B-CU Pitcher's Duel Evolves into a 16-5 UCF Victory

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In a span of three-consecutive pitches in the seventh inning, No. 2 UCF scored five runs and eventually plated 13 runs in the final three innings to defeat No. 4 Bethune-Cookman, 16-5, in the NCAA Tallahassee Regional Saturday. It was the most runs scored in a game by the Knights (39-22) in their NCAA Tournament history.

UCF advances to Sunday's noon game and will await the loser of Saturday night's contest between No. 1 Florida State and No. 3 Alabama. If the Knights rumble with FSU, the game will air on Sun Sports.

"I'm very proud of the effort of our guys," said head coach Terry Rooney. "We faced an outstanding Bethune-Cookman club, a team that we played (twice) during the year and their starting pitcher did a tremendous job. But our guys continued to battle throughout the day. I thought Danny Winkler pitched fantastic. He was incredible."

A day after combining to go 1-for-15 vs. Alabama, Beau Taylor, D.J. Hicks, Jonathan Griffin and Derek Luciano all tore apart Wildcat (36-25) pitching. The quartet went 13-for-21 with 11 RBI, 11 runs and five extra-base hits. Hicks and Griffin each collected four hits, with Griffin driving in five to tie a UCF record for most RBI in a NCAA Tournament game.

Griffin crushed his 19th home run of the season as well, putting him in sole possession of second on the UCF single-season chart. He trails only Chris Duffy, who belted 21 four-baggers last year. The senior also has 32-career homers in just two seasons as a Knight to place him in a tie for sixth in UCF history.

Winkler was on his way to possibly his best outing of the season, pitching 5.2 shutout innings with just two hits against and six strikeouts. Yet two errors on a single play with nobody on base and two outs in the sixth inning led to four unearned runs to help the Wildcats eliminate a 3-0 deficit, and Winkler's day was over.

"I just stuck to my game plan like I've been doing the last couple of weeks," said Winkler. "I was getting ahead early, but I wasn't happy with (my slider). So I was trying to command my fastball. And with their starting going like he was, that kept me in it so I kept pounding the zone."

The Wildcats decided to start righty Rayan Gonzalez on the mound vs. the Knights. And the junior surrendered three-straight one-out singles in the top of the first to Taylor, Hicks and Griffin with Griffin driving in Taylor on a chopper over the head of third baseman Emmanuel Castro.

Given an early 1-0 lead, Winkler proceeded to limit Bethune-Cookman to just one hit in the first three innings, striking out five. That was highlighted by the right-hander sitting down the side on strikes in the third. Winkler then stranded a pair of runners with one out in the fourth.

UCF was unable to build its advantage on the scoreboard due to Gonzalez mowing down the Knights. They did have a two-out opportunity after Darnell Sweeney singled to center and Ronnie Richardson drew a walk, however the B-CU right-hander picked up his eighth strikeout of the game to return to the dugout.

Although Gonzalez motored through to get to the sixth inning, his pitch count was well into triple figures after UCF finally got the big hit it had been searching for all day long. As Griffin stood in the on-deck circle, he witnessed Hicks drive a 3-2 pitch into right for a leadoff single. The first baseman strode to the plate and quickly fell behind 0-2. And for some reason he did not like his mugshot on the left-field scoreboard, so he attempted to alter it by demolishing a 1-2 offering that came within a few feet of his face for a two-run homer.

Now jogging out to the hill with a 3-0 lead in the sixth, Winkler, who had thrown just 61 pitches, continued to cruise, getting the first two outs and inducing Peter O'Brien to send a lazy fly ball to left-center. That was when the state of the game changed, as there was miscommunication in the UCF outfield. Two errors on the play led to a hit by pitch and two walks to bring in the Wildcats' first run.


Videographer: flstateseminoles; FSU Baseball defeats Bethune-Cookman 6-5 in Tallahassee Regional on June 3, 2011.

Final Stats 

Winkler tried to get that crucial third out, but Brashad Johnson delivered a two-run, two-out, two-strike single into left to tie it up at 3-3. Nick Cicio entered earlier than expected from the pen, and DJ Leonard sent his second pitch to left for a RBI single.

