Xavier University's Abbes in Position for Wire-to-Wire No.1 ITA National NAIA Singles Rankings

NOUR ABBES
 ITA National NAIA #1 Ranked Women's Tennis Player
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA Gold Nuggets
COACH: ALAN GREEN

ITA NAIA Men's Rankings | ITA NAIA Women's Rankings

KILLMAN, New Jersey --  The ITA National NAIA Rankings are published today, unveiling the Top 50 national singles players and Top 25 national doubles teams in NAIA men's and women's tennis. Regional Top 20 singles and Top 10 doubles rankings are also published (April 15, 2015) today.

Embry-Riddle's Deni Zmak and Xavier (LA)'s Nour Abbes are the top-ranked singles players in the nation for the third straight edition of the 2014-15 rankings. With a strong finish to the season, both players would post the second wire-to-wire No. 1 singles rankings of the past four years. Abbes would match Auburn Montgomery's Ana Veselinovic from the 2011-12 season, while Zmak would be completing his second straight wire-to-wire finish, as he held the No. 1 ranking for all of 2013-14 as well. This edition marks Zmak's eighth straight as the No. 1 singles player in the NAIA.

NOUR ABBES
XAVIER UNIVERSITY GOLD NUGGETS

Behind Zmak in singles, the Top 8 remains the same as last month's edition. Georgia Gwinnett teammates Jordan Cox, Kevin Konfederak and Matias Hatem check in at Nos. 2, 5 and 6, respectively, for the 11-2 Grizzlies. Vanguard's Stefan Kilchhofer retained his No. 3 ranking, as did No. 4 Edberg Espinosa of Lindsey Wilson behind him. Auburn Montgomery teammates Vincent Dubosclard and Nicolas Pinones-Haltenhoff are ranked No. 7 and No. 8. New to the Top 10 in this edition is No. 9 Kyle Montrel of Xavier (LA), who improved from No. 13 with a win over former No. 9 Daniel Rueda of Northwestern Ohio, who was bumped to No. 10.

On the women's side, only the Top 2 singles players remain in order from the previous rankings: No. 1 Nour Abbes and No. 2 Anastasia Baranova of Oklahoma Baptist. Georgia Gwinnett's Valeria Podda moves up from No. 4 to No. 3 in this ranking, her highest of the season. Auburn Montgomery's Alice Baudeigne is up from No. 6 to No. 4, while Lea Jansen of Aquinas enters the rankings this month at No. 5. Jansen has posted an 11-1 record this spring and is the new No. 1 ranked player in the Central region. Lindsey Wilson College's Alicia Rodriguez is ranked No. 6, followed by Westmont's Lauren Stratman at No. 7, Graceland's Jessica Worring at No. 8, Evangel's Amy Fritz at No. 9 and Concordia-Irvine's Ivana Vlakic at No. 10.

Men's doubles has a new number one this week in rankings entrant Rafael Lenz and Alvaro Iturriaga of Northwood (FL). Iturriaga is also ranked No. 23 in the national singles rankings. Ranked No. 2 behind Northwood's pair are Christian Wickenhauser and Till Guttenberger of Concordia-Irvine, up from No. 13 in last month's rankings. Gelawdiyos Haile and David Veliz check in at No. 3 from Southeastern (FL), former No. 1 Deni Zmak and Jaime Sanchez-Canamares Rios from Embry-Riddle are No. 4 and Lindsey Wilson's Edberg Espinosa and Francisco Charters are No. 5.

The women's doubles Top 5 is led for the third-straight edition by Anastasia Baranova and Kateryna Shkot of Oklahoma Baptist. The new No. 2 this week is Valeria Podda and Laura Wehner of Georgia Gwinnett, up from No. 4. Ranked No. 3 is Embry-Riddle's duo of Anna Gotz and Hui-I Huang, ranked No. 4 are Lindsey Wilson's Jessica King and Alicia Rodriguez, and rounding out the Top 5 are Graceland's Katherine Rodriguez and Jessica Worring.

