Saturday, April 16, 2011

Paine College selects school's first full-time Athletic Director

Augusta, GA - When he was contacted six weeks ago for the open athletic director position, Tim Duncan liked what he saw. Paine College President George C. Bradley's 25-year master plan appealed to Duncan, especially the strategic plan for athletics.

Paine named Duncan, the former UNC-Wilmington associate athletic director and director of major gifts, as its new athletic director at a Friday morning news conference at the Yerby House. "We want Paine to be the class of the SIAC," Duncan said of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. "I want to win. I know that takes time and resources. It's my job to provide the resources."

Duncan will become the school's first full-time athletic director. He will start May 9 with a 90-day plan that includes reviewing personnel and policies, as well as coming up with ways to build new revenue streams.

Lions Athletics Director Tim Duncan
(B.B.A.. Memphis '92, M.S. Sports Admin. Grambling State '97)

Courtesy: UNCWSports.com
Duncan Accepts A.D. Post at Paine 

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Tim Duncan, who headed up UNCW's Seahawk Club for two years before taking over the athletic department's major gifts program in February, has been named Director of Athletics at Paine College.

Duncan was introduced during a press conference on Friday at the Augusta, Ga., institution. Paine is an NCAA Division II member that competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Lions sponsor 10 sports in men and women's basketball, men's and women's track and field, men's and women's cross country, men's golf, baseball, softball, and women's volleyball

"My family and I have enjoyed our two years at UNCW," said Duncan. "The Wilmington community holds a very dear place in our hearts and it was going to take a very special opportunity for us to leave the Seahawk family.

"The chance to work with Paine College president Dr. (George C.) Bradley, a former college student-athlete, and become the first non-coach athletic director was a unique enough combination to intrigue Lisa and I to take advantage of this opportunity.

"I would like to thank former Director of Athletics Kelly Mehrtens for hiring me and introducing me to the Wilmington community. I would also like to thank Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, Max Allen and Jimmy Bass for supporting me during this process. Finally, I want to thank the faculty/staff, the Seahawk Club Board of Directors and all of the Seahawk fans who have been extremely kind to my family and me. We plan to continue to visit Wilmington for family vacations in the years to come."

Duncan began his association with the program in the spring of 2009 as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Executive Director of the UNCW Student Aid Association (Seahawk Club) and was appointed Associate A.D. for Major Gifts in February.

In his position with the Seahawk Club, Duncan increased unrestricted giving by 20 percent and oversaw the development of "Dancing with the Wilmington Stars," the largest athletics fundraiser in the program's history.

"I've only worked with Tim for a short time, but he's been very helpful in my transition here at UNCW," said Bass. "Tim has prepared himself well for this new challenge and we certainly wish Tim, Lisa, and their family the very best in this next stage of his career."

Duncan previously served as Director of the M Club at the University of Memphis, where he helped the Tigers increase their revenue by 35 percent and membership by 40 percent over his first year. He also solicited major gifts from donors and former student-athletes, including the largest single gift ($1 million) for naming rights to the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.

In addition, he spearheaded the strategic planning, direction and management for the school's former letter winners. He was an integral part of UM's annual athletic fundraising and major gifts programs.

Prior to his appointment at Memphis, Duncan was a managing partner in PRStore, a marketing firm in Memphis. He developed strategies for small business owners and managed store operations and personnel.

The Memphis native began his career path as a public relations coordinator for Russell Corporation in Midland, Ga., in 1996. He assisted in managing sponsorships for the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the NCAA, and coordinated various other promotional programs for two years.

From 1998-2003, Duncan worked as an assistant marketing manager and marketing manager at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem, N.C. He assisted in managing the execution of a $70 million event marketing program initially and later managed the start-up of a $13 million program for one of the company's brands. He also coordinated 51 high-profile events for R.J. Reynolds, including NASCAR Winston Cup and NHRA Drag Racing.

In 2003, Duncan founded Infrared Marketing, LLC, to develop strategies for Fortune 500 companies who wanted to accomplish their marketing objectives.

Duncan is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) and the National Letterwinners Association (NLWA).

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at Memphis in 1992 and completed his Master of Science Degree in Sports Administration at Grambling State in 1997.

Duncan played four years on the Memphis men's basketball team and helped the Tigers and former coach Larry Finch reach the NCAA's Elite Eight during his senior year in 1992.

Courtesy: UNCWSports.com

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Los Angeles Lakers Sign JSU's Trey Johnson

EL SEGUNDO, CA (April 13, 2011) - The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Trey Johnson, it was announced today.  Johnson rejoins the Lakers after spending the 2010 preseason with the team before being waived on October 21, 2010. In five preseason games, he averaged 2.8 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 8.8 minutes.