All of a sudden down 4-3, the UCF bats were not concerned by their newly-found one-run hole. A pair of two-strike singles by Sweeney and Richardson greeted reliever Chris Anselmo in the seventh, and although Taylor failed to get a sac bunt down, he ripped a 1-2 pitch off the high fence in right for a long single to load the bases.

Similar to Bethune-Cookman taking advantage of its scoring chance in the previous inning, the Knights were not going to let this one slip away either.

Freshman Bryan Rivera was called in from the B-CU bullpen and the southpaw threw only three pitches in his appearances. All of them resulted in RBI hits, as Hicks punched a single between first and second, Griffin dropped a two-run double into left and Luciano lined a two-run single up the middle. That was it for Rivera, who gave way to Gabriel Hernandez, and the Knights tacked on three more runs highlighted by RBI from Travis Shreve and Sweeney.

With the eight-run inning complete, UCF added a four more in the eighth to stretch the lead to 15-5. Kick-started by a double out of Taylor, Hicks drove in the catcher on a single, Griffin walked on five pitches and Luciano socked a two-run double into the right-field corner. And with the sun beating down onto Dick Howser Stadium, lightning was detected which delayed play for 3:20. When play ultimately resumed, Luciano eventually scored UCF's 15th run on a wild pitch. To close out the offense, Kevin Vasquez drew a RBI walk with two outs in the ninth, and Bryan Brown tossed the final 2.0 innings to send UCF back to the hotel in a jolly mood.

Game Notes
No. 2 UCF - 39-22 Overall
No. 4 Bethune-Cookman - 36-25 Overall
-The game featured a 3:20 hour weather delay with no outs in the top of the eighth inning.
-Saturday marked the 83rd meeting between UCF and Bethune-Cookman, but the first in the NCAA Tournament.
-It was UCF's first NCAA Tournament victory since defeating Florida State, 7-5, June 6, 2004.
-UCF had not committed more than one error in a game since two miscues vs. Houston May 1 (a span of 16 games). But the Knights had two errors Saturday.
-The eight-run seventh inning was the biggest inning in an NCAA Tournament game in school history. It also matched an overall postseason record as UCF scored eight runs in an Atlantic Sun Tournament game vs. Centenary in 1996.
-UCF set a school record for most runs in an NCAA Tournament contest, and tied the school mark with 20 hits (also had 20 vs. Princeton May 25, 2001). The Knights posted at least 20 hits in a game for the second time this year (20 at UAB May 15).

By UCF Athletics

Cal comes back for 10-6 win over Alcorn State

Excerpt:
Houston, TX - Few things have come easily for Cal this season. Saturday was no different.

Cal's struggles unfolded in the second inning on Saturday, when Alcorn State (27-30) put together its biggest inning of the day. The Braves picked up six hits off Cal starter Kevin Miller, including an RBI double from Eduardo Gonzalez to start the scoring followed by an RBI groundout by Jann Butler and RBI singles by Brandon Hollins and Angel Rosa for a 4-0 lead.

The last hit prompted Esquer to call on sophomore southpaw Justin Jones, whom he hoped to use as today's starter. Jones (8-6) responded with 6 1/3 magnificent innings, keeping the Braves off the scoreboard until the ninth when they scratched out two unearned runs.

"With no tomorrow, we were going to fire all of our bullets now or never," Esquer said. "It didn't go as planned. We wanted to have Justin ready to go (today). But in an elimination game, it doesn't do you any good to have him rested for tomorrow if there is no tomorrow."


Videographer: swactube; Alcorn State SWAC Baseball Championship Ceremony.  GREAT SEASON BRAVES!!

Cal Baseball Defeats Alcorn State, 10-6

HOUSTON, TEXAS - Behind the outstanding relief pitching of sophomore left-hander Justin Jones and a six-run third inning, the Cal baseball team defeated Alcorn State, 10-6, Saturday (June 4) in NCAA regional action at Rice's Reckling Park. Jones (8-6), who entered the game in the second inning with the Golden Bears down 4-0, went on to pitch 6.1 innings, allowing only two hits, no earned runs, with three walks and 10 strikeouts.