Also published in addition to the National Top 50 singles and Top 25 doubles rankings today are the Regional Top 20 Singles and Top 10 Doubles rankings for each of the four regions. For complete men's national and regional singles and doubles rankings, click here. For complete women's national and regional singles and doubles rankings, click here.

About the ITA Rankings
As the governing body of college tennis, the ITA administers the ITA College Tennis Rankings (Singles, Doubles, and Team) that are designed to track the top men and women teams and singles and doubles players in NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, Junior Colleges and California Junior Colleges. For full rankings information, please visit http://www.itatennis.com/AwardsAndRankings/Rankings.htm.

COURTESY: ITA Tennis Release

Claflin University Freshman Trisana Fairweather Named SIAC 2015 Women’s Track Athlete of the Year

Trisana Fairweather was named the SIAC 2015 Women’s Track Athlete of the Year

ROCK HILL, South Carolina -- Claflin University freshman Trisana Fairweather was named the 2015 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Women’s Track Athlete of the Year. In all four Lady Panthers earned All-Conference honors.

Fairweather, a 5-7, sprinter from Hope Bay Port Antonio, Portland Jamaica (Titchfield HS), currently has the second-fastest time in the league in the 100-meter dash with a NCAA provisional time of 11.94.  At the Terrier Relays, she set a provisional mark of 24.27 in the women's 200-meter dash.  Fairweather was named to the first and second team in the 200 meters and the 100 meters, respectively. 

In addition to Fairweather, sophomore Makayla Jackson, and juniors Carrie Byrd and Jameelah Thalley also earned post-season honors.  Jackson was named to the first team in the 400 meter hurdles and earned second-team honors for the 100 meter hurdles.  Byrd, who was the 2014 SIAC Cross-Country Champion, was named the second-team in the 400 meters and Thalley earned second-team honors in the javelin.

The all-conference team was announced on the first day of the 2015 SIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships which will run thru Saturday, Apr. 18 at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C.

COURTESY CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

CMPD officer expected to enter plea in Jonathan Ferrell (FAMU) case

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- A CMPD officer charged with manslaughter will enter a not guilty plea on Friday, according to the officer's lawyers.

Randall Kerrick's attorneys are planning to enter a not gulity plea in the death of 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell in September 2013. Kerrick is claiming self defense in the shooting that killed Ferrell.

The former FAMU football player had gotten into a wreck and ran to a home for help. The homeowner may have mistaken Ferrell for a burglar and called police. Officers confronted him. Kerrick fired 12 shots, striking Ferrell 10 times.

In court, prosecutors offered evidence and asked Kerrick's attorneys to share anything their investigation revealed. The shooting was captured on at least one police dashboard camera but the tape has never been released to the public.

This case highlights national debate over deadly force by police officers after the recent rulings in Mike Brown's and Eric Garner's grand jury decisions.



CONTINUE READING

Talladega Tornadoes Luis Benitez Signs Pro Contract With Philadelphia Phillies

Luis Benitez
6'-3"/195 RHP
Philadelphia Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Former Talladega College baseball player Luis Benitez signed a free agent contract with Philadelphia Phillies.

Benitez, right handed pitcher sign from Carolina, Puerto Rico. Appearing in 12 games for the Tornadoes in 2014. He posted 2 wins and 4 loses with. 6.03 ERA. He had 44 strikeouts for the season.

For Talladega College baseball this is the first player in school history to sign or be drafted from Major League Baseball team. We are thrilled for Luis to sign a free agent contract with the Phillies said Coach Head Coach Will Ramos. We expect that this is the first of many opportunities for our student-athletes to pursue their dreams of playing professional baseball in the future.

COURTESY TALLADEGA COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Mike Garrett resigns as Langston University athletic director

MIKE GARRETT

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- Mike Garrett’s run as athletic director at Langston University is over after three years.

The 1965 Heisman Trophy winner from USC and the Trojans’ former athletic director told The Oklahoman on Thursday night that he has resigned and will move to Kansas City so his two 10-year-old boys, Michael and John, could spend more time with his wife’s family.

