Howard Women's Soccer Welcomes Eight For 2011-12 Season

Howard Coach Brent Leiba 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard women’s soccer head coach Brent Leiba welcomes eight newcomers to the Bison soccer program for the 2011 season. The 2011 recruiting class includes seven high school standouts that signed National Letters of Intent and one transfer.

Coming to Howard to don the blue and white will be midfielder/forward Marisa Ammaturo (Avon, Colo.), forward Ayanna Carter (Fulton, Md.), goalkeeper Kyra Dickinson (Brampton, Ontario), defender Treschelle Gibson-Serrette (Scarborough, Ontario), forward Jeseca Hinds (Jacksonville, N.C.), defender Selena Mason (Frederick, Md.), goalkeeper Natasha Moore (Bristow, Va.), and midfielder/forward Nia Walcott (Beltsville, Md.).

Marisa Ammaturo (Midfielder/Forward) – Avon, Colo. – played her first two years with the varsity soccer team at Battle Mountain High School. Ammaturo was the leading goal scorer her final year with 25 goals and 17 assists. From there she attended IMG Soccer Academy which was ranked No. 3 in the state of Florida.

Ayanna Carter (Forward) – Fulton, Md. – started and played her high school soccer at Atholton High School. Carter played her club ball with Laurel Premier, which participates in Division I of the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS). She was an integral part in helping her club team win two Maryland State Cup Championships and one Region I championship.

Kyra Dickinson (Goalkeeper) – Brampton, Ontario (Canada) – was a four year varsity soccer player at Heart Lake Secondary School. Dickinson played her club ball with Brams United, and Master’s Futbol Academy. She was selected to a team that played against the Canadian Women’s National Team.

Treschelle Gibson-Serrette (Defender) – Scarborough, Ontario (Canada) – member of the U-17 Trinidad & Tobago National Team. Gibson-Serrette attended and played high school soccer at Sir John A. Macdonald, where she was named MVP and Girls Athlete of the Year. She played her club ball for Scarborough United (Provincial team), which were League and Cup champions, and Master’s Futbol Academy. She was selected by the Provincial Identification Camp to play for the Regional soccer team.

Jeseca Hinds (Forward) – Jacksonville, N.C. – a four year varsity soccer player for Southwest High School. She was the leading goal scorer three out of her four years. Hinds served as an integral part in helping her team win the Conference Championship and States in 2010. She was named to the 1st Team All-Conference and All-Area Team in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Hinds played club ball for the Onslow County Soccer Association and most recently with the Carolina Select.

Selena Mason (Defender) – Frederick, Md. – transferred from Florida Southern. Mason played varsity soccer and attended Tuscarora High School, in which she was named All-Area honorable mention and was integral in helping her team become Maryland State Champions. She played club ball for the Bethesda Blast and Bethesda Sharks. Mason was a valuable part in helping her team reach two regional finals, becoming U.S. Club Soccer Regional Champions, and winning five Maryland State Cup Championships.

Natasha Moore (Goalkeeper) – Bristow, Va. – a four year varsity starter at Stonewall Jackson High School. She was selected as the team captain and awarded the Defensive Player of the Year. She was named to the All-District Team and was a member of the Virginia ODP system and played club ball for the Sterling Avalanche and NOVA FC.

Nia Walcott (Midfielder/Forward) – Beltsville, Md. – member of the U-17 Trinidad & Tobago National Team. Walcott was a four year varsity starter at Elizabeth Seton High School where she was named to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) 1st Team in her junior and senior years. She was also named to the Prince George’s All-County 1st Team her junior and senior years. Walcott additionally won the Coaches Award her senior year. The senior standout was also named to the All-Metropolitan 2nd Team her final year and was a member of the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association Olympic Developmental Program (ODP) as a Regional Pool candidate. She played club ball with Freestate United Elite Club National League (ECNL) team which were Maryland State Cup semi-finalist and Region I League Champions.


By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University
Visit: Howard-Bison Athletics
Visit: Great West Conference Women's Soccer (Associate Member)

PV baseball looking better in '11

Prairie View, TX - Prairie View A&M baseball coach Waskyla Cullivan was accustomed to success while serving as an assistant under Michael Robertson from 2003-08, helping the Panthers make back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2006-07.

But when Robertson departed for Texas Southern after the 2008 season, Cullivan was promoted to head coach and proceeded to preside over two of the program’s worst seasons in recent memory.
The Panthers went 21-25 in Cullivan’s first season and followed that up with a dismal 12-35 campaign in 2010. They failed to qualify for the SWAC tournament in both seasons.

Thus, pressure was building on Cullivan to right the ship in 2011.

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Even with bad weather, one bad cloud no longer hangs over SCSU football

Rainfall and scattered thunderstorms did not interrupt this weekend's spring practices schedule for the South Carolina State football team.

A bigger concern, however, are the winds of change encircling the Bulldogs, where they are looking to replace 11 starters for the upcoming season. For head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough, it dwarfs any other potential problems created by the weather or other outside forces.

"We've got a lot of new faces," Pough said. "Anytime you're replacing the positions we are replacing ... when you're responsible for replacing three offensive linemen (tackle Johnny Culbreath, guard Josh Harrison and center Sam Timothy), a quarterback (Malcolm Long), a running back (Chris Massey), some of the key personnel we lost offensively, that's probably as big a concern as we have...

SC State Conducts First Spring Drill in Full Pads

ORANGEBURG, SC – It's four practices down and eleven to go for South Carolina State after Sunday's spring football workout at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, the first in full pads for Coach Buddy Pough's team.

Pough, who is in his tenth season at SC State head football coach, said Sunday's practice -- which although in full pads did not have full live hitting until a goal-line activity near the end of the session -- was “interesting.” In addition to the lively goal-line activity, the Bulldogs conducted a mini waist-up session.

The players continue to show enthusiasm, something pleasing to Pough and his staff.  “We are getting a lot of installation done,” said Pough. “We have about another practice and a half left before we complete this phase of our workouts. We are throwing a lot of information at our players and today (Sunday), we really tested them by going in full pads.

SC State Spring Football Practice Brief

ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State held its third spring football practice Saturday, the first in shorts and shoulder pads for the Bulldogs. During the approximately two-hour workout, Coach Buddy Pough's team continued to concentrate on installation of the schemes SC State plans to employ this fall.

Pough said his players continue to move around well and demonstrate a lot of hustle, however, he noted that the first practice in shoulder pads was a bit raggard at times, something he felt could be corrected with repetition.

SCSU Bulldogs 2011 Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION
9/1/2011 Central Michigan Mt. Pleasant, MI
9/10/2011 * Bethune-Cookman Daytona Beach, FL
9/17/2011 Indiana TBD
9/24/2011 * Delaware State% Orangeburg, SC
10/1/2011 * Norfolk State  TBD
10/8/2011 * North Carolina Central@ Orangeburg, SC
10/15/2011 * Georgia State Orangeburg, SC
10/22/2011 * Florida A&M& Orangeburg, SC
10/29/2011 * Howard    TBD
11/5/2011 OPEN
11/12/2011 * North Carolina A&T# Orangeburg, SC
11/19/2011 * Savannah State Savannah, GA

Home Games are in bold
Neutral Site Games are in italics
* denotes a Default contest
@-Homecoming
&-Youth/ROTC Day
%-Community Day
#-Senior Day

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Howard Drops Third Conference Match to Lady Flames

LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Lady Bison women’s lacrosse team faced off against the Liberty Lady Flames on Sunday afternoon. Howard (3-7, 0-3 NLC) entered the match with three consecutive losses on the road, most recently against two-time defending National Lacrosse Conference champion Longwood on Friday, and hoped to end the streak. Unfortunately, however, Howard fell to their conference opponent, 19-9.

Courtland Lackey led the Bison in goals for the first time this season, tallying three on the day. Chastity Dailey and Taylor Tynes each posted two goals, as Desiree Cox and Cynithia Smalls added a score a piece for Howard.

Headlining the Bison in groundballs was goalkeeper Amber Meeks with six and Lackey with five. Meeks finished the game with 14 saves bringing her season total to 116 (.439). Dailey also caused three turnovers in the match.

The Lady Flames (4-3, 2-0 NLC) found the back of the net early in the game as Audra Menez scored unassisted within the initial 50 seconds of play. Shortly after Tynes lit her first goal of the game to even the score. Liberty answered back with 6-0 run.

Smalls and Cox ended Liberty’s 10-minute scoring frenzy to close the goal differential to four. The Lady Flames remained aggressive on the offensive front and tallied another score. Tynes quickly responded with 4:36 on the clock with her second of the game on a free position shot. Within seconds the Lady Flames scored again and ended the half with the 9-4 lead.

The Lady Bison fought back and brought the game to a competitive height, notching four straight goals in opening of the second half to trail Liberty 9-8. Defensively, Howard was able to control the Lady Flames, keeping them scoreless for 14 minutes, however Liberty responded with a 10-1 run that spread throughout the remainder of the game.

Lackey was able to muster a score for the Lady Bison with 6:05 on the clock, it would be HU’s last goal of the game.

Howard was outshot 39-29, and surrendered advantages in draw controls (18-12), groundballs (32-22) and team clears (15-11) to the Lady Flames.

The Lady Bison will hit the road twice more against High Point on April 1 at 5 pm and Davidson on April 3 at 1 pm before returning home to host Jacksonville on April 9. Visit Howard-Bison.com for more information on the Howard lacrosse team.

LADY BISON LAX REMAINING GAMES:

Apr. 1 at High Point * 5:00 PM
Apr. 3 at Davidson * 1:00 PM
Apr. 9 (SATURDAY) Jacksonville * 1:00 PM GREENE STADIUM
Apr. 16 at Detroit Mercy * 12:00 PM
Apr. 20 (WEDNESDAY) Fresno St. 7:00 PM, GREENE STADIUM

Lacrosse is Cool...Come out to Greene Stadium April 9 & 20 for Bison LAX

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

Davis leaving S.C. State for Fairfield Central job

This year's spring practice will have added meaning for South Carolina State assistant coach Demetrius Davis.

When the Garnet and Blue game is finished April 16, Davis will close the book on nine seasons with the Bulldogs. Following the conclusion of Thursday's practice, it was learned that Davis was leaving the program to become the new head football coach of his alma mater Fairfield Central High School.

Davis will be officially introduced today during a 9 a.m. press conference at the school district office in Winnsboro. He replaces former Bulldog linebacker and Orangeburg-Wilkinson head coach Reggie Kennedy, who went 27-8 in his second stint at the school before becoming the new head football coach at Blythewood High School.

VIDEO: Davis accepts job at Fairfield Central

The brothers Wiley, Cue ready to battle it out for Bulldogs' starting QB spot

As the most "battle-tested" quarterback currently on the South Carolina State roster, redshirt junior Derrick Wiley currently has a hold on the starting job.

It would not shock quarterbacks coach Kevin Magouirk, however, if either Wiley's younger brother, TeDarrius, or Richard Cue can progress enough to move into the top spot for the Sept. 1 season-opener at Central Michigan.

Bulldogs don shoulder pads for first time -- and get physical

Spring practice got more physical Saturday for the South Carolina State as the players donned shoulder pads for the first time.

The two-hour session at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium was the longest so far as the Bulldogs' offenses and defenses spent half the time working against each other. The 7-on-7 passing drills to close practice saw both sides displaying enough hustle and aggressiveness right up to the restriction point placed by head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough.

Bulldogs open spring practice for a 2011 season of transition

The players' faces have changed over the past nine seasons, and spring practice still brings a sense of newness for South Carolina State head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough.

"It never gets old," said Pough during a break from the opening practice for spring football Tuesday night at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. "It's the one time of the year to see what you've got as far as these guys' development and see how they come out of running and conditioning. So I'm excited as I can be to check out the new guys."

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VISIT: SCSU ATHLETICS
VISIT: THE BULLDOGZONE

Southern gets back-to-back wins over UAPB Golden Lions

Baton Rouge, La. - The Southern Jaguars baseball team improved to 13-8 overall and 6-2 in the SWAC after taking a doubleheader from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, beating the Golden Lions 6-5 and 11-1. The Jaguars came back from a 5-1 deficit to beat the Golden Lions 6-5 in game one. Wilmy Marrero drove in Taylor Roy for the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Frazier Hall knocked out his fifth home run of the season when he drilled a two-run shot off the scoreboard in the fifth inning. The Jaguars won game two with ease, beating the Golden Lions 11-1 behind three hits and three RBI by Marrero. Jaguars pitcher Jesse Holiday picked up the win going 4 2/3 innings, striking out five batters, while allowing only one run on one hit.



SU sweeps Pine Bluff

As it turned out, a day like this was just what Wilmy Marrero needed. Marrero, who spent much of this season starting at third base and batting cleanup for the Southern baseball team, woke up Saturday morning, had a little breakfast, then took a seat in the dugout as the Jaguars began their doubleheader sweep of Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Lee-Hines Field.

Marrero, a junior from Houston, had been 2-for-12 in his last four games. But by the end of Saturday’s first game — in which SU rallied for two ninth-inning runs and a 6-5 win — Marrero found himself back on the field, shortly after SU coach Roger Cador made a double switch.

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Coker is out as coach at Virginia Union University

Coach Willard Coker

Virginia Union will not renew the contract of men's basketball coach Willard Coker, who confirmed the decision Saturday. The administration notified him Thursday. Coker was hired in 2008 to replace legendary coach Dave Robbins, who won 713 games and three national championships with the Panthers.

Coker served as an assistant for 23 years under Robbins and was described as a perfect fit to take over the program. In three seasons, Coker had a record of 55-25.

In his first season, the Panthers advanced to the NCAA tournament. In the last two, they were eliminated in their first game of the CIAA tournament.

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NCCU Coach Henry Frazier, III Mic'd Up

DURHAM, N.C.- Get inside access of NCCU's Spring Practice for 2011 as new head coach Henry Frazier, III wore a microphone for the NCCU Sports Network during practice. The 2011 Spring Game is April 9, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

NCCU opens the 2011 gridiron campaign on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Rutgers, followed by the Cleveland Classic against Central State on Sept. 10 inside Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Eagles first home game is on Sept. 17 versus Elon.

Season tickets are now on sale with reserved seating for five home games at only $130. For a complete listing of season ticket options, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or call the NCCU Ticket Office at (919) 530-5170.

By Chris Hooks, Assistant Sports Information Director/ Broadcast Media Coordinator


Videographer: NCCUEagles

MAISA/SAISA Another Step In Process For Hampton U. Sailing

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University head sailing coach Alessandro Ambrosi, in his second year, understands that building and developing a program takes time. Short-term results are nice, but his goals require a more long-term investment.

“It’s been my goal from day one to develop the program,” Ambrosi, a native of Trento, Italy, said. “And in order to develop the program, we have to be willing to take the next step.”

That next step is this weekend, when the Pirates host the annual Middle Atlantic InterCollegiate Sailing Association and the South Atlantic InterCollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA/SAISA) Intersectional regatta on Saturday and Sunday at Strawberry Banks. The regatta will feature some of the nation’s best teams – last year’s regatta featured nationally-ranked programs such as Old Dominion, South Florida, Charleston and the U.S. Naval Academy.

This will mark the third straight year in which Hampton has hosted the event, a qualifier of sorts – in which the top two teams advance to the Admirals’ Cup.

The top eight teams advance to regionals, which then feed to the national regatta.

“Strawberry Banks is ideal, I think, for regattas,” Ambrosi said. “It’s a very good venue with a beautiful waterfront. It’s really the best spot we can ask for.”

In showcasing that spot again, Ambrosi hopes to make Hampton a destination for future regattas on every level. The Pirates have two home regattas on the schedule this year – this weekend’s MAISA/SAISA and the Edward Teach Memorial back on Sept. 18-19.

HU Pirates Remaining Competitive Sailing Schedule

3/26/2011 MAISA/SAISA Intersectional Hampton, Va. All Day
3/27/2011 MAISA/SAISA Intersectional Hampton, Va. All Day
4/2/2011 South Spring Qualifier Williamsburg, Va. All Day
4/3/2011 South Spring Qualifier Williamsburg, Va. All Day
4/9/2011 William & Mary 2-on-2 Team Race Williamsburg, Va. All Day
4/9/2011 Ocean County 2-on-2 Team Race TBA All Day
4/10/2011 Ocean County 2-on-2 Team Race TBA All Day
4/10/2011 William & Mary 2-on-2 Team Race Williamsburg, Va. All Day
4/16/2011 America Trophy St. Mary's City, Md. All Day
4/16/2011 Leroy Grant Regatta TBA All Day
4/17/2011 Leroy Grant Regatta TBA All Day
4/17/2011 America Trophy St. Mary's City, Md. All Day
4/23/2011 Army Spring Open West Point, N.Y. All Day
4/24/2011 Army Spring Open West Point, N.Y. All Day
------------

Hampton Coach Alessandro Ambrosi

Ambrosi expressed the desire to eventually host the America Trophy or the South Spring Qualifier … with the ultimate goal being the host of the first round of nationals in 2015.

St. Mary’s (Md.) and King’s Point (N.Y.) are currently in consideration as sites in 2015, but Ambrosi has submitted Hampton as a candidate to host. His experience hosting the MAISA/SAISA intersectional – along with expected future experience hosting other regattas – has Ambrosi confident his program would be able to handle the exposure.

Hampton has never been the host of a national collegiate competition – a reality Ambrosi is determined to change.

“Nationals are the biggest event we have in sailing,” he said, referring, in part, to the fact that ESPN broadcasts the national regatta. “Between now and (2015), we have to show that we can handle an event like that.”

In order to do that, Ambrosi said, Strawberry Banks would need a new pier capable of housing 36 boats. He has proposed co-hosting the event with Old Dominion, a nationally-renowned sailing program, where ODU would supply 18 boats (half the necessary fleet).

Sponsorship would also be key.

“Naturally, this is going to take money,” he said. “But I believe, in the long run, it would be worth it, not only for the benefit of the sailing program, but for the university. We would both benefit from this.”

Ambrosi has also benefitted from the success he’s already enjoyed; in his first two years at Hampton, the Pirates have won five regattas. Ambrosi said that has attracted the attention of students interested in coming to the school – students from all over the world.

“I have international students calling me and asking how they can come to Hampton,” he said. “I’m not finding them, they’re coming to me.”

Recruiting for sailing is different than for other sports, Ambrosi said, because he doesn’t have athletic scholarships to offer. Students who sail can receive other scholarships and financial assistance, but they aren’t offered scholarships to sail.

“Success is a great recruiting tool,” Ambrosi said, “but so are things like hosting big regattas. This weekend, we host MAISA/SAISA. I hope, over the coming years, we host more and more, all the way up to nationals in 2015.

“I think that would benefit everybody.”

Courtesy Hampton University Sports Information

NSU Athletics Announces Launch of Online Spartans Store

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State University Athletics Department is proud to announce the launch of its online store for Spartans' apparel and merchandise.

NSU has entered into a partnership with TeamFanShop to provide the online store. The web address is shop.nsuspartans.com and can be accessed by typing it into any web browser, or by following the links at www.nsuspartans.com.

The site has more than 200 products available for purchase with plans to add even more in the near future. Fans can purchase a variety of T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, auto accessories and more in a variety of sizes and styles. All orders will include a $6.95 flat shipping fee.

Founded in 1995, TeamFanShop is the leading provider of outsourced e-commerce solutions to colleges, conferences, professional sports teams and sports media properties. Their partners include the NCAA, Yahoo! Sports, the Jacksonville Jaguars and universities such as Florida, Auburn, Oklahoma, Oregon and many more.

By Matt Michalec, Sports Information Director

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Spartans Add 2 More Football Recruits for 2011
102 Student-Athletes Make Athletic Director's Honor Roll

ONE TEAM, ONE VALLEY: Update on MVSU Weight Room Project

Delta Devils Head Football Coach Karl Morgan

PDF of Coach Morgan's Letter • PDF of Weight Room Expenses • Diagram of Proposed Weight Room

March 16, 2011

Dear Valley Alumni and Fans,

I trust everyone and their families are doing well. It's been about three and a half months since the initial letter requesting your support was written. A lot has happened and I want to take this time to get everybody up to speed on where we are. First of all, I've included the actual proposal and design layout from Power Lift.

Power Lift, the company we are going to use is considered the best in the field. As you can see, their estimated cost for this project is $49,170.05. That doesn't include flooring to cover the roughly 2,000 square foot metal building we are seeking to equip. The building is located right next to our practice field. It's an ideal place for a weight room and it has air/heat, restrooms and a shower area.

Over $25,000 had been raised before Valley alum, Mrs. Ennis Rucker, came by the office and asked to personally help. In our first meeting, she said, "Coach I'm tired of losing. How can I be of assistance?" Since Mrs. Rucker's affiliation, The Friends of MVSU Football initiative has raised an additional $16,000. We have received donations from $5.00 to a high of $5,000. (Some recent donations to the football program have been earmarked for specific areas such as recruiting and will not be used to meet our goal.)

This past Monday, a purchase order in the amount of $3,571.08 was generated and sent to a rubber flooring company in Atlanta. I was amazed at the number of flooring options that are available. We searched far and wide trying to find the best fit for our need and bank account. Eventually, we decided on 4 foot by 6 foot by 3/4 inch rubber mats. Eighty-nine (89) 100-pound mats were ordered and should be here within a week.

That's the very latest, we are close and the finish line is in sight. I want to greatly thank everyone who has contributed to the cause. However, our goal has not been completed and we are still in search of donations to reach the desired outcome. I really appreciate your help and the fact that you care about Mississippi Valley State University. I will periodically keep everyone informed about our progress. In the meantime, take care.

Let's Work to Win,

Karl Morgan

Courtesy MVSU Media Relations
VISIT: MVSU Delta Devils
Mississippi Valley State University

Auburn Montgomery teams shut down Xavier again

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Auburn Montgomery continued its tennis dominance of Xavier University of Louisiana, beating the Gold Rush 9-0 and the Gold Nuggets 7-0 Saturday at City Park.

AUM is 10-0 the last eight seasons against XU's men and 7-0 the last seven seasons against XU's women.

The closest matches were in the men's dual, where XU singles players Zach Taylor and Steffen Giles-Osborn split sets. But both lost third-set super tiebreakers — Bence Toth beat Taylor 5-7, 6-4, 1-0 (10-4) at No. 2, and Loic Didavi defeated Giles-Osborn 6-3, 5-7, 1-0 (10-4) at No. 3 in a matchup of top-30 NAIA singles players.

Bruno Savi and Claudio Andrade, the NAIA's top-ranked doubles team, beat Giles-Osborn and Sean Richardson 8-2 at No. 2.

In the women's dual Xavier's Carmen Nelson lost 6-2, 6-3 to ninth-ranked Jade Curtis at No. 2 singles in the Gold Nuggets' most competitive match. The Lady Senators won all 12 sets, seven without dropping a game.

AUM's men are ranked third in the NAIA and the defending national champion, and the women are fourth. Both teams are 14-2. Xavier's men (11-6) are eighth, and the women (3-12) are receiving votes and 27th overall.

Both Xavier teams will play Fisk in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference duals at 1 p.m. next Saturday at City Park.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
Visit: XULA Athletics

ASU debuts new $3.9 million baseball complex

MONTGOMERY, Alabama-- For the first time in 15 years, the Alabama State University baseball team will play on Hornet territory at the ASU Baseball Complex inaugural game this Saturday.

The first pitch of Saturday's game against Alcorn State will be preceded by a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. followed by an introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.

The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State, including a new on-campus football stadium and softball complex currently under construction.



ASU Baseball set for return to campus

MONTGOMERY, AL - For the first time since the 1996 season, Alabama State baseball has returned home to the ASU campus. This Saturday, March 26th, the Hornets will play the inaugural game at the ASU Baseball Complex at 1 p.m. vs. Alcorn St.

The splendor of what will be a grand event will commence with a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. leading right up to the first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader. Other special events for the complex opening include an interactive area for kids and the introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.

The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State. The football team is scheduled to move into its new football complex building later this spring and the initial phases of the new on-campus football stadium and softball complex are underway.

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Tennessee State University Holds Football Pro Day

Nashville, Tenn. - Football players from Tennessee State University and several area universities, looked to impress scouts from the NFL and Canadian Football League during the annual Pro Day event held on TSU's campus, Thursday, March 24.

A large crowd of spectators and supporters were on hand at the Gentry Center, and then Hale Stadium, as scouts took measurables of height, weight, vertical and broad jumps, along with strength and speed.

More than 20 players from the senior class of TSU's football team and players from Austin Peay State, Tennessee Tech, Western Kentucky and Tennessee Martin participated in the event.

Participants looked to impress the pro scouts and gain the title, "diamond in the rough", and receive an invitation to training camp and possible roster spot on a professional football team.

TSU wide receiver Joe Hills turned in the top performances in the broad jump (10'10") and the vertical jump (37 ½ "). WR/DB Marques Wilkins leaped 10' even in the broad jump. DB Marguez Hall awed the crowd with the second best vertical jump of 36 ½ inches. Hall stands 5' 8".

TSU running back Preston Brown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2010, recorded a time of 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash and lifted 225 lbs in the bench press 20 times.

Last year, TSU's DB Anthony Levine impressed scouts in the Pro Day event and was invited to the Green Bay Packers camp. Levine made the team and earned a Super Bowl ring this year after the Packers won the World Championship. Each of the players in this year's event hope their performance will lead to a professional football contract.

Photo Album

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Florida A&M University Pro Day 2011

Tallahassee, Fla. - Fourteen NFL professional scouts came to Tallahassee to see the FAMU senior football players workout in front of a crowd of fans, family and other supporters. The workouts took place at the Hansel Tookes Recreation Center. The weightlifting and jumping drills took place inside the center, with the running and sprinting drills being held at the newly laid intramural turf fields.





1. Videographer: TheFranchisesports 2. Videographer: FAMUSPORTS 3. Videographer: RattlerBoosters 4. Videographer: FAMUSPORTS; Day #1 of Rattlers Spring Football Practice.



FAMU begins its quest to win the MEAC Championship outright in 2011. The Rattlers shared the 2010 championship with S.C.State and B-CU. Coach Taylor has reloaded the Rattlers, and with just nine players exhausting eligibility last season, the Rattlers will bring an experienced group to the task.

NCAA grants Jackson State full waiver from academic penalties

Jackson State University has received good news from the organization that had threatened to level harsh penalties against the school's football program.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has agreed to waive, for now, penalties the team faced for poor academic performance, according to documents obtained by The Clarion-Ledger.

Without the waiver, JSU likely would have been banned from post-season participation this fall and faced other punishment, including the loss of scholarships and even expulsion from Division I, the NCAA's highest classification for athletics. JSU's football program is in trouble because it has routinely fallen below the NCAA's benchmark score of 900 for Academic Progress Rate (APR)...


Videographer: JSUTigers1877; JSU Day at the Capitol w/ the Sonic Boom of the South

NCAA gives Jackson State more time to improve football team's academics

JACKSON, Miss. — The NCAA has given Jackson State University more time to improve the football team's academic performance.

The Clarion-Ledger reports documents it obtained through a public records request shows Jackson State will not be banned from postseason play this season and will get a break on scholarship reductions. Earlier reports were the academic performance rate by JSU was below — for a third straight year — what the NCAA required.

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Hall on roll for Southern University

Baton Rouge, La. - Frazier Hall knew he’d been swinging a pretty strong bat lately, but he didn’t know exactly how strong. Frankly, the Southern first baseman liked it that way. Wednesday night, however, his dad ruined the blissful ignorance for him, shortly before a game at McNeese State.

“He comes up and he’s like, ‘You know you’ve got a hitting streak going, right?’ ” Hall recalled. At the time, it was at nine games. “I was like, ‘Yeah. Thanks, Dad. ... If I go 0-for, it’s your fault,’ ” Hall said.

The good news was that there was no jinx. Hall went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. His hitting streak stands at 10 games as Southern (11-7, 4-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) prepares to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-10, 3-3) in a three-game series that begins with a doubleheader at noon today at Lee-Hines Field.

McNeese holds off SU, 10-8

LAKE CHARLES — McNeese State scored early and held off a late Southern University rally to claim a 10-8 nonconference baseball victory Wednesday night. The Cowboys (13-9) scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning and led 10-3 lead after five innings.

Southern (11-8) rebounded with two runs in the sixth and three in the seventh before McNeese held the Jaguars scoreless over the last two innings. SU left the bases load twice, according to coach Roger Cador, who was not totally disappointed with the effort of his team even though a four-game winning streak came to an end.

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Spring Football Practice Underway for 2010 SWAC Champion Tigers

The Texas Southern Tigers took their first step in preparation for the 2011 SWAC Championship Title. The defending champions started spring practice on Wednesday. About 70 players hit the field for conditioning and to run through drills. 2010 SWAC Coach of the Year, Johnnie Cole and his staff know it’s going to be a hard fought season to repeat as champions, but they believe the Tigers are up for the challenge.

“We know the target is on our backs,” Cole said. “So we must work harder and smarter than everyone else. Champions are built in the off season and it starts now.”

Over the next four weeks, the Tigers will practice three days and scrimmage once at TSU’s Durley Stadium. The Maroon and Gray game is schedule for Saturday, April 16th at Durley Stadium.

Practice starts at 4:00pm. There will be a Coaches Clinic on April 9th and the Johnnie Cole Golf Tournament on April 14th. The Football Championship Ring Banquet is on April 17th.

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Hampton's defensive tackle in demand

Massive Hampton defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis worked out for the New England Patriots today (March 25, 2011), according to his agent, Howard Shatsky.

Ellis is also is drawing serious interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation. The 6-foot-5, 346-pounder has drawn second-round grades from several draft analysts.

Per a source, Ellis interviewed well at the NFL scouting combine and was accountable for past transgressions that got him dismissed from South Carolina (reportedly failed drug tests) before transferring to Hampton and being suspended for one game.

"We like the kid," an NFL source said. "We were impressed with him." Ellis addressed the off-field problems at the NFL scouting combine during an interview with a crowd of media.


Videographer:ckparrothead; DT Kenrick Ellis at the 2011 NFLPA All Star Game

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Xavier teams defeat Loyola on City Park's new courts

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana, in the first collegiate matches on the newly dedicated hard courts at City Park Tennis Center, defeated city rival Loyola 6-3 in the women's dual and 9-0 in the men's dual Friday.

The Gold Nuggets (3-11) snapped a nine-dual losing streak, and the Gold Rush (11-5), ranked eighth in the NAIA, have won two straight and three of four.

The City Park courts were dedicated Thursday, and Xavier will play all remaining home matches there this season.

XU's women again defaulted the No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles matches because of an incomplete roster but won six of the seven completed matches. Carmen Nelson snapped her 10-match singles losing streak by defeating Loyola's Katie Beargie 6-1, 6-0 at No. 2. Nicole DeLoach clinched the dual by beating Cristiana Krtalic 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4.

Nelson and the DeLoach sisters won in singles and doubles. Melissa DeLoach did not lose a game; she and Nicole DeLoach defeated Frances Bonnin and Beargie 8-0 at No. 2 doubles, then Melissa beat Bonnin 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3 singles.



Loyola's women (1-6) have lost six in a row, and the men (1-5) have lost five in a row. The Wolfpack's lone victory in a non-forfeited match was Claire Landry's 3-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-7) decision against Amber Brown at No. 1. Brown, a freshman, is 0-4 in third-set super-tiebreakers this season.

Xavier's men dropped four games in nine matches and lost their fewest games in six completed singles matches (two) since Feb. 23, 2008, against Belhaven. Zach Taylor's 6-0, 6-0 decision against Joshua Laviolette at No. 2 clinched the dual, and teammates Hassan Abbas, Sean Richardson, Amir Rahbar and Jonathan Aubrey also won 6-0, 6-0. Richardson didn't drop a game in the dual; he and Steffen Giles-Osborn won 8-0 at No. 2 doubles against Jordan Hunting and Laviolette.

Both Xavier teams will play Auburn Montgomery -- whose men are ranked third and women fourth in the NAIA -- at 4 p.m. Saturday at City Park. AUM's men are the defending NAIA champion. Xavier's Sunday duals at the University of New Orleans were postponed by mutual agreement and will be rescheduled for April.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
Visit: XULA Athletics

Howard Lady Bison Fall to Longwood Lancers, 16-4

FARMVILLE, VA. – The Howard women’s lacrosse team failed to muster their first road win as they fell to Longwood, 16-4. The game’s finish marked Howard’s (3-6) second National Lacrosse Conference (NLC) loss of the season after HU was previously taken down by Presbyterian earlier in the year.

The Lady Bison were unable to keep an offensive pace with Longwood (6-3) who nearly doubled Howard’s 19 shots with 36 of their own. Longwood spread their scoring attack throughout their roster as 12 Lancers tallied a goal against the Bison, four of which scored twice. Bison goal keeper Amber Meeks generated 11 saves by the conclusion of the match.

Keeping HU afloat was senior Desiree Cox who scored all of Howard’s four goals. Cox topped the day with 11 shots for the Bison, which led both teams as did her four goals scored.



Cox currently leads the team with 33 goals and 67 shots, boasting an 82.1 shot-on-goal percentage.

Sydney Satchell and Courtland Lackey each garnered a team-high of four groundballs in the match. Lackey also zipped three shots, including one shot on goal, and led the Lady Bison defensively with five caused turnovers.

Up next the Howard lacrosse team will challenge fellow NLC opponent Liberty University and seek to obtain their first conference and road win. The Lady Bison will take on Liberty on Sunday, March 27 at 3 p.m. Visit howard-bison.com for the latest updates on the Lady Bison lacrosse team.

LADY BISON LAX REMAINING GAMES:

Mar. 27 at Liberty * 3:00 PM
Apr. 1 at High Point * 5:00 PM
Apr. 3 at Davidson * 1:00 PM
Apr. 9 (SATURDAY) Jacksonville * 1:00 PM GREENE STADIUM
Apr. 16 at Detroit Mercy * 12:00 PM
Apr. 20 (WEDNESDAY) Fresno St. 7:00 PM, GREENE STADIUM

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

Lacrosse is Cool...Come out to Greene Stadium April 9 & 20 for Bison LAX

Women LAX: Longwood vs. California Highlights

Bowie State Bulldogs Release 2011 Football Schedule

BOWIE, Md. - Bowie State University will kick off its 10-game, 2011 season with a September 3rd road game at Assumption College (Worcester, Massachusetts).

The Bulldogs open the home portion of their schedule Saturday (September 10th), hosting Benedict College at 1 pm. Bowie State begins conference play September 17th, welcoming the Blue Bears of Livingstone College to Bulldogs Stadium.

Bowie State hits the road in week four and five, traveling to Virginia Union University (September 24th) and Virginia State University (October 1st).

Saturday, October 8th will mark Homecoming on the Bowie State campus with the Bulldogs entertaining the Tigers of Saint Paul’s College.

Bowie State will pack their bags for three straight road games in weeks seven, eight and nine. The Bulldogs first stop will be at the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania Lions on October 15th followed by a key Northern Division clash at Elizabeth City State University on October 22nd. Bowie State makes a trip to Shepherdstown (WV) – October 29th to battle the Rams of Shepherd University.



Bowie State will close out the regular season at home (November 5th) against the Hawks of Chowan University at 1 pm.

Specific home theme days and final game times for all games will be released at a later date.

FULL SCHEDULE

By Bowie State Sports Information

Alcorn Head Men's Basketball Coach Search Committee Announces Finalists

The Alcorn State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Search Committee has narrowed the list of candidates for head men’s basketball coach down to three finalists. The finalists are Richard Horton, David Ponton and Luther Riley.

Horton, a Belzoni native and former Braves standout player under the legendary Davey L. Whitney, was named 1982 All SWAC and All Tournament for Men’s Basketball is currently Head Boys and Girls Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for the Humphreys County School District. Horton was a graduate assistant for Lady Braves Basketball team under the legendary Shirley Walker from 1983-1985 and is also a professional scout for College sports to the NFL, NBA and MLB under James “Bus” Cook. Horton is a 1982 graduate of Alcorn State University.

Ponton, is a Monroe, Louisiana native and former Grambling State Lady Tigers coach and three time SWAC Coach of the Year with over 25 years of experience. He was ...

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Carter finds way to Florida A&M after all

 Rattlers Head Football Coach Joe Taylor

A little more than a year ago, when Jimmie Tyson was recruiting Ravonne Carter out of Hialeah High School, Tyson saw all sorts of possibilities. Tyson, secondary coach at Florida A&M, saw a lot of Carter at cornerback, but figured he'd be the perfect nickel back. Special teams was also an option.

Tyson felt that the special relationship he'd developed with Carter meant he was on his way to FAMU. He went to New Mexico State instead. But right after the Lobos completed their second 1-11 season, Carter headed out. One of his first calls was to Tyson, who didn't hesitate to let Carter know he could come to FAMU.

"Things didn't work out as I had planned, and I felt like I needed to be closer to home," said Carter, who was a highly-touted player in high school. "FAMU was my only hope.

FAMU High grad set to make mark with Rattlers

At the urging of some parents who were watching him coach a pee-wee flag football team, George Stanley inserted his son, Jordan. Jordan was only 4 years old, but what happened next pretty much explains why he excelled at FAMU High and is hoping to do the same at Florida A&M.

"He scored a touchdown," the older Stanley said, recalling his son's first touchdown. "He was so happy, he took off running. He didn't realize that we had to finish the game. He didn't care. He was having fun."

Jordan Stanley, 5-feet-9, 190 pounds, is having even more fun nowadays for two reasons: First, he is playing his favorite position at running back; and second, he'll be playing the next three seasons as a Rattler. He's already making an impression in spring practice as he competes against Eddie Rocker and LaVante Page for a spot on the depth chart.

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Stillman faces Albany State in SIAC series

TUSCALOOSA | The Stillman College baseball team, riding a six-game conference winning streak, will take on Albany State in a key Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference series this weekend at historic Eagle Stadium in Ozark.

The teams will play a nine-inning game tonight at 7, then wrap up the series with a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. The doubleheader will consist of two, seven-inning games.

Stillman (12-13, 6-0 SIAC) will serve as the home team for the three-game series to be played in one of the state’s oldest minor league ballparks.

Ozark stadium to host its first four-year college baseball game

OZARK, AL – Several baseball fans and players from Tuscaloosa and Albany, Ga., are expected to be in Ozark this weekend for the city’s first baseball game with four-year, Division 2 college players.

Baseball teams from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa and Albany State University are playing a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game at Eagle Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday and will have a double-header at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Department of Leisure Services Director Steve Sherrill said Auburn University in Montgomery will play at the stadium against Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga., on April 12.

The stadium, which seats 800, was built in 1946 for the Ozark Cardinals Class D Minor League Baseball team. Sherrill said renovations to the facility have since drawn several junior college and high school baseball teams to the city for regional and state tournaments.

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