With the win, Cal improved to 32-21 overall, and will next play the loser of the No. 1-seed Rice and No. 2-seed Baylor game Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m. CT (12 p.m. PT). If the Bears win the Sunday afternoon game, they would play the winner of Rice-Baylor at 6 p.m. (4 p.m. PT) Sunday night.

Trailing 4-0, Cal's offense came alive in the top of the third inning off of Alcorn State (27-30) starter Troy Williams (7-6, 2.2 innings, six hits, six runs, two earned runs, one walk, one strikeout). Sophomore designated hitter Vince Bruno started the inning with a single and later scored on junior catcher Chadd Krist's two-run double to left field - his Pac-10 leading 24th double of the season. Other key hits for the Bears in the third inning was junior right fielder Chad Bunting's two-run double down the left field line after an error by the Braves' third baseman Antolin Morales, and sophomore center fielder Darrel Matthew's RBI double down the right field line.

The game slowed down considerably after the third inning as neither team scored between the fourth and the seventh inning and Jones settled into a grove after replacing Bear senior right-hander Kevin Miller. Finally, Cal added an insurance run in the eighth inning on senior left fielder Austin Booker's RBI single up the middle, and scored three runs in the top of the ninth on a sacrifice fly to center field by Matthews and a two-run throwing error by Alcorn State second baseman Ryan Akins.

The Braves scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth before Cal closer Matt Flemer struck out Morales to end the game.

"I thought today was one of those classic elimination games where the outcome is in doubt to the very end," said Cal coach David Esquer, who led the Bears to their first NCAA regional victory since he coached Cal to a 9-3 win over Minnesota in the 2001 Baton Rouge, La. Regional. "It was two teams playing for their seasons. I thought Alcorn State played a great ball game. I thought they were up to the challenge. But I've got to hand it to our club too, with Justin Jones coming in there and shutting down their momentum. Justin came in there when we had to have it. He gave us a chance and our offense was able to come back.

"It was a big win for us. It was hard fought, not easy. We don't do it easy, so this was typical Cal baseball at this point."

Krist was again an offensive force for the Bears, going 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI. On Friday, he was 3-for-4 with a double, triple and an RBI single. Sophomore second baseman Tony Renda added a pair of hits and Bunting and Matthews had two RBI apiece.

Box Score

Post Game Quotes/Game 3, Alcorn State vs. California, Cal Head Coach David Esquer

“I thought today was one of those classic elimination games where the outcome is in doubt to the very end. It was two teams playing for their seasons. I thought Alcorn played a great ball game. I thought they were up to the challenge. But I’ve got to hand it to our club too, with [pitcher] Justin Jones coming in there and shutting down their momentum. He came in there when we had to have it. He gave us a chance and our offense was able to come back.

“It was a big win for us. It was hard fought, not easy. We don’t do it easy so this was typical Cal baseball at this point.”

On starting pitcher Kevin Miller:  “Kevin Miller’s been outstanding for us. He’s pitched so many different roles for us – probably our most valuable pitcher. We expected him to be outstanding as usual. They did a good job. They rolled some hits up the middle; they were aggressive; they had a hit and run that was a big play for them. They jumped on him for four funs and we just couldn’t stop them. Then we when had to go to Justin. With no tomorrow we were going to fire all our bullets now or never.”

By Cal Athletics Media Relations

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FSU Baseball Survives Bethune-Cookman in Regional Opener

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Mike McGee registered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning and the first-seeded Florida State baseball team defeated fourth-seeded Bethune-Cookman Friday night in the second game of the 2011 NCAA Tallahassee Regional.

FSU (43-17) has now won 11 consecutive NCAA Regional games and moves to the winner's bracket where it will face third-seeded Alabama (34-26) Saturday at 6 p.m. The Wildcats (36-24) take on UCF (38-22) Saturday noon in an elimination contest. McGee's RBI single to right field unlocked a 5-5 tie as his timely hit scored Taiwan Easterling for the go-ahead run.

Brian Busch (6-2) earned the win for the Seminoles while Daniel Bennett moved into a tie for second place in FSU history for saves in a season with 15. Busch wound up pitching 2 1/3 innings in relief and gave up no hits or runs and struck out four.

Starter Scott Garner took the loss for B-CU, going five innings and allowing 10 hits five earned runs before being replaced by Roman Lancara in the bottom of the sixth. Seminoles starter Hunter Scantling lasted 4 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and three earned runs while striking out a career-high-tying seven batters.

B-CU smashes 4 homers, but FSU sneaks past

TALLAHASSSEE, FL -- Four home runs weren't enough to lift Bethune-Cookman over host Florida State in the Wildcats' opening game of the NCAA tournament, as they fell 6-5. The four homers were the most FSU has given up all year. But for the Wildcats, the effort was just another close call against a national seed in a first-round regional game.

"I don't like being the first one here," B-CU head coach Mervyl Melendez said during his postgame press conference (the winning team goes second at NCAA events). "I would have much rather followed Florida State, but I thought our guys fought hard."

First baseman Ryan Durrence led the way for B-CU going 3-for-4 with two home runs, including a solo shot to tie the game at 5-all in top of the sixth inning. Center fielder Mike McGee delivered the game-winning hit for FSU in the top of the eighth on an RBI-single to center field to put the Seminoles ahead 6-5. Closer Daniel Bennett pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to close it out for his 15th save of the year.

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Houston Regional: Rice cruises past Alcorn State 14-2

Houston, TX -- By the sixth inning, Rice lefthander Abe Gonzales made up his mind to finish what he started. The top-seeded Owls backed up Gonzales’ first career complete game with season-high 22 hits on the way to a 14-2 victory over fourth-seeded Alcorn State at the Houston Regional.

“I didn’t ever think about not going the whole game,” Gonzales said. “I felt like that’s what I should do, I felt like that’s what I could do and it was time to do it.”

Rice will play second-seeded Baylor in a winner’s bracket game at 6 p.m. Saturday at Reckling Park. The Bears beat California 6-4 in the regional opener.

Gonzales held the Braves to a pair runs while keeping the nation’s third-best base-stealing team off the base paths. He allowed seven hits, did not walk a batter and kept coach Wayne Graham from having to use his bullpen early in the four-team, double-elimination tournament. The previous career-high for Gonzales was 6 2/3 innings against East Carolina earlier this season.

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NSU sprinter Sean Holston is making up for lost time

NORFOLK, VA - One man's workout over, the other's about to begin, LaShawn Merritt and Sean Holston briefly stood side by side on the Norfolk State track Friday, representing the physical extremes of 400-meter runners.

"A monster," the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Merritt said, laughing and pointing to himself. The 2008 Olympic gold medalist from Portsmouth then considered Holston, a head shorter at 5-7 and at 145 pounds. "He's got a monster heart," Merritt said. "That's all you need."

Holston's got something. Persistence. Belief. Patience. He once was labeled as the next Merritt after posting some of the fastest indoor times in prep history as a senior at Lee High School in Springfield.

After two years away from the sport, he had to settle for being the old Sean Holston. He didn't chase down his former self until this season, when he set a personal best in the 400 while running for NSU, finally surpassing what he did as the talk of the high school scene in 2007.


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FAMU's Taylor fielding calls from prospects

Tallahassee, FL -- Joe Taylor has received more than a few telephone calls in the past month. They come from throughout the Southeast and other parts of the country from players, parents and alumni who try to convince the Florida A&M football coach that they've got his next super athlete.

"It's been crazy in terms of the number of calls that we've received," Taylor said Thursday. "Then, you have alumni calling because they know somebody."

The current dead recruiting period hasn't stopped Taylor's phone from ringing, in part, because of the program's success last season when the Rattlers won a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title. Taylor estimated that he's fielded at least 10 calls per day for the past month.

"I told the coaches this morning that it's a good thing that people want to be a part of you," he said. "When you do great things, you're going to attract more people. Winning (a share of the MEAC) championship didn't hurt either so what that allows us to do is be more selective."


Videographer: jesudomine;  Who will be the next great one from FAMU?  Bullet Bob Hayes (#702)  winning the 100m final in a time of 10.0 seconds, equaling the world record. Taken from Kon Ichikawa's documentary Tokyo Olympiad (東京オリンピック Tōkyō Orinpikku) from 1965.

