Southern University fires Greg LaFleur; Coach Sandy Pugh recommended as interim athletics director

SU's Interim Athletics Director Sandy Pugh

BATON ROUGE, LA – Southern University Chancellor Kofi Lomotey today (4/6/2011) dismissed Athletic Director Greg LaFleur. He will recommend to the university's Board of Supervisors that Lady Jaguar Basketball Coach Sandy Pugh become the interim athletic director.

LaFleur’s dismissal comes after his arrest for allegedly soliciting a prostitute in Houston, Texas.

“This decision was reached after consultation with campus and system administrators. We think the decision is in the best interest of Southern University,” Lomotey said.

The chancellor praised LaFleur for his guidance of Southern University athletics during tough economic times and coaching changes. “I appreciate his effort and the hard work he put in during some difficult situations,” Lomotey said. “I speak for the rest of my staff in wishing him well.”

Lomotey said his decision to fire LaFleur is one that had to be made and made quickly for the stability of Southern's athletic program. “Given the circumstances, I think it would be difficult for the university to move forward with Mr. LaFleur as the head of the athletic program,” he said.

“I think that bringing Sandy Pugh into the job provides us with someone who has done a great job of recruiting student athletes, who is a rising star in her profession and who commands respect immediately,” the chancellor said.

“Her presence and background will be invaluable in guiding our athletic department over the next several weeks and especially next week during crucial meetings with representatives from the NCAA,” Lomotey said.

Coach Pugh has brought the Lady Jaguar basketball program to an unprecedented level of prominence in her 11-year tenure. She presently serves on the Top 25 Coaches poll. Her teams have been to four NCAA Tournaments, two WNIT appearances and have won four regular season Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships, as well as having produced the only player ever drafted from the SWAC into the WNBA.

“But more importantly,” Lomotey said, “her teams have consistently averaged an APR score well above the standard.”

Lomotey said the University will launch a nationwide search for a new athletic director. “The person hired will come into the job with the full support of the campus, administration and the Jaguar Nation,” he said. “That person will be expected to help our coaches attract and graduate the best student-athletes available.”



by Southern University Media Relations

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Livingstone College athletes victorious in the classroom

SALISBURY, N.C. — In nationally televised speeches, President Barack Obama, a diehard sports fan, has insisted the U.S. do a better job educating its young men and women. In fact, the president has issued a challenge for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

Chances are good Obama would be excited about what’s going on at Livingstone College.

While the Blue Bears want to win on the hardwood, gridiron and in other sports, the college is winning where it should — in the classroom. So much so that just the men’s cross country team was recognized as having the highest GPA in the CIAA, and the men’s basketball team was recognized for the same accomplishment in early March.

“I think it speaks volumes for Livingstone College that two of our teams had the highest grade point average in the CIAA,” said Dr. Leroy Simmons, vice president of academic affairs. “It shows that our students, coaches and faculty get it. They realize they’re students first.”

Men's Cross Country Earns Highest GPA Award for Fall 2010 Season

HAMPTON, VA – The Livingstone men’s cross country team had the highest team GPA among the CIAA men’s cross country teams for the fall 2010 season it was announced Friday by the conference office.

The Livingstone men’s outdoor track and field team also won the highest GPA award for the Spring 2010 season. Grade point averages are calculated on the previous two semesters, excluding freshmen, and are evaluated by the CIAA Faculty Athletic Representative’s Association.

The Blue Bear men’s cross country team consisted of Derrick Tinsley, Tim Handy, Ezra Mutai, Octavious Matthews, Dorian Clay and Jonathan Handy and is coached by Justin Davis.

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S.C. State focuses on running game during Tuesday’s practice

South Carolina State resumed spring football drills Tuesday with a two-hour workout in full pads. It was the Bulldogs first practice since Saturday's scrimmage.

During Tuesday's drill, the Bulldogs' focus was on ironing out some of the issues from Saturday's scrimmage, according to Pough. He also noted that during some of Tuesday's breakout drills, his team put a lot of emphasis on the running game.

"We primarily wanted to concentrate on correcting some of those things that we did not execute well during Saturday's scrimmage," Pough said. "This was our eighth practice and we got just seven more to go and a lot of work left.



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FAMU Rattlers fall 12-11 in extra innings to Alabama State

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (April 5) - Alabama State University held off the Florida A&M University baseball team, as they scored a run in the bottom of the 11th inning to hand the Rattlers a 12-11 loss in extra innings, here Tuesday afternoon at the ASU Baseball Complex.

Both FAMU (10-23) and ASU (11-14) finished with 14 hits each.

The Rattler were led by both Tobi Adeyemi and Jimmie Terrell as they both finished with three hits each for FAMU, while Jourdan Mott and Gerald Washington both finished with three hits apiece for the Hornets.

Ron James (1-0) picked the win for the ASU as he pitched two and one-third innings giving up two hits and striking out one in relief, while Stephen Dollar received the loss for FAMU as he gave up two hits, two earned runs and striking out two in two and two-thirds innings of relief.

The Hornets took advantage of a FAMU infielder’s error to take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning as both Drew Quinney and Reginald Mitchell scored on the Rattler error.


