Livingstone Spring Football Goes Airborne

SALISBURY, N.C. — Anthony Holland is jumping at the bit to rid Livingstone of its lingering pain from its 0-11 season in 2010.

The sense of urgency was transparent on the first play of 7-on-7 drills on Saturday at Livingstone’s black and blue spring football game. Holland, a sophomore receiver, snatched a rocket over the middle from the brisk, cool air and proceeded to the end zone 35 yards ahead.

It wasn’t the dawn of a new era at Alumni Stadium, but Livingstone can hope it was a sign of things to come. “The Blue Bears are going to change,” was Holland’s declaration after the game. “It ain’t no more 0-10, 0-11. We’re going to change the program. You’ll see that first game.”



As the top returning receiver, Holland tried to energize a struggling offense that was outscored 494-48 last season. “I like to not just talk junk to the other team, but uplift my teammates,” Holland said. “If you can get inside...

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

VISIT: LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE
VISIT: LCBLUEBEARS

Honorable mention for XU's Simmons on All-Louisiana team

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Anthony Simmons received honorable mention on the All-Louisiana collegiate men's basketball team announced late Saturday.

Warren, a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward from Rochester, N.Y., and a graduate of Allendale Columbia School, averaged nine points and 5.5 rebounds in 32 games with 19 starts for the Gold Rush, which was 27-6 and earned an at-large bid to the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship. Simmons was Xavier's No. 2 scorer and rebounder and led the team with a .598 field-goal percentage.

All-Louisiana Basketball Honorable Mention
Anthony Simmons

Simmons helped the XU men record their first 13-0 start since 1940-41 and their winningest season since 1983-84.

A Louisiana Sports Writers Association panel selected the team.

2010-11 LSWA All-Louisiana Men's Basketball Team
First Team
Anatoly Bose, Nicholls State
Kendall Timmons, Tulane
Pat Richard, McNeese State
Olu Ashaolu, Louisiana Tech
Ryan Brock, Loyola

Second Team
William Mosley, Northwestern State
Will Pratt, Northwestern State
Diego Kapelan, McNeese State
Zach Kinsley, New Orleans
Justin Patton, Grambling

Third Team
Eric Young, LSU-Shreveport
J.J. Thomas, Louisiana-Lafayette
Derrick Parker, LSU-Shreveport
Fred Brown, Louisiana-Monroe
DeAndre Brown, Louisiana Tech

Player of the Year: Anatoly Bose, Nicholls State
Newcomer of the Year: Eric Young, LSU-Shreveport
Freshman of the Year: J.J. Thomas, Louisiana-Lafayette
Coach of the Year: Dave Simmons, McNeese State

Honorable Mention: P.J. Alawoya, McNeese State; Devon Baker, Northwestern State; Trent Hutchin, Southeastern Louisiana; Brent Leduff, SUNO; Anthony Simmons, Xavier; Tommie Sykes, Louisiana-Monroe; Rolston Turner, LSU.



By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XAVIERATHLETICS

Defense Dominates N.C. A&T Spring Game

GREENSBORO, N.C. - When a coach of Rod Broadway's considerable reputation steps on the field, expectations soar without hesitation. But following North Carolina A&T's annual Spring Football Game on Saturday, the first-year Aggies head coach had one reminder: "It's only been 15 days."

Broadway was cautious about being too critical of his team. He understands many of his players are learning a new system and a new coaching staff for the third time in four years.

"Our goal is simple," said Broadway. "We're just going to get better. We're going to get it turned around. I don't know how much time that will take us because we're down so far when you talk about scholarships and (Academic Progress Rate). But once we get our scholarships back, we'll be okay."



The Aggies concluded their spring session at Aggie Stadium with Saturday's scrimmage clearing showing the defense is ahead of the offense. After the Aggies ran 100 plays, the gold-jerseyed Aggies defense recorded four turnovers and four three and outs to come away with a 26-10 win over the offense in blue.

Defensive back Travis Crosby and linebacker Ben Binder led the Aggies defense with eight tackles apiece. Crosby also forced and recovered a fumble. D'Vonte Graham, who led the MEAC interceptions last season, had one on Saturday.

"I thought our defense played fairly well," said Broadway. "We're a little bit undersized on defense so we have to move around quite a bit."

Who wasn't playing on offense was as notable as who was. First-team All-MEAC running back Mike Mayhew did not play. Also on the sideline was quarterback Lewis Kindle. Kindle missed all of last season with an ACL injury. He is still recovering from last October's knee surgery, and has not been cleared to play at full speed.

His absence left the quarterbacking duties in the hands of Terrence Webb and Ricky Lewis. The two alternated possessions, and both saw their passing numbers hurt by dropped passes. Lewis threw for 80 yards on 8-for-19 passing with a touchdown and an interception. The Aggies offense put its first points on the board during the sixth possession of the afternoon.



It was a 12-play, 53-yard drive that ended with a 34-yard field goal from Sullivan Shidler. The key play was a 22-yard run through the middle by Chauncey Burgess. Burgess finished the day with 118 yards on 20 carries. Larry Raper chipped in with 71 yards on 17 carries. Raper also had the other score of the day when he caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Lewis. Wallace Miles, who has led the Aggies in receiving the last three seasons, had five receptions.

"We had some dropped balls, some bad throws and some penalties," said Broadway. "Those are things we have to get cleaned up, but that is to be expected this time of year. We have a new staff and they're learning a new system. We have a good group of kids, and a good foundation to build from. We have to continue to coach them and coach them well."

Photo Album

By NC A&T Sports Information
VISIT: NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NCATAGGIES

Some improvement for Hornets in second scrimmage of spring

MONTGOMERY, AL - The Alabama State football team held its second scrimmage of spring drills Saturday morning at Hornet Stadium. Running approximately 65 plays, the offense showed improvement from last week, gaining 248 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterbacks Greg Jenkins and Demetric Price combined to complete 12 of 21 passes for 148 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Jenkins also rushed 15 times for 42 yards, and threw a 12-yard scoring pass to Quendarius McKibben. Price completed a 48-yard pass to Jordan McFadden to set up the second touchdown, a one-yard sneak by Price.

"From an offensive standpoint, we moved the ball a little better," Hornets' head coach Reggie Barlow said. "(Both quarterbacks) were more in command of the offense. Naturally, there are some things we have to continue do better. I was impressed with the way they took ownership of the offense. Since the last scrimmage, we tried to identify 11 guys, and one or two backups, that we could try to stay with for first 15 or 20 plays to establish some type of camaraderie with those guys and I think it worked out.”



Hornets' offense takes a step forward

The light came on for a few moments Saturday morning. As Alabama State continues installing a new no-huddle spread attack, there are flashes of brilliance broken up by botched assignments, miscommunication and inconsistent performances.

The Hornet offense continues to be a work in progress, but there were significant strides in its second scrimmage as the offense managed 240 yards and a pair of touchdowns on six possessions.

"We made a lot of strides," offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss said. "I felt this was a big week for us. Granted, as soon as we made some strides, I pulled a couple of guys out and then we fell off, but the 'one' group is starting to get it. They had some success and hopefully they'll say, 'This stuff is going to work,' and they'll keep pushing."

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

VISIT: ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: BAMASTATESPORTS

Frazier Gives Defense Edge After NCCU Spring Football Game

DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – With five sacks and three interceptions, including a pick returned for a touchdown, new North Carolina Central University head coach Henry Frazier III gave the defensive squad the victory in the Maroon vs. Gray Spring Football Game on Saturday afternoon at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

“I definitely thought the defense won,” said Frazier. “I thought we hit, I thought we played clean and played hard.

“The offense was able to get into the red zone three or four times, but we left some points off the board and the defense made the plays and got two red zone turnovers. I am an offensive guy, so it’s hard for me to give the nod to the defense, but they did play well.”



Sophomore defensive back Malik Cromartie was responsible for both red zone turnovers. The Elizabethtown, N.C. native saved a touchdown with his first pick by ripping the pigskin away from 6-4 receiver Jonathan Nicely as he was falling to the end zone turf. Cromartie’s second interception was also in the end zone off of a deflected pass.

The contest ended with an interception by redshirt freshman Jeremy Bellamy, who raced 41 yards for a touchdown.

Junior linebacker Brandon Outlaw led the maroon squad with six tackles, including a pair of sacks. Defensive back Tyrique Williams added four stops, while lineman Chase Tripp tallied three takedowns. Junior defensive back Fred Ominde contributed two tackles with a sack and a pass break-up.

Sophomore quarterback Jordan Reid executed 35 plays in three possessions in the first half, completing 9-of-13 passes for 108 yards with two interceptions. Junior signal caller Michael Johnson took 23 snaps in five series, completing 5-of-12 throws for 79 yards with an interception and a six-yard touchdown toss to sophomore receiver Earl Pridgen.

By Kyle Serba, Associate A.D. for Media Relations

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE
VISIT: NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NCCUEAGLES

Run defense shines at TSU football scrimmage

Run defense shines at TSU football scrimmage

The scoreboard favored the Offense but Tennessee State University Coach Rod Reed praised the Defense in Saturday's Blue and White Spring Game. The scoring system used to award points to each unit gave the offense a 61-37 victory over the defense, but many of those points were scored late in the contest at Hale Stadium before an estimated crowd of 3,500.

"The No. 1 thing you've got to do in any defense is stop the run," Reed said. "Our offense hangs its hat on running the ball, so for us to come out and do a good job against the run really pleases me."

The defense stifled the running game well into the second quarter, holding it to minus-4 yards on 14 carries. By halftime the offense had only 20 yards on 19 carries, and the defense was leading 23-17.  The two quarterbacks — senior starter Jeremy Perry and redshirt freshman Michael German — were not allowed to be hit, so the truest test was the running game against the defense.

TSU receiver embraces change to new position

The decision to change positions in football can be difficult. Tennessee State offensive coordinator Mike Jones made it easy for Jamal Ramsey, a transfer from Middle Tennessee State, who has moved from quarterback to wide receiver during spring practice.

"If he stays at quarterback he probably would never see the field," Jones said. "If he goes to wide receiver he's got a great opportunity to see the field. I asked him which one did he want to play? He said he wanted to play wide receiver and we're happy to have him at that position."

The Tigers need receivers more than quarterbacks as they look to improve their passing game after finishing seventh in the OVC last year (165.6 yards per game).

Blue Team Prevails 61-37 Over White In Spring Game

On a sunny and festive day that saw over 3,500 fans and the "Aristocrat of Bands" come to "The Hole" of Hale Stadium, the Tennessee State University "Blue" team (offense) prevailed 61-37 over the "White" team (defense) in the 2011 Spring game.

Utilizing a point system that rewarded the defense points for such things as interceptions, fumbles and third down stops, the defense took a 25-21 lead into the halftime. The defense gained fifteen points on three interceptions alone as they stymied the offensive attack.

In the second half, however, the offense came alive scoring thirty points on two touchdowns and a field goal along with gaining scoring points on several plays over twenty yards. Key among the 20-plus yard plays were long pass receptions by Brandon Brown (49 yds) and Travis James (30 yds).

Spring Game Stats

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS ATHLETICS


Videographer: MarchingsportHD; Tennessee State University Marching Band (2011)- Honda Battle of the Bands

McGriff, Southern Rally To Gain Split With Grambling

Baton Rouge, LA - Southern baseball coach Roger Cador said his third baseman, Cameron McGriff, had been so solid on defense that he couldn’t afford to keep McGriff out of the starting lineup. Even though McGriff had struggled at the plate. A lot. When Saturday’s doubleheader against Grambling began, McGriff had a .160 batting average.

By the bottom of the 10th inning of the second game, when he stepped to the plate with one out and teammate Kevin Williams on first base, McGriff’s season average had dropped to .125. He was 0-for-7 on the day. “I’d been taking bad swings for a long time,” he said. Somehow, however, McGriff came through when the Jaguars absolutely needed him to.

McGriff laced a triple down the right-field line, easily scoring Williams and giving Southern a 9-8 win in the second game of its doubleheader with Grambling.

Box Score: Grambling vs. Southern


Videographer: AaronMychael; 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Jordan Miller/DT  Pro Day

SOFTBALL: SU edges Grambling, 3-2

The Southern softball team scored runs in the first, fourth and fifth innings, and Michael Pless pitched a five-hitter as the Lady Jaguars edged Grambling 3-2 in the first game of their Southwestern Athletic Conference series Friday.

Southern (10-21, 4-5) scored one run each in the first, fourth and fifth innings. Gailyn Thibeaux, Audrey Phillips and Shabanese Brown each had RBIs.

Grambling (10-15, 3-6) scored twice in the sixth inning but stranded two runners in the top of the seventh.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

VISIT: SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
VISIT: SUJAGUARS
VISIT: SUHUMANJUKEBOX

Delaware State Hornets Equestrian Team to Battle for 2011 National Championship

Waco, TX - The field is now set after the Varsity Equestrian Selection Committee chose the 2011 Varsity Equestrian National Championship (VENC) seeds. This year’s championship will be held April 14-16, 2011, in Waco, TX, and is expected to provide plenty of excitement throughout the competition as the top 12 teams in the country battle it out for the overall national championship title.

In the hunter seat bracket, Auburn University was selected as the No. 1 seed, followed by The University of Georgia as the No. 2 seed. Host institution, Baylor University, will be the third seed, followed by Big 12 foe, Oklahoma State University. Texas A&M University will be seeded fifth, followed by The University of South Carolina (6), Fresno State University (7), Kansas State University (8), Texas Christian University (9), University of Tennessee-Martin (10), Delaware State University (11) and New Mexico State University (12).

On the western side, Texas A&M University earned the No. 1 seed after an impressive 11-1 season. Oklahoma State University will be seeded in the No. 2 spot, followed by Auburn University in the third seed. The University of Georgia rounds out the team who earned a bye with the No. 4 seed. The University of South Carolina will start in the fifth seed, followed by Texas Christian (6), Kansas State (7), Baylor University (8), New Mexico State University (9), University of Tennessee-Martin (10), Fresno State University (11) and Delaware State University (12).

2011 DSU Equestrian Team (Roster - Click Here)
(Photo: DSU SID/Mike Baker)

Complete brackets are available at www.varsityequestrian.com. You can also follow along during the competition at www.baylorbears.com.

VISIT: DSUEDU

VISIT: DSUHORNETS 

New offense improves, defense doesn’t in SCSU’s second scrimmage

South Carolina State Bulldogs Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough

Orangeburg, S.C. - Derrick Wiley dropped back in the pocket, scanned the field and took off.

Like a blur, the fleet-footed quarterback from North Carolina hit a seam in the defense, bounced to the outside and scooted up the sideline for a first down. Four plays into S.C. State's second scrimmage of the spring Saturday, the first apparent passing play called, Wiley was on the run.

All indications heading into the team's April 16 spring game are that such will become the norm in 2011. The Bulldogs passed the ball during Saturday's scrimmage, which lasted just under an hour and a half, but they ran it more. And, when they ran it, they did so with a spread-option, up-tempo style attack similar to the one employed by Oregon.

SC State Conducts Second Scrimmage

ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State's second scrimmage of the spring was cut short after approximately 90 minutes Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Coach Buddy Pough called the scrimmage after center Tristan Bellamy, who has taken virtually every snap in spring drills, developed cramps. Backup center Erskine Johnson was slowed by an allergy.

'We wanted to go longer,” Pough said “But we have so many linemen out and Tristan (Bellamy) came up with cramps and Erskine (Johnson) has a little bit of an allergy issue so we decided to cut it short.”

During the one hour and 30-minute workout, the Bulldog offense was very effective at times as both junior Derrick Wiley and redshirt sophomore Richard Cue combined to direct several scoring drives against the usually vaunted SC State defense. Pough was glad to see the offense sustain its momentum from earlier in the week; however, he was disappointed that the defense was not very effective.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

VISIT: SCSUEDU
VISIT: SCSUATHLETICS

SSU sweeps FAMU in baseball

Savannah, GA - Savannah State University swept Florida A&M, 6-5 and 3-2, in a baseball doubleheader Saturday at Tiger Field. SSU (19-15) scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the first game. The Tigers’ Matt Nowacki was 2-for-3, including a home run and two RBIs, and Matt Oglesby was 1-for-5 with two RBIs.

SSU starter Kevin Herlihy earned the win, striking out six, walking one and allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits in nine innings.

In the second game, the Tigers scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to win. Kyle McGowin earned the win for SSU, striking out eight, walking three and allowing two earned runs on seven hits in seven innings.

Savannah State Rallies Past FAMU

SAVANNAH, Ga. (April 9) - Savannah State used a pair of late inning rallies to rally past the Florida A&M University Baseball as they won game one 6-5 and game two 3-2 in a doubleheader here Saturday afternoon at Tiger Field.

In the first game, the Tigers score three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning for the come from behind win. FAMU (10-24) finished with nine hits, while SSU (19-15) finished with seven. The Rattlers had three players to finish with two hits each in Tobi Adeyemi, Cory Franklin and David Duncan, while Matthew Nowacki finished with two hits lead the Tigers.

Kevin Herlighy picked the win for SSU as he went the distance giving up nine hits, four earned runs and striking out six in nine innings on the mound.

Stephen Dollar (2-2) received the loss for FAMU as he gave up one hits, three earned runs, and striking out one in two-thirds innings of relief. A two-run homer by Jarryd Reid gave the Rattlers a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.


Videographer: GCubeVision
Tiger Talk Live is Savannah State University's first live television show! Geno & Dferg claw at the issues and trending topics that affects your everyday college students. What makes this show special? You! Not only is it a talk show but it's also an interactive show between Savannah State University students & our host. You can Tweet us @SSUTigerTalk or Facebook us your ideas & comments for the show!

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.
VISIT: Savannah State University
VISIT: SSUATHLETICS

Howard's Lackey Scores Three in Loss to Jacksonville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard lacrosse team returned to Greene Stadium after a six-game road campaign, marking their first National Lacrosse Conference match at home. The Lady Bison (3-10, 0-6 NLC) faced off against NLC leader Jacksonville, but were unable to overcome the Dolphin’s (11-4, 6-0 NLC) 15-goal first half lead and eventually fell 22-6.

Howard contained the NLC’s No. 1 team in the opening minutes of the game as the Dolphins scattered only two scores in the first ten minutes of play. HU surrendered the draw control advantage (12-5), allowing Jacksonville to score 13 additional goals by the end of the first.

Cynithia Smalls was the only member of the Bison to score in the first half where she sliced JU’s 8-goal run.

Senior Desiree Cox was shutout of the first half and attempted to score within the final minutes, but was unable to convert her two shots into points on the board.

After JU scored two early goals in the second, the control of the game transitioned into the hands of the Lady Bison. Until the final five minutes left in regulation, HU held Jacksonville to three goals and led 5-3 in the half.