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VISIT: FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS

Becton leaves SCSU football program for job with Huskies

Orangeburg, SC -- There are at least two weeks remaining for the second annual "Lift-A-Bulldog" campaign to cover expenses for the football team to enroll in summer school and work out on campus.

Should head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough reach his goal of $50,000 which would be matched by the athletics department to make it possible for the team to remain this summer in Orangeburg, the players will be working with a new strength and conditioning coach.

The T&D has confirmed that Torre Becton has left the program to accept a new job with the University of Washington. Becton will serve as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Huskies' football team.

"The University of Washington is in a major conference," Becton said in a telephone interview. "It's an up-and-coming program under head coach Steve Sarkisian and it was just an opportunity that was too much to turn down."

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Long-suffering Howard basketball pulls in heralded recruiting haul

"We’re going to shock the world. That’s what we plan on doing."

Washington, D.C. - Howard men’s basketball coach Kevin Nickelberry was never confident about securing a commitment from Prince Okoroh, the Eleanor Roosevelt forward who Nickelberry felt was good enough to play in the Atlantic 10 Conference and smart enough to thrive in the Ivy League.

As a Gates Millennium Scholar, Okoroh had his choice of schools. Would Okoroh want to suit up for a team that had won just six games this past season? Would he commit to a program whose basketball court was sprinkled with dead spots and whose poorly ventilated locker room was no bigger than a large storage closet?

The answer was yes. And when Okoroh called Nickelberry with the news in mid-April, a few days before he was named MVP of the preliminary game of the Capital Classic, the coach was “astonished,” Okoroh recalled. “He almost didn’t believe me at first. When I told him I was coming, it was almost like he fainted.”

Videographer: NCSAbasketball; Prince Okoroh Recruiting Video--Eleanor Roosevelt High School star forward will major in Chemical Engineering at Howard.

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VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Note:
This is exceptionally great news for the MEAC! No doubt Coach Nickleberry will produce a highly competitive program that will change the dynamics of the MEAC conference. Heck, it's time to purchase season tickets, as the Bison conference schedule will be very exciting with Hampton, Morgan State, NCCU, Savannah State, Bethune Cookman, A&T, Coppin State and upstarts---FAMU with new Coach Clemon Johnson, Del. State, SCSU, Norfolk State and UMES. There are no easy road games in MEAC conference. On any given night...the Bison may stampede them all!

See what a talented athletic director will do for your sports programs (Skip Perkins). Great job, Howard University!

beepbeep

NCAA baseball roundup: Regionals start Friday

The NCAA baseball tournament begins Friday, and the Tallahassee boasts one of the toughest fields, featuring three teams with an RPI ranking of 35 or better. Host Florida State (42-17) is the No. 1 seed and favorite to win the regional thanks to a strong hitting lineup led by James Ramsey and ace pitcher Sean Gilmartin.

The Seminoles start regional play against No. 4 seed Bethune-Cookman at 6 p.m. Catcher Pete O'Brien has been the steadiest performer for the Wildcats, who have amassed 46 consecutive MEAC wins.

No. 2 seed UCF (38-21) is the only school in this year's tournament field to claim wins against all three teams in its regional pod during the regular season. The Knights have relied on a talented, balanced hitting lineup anchored by Jonathan Griffin and D.J. Hicks. UCF needs its improving pitchers to step up in order to advance.

The Knights will face No. 3 seed Alabama (33-26) at noon. The Crimson Tide is riding...

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WATCH GAME: Games 1 and 2 on Friday will not be televised but you can watch the FSU Seminoles vs. BCU Wildcats on Seminoles All-Access : CLICK HERE. (UPDATE: The stream will be FREE). Games on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (if necessary) featuring Florida State will be on either Sun Sports or FoxSports Florida.

Dekine is Xavier's first female Academic All-District athlete

NEW ORLEANS — Brianna Dekine is the first female athlete from Xavier University of Louisiana to be chosen to a Capital One Academic All-District team.

Dekine, a sophomore chemistry/pre-medical major from Culver City, Calif., and a graduate of Culver City High School, was announced Thursday as a member of the District 6 College Division track and field/cross country team. The College Sports Information Directors of America selected the 12-member team.

Dekine was All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference in cross country in 2009 and 2010, helping the Gold Nuggets win GCAC team championships both years and qualify for the NAIA National Championship in 2009. She finished fourth in the GCAC meet in November.

An honor-roll student all four semesters at Xavier, Dekine is a charter member of the XU chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society and a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-medical honor society. She also was part of a team visit to Children's Hospital patients and a volunteer worker at the United Negro College Fund's Fund Run/Walk.

District 6 comprises schools from six states: Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. There are eight districts nationwide, and teams represent the university division (NCAA Division I members) or the college division (everyone else, including Xavier). Nominees must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They also must have completed at least one full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility. First-team Academic All-District members advance to the Academic All-America® ballot.

Dekine is the only athlete from an HBCU (historically black college or university) to be chosen to an Academic All-District team in women's track/cross country this year. She is one of 10 from the NAIA to be recognized and one of five from Louisiana colleges.

Dekine is the first XU athlete since 2008-09 to be named Academic All-District. That year three Xavier men — basketball's Kelechi Okoroha (second team), cross country's Joe Drexler-Dreis (first team) and tennis standout Terry Richardson (first-team at-large) — were recognized. Drexler-Dreis was chosen second-team Academic All-America®.

BRIANNA DEKINE
Capital One Academic All-District
Xavier University of Louisiana

2010-11 Capital One Academic All-District
Women's Track and Field/Cross Country College Division District 6 Team

Name School Year Hometown GPA Major
Samantha Alvarez Texas A&M-Kingsville So. Victoria, Texas 3.75 Pre-Med
Sarah Banman Southern Arkansas Sr. Pottsboro, Texas 3.92 Physical Education, Wellness & Leisure
Rachel Brady Trinity (Texas) Sr. Jakarta, Indonesia 3.90 Biology
Sonia Brady Trinity (Texas) Sr. Jakarta, Indonesia 3.93 Engineering
Emeline Crutcher Angelo State So. Wellman, Texas 3.72 Biology
Brianna Dekine Xavier So. Culver City, Calif. 3.92 Chemistry / Pre-Medical
Katie Dugie Texas A&M-Kingsville Sr. Yorktown, Texas 3.78 Business Marketing
Elana Edwards Trinity (Texas) So. Austin, Texas 3.93 Mathematics
Lauren Karnitz Arkansas Tech Sr. DeSoto, Kan. 3.82 Nursing
Cathryn Rittenberry Angelo State Jr. Carthage, Texas 4.0 Integrated Accounting
Rhiannon Roper Harding Jr. Fortuna, Calif. 3.94 Early Childhood
Ashley Teague Ozarks (Ark.) Jr. Lavaca, Ark. 3.84 Pre-Law & Strategic Communication

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

Super Elite Summer League tips off for the third time

NEW ORLEANS — The third annual Super Elite Summer League, a boys high school basketball event, tipped off Wednesday at The Barn, Xavier University of Louisiana's gymnasium.

Xavier and O. Perry Walker High School co-sponsor the league, which includes teams from Brother Martin, Catholic (Baton Rouge), Ellender, Jesuit, Karr, McDonogh 35, O. Perry Walker, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Scotlandville and Riverside.

"I am excited to have some of the best teams in the area back at Xavier this summer," XU men's coach Dannton Jackson said. "Approximately 150 young men will participate, and I look forward to evaluating the local talent. This event once again will benefit local basketball, the community and Xavier."

Games will be played on six consecutive Wednesdays, with the finale July 6.



Schedule (PDF file)

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

JCSU Leford Green named Division II National Men's Track Athlete of the Year

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced on Wednesday that Johnson C. Smith’s Leford Green and Abilene Christian’s Nick Jones was named the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Athletes of the Year. Green went undefeated and won the NCAA title at 400 meters while Jones helped Abilene Christian to a national team title with 18 points in the throws which included a third NCAA discus crown and a new championships record.