“Since I’m older, most of my family has passed away,” said Garrett, who turned 71 last Sunday. “So we decided a few years in Kansas City with her family would be good for them. And we get to stay in the Midwest, too. We really enjoyed Oklahoma City. Everyone was great to us, just really nice people.”

Garrett replaced Patric Simon as athletic director at the historically black university in June 2012. The former Kansas City Chiefs running back said he thinks he did a good job at Langston in fund raising and hiring quality coaches.

One of Garrett’s notable hires was legendary basketball player Cheryl Miller as women’s coach; the former USC All-American and Olympic gold medalist guided the Lions to the NAIA Tournament in her first season.

CONTINUE READING

XU'S Horn Selected Chair of GCAC Athletic Directors

JASON HORN

NEW ORLEANS -- Jason Horn, director of athletics and recreation at Xavier University of Louisiana, has been selected chair of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference athletic directors.

Horn was elected by his peers to a two-year term at a GCAC meeting at Jackson, Miss.

"I am excited to become chair of the GCAC ADs, and I look forward to moving our conference forward," Horn said.

Horn is in his second year as Xavier's athletics director. During his XU tenure he successfully negotiated multi-year deals with Ochsner Health System's sports medicine division, apparel provider A
didas and website provider SIDEARM Sports.

Xavier is a charter member of the GCAC, which consists of seven universities in five Southern states. This is the conference's 34th year.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Karr’s D’Andre Williams commits to play baseball at Southern

NEW ORLEANS -- Edna Karr senior D’Andre Williams knows all about his school’s rich football tradition.

Williams plays outside linebacker for the Cougars during the fall.

But he also plays catcher for the baseball team, and that’s the sport he plans to pursue in college.

Williams committed to Southern University on Monday.

“I’ve played baseball all of my life and it’s always been my favorite sport,” Williams said. “We want to be able to show people this is more than just a football school.”

Williams, who bats third in Karr’s lineup, is hitting .460 with 30 RBIs. His RBI total ranks second in the city, Karr coach Donnie Russell said.

CONTINUE READING

ASU Baseball To Play Final Home SWAC Series, Honor Seniors Against Alcorn State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - The Alabama State baseball team will play its final home Southwestern Athletic Conference series of the season against Alcorn State on Friday and Saturday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
 
Due to significant rain in the forecast Sunday, the series was moved up a day with Friday's doubleheader and Saturday's single game both starting at 1 p.m. The games are a part of the ASU Spring Festival in which the Swarm And Sting Football Tour begins with a kickoff event at 5 p.m. just outside the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex, and ASU Softball hosting Alabama A&M at 6 p.m. at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
 
Alabama State (24-11 overall, 12-3 SWAC) has won nine games in a row, the last two in dramatic come-from-behind fashion. After erasing a six-run deficit in a 15-11 win at Mississippi Valley State Sunday, the Hornets erased a five-run deficit Wednesday night in defeating Jacksonville State 8-7. After falling behind 6-1 after four innings, Alabama State stormed back with three runs in the fifth and six innings, comeback, highlighted by Ray Hernandez' three-run homer that gave the Hornets the lead for good in the sixth. The defense and pitching were clutch down the stretch in sealing the win.
 
Relievers Patrick Coffin, Darren Kelley, Michael Estevez, Jorge Pantoja and Armando Ruiz limited Jacksonville State to three hits and one run with nine strikeouts over the final five innings.
 
"I was very proud of them," Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. "We had to use the bullpen earlier than we wanted to. Those guys held Jacksonville State down after they kind of scored at will. I'm very proud of their effort. It takes a whole team to win games. I've told this team many times whether they play or not, pinch run, or throw to one batter, whatever the case may be, it's always a team effort."
 
