Former HU - Rookie Dixon Trying To Complete Trying Journey To NFL Cowboys

IRVING, Texas - Making the team will be hard enough as an undrafted free agent for rookie Marcus Dixon. The Cowboys signed Dixon to a non-guaranteed three-year, $1 million free-agent deal made up of three minimum base salaries, along with a modest signing bonus, and days later he found himself here at Valley Ranch for the rookie mini-camp.

"I haven't gotten any calls from Oprah, but I have gotten calls from people who have supported me," he said after his first practice. "I've gotten e-mails. Everyone is just overwhelmed."

Dixon was just like every other rookie that first weekend - cramming in an unfamiliar playbook and trying to keep up with the speed a pro team works at during these non-pad practices. He returned with the majority of the rookies this past week to also begin his off-season strength and conditioning program, along with taking part in the three-day OTA workouts, which continue with another three-day session out here on Tuesday.

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Former NCCU Eagles set to give back

For More Info: https://www.nccueaf.org/

Upcoming Schedule of Events

Date Event
7/01/2008 - 2008 Membership Drive
7/19/2008 - Inaugural Golf Tournament in Winston-Salem, NC
8/24/2008 - 2008 Membership Cookout

Hunter & Co. late last year founded the Eagle Athletic Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Charlotte dedicated to providing support for football student-athletes at N.C. Central.

Football is a topic that's close to the heart of the EAF executive team. Why? Because they're all former Eagle football players who developed a special bond that continues some 20 years later.

They are: Gerald Mack, a four-year starter at cornerback (1985-88); Gerald Patton, a four-year starter offensive lineman (1982-86); Robert "Green" Horsley, a three-year starter at wide receiver (1983-86); center Eric Montgomery (1983-86); linebacker Gregory Tate (1981-85); Brian McCorkle, a three-year starter offensive lineman (1986-89); and Hunter, a three-year starter at wide receiver (1979-1983).

They all know firsthand the trials and tribulations of being a student-athlete on an HBCU campus.

"Each of us experienced trying times during our tenure at NCCU - lack of money and lack of equipment," said Hunter, the spokesperson for the group. "But we're thankful for the program, and with NCCU being the elite institution that it is, we believe we should try to give back."

NCCU also has the support of other organizations like the Eagle Club, which gives thousands of dollars to the entire athletic department, and the QB Club, whose name says it all.

The EAF's focus is football, also for obvious reasons. Plus every genius knows that football can make or drain an athletic department. Not to mention it's the first major sport of the season. So goes football, so goes the HBCU fan's psyche.

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Prairie View A & M University Marching Storm

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(VIDEO: The Marching Storm of Prairie View A&M University prepares for its first halftime show of the season, by The New York Times.)

PVAMU @ Dallas,Texas

PVAMU at 2008 Houston MLK Parade

PVAMU Marching Storm and the Black Foxes

PVAMU Marching Storm and the Black Foxes at Angel City Classic



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Two more I-A transfers set to join JSU Tigers

Photo: Ricardo Kemp

Former Tennessee defensive back Ricardo Kemp said Friday that he will sign with JSU, joining 2007 teammate Antonio Wardlow, who transferred recently. Kemp (5 feet 10, 185 pounds) played 26 games for the Volunteers over the last two years after redshirting in 2005. He posted 24 tackles at UT and recorded two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble last season. Kemp was also considering Hampton.

UNLV defensive end Larry Dennis, a one-time Ole Miss commitment, said Thursday he will sign with Jackson State after sitting out the 2007 season. In 2006 he was rated a four-star recruit (on a five-star scale) by Scout.com. The 6-2, 265-pound Lakeland, Fla., native attended Compton (Calif.) Junior College, then signed with UNLV before 2007 but didn't play because of academic issues.

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Sources: MEAC chooses Winston-Salem

City has won bid to hold tournament for next 3 years

Winston-Salem has won the bid to play host to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament for the next three years, according to several sources. At the MEAC spring meetings, which took place last week in Virginia Beach, Va., presidents and chancellors voted to award the tournament to Winston-Salem. The meetings ended Friday with one of the final votes determining where the tournament would be played for the next three seasons.

An announcement is expected to be made early this week. Neither Dennis Thomas, the commissioner of the MEAC, nor Chico Caldwell, the athletics director at Winston-Salem State University, could be reached for comment yesterday.

But sources have said that the vote came down to Winston-Salem and Raleigh as the final two choices. Winston-Salem officials made a strong proposal to bring the tournament to Joel Coliseum, pledging $100,000 to bring the tournament here.

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Southern University names new chancellor

Dr. Kofi Lomotey holds a Ph.D. and Master's degree from Stanford University in Educational Administration and Policy Analysis, a M.Ed. from Cleveland State University in Curriculum and Instruction and a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in Economics. He previously served as President of Fort Valley State University, Senior Vice President, Provost and Professor of Education at Medgar Evers College (CUNY) and as a member of the faculties at Louisiana State University and the State University of New York (Buffalo).

Southern University picked a new chancellor Saturday. Southern University System President Ralph Slaughter and the Board of Supervisors chose Kofi Lomotey, 57, of Fisk University in Tennessee out of three finalists. Lomotey was picked on a 9-6 vote at the end of a five-hour meeting that included final interviews on campus.

Those board members voting in opposition said they wanted more time to deliberate after interviewing the three for the first time Saturday. The Fisk executive vice president and provost was chosen over Southern University at Shreveport Chancellor Ray Belton and Alcorn State University Vice President for Academic Affairs Napoleon Moses.

Lomotey will lead Southern’s main campus in Baton Rouge with an enrollment of about 8,000 students starting July 1 after his contract is worked out. “I’m attracted to the tremendous potential...

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Sneads’ Perry preparing to make college choice: FAMU or ...

Former Sneads Pirates wide receiver/kick returner Alex Perry will soon choose between FAMU and Valdosta St. for his collegiate football services. Perry will take the trip to Tallahassee Monday to workout for the new Rattler coach Joe Taylor before visiting Valdosta St. June 21.

Perry, who said he has a scholarship offer from both FAMU and Valdosta St, said that Taylor wanted him to come to the FAMU campus to go through position drill training and update his 40-yard dash time. Immediate playing time will be the biggest factor in his decision, Perry said.

“Basically, what it comes down to is that I want to start in my first year,” he said. “I think I could start at receiver right off the bat as a freshman.”

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SSU boosters: We'll support new athletic director

Photo: Savannah State University new athletic director Bart Bellairs will start on June 1.

'Race doesn't matter'

SSU booster Danny Parrish, a founding member with Alfred Berry of the Atlanta-Downtown Alumni Chapter, one of SSU's largest clubs, is ecstatic that Bellairs was selected from 32 applicants. The Richmond, Ky., native was chosen over Wichita State assistant AD Leonard Clark and NCAA assistant director of championships Keshia Campbell.

"I'm very excited to have him there," Parrish said. "He has the background and experience to build the program to what we need. Everybody wants the same thing: to turn the Savannah State athletic program around and have a successful athletic program. I think he's capable of doing that.

"Race doesn't matter at all. I think diversity is very good. We need to represent the entire Savannah community. I'm glad that we're getting past the color issue." Horace Scandrick, president of the SSU Community Booster Club, agreed with Parrish.

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UMES Hawks add six athletes to the Basketball Program

Head Coach Frankie Allen assembled a strong first-year recruiting class.

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Head Men's Basketball Coach Frankie Allen announced the signing of six athletes to National Letters of Intent on Friday.

"Overall we are very pleased with the signees and feel that we have started to put together a foundation that the entire basketball community will be proud of in the upcoming years," said Allen.

Coach Allen who took over the helm on April 10 put together a solid core of prospects during the late signing period that will look to contribute to the Hawk basketball program in 2008-09, including Reginald "Tyler" Hines (6-7, 220, PF/C, Sewell, N.J./Timber Creek H.S.), Mark Robertson (6-5, 215, SF/PF, Lakewood, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep), Christopher Conner (6-4, 210, SG/SF, Powell, Tenn./Hargrave Military Academy), Neal Pitt (6-6, 230, SF/PF, Ft. Washington, Md./Frederick C.C.), Hillary Haley (6-6, 210, SG/SF, Waldorf, Md./St. Bonaventure Univ.), and Samuel Obetoh (6-7, 190, SF, New York, N.Y./Washington Irving H.S./Boys' Club of New York).

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Frankie Allen is still a great recruiter of Division I level talent. The Hawks are going to make a big move forward this upcoming season. Way to go, Coach Allen! Great crop of student-athletes.

Jackson State University - J-Settes

JSU J-settes Field Routine (Man eater)


JSU J-Settes Dancing to "I'm Dreaming"

Bryant High's Patrick earns scholarships to Alabama State

TUSCALOOSA Joe Patrick learned a few things about priorities in his life during his career at Paul W. Bryant High School. Patrick capped his senior season by accepting academic and athletic scholarship offers from Alabama State University in Montgomery.

Patrick, who stands 5-foot-9, finished second in the high jump in the AHSAA meet by clearing a height of 6-6. Patrick ran in the 4x800-meter relay during sectional competition. He said he’d like to be a versatile performer in college.

It feels great just to know I’ve done a lot for myself with the help of my parents, the track team and God,” Patrick said. “It feels great to know I’ve lifted a burden off my parents so they don’t have to pay anything.

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ASU to pay outgoing president Joe Lee nearly $289,000

MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama State University will pay President Joe Lee nearly $289,000 when he resigns May 31 under a severance agreement reported Friday. Lee announced unexpectedly at a Feb. 8 board of trustees meeting that he planned to resign, ending a seven-year administration that saw a $125 million building campaign and record enrollment.

But he also upset some alumni by firing the football coach and over accounting problems revealed by an audit. Most of the payout — $215,875 — is the balance remaining on Lee's contract that's set to expire Aug. 31, 2009; $47,446 is in retirement and other fringe benefits; and $25,666 is in accrued paid leave.

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A well deserved payout for a president that accomplished many great things for the Hornets.

FAMU Rattlers getting ready for next football season

FAMU quarterback Eddie Battle slowed down from the rapid pace he’d set, going from one weight-training piece of equipment to another. It was brief, but not long enough to notice Joe Wims being spotted by Taj Jenkines.

“Let’s go, Joe,” Battle said, sweat dripping from his face. “Ain’t nothing but up and down.”

Photo: FAMU's #76 DeWayne Lanier, 6-7/315 Offensive Lineman, RS Sophomore, beheads a Southern Jaguar defensive player in last season MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

Wims gave the loaded weight bar a few more jerks, then turned it over to Jenkines. Battle and about 15 FAMU football players had been working out hard for almost an hour. Different groups of players go daily in three sessions.

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Eagles' undrafted quarterback (NSU Casey Hansen)

Photo: Casey Hansen (#3) left his mark at Norfolk State University as the second all-time leading Spartan passer with 4,277 yards in two season. Expect Hansen to surprise and stick with the Donavan McNabb led Eagles as a backup QB. (photo by Mark's Digital Sports Photography)

WITH HIS shirt off, Casey Hansen would tend to get noticed anywhere. A 6-5, thin, strawberry blond guy with a huge tattoo across his back - a pair of six guns framing a skull wearing a cowboy hat, with smoke from the guns curling up to where it spells out "HANSEN" across his shoulders?

That's a bit different, even without the large right-shoulder tattoo of a crown-wearing Jesus.

But Hansen, signed last month by the Eagles as a rookie free-agent quarterback, is used to standing out because of his looks, even fully clothed. To get on the field in college, to create the opportunity he's now pursuing in rookie camp, Hansen played his final two seasons at historically black Norfolk State University. The Spartans' Web site estimates that 86 percent of the school's 6,238 students are African-American, 7 percent are caucasian.

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Historic Rivarly moves to Historic Stadium in Charlotte

NCCU, NC A&T to Play Oct. 4 Football Game at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte

DURHAM, N.C. - In order to accommodate an anticipated crowd that exceeds the capacity of its own stadium, North Carolina Central University will move its home football game against long-time rival North Carolina A&T State University to Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

The 80th gridiron contest between the Eagles and Aggies will kickoff at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4.

"We are excited about partnering with the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department to bring this historic rivalry to Charlotte," said NCCU Director of Athletics Ingrid Wicker-McCree. "Memorial Stadium provides a terrific atmosphere for college football, and I am sure the fans will enjoy the many accommodations the Queen City has to offer."

A crowd of 19,320 witnessed the last meeting in 2007, played inside Aggie Stadium in Greensboro. Since 1994, the average attendance at an NCCU versus NC A&T football game is 35,478, including a high of 48,001 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh in 1997.

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New Blue QBs can run like the wind

Photo: Former South Carolina State University QB Cleve McCoy is now a Winnipeg Blue Bomber.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' playbook is about to get a little fatter and -- Doug Berry has his fingers crossed -- the offence a whole lot more difficult to defend.

The Bombers finally made official on Tuesday what has been speculated for days when they announced the additions of quarterbacks Bryan Randall and Cleve McCoy, both Canadian Football League neophytes. But what's intriguing about the two transactions isn't just the addition of QB depth behind incumbents Kevin Glenn and Ryan Dinwiddie, it's about the skill set they will both begin showcasing with the opening of rookie camp next Wednesday.

Simply put, both Randall and McCoy tore it up in college by using their legs to help open up the pass -- McCoy rushed for 823 yards last year for South Carolina State; Randall had 511 yards along the ground as a senior at Virginia Tech in 2004.

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AFCA honors FAMU legend Jake Gaither

Florida Governor Claude Kirk visited Jake Gaither, the nationally renowned coach of the Florida A & M University football team, circa 1967-70. (photo provided by Florida's Division of Historical Resources)

Coaches group lauds Rattlers great with Trailblazer Award

Almost 40 years after he coached his last football game, Jake Gaither is still winning.

Gaither, who became a legend during a 24-year coaching career at FAMU, was recently named winner of the Trailblazer Award, a posthumous honor. He is the fourth winner of the prestigious national award that is given by the American Football Coaches Association.

The award recognizes black coaches who became greats of the game during an era when their accomplishments were seldom recognized. Gaither is considered on the same plateau with legend Paul "Bear" Bryant, who Gaither once recruited during the 1950s to assist with a coaches' clinic.

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READ: Jake Gaither
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/FAMU/70824026

READ: Jake Gaither, 90, Successful And Influential Football Coach:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D07E0D9153BF93AA25751C0A962958260&sec=&spon=

Rudy Hubbard returns to sidelines tonight

Jamboree first test for new Rickards coach

Rudy Hubbard left football 23 years ago when he coached his last game at Florida A&M. Tonight he returns as the first-year coach for the Tallahassee's (FL) Rickards High Raiders, who take part in a three-team jamboree at Cox Stadium.

Hubbard built on Jake Gaither's legacy by guiding FAMU to the Black College National Championship in 1977 and the inaugural NCAA Division I-AA title in 1978. He took over the Rickards program on March 20.

The Raiders will open tonight's jamboree by playing West Gadsden at 6 p.m. West Gadsden then plays Leon at 7 p.m. and Rickards and Leon play at 8 p.m. in the third.

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WSSU choir sings leader's praises

D'Walla Burke's students say that she teaches them much more than music

» AUDIO: Click to hear a recording of the Winston-Salem State University Choir singing "That's How Good God Is," under the direction of D' Walla Simmons Burke

Christopher Hawley said he had trouble meeting people when he arrived at Winston-Salem State University ­-- so much so that he was thinking about going back home to Durham. Then, he said, a friend suggested that he try out for WSSU's choir.

He tried out, was accepted and decided to stay for another semester.

Now a senior, Hawley says that his relationships with choir members and the choir's formidable director, D'Walla Simmons Burke, made all the difference in his career at WSSU.
















Photo: Choir Director D'Walla Simmons Burke philosophy is simply, "You can do nothing great by yourself." The Fort Valley, GA native was educated at Hampton University, UNC Greensboro and has lead the WSSU Choir as conductor to perform Faure's Requiem at New York's Carnegie Hall, becoming the first black female professor to debut as a conductor in this venue. In 2006, the WSSU choir was invited to perform with the Dvorak Symphony Orchestra in Prague, Czech Republic.

"The people in choir are like family to me," he said. "If it wasn't for choir, I probably would have transferred to another school."

He thinks of Burke, he said, as a second mother.

"She's very stern. She's going to push you, but that's a good thing," he said. "My mother's in Durham -- she's not with me now. Ms. Burke is right here with me."

Burke has been the director of choral and vocal studies since she came to WSSU in 1989. She had been teaching at Voorhees College near Denmark, S.C.

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FAMU's Harris fits men's basketball recruits into place

Photo: Cecil Bent is the crown jewel of Coach Eugene Harris first incoming class. The 6-9/290 center will play immediately for the Rattlers.

Coach Eugene Harris isn't exactly starting from scratch, but he likes what he has so far as he attempts to rebuild the FAMU men's basketball program.

Harris said he believes he's found a center and a forward to improve the Rattlers in the post. Akini Akini did most of the work down low for FAMU last season in his final year of eligibility.

Incoming center Cecil Bent and forward Yannick Crowder will play right away, Harris said. Six of the seven other recruits are guards. They will join four returning players from last season's team.

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Bent averaged 14 points per game with 8 rebounds at Swainsboro (GA), Swainsboro High School. He was a member of the 2008 Region 3-AA Champions basketball squad. He also competed in the State Sweet 16 tournament. Bent played for the South team in the GACA North-South All Star Game in which his team defeated the North team 100-95. He was also ranked as one of the top 24 basketball players in the state of Georgia.

-beepbeep

SSU goes for experience in AD hire

Within seconds of being introduced as Savannah State University's athletic director, Bart Bellairs on Tuesday used words like "gold mine" and "sleeping giant" to describe Savannah's only NCAA Division I school.

He'll no doubt use those terms frequently in his quest to help SSU increase revenue, join a conference and achieve success, both athletically and academically. Bellairs will begin at SSU on June 1.



Bellairs, 51, has spent the past three years as Virginia Military Institute's senior associate athletic director. He was instrumental in tripling revenue during his first two years at the Lexington, Va., school, which competes in the Big South Conference.

Bellairs is the first white AD at SSU, a historically black university that began playing sports in 1915. His hiring comes five months after SSU hired its first white football head coach, 39-year-old Robby Wells.

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Barack Obama - in Portland, OR

Senator Obama spoke before a crowd of 75,000 people in Portland, Oregon on May 18th, 2008. This was the largest crowd of any event in the Democratic Primary.


Yolanda Adams recently performed during a political rally for Senator Barack Obama. during her performance she had a mutlitude of encoraging words for the audience.

Yolanda Adams recently performed in Louisville, Kentucky during a rally for Senator Obama. In this clip she performs her hit song "Open My Heart"

Carter adds seven to SCSU men's basketball team

With the exception of the coaching staff and four returning starters, the 2008-09 South Carolina State men’s basketball team will look altogether different than last year’s edition.

Last year’s 20-loss campaign only served to expedite head coach Tim Carter’s ongoing make over of the team. Taking advantage of the scholarships made available with the departure of four players and the dismissals of David Cobb and Derrick Davis, Carter was able to add seven players during the recently completed signing period:

- Guard Jimmy Williams (6-4), East Laurens High School in Dublin Ga.- The Class 2-A Player of the Year in Georgia, he averaged...

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Jim Brown, TSU team up to motivate potential college students

By TSU Media Services

Academy to feature life-skills program started by Jim Brown

Houston, Texas - NFL Hall of Famer and community activist Jim Brown’s “Amer-I-Can” program will be a major component in Texas Southern University’s conditional summer academic program for students who do not meet the University’s new admission requirements that will be phased in over the next year.

Hundreds of students will attend TSU’s summer program that will run June 6 through July 31. The summer program is a unique opportunity that prepares students for college-level coursework.

Photo: The 72 year old Jim Brown is still a force with his "Amer-I-Can" program.

The free program provides students with centered instruction in mathematics, reading, and writing along with leadership and character development. The “Amer-I-Can” program is a 60 to 90 hour, 15 chapter life management skills curriculum that will be part of the program.

Video: http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=246709&shu=1

“The beauty of the 'Amer-I-Can' program is that it is applicable to all people, as it transcends race, age, gender, religion, and socio-economic status,” said Brown. “The Amer-I-Can” program will change the lives of these students and will motivate them to make the best of their college experience and become great leaders on campus.”

Since its inception in 1988, more than 500,000 youth and young adults have successfully completed the “Amer-I-Can” program. Students who complete the program experience on average a 60% decrease in disciplinary incidents, a 38% decrease in absences, and a 35% increase in their grade point averages. The program is changing lives nationally in more than 16 states and internationally in the United Kingdom, Belize, and South Africa.

TSU’s recently adopted admissions standards change the University’s previous “open-admissions policy” by raising the bar for students upon acceptances. Prospective students will be required to graduate from high school with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students who graduate in the top 25% of their class will be automatically admitted. Other students will need to submit an ACT score ranging from 15 to 17 or a combined SAT in the range of 775-825 (on the 1600 scale). Any student who does not meet the University’s minimum requirements will still have the opportunity to enroll at the University after successfully completing the conditional summer academic program.

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Jim Brown, The Greatest Player in NFL History

TSU top defending champ Prairie View for SWAC title

Candy Robinson spent most of a disappointing 2008 baseball season trying to convince Texas Southern it could be a good team.

On Monday the Tigers proved they’ve been listening to their longtime coach.

Texas Southern capped an improbable run through the 2008 SWAC tournament with an improbable victory against Prairie View A&M, claiming the championship with a 12-11 triumph at Lee-Hines Field.

The Tigers (16-32) will be the SWAC’s representative in the NCAA tournament after scoring five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to erase an 11-7 deficit.

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