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Alabama State Football back on practice field

MONTGOMERY, AL—The Alabama State University football team was back on the practice field today for session nine of the spring practice sessions. Today was the team's first day back since the scrimmage game that took place Saturday.

The coaching staff has spent the past three days looking over the 58-play scrimmage and breaking down the film to see some of the performances of both individuals and as an offensive team and a defensive team.

"We were able to take a hard look at the scrimmage on film and we saw a lot of things we knew we would see," head coach Reggie Barlow said. "It seemed our offense was trying too hard to do things the right way and with it being the first scrimmage they were just working their way into making too many mistakes."

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NSU Men's and Women's Tennis Highlights vs. Delaware

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JCSU bids goodbye to track champions

Johnson C. Smith will say goodbye to the athletes who put its track and field program on the national map Saturday.

Seniors Nada Al-Arahshun, Leford Green, Richard Harkness, Lakaevia Tyler, and Shermaine Williams will participate in their final home meet Saturday at the JCSU Invitational at the Irwin Belk Complex. They will be acknowledged before the start of competition at 10 a.m. Green, who has won three men’s national Division II championships during his career, was named national indoor athlete of the year. Williams has three national women’s titles. Both have competed for Jamaica in international competition.

GOLDEN BULLS HOST 3RD ANNUAL JCSU TRACK INVITATIONAL ON APRIL 9TH

Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's and women's outdoor track and field teams will host the 2011 JCSU Track Invitational on Saturday, April 9th inside the Irwin Belk Complex. This one-day event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Johnson C. Smith will also honor their five senior track and field student-athletes (Nada Al-Arahshun, Leford Green, Richard Harkness, Lakaevia Tyler, and Shermaine Williams) to kickoff the event.

The Golden Bulls are coming off a successful indoor season in which 11 student-athletes earn All-American status at the 2011 NCAA Division II Indoor Championships held in Albuquerque, NM. Several school records and personal bests were set during the indoor season and the squad looks to repeat the efforts in the outdoor campaign

Golden Bulls stand tall amongst Division I competition

Auburn, AL – The Johnson C. Smith University women's and men's track and field teams won three events at the Tiger Track Classic hosted by Auburn University on Saturday at the Hutsell-Rosen Track. Several Golden Bulls student-athletes improved their national rankings with their performances this weekend.

Senior Shermaine Williams (St. Andrew, Jamaica) claimed the crown in the women's 100m hurdles with a season best time of 13.40. Williams leads the NCAA DII ranking for this event. Freshman Naffene Briscoe (St. Catherine, Jamaica) hit a personal best and set a new school record with her time of 55.16 in the 400m. Briscoe crossed the finish line fifth and also leads the DII ranking for 400m. Briscoe took 11th in the 200m, clocking in at 24.77.

Complete Results

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Tides find success with NSU in exhibition match

NORFOLK, VA - Sammy Serafine is a second baseman and recruiter. Raymond Morton is a pitcher and salesman. Baseball scouts seek out five-tool players, but Norfolk State coach Claudell Clark sometimes sees six or seven.

"It's no secret," Clark said, "We want local players to help us gain local exposure to help us get more local players and more fans."

The Spartans lost 1-0 to the Norfolk Tides in a seven-inning exhibition game Tuesday - a Tides pitcher threw three innings for NSU to limit the strain to the pitching staff - but for the second straight year, Norfolk State delivered a sizeable crowd to the Tides as the Triple-A team opened its home for the season.

The Tides had often played exhibition games against Old Dominion, but their first against Norfolk State drew 8,509 last season. In the game's second year, on a chilly Tuesday, the crowd totaled 8,804.



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McCloughen FAMU's do-everything man

Naysayers told him he couldn't play football at the college level. He's defied that by becoming essentially a utility player on the Florida A&M football team.

Then, a teammate dared Kory McCloughen to let his hair grow out. That was 20 months ago. McCloughen wasn't sure he'd let his hair grow that long, but he got a little inspiration one day when he was taking a walk through a local mall. He saw a young child who had lost all of his hair because of treatment for leukemia and decided then that he'd do what he could to help.

McCloughen decided to let his hair grow as long as it could by the end of the upcoming season. Then he will donate it to the Leukemia Foundation for making a wig for a patient. His curly blonde hair is at least three inches longer than shoulder length. The cause is worth every inch his hair grows, McCloughen said.



FAMU's Hollinghead to move to defensive end

Coming into spring practice, Nicolas Hollinghead wasn't totally surprised that he was the one called on to fill the void at defensive end for the Florida A&M football team.

Last summer, he was put on notice in a brief conversation with coach Joe Taylor, Hollinghead recalled Monday. So now that Marquiste Ramos and Kendrick Washington have used up their eligibility, Hollinghead is proving he is the one to beat for the position.

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Discover What You Can Become at FAMU: Study Abroad

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CIAA nets big gains in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - After six years in Charlotte, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has made one thing clear: It’s a slam dunk for local hotelsand restaurants.

Economic impact grew to $44.3 million for the CIAA this year, a 19% increase over 2010, according to figures compiled by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The 2011 tournament ended March 5.

“This is a great time for the CIAA,” CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry said in prepared remarks. “Not only have we reached the goals we set for this year’s tournament, but we’ve continued to raise the bar to provide our alumni and fans with a new and exciting experience each and every year.”

CIAA Tournament Soars to New Heights 

HAMPTON, Va. – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) 66th annual men’s and women’s basketball tournament soared to new heights in 2011 by breaking previous economic impact and attendance records.

According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the 2011 CIAA Tournament accounted for a total economic impact of $44.3 million* over the six-day Tournament period; a 19 percent increase from 2010. Overall attendance for official CIAA and Uptown functions increased to over 190,000** as the multitude of event options continued to bring fans to the area. The Tournament is unique in its ability to draw loyal fans from across the country who continue to support the Conference, as well as, those who just want to be “part of the scene” – much like the Superbowl or NBA All-Star Weekend.


Videographer: SportsGrooveTV

The CIAA increased its ticket revenue to $2 million, a five percent increase from 2010, maintaining the momentum through its loyal fans that view the Tournament week as an absolute must-attend annual event.

“Year-after-year we have seen the validation of Charlotte as a destination for the CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament and the reunion of its alumni, friends and family. Charlotte has embraced the CIAA, its history and its importance in the lives of those who attend,” said Tim Newman, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “We are so fortunate to have grown this not only into a $44 million record year in 2011 in terms of economic impact to the Charlotte region, but one that we can truly say has initiated lifelong friendships and memories.”

The week-long Tournament made Charlotte its home in 2006 and together the CIAA and the city of Charlotte have produced a series of successful tournaments for the member schools, its fans and sponsors, and the local community. The CIAA’s marquee event showcased its rich tradition and prestige as the Conference celebrated 99 years of existence in 2011 as a prelude to the CIAA’s 100th anniversary celebration – February 27 through March 3, 2012 in Charlotte.

“This is a great time for the CIAA. Not only have we reached the goals we set for this year’s Tournament, but we’ve continued to raise the bar to provide our alumni and fans with a new and exciting experience each and every year, none of which is possible without the help of our corporate sponsors and our partners in Charlotte,” says Leon Kerry, CIAA Commissioner. “The CIAA is excited with the momentum we have generated leading into the CIAA’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2012. We have the support of our loyal fans, member institutions and sponsors. As a team, we’re constantly enhancing the Tournament and affiliated activities to ensure the ‘CIAA Experience’ is as strong as ever.”

The CIAA generated $1.55 million in scholarship dollars, which will be split amongst the 13 member institutions providing educational opportunities for students to attend any CIAA school.

The CIAA welcomed back Winston Salem State University and Lincoln University (PA) during the 2011 Tournament. The Tournament also proved successful from a corporate standpoint, as sponsor support and activation programs remained active with the addition of Toyota as the CIAA’s new automotive partner.

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Coach who twice helped turn Norfolk State University into a winner dies

Charles Christian, who won more men's basketball games than any other coach in the history of Norfolk State University, died Monday. He was 83.

Christian, who served as Norfolk State's coach on two occasions, compiled a career mark of 319-95 in 14 seasons, winning seven CIAA titles.

Known for his trademark toothpick hanging from his mouth, Christian's final NSU team went 27-4 in 1989-90. That team won the CIAA tournament and finished the year ranked No. 7 in Division II. He was named CIAA Coach of the Year four times, and 11 of his teams won 20 or more games. Three of his teams won regional titles and made it to the Division II national quarterfinals.

Christian remembered as father, coach

The man whom generations of Suffolk basketball players called “Coach” died Monday.

Charles Christian, who coached at schools including Booker T. Washington and John F. Kennedy high schools before going on to Norfolk State University, had battled cancer in the hospital for nearly two months. He was 83 years old.

Under Christian, Booker T. Washington’s basketball team racked up a record of 101-1 from the 1962-63 season into the 1967-68 season.  “Everyone knew Booker T. of Suffolk because of his abilities,” said Ronald Hart, who played for Christian until he graduated in 1960. “Our school got recognition because of Coach Christian.”

Christian was known for focusing on defense and stressing intense practices, as well as enforcing strict curfews at Norfolk State.

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NFL Seahawks Eyeing Small School Wide Receivers: University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lion's Raymond Webber

Excerpt:

The Seahawks have also scheduled a visit with 6-2, 218 lb. Arkansas-Pine Bluff WR Raymond Webber. Webber has about 4.5 speed and solid hands - he caught 101 passes for 1,429 yards and 10 TDs this last season for Arkansas-Pine Bluff. His catch and yardage total are truly ridiculous numbers considering the amount of games they play at the college level, and not surprisingly both were tops in the FCS. That's 129.91 yards per game. Not bad. Only three times has a receiver in the SWAC caught 100 balls in a season, and the other two were Jerry Rice in two different seasons. So you heard it here first, this guy is the next Jerry Rice. Here is a part of the welcome the Seahawks gave to Webb.

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Videographer: isasports; UAPB Raymond Webber College Hi-Lights

Videographer: hbcusportsonline Raymond Webber FCS All-American

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
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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
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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
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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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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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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