"People are coming by the bus loads; it's going to be an amazing sight," said Bob Hayes Jr., a Dallas resident who will help present his father for induction along with Roger Staubach, the Cowboys' Hall of Fame quarterback." Many of Hayes' Gilbert High classmates and football players from the 1958 black state championship team are taking a charter bus to Canton. Dr. James Ammons, the Florida A&M president, and three past presidents of the school will also be in attendance.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — You called him "Bullet." But they called Bob Hayes "Crow." Long before he became the world’s fastest human by winning double gold medals at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo — and well before he came to Dallas to play for the Cowboys, earning a Super Bowl ring and in the process changing the game — he was "Crow."
On the brink of his posthumous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his former high school teammates and childhood friends shared their memories of Hayes as a youth. Not of the world-renowned "Bullet" Bob Hayes, who is still the only man in history to win an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring and was so fast that opposing teams had to revise how to play zone defenses. But of "Crow:" the playground speedster yet reluctant athlete who honed his skills in the sand and muck on the east side of Jacksonville in an area called the black bottom.
Sitting in a wheelchair outside a beat-up old house on the corner of Odessa and Iona, Charles Sutton started to laugh. "I would say 'Bullet’ and he would say, 'Stop that, Knotts,’ " said Sutton, whose childhood nickname was Knotts because he would bump his head so many times that it would swell up in, well, knots. "I said, I can’t call you Bullet. They call you Bullet. He said call me what you been calling me."
2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement
WHEN: 7 p.m., Saturday.WHERE: Canton, Ohio. TV: ESPN/NFL Network. Inductees: Bob Hayes, Ralph Wilson, Randall McDaniel, Rod Woodson, Derrick Thomas, Bruce Smith.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
USA wins the 4 x 100m relay at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in a then World Record time of 39.06 seconds. The improbable victory was made possible by the phenomenally swift anchor leg run by FAMU's (#702) Robert Lee "Bullet Bob" Hayes.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
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Football Hall of Fame drops ticket prices
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Bigger and Taller Will Always Mean Faster
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
MEAC/SWAC/OVC Sports: This Week in Review
Alcorn State University
Alcorn mourns huge loss in its family
WHETHER IT WAS the flags, jerseys or baseball caps, the Alcorn State presence was very evident Saturday at former football star Steve McNair's funeral at Reed Green Coliseum. Just as many people think of Brett Favre when Southern Miss is mentioned, Alcorn State will always be associated with the NFL MVP quarterback from Mount Olive.
http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/
"Steve McNair is someone that Alcorn was very proud of and put the school on the map." said Charles Longmire, an ASU alum wearing his purple and gold baseball cap. When asked how the Alcorn community is handling the death of it's greatest legend, Longmire just let out an exhausted sigh, "sadness." "He was really a family member," the former ASU football trainer said. "Even if you graduated in 1955, you still know him as a true family member. He's a fallen comrade so I just wanted to come out and support the family."
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Friends recall relationship between McNair, wife
Slain ex-QB McNair mourned as a 'hero,' 'legend'
McNair's fans from all over bid 'Air' goodbye
Final goodbye
Respect for McNair
'Truest competitor'
McNair laid to rest as 'hero'
Seemingly indestructible QB's death hard to accept
Family, friends bid farewell to former quarterback
RIP, Steve McNair: Remembering the former Titans quarterback
All walks of life come for McNair
Media descriptions hurtful to survivors
Delaware State University
Carter ready for future at DSU
DOVER, DE -- It has been a whirlwind summer so far for Derek A. Carter, who was hired as Delaware State University's athletic director in April. Carter, who came to DSU after serving as athletic director at Bowie State University since 2003, has met all of the school's head coaches and all of the staff and has had to acclimate himself and his family to their new home. He knows it will only get more hectic as fall approaches, but he wouldn't want it any other way.
"I am excited with the opportunity and challenge to join DSU and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference," Carter said. "I am looking forward to all the great things that will take place." Carter has been involved in athletics for most of his life and was a starting cornerback for Virginia Tech, where he was a defensive teammate of former Buffalo Bills defensive lineman and 2009 NFL Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Smith. He even earned an opportunity to try out as a free agent with the Eagles in 1985. Now, Carter has taken on a new challenge. He has a plan to revitalize the 17 intercollegiate sports programs at Delaware State University.
Tennessee State University
Texas A&M - Corpus Christi Islanders Adds New Associate Head Coach
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Perry Clark has a new and battle-tested lieutenant at his side heading into the next Islander basketball season. He's added Cy Alexander as associate head coach. Alexander was let go by Tennessee State earlier this year after his sixth season with the Tigers. He led them to the conference title game in 2008, but had a losing overall record.
The legendary Cy Alexander is the winningest coach in MEAC and South Carolina State (277-202) history. He has a career record of 344-306 in 24 seasons, leading the S.C. State Bulldogs to five seasons of 20-plus wins, five NCAA Tournaments and five MEAC championships.
It was a stark contrast to his first stop at South Carolina State, where he spent 16 seasons and reached the NCAA Tournament five times. He replaces Billy Garrett, who left to take a job at DePaul. Garrett also served as the team's recruiting coordinator, a job Alexander should fit right into. Combined with Clark, the duo has piled up more than 600 career coaching victories. "I don't think there will be very many situations on the court that either one of us have not seen. I think that's going to bring a very positive influence to what we're trying to get done. I don't think we'll be outcoached," Alexander said.