A 6’5” guard out of Jackson State, Johnson has spent the last four seasons playing for the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League. A 2011 D-League All-Star West Team selection, Johnson did not play in the game after being called up to the Toronto Raptors and signing a pair of 10-day contracts with the team. In seven games with the Raptors this season, Johnson averaged 4.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 11.6 minutes.

Lakers sign Trey Johnson and recall Derrick Caracter from Bakersfield Jam

In a move to address their depleting roster, the Lakers signed Trey Johnson and recalled Derrick Caracter from the Bakersfield Jam and will be available to play in the team's season finale Wednesday against the Lakers.

These movies coincide with a number of absences that began plaguing the Lakers before their 102-93 victory Wednesday over the Spurs. The Lakers are without Lakers reserves Steve Blake (chicken pox) and Matt Barnes (sore right knee) for an undetermined amount of time, while center Andrew Bynum plans to have an MRI today after hyperextending his right knee.



Lakers adding D-Leaguer Johnson

The two-time NBA champ Los Angeles Lakers are shorthanded. Steve Blake(notes) is out indefinitey with the chicken pox. And the right knee of Matt Barnes(notes), which has undergone surgical repair in the past, is so sore that when he woke up Tuesday he couldn't move easily, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Plus, it's unclear if Andrew Bynum(notes) and his knee will be ready to go when the playoffs start. Not a great way to finish out the season and start the postseason, right?

Lakers Call-Up Trey Johnson From NBA D-League's Bakersfield Jam

Trey Johnson spent the preseason with the Los Angeles Lakers and, after playing the regular season with the NBA Development League's Bakersfield Jam, it looks like he'll spend the postseason with the Lakers as well.

Johnson will be signed for the remainder of the season by the Lakers, a source close to the situation told Ridiculous Upside, after averaging 25.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 39 games for the Jam during the regular season. In Bakersfield's lone playoff game so far this season, Johnson scored 29 points to lead the Jam to a 110-105 upset victory over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

This will be his second call-up of the season after...

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JSU Tiger blissful at free safety

JSU Tiger blissful at free safety

Jackson, MS - Tim Dandridge is back where he feels he belongs - roving in the secondary, frantically screaming out formations, putting teammates in the correct places. To Dandridge, this is where it's at: free safety. "I think I fit in good there," he said. "That's my natural position."

Dandridge's move this spring from outside linebacker/cornerback to free safety is one Jackson State hopes will strengthen a defense that struggled last season. Dandridge and his D have a chance to prove they're better than last season - and last week - at noon today during JSU's spring game.



JSU set for Tiger Fest 2011

JACKSON, Mississippi - The Jackson State football team will complete its 2011 spring practice sessions with its annual "Blue and White" spring game Saturday, April 16 at the JSU practice field. The spring football game is held in conjunction with the 2011 Tiger Fest sponsored by the JSU Tiger Fund.

Tiger Fest activities officially got under way with the annual Rick Comegy Golf Tournament played at LeFluer's Bluff Golf Course on Friday.

Saturday (April 16) activities will begin with the JSU Lady Tigers Volleyball "Spring Fling" Tournament at 9 am in the T.B. Ellis Gymnasium. The JSU Legends "Flag Football" game will take place at 10 am on the JSU practice field.

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Baseball players sign letters-of-intent to Bethune-Cookman

Four high school baseball players from around Hillsborough County signed their national letters-of-intent Thursday night. The players, members of the Team Xtreme travel baseball team, gathered at the Westchase Beef O' Brady's.

Middleton's Eric Comstock signed his letter-of-intent to play at Eastern Michigan University. He was joined by Einar Muniz (Jefferson, Bethune-Cookman University), Mike Estevez (Jefferson, Bethune-Cookman) and Sean Cramer (Armwood, Polk State College). Strawberry Crest's Jordan Keys, who was also there and a member of Team X, will sign his letter-of-intent April 21 to play baseball at St. Pete College.

BCU Incoming: Big County Prep Interviews B-CU Tampa Bay Area Signees

Friday, April 15, 2011

FAMU to interview Virginia Commonwealth assistant coach

VCU Assistant Coach Mike Jones (Howard U.,1990)
Tallahassee, FL - Mike Jones, who is currently an assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University, is expected to interview today for the Florida A&M men's basketball job, multiple sources have told the Tallahassee Democrat.

 Jones, a former assistant coach at the University of Georgia, met with FAMU athletic director Derek Horne during the week of the NCAA Final Four, a source in Richmond, Va., said Thursday night.

