Former Redskins Vernon Dean terminated after drug charges

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) -- News out of Pine Bluff  Thursday is linebackers coach Vernon Dean has been terminated.

Pine Bluff police pulled over UAPB linebacker coach Vernon Dean on January 11 around 11- p.m. for turning without a signal and an improper turn.

According to the police report, officers searched Dean's car and found what tested positive to be crack cocaine in the vehicle.



Dean arrived at Pine Bluff in 2010 after spending the 2009 season at Fort Valley State where he coached outside linebackers. The Houston, Texas native spent seven seasons in the NFL tallying 22 interceptions and winning two Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins.

Dean NFL career ended in 1988 with the Seattle Seahawks. Wellington Vernon Dean played college football at San Diego State University and was drafted in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft.

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Delaware State Snaps MSU's Streak, 70-65

DOVER, Del. – Jay Threat hit two free throws and Casey Walker drained a 3-pointer in the final moments to help Delaware State snap the Bears' 3-game winning streak with a 70-65 victory Saturday night before a packed crowd at Memorial Hall.

The Bears (8-8, 4-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) hadn't lost to Delaware State since a 56-53 overtime setback on March 9, 2007 at the semifinals of the MEAC Tournament, during Todd Bozeman's first year at the helm for Morgan State. From there, they went on to win three MEAC regular season titles, two MEAC tournament titles and two NCAA tournament appearances.

The loss also marked the first conference road loss suffered by the Bears since losing to Hampton on Feb. 23, 2009.

DSU men finally beat Morgan State

DOVER, DE -- Trevor Welcher had been the only player on the Delaware State men's basketball team who remembered what it felt like to defeat two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Morgan State.

That last happened March 9, 2007, in the conference tournament.

Welcher now has plenty of company in what had been an exclusive club after freshman forward Casey Walker drained a pivotal 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to spark Delaware State to a dramatic 60-55 triumph over the Bears on Saturday.

DSU women falter against Morgan State

DOVER, DE -- Things can't get much more frustrating for coach Ed Davis and his Delaware State women's basketball team. The Hornets, who went more than nine minutes without scoring in the first half against Morgan State on Saturday, clawed their way back to within three points with 2:08 left.

That was as close as Delaware State would get as critical turnovers burned the Hornets down the stretch in a 51-44 loss to the Bears in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game. Davis, whose team suffered its third consecutive loss to fall to 5-12 overall, 1-4 in the MEAC, was left searching for answers.

PHOTO GALLERIES
DSU womens basketball

• DSU mens basketball

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Hampton 68, Bethune-Cookman 56

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman coach Clifford Reed thought his team "lacked passion . . . and toughness" in a disappointing 68-56 loss Saturday to Hampton at Moore Gymnasium.

"There's no excuse for our guys to come out flat and not play hard," Reed said.

Bethune-Cookman fell to 10-9, 5-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference as it lost its first conference game and first game at home this season. In their first home conference game, the Wildcats never led and were only able to tie the score twice. Reed said the home letdown wasn't a surprise.

Hampton rolls to win at Bethune-Cookman, ties for MEAC lead

Charles Funches scored the game’s first nine points on 3-pointers, and Hampton University never trailed during a 68-56 victory Saturday at Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Pirates (15-4, 5-1), who have won three straight games, moved into a tie for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference lead with B-CU's Wildcats (10-9, 5-1), whose five MEAC wins all came on the road.

After leading 34-23 at halftime, the Pirates poured it on. Kwame Morgan scored six points during a 10-3 run, and Wesley Dunning scored four in an 11-3 push to put HU in front 55-32 with 10:52 remaining.

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Southern University's Marching Band Heads to Morocco and Algeria

Southern University Marching Band's drumline will soon be on its way to captivate audiences in the North African countries of Morocco and Algeria. Fourteen members of the famous "Human Jukebox" band will be performing in theaters, a children's center, sporting events, a morning television show and conducting workshops for young drummers, while touring cities in the two countries.

"It seems so unreal. I mean really unreal. It probably won't hit me that we're actually going to Africa until we take off," said Stanley Reed, a junior biology major and bass drummer from Thibodaux.

The Jaguar band's trip comes at the invitation of the U.S. State Department through....

