Two 27-game winners put XU in elite groups in 2010-11

NEW ORLEANS — What does Xavier University of Louisiana have in common with Connecticut, Duke, North Carolina and Notre Dame?

All five colleges had men's and women's basketball teams that won at least 27 games during the 2010-11 season.

The list isn't much bigger than that. Xavier was one of three NAIA Division I members to reach a pair of 27s — Azusa Pacific and Texas Wesleyan were the others — and NAIA Division II's Davenport and Indiana Wesleyan also achieved it. No schools in NCAA Division II or III had a pair of 27-game winners.




U.S. four-year colleges with 27-game winners in men's and women's basketball during 2010-11.

So that brings the total to nine out of more than 1,200 four-year U.S. colleges which sponsor men's and women's teams.

"That's an amazing list," said Dennis Cousin, Xavier's athletics director. "It's not a long list, and that's why it's great to see Xavier on there. I know our coaches and athletes worked very hard this season. Any positive recognition is good for them and for Xavier."

Although Xavier's basketball teams have combined for nearly 50 20-win seasons, this was the first time that both reached 25 victories in the same season. It's the seventh time in Louisiana history that a college had a pair of 25-game winners and the fourth time for a pair of 27s.

Among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Xavier is the first with a pair of 25-game winners since Norfolk State in 1994-95. Norfolk State is the only other HBCU with a pair of 27-game winners, accomplishing that in 1993-94.

U.S. four-year colleges with 27-game winners in men's and women's basketball during 2010-11 College Affiliation Women's W-L Men's W-L Azusa Pacific NAIA I 33-5 29-6 Connecticut NCAA I 36-2 32-9 Davenport NAIA II 29-6 37-1 Duke NCAA I 32-4 32-5 Indiana Wesleyan NAIA II 28-8 29-6 North Carolina NCAA I 29-8 28-9 Notre Dame NCAA I 27-7 31-8 Texas Wesleyan NAIA I 30-4 28-6 Xavier NAIA I 27-7 27-6

Louisiana four-year colleges with 25-game winners in men's and women's basketball during same season College Season Women's W-L Men's W-L Xavier 2010-11 27-7 27-6 LSU 2005-06 31-4 27-9 LSU 1999-2000 25-7 28-6 New Orleans 1986-87 25-7 26-4 LSU 1985-86 27-6 26-12 Louisiana Tech 1984-85 29-4 29-3 Louisiana Tech 1983-84 30-3 26-7

Four-year HBCUs with 25-game winners in men's and women's basketball during same season College Season Women's W-L Men's W-L Xavier 2010-11 27-7 27-6 Norfolk State 1994-95 25-5 27-6 Norfolk State 1993-94 27-4 27-6

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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HU Bison Softball Drop To DSU In Final Inning

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After maintaining the lead for the entire game, the Howard softball team lost grip of the win as they allowed three runs in the final inning, giving Delaware State the 3-4 victory on Thursday afternoon. The game was rescheduled after a threat of bad weather on April 4 and followed a doubleheader split where both teams recorded a win.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third where the Lady Bison (10-20, 1-2 MEAC) posted a 2-0 lead following hits by Trina Kindred, Christine Sborz and Lorae Robinson and two DSU errors. Delaware State (19-10, 2-1 MEAC) responded with a run in the fourth as Casey Beighley launched a solo homerun.

Rebecca Kirshner immediately rallied back and homered in the bottom of the fifth inning bringing HU up, 3-1. The homerun marked her second of the season, tying her with Emily Johnson for most homers on the team this season.

Two Bison errors in the seventh coupled with four hits by the Lady Hornets caused a three-run rally that allowed Delaware State to steal the game. Howard was shutout at the plate in their final turn at bat, giving Delaware State the 2-1 advantage in the series.

Johnson pitched the majority of the game, but traded spots with Samantha Gatson with two outs in the seventh. Gatson was able to land a strikeout to end the inning, but it came after a Delaware State RBI double. Prior to being relieved, Johnson recorded two strikeouts, three walks and allowed five hits.

Kirshner, Kindred and Robison led the Lady Bison with two hits each. The trio currently leads the team at the plate, averaging .352, .341, and .317, respectively.

The Lady Bison softball team will look to bounce back from their loss as they travel to meet Coppin State on April 9. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more information on Howard softball.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
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Xavier's Abbas repeats as GCAC Player of the Week

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Hassan Abbas is the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week in men's tennis for the second consecutive time.

Hassan Abbas

Abbas, a senior from Saltaire, England, and a graduate of Bingley Grammar School and Ventura College, won in doubles and singles Saturday in a 4-3 loss at the University of New Orleans, an NCAA Division I member. Abbas and Zach Taylor won 8-6 against Benjamin Bouhana and Hossam Meligy at No. 1 doubles, then Abbas tied the dual at 3 with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) victory against Vinay Kamineni at No. 1 singles.

Abbas — 12-5 in singles and 13-5 in doubles this season — also won the GCAC award for March 7-13. There were no nominees for March 14-20 or March 21-27. Abbas won the award once in 2010.

Xavier's men and women will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., for duals with William Carey at 10 a.m. Sunday. Xavier's men are 11-7 and ranked eighth in the NAIA.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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HU Lady Bison Softball Split Two With George Mason

FAIRFAX, VA. – The Howard softball team returned to the field after a postponed meeting with Delaware State due to weather to face off against George Mason in a doubleheader on Wednesday. The Lady Bison (10-17) split the two games, taking a 3-1 win after suffering a 6-2 loss.

The last time the two teams met was on March 20 at the Cherry Blossom Classic where the Lady Bison gained their first shutout win of the season, taking down the Patriots (11-17) 6-0. This time around GMU would be the team to turn out six runs however, as the Patriots doubled Howard in hits with eight in the first game.

HU nabbed their lone pair of runs in the fifth inning after freshman Brittany Barker opened with an infield single to shortstop. Andascha Moore reached first on a fielder’s choice and went on to steal second. Trina Kindred singled to left, advancing Moore to third. Upon the throw to third base Kindred cruised to second. After Christine Sborz walked to load the bases, Lorae Robinson reached first on a fielder’s choice as Moore was called out at the plate. Marissa Coats launched a single to center that scored Sborz and Kindred and tied the game at two a piece.

After Howard put in work to even off the game, George Mason produced two additional runs in the bottom of the fifth and scored two more in the sixth. Pitcher Ashley Turner was called in to relieve Emily Johnson in the fifth after she gave up a double and inside the park homer. Johnson allowed four runs and five hits in 4.1 innings and managed to strike out six. Turner gave up three hits and two runs.

In game two Howard dominated at the plate and tallied 16 hits compared to George Mason’s five. Howard rallied five hits in the top of the first and racked in two runs. The Bison shutout GMU until the fifth and sixth inning where the Patriots scored two runs in both innings.

Howard secured the game with three runs in the seventh inning. Rebecca Kirshner opened the final inning with a double down the left field line and eventually advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt laid down by Johnson. Kindred brought in two runs on a single to right field with two outs, bringing home Kirshner and Barker who was hit by a pitch earlier in the inning. Sborz brought in the final run of the game after she singled to center.

GMU managed to deliver a final run, but were unable to break Howard’s three-run lead. Kindred led the Lady Bison with four RBI and batted .750 at the plate (3-for-4). Sborz also tallied three hits, joining her seven teammates who tallied a hit during the game.

Samantha Gatson pitched the entire game and recorded seven strikeouts.

Up next the Lady Bison will face off against Delaware State for their rescheduled matchup at noon at home. Visit http://www.howard-bison.com/ for more information on the Howard softball team.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant

VISIT:  Howard University
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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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