It wasn't clear if Horne and Jones came to terms and that he would be signing to become the next head coach of the Rattlers. Horne wasn't available for comment Thursday night. Should Jones sign, he would become the second major FAMU athletic hire with a history in the SEC.

FAMU's Taylor satisfied with spring practice

After giving the Florida A&M football team its first look at what to expect from its opening day opponent, coach Joe Taylor expressed satisfaction Thursday afternoon with the Rattlers' progress at the end of spring practice. FAMU culminated the spring with one last scrimmage, simulating Fort Valley State's offense and defense.

 FAMU opens the season at Bragg Stadium on Sept. 3.

"It's 143 days before that game kicks off, but when you come back in August, there is a lot going on so this is all about preparation and giving them some reps," Taylor said. "Those guys who we feel we would be playing really got a chance to play as a team.

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VIDEOGRAPHER: FAMURecreationCenter;
On April 6th, 2011 the Florida A&M Recreation Center officially opened Phase II & Phase III of the buildings completed projects. The FAMU Recreation Center is also know as the Hansel E. Tookes Student Recreational Center "The Tooke"!


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SUNO Lady Knights Team Up With Science Major for Day of Service

New Orleans, La. - SUNO's women's basketball team united with members of the Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society and SUNO's National Institute of Science chapter to lend a helping hand to doing community service at City Park. The SUNO student athletes and science majors visited field number eighteen at Harrison and Marconi Blvds., to help lay down new clay for the softball leagues. The service project took place on Saturday, April 2nd.

"There are going to be a lot of happy players (when they see this)," said Lori Colgan, the Assistant Commissioner of the NOLA Softball League and manager of one of the teams. Colgan said that after the league bought the clay, there was no one to help the leagues do the hard part. She was going to ask the players to do the dirty work, and they would have had to play the next day. Eight leagues use the fields at City Park, inlcuding a youth league.

The SUNO students arrived at 9 a.m., and worked consistently for the next couple of hours. Later in the morning, students from Tulane University arrived to lend their backs to the process to give City Park nearly fifty volunteers on the morning.

The students were joined by Elston King, Athletic Director and Women's Basketball Coach, Roshaun Ambrose, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach, Dr. Murty Kambhampati, Professor of Biology, and Dr. Illya Tietzel, Assistant Professor of Biology.

"This is great!" exclaimed a smiling Jim Morrisson, Volunteer Coordinator of City Park. "You guys really saved the day."

VISIT: SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AT NEW ORLEANS
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Randolph tosses no-hitter as ECSU Vikings sweep Shaw Bears


Final Stats
ELIZABETH CITY, NC- The Elizabeth City State University baseball team kept their hopes for a berth in next week's CIAA tournament alive with a double header sweep of Shaw University 7-0 and 8-0 Thursday afternoon.

However the, Vikings' post season push temporarily served as a backdrop to a near flawless performance by freshman Kerich Randolph, who threw a no-hitter in the game 7-0 win over Shaw in game one.

"I wasn't aware of it," the Bolivia, NC native said. "I didn't know until my teammates told me in between games. A lot of the credit goes to them because they made some great plays today."

Randolph, who leads the Vikings in strikeouts this season with 72, fanned 10 batters on Thursday. "In a way, I'm glad I didn't know (about the no-hitter). I felt good out there today. I'm just happy we got two wins."

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

UMES's Rodriguez named NCAA Division I Player of the Year

All-American Maria Rodriguez
DETROIT, MI -- Maria Rodriguez has a big hand in the success of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's (UMES) women's bowling program and Wednesday she was recognized for it with the NCAA sport's highest honor.

Rodriguez was names the Division I Player of the Year by the National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) at the NCAA Tournament Banquet on the eve of the championship.

"What an honor," said Rodriguez. "I am truly humbled by this; it is great to be recognized by the coaches who have driven this sport to where it is. For me it justifies all the hard work, all the sweat, blood and tears that have literally gone into my college career. It is an awesome feeling."

Rodriguez is the first National Player of the Year UMES has ever had since becoming a Division I program and, along with teammate Kristina Frahm one of two four-time All-Americans in school history.

"I am so proud of Maria," said head coach Sharon Brummell. "I know she feels vindicated. She gave up a lot to come here and start her bowling life anew but in the end it has been great for her and great for our program and university. She has been a driving force in elevating this program to the status we have today. She deserved this award."

Frahm joined Rodriguez as a First-Team All-American, the second selection of her career and fourth overall. Martha Perez was a Second-Team All-American and Anggie Ramirez earned her first All-American selection being named to the third team.