Alabama State will salute its nine baseball seniors prior to Saturday's game. Pitchers Michael Estevez, Michael Montgomery, T.J. Renda, Armando Ruiz, infielders P.J. Biocic, and Einar Muniz, and outfielders Waldyvan Estrada,Cesar Rivera and Marcus Swint will be honored before the final game of the series. Estevez, Estrada, Montgomery, Muniz, Renda, Ruiz, and Swint are a part of the winningest senior class in the history of ASU baseball, currently with 113 wins, including four consecutive 20-win seasons and back-to-back 30-win seasons, including a school record 37 in 2014.  
 
"I've coached for a long  time, and it's been since 2005 (at Bethune-Cookman) that I've been able to coach that many freshman at one time," said Melendez of this class which came to Alabama State in the fall of 2011, along with Richard Amion, Richard Gonzalez, and Emmanuel Marrero who were drafted into professional baseball as juniors in the summer of 2014. 

"They hold a special place in my heart. This group of kids has been amazing, and have paved the way for what ASU baseball is now. In all the trials and tribulations of four years ago when we trying to establish our mark in college baseball to where we are now has been great to see. They play with a lot of confidence. They bleed black and gold now. The pride they have taken into this institution and this program has been amazing."
 
This is the second series meeting between the Hornets and Braves (10-29, 4-14). Alabama State won all three games in Lorman in March in a matchup that has always been highly competitive.
 
"Anytime you go into a conference weekend, you have to expect the best out of the opponent," Melendez said. "Whether they play well midweek or not, you have to throw out the stats. It doesn't really matter. They'll play tough, and we'll play tough because conference play means something. We have to be ready for it, and I think our team is. We're playing very well right now, and we have to continue doing what we do best."
                               
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

In-state hoops recruit to sign with WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Jamel McAllister, a 6-7 forward from Wake Forest High School in Wake Forest, has committed to play basketball at Winston-Salem State.

McAllister, who played as many as four positions this past season at Wake Forest, will sign his national letter of intent today, according to his father, A.J. McAllister.

“It’s kind of been a whirlwind the last couple of weeks but Jamel is excited to get this decision over with,” A.J. McAllister said by telephone on Wednesday night.

McAllister, who weighs around 190 pounds, averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and two blocks a game in his senior season.

A.J. McAllister said several schools were recruiting his son, including Longwood, Radford and Cornell.

CONTINUE READING

WSSU’s Boulware at ease heading into offseason

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Coach Kienus Boulware of Winston-Salem State keeps the lights out in his office at Bowman Gray Stadium fieldhouse, but the two computer screens he sits in front of give him all the light he needs.

Those screens keep him posted with highlights from possible recruits, e-mails and anything else he needs to stay connected. As a head coach of a Division II program the recruiting never really stops because there are always Division I players or junior college players looking for their next opportunity.

Boulware is relaxed these days because the Rams finished spring practice over the weekend and he liked what he saw. For the first time in a long time the Rams had a lot of young players who needed attention and guidance, and Boulware and his assistants were all about teaching during the 15 practices they were allowed.


CONTINUE READING

Tampa Bay Storm add Rattler to Roster

TAMPA BAY, Florida -- The Tampa Bay Storm has acquired offensive lineman Chris Jamison and defensive lineman Frances "Frank" Mays, announced Vice President of Football Operations Jeff Gooch.

“Frank provides a big body for the defensive line,” said Gooch. “His height is an added benefit that we hope can be a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball.”

Mays (6-foot-9, 295 lbs., Florida A&M) enters his rookie season with the Storm after spending all of training camp with the team this past offseason. He played at Central Lakes College (MN) before transferring to Florida A&M for his junior and senior seasons. At FAMU, Mays appeared in 21 games for the Rattlers, leading the team with 4.0 sacks in his senior season. He finished his collegiate career with 68 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Mays began his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League in 2014.

“We felt the team needed some added presence to the offensive line,” said Gooch. “Chris brings four years of veteran experience along the offensive line and can play multiple positions.”