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Videographer: Wayla2010

Norview grad's return to his roots helps give NSU a boost

Norfolk State athletic director Marty Miller

NORFOLK, VA - Norfolk State forward Chris McEachin has been down this road before, joining a team in need of a midseason spark.

It worked two years ago, when he helped lead Radford to a Big South tournament championship and the NCAA tournament. He hopes lightning strikes twice now that he's at Norfolk State, which hosts North Carolina Central at 6 tonight at Echols Hall.

"I had to sit out the first semester at Radford two years ago, and we were not playing all that well," McEachin said. "I'd like to think I was the X-factor when I came back."

The Highlanders were 3-7 when McEachin, then a sophomore, regained eligibility. They finished that season 21-12, losing to eventual national champion...

Norfolk State moves football game to South Carolina

The Norfolk State-Charleston Southern football game scheduled for Sept. 24 next season has been moved to South Carolina.

The game was originally scheduled to be held at Dick Price Stadium, but the Spartans agreed to move it because Charleston Southern had a scheduling conflict. NSU will play Charleston Southern at home in 2013.

Norfolk State's 2011 Football Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME/RESULT
9/3/2011 Virginia State (Va. Lottery Labor Day Classic) Norfolk, Va.6 p.m.
9/10/2011 West Virginia Morgantown, W.Va. TBA
9/17/2011 * Howard Washington, D.C. TBA
9/24/2011 Charleston Southern Charleston, S.C. TBA
10/1/2011 * South Carolina State Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.
10/8/2011 * Delaware State Dover, Del. TBA
10/15/2011 * Hampton (Battle of the Bay) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.
10/22/2011 * Bethune-Cookman Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.
10/29/2011 * North Carolina A&T (Homecoming/Senior Day) Norfolk, Va. 2 p.m.
11/5/2011 * Savannah State Savannah, Ga. TBA
11/12/2011 * Morgan State Baltimore, Md. TBA

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Legendary Casem, Gorden to discuss SWAC future

College Football Hall of Famer, Marino "The Godfather" Casem

Amidst dwindling budgets, shrinking attendance, crumbling facilities and talk of school closure and consolidation, the future of the Southwestern Athletic Conference has rarely been more uncertain.

Fans are invited to join some of the SWAC ’s best-known figures for an open dialogue Feb. 8, entitled “The Future of the SWAC,” at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in Jackson.

The event is free and open to the public although seating is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the program beginning promptly at 6:30.

Among those committed to attend are Marino Casem and W.C. Gorden, the winningest football coaches at Alcorn State University and Jackson State University, respectively; current Mississippi Valley State University athletic director Donald Ray Sims; current Jackson State golf coach Eddie Payton; and former Mississippi Valley and current Hampton University athletic director Lonza Hardy.

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RELATED LINKS:
W.C. Gorden Banquet & Reception - Edison Hogan (sharpy)'s Photos ..

Kevin Robinson (kevinr316)'s Photos : Photo Keywords : wc gorden

MARINO CASEM CHOSEN AS RECIPIENT OF 28TH NACDA/NIT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR AWARD

Prairie View hires Mark Orlando as offensive coordinator

PVAMU O.C. Coach Mark Orlando

Bethune-Cookman offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mark Orlando has been hired to fill the same position at Prairie View A&M.

Orlando, a former offensive coordinator at Texas Southern, spent one season at Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats had one of the Football Championship Subdivision's best offenses under his watch, finishing second in scoring (38.17 points per game), 12th in total yards (425.6 per game) and 13th in rushing (212.8 yards per game) en route to a 10-2 finish and share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.

Orlando, who played quarterback at ...

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NOTE: This is a major hire for first year Panthers head coach Heishma Northern and more importantly gives Prairie View a tremendous advantage over Bethune-Cookman for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Florida on September 4, 2011.

Sources say Coach Orlando will be paid $90,000 per year plus bonuses, a major increase over his B-CU salary.

Orlando also holds a "Rattler Card" earning his Master's Degree from Florida A&M University in 1984. He served as a a member of the Florida A&M coaching staff  under head coach Rudy Hubbard, that won the first Division I-AA National Championship in 1981, and served as the Rattlers' offensive coordinator for six seasons, then moved on to Tennessee State University as offensive coordinator for four seasons.

He collaborated with Pete Richardson at Winston-Salem State University in 1991 before moving to Southern University with Coach Richardson where he remained until Richardson was let go in 2009.

This puts Bethune-Cookman in a very precarious position.

Coach Orlando is the architect of the Wildcats "Speedway Offense" and quarterbacks coach of the offense that ranked 12th nationally in the FCS in 2010. His leaving for PV may impact the Wildcats signing of Mr. Florida Football 2011 -- quarterback Quentin Williams, Jefferson High School (Tampa) on February 2, 2011, the first day that high school players can sign binding "National Letters of Intent."

Williams has verbally committed to B-CU, but continues to take visits to other schools.

Losing Coach Orlando is devastating; losing quarterback Quentin Williams will be catastrophic for the Wildcats program that ranked 40th in average home game attendance (7,093 per seven home games) last season. Let's see if second year head coach Brian Jenkins respond like a true champion with a monster hire and the signing of blue chipper Williams.

If you are keeping score, PVAMU 10, B-CU 0 and we are more than seven months away from kickoff.

(beepbeep)

NCCU Announces 2011 Eagles Football Schedule

DURHAM, N.C.- The 2011 North Carolina Central University football schedule, which features five home contests, gives NCCU fans a lot to be excited about this coming season. With a new coaching staff on board, including head coach Henry Frazier III, the Eagles will be competing in their first full Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) schedule with eight total games against conference opponents.

Not only will NCCU have a thrilling first full conference schedule, the Eagles will also have the honor to compete in the NFL Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, where they will participate in the 2011 Cleveland Classic, taking on the Central State University Marauders on Sept. 10.

On Thursday Sept. 1 (7:30 p.m.), the Eagles start their fifth season as a NCAA Division I-FCS competitor against the only NCAA Division I-FBS team on their 2011 schedule, Big East affiliate, Rutgers University. Rutgers finished with a 4-8 overall record in its 2010 season. The Scarlet Knights had their biggest 2010 victory against fellow MEAC member, Norfolk State, with a 30-0 final score.



Rutgers' football opener set for Sept. 1, at home against UNC Central

Rutgers will open its 2011 football season against a MEAC school for the second straight year when North Carolina Central visits Rutgers Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Thursday, Sept. 1, the school announced today. There is currently no TV for the game.

The game against North Carolina Central marks the start of the Labor Day weekend and is the first day of classes for the fall semester at Rutgers.

The Eagles, coming off a 3-8 season, will be under the direction of new head coach Henry Frazier III, who engineered a remarkable turnaround as the head coach at Prairie View A&M, transforming a program that had lost 80 straight games into a winner by the time he left with consecutive 9-1 seasons in 2008 and 2009.

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NCCU 2011 Football Schedule Printable PDF Schedule

DAY DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME/RESULT
Thu. 09/01/2011 Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 09/10/2011 Central State Cleveland, Ohio (Cleveland Brown Stadium)12:00
Sat. 09/17/2011 Elon University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 09/24/2011 Savannah State University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 10/08/2011 South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC 1:30 p.m.
Sat. 10/15/2011 Morgan State University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 4:00 p.m.
Sat. 10/22/2011 Hampton University Hampton, VA 2:00 p.m.
Sat. 10/29/2011 Bethune-Cookman University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 2:00 p.m.
Sat. 11/05/2011 Delaware State University Dover, DE 1:00 p.m.
Sat. 11/12/2011 Florida A&M University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 2:00 p.m.
Sat. 11/19/2011 North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, NC 1:30 p.m.

Frazier Announces NCCU Football Coaching Staff

DURHAM, N.C. – Henry Frazier III, who was named North Carolina Central University’s new head football coach on Dec. 16, has announced his coaching staff.

Among the 10 assistant coaches, four rejoin Frazier from his prior coaching position at Prairie View A&M University, including Dwayne Foster (Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator/Offensive Line), Michael Bryant (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks), Roy Jones (Director of Football Operations/Tight Ends) and Lamar Manigo (Wide Receivers).

Four coaches have been retained from last season’s Eagles staff, including Mike McGlinchey (Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs) and Antoine Rivens (Defensive Line), along with former NCCU gridiron student-athletes Jamar Harp (Assistant Offensive Line/Video Coordinator) and Andre George (Assistant Defensive Backs).

Rounding out the staff are John Morgan (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs), who served as defensive coordinator at NCCU in 2007, and Mike Mendenhall (Linebackers/Assistant Special Teams).

Frazier fills out N.C. Central coaching staff

Henry Frazier III, who was hired as the N.C. Central football coach on Dec. 16, has completed his coaching staff. Among the 10 assistant coaches, four rejoin Frazier from his prior coaching position at Prairie View A&M: Dwayne Foster (assistant head coach/recruiting coordinator/offensive Line), Michael Bryant (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Roy Jones (director of football operations/tight ends) and Lamar Manigo (wide receivers).

Four coaches have been retained from last season's Eagles staff: Mike McGlinchey (special teams coordinator/running backs) and Antoine Rivens (defensive line), along with former NCCU gridiron student-athletes Jamar Harp (assistant offensive line/video coordinator) and Andre George (assistant defensive backs).

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Local Alcorn fans’ reactions to hiring of Melvin Spears positive

ASU Braves Coach Melvin Spears

NATCHEZ, MS — Alcorn State football fans in Natchez say they are excited to begin a new era of Braves football. Henry Houze, president of the Natchez Chapter of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association, said he’s glad Spears was selected as the new coach.

“He’s a product of our university and has tremendous experience, being out of school for 28 years,” Houze said. “He was a SWAC title and black college national championship (when he coached at Grambling State). He’s a proven winner.”

Spears comes to Alcorn after serving as offensive coordinator at Alabama State for the past two seasons. Houze said Spears’ years of experience in the SWAC will play to his advantage at Alcorn, especially in recruiting athletes to play for the Braves.

Spears' goal: Entertain you

His eyes hidden behind black sunglasses, his body draped in a khaki suit, Melvin Spears gave Alcorn State fans on Wednesday what he hopes to put on the football field this fall: An entertaining show. During a 20-minute voice-raising, fist-pounding speech, Alcorn's new coach didn't hide his brash, sometimes cocky, persona.

In fact, the former Alcorn receiver and Grambling State head coach let his audacious aura take center stage in front of about 100 purple-clad fans - all crammed into a meeting room at the downtown Jackson Marriott hotel.

He was confident - "We're going to win these games," Spears said. He was bold - "Alcornites ... we've always been the best," he said. He was loud - "This is my house! This is our house!" Spears yelled to them.
And, he's prepared to amuse - "Our task is to come in on Saturdays and entertain you. That's what it's all about. It's about showtime," he said.


Videographer: chicagomarchingbands

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LINK: ASU BRAVES SPORTS

Howard University president announces school's upgraded commitment to athletics

Howard University President Sidney Ribeau stood before a packed conference room at Blackburn Center on Wednesday and made a pronouncement that came as welcome news to Bison fans: Ribeau pledged his commitment to athletics.

The purpose of the gathering was to formally introduce Athletic Director Skip Perkins, who took over on Dec. 6, and the new football coach Gary Harrell, who was hired earlier this month. But the message Ribeau delivered was clear: Howard, which in the past had at best ignored and at worst disdained athletics, is at long last committed to fielding competitive sports programs.

"Let me just say to you without any kind of reservation that we are committed to intercollegiate athletics at Howard University," said Ribeau....


Videographer: SportsGrooveTV

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CIAA Commissioner on record about NAACP boycott threat

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The CIAA isn't going anywhere. That's the word from the head of the tournament after Charlotte's NAACP called for major sporting events to boycott the city it calls a "bastion of racism".

Leon Kerry, commissioner of the CIAA, is very happy with the tournament being held in the Queen City. Kerry posted a statement on their web site Wednesday night which reads, in part: "Charlotte is a great partner and host city for the CIAA Tournament. Charlotte's can do spirit and teamwork has contributed vastly to the growth and success the Tournament has experienced."

The hugely popular tournament is contracted to be in Charlotte until 2014. Kerry also said "since the tournament's move to Charlotte in 2006, the CIAA has generated over $9 million in scholarship dollars for graduating high school students to attend any CIAA school."



CIAA Comment Regarding NAACP Boycott of the City of Charlotte

From the Desk of CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry
Regarding the Proposed NAACP Boycott of the City of Charlotte

January 19, 2011

“Charlotte is a great partner and host city for the CIAA Tournament,” say CIAA Commissioner, Leon Kerry. “Since the Tournament’s move to Charlotte in 2006, the CIAA has generated over $9 million in scholarship dollars for graduating high school students to attend any CIAA school. Through our Education Day event, Charlotte area high school and middle school students have direct access to college admissions counselors to discuss their educational pursuits. Also, in our 2010 CIAA Post-Tournament survey results, 94 percent of our fans recommend the ‘CIAA Charlotte Experience’, which measures the city’s safety, hospitality and friendliness. Charlotte’s can do spirit and teamwork has contributed vastly to the growth and success the Tournament has experienced and it’s evident when the CIAA Board of Directors voted unanimously on November 1, 2010 to renew the CIAA Tournament contract with Charlotte until 2014.”



Civil Rights Group Gains Support For Campaign Against Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte chapter of the NAACP won the support Wednesday of the organization's state leaders for a letter-writing campaign urging major sports organizations not to hold their events in the city.

Kojo Nantambu, president of the Charlotte NAACP, first suggested the campaign Monday during a march to protest Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' decision to hold classes on the holiday which honors Martin Luther King Jr. CMS approved the holiday two years ago as a possible snow make-up day, and the plan was activated after last week's winter storm shut down schools for three days.

Dr. William Barber, president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP, said Wednesday...



Local NAACP urges boycott of Charlotte

At a Martin Luther King Jr. Day protest over school policies, the head of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Monday announced a campaign to urge the CIAA basketball tournament and other groups to boycott the city.

Pledging to "expose Charlotte for the racist bastion it is," NAACP President Kojo Nantambu announced a drive to keep the CIAA, NCAA, PGA "and any other 'A'" from coming to Charlotte. He also said his group would ask the national NAACP to consider asking the Democratic Party not to hold its 2012 convention in Charlotte.

His comments came just before he led about 100 people on a march through uptown to protest the decision by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to hold classes on the King holiday to make up one of three days lost to snow last week.



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Alabama State football: Deal for Barlow is near

The winter recruiting period can be the most challenging time for a head football coach, especially for one working without a contract.

"That's how you lose them," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "I've been asked about that in almost every home visit I've been on. I'm thinking, I know you 18-year-olds aren't reading the newspaper, who's been telling you this?"

Both sides have completed their negotiations to extend Barlow's tenure as the Hornets' head coach, a move which would end any advantage opposing coaches might have in the recruiting field and turn it into an advantage for the Hornets. The paperwork currently is in the hands of Alabama State's attorneys, who are finalizing details on a new contract for the Montgomery native.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

She's Got Game: FAMU Bowling Team On A Roll

Success is a common word used when talking about the FAMU Women's Bowling Team. In the middle of their season, the 9 women squad is continuing their quest to reach their goals. " We are trying to reclaim our division championship title." says coach Sheila Martin.

Most recently the Lady Rattlers finished at the top of the FSU Seminole Bowling Classic, and 4th in the MEAC Southern Division Tournament. These bowlers will compete in two away tournaments before bowling again on their home lanes in the beginning of February. They know in order to keep their 18th national ranking and inprove on it, its going to be a team effort.



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Tyler, Phillips, White, Stewart and Holmes elected to 2011 MEAC Hall of Fame

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today the five members of its' 2011 Hall of Fame Class that will be honored during a brunch on Friday, March 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at the M.C. Benton, Jr. Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

"We are thrilled to recognize another class of remarkable inductees who have made a considerable impact to their communities, institutions and our conference," said Dennis E. Thomas, MEAC Commissioner. "I'd like to applaud the Hall of Fame Class for all of their achievements both athletically and professionally."

The Hall of Fame class will be honored in conjunction with the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament, held March 7-12 at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem.

A limited number of tickets are available for the induction brunch at $30 per seat or $275 per table (10 persons). Tickets can be purchased by calling the MEAC Office at 757-951-2055.

 The MEAC Hall of Fame includes former student-athletes, coaches, university and/or conference administrators as well as special contributors, who have enriched the legacy of the conference since its inception in 1969. Enshrinees were selected by an 11-person committee made up of administrators from member institutions.

The first Hall of Fame class was inducted on May 29, 1981, during a 10-year anniversary banquet in
Greensboro, North Carolina. Since its establishment, the Hall of Fame has enshrined 108 people, including the Class of 2011.

The 2011 MEAC Hall of Fame Inductees are:

Inducted as a Student-Athlete:
Earl Holmes, Florida A&M - Holmes played for the Rattlers from 1992 to 1995, finishing as the school's all-time leader in tackles. Holmes, a three-time All-MEAC First Team selection, holds the school record with 509 total tackles (309 solo). During his senior season, he set school marks for solo tackles (103) and total tackles (171). He captured the NCAA Division I-AA and Black College All-American honors in 1994 and 1995. The 1995 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sheridan Broadcasting Network College Defensive Player of the Year, Holmes was selected in the fourth round of the 1996 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played 10 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Steelers (1996-2001), Cleveland Browns (2002) and Detroit Lions (2003-05) before retiring. Holmes currently serves as the Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers coach at his alma mater.

Stephen Stewart, Coppin State - Stewart guided the Eagles to a 1993 MEAC Tournament title and was named the MEAC Tournament Outstanding Performer in his rookie season. He earned back-to-back MEAC Player of the Year honors (1994, 1995) and helped lead the Eagles to the NCAA Tournament in 1993 and the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 1995. The forward scored 19 points against St. Joseph's in the NIT aiding Coppin State in its first-ever postseason victory. Stewart ranks eighth all-time in scoring at Coppin State with 1,393 points and seventh with 546 rebounds. The 1993 MEAC Rookie of the Year Stewart earned All-MEAC First Team honors in 1994 and 1995. He joins his brother Larry, another former standout at Coppin State, who was inducted in the MEAC Hall of Fame in 2005.

Natalie White, Florida A&M - White played point guard for the Lady Rattlers, helping them to two regular season MEAC titles (1994, 1995) and the 1995 MEAC Tournament crown. During her career, FAMU earned its' first-ever NCAA Tournament bid (1995). White holds the NCAA Division I record as the all-time steals' leader (624) and is second all-time in the school record books in assists (497). She led the nation in steals as a freshman (143), junior (172) and senior (191). The 1995 MEAC Player of the Year White still holds the NCAA record for total steals as freshman. The guard earned All-MEAC First Team honors in 1993-1995. She was also a four-time Black College All-America recipient (1992-95).White currently serves as an Account Executive/Dream Ambassadors Coordinator for the Women's National Basketball Association's (WNBA) Atlanta Dream.

Inducted as a Head Coach:
James Phillips, Morgan State - Phillips guided the Bears to 13 MEAC wrestling championships from 1985-1994. Under his helm, over 75 wrestlers were named All-Americans and two earned NCAA Division II National titles. He earned MEAC Outstanding Coach accolades 12 times and was the only Head Wrestling Coach from a Historical Black College or University (HBCU) to host a NCAA Eastern wrestling regional in 1984. Phillips was also the Head Coach of the Morgan State football team from 1983-84. On the field, Phillips competed as a member of MSU's football team from 1963-65 and played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Phillips retired from Morgan State in 2004 after serving for more than 30 years as an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Sanya Tyler, Howard - became the Lady Bison's first full-time women's basketball coach in 1980. Under her tutelage, the Lady Bison earned five MEAC regular-season titles, nine MEAC tournament titles and eclipsed nearly 300 victories. In her first season at the helm, Howard became the first MEAC women's team to participate in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. In addition to the 1982 NCAA appearance the Bison earned berths in 1996-1998. She was the first MEAC women's basketball coach to have victories over an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent (North Carolina State). The eight-time MEAC Outstanding Coach and 1994 MEAC Coach of the Year coached five MEAC Players of the Year, seven MEAC Outstanding Performers and was the first coach in MEAC history to have a player drafted in the WNBA. Tyler was inducted into Howard University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.

Written By: MEAC Media Relations  Release: 01/19/2011

Alabama State University student-athletes get it done with high GPAs in the classroom

While Alabama State University athletic programs see plenty of individual success on courts and fields, much of it is equaled in classrooms on campus. Following the fall semester, 95 student-athletes had attained grade point averages of 3.0 or higher, according to the university.

Five student-athletes had a perfect 4.0 GPA while 29 others attained a 3.5 or higher.

The SWAC Eastern Division Champion football team led the way with 15 members reaching that mark while the softball team had 12 and the baseball team had 11. The soccer team had 10 student-athletes with a 3.0 or higher.

95 Student-Athletes Receive 3.0 GPA or Higher in Fall Semester

MONTGOMERY, AL — There have been several strong performances for the Alabama State University athletic programs so far this season, and that performance can also be seen in the classroom. Following the fall semester 95 student-athletes had attained grade point averages of 3.0 or higher.

Five of those student-athletes attained a perfect 4.0 gpa and another 29 student-athletes attained a gpa of 3.5 or higher.

The SWAC Eastern Division Champion football team led the way with 15 members of the team reaching that mark. The softball team had 12 team members and the baseball team had 11 members attain the mark while soccer had 10 student-athletes with a 3.0 or higher gpa.

Several teams with smaller squad sizes had a high percentage of the student-athletes attain the mark such as seven members of the men's golf team and five members of the women's golf team.

Men's tennis, women's basketball and volleyball all had five team members with high gpa's while men's track had six members and women's track had seven members with solid gpa's.

Bowling (three), women's tennis (two) and men's basketball (two) also had student-athletes reach a 3.0 or better gpa.

Below are the student-athletes that have attained the 3.0 and higher gpa.

Baseball                                                 Women's TrackJahmal Brooks                                       Jamie Brooks
Ronald Frost                                          Quayana Browne
Kyle Granger                                          Courtney Gooch
Jourdan Mott                                           Tokeyah Jones
Trent Popp                                              Breana Kelly
Josue Quinnoes                                      Melissa Romelus
Drew Quinney                                        Shanice Mells
Anthony Ricciardi                                  SoccerMitchell Smith                                        Alex Ayers
Rashad Snell                                          Samantha Bruno
Marc Threet                                            Jordan Creel
Women's Basketball                           Melissa Douglas
Yahindra Edwards                                Stephanie Howard
Jasmine Evans                                      Dominique Humphrey
Erica Henderson                                    Lenna Lamas
Tanika Jackson                                      Franka Schauss
Talaih Robertson                                    Jasmine Wilson

Volleyball                                                Helma Von Zadow
Deidra Byner                                           Football
Roselande Corneille                              John Andrews
Genise Fletcher                                      Nick Andrews
Jessica Lindsey                                     Daquandra Campbell
Ana Pego                                                 Tim Clark
Bowling                                                    Drequay Everette
Jessica Ledbetter                                   David Hate
Paige Roquemore                                  Carlton Jones
Briana Wells                                            Saeed Lee
Women's Golf                                         Lorenzo Leonard
Amelie Buhl                                             Andrew Lyons
Taaj Hubbard                                          Zachery Meadows
Danielle Robinson                                Tuipulotu Ofahulu
D'Anrrielle Robinson                             Montavious Paulk
Jessica Williams                                    Corey Schofield
Men's Golf                                               Gregory Smith
Scott Benson                                          Softball
Anthony Dadamo                                   Courtney Crossley
Joseph Killebrew                                   Meagan Dixon
John Montgomery                                  Ayesha Famble
Joseph Morrison                                    Quayanna Forte'
Corey Price                                             Mercedes Frazier
Sam Strachan                                         Ariel Gainey
Men's Tennis                                          Amanda Gracia
Joshua Donaldson                                 Boshia Richardson
Clifford Frazier                                      Brehanna Rodrigues
Jonathan Freeman                                Megan Surovik
Alexis Pierre                                            Brittany Webb
Kevin Tan                                                Tiffany Wooden
Women's Tennis
Shenice Rawlins
Shameka Williams
Men's Basketball
Harvey Dwayne
Ivan Johnson
Men's Track
Jeffery Adams
Vincent Butler
Joaquin Dugan
Christopher Duncan
Jonathan Franklin
Kekei Jephtah

Courtesy: Alabama State University Sports Information Director
 Darrell Orand

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Alcorn State picks Melvin Spears as new football coach

Melvin Spears is returning to Alcorn State.