Rodriguez earned her third Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year award earlier this season and finished with an average of 210.44. She was named to three All-Tournament Teams this season, was a MEAC Bowler of the Week and even had time to earn the honor of top bowler in her nation's Team Trials. She also earned her third All-MEAC award this season and posted the second highest pinfall of any women's bowler at any ISC sectional.



TAYLOR, Mich. - Arriving in Detroit Tuesday night, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) women's bowling team got settled and prepared for the coming days and their pursuit of a second national championship in the last four years. For seniors Maria Rodriguez, Kristina Frahm and Martha Perez a title would mean a nice set of bookends for their careers. The three were freshman on the 2008 championship team.

The Lady Hawks arrived early at Skore Lanes on Wednesday to get in their 90-minute practice session and tested different shots, balls and positioning as well as reading the shot (the oil pattern laid down on the lanes the teams will bowl on for the event). Following their practice, each team member had to select and enter just five balls for tournament use, checking them in, having them weighed and even having uniforms inspected for championship play.

After a daunting trip to two different Target stores (the team had to purchase matching belts for competition), they settled in for some rest before the banquet that evening. After winning numerous awards, including four All-American honors, Rodriguez being named Player of the Year andFrahm earning the NCAA Elite 88 Award it was off to a team meeting and bed for the long day ahead.

By UMES Athletics

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Hampton Pirates hoops coaches earn contract extensions

Hampton University men's basketball coach Ed "Buck" Joyner and women's basketball coach David Six, who each led their teams to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament titles and NCAA appearances in their second seasons, received three-year contract extensions on Wednesday.

Joyner's Pirates went 24-9, won their first MEAC tournament since 2006 and posted their first 20-win season since the 2001-02 season. "I'm just happy with the fact that they think I'm capable of leading the program into the near future, and hopefully further than that," Joyner said.

The Lady Pirates went 25-7, won the MEAC regular-season title with their second straight 20-win season and fell to Kentucky in overtime in the first round of the NCAA.  "I think the best is yet to come," Six said. "We were a stone's throw away this year, and I really believe eventually we're going to knock that door down."


Videographer: inclusiveva; 2010 Daily Press Citizen of the Year: Dr. William R. Harvey, President, Hampton University. Presented at Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities 2011 Peninsula Humanitarian Awards Dinner  

JOYNER AND SIX GET NEW CONTRACTS AT HAMPTON

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University men’s basketball coach Edward Joyner Jr. and women’s basketball coach David Six have both received new three-year contracts after guiding their respective teams to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament championships and the resulting automatic berths to the NCAA tournament.

In announcing the new contracts, athletics director Lonza Hardy Jr. praised his second-year head coaches for their “inspiring leadership and skillful coaching.”

“Coaches Joyner and Six have certainly lived up to my expectations,” stated Hardy. “Their leadership and high quality of coaching have inspired our student-athletes to excel on the basketball court as well as in the classroom. I’m proud of what they have accomplished as our head coaches and I eagerly await the outstanding things that are in store for our men’s and women’s basketball programs. With Coach Joyner and Coach Six at the helm, the sky is the limit for the heights that our programs can reach.”

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Videographer: SPEARSthruHEARTS; The seniors at Hampton University celebrate 100 days left until their graduation.

Tony Harvey Stays At TSU

HOUSTON - Texas Southern University basketball coach Tony Harvey told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday he has decided not to pursue the vacant head coaching job at Eastern Michigan. Eagles officials contacted TSU athletics director Charles McClelland Monday to let him know of their interest in Harvey.

Harvey was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after leading TSU to the SWAC regular season championship this past season and a spot in the NIT.

"After carefully evaluating the situation, which I believe is a wonderful opportunity, I have decided to continue with my plans at TSU," Harvey said "



TSU hoops coach a hot commodity after recent success



Texas Southern men's basketball coach Tony Harvey said Wednesday that Eastern Michigan has contacted him about its vacant head coaching position.

Harvey, who grew up in Benton Harbor, Mich., and served as an assistant at Eastern Michigan from 1996-99, led TSU to a 19-13 record in 2010-11 and the program's first Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season championship since 1998. The Tigers, who went 16-2 in conference regular-season play, failed to reach the NCAA Tournament after being upset in the semifinals of the SWAC tournament but received an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament, where they lost to Colorado in the first round.

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Gray returns to Florida A&M to coach QBs

Tallahassee, FL - Assistant coach Steven Jerry stood a few feet from the Florida A&M quarterback unit. He didn't say much to them. Quinn Gray did most of the talking and the three quarterbacks were obviously zoned in. That was about three weeks ago, before Gray officially became quarterbacks coach for the Rattlers.

On Monday, Gray became the second former Rattlers player on coach Joe Taylor's staff with a fulltime job, joining defensive coordinator Earl Holmes. Like Holmes, Gray played in the NFL after leaving FAMU.