NATIONAL MEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Leford Green, Johnson C. Smith University

Green, a senior from St. Catherine, Jamaica, finished the season undefeated and won the NCAA title at 400 meters. In this year’s outdoor championships, Green clocked 45.74 in the open event, topping the nearest competitor by a full second. In 2010, Green won the 400 hurdles at the NCAA meet, and finished sixth in the national final of the event this season. Green was also the third leg of Johnson C. Smith’s winning 4×400 relay that clocked 3:07.59 for a second-plus win. Green was also on the 4×100 squad that placed fifth nationally.

At his conference meet, Green earned 2011 CIAA Male Athlete of the Meet honors after winning the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles, finishing second in the 200 meters, and running a leg on the Golden Bulls’ second-place 4×400-meter relay.

Past Winners:

2011: Leford Green, Johnson C. Smith

2010: Leford Green, Johnson C. Smith

2009: Aaron Braun, Adams State

2008: Scott Bauhs, Chico State

2007: Nicodemus Naimadu, Abilene Christian

2006: Nicodemus Naimadu, Abilene Christian

Courtesy: Tom Lewis, USTFCCCA

Alcorn State conjures visions of upset by TSU

Graham sees cause for Rice to be on alert

Houston, TX - When the regional pairings were announced for the NCAA baseball tournament, the Rice Owls already had a head-start on scouting reports. "They're not going to surprise us, that's for sure," Rice coach Wayne Graham said of No. 2 seed Baylor and No. 3 seed California being placed in the Houston Regional. "They've already beaten us."

Familiarity and a touch of don't-remind-us history will offer plenty of incentives why the top-seeded Owls can't overlook or underestimate the field in the four-team, double-elimination regional that begins Friday at Reckling Park.

The Owls, the No. 8 national seed, open the regional against fourth-seeded Alcorn State. The appearance of the Southwestern Athletic Conference champion offers another reminder of how quickly things can go awry in the postseason. In 2004, the Owls were the defending national champions and No. 6 national seed heading into the regional opener against Texas Southern.

HOUSTON REGIONAL
Reckling Park, Houston (Host: Rice)

No. 1 Rice (41-19, 16-8 in C-USA)
17th appearance (17 straight), automatic, Conference USA regular-season co-champion and tournament champion, No. 8 national seed

No. 2 Baylor (29-26, 13-14 in Big 12)
17th appearance (third straight), at-large, sixth place in Big 12 Conference

No. 3 California (31-20, 13-13 in Pac-10)
12th appearance (second straight), at-large, sixth place in Pacific-10 Conference

No. 4 Alcorn State (27-28, 19-4 in SWAC)
First appearance, automatic, Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champion

Rice's young pitching staff was thrown into the fire immediately during the Owls' challenging nonconference schedule, as ballyhooed freshmen righthanders Austin Kubitza (6-4, 2.33) and John Simms (3-2, 3.32) each took turns in the weekend rotation when the Owls opened against Stanford. Those young power arms matured in conference play, helping lead the Owls to a share of their fifth CUSA title in the six seasons since they joined the league, as well as their fourth CUSA tournament title.

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VISIT: ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: ASUSPORTS

WVU to take on Norfolk State in second game of 2011 season

Morgantown, WV -- When West Virginia takes on Norfolk State on Sept. 10 in Milan Puskar Stadium, it will likely be the Mountaineers' least important game of the season. It could be Norfolk State's biggest game, though. The Spartans have one game against a higher-division foe, and that's West Virginia.

The Mountaineers won't start with a lower-division opponent for the first time since the 2007 season, when they faced Western Michigan (The Mountaineers haven't faced a team from an automatic qualifier conference since 2005, when they faced Syracuse).

The biggest question isn't whether WVU will overlook Norfolk State when the two teams get together. The question will be, however, if the Mountaineers do overlook the Spartans, will it matter?

Norfolk State went 6-5 last year ...


Videographer: nsuathletics; Big East 2010 Game: NSU at. Rutgers Highlights.

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When America Thinks of Marching Bands...

FAMU's new coach hopes to reignite Rattlers' basketball

Tallahassee, FL -- Clemon Johnson, a Monticello native who set records at Florida A&M and also wears an NBA championship ring, finally experienced a homecoming Tuesday afternoon that was in the making for 18 years.

With about 200 Florida A&M fans looking on with the Marching 100 and cheerleaders as the backdrop at the Lawson Center, Johnson was introduced as the new men's head basketball coach. He hugged little children, signed autographs and took countless photographs, then pronounced himself ready to rebuild the program that had foundered as a bottom tier team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for the past four years.

At the same time, Johnson was at the University of Alaska Fairbanks gaining experience that he said will help him make the Rattlers winners. He was hoping to...



Rattlers welcome home Clemon Johnson

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 31) - Florida A&M University welcomed home one of its favorite sons to lead the men's basketball program today at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. Clemon Johnson, was officially presented to alumni, fans and family at a pep rally and press conference in his honor. The world-famous Marching "100" and the MEAC Co-ed Champions Cheerleaders were on hand to add to the excitement.

Johnson was a star basketball player for the Rattlers from 1974-1978. He was an All-SIAC and All-American selection his senior year at FAMU, with several of his records still standing to this day. Johnson went on to a solid career in the NBA, winning a world championship with the Philadelphia 76ers. He later started coaching in the high school ranks, before being hired at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks

FAMU interim Sports Information Director, Vaughn Wilson, presided over the event. FAMU Director of Athletics, Derek Horne, gave the welcome from the FAMU Athletic Department and FAMU President, Dr. James H. Ammons, welcomed the crowd of about 300 people to the event and introduced new head basketball coach Clemon Johnson.

Horne, was excited to have the search completed and a Rattler hired to guide the team. "It's a great day for not only FAMU, but our athletic department. We have an alum coming back to the hill that we think will do a great job for us," said Horne.

Ammons, was emphatic about doing what it takes to regain championship composure for the basketball program. An emphatic Ammons said, " We wanted someone who could come back and ignite that old Rattler spirit. When you think about Rattler sports, you immediately think about some of the great student-athletes who have been a part of this campus. You think of Althea Gibson, Bob Hayes and legendary coach Jake Gaither. Then, when you think about basketball, you think about Clemon Johnson."


Videographer: FAMUTube1887

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Howard University Announces New Additions to Coaching Staff‎

Howard University head football coach Gary Harrell has added the following coaches to his staff for the upcoming season:

Rayford Petty       Defensive Coordinator
Ted White            Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback Coach
Ron Bolton           Defensive Back Coach
Bobby Jones         Defensive Line Coach
Jonathan Brewer   Wide Receivers Coach
Chennis Berry       Offensive Line Coach
Theron Smith         Running Backs
Mike Andrews       Kicking Coach/Special Teams


Videographer: wcsaTV

Petty is no stranger to Howard. He served as head coach of the Bison from 2002-06. He also served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator here. The highly respected Petty has also served as defensive coordinator at both Delaware State and Norfolk State.

Petty was the defensive coordinator for the Bison during both the 1993 and 1996 seasons when the team captured the Black National championship.

White comes to Howard from Southern University where he served as quarterbacks coach last year. White is the Bison and MEAC all-time leading passer and total offense leader with almost 10,000 yards during his productive career at Howard from 1994-98.

White gained valuable coaching experience early in his career as a quarterbacks coach for Texas Southern University in 2006-07.

He played professionally for five years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White also had stints with the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Bolton also has strong ties to Howard, having served as defensive back coach under Petty from 2002-06 and playing a key role in the development of current NFL standouts, Antoine “Deuce” Bethea of the Indianapolis Colts and Ronald Bartell, Jr of the St. Louis Rams.

Prior to coming to Howard, Bolton served as secondary coach for Delaware State since 2009. He also coached at Norfolk State from 1997-2001 and at Liberty University from 1996-97.

Bolton played collegiately at Norfolk State and had an outstanding career before playing in the NFL for the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns.

Jones comes from Delaware State where he served as defensive line coach since 2009. Jones also served in the same capacity for the Bison under Petty from 2002-06. Jones played for Howard and was a member of the 1996 team that captured the Black National championship.


Videographer: meazteam1

Brewer comes to Howard from Johnson C. