Ailing Hampton U. ready to open full MEAC slate

Photo: Freshman point guard Jordan Brooks, 5-9/165, C.H. Flowers High School, Mitchellville, Maryland is averaging 3.2 ppg and 2.5 assists per game.

Hampton University's men's basketball team continues to deal with injuries going into the full-on start to its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule this weekend. The Pirates' top three players are all hurt to some degree as the squad comes out of the break. HU, the preseason favorite to win the MEAC, last played Dec. 29 when it defeated William and Mary 70-63.

Hampton(6-6, 1-0 MEAC) will host Bethune-Cookman Saturday and Florida A&M Monday.

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MSU Chad Simpson gets invite to NFL Combine

Slide Show: MSU All-American RB Chad Simpson - 2007

BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State University senior All-American running back Chad Simpson has earned the chance to increase his NFL draft possibilities in the coming months. Simpson has been invited to the 2008 NFL Draft Combine.

Simpson becomes the first Bear to earn a spot in the NFL Combine since current Minnesota Viking tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in 2003. Shiancoe was a 3rd round selection by the New York Giants.

Simpson, a first-team Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection, was named MEAC Player of the Year after breaking Morgan State’s single season record for rushing yards. He became Morgan State’s third MEAC MVP in 28 years (Darrell Coulter, 1979), and the second in four years (Bradshaw Littlejohn, 2003) after running for 1,402 yards.

The Miami native also became the ninth All-American selection at Morgan State and the first in almost 15 years (Matthew Steeple, 1993) when he was selected to the American Football Coaches Association Football Championship Subdivision Coaches’ All-America Team.

Simpson has also been named to the inaugural Boxtorow/BASN Black College All-American Team and was selected as an honorable mention to The Sports Network’s FCS All-America Team.

Nearly 300 of the top college football players are invited annually to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, set for February 20-26. Top Executives, Coaching Staffs, Player Personnel Departments and Medical Personnel from all 32 NFL teams will be on hand to evaluate the eligible players for the upcoming NFL Draft.

-from Morgan State Sports Information

Editor's note: Chad Simpson led the MEAC in rushing in 2007 with 1402 yards on 276 carries at 5.1 yards per carry; 14 touchdowns, 127.5 yards per game, with longest run of 56 yards. He also finished in second place in all-purpose yards to MEAC leader--Florida A&M sensational freshman RB Philip Sylvester, with a total of 1778 yards for a per game average of 161.6.

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NCAA cuts Prairie View A&M women's basketball scholarships

Photo: Prairie View A&M University head women basketball coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke

Compiled by beepbeep

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The NCAA on Tuesday penalized Prairie View A&M's women's basketball team for violations attributed to unfamiliarity with rules by coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, a former Houston Comets star and WNBA head coach for the Phoenix Mercury.

The Division I Committee on Infractions cited the transgressions as major violations in the PVAMU women's basketball program. The case involves violations of NCAA rules in the areas of institutional control, out-of-season practice and observation, extra benefits, and eligibility.

Penalties for the violations include four years of probation, a reduction in the number of women's basketball scholarships for two academic years, and a decrease in the number of women's basketball recruiting contact opportunities.

The committee attributed the majority of violations to the hiring of a head coach with no NCAA experience in rules education and the university's failure to educate her regarding rules compliance. In addition, the committee concluded that an environment of noncompliance existed in the university's athletic department.

The university previously appeared in a major infractions hearing in 2001 during which time the committee mandated that the university develop and implement a comprehensive educational program on NCAA rules. The committee stated in this most recent case that it was apparent the institution had not implemented this mandate from the committee, which led to the lengthy probation period.

Regarding the violations of impermissible tryouts and out-of-season practice activities, it was found that members of the women's basketball coaching staff conducted basketball drills and provided skill instruction to a number of women's basketball student-athletes on several occasions during the summer of 2005.

Coach Cooper-Dyke was named the Prairie View head mentor in July 2005.

Additionally, during the summer and fall of 2005, prior to the start of allowable preseason basketball practice, the head coach and two assistant coaches observed prospective student-athletes, with members of the women's basketball team, participating in pickup basketball games for brief periods of time in the university's facilities.

Also, during the summer of 2005, the head coach had an improper telephone call and an improper in-person, off-campus contact with a prospective student-athlete prior to the coach being officially recognized by the university as an authorized staff member.

This case also involves the head coach's provision of impermissible extra benefits to women's basketball student-athletes during the summer of 2005 and the 2005-06 academic year. Specifically, the head coach provided small amounts of cash ranging from $10 to $30, and in one instance, a personal item to numerous women's basketball student-athletes.

In addition, the head coach arranged for several student-athletes to receive impermissible complimentary admissions to professional basketball contests.

Regarding the eligibility violations, the university allowed an incoming freshman student who was not certified as a qualifier by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse to attend basketball practice sessions and engage in basketball practice activities with the team at a time when she was not allowed to do so according to NCAA rules.