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 28th season in the Arena Football League.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Xavier basketball player Sydney Coleman is trying to win a job with the New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS -- Former Xavier University forward Sydney Coleman has dumped dunking - his favorite basketball feat - in favor of a new sport - a switch which if successful, will allow him to follow the unorthodox NFL path of All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham.

Coleman wants to play for the New Orleans Saints.

He worked out for the Saints in late March, and is scheduled to showcase what he’s learned in a Friday workout. Coleman’s improvements, if substantial, could earn him an invitation to Saints mini camp.

Not that his challenges will end.

It’s premature to consider Coleman, a six feet, seven inch, 234 lbs., native of Meridian, Miss., the next Jimmy Graham - the former rebounding power forward from the University of Miami basketball team whom the Saints transformed into one of the NFL’s top offensive play makers before trading him this offseason to Seattle. Coleman, after all, has never played organized football.



  CONTINUE READING

Fakler Earns GCAC Track Weekly Award After Winning 5 Times

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Catherine Fakler, a 5-time winner at Saturday's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships, is the GCAC Performer of the Week in women's track.

Fakler earned the GCAC weekly award for the first time this season and the fourth time in her career.

A senior from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School, Fakler scored victories in all five events she entered at the GCAC meet. Over a span of about six hours, Fakler won the 3,000-meter steeplechase, the 1,500, the 800 and the 5,000. She erased a 75-meter deficit during the final segment to give the Gold Nuggets a nearly 3-second victory in the 3,200 relay.

Fakler won the 1,500 for the fourth consecutive year and the 5,000 and steeplechase for the third straight year. In the 5,000, Fakler lapped all eight of her opponents, including three teammates. She won by nearly two minutes.

Fakler won 13 times at GCAC Championships in four seasons — 11 individual races and two relays.

Fakler will graduate from XU May 9 with a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0.

Next for the Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush will be the Southern Miss Invitational April 24-25 at Hattiesburg, Miss.



Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Gold Nuggets Remain 7th; In Top 10 for 22nd Consecutive Time

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is No. 7 for the fourth consecutive time in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll and gained ground on the teams ahead of them.
The Gold Nuggets (15-8), after going 4-0 against ranked teams in California, are one point behind No. 6 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) and 19 points behind No. 5 SCAD Savannah. In the previous poll two weeks ago, Xavier trailed the sixth-ranked team by six points and the fifth-ranked team by 23.

Xavier has not played since a 7-2 victory March 31 against top-25 member Lewis-Clark State at La Mirada, Calif., on March 31. The next Gold Nuggets dual will start at noon April 25 at West Florida, which is ranked eighth in NCAA Division II. It's a makeup of a Saturday dual which was postponed due to a threat of rain.

Georgia Gwinnett, last year's NAIA champion, is No. 1 for the sixth time in as many polls and received 12-of-14 first place votes. Auburn Montgomery received the other first-place votes and remained second. Three of the top six shuffled, with Brenau — a 5-4 winner against Xavier on Feb. 23 — climbing from fifth to third.

The NAIA will announce its next top 25 April 28.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
First-place votes in parentheses -- records through April 12

RANK PREVIOUS SCHOOL W-L POINTS
1 1 Georgia Gwinnett (12) 7-6 373
2 2 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) (2) 15-4 363
3 5 Brenau (Ga.) 11-3 339
4 4 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 13-7 337
5 6 SCAD Savannah (Ga.) 10-4 330
6 3 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 12-2 312
7 7 Xavier (La.) 15-8 311
8 8 Northwood (Fla.) 7-5 287
9 9 Arizona Christian 22-1 281
10 10 Oklahoma Baptist 8-6 264
11 11 Westmont (Calif.) 12-8 256
12 12 Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) 16-2 244
13 24 Evangel (Mo.) 6-3 204
14 14 Concordia (Calif.) 9-11 200
15 18 Northwestern Ohio 11-6 196
16 21 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 6-12 195
17 13 Graceland (Iowa) 6-2 177
18 16 William Carey (Miss.) 10-6 169
19 17 Vanguard (Calif.) 6-15 162
20 19 Cumberland (Tenn.) 9-6 152
21 15 Davenport (Mich.) 11-9 151
22 20 Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) 12-6 142
23 22 Coastal Georgia 8-6 108
24 23 Southeastern (Fla.) 11-4 102
25 25 Indiana Wesleyan 18-6 77

