 receptions. He is 718 yards shy of breaking Herbert Harbison’s career receiving mark at N.C. A&T. He is seven touchdown receptions shy of breaking Denzel Keyes’ career mark and he needs 74 receptions to break the career marks of Harbison and Wallace Miles. Last season he had the second most catches for an Aggie in a season (64) and the second most receiving yards (953).

Abram is the other first-team corner. Abram was challenged multiple times last season because he was playing opposite of McCain. Abram responded by breaking up eight passes last season. He was 13th in the MEAC in passes defended. He also made 29 tackles (20 unassisted).

Johnson returns as the Aggies starting defensive end after a career season that saw him earn first-team All-MEAC honors. In addition to making 40 tackles (25 unassisted) last season, Johnson also had 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was fifth in the conference in and 37th in the nation in tackles for loss. He finished 12th nationally and third in the MEAC in forced fumbles.

Hill will return to his prominent role as the Aggies lead tight end after a season where Trey Scott was the lead man at the position, earning first-team All-MEAC honors. Scott earned a free agent opportunity with the Tennessee Titans. His production will be hard to replace but it will be made easier by the fact Hill was a first-team All-MEAC selection in 2016 after making 17 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Joyner Makes Changes to His N.C. A&T Aggies Coaching Staff

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Jay Joyner announced changes to his coaching staff on Thursday. Joyner announced the hiring of Ahmad Dorsett as an assistant coach while promoting Willie Jones to associate head coach.

Dorsett will serve as the Aggies recruiting coordinator. He will also be in charge of skill development for point guards, community service, admissions and strength and conditioning. Dorsett spent seven seasons at nearby HPU before coming to N.C. A&T.

“I've watched coach Dorsett over the past several years from afar and always appreciated his work ethic,” said Joyner. “Coach Dorsett helped High Point University win four consecutive conference titles and I believe he will bring that same winning attitude here. I look forward to working with him as we continue to move this program in the right direction.”

After one season at HPU, Dorsett helped the Panthers win the 2012-13 Big South Northern Division title and an appearance in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. The following season, Dorsett helped HPU win 12 of their final 14 games to win the Big South regular-season championship and an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament.

In 2014-15, the Panthers won a school-record 23 games overall and 13 conference contests. The same season, HPU earned their first-ever postseason win. The Panthers won 13 conference games again the following season and they made the NIT for the second time in three seasons. In winning four straight regular-season Big South titles, Dorsett helped the Panthers become one of only four Division I programs to win four regular-season conference championships in a row.

Dorsett has also had assistant coaching stints at Longwood (2003-04), Mount Olive (2008-09), Bowie State (2009-10) and Mount St. Mary’s (2010-11). He was also the head coach at Freedom High School in Woodbridge, Va., for four seasons. Dorsett played collegiately at George Mason from 1996-2000. He was an All-Colonial Athletic Association rookie team member during his career to go along with eventually being a team captain.

Over Dorsett’s two seasons at George Mason, the Patriots were 19-35. They were 38-22 over the final two years of Dorsett’s career as they won two CAA regular-season titles, a CAA tournament title and made an NCAA tournament appearance in the same span. Hailing from Long Island, N.Y., Dorsett received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from George Mason in 2000.

“Coach Joyner and his staff have already set this team on a successful trajectory in a short time, and I am excited to join this program as we look to win the MEAC,” said Dorsett. “Not only does A&T have an impressive academic reputation, but also an extraordinary athletics program and a passionate fan base. I am grateful to coach Joyner and Athletics Director Earl Hilton for the opportunity, and I look forward to working with our team on and off the floor and bringing more young men to join the Aggie family.”

Jones is entering his third season with the Aggies under Joyner. Jones was instrumental in 2017-18 when the Aggies had one of the best one-year improvements in NCAA history. The Aggies improved 17 games from the 2016-17 season to finish the 2017-18 season 20-15. It was the Aggies first 20-win season in five years and the Aggies advanced to the CIT to face Liberty.

As the associate head coach, Jones will work closely with Joyner on in-game coaching strategies and coordinating the Aggies defense. Other duties include scouting, skill development of wing players, assisting Joyner in establishing and enforcing team rules, manage the program’s academic progress rate and scheduling games.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State Women's Basketball Adds Assistant Coach Jasmine Young

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State women's basketball head coach announced today the hiring of assistant coach Jasmine Young. Young was a standout player at East Carolina and helped build Virginia Union into a Division-II powerhouse in the sport.

"I am pleased to bring Jasmine on board," Vickers said. "She comes highly recommended from many different people that I respect. From her success as a player at East Carolina and as a coach at Virginia Union to the experience she gained at Georgia State, I believe she will fit within our culture perfectly."

Young joins the Spartans after a one-year stint at Georgia State in Atlanta, where she assisted Sharon Baldwin, her former coach at ECU.

Under Young's direction, guard Kierra Henry averaged 14.2 points per game, good for seventh-best in the conference, on 42.9-percent shooting while averaging 3.2 assists per game. Fellow GSU guard Madison Newby ranked second in the Sun Belt in steals per game (2.4) and fourth in assists per game (4.1).

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the great culture at Norfolk State," Young said. "It feels great to be back in my home town, and I'm looking forward to working with an exceptional group of young ladies who love the game. I want to extend a special thanks to coach Vickers for bringing me in and believing in my talents and skills."

Prior to her stint at Georgia Southern, Young spent three years as an assistant at Virginia Union in Richmond.

In Young's first year at Virginia Union, the Lady Panthers compiled a 9-18 record. Over the next two seasons, VU went a combined 56-8 and reached the 2017 NCAA Division-II National Championship game.

VU scored 78.5 points per game in 2016-17, a mark that ranked 15th in D-II that season. The Lady Panthers led the CIAA in assists per game (14.7) and field goal percentage (.443) and ranked fifth with 9.7 steals per contest.

The Lady Panthers' turnaround began during the 2015-16 season, when Virginia Union posted a 28-3 record and captured its first-ever CIAA Tournament title. The Lady Panthers fell just shy of reaching the Final Four, falling to Bentley 53-52 in the Elite Eight.

Before going to Virginia Union, Young was an assistant at Powhatan High School in Richmond. The team posted three winning seasons with Young on the bench. Young helped coach two district players of the year and one regional player of the year.

Young enjoyed a three-year professional career overseas, spending time in Puerto Rico, Poland and Germany. Young made her professional debut in 2009 with Aguas Buenas Tigersas and made an immediate impact, leading the Puerto Rican league in assists while also leading her team to the playoffs.

After splitting time in 2010 between Herne T.C. Club and Klub Sportowy Basket 25, Young returned to the Aguas Buenas Tigersas for her final season in 2011.

Young starred at East Carolina between 2005 and 2009, and ranks fifth in all-time scoring with 1,591 points. She owns the team record with 122 starts and was a four-year All-C-USA second team performer. She thrice earned C-USA all-defensive team accolades and was the first Pirate to earn C-USA freshman of the year honors, when she did so in 2005-06.

Young ranks second in all-time assists at ECU and owns three of the 10-highest single-season assist marks in program history. Similarly, her 264 steals are tied for the second-most in team history, and Young appears twice on the single-season steals top-10 list.

Young holds two bachelor's degrees from East Carolina, graduating in 2009 with degrees in communications and criminal justice.

Prior to college, Young played for Monacan High School in Richmond.

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

NSU Spartans Voted 6th in MEAC, Garner 8 Preseason All-MEAC Picks

NORFOLK, Virginia – The Norfolk State football team has been picked to finish sixth in this year's preseason MEAC poll of head coaches and sports information directors, and seven Spartans earned a total of eight spots on the preseason All-MEAC teams, which were released Friday at the conference's annual media day.

Junior linebacker Nigel Chavis and senior kick returner Marcus Taylor were voted to the preseason All-MEAC first team. Taylor, as a receiver, joined senior center Wes Jones, junior offensive lineman Kenneth Kirby and junior defensive back J.T. Wahee on the preseason second team. Junior running back Aaron Savage and senior defensive lineman Deshaywn Middleton were selected to the third team.

Defending MEAC champion North Carolina A&T was chosen the preseason favorite and received 19 of a possible 20 first-place votes in the preseason poll. Howard, North Carolina Central, Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M (one first-place vote) occupied second through fifth places, respectively, ahead of the Spartans. South Carolina State, Savannah State, Morgan State and Delaware State rounded out the poll in seventh through 10th places.

Chavis, an All-MEAC third-team pick as a defensive end last season, was third on the team with 82 tackles, including 8.5 stops for loss and five sacks in 2017. He forced three fumbles, recovered one and notched one interception.

Taylor was a second-team All-MEAC kick returner and third-team receiver last season, when he led the MEAC with 1,392 all-purpose yards. He caught a MEAC-high 60 passes for 629 yards and five touchdowns, and averaged 23.8 yards with one touchdown (covering 100 yards) as a kickoff returner.

Jones and Kirby helped anchor the Spartans' offensive line last season, with Jones starting all 11 games at center and Kirby doing likewise at left tackle for the second straight year. They helped lead a unit which allowed 13 fewer sacks over the 2016 season.

Wahee was also a third-team All-MEAC pick last season after leading NSU with four interceptions and nine total passes defended. He also racked up 63 tackles, 3.5 for loss, with a fumble recovery that he returned 96 yards for a touchdown against Florida A&M.

Savage was the primary starter at tailback for NSU in 2017 and led the team with 427 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He saved his best for last, rushing for 188 yards and all three of his scores in the Spartans' final two games, including a career-high 112 yards at Howard.

Middleton started all 11 games for NSU last season at nose guard. He tallied 39 tackles, 1.5 for loss, and recovered a pair of fumbles in his junior campaign. He enters his third season as the starter at nose guard.

Reigning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Lamar Raynard, North Carolina A&T quarterback, was chosen the preseason MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. N.C. Central defensive back Davanta Reynolds was voted preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

NSU opens preseason camp with its first practice on Friday, Aug. 3.



NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Legendary Coach Lafayette Stribling heading to the Hall, and, naturally he will dress for the occasion

RIDGELAND, Mississippi – No visit to Lafayette Stribling’s posh home in Overlook Pointe is complete without a tour of his closet. Yes, you read right: his closet, nearly as big as the humble tenant shacks in which he grew up. Stribling proudly will show you his more than 200 stylish suits and tuxedos, all with shoes and top hats to match. There’s a mink coat that cost more money than he used to make in three years as a high school basketball coach, more money than his daddy ever saw.

At 84, Stribling has retired as one of Mississippi’s most accomplished basketball coaches ever. He won everywhere he coached and once put Mississippi Valley State in the national spotlight. All the while, he was also Mississippi’s best dressed coach. Fans loved to see what he would wear almost as much as they loved to watch his teams play, play fast and win.

And there’s a story behind Stribling and his elaborate wardrobe and the reason be bought his house near the Barnett Reservoir because the monster master closet. You see, 68 years ago, he graduated from tiny Harmony Vocational High School, out in the country a few miles from Carthage. He was the son of dirt-poor but proud sharecroppers. His daddy had no education, signed his name with an X.

Young Lafayette Stribling – “Strib” his friends call him – had no suit to wear to his graduation. He owned only one pair of shoes, the ones he wore to school and to play his high school basketball on an outdoor court. We should let Strib tell the rest.

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Mississippi Valley State Lafeyette Stribling Highlights Weekend of Champions

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Lafayette Stribling, the winningest men's basketball coach in MVSU history, will lead a star-studded group into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame this weekend.   Coach Stribling led the Delta Devils for twenty-two seasons while compiling a 315-307 (.490) record which included four SWAC regular season and three SWAC tournament championships.   Coach Stribling is most remembered for leading the Delta Devils to a near upset over the Duke Blue Devils in the 1986 NCAA tournament.  The Delta Devils led the Blue Devils by three points at the half before eventually falling 85-78.

The Hall of Fame weekend, sponsored by Sanderson Farms and the Sanderson Farms Championships, begins with a Draw Down of Champions on Friday evening starting at 6:30 PM at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.  Fans will be able to win prizes and rub shoulders with some of the best-known names in Mississippi sports.  On Saturday, fans will return to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame for a meet and greet with the inductees from 10:00 – 11:30 AM.  The weekend will conclude with the fifty-sixth annual induction program starting at 5:30 PM honoring the Class of 2018 at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Additional information on the Hall of Fame weekend can be found at www.msfame.com.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS