XU Gold Rush are eighth in NAIA for third consecutive time

NEW ORLEANS — For the third straight time Xavier University of Louisiana is No. 8 in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll. The fifth of eight polls this season was announced Tuesday.

The No. 8 ranking is the highest ever for an XU men's tennis team.

The Gold Rush (11-7) are in the the top 25 for the 29th consecutive time dating to April 4, 2007. It's the 20th straight time dating to April 30, 2008, that the Gold Rush are among the top 18.

The top nine teams are the same as the previous poll, with Fresno Pacific ranked first for the 12th consecutive time.

A new team in the rankings, No 19 William Carey, will play host to the XU men at 10 a.m. Sunday. Xavier defeated the Crusaders 5-4 on March 13 in the AUM Invitational at Montgomery, Ala.

The Gold Rush will close the regular season April 13 at city rival Tulane in a 3 p.m. dual, then travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., for an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournament April 29-30.



NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, April 3)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Fresno Pacific (10) 15-2 250 1
2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 10-5 240 2
3 Auburn Montgomery 17-3 231 3
4 Azusa Pacific 13-4 227 4
5 Oklahoma Christian 13-1 220 5
6 Point Loma Nazarene 11-3 211 6
7 Westmont 8-5 202 7
8 Xavier 11-7 191 8
9 Concordia (Calif.) 6-9 189 9
10 Vanguard 5-11 174 12
11 Graceland 4-4 171 11
12 Shorter 7-1 163 13
13 St. Thomas (Fla.) 10-2 151 14
14 Aquinas 16-3 139 16
15 Lewis-Clark State 8-7 136 15
16 SCAD Savannah 7-3 126 25
17 Olivet Nazarene 11-0 121 19
18 McKendree 12-1 117 tie-20
19 William Carey 6-8 103 RV
20 Martin Methodist 8-4 102 24
21 Webber International 13-4 91 17
22 Cumberland 4-2 83 18
23 Lee (Tenn.) 3-4 76 22
24 Lindenwood 5-1 56 RV
25 Bethany (Kan.) 11-3 50 RV

Others receiving votes: Northwood (Fla.) 49, Biola 30, Oklahoma Baptist 30, Northwestern Ohio 28, Huntington (Ind.) 28, Belhaven 19, William Jewell 1, Bethel (Tenn.) 1.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Xavier Gold Nuggets lose more ground in NAIA rankings

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana was among the others receiving votes for the second consecutive time when the NAIA announced its women's tennis top 25 Tuesday.

The Gold Nuggets are 29th overall after receiving 16 points and missing the top 25 by 41 points. Xavier's women had appeared in 44 consecutive top 25s dating to 2004 before falling short in the March 22 poll.

Defending NAIA champion Fresno Pacific is No. 1 for the fifth time in as many polls this season. The Sunbirds collected nine of 10 first-place votes, with No. 2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) receiving the other.

Xavier (3-14), loser of three straight duals and 12 of its last 13, will travel to 13th-ranked William Carey for a 10 a.m. dual Sunday. The Gold Nuggets will close the regular season against South Alabama at 11 a.m. on April 16 at City Park, then travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., for an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournament April 29-30.



Videographer: EdFunders; Dr. Norman Francis, America's longest serving university president, speaks at Grantmakers for Education's 2010 conference, "The Fierce Urgency of Now: Fulfilling the Promise of Excellence and Equity."

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, April 3)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Fresno Pacific (9) 12-4 250 1
2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) (1) 15-3 242 2
3 Point Loma Nazarene 12-1 233 3
4 Auburn Montgomery 17-5 227 4
5-tie Oklahoma Christian 10-2 214 6
5-tie Azusa Pacific 15-3 214 5
7 Concordia (Calif.) 10-5 196 tie-8
8 Brenau 5-5 194 7
9 SCAD Savannah 9-1 192 tie-8
10 Vanguard 8-6 174 10
11 Shorter 8-0 173 11
12 Southern Nazarene 7-4 161 12
13 William Carey 8-5 156 13
14 Olivet Nazarene 13-1 142 NR
15 Oklahoma Baptist 7-5 137 15
16 Lee (Tenn.) 7-3 124 18
17 Indiana Wesleyan 17-1 116 14
18 St. Thomas (Fla.) 9-7 111 17
19 Lewis-Clark State 5-11 102 19
20 Martin Methodist 7-4 96 22
21 Campbellsville 8-4 95 RV
22 William Jewell 11-6 90 20
23 Cumberlands 6-8 72 RV
24 Webber International 12-5 68 21
25 Belhaven 12-2 57 24

Others receiving votes: Lindsey Wilson 54, Westmont 45, Indiana Southeast 23, Xavier 16, Northwestern Ohio 8, Taylor 7, Georgetown (Ky.) 5, McKendree 3, Spring Hill 3, Mobile 1, Northwood (Fla.) 1, Robert Morris (Chicago) 1, The Master's (Calif.) 1, Marian (Ind.) 1, Milligan 1.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Southern U blasts three home runs in win

UPDATED ALERT, 10:15 a.m: Southern cancels news conference set to address athletic director LaFleur


Three days after Greg LaFleur was arrested on a misdemeanor prostitution count in downtown Houston, Southern University called a news confernece “to address” its athletic director’s situation but canceled it Wednesday morning, according to a news release from the athletic department.

A statement will be released by the university on LaFleur, accoridng to the release.

SU blasts three home runs in win

NEW IBERIA, LA — Perhaps the Southern University baseball team should find a way to face Nicholls State on a neutral site every year. Tuesday night at Acadian Ballpark, the Jaguars got a solid effort from starting pitcher Belfred “T.J.” Pryer and rallied for four late-inning runs en route to a 6-4 victory.

“We took care of business tonight,” SU coach Roger Cador said.

It was Southern’s second win in as many seasons over the Colonels in a ballpark that didn’t serve as either team’s primary home. Last spring, the Jaguars dropped Nicholls 8-5 at Southland Field in Houma. Nicholls was the designated home team in both games.

Boxscore: SU 6, Nicholls State 4

Attorney: APR cited in firing of Spivery

Southern University believes it does not have to pay the remainder of Rob Spivery’s contract because the coach oversaw a men’s basketball program that had a low Academic Progress Rate, Spivery’s attorney said Tuesday afternoon.

The attorney, Donald Dobbins, said he doesn’t believe low APR scores constitute a breach of contract. Dobbins contended that maintaining and improving APR is the responsibility of an athletic department, not a coach.

News conference set to address LaFleur

Three days after Greg LaFleur was arrested on a misdemeanor prostitution count in downtown Houston, Southern University will hold a news conference on campus “to address” its athletic director’s situation, according to a release late Tuesday from the athletic department.

The news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, the release said.

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CAU's Darryl Jacobs Named Head Coach at Virginia State

Virginia State University has named Darryl Jacobs as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program on April 4th.

Darryl Jacobs will be the 19th Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Virginia State University. Jacobs comes to Virginia State University after spending the last five years at Clark Atlanta University as the Head Men's Basketball Coach. During his tenure at Clark Atlanta University, Jacobs led the program to its first winning season in 10 years during the 2007-2008 season. That same season he also led the program to the semi-final round of the conference tournament.

 During the 2008-2009 season, Jacobs led the program to its second consecutive winning season in 12 years. Clark Atlanta also won its first SIAC conference championship in 14 years under Coach Jacobs’ leadership during the 2009-2010 season. Clark Atlanta also advanced to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament as the #5 seed. Prior to the 2010-2011 Clark Atlanta was ranked #25 nationally. Clark Atlanta finished the past 2010-2011 season with a 22-9 record overall and made it to the SIAC championship for the second season in a row. Clark Atlanta again advanced to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament.

VSU introduces new men's basketball coach

ETTRICK - Standing behind a lectern in the two-day old Gateway Dining and Events Center, Virginia State University Athletic Director Peggy Davis introduced another welcome addition to the Ettrick campus at a press conference on Monday.

Amid much applause and even a few "woo-woos," Darryl Jacobs was unveiled as the 19th coach of the VSU men's basketball team. Formerly at the helm of Clark Atlanta University, Jacobs boasts 22 years of coaching experience.

 Image Gallery for VSU introduces new men's basketball coach

Jacobs Steps Down As Clark Atlanta's Hoops Coach

Stepping out on a high note, Darryl Jacobs announced Friday that he will step down as head men's basketball coach at Clark Atlanta to pursue an as-yet unnamed opportunity.

Jacobs guided the Panthers to the 2010-2011 SIAC championship, finished second in the postseason tournament and led the team to the NCAA Division II national tournament.

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Huntsville Hall of Fame: Alabama A&M football standout Fred Carodine

Fred Carodine

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Fred Carodine was one of the finest multi-sport stars at Huntsville's Lee High School in the late 1960s, playing in the heyday of the Generals' football history, then went on to become an outstanding football player at Alabama A&M University in the early 1970s.

After excelling in football, basketball and baseball at Davis Hills Middle School, he played offensive end and defensive back at Lee from 1968-70 for coach Keith Wilson and was considered by some scouts as "the best end in the state" in both 1969 and 1970.

Carodine was an early starter at free safety as a freshman for coach Louis Crews' A&M Bulldogs and played on teams that included future NFL players John Stallworth and Ronnie Coleman.

 Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame.

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Southern University AD Greg LaFleur arrested, Southern releases statement

HOUSTON, TX  - Southern University Athletic Director Greg LaFleur has been arrested in Houston for prostitution. According to the police report, Greg LaFleur, 52, was arrested at 8:30 p.m. Sunday on Main Street in Houston for solicitation of a prostitute.

The prosecutor's office in Harris County characterizes the case as "straight sex for pay," because the police report says LaFleur picked up a female for sex. According to the police report, the female he picked up happened to be an undercover police officer.

The former LSU and NFL football player was booked on a misdemeanor charge by Houston Police, with bond set at $500 according to court records.



Ex-NFL player and Southern A.D. arrested for solicitation

It’s been a wacky couple of days for NFL arrests, with Mike Vrabel’s beer heist almost topping Louis Murphy’s Viagra adventure for sheer ridiculousness. Now even ex-NFL players want to get in on the act.

The Associated Press notes that Southern University Athletic Director Greg LaFleur is free on bond after being arrested for soliciting a prostitute. LaFleur was a third-round pick of the Eagles who played for the Rams for six seasons.

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North Carolina A&T Aggies Produce Great Performances In Florida Relays

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The North Carolina A&T men's and women's track and field teams combined to put together eight top 15 finishes at the Florida Relays at the University of Florida. The meet featured some of the best athletes and schools in the country.

The Florida Relays is one of the most prestigious meets in the country, and has existed for 67 years. The meet featured NCAA outdoor champions and All-Americans. Therefore when the competition both young Aggie teams faced is considered, the Aggies had a decent showing.


Videographer: dcheston88

Once again, the Aggies had a good showing in the relays. The Aggies men's 4x100 meter relay team (Darryl Williams, Jonathan Hancock, Jarrell Elliott and Torrance Womack) finished sixth with a time of 40.10. The men's 4x200 meter relay team (Williams, Hancock, Elliott and Earl House) had an eighth place finish with a time of 1:24.81. There was also a ninth place finish by the women's 4x1 relay team.

In the individual events, Shakia Forbes followed up her win at the Raleigh Relays with a 10th place finish in the women's long jump. Her best jump was 18-feet, 10 inches. Krystin Lawson had an 11th place finish in the women's 100 with a time of 11.75.

The Aggies are back in action on April 15-16 when they host the Friendship & Freedom Games at Irwin Belk Track.


Videographer: uftrack; 2011 Florida Relays Day 1, Florida Gators Track and field

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information
VISIT: ncataggies.com

B-CU hires QBs coach from Kansas

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins hired a new quarterbacks coach, but for now he is still handling the offensive coordinator duties himself.

Jenkins hired Joe Dailey, the recruiting coordinator at Kansas under head coach Turner Gill last year, to replace Danny Barrett as QB coach. Barrett left last month to become an assistant coach at UCF. Jenkins said he likes what he has seen of Dailey so far in early spring drills.

"He's a very detailed coach, very passionate and a good recruiter," Jenkins said. "I'm very excited from what I've seen from him on the practice field."

Dailey played quarterback at Nebraska under...



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VISIT: B-CUATHLETICS

Bethune-Cookman’s Peter O’Brien a diamond in the rough

Daytona Beach, FL - Peter O’Brien left Miami three years ago unrewarded, undrafted and virtually unwanted. He returns now as a player that ESPN has called the top catching prospect in the nation — and it’s undeniably so, according to his college coach.

“He has more skill than any player I’ve ever coached, and he’s the hardest worker,” said Bethune-Cookman coach Mervyl Melendez, whose team plays FIU at 6 p.m. Tuesday. “I expect to see him in the big leagues in a year-and-a-half.”

O’Brien, a 6-4, 220-pound junior, hit .386 with 20 homers and 56 RBI last season. He also caught 29 runners either stealing or straying too far off base, showing off an arm that Melendez said can reach 94 mph on the mound.

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VISIT: B-CUATHLETICS

Howard Splits Doubleheader with Delaware State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard softball team hosted their first home games of the season featuring a doubleheader against Delaware State. The Lady Bison (9-16, 1-1 MEAC) split the two games, claiming a 6-1 win following their 4-1 loss to DSU (18-10, 1-1).

Eight HU players accounted for the team’s 11 hits, as Emily Johnson led the way with three. Johnson who had one of her best days at the plate, was coming off one of her best days in the pitcher’s circle as she notched a team high 10 strikeouts against Bowie State two games earlier. Shortstop Rebecca Kirshner also chimed in with a pair of hits in the win.

Kirshner got things going for the Lady Bison in the bottom of the second with a leadoff single. Johnson immediately followed with a single of her own. Freshman Brittany Baker brought Kirshner home on an RBI single. Barker later scored in the inning on a single by Andascha Moore.

The Lady Bison posted four more runs in the fourth inning after posting five hits. Trina Kindred started another rally within the lineup with a one-out single. Christine Sborz and Lorae Robinson followed Kindred with singles of their own. Robinson’s single would load the bases and Marisa Coats walked, giving Howard their first run of the inning. Kirshner grounded out to third, allowing Sborz to score from third. Johnson and Ciera Gordon posted back-to-back RBI singles, bringing home Robinson and Coats, respectively.

Carly Martin was awarded the win and pitched all seven innings. She struck out two, walked one and allowed seven hits.

In the previous game, Howard and Delaware State evened one another in hits with eight a piece. HU pitcher Samantha Gatson gave up two back-to-back walks to start the third inning, giving DSU room to produce two runs off two hits in the inning.

Howard surrendered two additional runs in the fifth inning after Jordan Reid of DSU reached first on a fielding error and returned home following a homer by Andrea Waters.

The Lady Bison scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Coats leadoff with a double and two batters later Johnson doubled to bring Coats home.

Gatson was credited with the loss and recorded one strikeout, two walks and gave up eight hits. For more information on the Howard softball team, visit howard-bison.com.

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University


Videographer: iamcaprikorn; Howard University ShowTime Marching Band - "Skin Im In"

TSU players adapt to changes at top

The Texas Southern football team was temporarily shaken up Friday when Johnnie Cole was relieved of his coaching duties in anticipation of an NCAA report that is expected to reveal major violations committed by the program.

But when the players resumed their spring practice with a scrimmage Saturday afternoon at TSU's Durley Stadium, things had mostly returned to normal. Of course, there was a different man in charge, as former defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey has been promoted to interim coach. There was also one less assistant coach after Ramsey fired associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Daryl Williams shortly after taking over the reins.

Saturday's practice was...

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Howard U. Ends Road Campaign with 16-6 Loss to Davidson

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Lady Bison lacrosse team closed out their six-game road tour with a 16-6 loss to Davidson on Sunday afternoon at Richardson Stadium. Senior Desiree Cox led Howard (3-9, 0-5 National Lacrosse Conference) with the most goals, scoring four in the conference loss.

Cox bounced back from the team's previous meeting on the road against High Point where the senior was shutout for the first time in the entire season. The 2010 NLC Player of the Year now has 38 goals on the year and has amassed 40 points.

Also posting scores for the Bison was Courtland Lackey and Cynithia Smalls. Lackey scored within the final minute of the first half, giving the Bison their third goal of the game. HU trailed Davidson (3-9, 2-2 NLC) 11-3 by halftime. Lackey also posted Howard's only assist in the game, and the midfielder is currently tied first on the team in assists with four alongside junior Cheryse Cox.


Videographer: Davidson Athletics; Highlights of Davidson Women's LAX vs. Howard Lady Bison 4/3/2011

In the second half Davidson tallied two goals within the first six minutes. Shortly after Desiree Cox posted her third goal and kicked off a Howard scoring run. Smalls scored with 17:29 on the clock and Cox racked her fourth goal with 12:53 left in regulation.

The Howard rally would not be enough to overcome the 10 point deficit however, and Davidson went on to score three additional goals by the close of the game.

Howard, however, managed to temporarily contain Davidson's offense as they held their NLC opponent to a 5-3 scoring advantage in the second half. Both teams went even in draw controls with 12 a piece, but Howard surrendered the advantage in groundballs (22-14) and shots (33-21). Ashley Foote led Howard with four groundballs while Cox racked in nine shots for the Bison and Lackey came in second with five.

HU goalkeeper Amber Meeks posted 10 saves on the day, bringing her season total to 132 (.419).

The Howard lacrosse team will return home on April 9 to face off against NLC opponent Jacksonville in the nation's capitol and look to extend their winning streak at home to three games. For more information on the Howard lacrosse team visit www.howard-bison.com

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

SWAC West champion Southern defeats Xavier 9-0

NEW ORLEANS — Southern University, the Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division champion, defeated Xavier University of Louisiana 9-0 Sunday in a women's dual at City Park Tennis Center.

The Lady Jaguars (9-5) won every set but one and picked up defaults at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles to defeat the shorthanded Gold Nuggets (3-14) for the second straight season.

Jo'Vonna Gaines, Carlista Mohammed and Kathryn Curtis won singles and doubles matches for Southern. Gaines and Mohammed defeated sisters Melissa and Nicole DeLoach 8-0 at No. 1 doubles, and Mohammed beat Amber Brown 6-0, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Curtis and Lois Alexis improved their win streak to 10 matches with an 8-0 decision against Brown and Carmen Nelson at No. 2 doubles.

Nelson won her first set against Demetria Woods at No. 3 singles, but Woods rallied for a 2-6, 6-2, 1-0 (10-6) victory. Freshman Lisbeth Castaneda clinched the dual with her 6-3, 6-0 victory against Ashley McGill at No. 5 singles.



Xavier, an NAIA member, has dropped three consecutive duals — its second in as many days against an NCAA Division I opponent — and 12 of its last 13. Half of the Gold Nuggets' losses this season are against NCAA D-I.

Xavier's women and men will visit William Carey at 10 a.m. next Sunday. Southern will visit Nicholls State at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

NCA&T Aggies Close Out Series With Loss to FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida A&M took two out of three from North Carolina A&T on Sunday with an 11-1 victory. The Aggies were held to just two hits on the afternoon. Florida A&M starter David Duncan struck out 11 and picked up the win to improve to 2-3. Brent Moore (1-4) endured the loss.

The Aggies only run of the day came in the sixth inning. Marquis Riley hit an RBI single to right field to score Carvell Copeland who reached on an error and stole second base. Tobi Adeyemi led the Rattlers by going 3-for-5 with four RBIs.

The Aggies dropped to 8-18 overall and 2-3 in the MEAC. They will be back in action Tuesday evening as they head to Boone, N.C., to face Appalachian State at 6.



Rattlers take series with Aggies with 11-1 win

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 3) - The Florida A&M Baseball team was able to bounce back in game three as the Rattlers defeated North Carolina A&T, 11-1 to win the series in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game, here Sunday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field.

FAMU (10-22, 2-4 MEAC) pounded out 12 hits, while N.C. A&T (8-18, 2-3 MEAC) garnered two.

The Rattlers were led by Tobi Adeyemi as he went three-for-five from the plate, driving in four runs and scoring one, while both Andre McKoy and Marquis Riley finished with a hit a piece for the Aggies.

PHOTO GALLERY: 
FAMU vs NC A&T Gallery

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Courtesy: North Carolina A&T State University Sports Information and Florida A&M University Sports Information.

VISIT: NCATAGGIES.com
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS.com

NSU Spartan Baseball Takes 2 from Coppin State, 15-2, 9-2

BALTIMORE, Md. – John Lynch had five hits and six runs batted in, and Ryan Montgomery and James Taylor also had five hits apiece as Norfolk State swept a doubleheader from Coppin State Sunday at Joe Cannon Stadium, 15-2 and 9-2.

Lynch knocked in three runs in each game for the Spartans, who improved to 10-16 overall and 3-1 in the MEAC. Lynch went 5-for-11 and Montgomery 5-for-9 for NSU, which had 16 hits in both games. The 16 hits are a season high.

Game one was a completion of Saturday’s suspended game. NSU led 9-1 in the top of the fifth inning on Saturday when rain halted things. NSU picked up where it left off, adding another run in the fifth, two in the sixth and three in the seventh to end the game early due to the 10-run rule. Lynch had a two-run single in the sixth, while TiQuan Griffin had a two-run double and Taylor an RBI single in the seventh.

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Jackie Robinson Day planned at ballpark to help minority colleges

Greenville, S.C. - Michelin North America is underwriting a Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 at Fluor Field, and the proceeds will go to the United Negro College Fund, organizers said. Two UNCF baseball teams, from Claflin University and Voorhees College, will square off at 7 p.m., said Greenville Drive baseball team spokeswoman Ashley Peden.

The game is open to the public; tickets are $8, she said. There will be local students, church groups, sororities, fraternities, members of the United Way and others in attendance, Peden said. “A high school band will play.”

Herb Johnson, Michelin's director of community affairs, said he and Mike DeMaine, the Drive's general manager, teamed up. Johnson said Michelin is eager to raise funds for UNCF. “It helps us fulfill our diversity goals,” he said.

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Prairie View A&M's K.J. Black preparing for the NFL Draft

K.J. Black started his collegiate career with Western Kentucky, he showed promise early but his path eventually brought him to the SWAC and to Prairie View, Texas where he called home while playing for Prairie View A&M, an HBCU team that is up and coming, long improved from its door mat years of ten to fifteen years ago.

Black was a vital contributor to the Panthers and is one of many HBCU athletes who are considered viable draft prospects. Black was the 2009 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year helping lead the Panthers to the 2009 SWAC Championship throwing for 22 touchdowns and only four interceptions his junior year.



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Spivery out at Southern University

 Spivery leaves the Jaguars with a 37-87 career record, an
 NCAA APR score of  847 and a two scholarships loss.

Southern University has decided to fire men’s basketball coach Rob Spivery — though that’s hardly news to him. The university released a brief statement late Friday afternoon that said Spivery will be terminated effective April 21.

The statement also revealed for the first time that the university informed Spivery of its decision on March 18, eight days after a face-to-face meeting between Spivery and SU Athletic Director Greg LaFleur to discuss the direction of the program. The news release, in its entirety, reads:

“Rob Spivery’s tenure as head basketball coach at Southern University and A&M College will end April 21.

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Fort Valley State University: 2011 Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Coach David Bowden

2011 Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame Inductee David Bowden or 'Coach' as he is affectionately known, is one of Florida's All-time great High School coaches. Coach Bowden grew up in segregated St. Petersburg, Florida, and later played football at Fort Valley State University where he was All-SIAC Conference.

Coach Bowden also played football professionally with the Washington Redskins organization.

After moving from St. Louis to Florida, Coach Bowden taught and coached briefly at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida, before transferring to Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes.

Coach Bowden guided the "Cobras" of Boyd Anderson High School to six Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championships in both cross-country and track and field.

Coach Bowden was selected Boyd Anderson's Teacher of the Year, elected to the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and was honored as the Coach of the Year by the Florida National High School Coaches Association.

The Miami Herald named Coach Bowden "Coach of the Year" for Track and Field SEVEN times, and the Sun Sentinel named Coach Bowden as "Coach of the Year" six times. The New York Based "Children's Press" wrote a book called "Track and Field Fundamentals" about Coach Bowden and his athletes.


Videographer: DistancePreps

Coach Bowden is known as a dedicated runner and Marathoner winning his age group in numerous running events including the New York, Boston, Disney World, Royal Victoria and Montreal marathons with a personal best time of 2:45.20.

Coach Bowden's personal best time in the mile is 4:33 and he is a three-time participant in the Master Division of "The Prestigious Mercedes Mile" held on 5th Avenue in New York.

In 1996 and 2002 Coach Bowden was a member of the Olympic Torch Relay Team.

There is an annual event in remembrance of Coach Bowden's dedication and service every January 13th to honor Coach Bowden as a Coach and Educator affectionately called the "David Bowden Day".

The Annual David Bowden Relays (track & field meet) at Boyd Anderson High School in Florida are named in his honor.

What is 'Coach' doing now?
David Bowden, Coach, www.teammannatech.com, as everyone refers to him, has 38 + years as a Coach/Educator. A member of the Lions Club in Kailua, Kona Hawaii, David, steps to the plate and is an incredible community player. Coach of Team in Training for the Honolulu Marathon, David is passionate about inspiring and working with others to manifest their personal dreams… his 2 favorite words….it is doable and obtainable!

There is an annual event in remembrance of David every January 13 to honor David as a Coach/Educator called the David Bowden Day, and the Annual David Bowden Relays (track & field meet) at Boyd Anderson High School in Florida. David has coached at Kealakehe High on the Big Island (Hawaii)  and was a Director of Boot Camp at Kahakai Elementary (Hawaii).

Alabama State University 2011 Football Schedule Announced

The Alabama State University Athletic Department has announced the 2011 football schedule for the reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division Champions.

The Hornets will play five home games this season in Montgomery's Cramton Bowl. In addition to the traditional matchups, highlighted by the Magic City Classic in Birmingham and the Turkey Day Classic on Thanksgiving Day, the Hornets will travel to face Eastern Michigan of the Mid-American Conference.

“This game will accomplish several things for the program and the University,” Athletic Director Stacy Danley said. “It provides exposure and visibility for Alabama State in a unique geographical area that contains a high concentration of ASU alumni. It additionally gives us the opportunity to recruit a broader range of students and student athletes. As we continue to take ASU Athletics to new heights, it's not only important for us to play up but to win up. This contest also provides us with the opportunity to generate revenue.”

Former Hornet receiver Reggie Barlow begins his fifth season as head coach at his alma mater, leading his team into another tough nine-game conference slate of games as Alabama State comes off a SWAC Championship game appearance for the first time since winning the title in 2004.

“I think it's a good schedule,” Barlow said. “As a whole, it gives us exactly what we need when we go out and recruit players of what they will get an opportunity to go out and experience here. You get to play in front of large crowds like we do in the Magic City Classic and Turkey Day Classic, as well as the chance to play a Division I opponent in Eastern Michigan. The SWAC schedule is very competitive as it always is. We're excited about it.”

Alabama State will begin the season with back-to-back road games and three of its first four contests away from home in September. The Hornets will begin the season at SWAC foe Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 3 before venturing to Michigan to face the Eagles one week later in the first-ever meeting between the schools.

The Hornets will play their home opener Sept. 17 when Grambling State and new head coach Doug Williams come to the Cramton Bowl. ASU will end the season's opening month at Jackson State on Sept. 24.

Alabama State will face former offensive coordinator and new Alcorn State head coach Melvin Spears on Oct. 1 as the Braves come to Montgomery. The Hornets will then travel to Houston for a SWAC Championship Game rematch with defending champion Texas Southern, before coming home to host Prairie View on Oct. 15.

Following an open week, the Hornets will face Alabama A&M University in the 70th Magic City Classic, held at legendary Legion Field in Birmingham on Oct. 29.

ASU will play its final road game in 2011 on Nov. 5, when they travel to face the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The Hornets will play their final SWAC game of the season at home against Southern in Cramton Bowl on Nov. 12. Following an open date, ASU will conclude the regular season with the 88th Turkey Day Classic against Tuskegee University on Nov. 26th.



2011 ALABAMA STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME
Sept. 3 at Mississippi Valley St.* Itta Bena, Miss. 5 p.m.
Sept. 10 at Eastern Michigan Ypsilanti, Mich. TBD
Sept. 17 GRAMBLING ST.* Montgomery, Ala. 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 at Jackson St.* Jackson, Miss. 4 p.m.
Oct. 1 ALCORN ST.* Montgomery, Ala. 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 at Texas Southern* Houston, Texas TBD
Oct. 15 PRAIRIE VIEW A&M* Montgomery, Ala. 1 p.m. (Hornet Connection Day)
Oct. 22 open date
Oct. 29 ALABAMA A&M* Birmingham, Ala. TBD (70th Magic City Classic)
Nov. 5 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff* Pine Bluff, Ark. 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 12 SOUTHERN* Montgomery, Ala. 1 p.m.
Nov. 19 open date
Nov. 24 TUSKEGEE Montgomery, Ala. 1 p.m.(88th Turkey Day Classic)
Dec. 10 SWAC Championship Birmingham, Ala. TBD
Home games in CAPS; * denotes SWAC games; dates and times subject to change

By ASU Sports Information
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ASU Mighty Marching Hornets and ALL ASU ALUMNI

Hornets and Friends:

Please help the Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornets give back to former director of bands, Dr. Thomas E. Lyle. There is a movement that is trying to get Dr. Lyle inducted in the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame (A.B.A).

ASU's former band students, band directors and ANY ASU ALUMNI may write letters requesting Dr. Lyle be inducted into the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame.

It is very important that we as Former Marching Hornets help get Dr. Lyle accepted into this prestige Hall of Fame. In your letter, please include the year you marched, and how Professor Lyle has influenced your life through music.

Your letters are to be sent to:

Dr. John Long
121 Hillcrest Blvd.
Troy, Alabama 36801

Please pass this information on to other former members of the ASU Mighty Marching Hornets Band.

Commentary: Dismissing Cole was only option for TSU program seeking legitimacy

Texas Southern University hired Johnnie Cole as its football coach because it wanted to win games. It hired Charles McClelland to be its athletic director for the same reason.

TSU also hired McClelland because it wanted to do things the right way. It fired Cole for the same reason. A college football program should be able to do both: win and do things the right way. Even TSU.

"The university's commitment to compliance is undaunted," McClelland said in a Friday statement that announced the school has parted ways with Cole because of major rules violations that, according to an athletic department official, will be revealed when a report from an NCAA investigation is released.



TSU interim football coach fires an assistant

Texas Southern interim football coach Kevin Ramsey said Saturday that associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Daryl Williams has been relieved of his duties.

Ramsey, the defensive coordinator who was named interim coach Friday after former coach Johnnie Cole was dismissed, informed Williams of the move shortly after being promoted by athletic director Charles McClelland.

Williams was hired by Cole in 2008 after serving as Alabama State’s director of football operations from 2005-07.

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ASU Hornets scrimmage marks midway point of spring drills

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama State football team reached the midway point of its 2011 spring football season with an approximately 50+play scrimmage Saturday morning at Hornet Stadium.

"I was so excited last night I couldn't sleep thinking about getting out there and watching these guys play," Hornets' head coach Reggie Barlow said of his anticipation of Saturday's scrimmage. "It was fun to have them out there to see them tackling. They've been itching at the bit to do that."

The defense was impressive in the session, scoring on a safety while making four sacks and allowing just four-of-14 third down conversions and one touchdown. DE Charlie Long led the defense with six tackles, including four for loss, and two sacks.


Videographer: CelebrityMLMarketing

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Albany State: Spring In Their Step

ALBANY, GA — How good are these guys?

Really, just how much better can Albany State’s football team be next fall? It’s seems like it was 15 minutes ago when the Rams were making history, winning the SIAC and marching deep into the Division II playoffs in a season no one in the Good Life City will soon forget.

But could they be better? They sure looked like it Friday night during the annual Blue and Gold scrimmage spring game at the ASU Coliseum, where they made a little April history. That’s what quarterbacks coach Uyl Joyner called it after watching the offense (the Gold) beat the defense (the Blue), 37-19.

“It’s about time,’’ said Joyner, who smiled when he said it. “Defense always rules at Albany State. But the offense finally won. It’s history!’’

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Videographer: rhoward84; ASU Golden Rams Marching Band - Praise Is What I Do

FAMU Green Team Dominates Orange in Scrimmage

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Apr. 2) - The FAMU Rattlers Football Team put on their annual Orange & Green Game today in Bragg Memorial Stadium. Thousands of fans showed up for the preview of who would be the stars of the upcoming season. Coming off a season that ended on a six game winning streak and a share of the MEAC championship, fans were anxious to see where this team stood.

The green team won the scrimmage 40-0, as several first and second string players on both offense and defense were on the green team. Players looking to earn a role on the Rattlers' 2011 squad were on the orange team.

Austin Trainor clearly led the Rattler offense to its best success. Trainor passed for 129 yards, hitting on 12 of 21 attempts, and had one interception. Showing an uncharacteristic fleet-footedness, Trainor rushed for 51 yards and caught one pass for 11 yards.

Tyler Bass, who transferred this semester from...


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FAMU defense comes up big in Orange and Green game

Whatever questions coach Joe Taylor might have had about the Florida A&M defense were answered during Saturday's Orange and Green game, which quarterback Austin Trainor used to put a little more separation between himself and Tyler Bass.

Trainor didn't have much of a problem engineering drives that produced points as the Green team defeated the Orange 40-0 at Bragg Stadium.  But after the first quarter, the Green defense which is made up of first teamers took over.

Two of the seven touchdowns were scored by linebackers. Brandon Hepburn recovered a fumble in the end zone in the second quarter and the Green's ensuring touchdown came when...

Rattlers should have a potent running back corps

They may not yet remind anyone of legendary runners like Willie Galimore or Rashard Pompey, but the current FAMU running back corps cumulatively hopes to be as effective as the pair of running backs of yore.

James Owens and Eddie Rocker appear ready to take that responsibility as the two ran for a combined 127 yards and a touchdown in the annual Orange and Green game. Both had 11 carries, and Owens may have run for 83 yards, but the redshirt freshman also fumbled.

PHOTO GALLERIES:
FAMU Orange and Green Game
 Orange & Green Game

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