Others Receiving Votes: Aquinas (Mich.) 44; Campbellsville (Ky.) 34; Reinhardt (Ga.) 31; McPherson (Kan.) 24; Missouri Valley 22; Marian (Ind.) 19; Dalton State (Ga.) 17; St. Thomas (Fla.) 16; LSU-Alexandria 12; Cumberlands (Ky.) 5; Southwestern (Kan.) 3.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

No. 6 Gold Rush Make 35th Straight NAIA Top-10 Appearance

NEW ORLEANS — For the fourth consecutive time, Xavier University of Louisiana is No. 6 in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll. It's the 35th consecutive top-10 appearance for the Gold Rush.

Xavier's poll streaks include 65 consecutive appearances in the top 25, 56 in a row in the top 20 and 41 straight in the top 15. The top-25 streak began April 4, 2007.

Xavier (12-6) has not played since a 9-0 victory March 31 against top-25 member Lewis-Clark State at La Mirada, Calif., on March 31. The next Gold Rush dual will start at noon April 25 at West Florida, which is ranked second in NCAA Division II. It's a makeup of a Saturday dual which was postponed due to a threat of rain.

Defending NAIA champion Georgia Gwinnett was a unanimous No. 1 for the sixth time in as many polls this season. San Diego Christian made the biggest move, climbing from No. 17 to No. 9, and No. 24 McPherson is the only newcomer this week.

The NAIA will announce its next top 25 April 28.



NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
First-place votes in parentheses -- records through April 12

RANK PREVIOUS SCHOOL W-L POINTS
1 1 Georgia Gwinnett (11) 11-2 281
2 2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 16-3 267
3 4 Vanguard (Calif.) 23-0 265
4 3 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) 15-5 256
5 5 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 10-1 245
6 6 Xavier (La.) 12-6 236
7 7 Northwestern Ohio 12-5 227
8 8 Bethany (Kan.) 6-0 209
9 17 San Diego Christian (Calif.) 12-6 206
10 11 William Carey (Miss.) 9-5 205
11 9 Concordia (Calif.) 11-8 194
12 12 Coastal Georgia 9-5 176
13 13 Northwood (Fla.) 10-2 175
13 10 Westmont (Calif.) 9-13 175
15 15 Belhaven (Miss.) 14-4 155
16 14 Graceland (Iowa) 8-2 146
17 17 Dalton State (Ga.) 10-5 133
18 18 Oklahoma Baptist 6-7 124
19 19 Campbellsville (Ky.) 7-3 117
20 20 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 3-9 109
21 21 Tennessee Wesleyan 14-2 100
22 23 Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) 9-5 86
23 22 SCAD Savannah (Ga.) 6-7 82
24 RV McPherson (Kan.) 11-4 71
25 25 Aquinas (Mich.) 12-6 65

Others Receiving Votes: Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) 36; Martin Methodist (Tenn.) 36; Reinhardt (Ga.) 36; Indiana Wesleyan 34; Marian (Ind.) 10; Middle Georgia State 8; Southeastern (Fla.) 7; Pikeville (Ky.) 6; Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) 5; Friends (Kan.) 4.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Pelham's Cheyenne Brooks signs with Florida A&M

Brooks has put in the work in the classroom and is currently second in her class. Cheyenne is currently a National Elite pole vaulter and is ranked #1 in region, #1 in State AA classification, & #6 in State all classifications.

PELHAM, Georgia — Pelham High School’s
Cheyenne Brooks signed her letter-of-intent to Florida A&M University Wednesday, becoming the first track & field athlete during head coach Ashley Cochran’s tenure to sign a scholarship to compete at a Division I school.

Brooks, who is currently second in the state in pole vaulting, will attend FAMU this fall on a full scholarship.

“I picked FAMU because it offers what I want in a school athletically, while also giving me an environment that I can be friendly in,” Brooks said. “Everybody there is really accepting and they’re outgoing, which I love about it.”

As far as the track and field program itself, she said she feels she can help the Rattlers become the team to beat in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) next year.

“They went second in their conference last year and I believe that we’re gonna win it next year,” she said enthusiastically. “I’m very excited.”

CONTINUE READING

Davison Joins TSU Football Staff as Ends Coach

Coach Nick Davison

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State head football coach Rod Reed officially announced the hiring of Nick Davison, Wednesday, to coach the defensive ends and take over as the team’s recruiting coordinator.

Prior to his arrival on campus in a full-time role, Davison spent 2013 as a graduate assistant on the Tiger staff.

“We were really impressed with the job Nick did in 2013,” Reed said. “So we are excited to bring him back in a larger role. He is a young coach that brings enthusiasm and the ability to recruit south Ga. to the table.”

While at TSU, Davison helped guide Big Blue to a 10-4 record and a top-10 nationally ranked defense.

Davison coached five All-OVC players on the defensive front, including end Anthony Bass who was named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year after recording 14.5 sacks. In addition, the Tennessee State defense ranked as one of the best in the country, only allowing 296 total yards per game. The unit also forced 32 turnovers and gave up just 18.1 points per contest.

Prior to arriving at TSU, Davison worked as the defensive tackle coach at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga in 2012 after an accomplished playing career.

Davison played his first two years at the University of Alabama-Birmingham where he notched 33 tackles and saw action in all 24 games for the Blazers. He then transferred to UTC and was named Preseason 2nd Team All-SoCon as a senior.

Davison currently resides in Nashville, Tenn. with his dog “Bear”.


COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

U-High Bates is Gold Nuggets' first 2015-16 signee

NEW ORLEANS — Mikayla Bates, a 5-foot-7 combo guard from University High School in Baton Rouge, La., is Xavier University of Louisiana's first women's basketball signee for 2015-16.
     
Bates signed her scholarship Wednesday at U-High. She averaged 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 5.4 steals per game in 2014-15 and helped the Cubs repeat as Class 3A state champion. She was first-team all-district twice and her district's defensive player of the year in 2013-14.
     
"Mikayla is a natural leader and a great person," U-High coach Bonita Johnson said. "She'll bring energy to your team. She loves to play defense, which is rare in a player these days, and she can shoot the 3."
     
Bates played in the state all-star game and was academic all-state as a senior. She has a 3.97 grade-point average and will major in accounting at Xavier.
     
"I picked Xavier based on how I felt when I walked in the (Convocation Center)," Bates said. "I thought that's where I need to be. I like how they work hard. It's about business. I like the staff and how everybody is friendly. I know I can get a great education there and help Xavier win."
     
Bates' single-game highs include 26 points, 12 rebounds, 15 steals and five 3-pointers made.
     
"Mikayla Bates had a great workout with us when she visited Xavier," XU coach Bo Browder said. "She's a really talented young lady and a strong student who will contribute to our program and help us improve next season."
     
Xavier was 18-15 in 2014-15 and finished second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament. The Gold Nuggets qualified for the NAIA Division I National Championship 18 of the past 21 seasons.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorXULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/
 

Alexander, Jackson are first Gold Rush signees for 2015-16

NEW ORLEANS -- Guards Leland Alexander of Houma, La., and Seth Jackson of Baton Rouge, La., are Xavier University of Louisiana's first men's basketball signees for 2015-16.
     

Both student-athletes signed scholarship documents Wednesday afternoon at their respective schools — Alexander at Ellender Memorial High School, Jackson at Baton Rouge Community College.      

Alexander, 6-feet-5 and 180 pounds, averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals per game in 2014-15 for Ellender's Class 4A state quarterfinalist team. He is a two-time district MVP and played in the Louisiana and Terrebonne Parish all-star games. Alexander averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists as a junior.
     

"Leland is a long and extremely athletic defender. He can handle the ball, shoot it well and rebound well," XU coach Dannton Jackson said. "He's going to be real versatile for us. Once he gets on the weights with us, he's going to get even better."
     

Alexander's single-game highs at Ellender included 32 points as a junior and 30 as a senior. He made the school's A/B honor roll multiple times.
     

"Xavier is a good school and a good opportunity," Alexander said. "I wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted. It's a good environment, and it's not too far from home. Coach Jackson has a high graduation percentage in his program, and that most definitely made a positive impression on me."
     

Seth Jackson, 6-1 and 176 pounds, is not related to the XU coach. He averaged 9.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and made 39.4 percent of his 3-pointers for BRCC in 2014-15. He scored in double figures 11 times and had back-to-back games with five 3-pointers made.
     

"We've liked Seth for a long time," Dannton Jackson said. "Seth is a strong, very athletic guard who defends at a high level. We're excited to get him in here."
     

Seth Jackson was a two-year starter at Baton Rouge's Redemptorist High School and helped his team reach the second round of the 2012 Class 2A playoffs and the 2011 Class 3A playoffs. Jackson will have two seasons of eligibility at Xavier.
     

Alexander has not decided on a major at Xavier. Jackson will major in business.
     

Xavier was 24-10 in 2014-15, finished second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament, qualified for the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship for a school-record fifth consecutive year and ranked 21st in the postseason poll.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Wilson Adds Two To SSU Coaching Staff

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State University head football coach Earnest Wilson III has announced the addition of two new offensive assistant coaches. Andy Siegal will be the Tigers new offensive coordinator and Russell Demasi will be the quarterback coach.

SIEGAL
Siegal comes to Savannah State from the University of Nebraska-Kearney where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2012-2014.

He has over 25 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, professional and high school level.

His college coaching stops include East Mississippi Community College (2010-11), Southern Mississippi (2009-10), College of the Sequoias (2005-09), Dodge City Community College (1999-05), Southern Arkansas (1992-94) and Quincy University (1992).

In 2010, Siegal was offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for an East Mississippi team that led the nation in passing offense, passing touchdowns, passing attempts and passing yards and made the playoffs for a third season.
,
Five years earlier at the Sequoias, he coordinated an offense that also ranked number one nationally with 49 passing touchdowns, averaged 450 yards a game and 43 points a game. Every year at Sequoias, his offenses ranked in the top 20 in the nation.

He served in a variety of roles while at Dodge City, including interim head coach and offensive coordinator. His offense ranked first in the nation in 2002 and 2004.

At Southern Miss, Siegal did a variety of duties, including assistant offensive line coach and offensive quality control. He was part of a 2009 Eagles team that went 7-6 and advanced to the New Orleans Bowl.

Besides holding a B.S. in Physical Education from Winona State University, Siegal also has a Master's degree in Kinesiology from Southern Arkansas.

Siegal and his wife, Miriam, have three children; Taylor (17), Austin (15) and Bear Bryant (7).

DEMASI
Demasi comes to SSU from Shorter University. During the 2013 season he was a graduate assistant and worked with the quarterback and fullbacks and during the 2014 season he served as co-special teams coordinator.

The Savannah, Georgia native was a member of the Georgia Southern University football team (2008-12) where he went from being a preferred walk-on to earning a scholarship during his senior year. He was named Scout Team Player of the Year in 2011.

While in high school, Demasi was a 2006 and 2007 All-Greater Savannah first-team selection. DeMasi threw for 1,068 yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior season for Savannah Christian Preparatory School, leading them to a 10-2 record and the second round of the Class AA playoffs.

Demasi earned his bachelor's degree from GSU in general studies with a concentration in education, coaching and business in 2012 and earned his master's degree from Shorter in December 2014.

He is the son of Karl Demasi, who now serves as athletics director and head basketball coach at Islands High School in Savannah. Karl has served as head coach in football, basketball and baseball at various Savannah schools since 1995.

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION