2010 MEAC COMMISSIONER’S ALL- ACADEMIC TEAM

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner, Dr. Dennis E. Thomas

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announces the 2010 Commissioner's All-Academic Team, recognizing 618 student-athletes from the conference's 12 member institutions who achieved academic success during the 2009-10 academic school year. The team honors student-athletes, including sophomores to seniors, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

"I am pleased to recognize 618 student-athletes who have maintained a 3.0 or better grade point average during the 2009-10 school year," said Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas. "In addition to these academic achievers, I applaud the athletic academic support staff and personnel, coaches, institutions, and parents for their contributions to success of these student-athletes."

Listed below are the 2010 Commissioner's All-Academic Award Winners by institutions:

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY (54)

Women (27): Analisa Austin (WTR, Business Administration), Crystal Bardge (WTR, Mass Communications), Alexandria Condell (WTR, Physical Education), Jaquennee Flowers (WTR, Accounting), Marketa Ruffin (WTR, Music Performance), LaShondra Wilbon (WTR, Criminal Justice), Nickesha Williams (WTR, Criminal Justice), Jasmine Daniels (WBB, History), Demetria Frank (WBB, Physical Education/Recreation), Kimberly Roe (WBW, Elementary Education), Hanna Bews (WGO, Speech Communication), Brittani Austin (WSB, Sociology), Simone Ceasar (WSB, Business Administration/Marketing), Sabrina Ferguson (WSB, Psychology), Allison Garcia (Criminal Justice), Tameika Jonas (WSB, Physical Education), Briana Leverett (WSB, Nursing), Elizabeth Parish (WSB, Elementary Education), Cesley Tafoya (WSB, Computer Information Systems), Eva Hankova (WTE, Mass Communications), Stacey Lopez (WTE, Biology), Andrea Paez (WTE, Hospitality Management), Janeice Ward (WTE, Accounting), Linda Nwabuko (WVB, Biology), Shanick Reddick (WVB, Elementary Education), Daryl Rodriguez (WVB, Nursing), Chelle Ticeson (WVB, Physical Education/Recreation) .... Men (27): William Cosby (MTR, Psychology), Demetrius Douglas-Davis (MTR, Hospitality Management), Christopher Jackson (MTR, Mass Communications), Martin Embry (MTR, Physical Education/Recreation), Stephen Bertholet (MFB, Mass Communications), Jean-Gardy Fanor (MFB, Psychology), Christopher Perry (MFB, Criminal Justice), Joseph White (MFB, Biology), Emmanuel Castro (MBA, Physical education/Recreation), Justin Dahl (MBA, English), Jeremy Davis (Physical Education/Recreation), Ryan Durrence (MBA, Business Administration/Marketing), Rayan Gonzales (MBA, Biology), Justin Hoyte (MBA, Business Administration), Christopher Lauriello (Criminal Justice), Joseph Munoz (MBA, Hospitality Management), Alejandro Sanchez (MBA, Business Administration), Andrew Tilka (MBA, Educational Studies), Tyrel Adams (MBB, Criminal Justice), Kene Anusionwu (MBB, History), Sean Edey (MGO, International Business), Christian Cruz (MTE, Accounting), Kristofer Martin (MTE, Business Administration/Management Information Systems), Emil Vassilev (MTE, Hospitality Management), Richard Crow (MFB, Psychology), AnQelo Erilus (MFB, Computer Engineering), Ryan Griffin (MFB, History).

COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY (22):

Women (13): Latifah Bernard (WSB, General Science), Sharisse Coppin (WTE, Nursing), Jade Dudley (WSB/WVB, Sports Management), Lakeytah Irving (WBB, Sports Medicine), Felicia Jones (WBO, Nursing), Jonee Patillo (WBO, Nursing), Samantha Leigh (WTR, Sports Management), Tyler Phillips (WVB, Sports), Dawnnae Roberts (WBB, Criminal Justice), Charma Robinson (WSB, Sports Management), Ana Sebescen (WTE, English), Nina Sebescen (WTE, Computer Science.), Candace Wright (WSB, Management Science)....Men (9): Jerome Blake (MTR, Sports Management), Quincey Darko (MTE, Management Science), Dale Dunn (MTR, Management Science), Aubrey Edwards (MTR, Management Science), Vince Goldsberry (MBB, Management Science), James Jeffreys (MTE, Sports Management), Victor Lemberger (MTE, Management Science), Jahara Wigfall (MTE, Management Science), Jamie Wilson (MTR, Spots Management).

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY (98)

Women (68) Sade Bowen(WBB, Sports Sciences), Alexis Johnson(WBB, Criminal Justice), Samantha Koonce(WBB, Biology/Pre-Professional), Ashley Thompson(WBB, Physics), Jazmyne Hefflefinger(BO, Sports Sciences), Adriana Jaime(BO, Education), Tara McQueen (WBO,Computer Science), Brooke Peterson(WBO, Nursing), Samantha Scionti(WBO, Music Education), Courtney Varin (WBO, Biology), Kayln Washburn (WBO, English), Calis Emerson (WCC, Accounting), Capri Jones (WCC, Accounting), Kendra Mayers (WCC, Sports Sciences), Charnise McCombs (WCC, Biology), Brittany Roberson (WCC, Pre-Nursing), Ashley Blake (WTR, Education), Tracy Fan Fan (WTR, Pre-Nursing), Ayanna Kelly (WTR, Mass Communications), Victoria McGroary (WTR, Political Science), Krystina Muhammad (WTR, Sports Sciences), Marshae Richardson(WTR, Criminal Justice), Ashley Butler (WEQ, Management), Brittni Collins (WEQ, Agriculture), Caroline Foltz (WEQ, Agriculture), Amanda Hotz (WEQ, Agriculture), Jennifer McInnis (WEQ, Political Science), Jennifer Pierson (WEQ, Agriculture), Morgan Scuse (WEQ, Chemistry/Pre-Professional), Jessica Smith (WEQ, Agriculture), Elizabeth Tuttle (WEQ, Management), Chelsea Brown (WSO, Chemistry), Kelly Cheng (WSO, Sports Sciences), Brittany Curtis (WSO, Chemistry), Brianna Dingman (WSO, Management), Michelle Giorgilli (WSO, Forensic Biology), Ashlee Gourdine (WSO, Biology), Courtney Haas (WSO, Sports Sciences), Leah Hontz (WSO, Education), Kristin Mathis (WSO, Sports Sciences), Casey Beighley (WSB, Mass Communications), Janelle Lukens (WSB, Mass Communications), Leslie Pleasanton (WSB, Education), Twany Reeger (WSB, Chemistry), Jordan Reid (WSB, Criminal Justice), Allison Rubin (WSB, History), Sherelle Sheppard (WSB, History), JoCarol Shields (WSB, Sports Sciences), Andrea Waters (WSB, Political Science), Hannah Adewumi (WTE, Computer Science), Christina Andrade-Pires (WTE, Finance & Banking), Anna Kovtun (WTE, Criminal Justice), Cassandra Newton (WTE, Hospitality Tourism Management), Polina Razborova (WTE, Finance & Banking), Sonja Banicevic (WVB, Finance & Banking), Martina Ferrari (WVB, Political Science), Ashley Herman (WVB, Biology), Elisa Herman (WVB, Hospitality Tourism Management), Princess Puckett (WVB, Movement Science), Maja Rudolph (WVB, Mathematics), Erica Tajchman (WVB, biology/Pre-Professional), Jasmine Bolton (CH, Public Relations), Carlita Constant (CH, Psychology), Jasmine Cooper (CH, Accounting), Jessica Dickerson (CH, Political Science), Corrine Gramby (CH, Textiles & Apparels), Tynisha Hearne (CH, Music Education), Bethany Stewart (CH, History) .... Men (30): Scott Davis (MBA, Physical Education), Jordan Elliot (MBA, Sports Sciences), Joshua Harris (MBA, Physical Education), Keith Hernandez (MBA, Criminal Justice), Derrek Johnson (MBA, Psychology), Matthew Millman (MBA, Sports Sciences), Kevin Noriega (MBA, Marketing), Jose Portela-Berrios (MBA, Biology), Michael Rizzuto (MBA, Management), Joe Rush (\MBA, Sports Sciences), George Bansah (MFB, Undecided), Andre Carroll (MFB, Sports Sciences), BJ Conley (MFB, Criminal Justice), Mike Gable (MFB, Biology/Pre-Professional), Darryl Hicks (MFB, Criminal Justice), Byron Lewis (MFB, Criminal Justice), Calvin Miner (MFB, Criminal Justice), Nick Richmond (MFB,Sports Sciences), Steven Steinbacher (MFB, Management), Travis Tarpley (MFB, Management), Brandon Baylor (MBB, Psychology), James Marcellus (MBB, Management), Greg Smith (MBB, Movement Science), Trevor Welcher (MBB, Sports Sciences), Ryan Agan (MCC, Airway Sciences), Alan Laws (MCC, Sports Sciences), David Bruce (MTR, Sports Sciences), Brian Gelis (MTE, Computer Science), Roman Pitatelev (MTE, Accounting), Milos Velickovic (MTE, Management).



FAMU sophomore Derrick Shaw is getting in done in the classroom, in baseball and football. The 2010 first team All-MEAC infielder was named to the Louisville Slugger All-American team as a freshman; play the QB/DB position for Rattlers football; and has a 3.5 GPA in the classroom--majoring in Social Work.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY (26)

Women (8): Amanda Reyes (WSB, Architecture), Kierra Holiday (WTR, Criminal Justice), Tiffany Morrow (WTR, Criminal Justice), Ashley Melson (WBO, Criminal Justice), Danielle Anderson (WBB, Chemistry), Tameka McKelton (WBB, Criminal Justice), Kathline Durden (WTE, Computer Info), Jessica Bond (WVB, Business).... Men (18): Jack Dash (MSW, Engineering), Akie Smythe (MSW, Intem, Agriculture), Adeyemi Oluwatobiloba (MBA, Psychology), David Duncan (MBA, Undeclared), Darryl Evans Jr. (MBA, Criminal Justice), Isaac Brown (MBB, Journalism), Yannick Crowder (MBB, Business), Christopher Walker (MBB, Criminal Justice), Gallop Franklin (MGO, Pharmacy), Elijah Jackson (MGO, Pre-Med), Forrest Jenkins (MTE, Business), Micheal Moore (MTE, Political Science), Cameron Houston (MFB, Criminal Justice), Gregory Lee (MFB, African-American History), Cory McCloughen (MFB, History), Padric Scott (MFB, Biology), Derrick Shaw (MFB, Social Work), Isaac West (MFB, Criminal Justice)

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY (48)

Women (31): Mianna Armstrong (WVB, Biology), Tiffany Brents (WSB, Psychology), BreAnna Brown (WSB, Entrepreneurship), Tavonna Byrd (WSB, 5yr MBA), Lihi Elkayam (WVB, Psychology), Ashley Hampton (WBO, Business Management), Margaret Harris (WTR, Computer Engineering), Aaryn Harrison (WVB, Chemistry), Whitney Hill (WBB, Sociology), Whitney Hubbard (WVB, Public Relations), Jada Jeffries (WSB, Electrical Engineering), Jericka Jenkins (WBB, Criminal Justice), Kenya Jones (WTR, Sports Management), Sydnee Mack (WGO, Public Relations) Dara Martin (WBO, Marketing), Camille McGirt (WBB, Psychology), Choicetta McMillian (WBB, English), Jessi Mitchell (WGO, Broadcast Journalism), Brittani Reynolds (WBO, Business Management), Petrice Richards (WTR, Physical Education), Jazzmin Richey-Obey (WBO, Sociology), Jovanna Sangria (WTE, Public Relations), Kelsei Saunders (WSB, Communicative Science Disorders), Ivana Suput (WVB, Psychology), Brittany Thomas (WBB, Accounting), Racquel Vassell (WTR, Physical Education), Melanie Warner (WBB, Business Management), Jocelyn Watkins (WTR, Psychology), Dionne West (WGO, 5yr MBA), Kiara Williams (WBO, Pharmacy), Brittany Wynne (WVB, Psychology)....Men (17): Edson Alves (MTE, Business Management), Jahmal Blanchard (MFB, Art), Landon Collins (MFB, Biology), Damon Dixon (MTR, Finance), Ian Guagliardo (MSL, Aviation), Shane Horsford (MSL, Accounting), Darius Johnson (MFB, electrical Engineering), Winston Kennedy (MFB, Psychology), David Kimani (MTR, Nursing), Nelio Mattos (MTE, Business Management), Louis Preston (MFB, 5yr MBA), Marcelo Reda (MTE, Health/Physical Education), Jason Sherer (MGO, Biology), Bakari Taylor (MBB, Recreation), Gellert Varga (MTE, Finance), LaMar Veale (MTR, History), Andre Watkins (MFB, Art)

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In Performance at The White House, Washington, D.C: The Howard University Choir, under the direction of J. Norris Weldon, sings "Lord, I Don' Done." Congratulation to the 2010 MEAC All-Academic Student-Athletes for an expectional job well done.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY (100)

Women (61): Carae Baulkman (WBB, Physical Education), Amanda-Gay Edwards (WBB, Biology), Courtney Fields (WBB, Physical Therapy), Jalisa Pullins (WBB, Radio/TV/Film), Shayla Haynes (WBW, Physical Therapy), Alesyn McCall (WBW, Radio/TV/Film) Brianna Uzzell (WBW, Administration of Justice), Desiree Cox (WLA, Leisure Studies), Eboni Farmer (WLA, Journalism), Ashley Foote (WLA, Communication and Culture), Ashley Lawrence (WLA, Human Performance), Amber Meeks (WLA, Communication and Culture), Imani Oakley (WLA, Biology), Ivy Pierce (WLA, Psychology), Lauren Rivers (WLA, Communication Sciences and Disorders), Chanel Bell (WSO, Sociology), Christina Bodison (WSO, Biology), Beatrice Charles (WSO, Human Performance), Camille Grayson (WSO, Journalism), Joslyn Johnson (WSO, Biology), Rachael Lee (WSO, Accounting), Stephanie McLean (WSO, Finance), Brittany Miner (WSO, Business Administration), Ciera Gordon (WSB, Biology), Jessica Hurston (WSB, Radio/TV/Film), Emily Johnson (WSB, Architecture), Trina Kindred (WSB, Biology), Rebecca Kirshner (WSB, Marketing), Morgan Plowden (WSB, Civil Engineering), Lorae Robinson (WSB, Biology), Candace Rogers (WSB, International Business), Nicole Saez (WSB, Administration of Justice),Christine Sborz (WSB, Political Science), Lauren Anthony (WSW, Fashion Merchandising), Polo Edwards (WSW, Human Performance), Monique Major (WSW, Psychology), Rochelle Smith (WSW, Communication and Culture), Anne Akhimien (WTE, Chemistry), Michelle Brown (MTE, Undecided), Amber Cuff (WTE, Fashion merchandising), Ashley Moore (WTE, Undecided), Caroline Snowden (WTE, Journalism), Alyssa Works (WTE, Health Science), Mya Aaten-White (WTR, Philosophy), Norell Abernathy (WTR, Radio/TV/Film), Shatima Aycock (WTR, Biology), Jami Hardy (WTR, Health Education), Ashley Hodges (WTR, Political Science), Brittany Jackson (WTR, Nursing), Krystal Jenkins (WTR, Spanish), Alexandria McKee (WTR, Political Science), Tamila Myles (WTR, Journalism), Brittany Stephens (WTR, Journalism), Jannelle Wallace (WTR, Marketing), Amelia Woodruff (WTR, Human Performance), Andrea Brown (WVB, Political Science), Oluwatosin Elebute (WVB, Health Science), Taylor Johnson (WVB, Undecided), Gabrielle Martin (WVB, Radio/TV/ Film), Monique McCoy (WVB, Human Development), Nia Moore (WVB, Journalism) ....Men (39): Nathaniel Cooper, Jr. (MBB, Economics), Paul Kirkpatrick (MBB, Human Performance), Kyle Riley (MBB, Leisure Studies), Mukole Tshimuanga (MBB, Leisure Studies), Kenneth Austin (MFB, Physical Education), Jermell Ellis (MFB, Leisure Studies), Patrick Jean-Mary (MFB, International Business), Lanny Kelly (MFB, Leisure Studies), Anthony Mendoza (MFB, Spanish), Xavier Rucker (MFB, Leisure Studies), Brandon Sherman (MFB, Leisure Studies), Dennis Wiehberg (Radio/TV/Film), Patrick Wolff (MFB, International Business), Chatman Young (MFB, Accounting), Gary Clark (MSO, Mechanical Engineering), Brian Cunningham (Supply Chain Management), Jamil Devers (MSO, Pre-Physical Therapy), Daniel Hernandez (MSO, Administration of Justice), Rotimi Iziduh (MSO, Systems and Computer Science), Harvey Livingston III (MSO, Leisure Studies), Mathew Marshall (MSO, Radio/TV/Film), Shamir Saddler (MSO, Computer Engineering), Christopher Southerland (MSO, Human Performance), Kelvin Goodman (MSW, Computer Engineering), Blair Matthews (MSW, Anthropology/Political Science), Omar McKenzie (MSW, Biology), Justin Morrison (MSW, Philosophy), Julian Moseley (MSW, Marketing), Damjan Strbac (MSW, Political Science), Christopher Brown (MTE, Radio/TV/Film), Eric Chavous (MTE, International Business), Tonique Merrill (MTE, Systems and Computer Science), Devard Wharton (Civil Engineering), Tyler Dragon (MTR, Political Science), William Gibbs (MTR, Finance), Marcus Harrison (MTR, Information Systems and Analysis), Mikael La Roche (MTR, Art), Tory McAlister (MTR, Mechanical Engineering), Benjamin Rosa (MTR, Economics)

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE (55)

Women (32): Rayna Brown (WBB, English/Sociology), Krystal Watson (WBB, Accounting), Latoya Coltrane (WTE, Criminal Justice), Latoya Jones-Stewart (WTE, Hotel and Restaurant Management), Ann Katenta (WTE, Biology), Kira Chapman (WTE, Hotel and Restaurant Management), Katherine Brown (WBW, Applied Design), Kristina Frahm (WBW, Accounting), Stacy Parsons (WBW, Business Administration/Marketing), Maria Rodriquez (WBW, Engineering), Maria Vilas (WBW/WTE, General Studies), Kaitlyn Young (WBW, Criminal Justice), Ebony Hann (WSB, English), Chelsea Logan (WSB, English Education), Britney Mcleod (WSB, Special Education), Kristi Miranda (Criminal Justice), Cy'Anna Scott (WSB, Environmental Science), Hadiyah Abdul-Saboor (WTR, Human Ecology/Business Administration), Jessica Abrantes (WTR, Criminal Justice/English), Cynthia Anais (WTR, Applied Design), Rashida Beckford (WTR, Human Ecology), Ariana Forbes (WTR, Criminal Justice), Amaris James (WTR, Physician Assistant) Tamica Thomas (WTR, Exercise Science), Zoe Bowens (WVB, English), Samantha Chukwura (WVB, Biology), Christine Edwards (WVB, Computer Science), Whitney Johnson (WVB, Exercise Science), Thonya Joseph (WVB, Sociology), Chelsea Myers (WVB, Exercise Science), Rebecca Prado (Human Ecology), Caylin Woodward (WVB, Social Studies Education) .....Men (23): Timothy Burns (MBB, General Studies), Reginald Hines (MBB, English), Lyvann Obame (MBB, Accounting), Mark Robertson (MBB, Accounting), Robert Tucker (MBB, General Studies), Rashad James (MTE, Sociology), Osvaldo Rivera (MTE, Music Education), Emmash Sudusinghe (MTE, Accounting), Richard Warren (MTE, Exercise Science), Elliott Alston (MBA, English), Elliott Arrington (MBA, Business Administration), Bryan Chaikowksy (MBA, Exercise Science), James Corriveau (MBA, Criminal Justice), Abraham Gonzalez-Loyola (MBA, History), Phillip Vaughn (MBA, Accounting), Nicholas Wiggins (MBA, Business Finance), Cameron Zimmerman (MBA, Aviation Science), Harrison Agbor-Eyong (MTR, Biology), Charles Elmer (MTR, Aviation Science), Thomas Keane Dawes (MTR, Business Administration/Marketing), Amon Kiprotich (MTR, Mathematics), Shadrack Maritim (MTR, Biology), Johan Welter (MTR, General Studies)

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (48)

Women (33): Danielle Gibson (CH, Information Systems), Tamera Lyons (CH, Telecommunications), Rashida Watson (CH, Speech), Corin Adams (WBB, Physical Education), Moneshia Davis (WBB, Sports Administration), Theresa Davis (WBB, Physical Education), Habibatou Diagne (WBB, Accounting), Brittany Dodson (WBB, Telecommunication), Pylicia Jones (WBB, Finance), Dekeisha Mathis (WBB, Biology), Brittany Noel (WBB, Management), Aaries Reed (WBB, Sociology), Tevonia Williams (WBB, Sociology), Corey Lissik (WBW, History), Keisheena Waldon (WBW, Mathematics), Lauren Campbell (WTR, Transportation), JaMia Robinson (WTR, Telecommunications), Kamice Smalls (WTR, Sociology), Porche Boddicker (WSB, Psychology), Kriston Gowan (WSB, English), Jaclyn Hall (WSB, Accounting), Hannah Montgomery (WSB, Physical Education), Angela Nunez (WSB, Health Education), Sakina Smith (WSB, Medical Terminology), Lydia Walther-Rodriquez (WSB, Finance), Viktoriya Lukyanenko (WTE, Accounting), Alexis McCoy (WTE, Psychology), Pola Olczak (WTE, Chemistry), Ivanti Bush (WVB, Family and Consumer Sciences), Delissa Carline (WVB, Industrial Engineering), Christa Rogers (WVB/WTE, Electrical Engineering), Rhyan Shy (WVB, Nursing), Hilary Tutman (WVB, Hospitality Management) ....Men (15): John Long (MB, Telecommunications), Tyron Benjamin (MTR, Physical Education), Salifu Cham (MTR, Business Administration), Jude Obiarinze (MTR, Accounting), Lawrence Brewer (MFB, Business Administration), Shaka Miller (MFB, Business Administration), Allen Stephens (MFB, Telecommunications), Jarvis West (MFB, Physical Education), Kevon Charles (MTE, Electrical Engineering), Dmitry Chehalatyy (MTE, Hospitality Management), Isaac Richardson (MTR, Industrial Engineering), Cabinere Whyte (MTR, Accounting), Justin Lawrence (MFB, Sociology), Troy Leftwich (MFB, Architecture), Terrell White (MFB, Business Administration).



North Carolina A&T State University's Ta'Wuana Cook (#5) had an All-American career for the Lady Aggies. The three time All-MEAC selection leaves A&T second in school history in scoring with 1723 points and as the all-time assist leader. Cook has been named first-team Division I all-state by the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association. She is the first women's basketball player in school history to be named MEAC Rookie of the Year. Cook will receive her Bachelor's degree with honors in Sports Science.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY (46)

Women (28): Tyronnica Alford (WBB, Psychology), Bianca Alsobrook (WSB, Political Science), Amanda Breendan (WTR, Mech Engineering), Lillian Bullock (WSB, Accounting), Tangala Conover (WSB, Criminal Justice), Ta'Wuana Cook (WBB, Sports Science), Nakia DeBlanc (Elementary Education), Katherine Forrester (WTR, Accounting), Jerrine Foster (WTR, Civil Engineering), Jasmine Gurley (WSW, JOMC), Nina Henry (WTE, Computer Science), Ruth-Cassandra Hunt (WTR, Criminal Justice), Amber Inman (WVB, Sports Science), Jessie Larson (WSB, Animal Science), Jennifer Luper (WSB, JOMC), Bridget McCaskill (WVB, Biology), Keisha McDonald (WSW, Criminal Justice), Crystal Murdaugh (WBB, Social Work), Lashawn Nevins (WSB, Industrial Engineering), Danielle Nguyen (WSB, Sports Science), Winnie Quick (WTE, Accounting), Britney Reddick (WSB, JOMC), Kimona Smith (WTR, Accounting), Sarah Taylor (WBW, Liberal Studies), Tierra Thomas (WBB, Nursing), Antoinette Torres (WSB, Animal Science), Signe Waldbauer (WSW, Secondary Education), Czamille Wright (WSW, Elementary Education) ....Men (18): Julian Alford (MFB, Electrical Engineering), Jared Baldwin (MBB, Computer Engineering), Danzeto Cephas (MTR, Business Administration), Carvell Copeland (MBA, Sports Science), Jamel Fitzgerald (MFB, Electrical Engineering), Mathew Hamler (MFB, Marketing), Marc Hill (MBB, Graphic Communication Systems), James Howard (MBA, Industrial Technology), Akinwole Jordan (MTR, Graphic Communication Systems), Justin Kearny (MFB, Transportation), Giorgio Lowrance (MFB, Sports Science), Esterlin Paulino (MBA, Liberal Studies), Nicholas Rogers (MBA, Architectural Engineering), Alex Sanders (MTR, Marketing), Jonanthan Smith (MBA, Sports Science), Isaiah Thompson (Sports Science), Jamal Wardlaw (MFB, Sports Science), Jared Williams (MBB, Computer Science)

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY (40)

Women (25): Breanna Allums (WVB, Health Services Management), Jennifer Astbury (WTE, Physical Education), Naeemah Brooks (WTE, Elementary Education), Genor Dalton (WBB, Computer Science), Antoinette Drakeford (WBW, Psychology), Danielle Drummer (WTR, Nursing), Brianiesha Eure (WSB, Information Technology), Brittany Foster ( WTE, Biology), Solange Monroe (WVB, Graphic Design), Tiffany Hunt (WBW, Computer Science), Aurelia Isham (WVB, Physical Education), Tanisha Jenkins (WTR, Political Science), Nicole Kessner (WVB, Kinesiotherapy), Tia Miles (WTR, Psychology), Alyssa Pickett (WTR, Kinesiotherapy), Casey Pomeroy (WSB, Accounting), Jaime Raab (WSB, Interdisciplinary Studies), Meghan Ramsey (WSB, Physical Education), Candace Shoates (MTR, Mass Communications), Shelia-Marie Smith (WBW, Sociology), Krystal Stevenson (WBW, Electrical Engineering), Danelle Tate (WBB, Business Management), Chengetayi Tsapayi (WTE, Accounting), Alyssa Velazquez (WSB, Business Management), Danielle Wright (WSB, Sociology) ....Men (15): Kyle Davis (MBA, Kinesiotherapy), Brett Dodd (MTR, Psychology), Jonathan Griffin (MTR, Sociology), Ryan Hathaway (MFB, Electronics Technology), Juan Herrera (MBA, Building Construction), Alex Moody (MFB, Mass Communications), Cameron Parsons (MBA, Accounting), Aleek Pauline (MBB, Mass Communications), Antoine Perry (MBB, Entrepreneurship), Terrance Pugh (MFB, Computer Science), Vincent Rono (MTR, Psychology), Anthony Taylor (MFB, Psychology), Anthony Tillman (MTR, Fine Arts), Ricardo Volcin (MFB, Sociology), Carnell Williams (MFB, Interdisciplinary Studies)

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY (36)

Women (23): Mary Baker (WBB, Computer Science) Iveta Blodniece (WTE, Management), Bria Brimmer (WVB, Accounting), Samantha Cain (WSB, Family Business), Denita Carter (WSB, Physical Education), Chen I-Chun (WTE, English), Darcie Evans (WBW, Criminal Justice), Sirrena Favors (WBW, Civil Engineering), Fanni Fricska (WTE, Marketing), Linnie Garrett (WVB, Accounting) Autumn Glencamp (WBW, Biology), Monique Garcia (WTR, Criminal Justice), Brittani Haynes (WBW, Accounting), Brandi Jefferson (WTR, Chemistry), Andranette Moss (WTR, Psychology), Shabree Roberson (WVB, Biology), Shamire Rothmiller (WTR, Management), Daria Sekerina (WTE, Accounting), Jasmine Smith (WTR, Speech Pathology), Brendell Studnicka (WVB, Sociology), Tatiana Varela (WTE, Management), Whitney Riley (WVB, Early Childhood Education), Talitha Wood (WSO, Biology)....Men (13): Hector Arroyave (MGO, Accounting), Dashan Axson (MTR, English), Rashad Demesme (MTR, elementary Education), Noel Facey (MTR, Accounting), Casey Fortune (MFB, Electrical Engineering), David Grund (MTE, Management), Jan Langer (MTE, Management), Radek Langer (MTE, Management), Zachary Middleton (MFB, Management), Rio Pitt (MBB, Sociology), Radek Pivonka (MTE, Management), Samuel Timothy (MFB, Family Business), Mathew Washington (MFB, Biology)

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY (45)

Women (24): MaLisa Bumpus (WBB, Chemistry), Jillian Charlet (WBB, Health Care Management), Chloe Morse (WBB, Management Information Systems), Taneisha White (WBB, Nursing), Taylor Calamese (WTR/WCC, Psychology), Christina Carter (WTR/WCC, Psychology and Justice Studies), Sandy Harrison (WTR/WCC, Mathe and Accounting), Denesha Jiles (WTR/WCC, Marketing), Brittany McClain (WTR, sports Management), Jessica Peaks (WTR/WCC, Physical Education), Kayla Woodbury (WSB, Art), Dashawna Gibson (WTE, Exercise Science), Laken Joyce (WTE, Physical Education), Erica Cole (WVB, Elementary Education), Jasmin Frazier (WVB, Finance), Ashley Harris (WVB, Mass Communications), Desiree Artis (WBW, Elementary Education), Jameka Johnson (WBW, Rehabilitation Studies), Karyn Davis (CH, Exercise Science), Erica Eastrich (CH, Management Information Systems), Charlisha Foster (CH, Marketing), Christina Swinton-Conway (CH, Nursing), Patrice Hinnant (CH, Nursing), Brittany Dillard (CH, Exercise Science) ....Men (21): Ricky Bolton (MBB, Sports Management), Aaron Barnes (MTR/MCC, Justice Studies), Desmond Barnes (MTR/MCC, Marketing), Ja'Eric Brooks-Shoffner (MTR/MCC, Political Science), Cornell Jones (MTR/MCC, Mass Communications), Davril Massey (MTR/MCC, Exercise Studies), Durrell Banks (MFB, Accounting), Nazir Lavine (MFB, Finance), Colby Morris (MFB, Sports Management), Nathan Munford (MFB, Finance), Rashad Shaw (MFB, Business Administration), James Walker (MFB, Accounting/Finance), Willie Wilson (MFB, Accounting/Management Information Systems), Theophilus Woodley (MFB, Finance), Maximilian Glodde (MTE, Marketing/Finance), Troy Moore (MTE, Accounting), Phi Tran (MTE, Nursing), Kenneth Lathan (MGO, Sports Management), Antentor Hinton (MTE, Biology), Joshua Chavis (CH, Exercise Science), Joseph Chavis (CH, Birth-Kindergarten Education).

Kevin Nickelberry cleans house -- literally -- at Howard University

Howard University head basketball coach Kevin Nickelberry --
"I am not here to rebuild, I am here to renovate."

One of college basketball's most difficult rebuilding projects this offseason began with the new head coach making wholesale cosmetic changes, a first step toward refurbishing the perception of a program that has endured seven straight 20-loss seasons. "I'll show you all the stuff we just threw out of here," Nickelberry said. "We have someone coming to redo the floor, redo the walls, redo all of it. That's all part of the perception. I could talk, or come in here and do. I have to be the guy who is painting, I have to be the guy who is part of it. People around here need to see me knocking walls down."

Nickelberry's success with other reclamation projects -- most notably as an assistant at Holy Cross and Clemson, as a head coach at Hampton and with the Libya national team -- was a prime reason why the 45-year-old was tapped to return to his native city for what he has called a dream opportunity. But he is fully aware that he confronts his most daunting challenge as a head coach.

In addition to on-court struggles -- the Bison finished 7-25 last season -- Howard has been rendered irrelevant in the D.C. area. Nickelberry said there have also been concerns about the team's performance in the classroom, which he deems unacceptable at a school with an otherwise strong academic reputation.

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North Carolina A&T State University Aggies All Fired Up to Host Inaugural HBCU and Small College PRO COMBINE

Greensboro, NC -- Final preparations are underway at Ford Stadium Complex, where legendary track and field head coach, Roy W. Thompson Jr., is readying the Irwin Belk Track for senior football standouts from across the country, coming next weekend for a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to show their stellar physical abilities. North Carolina A&T State University is hosting the first annual HBCU & Small College Pro Combine this Friday, Saturday & Sunday: May 21 through 23, 2010.

Thompson believes his electronically timed 40-yard dash event will catapult participants onto the “fast track” to success. “I’m privileged to be a part of this event and am looking forward to the recognition and opportunities this is going to bring to the overlooked potential of HBCU athletes,” remarks Thompson.

“This includes two of our own,” adds Head Football Coach Alfonso Lee, "NC A&T is going to be represented by two outstanding young men: Nichols Clement, a 6 Ft., 205-lb. safety, and Andre Thornton, a 6 ft. 1 in., 240 lb. linebacker.”

Also lending a hand to oversee the pull-up station will be active duty SEALs and former NAVY SEALs, retired Captain Dave Morrison and Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Courrier.
Co-founder of this event, Gene Washington, explains, “The SEALS are comprised of elite athletes with superior character and a desire to serve others in a way that not many can. Having the SEALs join us creates a unique and thrilling twist to our event.”

“These gifted athletes have some of the same unique characteristics - mature, focused, committed, self-motivated and driven, that make a good Navy SEAL”, says Morrison. “The HBCU Pro Combine is an excellent venue for us to educate these young athletes on a possible career in the SEAL Teams.”

For more information on the HBCU & Small College Pro Combine at North Carolina A&T State University, please contact info@procombine.com or call 336-937-5202. The downtown Greensboro Marriott hotel will be hosting the players, coaches, and scouts. The Combine is for draft eligible QBs, DBs RBs, TEs, LBs and Wide Outs. Running the three-day programs will be Director of Operations, Coach John Falvey, former Defensive Coordinator at Winston-Salem State University. Falvey will be assisted by the Director of Competition, Coach Alfonso Lee, Head Football Coach at NC A&T State University; and the Director of Logistics, Coach Robert Massey, Assistant Head Football Coach at Shaw University.

FOR MORE INFO: http://www.procombine.com

Braves excited about Alcorn State's first-round NCAA matchup

When they saw their name pop up on the television screen in the honors dormitory, the Alcorn State University softball team immediately ran the spectrum of emotions. "We were excited and shocked," said starting catcher Chelsie Dahlbeck, a 2008 graduate of Estero High School in Estero, Florida.

Excitement is understandable for the team from southwestern Mississippi that will be making its first appearance in the NCAA tournament. The shock factor can be attributed to Alcorn's first opponent in the 64-team field, which was announced Sunday night during a selection show on ESPNU. Alcorn, whose school's undergraduate enrollment is less than 2,700, will meet powerful Alabama, whose 48-9 record and Southeastern Conference title earned the Crimson Tide the tournament's No. 1 seed.

Dahlbeck knows a daunting task awaits Alcorn, but she said it's a challenge that the Lady Braves won't shy away from. "It's a good experience. I know they're looking at us as the underdog. I hope we do well," Dahlbeck said. The double-elimination Tuscaloosa Regional also includes Alabama-Birmingham and Atlantic Sun Conference champion Lipscomb.

Alcorn (24-24) generated a minor miracle just to get into the NCAA tournament. After losing its first game in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament, Alcorn had to reel off five straight wins -- including the title clincher against Mississippi Valley State -- to earn an automatic bid.

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Florida A&M fires baseball coach Lucas‎

The former Atlanta Braves scout, Robert Lucus ends three stints with FAMU baseball with a 154-171-2 career record. The FAMU baseball program was provided below par support by the school's administration and less than six scholarships. The Rattlers are still operating without a permanent athletic director, since William "Bill" Hayes resigned from the post on October 2, 2009, that became effective on December 31, 2009. Hayes is now the A.D. at Winston Salem State University.

Florida A&M has fired Robert Lucas as head baseball coach, following the worst finish in the history of the program that left the Rattlers out of this week’s MEAC tournament. Lucas confirmed Sunday that he was put on administrative leave until August and said he was told his year-to-year contract won’t be renewed. Interim athletic director Mike Smith was in a meeting Monday and wasn’t immediately available to comment. Lucas, however, said that he was told his assistant Brett Richardson would stay on to handle the day-to-day operation of the program until a replacement is hired.

FAMU finished the season with a 10-31 record and 3-15 in conference play. One more conference win would have put the Rattlers into the tournament, but a 1-2 record against the University of Maryland Eastern Shore kept them out in favor of the Hawks, which also had a 3-15 conference mark. Lucas said he was on a recruiting trip when he was called by Smith, who later handed him his termination letter.

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Robert Mathis finally gets his degree from Alabama A&M

NFL Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowler Robert N. Mathis finally completed his degree requirements at AAMU and graduated with the Class of 2010. Mathis was drafted in 2003 in the 5th Round, Pick 138, after establishing himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in NCAA 1-AA history. The 4 year starter had 20 sacks at defensive end during his senior season with the Bulldogs.

Seven years after leaving Alabama A&M to get drafted in the 5th round by the Indianapolis Colts, Colts defensive stud and all-around cool guy Robert Mathis went back to college, finished his school requirements, and got his degree. "I always like to finish what I start," Mathis said in an interview with The Huntsville Times before walking with more than 500 other graduates. "It's been bothering me. I've been blessed enough to win the Super Bowl, go to two (Super Bowls) but you want that degree. "You were here four years, put in the work and the hard labor and you want to reap the benefits of your labor."

I hope we fans never get numb to this kind of stuff; seeing good guys do responsible, respectable things during a time of year while others are getting caught having sex with under-age hookers in a hotel room. It's just kind of cool to have a team full of players like Robert Mathis. Meet him in person and he's the nicest, most "real" player I've seen. He'll talk about anything, and loves to joke that his favorite thing to do in the entire world is sack Tom Brady.

Well, for one day at least, sacking Tom Brady took a back seat to getting a degree in Physical Education. Unlike the somewhat douchy guys who were my PE teachers in junior high and high school, I get the sense that if Robert Mathis ever had to run a class, it would be quite fun.

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A Lost Legacy of Excellence: UMES's Legendary Coach Vernon "Skip" McCain

For more than a quarter of a century, University of Maryland Eastern Shore was recognized as a football powerhouse among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. From 1946 to 1970, UMES had a combined win-loss record of 142 wins, 36 losses and 7 ties or an astounding 76.8 winning percentage. In addition, UMES produced six (6) undefeated seasons during the period from 1947 to 1960. Then, UMES was known as Maryland State College from 1948 to 1970, and the name became the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, thereafter.

No one person was more instrumental in UMES’s success than Vernon “Skip” McCain. The history of UMES’s football program is inextricably linked to Coach McCain’s tenure. During his tenure Coach McCain had a phenomenal success record of 101 wins, 16 losses and 5 ties (1948-63). Those who knew him say Coach McCain was the embodiment of the teacher-coach. From 1948 to 1953, he was the most successful coach in the country. Coach McCain, himself a student of the game, did not miss many coaching clinics during his tenure.

In 1950, he was selected “Coach of the Year” by the Pigskin Club of Washington. Coach McCain’s dedication to understanding the deeper qualities and disciplines of the game laid the foundation for what many have called the “Golden Years of Hawk Athletics.” In addition to being head football coach, Coach McCain was also the head basketball coach and athletic director, thus, giving him almost total control over the UMES athletic budget and pool of athletic talent.

Vernon “Skip” McCain was inducted into the Hawk Hall of Fame in 1973. If only the ESPN television cameras and the national media had found their way to the eastern shore of Maryland and the tiny village of Princess Anne! What a story they would have uncovered!!! The entire nation would have discovered a football powerhouse that broke both racial barriers and the competitive spirit of the teams they played. Everyone would have known the name, Skip McCain. It is a shame that only a few do.

America would have recognized that this humble, 5-foot-5 man, who never cussed or missed church, who also had a higher winning percentage (83.7%) for a 16-year period than some of his most famous coaching contemporaries recorded during the same era -- men such as Woody Hayes of Ohio State University (74.3%), Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama (72.7%), and Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University. But, the 1950’s were a time when news of the exploits of Historically Black Colleges and Universities rarely escaped the confines of their own communities. And the Internet was not invented, nor cable television, nor exclusive sports networks in radio and television that we take for granted today.

UMES achievements on the gridiron included six (6) undefeated seasons, four (4) of which were perfect seasons in 1949, 1950, 1952, and 1955. When Coach McCain came to Maryland State College (MSC) in 1948, he was to serve as the head football coach, head basketball coach and the athletic director. It became apparent that this man could build winners no matter what the sport. While concentrating on his football duties, he directed the basketball team to a record of 76 wins and 11 losses from 1948 to 1952.

In 2006, Coach McCain finally got his due when he was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana. Coach McCain touched the lives of hundreds of young men to whom he will always be remembered simply as “Coach.”

UMES Pro Football Hall of Famer, Art Shell

As a result, during the period from 1946 to 1970, over twenty-four (24) UMES student-athletes went on to pursue professional careers in the National Football League. In addition, several others went on to successful careers in the Continental and Canadian Football Leagues. The most notable of these athletes is Art Shell, eight (8) time Pro-Bowl player, NFL Hall of Fame Player, and the first African American head coach of the modern era of professional football with the Los Angeles Raiders (now the Oakland Raiders).

UMES Football Legends

Roger Brown, DT, Detroit Lions' Fearsome Foursome, Los Angeles Rams (1960-69), College Football Hall of Fame

Willie Belton, RB, Atlanta Falcons/St. Louis Cardinals (1970-74)

Earl Christy, CB/DB/HB, New York Jets (1966-68)

Moses Denson, RB, Washington Redskins (1974-75)

James "Jim" Duncan, CB/S, Baltimore Colts (1969-71)

Curtiss Gentry, CB, Chicago Bears (1966-68)

Douglas Goodwin, FB/RB, Buffalo Bills/Atlanta Falcons, (1966, 68)

Gerald Irons (M.B.A/J.D., Univ. of Chicago),DT/LB, Oakland Raiders (1970-79)

Arthur L. Laster, T, Buffalo Bills (1970)

Roy Kirksey, G, New York Jets/Philadelphia Eagles (1971-74)

Arthur "Art" Shell, OT, Oakland Raiders (1968-1982) Pro Football Hall of Fame

Robert "Bob" Taylor, DE/DT, New York Giants (1963-1964)

William Allen "Billy" Thompson, CB/S Denver Broncos (1969-1981)

Mack Alston, Jr., TE, Washington Redskins (1970-1980)

William Arthur "Bill" Belk, DE/DT, San Francisco 49ers (1968-1974)

Emerson Boozer, HB/RB, New York Jets (1966-1975), College Football Hall of Fame

Marsh Cropper, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (1967-69)

Charles Stukes, CB, Baltimore Colts/Los Angeles Rams (1967-74)

Carl Hairston, DE/DT, Philadelphia Eagles/Cleveland Browns/Phoenix Cardinals (1976-1990)

Ray Hayes, FB, Minnesota Vikings (1961)

Anthony Jones, HB/TE, Washington Redskins/San Diego Chargers (1984-88)

Sherman Plunkett, OT, Baltimore Colts/S.D. Chargers/NY Jets (1958-1967)

Johnny B. Sample, DB/S, Baltimore Colts/NY Jets (1958-1968)

Erwin B. Williams, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (1969)

The UMES Hawks Football Program was discontinued in 1980. However, Hawks for Football, Inc., has been working to bring football back to UMES.

A brief list of UMES Hawks firsts:

• In 1948, UMES and Albright College played the first intercollegiate football game between an HBCU and majority White institution.
• In 1958, Johnny Sample (1954-58) was the first player from an HBCU to play in the prestigious College All-Star Game.
• UMES had five of its former players in the famous 1968 Super Bowl III game, Baltimore Colts vs. New York Jets.
• In 1989, Art Shell became the first modern era African-American head football coach of an NFL franchise--the Oakland Raiders.

Golfer hits Tennessee State Tigers milestone

Tennessee State University Male Athlete of the Year, Chris Seibel is one of five non-black players on the Tigers Golf Team.

Chris Seibel prefers blending in. He doesn't like standing out in a crowd. On the golf course it's benefited the Indianapolis native, who says he's developed a knack for sneaking up on opponents and catching them off guard. Not being noticed in school hasn't come so easy. He is a senior at Tennessee State and the first white male athlete of the year at the historically black university since the award was established in the 1950s. TSU's only white female athlete of the year was softball pitcher Shannon Hicks of Smyrna in 2004.

TSU senior golfer Chris Seibel

"I don't like to be noticed, I'd rather fly under the radar," Seibel said. "I like going into a golf tournament where nobody really knows who I am and then surprising them." At TSU, 72 percent of the undergraduate students are black and 21 percent are white. Seibel, whose stroke average is 72.8, was named to the All-OVC team after posting four top-five and six top-10 finishes in eight events. He shot 70 and took the first-round lead Monday in the OVC Championships at GreyStone Golf Club. He finished tied for 24th. Siebel is one of five white players on TSU's golf team. There is one black player.

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SSU President Responds to ESPN “Outside the Lines” Story

When Robby Wells was hired at Savannah State in 2007, he became the first white head football coach in the school's 98-year history. Wells enjoyed moderate success in his first two seasons at the HBCU, but claims that he was forced to resigned in 2009, citing racial discrimination as the reason for his dismissal. "Outside the Lines'" Jemele Hill investigates the allegations of racism at Savannah State. Wells says he was fired earlier this year because he is white -- a charge the school, a historically black university, denies.

ESPN Video: Outside the Lines Show: 5/16/10: Question Of Race

May 16, 2010

Dr. Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., President, Savannah State University president responds to ESPN “Outside the Lines” broadcast ...

Following his resignation from Savannah State University (SSU), former Head Football Coach Robert “Robby” Wells very regrettably leveled negative and false allegations of “ racism and lies” at the university and its administration. These false allegations formed the basis of an episode of the ESPN show “Outside the Lines,” which aired this morning. Several SSU staff members and I spoke with ESPN regarding Wells’ comments and our policies at SSU and, it is our hope that in the interest of balanced reporting, ESPN will have chosen to include these interviews in the Wells segment. Nevertheless, I want to re-state the university’s expectations and set the record straight for our supporters, alumni, friends and the community.

As university president, I have committed this administration to abide by all SSU academic policies and procedures, those of the University System of Georgia as well as NCAA Rules and Regulations. As SSU Athletics prepares to enter the national stage via our membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, as well as this ESPN airing, we must re-affirm these fundamental principles.

At Savannah State University:

1. We believe in diversity, as is amply demonstrated by a workforce that remains among the most ethnically and culturally diverse within the University System of Georgia and in the city of Savannah.
2. We firmly believe that our athletes must first be students and demonstrate character and integrity.
3. We insist that student athletic recruitment be a shared activity where ALL recruits are known and vetted by ALL involved coaches, the athletic and NCAA compliance directors as well as the administration.
4. We also insist, and have always insisted, that all student athletes being recruited to SSU receive fair and equal treatment regardless of race, color, gender or family background. discriminatory treatment of any kind has never been, nor will ever be, tolerated by this administration. Any claim of unjust treatment related to admission and/or scholarship offers must be reported immediately to the administration.

In light of the national broadcast concerning Savannah State University and its football program, the university must affirm that it acted legally and within the guidelines of the policy of the University System of Georgia with regard to the separation of former head football coach, Robert “Robby” Wells. With concern to not damage Mr. Wells’ future professional opportunities, however, the university has withheld specific information regarding his performance or any violations of department, university, University System of Georgia, and NCAA rules, procedures and/or guidelines. While SSU bears Mr. Wells no ill will, we will not waver from protecting the reputation of this university - its Athletic Department, student-athletes and alumni - regardless of the forum.

Former SSU Football Coach Robby Wells Talks about his Upcoming Story on ESPN

Former Savannah State University football coach Robby Wells is in the spotlight Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines”. Wells “resigned” from the Tigers program, but later says he was forced to resign. He accuses school officials of racism and lies. ESPN producer Arty Berko and reporter Jemele Hill interviewed Wells twice for the story and visited Savannah on two different occasions. They go in-depth looking for answers.



Release sent from ESPN:
In 2007, Savannah State, a historically black university, hired Robby Wells as their first white head football coach in the school’s 98-year history. In his first season, Wells led Savannah State to a 5-7 record, the most wins since the program joined Division I in 2002. The team managed only 2 wins in 2009, and after just two seasons, Wells says he was forced to resign, even though he thought he had the confidence of the administration.

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B-CU wins MEAC title

ORMOND BEACH, FL -- Five years ago, Bethune-Cookman was the darling of college softball. But when the Wildcats' head coach left for greener pastures shortly after they became the first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team to reach the NCAA super regionals, they fell off the map. Now they're back.

B-CU defeated North Carolina A&T 7-3 on Saturday at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex to win the MEAC softball championship and qualify for regional play for the first time since its amazing run to the Super Regionals in 2005. "I'm so glad we got this for the program," said B-CU pitcher Allison Garcia, who was named the tournament's outstanding player. Fourth-year coach Chris Cochran was named outstanding coach of the tourney.

"I'm so happy for Chris," B-CU athletics director Lynn Thompson said amid the Wildcats' celebration, noting B-CU was caught off-guard when former coach Laura Watten left the program for the University of Maryland just as the 2005-06 school year was about to begin. After a season under an interim coach, Cochran, a former head coach at Brown University, was hired in August 2006. "She had to come in here and rebuild it," Thompson said. "When we hired her we knew it would be a good fit, and it was. I'm just so proud of what Chris and what these kids have accomplished."

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Braddy to stay on as JSU Tigers' AD

Jackson State athletic director Bob Braddy will stay on for one more year as the university looks for a replacement for outgoing president Ronald Mason. raddy had planned to retire July 1 and a search committee had already been formed, but administration did not want vacancies at both positions concurrently. Chief of staff Evola Bates and Braddy met Monday to discuss the situation.

The search for a new athletic director has been suspended and the new president will conduct the process once hired. "I had planned to play golf 3-4 times a week," Braddy said with a laugh. "A lot of my plans have been put on hold." Braddy will sign a one-year extension, but could step down earlier if the new president is ready to hire a successor before then.

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PVAMU recruit moves to UNC-Wimington

UNCW new head women's basketball coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke has instantly put the Seahawks program on the map for star recruits.

If you don't believe having a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach (class of 2010) of the caliber of Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is worth its weight in gold for your athletic department, think again. Coach Cooper-Dyke left Prairie View A&M University on last Friday, and a less than a week later, highly regarded recruits that were committed to the Lady Panthers basketball program are following Coach Cooper-Dyke to her new job at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, a program with no history of winning.

Virgin Islands 6 foot-4 star center Aesha Peters has backed out of her PVAMU basketball scholarship, signed last month, to follow Coach Cooper-Dyke to UNC-W. Peters averaged 13 points/11 boards and 4 blocks per game, but defensively shuts down the paint area in games.

PVAMU initially won the recruiting battle for Peters services over Florida International, Nova Southeastern, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Radford. Peters, who has been the talk of the V.I. territory since she was in the tenth grade, had tons of schools interested in her services. Some of the schools that had shown serious interest were Howard University, Indiana University, Rutgers, Georgia, UCLA, Jackson State and Nova Southeastern.

PVAMU has made no decision on the replacement of Coach Cooper-Dyke. Top assistant coach Toyelle Wilson may be considered by the school as the interim head coach, appointed the head coach or may decide to following Cooper-Dyke to UNCW.

Now, the rest of the story...

CAHS star to join ex-WNBA standout in UNC-Wilmington‎

ST. THOMAS, VI — Charlotte Amalie High School senior standout Aesha Peters accepted a full scholarship last month to play basketball at Prairie View A&M University and one of the main attractions, she said, was the chance to play under coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke. Cooper-Dyke, a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player and one of the most decorated players in the history of women’s basketball, accepted the head coaching position at UNC-Wilmington last week. Peters announced Wednesday she plans to follow Cooper-Dyke to the Colonial Athletic Association school and hopefully become a member of her first Seahawk recruiting class.

“Coach Cooper has been through a lot and she brings that family atmosphere to the program,” said Peters, who tallied 13 points, 11.1 rebounds and four blocks a game during her senior year. “I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to playing for her.” Peters help lead the Lady Chickenhawks to an undefeated league record this past season and a third consecutive St. Thomas-St. John IAA title. She was named to the St. Thomas squad that competed at the 12th annual Sun Stroke All VI Hoop Classic on St. Croix last month. She is the only known player from the league so far to sign with a Division I school.

St. Croix Girls All-Stars' Veronique Llamos (L) has her shot stuffed by St. Thomas All-Stars' Aesha Peters, #2 blue. Peters is backing out of her national letter commitment to PVAMU to follow Cooper-Dyke to UNCW.

Cooper-Dyke, 47, turned around the program at Prairie View A&M in just five short years. She compiled an 85-72 overall record (64-26 mark in the Southwestern Athletic Conference) during her tenure and led the Panthers to the NCAA tournament in 2007 and 2009. At UNCW, Cooper-Dyke and Peters will face a similar challenge. The Seahawks have not earned an NCAA Tournament bid in the 24 years since competing in Division I. Meanwhile, CAA juggernauts Old Dominion and James Madison have stood atop the league standings in recent years.

“I’m excited to get out in the community, to create, to mentor, to mother, to lead these young women down the academic path to their degrees and, of course, down the path to a winning season, not only in the Colonial Athletic Association, but also nationally,” Cooper-Dyke said during a press conference Monday introducing her as the program’s ninth head coach.

It’s not known how many players from Cooper-Dyke’s initial recruiting class at Prairie View will follow her to UNCW. “The reality is that kids go to schools to play for certain coaches,” said CAHS coach Myron Corbett, who has assisted Peters throughout the recruitment process. “At the moment, Aesha has to do some paperwork with the NCAA. But she has been offered a full scholarship from Wilmington and is looking forward to playing in a more competitive league.” Corbett said Peters was aware of the possibility that Cooper-Dyke may land another job when she signed with Prairie View on April 15.

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NCCU Student-Athlete Plays Piano Too

DURHAM, N.C. -- Stephen Allsop, just having completed a match for the N.C. Central University tennis team, made a quick stop at the James E. Shepard Library on campus before racing off to study for his final in epistemology. Allsop, who will graduate summa cum laude from the university this week, is almost always busy, racing off somewhere. But he's comfortable handling multiple responsibilities. "The key is being able to prioritize," he said. "You have to determine what needs to be done and what needs to be done first."

Senior tennis athlete Stephen Allsop, from Beltsville, Maryland's High Point H.S. is the first student-athlete in the history of North Carolina Central University to be accepted into Harvard Medical School's M.D./Ph.D program. The undergraduate turned down offers from the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University to attend NCCU.

Doing that has made Allsop the first student-athlete in the history of NCCU to be accepted into Harvard Medical School's M.D./Ph.D program. A biology major who has minored in jazz piano and chemistry, Allsop already has a resume of awards and honors that would be the envy of those three times his age. A year ago he was one of just 278 college students across the nation to win the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. He has been a Chancellor's scholar and a National Achievement Scholar, an undergraduate research fellow and the president of the NCCU chapter of the Golden Key Honor Society.

"His thirst for knowledge separates him from many students I've come across," said Antonio Baines, a biology professor at NCCU in whose lab Allsop has worked. "His curiosity and inquisitiveness are very impressive. He's just genuinely curious. He wants to know the answer." And in addition to being very bright, Baines said, "Allsop works hard as well."

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A Legacy of Excellence: UMES Emerson Boozer to College Football Hall of Fame

Emerson Boozer, a University of Maryland Eastern Shore star half-back will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in July. Boozer was a star in Super Bowl III with the World Champions New York Jets (1968).

Video:

America's Game - 1968 New York Jets - Boozer ...

Long before there was a University of Maryland Eastern Shore, there was a black college football powerhouse in Princess Anne playing under the banner of "Maryland State College" coached by a nearly forgotten legendary coach, Vernon "Skip" McCain.

On Tuesday, the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame announced the induction of "Maryland State College" half-back Emerson Boozer, who will join two other Hawks presently in the Hall--Detroit Lions/Los Angeles Rams "Fearsome Foursome" massive tackle Roger Brown (inducted in 2009) and Coach "Skip" McCain (inducted in 2006).

Prior to coming North to play for the Hawks, Boozer was a 5-11/190 star half-back at Lucy Laney High School in Augusta, Georgia. Boozer, who was a running back for UMES between 1962-65, was a four-year letterman, compiling 2,537 yards and 22 touchdowns during his Hawks career. He averaged a robust 6.78 yards per carry playing for Coach McCain and later, Coach R. "Sandy" Gilliam.

Skip McCain compiled a career record of 102 wins, 17 defeats and 4 ties (82.9%) with four perfect undefeated seasons and four Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championships. More importantly, Coach McCain and the powerhouse Hawks defeated Grambling State and the legendary Eddie Robinson in all four games played between the Hawks and Tigers, outscoring Grambling 87-20. This was achieved while McCain served as the head football coach, head basketball coach and athletic director.

During the period of 1946-1960, Maryland State College produced five undefeated football teams and a combined won-loss record of 139 wins, 36 losses and 7 ties.

Boozer graduated and went on to star for the New York Jets for 10 seasons as both a feature running back with speed and tremendous power, and later in his career, as a powerful blocking half-back. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore holds the distinction with Florida State for producing the most alumni (five each) appearing in a single Super Bowl game (Super Bowl III, 1968). Boozer, along with Hawks Earl Christy, Johnny Sample, Charlie Stukes and James Duncan holds this record that may never be broken. UMES discontinued their football program in 1979 due to the rising costs of Division I football.

Boozer was drafted by both the NFL and upstart AFL in 1966. He was selected in the Round 7/Pick 98 by the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) and Round 6/Pick 46 by the AFL's New York Jets. Emerson became a Jets starter in 1967 and displayed talents that drew comparison to the Chicago Bears star running back Gale Sayers. Boozer was noted for his work ethic and his blocking and past catching abilities soon became legendary around the league. With quarterback Joe Namath, full back Matt Snell, and numerous support players like future college football hall of famer, Coach William "Billy Joe" (Cheney State, Florida A&M, Miles College), the Jets won Super Bowl III by an improbable 16-7 over the Johnny Unitas led Baltimore Colts.

Boozer scored 52 touchdowns and gained 5,135 yards in his 10 year NFL career. Emerson Boozer will forever be in the NFL record books for scoring the first regular-season over-time ("sudden death") touchdown in NFL history on a short pass from Joe Namath in 1974 to beat the cross-town rival New York Giants.

The UMES Hawks are not done yet--with former NFL stars and notable alumni -- NFL Coach Art Shell, Johnny Sample, Sherman Plunkett, Carl Hairston, Billy Thompson, Charlie Stukes, Earl Christy, Mack Alston Jr., and James Duncan are awaiting their names to be called for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Not bad for a Hawks program that fielded it last football team 31 years ago.

SCSU's Jeffries earns 'top' honor

South Carolina State University Bulldogs Coach Emeritus Willie Jeffries will be inducted into College Football Hall of Fame. Coach Jeffries had a career record of 179-132-6 and was the first black coach of a Division I school, Wichita State in 1979. The induction ceremony is July 16-17 in South Bend, Indiana at the College Football Hall of Fame.

Willie Jeffries spent a lifetime knocking down doors in the world of college football. Tuesday, the doors of the College Football Hall of Fame opened for him.
The former S.C. State football coach was named one of six new members of the 2010 Division Hall of Fame by the National Football Foundation. The Division Hall honors players and coaches from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and NAIA. Jeffries, who had two stints at S.C. State during a coaching career in which he won 179 games at four schools from 1973 to 2001, was thrilled by the news.

"This is an honor for me, my former players, South Carolina State and all the schools I've coached," he said. "This is about the top one a coach can receive." Jeffries won the most games in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference history, captured three historically black college national titles and was the first African-American head coach at an FBS school when Wichita State hired him in 1979. Jeffries, the only person to coach against both Bear Bryant and Eddie Robinson, recognized at the time that he was a pioneer.

"Once I got there (to Wichita), after about a week or two, I said, 'Oh, my goodness, I am a trailblazer.' There was a lot of weight on my shoulders," he said. "But I found out as I went across Kansas that people are people, and they will treat you well according to how you present yourself."

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Southern Jaguars push on without Cador

Southern University Jaguars head baseball coach Roger Cador.

When Southern pitcher Sherrard Brooks left his hotel room Sunday morning and boarded the team bus, Roger Cador wasn’t waiting. That was the first clue. Something wasn’t right. Maybe the Jaguars’ legendary coach was out recruiting somewhere in Houston — even on a Sunday morning, just hours before their series finale against Texas Southern. That seemed strange, but Brooks figured he couldn’t put it past Cador. Worse yet, maybe Cador had been disgusted by Southern’s play the day before. In losing twice Saturday, the Jaguars suffered a double-header sweep to a Southwestern Athletic Conference foe for only the second time in six years.

Brooks decided that didn’t make any sense, either. Minutes before the first pitch of any game, in the team huddle, Cador always has a story to tell. He usually saves the most stirring of them for when the chips are down. “It would’ve been a good day to hear one of those stories,” Brooks said later. “He would have had a good one for us.” It wasn’t until the team arrived at MacGregor Park that assistant coach Fernando Puebla gave players the complete picture: Cador, who has worn a pacemaker for more than 20 years, was having health problems. The 58-year-old coach returned home Sunday to visit his cardiologist after experiencing an irregular heartbeat Saturday night and again Sunday morning in Houston.

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Jackson State Sweeps MVSU Delta Devils

The Jackson State baseball team completed a season sweep over in-state rival Mississippi Valley, by taking three games from the Delta Devils Sunday and Monday. With the wins Jackson State improves to 32-14 overall record and a 16-5 SWAC record. The Tigers also took over sole possession of first place in the SWAC Eastern Division.

Six weeks ago the Tigers swept the Delta Devils in a three game series at Robert “Bob” Braddy Field in Jackson. In Sunday’s action JSU beat Valley 6-4. Quintavious Drains picked up his 11th win. In nine innings of work he struck out seven batters, while giving up four runs on 10 hits. Willie Wesley led JSU with four hits, a run and an RBI. Lynn Lewis followed with three hits and two runs.

In Monday’s opener the Tigers won 5-3. Courtney Nelson picked up his ninth win of the season. He pitched 7.1 innings of work. He struck out four batters, while giving up three runs and nine hits. Terrance Washington picked up the save. Chad Hall and Malcolm Tate recorded two hits each. JSU beat Mississippi Valley State 10-6 in Monday’s nightcap. Jeremy Gray picked up his fourth win of the season. In 8.2 innings he allowed 12 hits and six runs, while striking out two batters. Malcolm Tate led JSU’s offense with three hits, two runs and two RBI.

The Tigers will host Alabama State May 14-15 in a three game series at Braddy Field. Admission is $5 per game.



Provided by: JSU Media Relations

ESPN to air segment on Savannah State on May 16

Tigers Quarterback A.J. DeFilippis interview will be a part of the ESPN "Outside the Lines" program on SSU Football airing on May 16.

ESPN reporter Jemele Hill told the Savannah Morning News that her story on ESPN's investigative program "Outside the Lines" about Robby Wells and Savannah State University will air May 16 at 9 a.m. Wells, a former SSU football coach, accused administrators of racism and lies in his Feb. 11 resignation letter.

A crew from ESPN, including Hill, visited SSU on March 23-24. They interviewed administrators and coaches about Wells. The ESPN crew made a second visit to SSU on April 9. They attended the Tigers' practice that morning. SSU interim head coach Julius Dixon, quarterback A.J. DeFilippis and defensive back Darren Hunter participated in on-camera interviews.

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PVAMU's Cooper-Dyke Named UNC-Wilmington Head Coach‎

Former Praire A&M University coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke leaves the Lady Panthers in better shape, with a 85-72 record/64-26 in the SWAC over the past five years and two NCAA Tournament appearances. The PVAMU alumna accepted a four year contract at UNCW starting at $110,000 for the first year, with an annual increase of $5,000, thereafter. In 24 years in Division I, UNCW Seahawks have a record of 304-430 with no post season appearances.

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Cynthia Cooper-Dyke has been named the head coach of women’s basketball at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. FOX 26 Sports first reported on Friday that Cooper-Dyke was the leading candidate for the coaching job. Cooper-Dyke, 47, will be formally introduced as the new head coach at a news conference on Monday. She will take over the helm of the Seahawk program following five years of success at Prairie View A&M University.

"I have agreed to a four-year contract and I'm excited," Cooper-Dyke said in an interview Monday with FOX 26 Sports. "Every coach, every player wants to grow and this is part of my growth process. "The Colonial Athletic Conference is a strong conference with schools like Old Dominion, Drexel and James Madison. It is going to be a huge challenge and I think that's what every coach wants." Cooper-Dyke said it is not easy leaving Prairie View A&M. "I'm always sad to leave a program that gave me a chance to be a Division One head coach," Cooper-Dyke said. "I will always love Prairie View and I will always consider them as family."

As a former college great, Olympic gold medalist and Women’s National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, Cooper-Dyke will be enshrined into the James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Aug. 13 in Springfield, Mass. “We’re thrilled to welcome Cynthia to the Seahawk family,” said Kelly Mehrtens, UNCW’s athletic director. “She has been ultra-successful at all stages of her life and I’m confident she will elevate our women’s basketball program. She has an intense passion for the game and loves motivating young people to achieve their best, both on and off the court.”
UNCW names Hall of Famer Cooper-Dyke women's hoops coach

Wilmington, N.C. (Michael Jordan's hometown) -- One of the greatest players in the history of women's basketball will soon call the Port City home. UNC Wilmington will introduce Cynthia Cooper-Dyke as its women's basketball coach at a Monday afternoon news conference. Cooper-Dyke replaces Ann Hancock, whose contract was not renewed. Cooper-Dyke will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.

A native of Chicago, Cooper-Dyke was a four-year standout at Southern California, where she sparked the Women of Troy to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1983 and 1984. She later completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Prairie View A&M. Cooper-Dyke, 47, collected four medals while representing the United States. She won a gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, captured gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, claimed gold at the 1990 FIBA World Championship in Malaysia, and won bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Cooper-Dyke began her professional career overseas and played 10 seasons in Spain and Italy. She returned to the United States in 1997 to play with the Houston Comets of the newly-formed WNBA.

Cooper-Dyke file

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I can understand Coach Cooper-Dyke making this move...all you need is one visit to the seaside town of Wilmington, N.C. and the campus of North Carolina-Wilmington and you will be packing up the family for a quick move. Never found a college town so peaceful and relaxing on a sunny fall day with beautiful weather nearly year round. I had the opportunity of driving my son over to Wilmington for a soccer tournament last year and enjoyed the entire day in Wilmington and the UNCW campus. Definitely a beach front city you would want to take the family for an inexpensive vacation. The magnet here is the lack of excessive commercial development that you find in most ocean front communities.

However, dang shame the SWAC and MEAC let a Hall of Fame coach get away to a directional school with no history of winning for $117,500 average salary over four years. Cooper-Dyke replaces Ann Hancock, who was fired. Hancock received a salary of $87,167 for the final season of her 10 year career at UNCW. (beepbeep)

UTPA, Bethune-Cookman, Morehouse and Talladega win PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Titles

The University of Texas-Pan American men's team and Bethune-Cookman University's women's unit found such a formula is alive and well Sunday afternoon as each carved a path to NCAA Division I titles in the 24th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship. Texas-Pan American senior Armen Kirakossian collected four back-nine birdies for a 4-under-par 68 on PGA Golf Club's Wanamaker Course, while his teammates didn't miss a beat and took advantage of stumbles by defending champion Tennessee State University for a two-stroke (872 to 874) victory. It was Texas-Pan American's fourth overall title and first since 2007.

"We found the chemistry that we needed at the start of the year," said Broncs Coach Santiago De Larrea. "Armen was great, but so were guys like his brother, Kevin, and [freshman] Brandon Reyna. This is just my second season as coach, and it makes me feel as good now as when I was here in 2002 on the team and playing for a championship."

The Bethune-Cookman University team, which won the Women's Division, celebrated by spelling out BCU with their coach. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

Bethune-Cookman's quintet, which is more like five sisters than an international mix of English, Venezuelan and American golf talent, posted a 54-hole school and tournament-record 885 total for its eighth overall title. This Wildcat unit was led by junior Kim Wong of East Montpelier, Vt., whose closing 3-over-par 75 on the Ryder Course might have sealed medalist honors at 216, but senior teammate Emma Tayler of Devon, England, sprinkled in a bogey-free 70 to ensure that she would not be forgotten.

"The stage was set for the team to go on to a championship when I took over as head coach 10 days ago, and they performed tremendously," said Bethune-Cookman Coach and PGA Professional Loritz "Scooter" Clark, who succeeded PGA Professional Gary Freeman, who has reduced his coaching duties due to health reasons and was the architect of the Wildcats' golf powerhouse. "This was a team that supported each other on and off the course," said Wong. "We came in and did what we had to do. It's amazing -- three straight days of the same total scoring (295)! I'm really going to miss my four teammates next year. We have four freshmen coming in next year and with big shoes to fill."

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Ex-QB Randall among 11 Southern University Hall inductees

As the sun dropped behind the Mississippi River late Saturday afternoon, scores of sharply attired Southern University alumni trickled into the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Inside, Charlie Granger, chairman of the SU Sports Hall of Fame committee, sat on the edge of the dais, slowly, steadily directing some late traffic — folks who bought tables at the last minute or honorees who brought an extra family member. By the end of the day, Granger said, there were more people than tables, which made this event a success. Somehow, it all worked — and the best was still to come.

Long after the attendees dined, shared stories and listened to live jazz, they shared their loudest applause of the night for Eric Randall — star quarterback of the SU football team from 1992-95, one of the evening’s 11 inductees and now an assistant principal at Baton Rouge High. Hearing cheers long after he led the Jaguars to two Southwestern Athletic Conference titles, Randall made a strong, short speech, thanking nearly everyone in the city. But on the night before Mother’s Day, he gave high praise to three women in particular.

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