Gray returns as part of Taylor's staff restructures following the departure of Tim Edwards, who worked with Holmes as defensive coordinator, and tight end coach Edwin Pata. As part of the change, Taylor took the load of quarterbacks and receivers coaching off Jerry, leaving him as receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.


Videographer: FAMUTube1887; A Day in the Life of A Radio Personality

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Xavier Gold Rush close regular season with 7-0 loss at Tulane

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana closed its regular season Wednesday with a 7-0 loss at Tulane in the first-ever men's tennis dual match between the schools.

It was the fourth consecutive loss for the XU men (11-9) and their seventh in 10 duals since a 6-3 victory March 4 at Vanguard which propelled them into the NAIA's top 10. It also was the regular-season finale for Tulane (11-10), which has won three straight and five of its last six.

Rodrigo Rappaccioli clinched the doubles point for Tulane when he and Shaye Wali defeated Steffen Giles-Osborn and Sean Richardson 8-4 at No. 2. Rappaccioli clinched the dual with his 6-1, 6-1 victory over Amir Rahbar at No. 4 singles.

Giles-Osborn was the only Gold Rush player to win a set, but he lost 6-3, 5-7, 1-0 (10-3) to Joe Young at No. 2 singles. Zach Taylor, playing No. 3 singles, forced a second-set tiebreaker before losing 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) to Radu Ionescu.

The loss was Xavier's fifth in seven duals this season against NCAA Division I opponents.

The Gold Rush, ranked eighth in the NAIA, will compete next in an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournament April 29-30 at Chattanooga, Tenn. Xavier's women still have two regular-season duals remaining.



By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Bethune-Cookman Wins MEAC Golf Showcase

Bethune-Cookman's men's golf team and B-CU women's player Kimberly Wong both won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Showcase hosted by Savannah State University in Savannah, Ga.

The B-CU men edged Savannah State by one stroke, 909-910, to win the five-team event. B-CU's Emmanuel Petrich finished third with a three-round total 225, followed by Matthew McKnight (fourth, 228); Jamichael Jones (fifth, 231); Rafael Abda (seventh, 232) and Alex Clapp (10th, 235).

Wong posted six birdies in 36 holes as she posted a four-stroke victory over teammate Vanessa Adame, 153-157. Marie Bergelin was eighth (178), Maxine Gardner ninth (182) and Miranda Rose 10th (190) for the WildCats, whom finished nine shots behind Hampton's 661 for the team runner-up spot.

SSU men finish 2nd in MEAC Showcase golf tournament

Savannah State University’s men’s golf team finished second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Showcase on Tuesday, shooting a 58-over-par 910 in the three-round event at Henderson Golf Course. Bethune-Cookman shot a 57-over-par 909 to win the event.

SSU’s Ryan Lassiter shot 218 after rounds of 72-76-70 to finish first. The Tigers’ Andrew Atkins shot 223 after rounds of 72-77-74 to finish second. Bethune-Cookman’s Emanuel Petrich shot 225 after round of 77-75-73 to finish third.

Florida A&M was third at 950, North Carolina Central was fourth at 994 and Hampton was fifth at 1,022.

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Texas Southern coach Tony Harvey a candidate for EMU job

Houston, TX - Texas Southern coach Tony Harvey, who has roots in Michigan, is a candidate to become the next men's basketball coach at Eastern Michigan. EMU athletic director Derrick Gragg contacted Texas Southern athletic director Charles McClelland as a courtesy Tuesday and expressed his interest in Harvey.

"Eastern Michigan's athletic director left me a message as a courtesy, saying he was interested in Tony Harvey," McClelland said Tuesday evening. "He never mentioned an interview, but I didn't call him back either."

Harvey, a 1983 graduate of Benton Harbor High School, was an assistant coach under Milton Barnes at EMU when the Eagles finished 23-10 in 1997 and then won the MAC tournament in 1998. He was also an assistant coach at Missouri when the Tigers reached the Elite Eight in 2002.

Harvey recently finished his third season as head coach at...

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG
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Delaware State Hornets football: There's a new boss in town at spring practice

DOVER, DE -- It has only taken a week and a half for new Delaware State University football coach  Kermit Blount to raise the energy level among the Hornets players with new assistant coaches, a revamped playbook and an optimistic eye on the future.

For Blount, this has been a spring football camp full of learning players' names, evaluating talent and bringing in fresh ideas. The Hornets' two-week camp will culminate with the annual Red/White scrimmage at Alumni Stadium on Saturday night at 6.

"I'll tell you what, I'm really, really pleased with how the kids are responding to what we're asking them to do on the field as well as off the field," said Blount, who coached at Winston-Salem State for 16 seasons before accepting the DSU post. The players are obviously responding to the new energy.

HORNETS ADJUST TO CHANGE THIS SPRING

Dover, Del. -- The Delaware State University football team has passed the halfway point of its first spring camp under new head coach Kermit Blount. The two-week camp has been highlighted by the installation of new offensive and defensive systems.

"I'm really pleased with how well the guys have adapted to the changes we've made," said Blount, who was introduced as head coach of the Hornets on Feb. 4. "We've given them a lot to digest in a short time, but the energy level has remained high throughout camp. There's still a lot of work to do, but the transition has been relatively smooth so far."

The Hornets expect to return more than 40 letter winners, including 15 starters from their 2010 team, which won two of the last three games to post a 3-8 overall record and 2-6 mark in the MEAC. There are about 75 players participating in spring camp, including up to 12 newcomers.

"We (the coaching staff) have conducted camp as if everyone is fighting for starting jobs," Blount said. "Of course, guys will step up throughout the spring, but everything will be up for grabs come summer camp. I've been particularly pleased with our athleticism, while our biggest concern is developing depth on both sides of the ball, especially along the lines."

Delaware State will wrap up spring drills with the annual Red/White scrimmage on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.

The Hornets will kick off the 2011 season at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on Sep. 3. The home opener is Sep. 10 against Shaw University.

By DSU Athletic Media Relations

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Gold Rush Andrew, Simmons are third-team HBCU All-Americans

Anthony Simmons
Devin Andrew
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Devin Andrew and Anthony Simmons are third-team selections on the Boxtorow.com Division II/NAIA HBCU All-America team announced Tuesday.

Andrew — a 6-foot-4 senior guard from Harvey, La., a graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and a former student at Karr High School in New Orleans — led the Gold Rush this season with 10.9 points per game, 1.2 steals per game and 111 free throws in 147 attempts. He won two January home games with points in the final two seconds. Andrew played in 32 games and started 17.

Simmons, a 6-8 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. He was Xavier's No. 2 scorer and rebounder and led the team with a .598 field-goal percentage.

Xavier recorded its first 13-0 start since 1940-41 and winningest season (27-6) since 1983-84. Xavier earned an at-large berth to the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship and ranked 17th in the final coaches poll.

The team was selected by media members from around the country who cover NCAA Division II and NAIA basketball.



2010-11 Boxtorow.com Division II/NAIA HBCU All-America Team
First Team
Sharif Bray, Cheyney
Paul Davis, Winston-Salem State
Marcus Goode, Benedict
Najee Lane, Clark Atlanta
Raheem Smith, Shaw

Second Team
David Burton, Cheyney
Braxton Byerson, Virginia Union
Mario Luckett, Tougaloo
Trevin Parks, Johnson C. Smith
Eric Vann, Bowie State

Third Team
Devin Andrew, Xavier
Darius Cox, Livingstone
Josh Miller, West Virginia State
Lajay Sears, Stillman
Anthony Simmons, Xavier

Player of the Year: Raheem Smith, Shaw
Coach of the Year: Cleo Hill, Shaw

Honorable Mention: Shelton Carter, Winston-Salem State; Andre Davis, SUNO; Sidney Evans, Fayetteville State; Kerry Harvis, Talladega; Tony Johnson, Kentucky State; Myron McGowan, Dillard; Denzel Mooney, Lincoln (Pa.); Ibn-Saed Rasoull, Saint Paul's; Maurice Reevy, Saint Paul's; Eric Salley, Claflin; Rondy Tucker, Elizabeth City State

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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List 'impressive' for FAMU job

Tallahassee, FL - While several high-profile names are circulating as applicants for the vacant men's basketball coaching job at Florida A&M, athletic director Derek Horne hedged on confirming what sources are calling an impressive list.

"Right now because it's still ongoing we just want to make sure that we do our due diligence to make sure that we bring the right person in," Horne said.

FAMU has been without a men's basketball coach for almost a month since Eugene Harris was fired in March. At that time, Horne said he would like to fill the position this month, but Tuesday he said he hopes to have the process completed before schools break for the summer.

Horne didn't say when the final interview process will begin.


Videographer: FAMUTube1887; The All New FAMU e-Rattler Online Store launches in...6 Days.  VISIT: www.e-rattler.com.  

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Howard Lady Bison Rallies 6-5 Win Over CSU in Eight Innings

BALTIMORE, MD. – The Lady Bison softball team secured the game-winning runs at the top of the eighth inning and blocked Coppin State from scoring the tying run at the plate, landing them the thrilling 6-5 win on Monday at the Coppin State field.

Rebecca Kirshner was placed on second utilizing international tie-breaker rules and advanced to third courtesy of Carly Martin’s sac fly to right field. Trina Kindred and Samantha Gatson went on to bring in the final two runs of the game, giving Howard (12-21, 3-3 MEAC) the 6-4 lead.

Melanie Buck gave Coppin State (8-11, 2-4 MEAC) one run with an RBI single to shallow centerfield. Howard prevented Tiffani Whaley from scoring from first base and caught her at the plate for the final out on the relay throw from Kindred.

The win gave Howard the series as the Lady Bison took the 2-3 advantage over the Lady Eagles. Both teams went even at the plate with 11 hits each.

Martin pitched the complete game and walked one in addition to striking out seven batters, marking a season-high.

Lorae Robinson led the Bison with three hits and scored two runs while Marisa Coats, Emily Johnson, and Kirshner added two hits each. Coats chimed in with two RBI.

The Lady Bison softball team will take on Morgan State on April 30 followed by Maryland Eastern Shore on May 7 before heading to Daytona, Fla. for the MEAC Tournament on May 12.

Visit www.howard-bison.com for more information on Howard softball.



By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
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Athlete Honor Society Welcomes Seven From XU's New Chapter

NEW ORLEANS — Seven from Xavier University of Louisiana — Iva Bobkova, Brianna Dekine, Patrice Hightower, Danielle Jones, Marchelle Jones, Jamaan Kenner and Ashley Taylor — became XU's first members of the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society on Tuesday.

The organization recognizes outstanding academic achievement by intercollegiate varsity letterwinners.  Members must have junior academic standing and a minimum cumulative 3.4 grade-point average.
Xavier's first Chi Alpha Sigma members: 
From left, Iva Bobkova, Brianna Dekine, Danielle Jones,
Marchelle Jones, Ashley Taylor, Patrice Hightower and Jamaan Kenner.
Bobkova (women's volleyball) is from Brno, Czech Republic, and a graduate of Ludvika Danka and New Mexico Military Institute. Dekine (women's cross country) is from Culver City, Calif., and a graduate of Culver City High School. Hightower (women's volleyball) is from New Orleans and a graduate of McGehee School. Danielle Jones (volleyball in 2010, women's basketball from 2007-10) and her sister Marchelle (women's basketball) are from Baton Rouge, La., and graduates of Episcopal High School. Kenner (men's basketball) is from LaPlace, La., and a graduate of East St. John High School. Taylor (women's cross country) is from LaPlace and a graduate of New Orleans' Cabrini High School.



By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Join The Bison Nation: Howard Athletics add Five New Coaches in 2010-2011

Howard University Athletics has added five new head coaches to their staff in 2010 and 2011 along with a new athletics director, Louis "Skip" Perkins, a native of Fort Washington, Maryland.


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Southern Jaguars, Southeastern Louisiana get rematch

You might recall that two weeks ago, on a strange night at Lee-Hines Field, Southern and Southeastern Louisiana met in a midweek college baseball game that had a little bit of everything.
Except a happy ending.

SLU’s Trey Martin stole home in the third inning. SU pitcher Belfred “T.J.” Pryer had what might have been his best outing of the season, holding the Lions to one run in seven innings. The Jaguars had a one-run lead in the eighth-inning, and SLU had a rally in the works. Then lightning delayed the game. Actually, as it turned out, lightning finished the game.

When umpires Anthony DeRousselle and Ryan Broussard told both teams to return, SU coach Roger Cador chose instead to forfeit, citing his players’ safety.

Lions To Host In-State Rival Southern In Midweek Contest

HAMMOND, LA – The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team returns to action on Tuesday when it plays host to in-state rival Southern University at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. The game can be heard in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9) and on the internet at www.LionSports.net.

Southeastern (22-11) has won seven of its last nine games that began with a 9-0 win by forfeit over Southern (19-11) on March 29. The Lions took two of three games in Southland Conference play last weekend at UT Arlington and will face league leader Texas State in a three-game series beginning Friday in San Marcos, Texas.

Junior Justin Boudreaux leads Southeastern at the plate with a .373 average with six home runs and 30 RBI. Brock Hebert (.367-1-20), Jonathan Pace (.357-1-22) and Jeff Harkensee (.331-7-39) are next in hitting for the Lions, who are averaging .293 at the plate with 19 home runs and 212 runs scored.

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Keys: Southern University Pugh takes on a tough assignment

Southern Interim Athletic Director Sandy Pugh
Baton Rouge, LA - Monday afternoon, less than a week into her new role as the interim athletic director at Southern University, Sandy Pugh was all smiles. Above her head, sunlight poked through a field of fast-moving clouds. All around her, trees swayed in a strong breeze. What a day it was.

“I want people to believe some fantastic things are getting ready to happen,” she said. “It’s a beautiful day here at Southern.”

Lately, fewer and fewer people are able to share Pugh’s sunny disposition. Who could blame them? After all, this has been the wildest, most disturbing year in the history of Southern athletics. The football team posted its worst record ever, going 2-9. The men’s basketball team posted its worst record ever for the third straight year, going 4-26, and coach Rob Spivery was fired.

Southern University seeks to fill the athletic director position quickly

Baton Rouge, LA — To borrow a phrase from the sports teams it presides over, Southern’s athletic department has lost some big names, and the work of replacing them must now begin.

Southern Athletic Director Greg LaFleur was let go from his post last week after being arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute. LaFleur was in Houston scouting potential hires for the men’s basketball team after the firing of former coach Rob Spivery following a 4-26 season.

“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,” Southern Chancellor Kofi Lomotey said in a release last week.

The decision leaves Southern with two big positions to fill.

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JCSU Bulls focus on future, not past of 2-8 season

No one talks about last year at Johnson C. Smith (University).

The Golden Bulls, who went 2-8 in 2010, wrapped up spring football drills Monday with an intrasquad scrimmage that resulted in an 18-18 tie. The focus is on building an attitude that produces success in 2011.

"The one thing we don't put into our family circle of trust is the poison of last year," coach Steve Aycock said. "We talk about things going forward, keeping our shoulders high and our eyes straight forward."

Smith returns a veteran core but must replace its top offensive players, three-time All-CIAA receiver Jeremy Franklin and quarterback Ryan Carter. Defensively, the Golden Bulls have to shore up a unit that allowed 39 points per game.

"What we've been preaching is playing with ...

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Former Claflin University Star Salley to Play in All-Star Game

February was a tough month for Eric Salley.

When the month began, he was the leading scorer in the SIAC, averaging 24.3 points per game. By mid-February, he was a college star in limbo, thanks to a back-and-forth between Salley's school, Claflin University and the Army National Guard, regarding Salley's status with the military division.

The incident - Salley did not report with his unit to training in Saudia Arabia, opting instead to stay and play at Claflin and graduate - was eventually cleared up, according to Salley.  "They put me on something called Individual Ready Reserve," Salley said. "That just means, when I get finished (with school and basketball) I will be able to fulfill my duties."

Still, the status change came too late to save...

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VIDEO: Historical Black College All-Star Classic
WEBSITE:  http://www.hbcallstarclassic.com

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Videographer: Claflin University; Claflin Jazz Ensemble

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Nobody's Hero: The Olympian: An American Triumph

Who was the first First African-American to Win an Olympic Gold Medal ?



I am sure 99 percent of our readers may have guessed James Cleveland Owens, i.e., Jesse Owens was the first African-American to win four Olympic gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. While Owens four gold medals were a blow to Adolf Hitler, he is not the first African-American to win Olympic gold. The correct answer is Dr. John Baxter Taylor, Jr.


Check out the video above that features the life and times of John Baxter Taylor Jr., the first African American to win an Olympic Gold medal. The story is from Craig T. Williams Book - The Olympian: An American Triumph.

For you historians, Dr. Taylor was the first African American to win a gold medal, doing so at the 1908 Olympic Games in London, some 28 years before Jesse Owens improbable achievements. Taylor was a member of the United States winning medley relay team, clocking a time of 49.8 over 400 meters in his leg of the race.
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The Olympian: An American Triumph [Book] by Craig T. Williams
$19 online

"I dare greatly, and I shall live my life as no ordinary man bound by a game of chance. "
- John Baxter Taylor Jr.

Running is his sacred ritual. As his legs gracefully carry him around the track at the University of Pennsylvania, he feels the wind in his face and freedom at his back. It is 1905, and John Baxter Taylor Jr. is three years away from representing the United States at the Olympic Games in England, where he will become the first African American Gold Medalist in Olympic Game history.

Taylor has done everything in his power to live an uncommon life and defy those who dare to stand in his way. As he transforms himself from a skinny boy who licks at the heels of his fellow high school competitors while ignoring racial slurs to becoming one of the best quarter-milers in the world, he beats not only his competitors on the track but also shines academically, eventually earning a degree in veterinary medicine.

In this compelling historical novel, the story of one man's extraordinary life led by his unyielding determination to achieve his dream despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles will inspire you to remember that glory does not die, but is instead passed on to the next person willing to carry the torch in their heart.

- Craig T. Williams