It was also found that prior to the 2006-07 academic year, the university failed to record countable hours of athletically related practice and competition activities on a daily basis for each student-athlete as an individual in any team sport.

Based on these violations, the committee found that the university demonstrated a lack of institutional control over its women's basketball program during the summer of 2005 and the 2005-06 academic year. This finding was based on the university's failure to adequately educate the newly-hired women's basketball coach with regard to basic NCAA rules, as well as the environment of noncompliance that existed in the athletic department.

This environment set the stage for violations to occur and be ignored, as manifested when assistant women's basketball coaches and an athletics administrator witnessed violations in the women's basketball program and decided neither to confront the head coach nor to report the information to the proper authorities.

In determining the penalties, the Committee on Infractions considered the university's self-imposed penalties and corrective actions. The penalties, some of which were self-imposed by the university and adopted by the committee, are as follows:

• Public reprimand and censure.
• Four years of probation (January 8, 2008, to January 7, 2012).
• Reduction in women's basketball scholarships by three from 15 to 12 total for each of the 2007-08 through the 2009-10 academic years.
• For the first three weeks of the practice and playing season in the fall semester of 2007, the women's basketball team reduced practice hours from the maximum 20 hours allowed to 10 hours per week. (Self-imposed by university.)
• For the 2007-08 academic year, official paid visits for women's basketball will be reduced from the four-year average of slightly over four visits to two visits. (Self-imposed by university).

The Committee on Infractions consists of conference and institutional athletics administrators, faculty and members of the public. The committee independently rules on cases investigated by the NCAA enforcement staff and determines appropriate penalties. The committee's findings may be appealed to the Infractions Appeals Committee.

The members of the Committee on Infractions who reviewed this case are Josephine Potuto, the Richard H. Larson Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Nebraska College of Law and chair of the committee; Paul Dee, director of athletics at the University of Miami, and formerly the university's general counsel; Eileen Jennings, general counsel at Central Michigan University; Gene Marsh, James M. Kidd Sr. Professor of Law at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa School of Law; Alfred Lechner, Jr., attorney; Thomas Yeager, commissioner of the Colonial Athletic Association; and Dennis Thomas, the commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and formerly director of athletics at Hampton University.

READ CYNTHIA COOPER-DYKE BIO BY CLICKING THE BLOG TITLE.

In a statement, Prairie View said it agreed with the findings and didn't plan to appeal the sanctions.

"Our athletics department views this report and its findings as an opportunity for the university to improve and address its NCAA compliance requirements," Prairie View President George C. Wright said. "We are currently working to implement corrective actions to meet and exceed the NCAA recommendations and requirements."

Cooper-Dyke, a two-time WNBA MVP, helped lead the Comets to the first four WNBA titles, winning the finals MVP each time. She's in the third year of her first college coaching job.

The Panthers went 7-21 her first season, then 19-14 last year, the school's first winning record. The team won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title and went to the NCAA tournament.

The team is 7-7 this season.

MEAC/SWAC SPORTS MAINSTREET COMMENTS: Another case of the NCAA killing a mosquito with an ax.... Cynthia Cooper-Dyke made mistakes and is certainly culpable, along with Prairie View A&M University athletic director Charles McClelland and compliance coordinator, Angela McMorris.

But is the punishment fair and reasonable?

The violations here were really the direct result of the failure to educate the coach on (NCAA) rules," said Josephine Potuto, the chair of the NCAA Committee on Infractions. "It was also a failure of the university to have a culture of compliance."

"I am relieved that it's all over, first off and then I'm relieved that the NCAA saw the violations for what they were," Cooper-Dyke told Houston television station KRIV. "They were mistakes that were made by a rookie coach with no previous NCAA experience and not very familiar with the NCAA rules and that was my mistake."

Cooper-Dyke is thrilled her team will still be able to play for the SWAC title and can still earn a spot in the NCAA tournament. The NCAA did not levy any post-season bans against Prairie View. McClelland says he remains totally committed to Cynthia Cooper-Dyke as the Lady Panthers head coach.

Reference: NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions Report No.277 Case No. M268

A 'Team of the Century' - Matthew Gilbert H.S.

Photo: Members of the 1958 Matthew Gilbert High School undefeated football team gather with assistant coach William Higgins (right) and New York City Councilman and Gilbert alumnus Larry Seabrook (fifth from left) as the team is honored Friday at the school's reunion at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Seabrook worked to make sure the team was recognized for its achievement.

50 years later, Jacksonville, Fla. Matthew Gilbert High football champs finally recognized.

They were members of the 1958 Matthew Gilbert High School football team. They traveled as far away as Pensacola and Miami to find opponents and finished 11-0. But they couldn't play against their neighbors who attended Jacksonville's white high schools because of segregation laws. Last month, the 1958 Gilbert team was named one of the "Teams of the Century" by the Florida High School Athletic Association, the same governing body that didn't represent black schools in the '50s.

In 1958, the state association governing black high school athletics held a football championship for the first time. Gilbert's team traveled to Fort Lauderdale where it beat Dillard High School 14-7 in front of a crowd of 11,000. The reaction back home reflected the segregationist attitude of the city. They were a black team from a black school that won a black championship, and the city's white majority generally overlooked them.

The players knew how much they had accomplished that year, but they also knew not to expect widespread recognition. "It was the way it was," said Roy Mitchell, a senior tackle on the team. "Segregation was at its zenith at the time." Instead, they moved on.

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Photo: Bullet Robert "Bob" Hayes

They graduated from Gilbert and went on to college, the military or to work.

One of the players, Bob Hayes (Florida A&M University), eventually became an Olympic gold medalist in track and an NFL All-Pro standout. But at Gilbert, he wasn't even among the best. During the 1958 season, as a junior, he played behind more talented halfbacks.

Today, Bob Hayes remains the only player in history to win both an Olympic Gold Medal and NFL Super Bowl ring. It's a doggone shame that he is not immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

TSU Lady Tigers drops UT-Martin

Photo: TSU junior 5-7 guard Kendra Appling, Jackson High School, Jackson, GA, leads Lady Tigers in scoring with 23 points/8 rebounds.

Nashville, Tenn.--Despite getting off to a slow start the Tennessee State University women’s basketball team won its fourth straight contest by defeating UT-Martin 58-52 Monday night in the Gentry Center. With the win, Tennessee State (7-7, 4-1 OVC) extends its home winning streak to three while UT-Martin (3-12, 0-5 OVC) drops its tenth straight.

Tennessee State fell behind 5-16 early in the first half but recovered and went into the halftime break with a 33-25 lead. Kendra Appling led TSU with 23 points while Oby Okafor added 21. Crystal Fuller led UT-Martin with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Phyllisha Mitchell added 12 points.

The Lady Tigers return to action on Thursday at Samford. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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Savannah State set NCAA records at Kansas State

Photo: Savannah State University head basketball coach Horace Brodnax has a difficult job in turning the Tigers into winners with over-matched schedule of NCAA major powers.

Kansas State set two NCAA records and tied another by holding Savannah State to four points in the second half in an 85-25 rout Monday night. Kansas State (10-4) hounded the Tigers on the perimeter and pushed them away from the basket inside from the opening tip, holding them without a field goal during a seven-minute span of the first half to build a 16-point lead.

But that was nothing. Savannah State (8-13) missed its first 15 shots of the second half, falling behind 72-25 as Kansas State opened with a 35-1 run. The Tigers finished the second half 1-for-23, breaking the NCAA record for worst shooting percentage and fewest points in a half since the shot clock was introduced in 1986. The one field goal also tied the mark for fewest in a half. Savannah State shot 15.5percent overall, making just nine field goals - four from 3-point range.

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Quote of the Day from Savannah State Coach Horace Broadnax: On the lack of scoring...

“Look back over the past three years, we’ve been beat worse than this. We got beat by Oregon 89-23. I just want the guys to continue to play and do the things that we know how to do. This is the situation where when we are good, we’re good and when we’re bad, we’re bad. The lesson that I want them to learn is a life lesson. Can you move on? I don’t think this is the worst case scenario in these guys’ lives. I don’t like it, it doesn’t feel good, but I’m going to move on.”

Quote from Kansas State players on Savannah State’s 4-point second half performance...

“I’ve never seen that before; that is crazy. They were playing hard but they weren’t knocking shots down. They had a couple of open shots but they just couldn’t hit it.

Norfolk State rallies late for win over N.C. Central

Photo: NSU Tony Murphy, 6-4/220 senior guard, Eastside High School, Paterson, New Jersey.

NORFOLK, Va. — Junior Michael Deloach (Rocky Mount, N.C.) hit a short jumper off the glass with 30 seconds remaining in the game to give Norfolk State the lead for good, and Tony Murphy (Paterson, N.J.) went 4-of-4 from the free throw line in the final 21seconds as the Spartans earned an 87-83 victory over North Carolina Central on Monday night at Echols Hall.

Murphy and Corey Lyons (Bronx, N.Y.) scored 22 points apiece to pace a season-high five players in double figures for NSU (4-8), which has won two games in a row for the first time this season. Charles Futrell led all scorers with 34 points, and Bryan Ayala added 26 for the Eagles (1-20), who lost their 15th in a row.

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DSU lacking experience for another MEAC title run

Photo: Delaware State senior Roy Bright is a legitimate NBA prospect averaging 18 ppg/4.7 rpg.

Few reminders of its three consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships linger around the Delaware State men's basketball team these days. So far, it hasn't been pretty for DSU. The Hornets have suffered in all areas, from defense to scoring. The Hornets (3-9) recently completed their non conference season, with the exception of one game at Winston-Salem State.

Bright, the MEAC preseason player of the year, has been among the league's top scorers at 18 points per game. But he's made just 32 of 92 3-pointers, which points to one of Jackson's concerns.

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Roy Bright is the best player in the MEAC--period. He is a warrior on the court and is the go to player that can create his own shot in crunch time. I wouldn't transfer any MEAC conference banners yet, until the fat lady sings.

With the way most MEAC teams are over-matched playing the AP Top 25, it is difficult to measure how good or how bad our programs really are. The one question that was answered early on in out-of-conference play was that none of the MEAC teams will be hoisting the NCAA national championship trophy in the final basketball game of this season.

Bright is a winner and it would be a big mistake to overlook DSU Hornets in the dash for the championship.

Jacksonville Jam wins with Brian Greene scoring/rebounding

Photo: Former FAMU Rattlers Brian Greene scored his first double/double with 19 points/13 rebounds in Jacksonville Jam first win of season.

The Jacksonville JAM flew up to Reading, Pa, determined to get on track after a dismal shooting performance in the home opener on Friday night. They did not disappoint as Jacksonville (1-1) shot 55% from beyond the arc to beat the Reading Railers (0-1) 104-101 on Saturday night and get its first win in the 2008 Premier Basketball League season.

In a seesaw battle that had the JAM up by four at the half, only to find themselves down by four after the third quarter, the JAM again found themselves down by four with two minutes to go.

That's when former Florida A&M University guard/forward Brian Greene took over with two baskets down the stretch and Antonio Lawrence hitting a clutch three while the JAM defense shut the door to pull out the victory.

Six JAM players were in double figures led by Brian Greene with 19 points and 13 rebounds and Jerry Williams' 16 points.

(Former FAMU) Coach Mike Gillespie was proud of his team as he earned his first win in the professional ranks. "The guys played hard tonight and the key was that we hit our shots. That's what makes the difference."

Next up for the JAM is a home game against the Arkansas Impact on Friday Jan 11 at the UNF Arena.

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-Jax Jam press release

FCS (1-AA) shows argument for football playoffs isn't all academic

Either Ohio State or Louisiana State will claim the Bowl Championship Series title tonight, a designation drenched in ambiguity no matter who wins. For years, division I-A football officials have opposed the kind of playoff format that would avoid such murkiness, using final exams as part of the reason for favoring the current bowl structure. Players shouldn't have to balance football and academics when both become most demanding, the argument goes.

And yet, division I-AA players do it every season. Kenneth Peacock, the chancellor at three-time defending I-AA champion Appalachian State, meets annually with the presidents from his league, the Southern Conference. The topic of football distracting from academics -- or vice versa -- has never been brought up. "It's never been an issue," he said.

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UMES Lady Hawks outlasts Kent State in O.T.

Photo: #3 Kristi Veltkamp, 6-3 senior forward, Lansing Home School, Hudsonville, Michigan pulled down six rebounds against Kent State.

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Tiffany Reid returned to action today against the Kent State University (KSU) Golden Flashes and poured in 19 points, on 7-15 shooting to lead the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lady Hawks to an overtime win, 76-71.

Reid, who had missed the last two games with a head injury sustained at Syracuse, looked to be her old self, knocking down two three pointers, going a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line and tallying three blocked shots and three assists for an overall solid performance.

"Effort overcame free throw shooting tonight," said Head Coach Fred Batchelor. "We missed some big ones but we kept pushing it and came away with the win." Ironically it was McBride, hurt in the overtime period, which made only one of two at the end of regulation with fewer than 10 seconds left that tied the game at 67 instead of giving the Hawks the lead. In the final three minutes Morton and Jessica Ayilola both missed two free throws that would have given UMES a lead.

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Hampton Lady Pirates keeps Howard University winless

Photo: Senior 5-8 guard, Rachel Butler is a pure shooter from Dallas, Texas Lincoln High School. Rachel is a second team (3-times) ALL-MEAC selectee.

Hampton got a team-high 14 points from Rachel Butler and 27 points from its bench to pull away from Howard University in a 73-61 win in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's game at Burr Gymnasium. It was the conference opener for both teams. The Lady Pirates (6-6 overall, 1-0 in the MEAC) even their record on the season while the Lady Bison (0-12 overall, 0-1 in the MEAC) are still looking for their first win.

The Lady Bison will look to end their current slide when they host Florida A&M University on Saturday, January 12 at 2 pm. Hampton host Bethune-Cookman University on January 12 at 2 pm.

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Morgan State Lady Bears ends Coppin streak

Photo: Sophomore 5-7 guard, Corin Adams from Brooklyn, NY James Madison High School is the floor general for the Lady Bears. Adams is #1.

Morgan State ended Coppin State's 41-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season winning streak with a 63-55 victory yesterday. Corin Adams led the visiting Bears (7-5, 1-0) with a game-high 18 points, seven rebounds, six steals and three assists. The game was the first MEAC loss for the Eagles (5-9, 0-1) since a 51-50 setback to Delaware State in 2005.

Rashida Suber had 13 points in defeat for Coppin.

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Delaware State's McBride invited to NFL Combine

Photo: Shaheer McBride is ready to step to the next level with his DSU degree and professional football opportunities.

Shaheer McBride, Delaware State University senior wide receiver has received an invitation to the NFL draft combine, to be held Feb. 20-26 at Indianapolis. According to DSU's sports information office, McBride is the first player from the school to be invited to the combine, where college prospects are evaluated by coaches and scouts from every NFL franchise for the draft.

McBride, from Chester, Pa., caught 50 passes for 586 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He finished his career with 201 catches for 3,007 yards and 33 scores. McBride set DSU records for career receptions and receiving yards, and tied the touchdowns mark set by John Taylor from 1982 to '85. McBride became the third wide receiver in MEAC history to finish with more than 200 receptions and 3,000 receiving yards.

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But more importantly, McBride has completed ALL of his classes and is scheduled to graduate from Delaware State University in May 2008, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Sports Management. This is what its all about, student-athletes--taking care of business!

Congratulations Mr. McBride!

TSU Lady Tigers races past Murray State in O.T.

Photo: Tennessee State's junior forward Oby Okafor scores her sixth double/double of season on Murray State Lady Racers with 31 points/12 rebounds in Lady Tigers win.

Oby Okafor had 31 points and 12 rebounds as Tennessee State almost blew a 20-point lead, but hung on for a 90-85 overtime victory Saturday night at Murray State. The win improves Tennessee State to 6-7 overall and 3-1 in the early Ohio Valley Conference race. Murray State Lady Racers fell to 9-5 and 3-3.

Kendra Appling added 26 points and eight rebounds for TSU while Tiffany Jackson added 16 points and nine rebounds. LaDona Pierce had 11 assists for the Lady Tigers.

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Okafor is asserting herself at both ends of the court with her second monster game in scoring and rebounding. TSU is playing well and hopefully they will continue this trend. The stock is rising for the Lady Tigers in the OVC with Okafor in All-American form.

Next up for TSU--Monday, they host UT-Martin in the Gentry Center. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Morgan State Bears falls to Seton Hall Pirates

Photo: Morgan State's Jamar Smith had a monster game scoring 28 points on Seton Hall to lead the Bears scoring.

NEWARK, N.J. - Senior Jamar Nutter (Bloomfield, N.J.) erupted for a career-high 29 points as the Seton Hall men's basketball team wrapped up non-conference play with an 89-81 win over Morgan State. Nutter shot 10-of-15 from the floor and pulled down six rebounds in 36 minutes off the bench.

Jamar Smith had 28 points for the Bears, including 11 from the free throw line. It was the third loss in a row for Morgan State, who shot just 38.7 percent, and fell to 6-7 on the year.


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FAMU gets tuneup win over Warner Southern

Photo: Senior 6-10 forward, Akini Akini, Tallahassee, FL scored 23 points/9 boards to help Ratters gain win.


The senior duo of Akini Akini and Leslie Robinson combined to spark the Florida A&M Men's Basketball team to a 75-62 non-conference victory over Warner Southern College in Gaither Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

Akini finished with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds, along with three blocked shots, while the sharpshooting Robinson hit six three-pointers en route to a 22-point, six-rebound performance.

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The Rattlers will be in Washington, D.C. on January 12, at Howard University to open MEAC play. The Lady Rattlers will face the Lady Bison at 2:00 p.m. at Burr Gymnasium and the men have a 4:00 p.m start time. See you there!

Southern University stadium expansion to start in February '08

Photo: Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South performing at half-time in A.W. Mumford Stadium, 2007.

After years of delays and criticism, Southern University officials said Friday that the expansion of A.W. Mumford Stadium is finally set to begin next month. The expansion will add 2,500 seats to the 26,500-seat stadium. Southern borrowed $60 million through bonds for construction, with about $14.5 million for the stadium. The cost now comes in at $16.5 million, but Hughes said reserve funds will adequately cover such overruns.

The 18-month construction of the north end zone enclosure and new football complex is expected to be completed in July 2009. Along with the stadium enclosure, the project will include new training facilities, lockers rooms, offices, a weight room, sports memorabilia spaces, meetings rooms, about 500 club-level seats and 2,000 end zone seats.

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Two years of procrastination (politics) and everyone wanting to have input into the project will cost the university $2 million plus before the project is completed. Bottom line, this expansion of A.W. Mumford Stadium is very good for Southern University to stay competitive in Louisiana and Southwestern Athletic Conference athletics.

To view the plans, budget and architectural drawings for the project, please click on this .pdf file link and view pages 8-12 of the document: http://members.cox.net/trey636/BOND%20PROJECT.pdf

-beepbeep

Jacksonville JAM falls in opener to Rochester Razorsharks

Former Florida A&M Rattlers guard Brian Greene led the JAM in scoring at 17, in season opener.

Press Release

Jacksonville, FL--The Rochester RazorSharks started off their 2008 Inaugural season in the Premier Basketball League with a 101-83 victory over the Jacksonville Jam led by James “Mook” Reaves with 20 points. The Jam started off hot, beginning the game off with a 7-0 run, but the RazorSharks finished the quarter strong to a 19-19 tie at the end of the 1st quarter.

The RazorSharks were able to go on an impressive 21-9 run in the first 4:00 minutes of the 2nd quarter. The RazorSharks went into the half with a 51-37 lead aided by Keith Friel’s 15 points, 4-6 from behind the arc in the first half and finished with 5 3-pointers and a total of 18 points for the game.

The Jacksonville Jam countered with a 20-7 run to close out the 3rd quarter. Derik Hollyfield’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer helped swing the momentum back to the RazorSharks, as that brought the 3rd quarter to a 67-61 RazorSharks lead.

With 2:25 left to play, the RazorSharks capped off a 23-8 run. The RazorSharks went 21-27 from the free throw line, including 11-12 in the second half to close out the game. The RazorSharks 1st round draft pick, Vidal Massiah, finished the game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Franklin High School’s own, Marlin Johnson, finished the game with 7 rebounds.

The RazorSharks continue their season opening road trip vs. the Wilmington SeaDawgs at 5:00pm (est.). Jacksonville plays at Reading tonight.

Former Florida A&M University men basketball coach Mike Gillespie is head coach of the JAM, with FAMUan Brian Green and Terrance Woods playing the guard positions. Greene was the leading JAM scorer at 17 points.

The RazorSharks will be back on Monday to prepare for their Home Opener Weekend on Saturday, January 12 vs. the Reading Railers at 2:05pm (est.) and an early season rematch with the Jam on Sunday, January 13 at 1:05 (est.).

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Savannah State stuns Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss had three players score in double figures, but the Golden Eagles could not overcome a 15-point halftime deficit in a 61-56 loss at Savannah State Friday night at Tiger Arena in non-conference basketball action. The Golden Eagles (8-6) lost their third consecutive contest, while finishing the non-conference portion of the schedule for the second-straight season with a setback on the road at SSU.

Southern Miss, which trailed the entire game, fell behind big in the first half as they missed their first seven shots from the field and committed four turnovers. The Tigers (8-12) had a two-game losing streak snapped as they led by as many as 19 points in the opening half after a bucket from Chris Linton to make the score 23-4 with 8:12 remaining.

Linton led the Tigers with 12 points, while Lazarius Coleman added 11 as SSU converted 51.2 percent (21-of-41) in the contest.

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Wow! Talk about a butt kicking--Savannah State received one in a 75-48 rout at Maryland on January 2nd, but took it out on Southern Mississippi.

Too bad the local press provided little or no newspaper coverage at this Savannah State University home game. Shame on the hometown newspaper, the Savannah Morning News.

After two upsets of the Golden Eagles, expect SSU to be in search of a new Division I game next season.

-beepbeep

Norfolk State gets FBC transfer quarterback

Photo: Former UConn and Miami Central H.S. (FL) quarterback Dennis Brown is transferring to Norfolk State University and the MEAC.

by beepbeep

Norfolk State University Spartans just received the best commitment possible before the February 6, 2008, National Signing Day. This is the first day that a high-school athlete can sign a National Letter of Intent for football.

Dennis Brown, a former Miami Central Senior High School (Florida) quarterback is leaving the University of Connecticut Huskies and transferring to Norfolk State University. The 6-foot-3, 196-pound red shirt sophomore played in five games this season as the backup to junior starter Tyler Lorenzen and was 5-for-12 for 48 yards with one touchdown. Brown started two games as a true freshman in 2005 but was red shirted in 2006.

UConn loss 24-10 to Wake Forest in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. They finished the season 9-4, 5-2 in the Big East Conference.

Brown is a pre-pharmacy major that was team captain in high school; a third-team 6A All-State selection in Florida and a first team All-Dade County pick. He threw for 2,001 yards in his senior year for 18 touchdowns, leading Miami Central to a 10-2 season and the third round of the state playoffs. He was a Dade-Broward County All-Star pick and named MVP of the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. His 13-yard TD run in that game with 31 seconds left gave Dade County a 20-17 win.

Photo: Norfolk State Pete Adrian is building a strong FCS contender with a base of high school players, Jucos and key D-IA transfers.

Norfolk State is coming off its best season ever as a Division I, football championship subdivision (FCS) member with an 8-3 record. The Spartans were ranked #7 in the FCS, with 103,320 accumulated attendance for six home games. NSU average game attendance was 17,220 and leads all HBCUs in accumulated home attendance.