Video: Islanders Coach Perry Clark Adds New Associate Head Coach
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
FAMU Marching “100” Hosts its Annual Band Camp and Parade
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Marching “100” will host its Annual Band Camp from Monday, July 13 through Saturday, July 18. The “100” will lend its talent to hundreds of the nation’s best high school band students. More than 400 band participants will have the opportunity to master and emulate the style and concepts of the world-renowned Marching “100”. The participants will showcase their new skills and moves to the FAMU family and the Tallahassee community at the annual band camp parade scheduled for Friday, July 17, at 2 p.m. Ranging from grades 9 through 12, these young students have shown a sincere desire to better themselves as not only musicians, but as leaders of their respective band programs.
Sights and sounds from FAMU Summer Band Camp 2008 -- Building another generation of Incomparable Marching 100s...
The parade’s grand marshals are Linard McCloud (Class of 1976), director of bands for Burke High School in Charleston, South Carolina; Attorney Daryl Parks, Parks and Crump, LLC; Gallop Franklin, president of FAMU’s Student Government Association; and Mr. & Miss FAMU. The special guest will be the legendary Marching "100" director (retired), William P. Foster, Ph.D. This year’s parade will consist of both campus and community organizations.
Band participants will continue to showcase their new skills at events through the end of the week. Thursday, July 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., an ensemble concert is scheduled and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., a symphonic concert is scheduled. Both concerts will be held in Lee Hall Auditorium. Participants attending the camp will travel from around the world such as California, Detroit, Bahamas and Virgin Islands. For more information, call the FAMU Band Department at (850) 599-3024.
Reserved Grice not shy when on the Rattler court
Jasmine Grice's father can't remember when he wasn't a part of his daughter's basketball life. It doesn't appear that will change now that she is taking her game to the college level at FAMU. Grice called on her father, Vincent, for just about every answer during her first sit-down interview since becoming a Rattler. But when it came to talking about what she brings to coach LeDawn Gibson's women's program, Grice was pretty succinct. And, by the way she puts it, not much is going to change in her approach that led to an average of 25.6 points per game when she played at East Gadsden High School.
2009 First Team All-Big Bend (Florida) and Co-Big Bend Player of the Year, Jasmine Grice, 5'-7" wing guard averaged per game - 29.7 points, 4.3 steals and 5.4 rebounds at East Gasden H.S.
"I've got to stay determined," said Grice, named the Big Bend girls' basketball co-player of the year as a senior. "I'll be more focused." Grice should be able to do that now that the recruiting frenzy is over. For at least a year, she said, a long list of schools that included Boston College, Wisconsin and LSU sought after her. She said she saw the onslaught of letters and telephone calls coming, but she wasn't prepared to handle them. Yes, that job was handed off to her father.
Rattlers' walk-ons vying for chances
There weren't too many significant offers for Austin Trainor when he was looking for a place to play college football. He listened to everyone's pitch anyway. Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor and his staff struck the right chord with the former North Florida Christian quarterback. "When I went to FAMU and met all the coaching staff, everybody seemed sincere and real," Trainor said. "I asked them if I had a chance and they told me yes. They told me everything happens on the field and that's all I needed to hear. All I needed to prove myself was the opportunity."
Austin Trainor is a Rattler freshman QB prospect from Tallahassee's North Florida Christian H.S.
Trainor's situation could easily be that of the 29 other walk-ons who are hoping they'll catch the eyes of Taylor. The ones who make the mark could actually have a better-than-average chance of getting playing time next season with 24 players expected to graduate after this season. Considering the slots that will be opened up, Taylor has assigned assistants coaches Jimmy Tyson and Edwin Pata to monitor the walk-ons. "The program is going in the direction now that we could have some pretty good walk-ons," Taylor said. "I don't want anybody who looks at TV and thinks they're football players," he said. "Usually that's a hospital bill. We want the young man who the only reason is not on scholarship is because he came late or because we don't have the scholarship."
FAMU's Taylor preaches restraint
What a difference a 9-3 record makes. FAMU football coach Joe Taylor took a few minutes Wednesday to tell members of the Tallahassee Rotary Club how last season's success is affecting his team. For one thing, going from 3-8 to 9-3 has raised the expectations of Rattler fans. Then there are those who want to jump on the bandwagon — something that Taylor obviously is leery about. One of the biggest concerns is the outpouring of volunteerism when it comes to conditioning his players. He said he's warned them not to seek outside help and stick with what they're getting from strength and conditioning coach Antonio Wallace. Anything else, he said, is a distraction.
"So many people now want to jump on board and supposedly want to help," Taylor said, following his talk to the Rotarians in a small room at the Civic Center. "We need to stay in our tree, stay within our realm. When you were 3-8 nobody wanted to talk to you. Now everybody wants to talk to you." Taylor told the audience how he and his staff turned around the program in his first season as head coach, using the same blueprint that worked during 16 seasons at Hampton University. The change has more to do with the players' attitudes, he said.
Stevens offers a lot to FAMU
Recruit can be scorer and make impact early for team Curtis Berry, who coached Florida A&M basketball signee Amin Stevens, might as well have been talking about a prizefighter when responding to a question about his protege's tenacity. "He will fight back," said Berry, who coached at Mount Vernon Presbyterian High in Roswell, Ga. "That's one thing that will toughen him up — when someone is in his face challenging him." That's the very reason Eugene Harris didn't hesitate to get in the fray to recruit Stevens. Stetson and South Carolina State also made bids for Stevens.
"I knew that he would be a guy that didn't shy away from contact," Harris said. "He is a guy that likes to score and I like scorers. There should be no reason why he can't come in here and play as a freshman." Stevens, a 6-foot-6 small forward, is expected to get plenty of playing time in his first season with the Rattlers. He's already on campus attending summer school and spending his spare time in the weight room. His willingness to face up to the challenge that awaits him, especially during conference play, will give FAMU more options on defense.
FAMU's Battle is like a coach on the football field
A receiver chased a pass from quarterback Curtis Pulley, dropping the ball. Eddie Battle didn't like what he'd just witnessed. Battle, Pulley's second on FAMU quarterback depth chart, stood back, shook his head and folded his arms. His displeasure was obvious. Another play and the receivers pulled in the catch. Battle didn't take his eyes off the receiver as he trotted back to the huddle. The look on his face was one of approval. So went the afternoon for Battle as he took charge of running Monday evening's 7-on-7 unsupervised workouts.
Rattler QB Eddie Battle
With help from some of the veterans on the team, Battle has the undertaking of keeping order and structure during the 60 minutes that the Rattlers participate in the practice intended to stay sharp for the upcoming preseason drills. He seemed especially concerned about the timing between receivers and quarterbacks. "You could have a defensive lineman that is just causing hell up front," Battle said, "but if you have a receiver who is running perfect routes, the quarterback can give him the ball." Lallygagging annoy him as much as horse playing. He roams the field looking for the good and the bad, just like a coach.
FAMU able to fill some holes University's athletic dept. digging itself out of crisis
While Florida A&M's athletic department continues to crawl out from under a financial blanket of red, head coaches in two revenue-generating sports won't have to sing the blues over a shortage of money to hire assistants. FAMU is currently searching for coaches to run the men's and women's track program. Those positions as well as vacancies in football and basketball will be filled, said athletic director Bill Hayes. He also said Tuesday that cost-cutting measures that he implemented several months ago will stay in place.
The athletic department operated last year with a deficit of $7 million, prompting concerns about how the current economic crisis would affect FAMU athletics. Additionally, FAMU's administration is looking for ways to make cuts in other departments. "We are making every effort to be frugal and manage the monies that we have without being wasteful in any way," Hayes said. "That's the direction that we are going in.
Grambling State University
Grambling product welcomes challenge in Detroit
You have to hand it to James “Shack” Harris. He sure knows how look at his job with a “glass is half-full” point of view. The Grambling legend was named the Detroit Lions’ Senior Personnel Executive in February, joining General Manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz in the task of rebuilding the franchise that recently became the first in NFL history to suffer through a winless season. But the Lions aren’t 0-16 any more. They’re 0-0. “It’s going good — we’re tied for first place, so we’re feeling pretty good,” Harris said of his first few months on the job.
Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University
Grades on A&M's mind
Alcorn mourns huge loss in its family
WHETHER IT WAS the flags, jerseys or baseball caps, the Alcorn State presence was very evident Saturday at former football star Steve McNair's funeral at Reed Green Coliseum. Just as many people think of Brett Favre when Southern Miss is mentioned, Alcorn State will always be associated with the NFL MVP quarterback from Mount Olive.
http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/
"Steve McNair is someone that Alcorn was very proud of and put the school on the map." said Charles Longmire, an ASU alum wearing his purple and gold baseball cap. When asked how the Alcorn community is handling the death of it's greatest legend, Longmire just let out an exhausted sigh, "sadness." "He was really a family member," the former ASU football trainer said. "Even if you graduated in 1955, you still know him as a true family member. He's a fallen comrade so I just wanted to come out and support the family."READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Friends recall relationship between McNair, wife
Slain ex-QB McNair mourned as a 'hero,' 'legend'
McNair's fans from all over bid 'Air' goodbye
Final goodbye
Respect for McNair
'Truest competitor'
McNair laid to rest as 'hero'
Seemingly indestructible QB's death hard to accept
Family, friends bid farewell to former quarterback
RIP, Steve McNair: Remembering the former Titans quarterback
All walks of life come for McNair
Media descriptions hurtful to survivors
Delaware State University
Carter ready for future at DSU
DOVER, DE -- It has been a whirlwind summer so far for Derek A. Carter, who was hired as Delaware State University's athletic director in April. Carter, who came to DSU after serving as athletic director at Bowie State University since 2003, has met all of the school's head coaches and all of the staff and has had to acclimate himself and his family to their new home. He knows it will only get more hectic as fall approaches, but he wouldn't want it any other way.
"I am excited with the opportunity and challenge to join DSU and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference," Carter said. "I am looking forward to all the great things that will take place." Carter has been involved in athletics for most of his life and was a starting cornerback for Virginia Tech, where he was a defensive teammate of former Buffalo Bills defensive lineman and 2009 NFL Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Smith. He even earned an opportunity to try out as a free agent with the Eagles in 1985. Now, Carter has taken on a new challenge. He has a plan to revitalize the 17 intercollegiate sports programs at Delaware State University.Tennessee State University
Texas A&M - Corpus Christi Islanders Adds New Associate Head Coach
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Perry Clark has a new and battle-tested lieutenant at his side heading into the next Islander basketball season. He's added Cy Alexander as associate head coach. Alexander was let go by Tennessee State earlier this year after his sixth season with the Tigers. He led them to the conference title game in 2008, but had a losing overall record.
The legendary Cy Alexander is the winningest coach in MEAC and South Carolina State (277-202) history. He has a career record of 344-306 in 24 seasons, leading the S.C. State Bulldogs to five seasons of 20-plus wins, five NCAA Tournaments and five MEAC championships.
It was a stark contrast to his first stop at South Carolina State, where he spent 16 seasons and reached the NCAA Tournament five times. He replaces Billy Garrett, who left to take a job at DePaul. Garrett also served as the team's recruiting coordinator, a job Alexander should fit right into. Combined with Clark, the duo has piled up more than 600 career coaching victories. "I don't think there will be very many situations on the court that either one of us have not seen. I think that's going to bring a very positive influence to what we're trying to get done. I don't think we'll be outcoached," Alexander said.
Video: Islanders Coach Perry Clark Adds New Associate Head Coach
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
FAMU Marching “100” Hosts its Annual Band Camp and Parade
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Marching “100” will host its Annual Band Camp from Monday, July 13 through Saturday, July 18. The “100” will lend its talent to hundreds of the nation’s best high school band students. More than 400 band participants will have the opportunity to master and emulate the style and concepts of the world-renowned Marching “100”. The participants will showcase their new skills and moves to the FAMU family and the Tallahassee community at the annual band camp parade scheduled for Friday, July 17, at 2 p.m. Ranging from grades 9 through 12, these young students have shown a sincere desire to better themselves as not only musicians, but as leaders of their respective band programs.
Sights and sounds from FAMU Summer Band Camp 2008 -- Building another generation of Incomparable Marching 100s...
The parade’s grand marshals are Linard McCloud (Class of 1976), director of bands for Burke High School in Charleston, South Carolina; Attorney Daryl Parks, Parks and Crump, LLC; Gallop Franklin, president of FAMU’s Student Government Association; and Mr. & Miss FAMU. The special guest will be the legendary Marching "100" director (retired), William P. Foster, Ph.D. This year’s parade will consist of both campus and community organizations.
Band participants will continue to showcase their new skills at events through the end of the week. Thursday, July 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., an ensemble concert is scheduled and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., a symphonic concert is scheduled. Both concerts will be held in Lee Hall Auditorium. Participants attending the camp will travel from around the world such as California, Detroit, Bahamas and Virgin Islands. For more information, call the FAMU Band Department at (850) 599-3024.
Reserved Grice not shy when on the Rattler court
Jasmine Grice's father can't remember when he wasn't a part of his daughter's basketball life. It doesn't appear that will change now that she is taking her game to the college level at FAMU. Grice called on her father, Vincent, for just about every answer during her first sit-down interview since becoming a Rattler. But when it came to talking about what she brings to coach LeDawn Gibson's women's program, Grice was pretty succinct. And, by the way she puts it, not much is going to change in her approach that led to an average of 25.6 points per game when she played at East Gadsden High School.
2009 First Team All-Big Bend (Florida) and Co-Big Bend Player of the Year, Jasmine Grice, 5'-7" wing guard averaged per game - 29.7 points, 4.3 steals and 5.4 rebounds at East Gasden H.S."I've got to stay determined," said Grice, named the Big Bend girls' basketball co-player of the year as a senior. "I'll be more focused." Grice should be able to do that now that the recruiting frenzy is over. For at least a year, she said, a long list of schools that included Boston College, Wisconsin and LSU sought after her. She said she saw the onslaught of letters and telephone calls coming, but she wasn't prepared to handle them. Yes, that job was handed off to her father.
Rattlers' walk-ons vying for chances
There weren't too many significant offers for Austin Trainor when he was looking for a place to play college football. He listened to everyone's pitch anyway. Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor and his staff struck the right chord with the former North Florida Christian quarterback. "When I went to FAMU and met all the coaching staff, everybody seemed sincere and real," Trainor said. "I asked them if I had a chance and they told me yes. They told me everything happens on the field and that's all I needed to hear. All I needed to prove myself was the opportunity."
Austin Trainor is a Rattler freshman QB prospect from Tallahassee's North Florida Christian H.S.
Trainor's situation could easily be that of the 29 other walk-ons who are hoping they'll catch the eyes of Taylor. The ones who make the mark could actually have a better-than-average chance of getting playing time next season with 24 players expected to graduate after this season. Considering the slots that will be opened up, Taylor has assigned assistants coaches Jimmy Tyson and Edwin Pata to monitor the walk-ons. "The program is going in the direction now that we could have some pretty good walk-ons," Taylor said. "I don't want anybody who looks at TV and thinks they're football players," he said. "Usually that's a hospital bill. We want the young man who the only reason is not on scholarship is because he came late or because we don't have the scholarship."
FAMU's Taylor preaches restraint
What a difference a 9-3 record makes. FAMU football coach Joe Taylor took a few minutes Wednesday to tell members of the Tallahassee Rotary Club how last season's success is affecting his team. For one thing, going from 3-8 to 9-3 has raised the expectations of Rattler fans. Then there are those who want to jump on the bandwagon — something that Taylor obviously is leery about. One of the biggest concerns is the outpouring of volunteerism when it comes to conditioning his players. He said he's warned them not to seek outside help and stick with what they're getting from strength and conditioning coach Antonio Wallace. Anything else, he said, is a distraction.
"So many people now want to jump on board and supposedly want to help," Taylor said, following his talk to the Rotarians in a small room at the Civic Center. "We need to stay in our tree, stay within our realm. When you were 3-8 nobody wanted to talk to you. Now everybody wants to talk to you." Taylor told the audience how he and his staff turned around the program in his first season as head coach, using the same blueprint that worked during 16 seasons at Hampton University. The change has more to do with the players' attitudes, he said.
Stevens offers a lot to FAMU
Recruit can be scorer and make impact early for team Curtis Berry, who coached Florida A&M basketball signee Amin Stevens, might as well have been talking about a prizefighter when responding to a question about his protege's tenacity. "He will fight back," said Berry, who coached at Mount Vernon Presbyterian High in Roswell, Ga. "That's one thing that will toughen him up — when someone is in his face challenging him." That's the very reason Eugene Harris didn't hesitate to get in the fray to recruit Stevens. Stetson and South Carolina State also made bids for Stevens.
"I knew that he would be a guy that didn't shy away from contact," Harris said. "He is a guy that likes to score and I like scorers. There should be no reason why he can't come in here and play as a freshman." Stevens, a 6-foot-6 small forward, is expected to get plenty of playing time in his first season with the Rattlers. He's already on campus attending summer school and spending his spare time in the weight room. His willingness to face up to the challenge that awaits him, especially during conference play, will give FAMU more options on defense.
FAMU's Battle is like a coach on the football field
A receiver chased a pass from quarterback Curtis Pulley, dropping the ball. Eddie Battle didn't like what he'd just witnessed. Battle, Pulley's second on FAMU quarterback depth chart, stood back, shook his head and folded his arms. His displeasure was obvious. Another play and the receivers pulled in the catch. Battle didn't take his eyes off the receiver as he trotted back to the huddle. The look on his face was one of approval. So went the afternoon for Battle as he took charge of running Monday evening's 7-on-7 unsupervised workouts.
Rattler QB Eddie BattleWith help from some of the veterans on the team, Battle has the undertaking of keeping order and structure during the 60 minutes that the Rattlers participate in the practice intended to stay sharp for the upcoming preseason drills. He seemed especially concerned about the timing between receivers and quarterbacks. "You could have a defensive lineman that is just causing hell up front," Battle said, "but if you have a receiver who is running perfect routes, the quarterback can give him the ball." Lallygagging annoy him as much as horse playing. He roams the field looking for the good and the bad, just like a coach.
FAMU able to fill some holes University's athletic dept. digging itself out of crisis
While Florida A&M's athletic department continues to crawl out from under a financial blanket of red, head coaches in two revenue-generating sports won't have to sing the blues over a shortage of money to hire assistants. FAMU is currently searching for coaches to run the men's and women's track program. Those positions as well as vacancies in football and basketball will be filled, said athletic director Bill Hayes. He also said Tuesday that cost-cutting measures that he implemented several months ago will stay in place.
The athletic department operated last year with a deficit of $7 million, prompting concerns about how the current economic crisis would affect FAMU athletics. Additionally, FAMU's administration is looking for ways to make cuts in other departments. "We are making every effort to be frugal and manage the monies that we have without being wasteful in any way," Hayes said. "That's the direction that we are going in.
Grambling State University
Grambling product welcomes challenge in Detroit
You have to hand it to James “Shack” Harris. He sure knows how look at his job with a “glass is half-full” point of view. The Grambling legend was named the Detroit Lions’ Senior Personnel Executive in February, joining General Manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz in the task of rebuilding the franchise that recently became the first in NFL history to suffer through a winless season. But the Lions aren’t 0-16 any more. They’re 0-0. “It’s going good — we’re tied for first place, so we’re feeling pretty good,” Harris said of his first few months on the job.
Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University
Grades on A&M's mind
Eligibility of several Bulldogs depends on summer courses -- Defensive end Jeremy Maddox and wide receiver Nate Baxter are among a handful of key Alabama A&M players who are in summer school seeking to become eligible for the upcoming season, coach Anthony Jones said.
The Bulldogs report for preseason practice Aug. 2 and open the season at Tennessee State on Sept. 5.
"We have a couple of guys in summer school that have some issues this summer," Jones said. "The guys who are on the border ... all you can do is encourage them to go to class and monitor their progress. Ultimately, a lot of that responsibility has to fall upon them. They have to go to class and make the grades. The summer is always tough because everything is condensed and you have a ton of distractions. If it's important to them, they'll endure." According to Jones, approximately 40 players are in summer school, but most of them are trying to get ahead.
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Monday, July 6, 2009
MEAC/SWAC/OVC Sports: This Week in Review
Alcorn State University
Police: Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was murdered
The death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was a homicide, though police said Sunday they have not classified the death of woman who was involved in a romantic relationship with him. Police found McNair, 36, and Sahel Kazemi, 20, fatally shot in a condominium in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Saturday afternoon after receiving a phone call about an injured person. McNair was shot twice in the head and twice in the chest, while Kazemi was shot once in the head, Nashville Metropolitan Police Department Spokesman Don Aaron told reporters Sunday after announcing the autopsies were complete.
Asked whether the shooting was a murder-suicide, Aaron said investigators had ruled out nothing. "I would expect that it would be a number of days before the classification is placed on Miss Kazemi's death," he said. McNair, a married father of four, and Kazemi "apparently were involved in a dating relationship over the past several months," Aaron said...
Police: Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was murdered
The death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was a homicide, though police said Sunday they have not classified the death of woman who was involved in a romantic relationship with him. Police found McNair, 36, and Sahel Kazemi, 20, fatally shot in a condominium in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Saturday afternoon after receiving a phone call about an injured person. McNair was shot twice in the head and twice in the chest, while Kazemi was shot once in the head, Nashville Metropolitan Police Department Spokesman Don Aaron told reporters Sunday after announcing the autopsies were complete.
Asked whether the shooting was a murder-suicide, Aaron said investigators had ruled out nothing. "I would expect that it would be a number of days before the classification is placed on Miss Kazemi's death," he said. McNair, a married father of four, and Kazemi "apparently were involved in a dating relationship over the past several months," Aaron said...
Sunday, June 28, 2009
MEAC/SWAC/OVC Sports: This Week in Review
Jackson State University
Giles speed burns Alouettes in Montreal
The CFL Grey Cup Champs, Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie RB Levarus Giles was impressive in his pre-season game at the Montreal Alouettes. The former JSU Tiger star ran for a 77-yard TD on a draw play. "He's a burner," said quarterback Stefan LeFors. "He's got speed to kill. I just saw a little crease in there, he hit it and he's gone and it's fun watching a back like that getting into the open field and outrun people."
Giles, by the way, comes by his speed honestly as he also ran track at Jackson State. "I ran the 100 and the 200 (metre races)," he said. "I ran a 10.4 100 and a 24.60 in the 200 ... I won the gold in the SWAC conference in the 100 and the 200." Giles also returned three kickoffs for 71 yards. "I did kickoff returns in college so I can do that, too," he said.
Lavarus Giles and Yvenson Bernard, both battling veteran Fred Reid for a job at running back, ran in TDs for the Bombers, while Alexis Serna kicked three field goals. The Montreal Alouettes downed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 31-27 in pre-season play on Tuesday night. Winnipeg used three quarterbacks in a long grind of a game to watch for the 20,202 fans at sold-out Percival Molson Stadium.
AD's Contract Up On Tuesday
The contract for athletic director Bob Braddy is set to expire Tuesday. A former longtime JSU baseball coach, Braddy has led the JSU athletic department for three full athletic years and the program has won the SWAC Commissioner’s Cup for performance across all sports each of those years. Braddy wants to return and president Ronald Mason has said he expects to bring Braddy back. Still, if nothing changes, Braddy will not be under contract after Tuesday. “We are family, we’re on talking terms,” Braddy said.
Florida A&M University
Ferrell enrolls at FAMU
Beads of sweat rolling down Padric Scott arms, neck and face said a lot about how much the defensive lineman wants to impress coaches at FAMU. He didn't waste much time either. Just a few weeks after transferring from Stanford University, the former Lincoln High School standout is already going hard during FAMU's conditioning drills. "I want to make the biggest contribution possible," Scott said. "I want to try my best, work the hardest that I can and get back in top shape to help the team out. I'm looking forward to being on the field and helping the Rattlers go 12-0."
Scott, a 6-foot-1, 286-pound Tallahassee native, redshirted his freshman season last year at Stanford and was expected to earn playing time this fall. But the distance from home and a strained relationship with his coaches prompted his move to FAMU, he said. "Sometimes me and my coach didn't see eye to eye," he said. "That was pretty much the gist of it." Playing at FAMU was a childhood dream, but the opportunity to go west and be part of a winning program weighed heavily in his decision. His admiration for co-defensive coordinator Earl Holmes and the influence of receiver Isaac West, a former Lincoln teammate, made the decision to come to FAMU easy, he said.
Padric Scott moves into his dormitory for summer school at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, June 21, 2008. The Tallahassee native is now a resident at Florida A&M, where the Rattlers, under Coach Joe Taylor are vying for the Division I FCS National Championship.
FAMU's Reed will get a chance to contribute
After every practice last season, defensive lineman Lymon Reed took a stroll up an incline path between FAMU's practice field and the field house. He was usually alone with a pensive look in his eyes. He had quite a bit to think about: He was projected to be a cog on the Rattlers defensive line, but instead he was ineligible to play. Those post-practice walks weren't always easy on the eve of a game. "It made me think about being a student first before being the athlete," Reed said. "It made me feel like I let my teammates down in terms of what we wanted to get done."
Reed, a senior, will get his chance to contribute this season. He said he found his in the classroom, regaining the scholarship he'd lost. He said he's spending less time in front of his television and avoiding other distractions. Having to sit out an entire season was a hard lesson, he said. "That whole process just reiterated to me that I've got to put it down in the classroom before I put it down on the field," he said. Indeed he put it down on the field in 2007. Reed recorded 45 tackles, 11.5 for loss. He made 10 tackles against Southern and in two other games had seven. "He is probably one of the quickest guys I've seen at that position," FAMU coach Joe Taylor said. "He doesn't stay blocked."
Delaware State University
DSU Women's Basketball Signs Four
Delaware State University head women’s basketball coach Ed Davis has announced four additions to the Lady Hornets for the 2009-10 season. Guard/forward Crystal Pitt (fr. - Ft. Washington, MD), forward Kianna D’Oliveira (fr. - Newport News , VA), guard Jamarra Robinson (jr. - Ft. Pierce , FL), and center Uchechi Ahaiwe (fr. - Riverdale, MD) recently signed the National Letter of Intent to attend Delaware State this fall. Pitt (5-7) averaged 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 4.1 steals per-game as a senior at National Christian Academy (MD) last season.
D’Oliveria (5-10) was a Daily Press (VA) All-District Second Team selection after averaging 13.9 points and 8.0 rebounds-per-game during her senior year at Woodside High School last season. Robinson (5-8) joins the Lady Hornets after two seasons at Palm Beach Community College in Florida . During the 2008-09 season, she led PBCC in scoring (9.9 ppg), assists (4.2 pg) and steals (2.6 pg), and was second in rebounding (6.2 pg). She was a two-time All-Florida Southern Conference First Team selection and team MVP. Ahaiwe (6-3) was an All-Prince George’s County Second Team selection and Prince George's County Senior All-Star at Bladensburg High School last season.
“I believe we addressed some critical team needs with this incoming class,” said Davis, who is 156-115 in nine seasons as head coach of the Lady Hornets. “This group will bring much needed speed and athleticism to our squad.” Delaware State was 15-15 overall and finished third in the MEAC regular season with an 11-5 record in league play last season. The Lady Hornets must replace last year’s starting guards Keyhana Wakefield and Jameka Smith, along with center Thea Littlepage. Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations
Mississippi Valley State University
MVSU signs four for 2010 softball campaign
The Mississippi Valley State women's softball team announces its initial four signees for the 2010 season. MVSU head coach Lee Smith hopes that the initial group of signees will become vital parts to the program as the Devilettes look to defend their six consecutive SWAC softball titles. “We were looking for ladies who fit our mold of aggressive players both at the plate and in the field,” said Smith. “We are continuing to build our program with the goal of having a successful 2010 season.”
Kimberly Spivey, a 5-foot-5 pitcher/utility from Dallas, Texas, comes to the Devilettes with an impressive resume. The Hillcrest High School product built an 84-17 overall record over her four seasons with Hillcrest. During her senior season, she was 18-1 with a 0.47 earned run average. She was Pitcher of the Year, first-team all-district and most valuable player for four consecutive seasons. Outstanding in the classroom, she also was a member of the A-B honor roll each academic high school year. Spivey currently plays travel softball for Texas Fusion Gold.
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
UAPB Athletics Department Announces The Hiring of Shelton
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Director Athletic Louis "Skip" Perkins Jr. has announced the hiring of Cary Shelton to the position of head women's basketball coach. He will officially begin the post effective July 1st. "We're very excited to be able bring in a coach of the caliber of Coach Shelton," said Perkins. "We believe he will be able to take the women's basketball program to new and improved heights."
Shelton has been a member of the UAPB Athletics Department for the past four years serving as an assistant coach on both the men's and women's basketball teams. Last season he served as the number two assistant coach on a team that finished with a 10-8 conference record marking the first time in school history the program concluded the regular season with a winning mark in SWAC play. Shelton was also instrumental in the player development of Ciara Shields (2008-09 SWAC Defender of the Year) and Shay Holmes (2008-09 SWAC Newcomer of the Year). In addition he has played a vital role in the programs recruiting efforts as he helped the program land some of the top women's basketball recruits in the state and around the country. UAPB Sports Information
Coleman's Tournament Brings Celebrites to Pine Bluff
Many athletic celebrities will be flocking to Pine Bluff this weekend. The second installment of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football coach Monte Coleman’s celebrity golf tournament will bring about a dozen former professional athletes from both the NFL and NBA, UAPB athletic director Skip Perkins said. Coleman, who played 16 seasons with the NFL’s Washington Redskins and won three Super Bowls, has invited several of his former Washington teammates to Southeast Arkansas this weekend. Among those expected to attend are Tony Peters, who won multiple Super Bowl rings with the Redskins in a 10-year pro career; Vernon Dean, who was drafted by the Redskins in the second round of the 1982 NFL draft; and Ken Coffey. Perkins said Redskin Hall-of-Famers Art Monk and Darrell Green were also invited but unable to attend because of previous church commitments.
Other celebrities attending are Keith Jackson, a Little Rock-native who was a college All-American at Oklahoma and played nine seasons in the NFL, while winning a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers; Jackie Harris, a Pine Bluff-native who played 12 seasons in the NFL; Ceasar Belser, who played for UAPB when it was known as AM&N College and also played in the NFL; former NBA player Dennis Scott; and local television personality Matt Mosler.
“We have a stellar group of guys that are going to come and help support the Golden Lions,” Coleman said. Proceeds from the tournament will go to furnish new weight equipment for the J. Thomas May Fieldhouse, Perkins said, adding that after costs, the UAPB athletic department expected to raise a little more than $15,000.
RETROSPECT: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Marching Musicial Machine of the Mid South (M4) at President Barack Obama's Inauguration parade 1/20/2009, Washington, D.C.
The M4 students had an experience of a life time performing for President Obama and countless millions of viewers globally.
Alabama A&M University
A&M baseball coach resigns
Martin to focus on duties as football assistant coach ...
A month after helping Alabama A&M return to the Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball tournament for the first time since 2000, Jay Martin has resigned as the Bulldogs' baseball coach. Martin, who also doubled as the inside linebackers coach for the A&M football team, said he was eager to return to the football field on a full-time basis.
"I'm a football coach first and foremost, and that's where I belong," said Martin, who compiled a 31-99 record during his three seasons as the baseball coach. "I enjoyed my time working with the baseball team and the guys deserve a lot of credit for making the tournament, but they deserve a full-time coach. "They shouldn't have to share a coach, and I hope the administration will see that that won't happen again." The program made strides under Martin's guidance.
North Carolina Central University
The busy life of coach LeVelle Moton
LeVelle Moton has seen more chicken in the last three months than Colonel Sanders. The new men's basketball coach at N.C. Central is making the rounds of the chicken circuit from the Triangle to the Triad to the Piedmont. Everybody wants a piece of the Raleigh native since he was named coach on March 25. It's not hard to understand why. Moton is one of them. He's a 1992 graduate of Enloe High in Raleigh. He's a NCCU alum. He obviously loves his alma mater. He's young enough to relate to today's players but is still an old-school, no-nonsense disciplinarian. And he's a dedicated father and husband who's also deeply religious. What's not to like? "
"The is a very rounded individual. I kid him that he's an old man in a young body personality wise because he does have traditional views of discipline, and moral and ethical values in terms of being a student-athlete," NCCU Athletics Director Ingrid-Wicker McCree said. "He gives a lot of attention to really building these young men and preparing them for life after basketball. I don't know if everyone does that. They may say it, but LeVelle really means it."
PHOTO GALLERY
Texas Southern University
Like father, like son in prep football
Melvin and Sean Spears One thing Sean Spears and his father Melvin Spears have in common is versatility, and they also know the importance of balancing family and football. Melvin Spears, a Hall of Fame inductee from Alcorn State, currently serves as the wide receivers coach for the Texas Southern University Tigers. While at Alcorn State, Melvin played both quarterback and wide receiver. However, his son, Sean, bares quite a different responsibility on the field where he was a four-year starter for the Clinton High School Eagles at defensive tackle/offensive guard.
"I am bigger than my dad was in high school," laughed Sean, who is 6 feet tall and 295 lbs. "But, he's my size now."However, just because Sean differs in comparison to his father's size coming out of high school, he said he often gets told that he shares certain character traits of his father's. "I'm told I have the same heart as he did when he played. For instance, if I get hurt, I keep playing," Sean explained. "I've seen old video footage of my dad playing, and I see how it's pretty similar to me. There's a competitive nature in us, and sometimes after games people would come up to me and say ‘you are your daddy's boy.
"Much like his father who played dual positions, Sean has proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. In 2008, Sean was named the District 8-2A MVP, having made first team All District on both offense and defense, as well as being a member of the All Metro and All State teams. "Sean has transcended into being an outstanding player. He had the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball, and he has extremely long arms and huge hands, which are great strengths to have, and he loves the game," Melvin remarked. "He has passion, enthusiasm and plays full speed. I love to play, and I love the game. I see the same qualities in Sean."
Tennessee State University
New TSU coach plans to build up basketball brand
While an assistant at Auburn, Oregon and South Carolina, John Cooper learned a thing or two about what a top-tier college basketball program looks like. And 12 weeks into his tenure as the new head coach at Tennessee State, Cooper hopes to start seeing some of those things here.
From buying new uniforms to renovating the locker room and other parts of the facility, Cooper said he's focused on transforming the men's basketball brand both on and off the court. But, he added, he understands that a tough economy and the budget of a mid-major university means the off-the-court changes could take awhile.
"This is completely different," Cooper said. "You're talking about a BCS school. You're talking about the SEC. You're looking at money from basketball, the bowls, the TV deals and all that. There are other streams of revenue that are coming in. You're looking at schools with 26,000, 27,000 students with alumni bases all over the world and big booster clubs that are raising money and putting money into the program. "There are very few mid-majors that open up the pocketbook and say 'go get it,' and have the means to do that. Still, there have been coaches at mid-major programs that have found a way and been creative in making sure to get what they need."
Already, Cooper said he's been surprised by the community enthusiasm for TSU athletics. He sees his challenge as turning that excitement into financial support. "We've got one of the bigger facilities (in the Ohio Valley Conference) on campus," Cooper said of the 10,500-seat Gentry Center. "Our hope is to get to the point of doing something to the locker room. Update it. Make it a showpiece as it pertains to our level."
Ex-TSU star views NFL career as a reality
Despite an injury-plagued, lackluster football career at Tennessee State University, Ahmaad Smith never doubted he could play at the next level. That self-confidence has taken him to lower-level arena ball, the Canadian Football League — and to 4th And Long, with a chance for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys' 80-man training camp roster. As the Spike TV reality show premiered May 18, Smith was one of 12 players set to go through weeks of meetings, drills and one-on-one competitions under the scrutiny of NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, former Cowboy safety and special teamer Bill Bates and ex-Dallas assistant Joe Avezzano.
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