Ashley Lawrence was the first to score for the Bison and Courtland Lackey went on to add three goals. Cheryse Cox also chimed in, nailing Howard’s fourth goal of the game.

The Dolphins would regain an offensive momentum however, and went on a 4-0 run in the final two minutes, concluding the game at 22-6.



Howard tallied 12 groundballs compared to JU’s seven but were outshot, 39-16. Ashley Foote led Howard with seven groundballs while Lackey led with five shots.

Up next the Lady Bison will take on Detroit Mercy for their final away game on April 16 at noon before returning back to Greene Stadium for the season finale against Fresno State at 7 p.m. For more information on the Howard lacrosse team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY HORNET FAN FRENZY!

Broadway: A&T still comes up a bit short

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- It's easy to spot Rod Broadway on the practice field. Look for the big guy. N.C. A&T's new head coach, a 6-foot-4 former All-ACC defensive lineman, leads an undersized, shorthanded group into the annual Blue-Gold spring football game today at Aggie Stadium.

Broadway, who turns 56 today, towers over most of his players. And he'd rather not.

"Defensively, we're really little. I think there's one kid on the defense who's taller than me," Broadway said. "We're playing with 5-7 corners and 5-10 linebackers and 5-11 defensive tackles. Everybody else is playing with 6-4, 300-pound guys up front. One of our best defensive linemen weighs 230, so we're overmatched right now in a lot of areas."

Overmatched or not, Broadway and the all-new coaching staff plan to move forward with the existing team.



Public debut for A&T's new coach and new system

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The N.C. A&T football team wraps up spring practice with its annual Blue-Gold game at 1 p.m. Saturday. And the team, like Aggie Stadium itself, remains a work in progress. Admission to the game is free. Tailgating will be allowed, but it will be restricted to the A4 parking lot behind the scoreboard because of ongoing construction on the front side of Aggie Stadium.

The press box has been torn down, and a new two-level structure should be ready by Aug. 15. But will the Aggies be ready?

A whole new coaching staff led by Rod Broadway has worked with just 54 players this spring. They'll hold their 14th practice today, with the spring game serving as the 15th and final allowed practice.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

VISIT: NCAT STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NCATAGGIES

Virginia Union OT David Mims visits the Baltimore Ravens

Virginia Union University's 2-Time
All-American, David Mims

OWINGS MILLS, MD -- Virginia Union offensive tackle David Mims visited the Baltimore Ravens this week, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. The hulking Virginia Union offensive tackle is 6-foot-8 and 331 pounds after playing at nearly 350 pounds for the majority of his career.

Mims bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times at his Pro Day workout, running the 40-yard dash in 5.32 seconds. He registered a 4.8 20-yard shuttle, an 8.1 on the three-cone drill, an 8-6 broad jump and a 27-inch vertical leap. Mims' workout numbers are superior or equal to many of the top tackle prospects.

The Division II All-American and All-CIAA selection is an imposing blocker who displays a mean streak. Although he played left tackle in college, Mims is regarded as a classic right tackle for the next level.

2011 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: David Mims, OT, Virginia Union

Every season there are a handful of small-school players who seemingly come out of nowhere, which is where they really are on the college football landscape, and make it into the NFL. Let's use today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile to look at one player who might fill that bill this time around.

David Mims is a massive (6-foot-8, 331 pounds) offensive tackle from Virginia Union. Wes Bunting of the National Football Post was sold on Mims after watching his Pro Day. He wrote:

At 6-8, 331-pounds he’s definitely more of a right-sided player at the next level who is going to need some proper time to develop. However, physically and athletically the guy certainly possesses an NFL caliber skill set. He carries his weight well, has a thick base, long arms and displays natural fluidity and change of direction skills through contact when engaged.

Mims also still has a ton of upside to his game and after his impressive pro day workout he definitely has scouts buzzing about his long term potential. I spoke with a scout this weekend who told me following his workout, "Unfortunately he’s not a sleeper anymore."

Small school OT David Mims is no longer a “sleeper”

When I was going over small school tape this summer, I was instantly intrigued by the size of Virginia Union OL David Mims who at 6-8 and 350+ pounds was at the time one of the bigger prospects in the entire draft. Now, it was pretty obvious that he didn’t have a firm grasp on what he was doing from a technique standpoint. However, for his size he was an impressive athlete with a long, strong set of arms, could bend and displayed some natural explosion off the football.

He was an absolute dominant force at the D-II level and really opened my eyes with his ability to get out to the second level, breakdown and just destroy opponents on contact.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

VISIT: VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY
VISIT: VUUPANTHERS

S.C. State: Cue looking to make his case in Bulldogs’ quarterback battle

Malcolm Long came to South Carolina State as the most heralded recruit of the Buddy Pough era.

Long delivered, setting multiple school passing records and leading the team to three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles. His playing days at the school over, the big gunner from Gaffney High stood on the field at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Thursday night in windbreaker pants watching the Bulldogs run through practice.

"Good throw Cue!" Long said looking up from talking with a reporter. A few seconds later, the same, "Good throw Cue!"

It is becoming a theme - the "Good throw Cue" thing - it seems, at Bulldogs' practice. Richard Cue, a 6-1, 185 redshirt sophomore from Wilson High School, entered into the spring in a three-way battle to replace Long. His opponents in that battle - a pair of brothers, TeDarrius and Derrick Wiley.

Deep and deeper: Bulldogs have stable of runners ready to hit the ground running

Assistant coach Danny Lewis looks at his South Carolina State running backs and sees plenty of potential.

The Bulldogs return three juniors in Asheton Jordan, Devin Wherry and Chris Merrill, who each displayed moments of superior play last season. Looking to enter the mix is last year's highly sought high school senior running back Charles Brown and looming in the future are the anticipated arrivals of newly signed running backs Dondre Lewis-Freeman, Jalen "Scoop" Simmons, both out of Charlotte, N.C., and Darlington's Dominique Cooper.

On paper, it looks like a very deep backfield for S.C. State. Yet Lewis is taking a cautious, coy approach toward the expectations he has for the group he coaches.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

Robinson dual threat for FAMU

She leads the team in runs batted in. She has the second-highest slugging percentage and she's third in runs scored. And Whitney Robinson pitches as well as she hits for the Florida A&M softball team. That's a luxury the Rattlers haven't enjoyed since All-American Amber Alford made her name as a power hitter who pitched in the early 1990s.

Robinson's all-around play creates high energy every time she pitches or gets a hit, said pitching coach Lori Goodart.

"The team sees her in the circle and they play behind her defensively, then they see her go and give so much more at the plate," Goodart said. "So when she talks, they're going to listen. It's a huge advantage."

FAMU offensive line showing improvements

Whether it was the first or the second team, Florida A&M's personnel on the offensive line didn't change much. The same players worked from left to the right hash mark then back to the left again. Such has been the life of an offensive lineman on the FAMU football team.

Shelley Anthony and Brandon Curry are the only seniors on the unit of nine, including four walk-ons. That makes for a thin line, but coach Joe Taylor took the glass-half-full approach.

"That's a good and bad thing; the veterans can't get hurt and if the freshmen get in it will be some valuable experience," Taylor said. "I think coach (Lawrence) Kershaw has done a good job in working with what he has."

FAMU relay team better with every step on track

They're getting better every time out. At least that's the way it seems for the Florida A&M quartet that makes up the women's 4x400 relay team.

But no matter how good they get, this team of three freshmen and a senior won't be content until they run at least 3:31. That time is the best ever ran by a FAMU 4x400 team and it has become their target since early March at the FAMU Relays where they met the women who set the standard more than two decades ago.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.



VISIT: FAMUEDU
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS

2010-11 All-Louisiana includes XU's Warren on 3rd team

Xavier Gold Nugget Christina Warren

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Christina Warren is third team on the All-Louisiana collegiate women's basketball team announced late Friday.

Warren, a 5-foot-9 senior forward/guard from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and a graduate of Los Osos High School and Chaffey College, averaged a team-leading 11.9 points in 34 games for the Gold Nuggets, who were 27-7, repeated as Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament champion and reached the second round of the NAIA Division I National Championship. Warren helped Xavier lead NAIA Division I in scoring defense for the second consecutive year.

A Louisiana Sports Writers Association panel selected the team.


2010-11 LSWA All-Louisiana Women's Basketball Team
First Team
Adrienne Johnson, Louisiana Tech
Ashlyn Baggett, McNeese State
LaSondra Barrett, LSU
Danielle Nunn, Tulane
Tillisha Givens, Louisiana College

Second Team
Keiva Council, Loyola
Mercedes Johnson, Louisiana-Lafayette
Adrienne Webb, LSU
Ricshanda Bickham, Nicholls State
Tarkeisha Wysinger-Mackey, Louisiana Tech

Third Team
Tiffany Aidoo, Tulane
Hannah Kador, Southern
Secrett Anderson, Grambling
Christina Warren, Xavier
KK Babin, Nicholls State

Player of the Year: Adrienne Johnson, Louisiana Tech
Newcomer of the Year: Jordi James, Northwestern State
Freshman of the Year: KK Babin, Nicholls State
Coach of the Year: Brooks Donald-Williams, McNeese State

Honorable Mention: Freda Allen, Southern; Caitlyn Baggett, McNeese State; Roshaunda Barnes, Tulane; Jasmine Bendolph, Louisiana Tech; Jasmine Brewer, Loyola; Sharday Cotton, LSU-Shreveport; Jordi James, Northwestern State.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XAVIERATHLETICS

New coach brings new attitude to Hampton U's softball team

HAMPTON, VA — Her starting third baseman broke her arm two weeks before the season began. An outfielder broke her ankle sliding into second two weeks ago. Her pitching staff has of a total of two members, and her first season is off to a 9-23 start.

Those are the negatives. The positives radiate from Hampton softball coach Trena Peel's face, attitude and players.

"People keep saying, 'I feel bad for you. Your first year, you're in a trial by fire,' " said Peel, who responds to such talk with advice received from mentor and legendary UCLA coach Sue Enquist: " 'Keep believing and keep teaching the ones you have.' Just believe, and then we'll get the results."

A rookie head coach, Peel's career to this point has produced plenty of those.

 
READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

VISIT: HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HAMPTONPIRATES

Benedict College Tigers Release 2011 Football Schedule

Columbia, SC-- Athletic Director Willie Washington, Head Football Coach Stanley Conner and the Benedict Tigers, have announced its complete 2011 football schedule for the upcoming Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference season.

The Tigers will play a total of 11 games, five at home, five away, and one conference game at a neutral site (Augusta City Classic). Benedict’s schedule will feature three classics, the Palmetto Kick-Off Classic against new Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) opponent Virginia Union University, the South Carolina Historically Black College and University Classic (SCHBCU) versus another CIAA opponent Shaw University, and the Augusta City Classic against Miles College.

Benedict will open its season on Saturday, September 3rd against the Panthers of Virginia Union in the Palmetto Kick-Off Classic. The following week the Tigers will hit the road to face-off against CIAA power, Bowie State University. The Tigers will then have a two game home-stand that includes contests against the Bears of Shaw University in the SCHBCU Classic and on Saturday September 24th by facing off with the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University.

On Saturday October 1, the Tigers will hit the gridiron against the Golden Bears of Miles College in the Augusta City Classic in Augusta, GA.

During the second week in October the Tigers will be on the road traveling to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to face off against Stillman College and then on October 15, return home to the Charlie W. Johnson Football Stadium to hit the gridiron against the Clark Atlanta Panthers on Homecoming.

On October 22, the Tigers will head back on the road and collide with the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College. The following week the Tigers will travel again to Albany, Georgia and trade blows with Mighty Rams of Albany State University. The final home game of the 2011 season is set for Senior Recognition Day/High School Day on November 5th against the Blue Dragons of Lane College.

“With the announcement of the schedule, the 2011 season is definitely upon us. We are excited to kick off another season with our participation in three Classics,” said Willie Washington.

Benedict finished the 2010 season with a 5-6 overall record, while going 4-5 in the SIAC.



VISIT: BENEDICT COLLEGE
VISIT: BCTIGERSATHLETICS

BENEDICT COLLEGE 2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DATE	TEAM	LOCATION	TIME/RESULTS
September 3	Virginia Union University Palmetto Kick-Off Classic	Columbia, SC	5:00pm
September 10	Bowie University	Bowie, MD	1:00pm
September 17	Shaw University SCHBCU Classic	Columbia, SC	5:00pm
September 24	*Fort Valley State University Military, Business, Greek, Church, and Community Day	Columbia, SC	6:00pm
October 1	*Miles College Augusta City Classic	Columbia, SC	2:00pm
October 8	*Stillman College	Tuscaloosa, AL	5:00pm (CST)
October15	*Clark Atlanta University Homecoming	Columbia, SC	2:00pm
October 22	*Morehouse College	Atlanta, GA	2:00pm
October 29	*Albany State University	Albany, GA	2:00pm
November 5	*Lane College Take A Kid to the Game Day High School/Senior Recognition Day	Columbia, SC	2:00pm
November 12	SIAC CHAMPIONSHIP	TBD	TBD

GAMES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Courtesy of Benedict College Office of Sports Information

Catching Up On the Coaching Carousel

As far as we know, the coaching carousel is nearly complete. Did you even notice?

The usually far-reaching dominoes haven't fallen as much with plenty of positions being filled by out-of-work coaches, mid-major coaches and assistant coaches. There hasn't been a whole lot of poaching from one major school to the next, or at least not as much as usual. One high-profile move to the NBA, though, and that could all change.

With that said, here is a quick breakdown of what has occurred so far, with 30 positions having been filled and 13 still to go as of Friday morning:

Alcorn State
Alabama A&M
Florida A&M
Southern


Videographer: familymattersfirst; Reach Sports Director Luther Riley (Alcorn State University new head basketball coach) Returns from Taiwan.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

SCSU’S Bellamy is hardest working man in ‘Bulldog Business’

South Carolina State center Tristan Bellamy took a moment to think about what to say next.

The Strom Thurmond alum couldn't find a feasible answer when asked what his toughest challenge was and that could be a good sign of things to come out of the young offensive lineman.

"He's probably been the hardest working man in Bulldog business," Bulldogs head coach Buddy Pough said. "He's taken pretty much every rep for the last eight practices. We actually have another guy that we were working as his backup, but he had a little bit of an injury situation. So, he was out for a few days. Then, we got some other guys banged up and we ended up moving him to guard. But it just kind of gets him to the point where he gets the work that he needs anyway."

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.



VISIT: SCSUEDU
VISIT: SCSUATHLETICS

Mitchell, Coppin still at odds

The awkward, three-week standoff between Fang Mitchell and Coppin State University shows no sign of relenting anytime soon. Mitchell, the iconic coach who lifted Coppin to basketball prominence in the 1990s, declined an offer from the university on March 17 to return for his 26th season.

 At the time, he said the offer was not in good faith, but declined to go further. Since then, he has communicated only minimally with university president Reginald Avery, and he had to cancel a Tuesday meeting because of the death of his father-in-law, Rudolph Lewis, on Monday. Now, there will be no talks before the funeral on Tuesday.

All of which leaves Mitchell twisting in the wind. Technically, his contract doesn’t expire until June 30.


Videographer: Andazmedia

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE

VISIT: COPPINS STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: CSUEAGLES

FAMU Rattlers Eye MEAC Golf Title

Florida A&M is looking to win the first-ever, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Golf Showcase in Savannah, Ga. The MEAC Showcase will pit FAMU against fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference teams in a fifty-four hole tournament. The teams will play 36 holes on the first day of competition and 18 holes on the second day.

The tournament will be held at the Henderson Golf Club. Coach Marvin Green described the course as straight forward yet challenging."What you see is what you get, but there are a lot of hazards out there," Green said.

Junior Shephard Archie III said that Henderson is one of the tougher courses the team will play all year. Archie and Green both described the course as tight. The Henderson Golf Club website says that accuracy and finesse are needed to succeed.

Consistency has been an issue with ...



READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS

JCSU Golden Bulls Releases 2011 Football Schedule

Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University Department of Athletics has announced their 10-game football schedule for the 2011 season. The schedule features four home games, five road games, and one game played at a neutral location (to be determined).

JCSU will host four games at the Irwin Belk Complex on McGirt Field beginning with the season opener on Saturday, September 3rd against St. Paul's College at 4:00 p.m. These two last met during the 2009 season when the Golden Bulls held on for a 24-20 win over the Tigers inside the IBC.

Johnson C. Smith will stay at home in week two to face the Trojans of Virginia State University on Saturday, September 10th at 4:00 p.m. The next four week will be spent traveling as they compete against Brevard College, Davidson College, Winston-Salem State University, and Shaw University.

Brevard came to Charlotte last season and nipped out a 25-21 victory; JCSU hopes to return the favor in Brevard on Saturday, September 17th at 2:00 p.m. Davidson will be a first time opponent for J.C. Smith. The Wildcats compete in the Division I-AA Southern Conference (SoCon) and look to showcase their new artificial turf field during the Saturday, September 24th matchup at 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Bulls enter their divisional schedule when they square with Winston-Salem State on Saturday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m. That game is followed by challenging the defending CIAA Champion Shaw Bears on Saturday, October 8th at 4:00 p.m. Both opponents topped JCSU last season by at least 32 points in Charlotte.

Homecoming kicks off this season on Saturday, October 15th as they host Virginia Union University at 1:00 p.m. Johnson C. Smith will attempt to earn their first homecoming victory since 2008, when the contest was still played in Memorial Stadium.

JCSU will visit St. Augustine's College the following week on Saturday, October 22nd and will close out their home slate with Fayetteville State University on Saturday, October 29th at 4:00 p.m.

On Saturday, November 5th the third Annual Commemorative Classic will feature Livingstone College in the oldest black college football rivalry in the nation. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00pm, however a location is still being finalized. The 2011 CIAA Football Championship will take place on November 12th.



2011 Golden Bulls Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME
9/3/2011 Saint Paul's College Charlotte, NC - Irwin Belk Complex 4:00 PM
9/10/2011 Virginia State University Charlotte, NC - Irwin Belk Complex 4:00 PM
9/17/2011 Brevard College Brevard, NC 2:00 PM
9/24/2011 Davidson College Davidson, NC 7:00 PM
10/1/2011 Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, NC 1:00 PM
10/8/2011 Shaw University Raleigh, NC 4:00 PM, 2011 Homecoming
10/15/2011 Virginia Union University Charlotte, NC - Irwin Belk Complex 1:00 PM
10/22/2011 Saint Augustine's College Raleigh, NC 1:30 PM
10/29/2011 Fayetteville State University Charlotte, NC - Irwin Belk Complex 4:00 PM 2011 Commemorative Classic
11/5/2011 Livingstone College TBA 1:00 PM

By JCSU Media Relations
VISIT: JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY
VISIT: JCSUGOLDENBULLS