Assistant coach vows: N.C. A&T's offense won't be boring

GREENSBORO -- To some observers, the football principles of new N.C. A&T coordinator John McKenzie replicate the West Coast offense. Others might call it a spread. Still others invoke the name of Dan Henning. Confused? Well, good. That's sort of the point. "We'll take one play and run it six or eight ways," said McKenzie, who became head coach Lee Fobbs' first offensive coordinator at A&T this spring.

People in motion, myriad forms of deception and play-calling balance are the goals, all of which signal opportunity for as many players as possible. McKenzie, who directed the offense at Alcorn State for the past seven seasons, vows it won't be boring. "Sounds good to me as a receiver," said senior Chaz Dawson. "We like the system. We feel we can move up and down the field."

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Veteran offense has NCCU coaching staff confident

DURHAM -- Mose Rison already was optimistic about his N.C. Central football team before he directed the Eagles' first open preseason practice. And after Tuesday's two-hour workout -- on a hot afternoon during which the Eagles were happy to see a few clouds -- the second-year head coach seemed even happier.

The enthusiasm seems contagious around a program that is coming off its fourth straight winning season. "I was talking to the coaches before last night's [9:30 p.m.] workout, and we thought the guys would probably show up a little early," said Rison, who has 90 players including 57 scholarship players in camp. "But at 8:40, the whole team was there. "The kids showed a whole lot of energy today. It was just outstanding. We've got a ways to go, but right now there are a lot of things we can build on."

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SCSU Series: Changing the culture

Though coaching different sports, Glad Bugariu and Doug Robertson have plenty in common. Both arrived at South Carolina State University from successful coaching stints at NCAA Division II programs. Bugariu led the Belmont Abbey College women’s soccer team to back-to-back conference titles while Robertson posted 100 victories in five basketball seasons at Shaw University.

Each also had a moment in their careers when they looked at the respective programs at S.C. State and were attracted by an opportunity to vastly improve the product.“I really think there’s potential here,” Bugariu said. “There’s always potential here. We have scholarship money. The budget’s okay, there’s potential. In that respect, there are certain things that appealed to me.”

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Former NFL star talks at JSU about life after football

NFL Hall of Famer Gene Washington

Gene Washington, the NFL's director of football operations, met with members of the Jackson State football team Tuesday as part of the NCAA's Champs Life Skills program.
JSU officials said they requested the Tuscaloosa native and former NFL star.

Washington used the much publicized Brett Favre situation as an example of how hard life is after their playing days are over. "He just can't give it up," Washington said in reference to Favre passing on a reported $20 million to stay retired.

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Former FAMU Willie Johnson named assistant coach at Radford University

Excerpt:

Johnson joins the Radford University staff after two years as a graduate assistant/jumps coach for the Marshall University women's team, where he guided two All-Conference USA performers and three school record holders. In May, Johnson earned his Master's Degree in athletic administration from Marshall.

The Orlando, Florida native excelled as a collegiate triple jumper at both Florida A&M University and Florida State University. As a Seminole, Johnson was a two-time NCAA All-American (2003-04), and earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference accolades three times in the outdoor triple jump (2003-05) and once in the indoor triple jump (2004).

At FAMU, he was an All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honoree in the indoor and outdoor triple jump (2002). Johnson earned a B.S. in physical education at FSU in 2005.

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FAMU coach evaluates Rattlers' fitness

You can't teach speed.

Philip Sylvester proved that with an exclamation point Tuesday morning during Florida A&M's first official preseason football practice. The sophomore speedster was the first Rattler to break the 4.4-second barrier in 40-yard sprints, drawing appreciative reactions from teammates and coaches.

What was even more impressive was that Sylvester, FAMU's leading rusher in 2007, began with an awkward stance and got off to a wobbly start. "That young man is truly special," head coach Joe Taylor marveled. "Who knows what time he's really capable of?"

Philip Sylvester should again lead the MEAC in All-Purpose yards in 2008.

The Rattlers had their first team meeting Monday evening. They will spend this week easing into the preseason in anticipation of the Aug. 30 season opener, at home against Alabama State.

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Fierce Competitor: Sprinter Dix eyes medal

Excerpt:

Washington Dix, a former sprinter at Bethune-Cookman University and a longtime (Florida) prep track coach, recognized something special in his youngest son from his first organized race. Walter was 7 at the time. And he lost. "He was standing there crying," Washington Dix recalled after Anthony Gaines, who went on to play football and run track at South Florida, bested Walter. "I said, ‘Hey. It's time to get busy with this kid; he really wants to win.'"

"When I was younger, I used to cry a lot when I lost," Walter said. "I don't know why I hate to lose so much." "When he ran 9.93 with no wind in Sacramento at the NCAAs," Boldon said, "he became world-class that day, in my eyes." "Walt is one of those special people who's the total package." In the eyes of sponsors, too. Dix was offered millions to leave school and turn professional, but he wanted to finish his degree in social science and help FSU go for a third straight national title. He did both.

Coral Springs, Florida native Walter Dix is heading to Beijing in search of a gold medal in the Summer Olympic Games. The former Florida State Seminole will run in the 100 and 200 meters.

Walter Dix - 200m FINAL U.S. Olympic Track Trials 2008

Olympian Walter Dix Press Conference - Part I

Olympian Walter Dix Press Conference - Part II


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Plenty of New Faces at Grambling

This time last year, there were a lot of question marks surrounding the Grambling State football team entering the season as the Tigers learned a new offensive system under then first-year offensive coordinator James Spady. Those questions were immediately erased as the Tigers had a successful season on the gridiron as several players set career highs on the field en route to an appearance in the 2007 SWAC Championship Game. As the 2008 season approaches, Spady and his offensive staff once again face a new set of questions as Grambling enters the season looking to replace several key playmakers that departed after the 2007 campaign.

Beginning his second season at the helm of the Tiger offense, Spady cited familiarity with his players as one of the biggest assets entering the season. “I have a different feel for our team this year as last year I didn’t know what a lot of the players were capable of,” he said. “I have a real good feel of what we have returning and that makes it easier to work in the new players we brought in.”

Getting into Coach Spady's head--2007 Interview with the Offensive Coordinator


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Southern shuffles two to tight end

Jaguars offensive coordinator, Mark Orlando

A year ago, Southern moved a senior tight end to left tackle at the start of preseason camp and got a huge return on the move. This time, the Jaguars are hoping the reverse pays off. Because of a lack of tight ends and greatly improved depth among offensive linemen, two linemen — senior Rafael Louis and freshman Leslie Davis — got looks Monday at tight end.

“We’re in dire need of tight end now,” Southern offensive coordinator Mark Orlando said. The two most veteran tight ends aren’t available. Senior Evan Alexander is out after having knee surgery and there’s no guarantee he’ll play this season. Senior fullback/tight end Antuanya Antoine has yet to return from an internship.

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Prairie View elevates its play, goals

PVAMU returns 10 veterans to a stingy defense that averaged 15.2 points per contest in 2007, third lowest in the Football Championship Subdivision (1-AA).

Work left for Prairie View

Nearly nine months after finishing their first winning season since 1976, the Prairie View A&M Panthers got their 2008 fall camp under way with a practice Monday night. The coaches, the drills and most of the faces were the same from last season, but the camp’s theme was significantly different.

Last year, the Panthers’ theme was to “dig deep,” something they did well down the stretch, winning five of their last six games to finish 7-3. But with a squad that returns nine starters on offense, 10 on defense and two on special teams, the Panthers plan to take care of “unfinished business” this season. Prairie View coach Henry Frazier III believes this year’s team can elevate the program to a higher level.

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After the NSU sidelines, Branche eager to make up for lost time

NORFOLK, VA - DeAngelo Branche compared climbing the stadium stairs repeatedly in Tuesday's humid conditions to a walk in the park. "Just like when I was a kid," said the Norfolk State running back, smiling big as sweat dripped from his shoulder-length dreads.

It's unlikely all of Branche's teammates shared his enthusiasm, but Tuesday was not just any first day of practice for the Spartan sophomore. It was another step toward the reward he covets: suiting up Aug. 30, the day after he turns 21, for NSU's opener against Virginia State.

Expect Branche, limited by academic issues to a scout-team role last year, to start at running back. "I'm telling everybody - the coaches, the players - when they ask if I'm ready this year, that I'm coming back with a vengeance," said Branche, with one tattoo that reads "No pain" painted down his right arm and another, "No gain," scribbled down his left.

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MVSU Football Team Reports to Campus

Delta Devils head football coach Willie Totten.

Itta Bena, Miss. --- By end of day yesterday 85 student-athletes had reported to camp as the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils football team reported to began fall conditioning and practice. With five more expected players who had received clearance for late arrival expected over the weekend, there should be a total of 90 student-athletes aboard.

"Guys came in really excited," said head coach Willie Totten. "Now we're just ready to test them and get them on the field." In this morning's work out, the team went through time tests on the track which included 40-yard dash and vertical and broad jumps. They also hit the iron in the weight room working out at 225 lbs on the bench and inclines.

On the track freshman Gerard Hall (5-9, 189, DB, Memphis, TN) turned in a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, while redshirt freshman Paul Cox, Jr. (6-5, 190, WR, Patterson, LA) had a 4.41. Running backs Johey Hargrett (6-0, 265, SR, Chicago, IL) and Ronald Brewer (5-10, 205, R-SO, Memphis), 2008 Preseason All-SWAC, each ran a 4.5.

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Tennessee State University Athletics Unveils new Big Blue Sports Network

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information.
Logo Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics.

Affiliates in Nashville, Columbia and Jackson

Tennessee State University Athletics announced yesterday the creation of a new Big Blue Sports Network with radio affiliates in Nashville, Columbia and Jackson. The network will greatly expand the coverage area for Tiger football and men’s basketball broadcasts throughout middle and west Tennessee, while reaching into southern Kentucky and northern Mississippi.

The TSU athletic broadcast rights were recently awarded to B2C Media. The company is co-owned by Danny Clay and TSU alumnus Fred Beasley. “We are excited to partner with TSU Athletics and to know that Tiger fans all over the state of Tennessee will be able to enjoy the excitement of the Big Blue broadcasts on their radio,” said Beasley.

The Big Blue Sports Network will consist of flagship station, WVOL 1470 AM in Nashville, WMRB 910 AM in Columbia and WOJG- 94.7 FM in Bolivar/Jackson.

WVOL served as the home for Tiger broadcasts for more than 30 years and will see the Big Blue return to their airwaves for the first time since 1998. “This is a great day for WVOL,” said TSU alumnus John Heidelberg, the owner and general manager of WVOL. “Many unforgettable moments in Tiger history were broadcast on WVOL and we are thrilled to serve as the flagship station for the new network.”

For the first time ever, Tiger broadcasts will be available on the air in Columbia on WMRB 910 AM. "I am excited about having the Tennessee State University Big Blue Sports Network on the radio here in Maury County because it allows WMRB listeners to experience the excitement of Tiger pride,” said Rev. Trent Ogilvie President of WMRB 910 AM.

WOJG 94.7 FM will take TSU broadcasts into west Tennessee for the first time ever as well. The 6,000 watt FM station’s coverage area includes 10 west Tennessee counties and four counties in northern Mississippi.

“Tennessee State has a tremendous following in west Tennessee and we know that our listeners are going to be excited to know that they can hear the games right here on WOJG,” said State Representative Johnny Shaw, owner of WOJG.

The entire 12 game TSU football schedule will be broadcast on the Big Blue Sports Network beginning with the Tigers season opener on August 30 at Alabama A&M. The TSU basketball game broadcast schedule will be released at a later date.

In addition to the game broadcasts, Tiger Talk with Coach James Webster will also be carried on the network. The one hour weekly coach’s call-in show will air every Tuesday night at 6:00 PM, beginning August 26. Barry Gresham, TSU Associate Athletic Director for Broadcasting and Sales, will return for his fourth season as the play-by-play voice of Tiger football. He will also serve as host of Tiger Talk. Albert Dawson will begin his 18th season as analyst and statistician for the Tiger broadcasts.

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JSU cranks it up under Comegy's watchful eye

The Jackson State football team kicked off its first practice of the 2008 season Monday with an hour and a half evening practice, starting at 7:45 p.m. The players wore helmets and shorts. The workout mainly concentrated on special teams work, but also contained a good amount of individual drills.

"Just want to get them out there thinking football," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "See how quickly they adjust. ... See the thinking process, especially the younger guys. "There's always talent evaluation, but you can't really tell. ... This at least gives us an inkling."

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Alabama A&M's Moore wants to put poor season behind him

Cornerback who lost starting job is on the rebound

Frank Moore was one of the big surprises in the Southwestern Athletic Conference two years ago - a walk-on defensive back who finished with a league-high six interceptions as the Bulldogs captured their first SWAC championship. But in 2007, the 5-foot-9, 170-pounder couldn't duplicate his success. In fact, Moore played so poorly that he ended up losing his job to Maurice Thomas early in the season and finished the year with just 10 tackles. He had no interceptions.

"I got the big head," Moore said Tuesday after practice. "I feel like I could have still made some plays. I didn't have any problems on the field. My problems were off the field." Said Defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns: "I don't know what happened between his sophomore and junior year. Frank was terrific for us in 2006 when we won the championship. Last year, he wasn't the same kid. He didn't play well at all last year.

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Young NCCU Eagles to face tough schedule

DURHAM -- The good news is they're going to have plenty of size and talent. The other news is they're young, and they're going to be facing the toughest overall schedule in school history. Those are the challenges that await Mose Rison's N.C. Central football team as the Eagles open preseason practice this week.

The Eagles -- all 90 of them, including 39 players who have never stepped onto the field in an NCCU uniform -- reported to campus Sunday and will have their first practice tonight at 9:30 p.m. That one will be closed to the public. They'll have their first public workout on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, beginning preparation for their Aug. 31 opener against visiting Fayetteville State.

"We've got so many new guys, we're going to take that first session to show them how to practice," said Rison, who went 6-4 in his first season at the helm in 2007.

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North Carolina Central University Marching Sound Machine


2008 NCCU Football Schedule

Date Opponent / Event Location / Time

08/31/08 vs. Fayetteville State Durham, NC 4:00 p.m. ET
09/06/08 at James Madison Harrisonburg, VA 6:00 p.m. ET
09/13/08 at Morgan State Baltimore, MD 4:00 p.m. ET
09/20/08 at Central Connecticut State New Britain, CT 1:00 p.m. ET
10/04/08 vs. N. Carolina A&T Charlotte, NC (Memorial Stadium) 5:00 p.m. ET
10/11/08 at Presbyterian Clinton, SC 1:30 p.m. ET
10/18/08 at Coastal Carolina Conway, SC 7:00 p.m. ET
11/01/08 vs. Edward Waters (HC) Durham, NC 1:30 p.m. ET
11/08/08 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA 4:00 p.m. PT
11/15/08 vs. Winston-Salem State Durham, NC 1:30 p.m. ET

The long bus ride to FAMU will be a challenge for WSSU

Last year's kicker, freshman Matt Mitchell, quit school in the spring leaving a big question mark for the Rams special teams.

■ One of Winston-Salem State's biggest challenges this season will come Oct. 9, when it plays at Florida A&M. The game will be at 7:30 on a Thursday night and will be televised on ESPNU. Coach Kermit Blount said that a midweek game and a bus trip to Tallahassee, Fla., will take their toll.

"I think the one thing that we've learned is how you travel," Blount said. "Unfortunately, we aren't at the point now where we can fly to Tallahassee. So the trip to Tallahassee will be tough because it takes us out of our routine."

The Rams are 7-8 against MEAC teams (4-7 and 6-5 overall) in their first two seasons playing Division I schedules, and they're learning how tough the MEAC is, compared to the Division II CIAA.

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WSSU Rams seeking a new quarterback

WSSU Rams head coach Kermit Blount (Mark's Digital Photography).

Coach Kermit Blount of Winston-Salem State spent most of the summer building a large deck at his home in Clemmons. With a young team, he'll also be in a building mode this football season, especially in the early days. Blount is expecting 90 players to report Wednesday for the start of camp, and the first practice is scheduled at 3 p.m. Friday.

"A major concern that I have is the quarterback position, because we have to solidify a guy there," Blount said. "And we think we have enough talent to solidify that spot. We don't have a Monte Purvis right now, but we have the talent to make it work." Blount is also concerned with replacing seven starters on defense, including four of the top five tacklers from last season's 6-5 team.

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DSU softball coach signs new contract

DOVER -- Delaware State University softball coach Jeff Savage has signed a new contract through the 2010 season, athletic director Rick Costello announced Monday.he Hornets to the program's first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship last spring and its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Savage has a nine-year record of 256-222, including a 119-35 mark in MEAC regular-season games.

Jeff Savage at Delaware State

Year Overall MEAC Highlights

2000 17-30 8-6 First winning MEAC record since 1994
2001 22-22 12-4 School record for overall and MEAC wins
2002 29-22 20-1 MEAC North title; school record for overall and MEAC wins;
2003 26-28 14-6 MEAC North title; MEAC Tournament final three
MEAC Tournament final four
2004 41-22 17-3 MEAC North title; MEAC Tournament championship round;
school record for wins
2005 34-22 18-2 MEAC North title
2006 34-22 10-4 MEAC Tournament championship round
2007 24-29 10-4 MEAC Tournament final four
2008 29-25 10-5 MEAC Tournament championship

Totals 256-222 119-35

Mitchell pushing SU secondary

The Southern secondary is home to some of its most veteran players. Yet that doesn’t mean they get a free pass from new position coach Jackie Mitchell. When strong safety Glenn Bell, a fifth-year senior, didn’t get out of his break like he was supposed to Monday morning, Mitchell made him do it again. And again. And a fourth time, when Bell finally fought through his fatigue and used the proper technique to execute the drill.

“I see he’s a real perfectionist,” Bell said. “But that’s what we need as a unit. We need someone to stay on us about the little things. That’s what he is, and I’m real appreciative for it.”

Bell was happy Mitchell pushed him. He and guys like Michael Williams and Joe Manning and Anthony Wells and Toyin Akinwale aren’t looking for free passes. They want to get a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship ring, like those Mitchell has from his days as a standout free safety in the 1990s at SU.

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