The Spartans are scheduled to play at FBS, University of Kentucky on September 6, 2008, and Brown's game experience makes him the potential starter at NSU. The Spartans were walloped 59-0 at #5 Rutgers University in their first contest with a FBS program in 2007.

NSU coach Pete Adrian, 2007 MEAC Coach of the Year is seeking a replacement for graduating senior quarterback Casey Hanson who passed for 3,648 yards and 16 TDs in the third best scoring offense in the conference, averaging 24.7 ppg in 2007.

Norfolk State returns to sophomore quarterbacks in Dexter Merritt, Brian Jackson, Rakeem Kersey and senior Korey Jones. Jackson also serves as the team's
punter.

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South Carolina State releases 2008 football schedule

Photo: SCSU Head Football Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough faces two 1-A foes in 2008, in UCF and Clemson.

If last season's schedule was historic and unprecedented for South Carolina State, the 2008 campaign offers even more challenges and the return of an old rival. For the second straight year, the Bulldogs will play two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents -- both of whom are coming off bowl appearances. After opening the season Aug. 30 at Central Florida, three weeks later the Bulldogs will travel to Death Valley for their first meeting against Clemson University.

SCSU and Clemson were originally slated to meet in 2016. With Louisiana Tech voiding its contract with Clemson, an opening was created for SCSU to set up its second match up against a Palmetto State FBS (1-A) foe.

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Based on the schedule, the Bulldogs are very serious about making the FCS playoffs in 2008.

Here is why...

SCSU was 7-4 in 2007 with losses at South Carolina and Air Force--scoring only a field goal in each contest. However, it was more important that SCSU got paid-- the Bulldogs received $235,000 for this past season's historic contest with the University of South Carolina to go with the $220,000 it received to face Air Force Academy. Both games were not competitive with a 34-3 Air Force and 38-3 South Carolina losses.

This was the second 7-4 season for the underachieving Bulldogs with a senior laden team that were predicted to be the (pre-season) MEAC champions. It didn't happen with an overtime loss at Norfolk State (20-13) and a 17-16 home loss to Delaware State.

The question that cannot be answered today is how playing Air Force, South Carolina, Central Florida and Clemson improves recruiting for Buddy Pough 2008 Bulldogs? Certainly, releasing this schedule before National Signing Day next month is an advantage for SCSU over other MEAC schools that have not done so.

It's also an advantage for SCSU and Norfolk State to be playing bowl teams like Central Florida, Clemson, and Kentucky (NSU), respectively. It allows the MEAC teams to get greater exposure while placing them above the normal entree of HBCU football. Playing a local FCS (1-AA) would be absence both the financial gain and big time exposure that comes with playing a FBC team.

Norfolk State just capitalized on their upgraded schedule with the transfer of UConn quarterback Dennis Brown, red shirt sophomore from Miami Central High School (Florida). This 6-3/196 passing phenom may be the Spartans starter in '08, as they are scheduled to play at high powered Kentucky (that dismantled Florida State in the Music City Bowl).

Photo: SCSU has revenge on their minds as they have scheduled NSU for homingcoming 2008.

Its great to make money on these 1-A beat-downs, but if it does not translate long term into improving your team in getting higher quality student-athletes and winning your conference championship and FCS playoff berth, it may be deemed counter-productive, unless you are happy being stuck at 7-4.

For SCSU, Norfolk State and Delaware State, its too soon to determine if this strategy is going to work long term to make their programs more competitive on the field and in the FCS playoffs.

However, it certainly helps the strength of schedule if they can be competitive on the field with Central Florida or Clemson. No financial terms were made available by Central Florida and Clemson on what the Bulldogs are receiving in payment and athletic director Charlene Johnson is not telling--yet.

The regional rivalry with Benedict College is a great advantage for the gate and is not a disadvantage for getting multiple teams into the FCS playoffs. SCSU 63 scholarship players should clobber the 23 scholarships players of Division II, Benedict with ease and pack the stadium on both sides. The FCS has to now treat SCSU the same as it does with University of Delaware who plays a home game annually with D-II, West Chester State to balance scheduling one contest with a FBC team (this season its Maryland).

We do like the forward planning of SCSU in scheduling five home games and 12 contests in 2008.

It appears that all aspects and special interests of the program are being addressed from: (a) recruiting advantage; (b) breaking glass ceiling with Clemson Tigers; (c) earning $455,000 on two 1-A games to support athletic program; (d) play local rival Benedict in home contest on years that 12 games are permitted for five home games and guaranteed win; (e) providing an exciting fan driven schedule beyond the usual HBCU entree; and (f) balance one 1-A contest with long term rivalry contest with a D-II program.

This is a great marketing strategy and it keeps the fan interests alive and can translate to more butts in the seats in the home stadium for attendance records and higher program income.

Did anyone notice, the lack of the use of the word "Classic" on any of SCSU games? This sends the message loud and clear, South Carolina State is now serious about college football and making the FCS playoffs.

For SCSU, NSU and Delaware State this is an excellent scheduling model that will give them a competitive advantage over many other FCS and MEAC programs, and build strength of schedule for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The key here is consistency of scheduling the FBC teams yearly to strengthen the HBCUs recruitment of prized student-athletes and 1-A transfers, and capture alumni support that attend and follow FBC football. We also see this as a great method for building a loyal fan base and building the financial and competitive infrastructure to move to the Football Bowl Subdivision in the next decade.

Great job South Carolina State University and athletic director Charlene Johnson! That's using your noggin after playing college football for 101 years.

2008 Bulldog Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
8/30 Central Florida Orlando, FL TBA

9/6 BENEDICT ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/13 BETHUNE-COOKMAN ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/20 Clemson Clemson, SC TBA

9/27 Winston-Salem State Orangeburg, SC TBA

10/4 OPEN

10/11 NORFOLK STATE ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

(Homecoming)

10/18 Florida A&M Tallahassee, FL TBA

10/25 HAMPTON ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/1 Delaware State Dover, DE TBA

11/8 HOWARD ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/15 Morgan State Baltimore, MD TBA

11/22 North Carolina A&T TBA TBA


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FAMU Lady Rattlers falls to Savannah State

Photo: Junior forward Denise Tate pulls down career high 21 boards for Lady Rattlers against SSU.

The Savannah (Ga.) State University Lady Tigers cashed in 21 second half free throws to overhaul the Florida A&M Lady Rattlers, 74-66 in a non-conference women's basketball affair Friday evening in Gaither Gymnasium. The visiting Lady Tigers (8-6) trailed 36-30 at the break, but went inside the lane against FAMU in the second half, drawing fouls enough to get to the charity line.

The Lady Rattlers were led by junior forward Denise Tate had a career high 21 rebounds along with seven points, Stephanie Foster's 18 points and six rebounds, followed by 14 points from Joslyne Jackson and 10 points from junior Taniyah Dawson.

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In a game that was scheduled as a tune-up for the 9-3 Lady Rattlers, Savannah State (8-6) brought their "A" game and taught FAMU a lesson on inside lane play and clutch free throw shooting. As FAMU embark on MEAC league play next Saturday at Howard University, followed by three road contests, hopefully it was a lesson learned.

Game Ball goes to Rattlers Denise Tate for 21 rebounds.

See you Rattlers at Howard University--bring you heavy coats, hats and gloves, Floridians; it's 32 degrees this morning in Bison Country. That's the high; low was 16 degrees with wind chill at 8 degrees.

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Winston Salem may bid for 2009 MEAC tournaments

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is looking for a city for its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and Winston-Salem might be in the running. Commissioner Dennis Thomas of the MEAC said that information on the bid process was sent to Winston-Salem officials. The next step is for the city to submit a proposal to the MEAC, if it’s interested.

Chico Caldwell, the athletics director at WSSU, is a member of the Greater Winston-Salem Sports Commission. He says that the commission has not met to discuss the MEAC Tournament. But Caldwell said that landing the tournament would be a good thing.

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The facility being discussed for Winston-Salem, North Carolina is the Joel Coliseum, which seats 14,500. Norfolk, Virginia is countering with the Scope, which seats 10,000. Richmond, Virginia is also one of the MEAC's targeted cities, expecting to place a bid for the tournaments.

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Florida A&M signee stepping up game

Photo: FAMU has received a commitment from 6-9/290 center/forward Cecil Bent, Swainsboro (GA) High School for 2008/09 incoming basketball class.

After the Bulldogs dropped their first two games at the 12th annual Holiday Hoopfest, Dunnell Webb carried Thomasville High School past Brooks County 61-49 and to seventh place.

Thomasville (5-5) has suffered with offensive lapses during its up-and-down season. After the Trojans rallied from a 10-0 hole to pull within 16-15 midway through the second quarter, Webb put the Bulldogs on his back. Six points in the final 15 seconds of the half pushed Thomasville ahead 30-17 and then the Florida A&M University signee took over in the second half.

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Dunnell Webb is a 6-5 forward that was signed by FAMU Coach Eugene Harris during the early signing period. Webb is currently averaging 25 points, 4 rpg for the 1-AA Thomasville (GA) High School program.

The Rattlers have also received an oral commitment from 6-9/290 center/forward Cecil Bent, Swainsboro (GA) High School, who is averaging 12 points/8 rpg. Big Cecil is still growing; he was only 6-7/240 two years ago when he played on the Atlanta Celtics AAU team and has good hands and foot work for a big guy.

Both are exceptional students and will be part of Coach Harris first recruiting class at FAMU. Coach Harris is noted as an extremely great recruiter and evaluator of talent.

The Rattlers are expected to open their new 9,000 seat teaching gym/basketball arena in February 2009.

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