Spears, the former Alcorn receiver and Grambling State head coach, has been selected as the Braves new football coach, Spears’ family and friends confirmed to The Clarion-Ledger late Tuesday night. Spears and Alcorn administrators did not return multiple phone messages Tuesday.

Spears’ selection ends a three-week long search to replace Earnest Collins, who left after two years to lead his alma mater, Northern Colorado

Hornets' OC Spears takes Alcorn State job

Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow is looking for another offensive coordinator. Melvin Spears, who helped the Hornets generate enough offense to win the SWAC East Division title this past season, accepted a job on Tuesday night to become the head football coach at Alcorn State.

An announcement will be made at a formal news conference today in Lorman, Miss.

"It's a major blow," Barlow admitted. "One of the reasons we brought coach Spears in was his experience. Me being a younger guy, I wanted as many guys with experience as possible. He can talk about the traditions with the players, he can talk about the conference with the players, he can talk about what teams are going to do. He's a really great recruiter as well.

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SU Jaguars fall just short against Valley

One stop. One rebound. Those were the two things Southern really needed Monday night against Mississippi Valley State. The Jaguars got one out of two, and that wasn’t enough in a 65-62 loss. With the final minute of Monday’s game ticking away inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center, the Jaguars needed one defensive stop and one defensive rebound for a chance to tie the game at the other end.

Playing solid half-court defense, they forced an off-balance shot by Valley’s Orlando Smith — and had they grabbed the ball, they could’ve tied the score. But in a scene that seemed to repeat itself time after time in the second half, the Delta Devils came up with a loose ball and gave themselves another chance to score.

Foster nails buzzer-beater for SU women

Tiffany Foster was in foul trouble, turnover-prone and stuck on the bench to begin the second half. Worse yet, she’d missed most of her open jumpers for the better part of a month. Monday night against Mississippi Valley State, she hit a big one when the Jaguars absolutely needed it.

Foster dribbled the length of the court, pulled up near the baseline and drained a jumper from 12 feet away with 0.2 seconds left, giving Southern a thrilling 47-45 win at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

“That takes a lot of guts, and my hat’s off to her,” SU coach Sandy Pugh said. “It was her first (career) game-winner, and it was a big one.”

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In wild game, Hampton University holds off North Carolina A&T

HAMPTON, VA — In a frantic back-and-forth game that involved 11 ties and three lead changes, Hampton University defeated North Carolina A&T 82-77 Monday night at the HU Convocation Center.

Junior guard Kwame Morgan led all scorers with a career-high 36 points, going 11-for-22 from the floor and hitting six 3-pointers. His short jumper from 24.1 seconds to play sealed the victory for HU (14-4, 4-1 MEAC). Junior guard Darrion Pellum, a Hampton High product, added 19 points while Charles Funches scored 12. Seven Pirates made the scoring column. Danny Agbelese grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds and blocked three shots.

Missed free throws ruin A&T's upset bid

HAMPTON, Va. — Thomas Coleman scored his 1,000th point and a few more, but N.C. A&T had no answer for Kwame Morgan, particularly in the second half Monday. Morgan scored 36 points — 21 in the second half — and fueled a 15-5 run that stretched a two-point lead into an 82-77 win in MEAC play at Hampton's Convocation Center. It was the best night of his career.

The Aggies (8-10, 3-2 in the MEAC) climbed back to within three at 76-73, but — typically on this evening — Morgan hit a 16-footer to establish a Hampton lead that couldn't be overcome.

HAMPTON 71, N.C. A&T 36

Hampton (12-5, 5-0 Mid Eastern Athletic Conference) trounced visiting N.C. A&T (6-9, 3-2) 71-36 Monday for the Pirates’ fourth straight win. Freshman Pirates guard Nicole Hamilton (of Phoebus) scored 18 of her career-high 23 points in the first half, and Quanneisha Perry grabbed 13 boards.

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