Barker, Robinson Lead HU to Best Offensive Performance

BOWIE, MD. -- The Howard softball team extended their winning streak to three games on Wednesday afternoon after racking in a pair of victories against Bowie State. The Lady Bison (8-17) outscored their opponent 25-3 and achieved their largest and second-largest margin of victory of the season thanks in large part to freshman Brittany Barker and junior Lorae Robinson.

Both Barker and Robinson tallied five runs a piece against the Lady Bulldogs (11-12). Barker batted .833 (5-of-6) and tallied three RBI while Robinson averaged .625 (5-of-8) and brought in two runs.

Robinson got her first hit against Bowie State with an infield single following Christine Sborz’s leadoff double in the first. Both Sborz and Robinson would return advance home following wild pitches and a fly out to center field.

The Lady Bison exploded in the second inning with eight runs, marking the most runs that HU has scored in a single inning thus far in the season. Samantha Gatson opened up a hitting frenzy for the Bison with a single through the left side, as Trina Kindred and Andascha Moore followed with singles of their own. Sborz tabbed an RBI with her second double and Robinson immediately followed with a double of her own to bring in two additional runs. Rebbecca Kirshner, Emily Johnson and Moore added singles in the monumental inning, and Ciera Gordon posted Howard’s third double, bringing in another run.

The Lady Bulldogs were able to hold Howard in the third, however Gatson lit up the scoreboard once again with a solo home run in the fourth.

Howard’s opening win in the doubleheader marked the team’s second shutout win of the season, coming a mere game after their 6-0 shutout win over George Mason in the Cherry Blossom Classic. The 13-0 victory was Howard’s largest margin of victory on the season, ousting their previous season best of eight runs coming in their 9-1 win over La Salle (Feb. 25, 2011).

Carly Martin and Gatson split the mound in the five-inning opener. Martin faced 11 batters and struck out three, walked one and surrendered a mere hit in her three innings of work. Gatson came in for the final two innings and gave up two hits and struck out two batters.

In the second game Emily Johnson took over the pitcher’s circle and struck out ten and walked only one batter. Johnson allowed three runs on nine hits, securing the 12-3 victory for the Bison.

Also securing the Bison’s second win of the day came from a strong offensive output in the sixth and final inning. Robinson leadoff with a bunt for a single and went on to steal second. Marisa Coats doubled to bring Robinson home. Barker launched a three-run homer to bring the Lady Bison up 11-3. HU sacked their 12th run of the game from Moore who scored on a wild pitch.

The Lady Bison will return to the nation’s capital to take on Delaware State in a double header on Saturday, April 2 beginning at 1 p.m. For more information on Howard’s softball team, visit www.Howard-Bison.com.


By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

B-CU: Question Marks

A year ago, the excitement of football coach Brian Jenkins' first spring practice at Bethune-Cookman was palpable.

Fans wanted to know what the new coach would bring to the table. What kind of offense would he install to replace the triple-option that the Wildcats had stuck to for 12 seasons? Could he revive a program that had slipped back into mediocrity after making the playoffs in 2002-03?

The answers surpassed even the most optimistic expectations. B-CU won a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship in Jenkins' first season and hosted a Division I-AA playoff game. As for the offense, quarterback Matt Johnson was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, leading a prolific unit that averaged 38.2 points and 425.6 yards per game.

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FAMU 2011 National Alumni Association Gala - Washington, D.C.

Visit: DC FAMU Alumni
Visit: FAMU Alumni Affairs
Visit: FAMU NAA National Convention
Visit: Florida A&M University
Visit: FAMU Rattlers Athletics

Howard University Announces 2011 Football Signees

Howard University announces the signing of the following players to grant in aids for the 2011 season:

John Smith TE 6-7 265 Atlanta, GA/North Cobb HS

Greg McGhee QB 6-3 200 Pittsburgh, PA/Perry HS

Kyrian Batiste OL 6-3 270 Grand Prairie, TX/James Bowie HS

Rodney Tyson RB 5-9 175 Evans, GA/Greenbrier HS

Stewart Hartman WR 6-3 170 Gretna, LA/West Jefferson

Aquanius Freeman RB 5-10 185 New Orleans, LA/Edna Karr

Hayward Robinson DT 6-2 275 Elloree, SC/Lake Marion

David Izebere DT 6-5 270 Mitchellville, MD

Jermaine Fox DB 6-1 200 Sacramento, CA




By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University
Visit: Howard-Bison Athletics

Prairie View A&M unveils new up-tempo spread offense

Prairie View A&M will feature a new look this season under first year head coach Heishma Northern and new offensive coordinator Mark Orlando, the Panthers will feature an up-tempo fast paced spread offense.

Orlando a Florida State graduate, has worked his way up the coaching ranks. Orlando started out in the high school ranks as he began his career coaching for Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida.

He then coached at Florida A&M for six years helping the team to a Division 1-AA National Championship, Orlando was then offered a position at Tennessee State where coached for another six years including a year at offensive coordinator in his final season with the Tigers.\

Alcorn State opts for next best thing to the Wiz

Provine's Riley makes the leap

Lorman, MS - When Alcorn State University decided recently to make a basketball coaching change, one columnist - blush - suggested only partly in jest the school should re-hire 81-year-old Alcorn legend Davey Whitney, the Wiz.

The theory: It worked twice before, why shouldn't it work again?

Turns out, Alcorn has done the next best thing. In Luther Riley, the 38-year-old Provine High School coach, the Lorman university has hired a Whitney clone, a guy who admittedly patterns himself after the elfish, but demanding man who made Alcorn basketball famous.



Riley takes over ASU basketball

LORMAN — Luther Riley saw first hand that Alcorn State men’s basketball could be successful while he was a graduate assistant coach under Davey Whitney.

Now, Riley said he’s looking to take the Braves’ hoops program back to that successful level of play. Riley, who has coached at John W. Provine High School in Jackson for the past 11 seasons, was introduced as the Braves’ new basketball coach Monday at the Jackson Convention Complex.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to welcome Coach Luther Riley back home to Alcorn State University,” said Alcorn President Dr. M. Christopher Brown.

Braves raid JPS for proven winner

Luther Riley entered from the right, walking across the platform before a half-full third-floor theater in the Jackson Convention Complex. Provine High's basketball coach for the last dozen years, Riley's face was unmistakable to the mostly Jackson-based Alcorn State fans before him.

Upon seeing Riley wearing a silver and purple-striped tie and a pinstripe suit, the group gave a standing ovation to the man they hope will turn around their basketball program - three years after being passed over for the job.

"This will be a daunting task," Riley said to the crowd moments later after being introduced as the university's new coach Monday in downtown Jackson.

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Jackson State University: "Talent Has No Color"

It was a frustrating afternoon for Jackson State golfer Tim O'Neal. He was having one of his best days striking the ball from tee to green. Just one thing was missing.

"I couldn't putt it in the ocean," the 37-year-old former PGA and Nationwide Tour golfer says of his frustrating performance at a tournament at SMU roughly 15 year walked over to Coach Payton and said, `Coach I cannot make a putt.' He thought a moment the offered: `Hit it closer to the pin.'"

The instance illustrates Eddie Payton's practical blend of coaching skill, task mastering and sense of humor. Since 1986, the former NFL punt and kick returner has been forging men's and women's championship golf teams at Jackson State University, the Historically Black College in Jackson, Miss.



Outside the Lines: Eddie Payton

His younger brother, Walter, was perhaps the greatest running back ever, but Eddie Payton has devoted his life to a sport in which the only thing that gets hit is a dimpled ball.

For the past quarter century, Payton has been the head golf coach at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., where he has led the historically black school to 24 conference titles in 25 years. He's the Eddie Robinson of college golf.

Yet Payton says he feels like a failure. Every time he turns on the television, he sees only one African-American representative on the PGA Tour.

["I've been coaching 25 years," he says, "and I have not turned out one."

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North Carolina A&T Aggies Release 2011 Football Schedule

Aggies Coach Rod Broadway

GREENSBORO, - Rod Broadway's first game as the head football coach at North Carolina A&T will occur on Saturday, September 3, 2011 when the Aggies take on Saint Paul's College at Aggie Stadium. N.C. A&T's 2011 football schedule features five home and six away dates.

N.C. A&T fans will get their first glimpse of the Aggies on Saturday, April 9 as the Aggies play in the annual Spring Game at 1 p.m., from Aggie Stadium.

After the Spring Game and the contest versus the Tigers, the Aggies head to Boone, N.C., on Sept. 10 to face Appalachian State. The Mountaineers won three straight Division I-FCS National Championships from 2005-07. They have also won the Southern Conference six straight seasons.

Coastal Carolina highlights an exciting home schedule as the Chanticleers return to Aggie Stadium on Sept. 24. The two teams faced each other in 2008 and 2009 with Coastal Carolina winning both times. Bethune-Cookman comes to Greensboro on Oct. 8 before the Greatest Homecoming on Earth comes back to Aggieland on Oct. 15. The historic rivalry between N.C. A&T and N.C. Central moves to the final game of the season with the two teams clashing at Aggie Stadium on Nov. 19.

The Aggies remaining five road games include a stretch of four straight conference games. N.C. A&T plays Howard, Norfolk State, Florida A&M and S.C. State away from home Oct. 22-Nov. 12. The Aggies other road game is against Morgan State on Oct. 1. Game times and dates are subject to change.

2011 N.C. A&T State Aggies Football Schedule

9/03, Saint Paul's College, Greensboro, N.C., 4 p.m.
9/10, Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA
9/24, Coastal Carolina, Greensboro, N.C., , 4 p.m.
10/01, Morgan State*, Baltimore, 4 p.m.
10/08, Bethune-Cookman*, Greensboro, N.C.,  1:30 p.m.
10/15, Delaware State* (Homecoming), Greensboro, N.C., 1:30 p.m.
10/22, Howard*, Washington, D.C., Greene Stadium, TBA
10/29, Norfolk State*, Norfolk, Va., Dick Price Stadium, 2 p.m.
11/05, Florida A&M*, Tallahassee, Fla., Bragg Memorial Stadium, TBA
11/12, S.C. State*, Orangeburg, S.C., Dawson-Bulldogs Stadium, TBA
11/19, N.C. Central*, Greensboro, N.C., 1:30 p.m.
*-MEAC game

By North Carolina A&T State University Sports Information
Visit: NCAT Aggies
Visit: Blue&Gold Marching Machine







Videographer: SpeechlessQue; N.C.A.&T. State University Blue & Gold Marching Machine Band

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

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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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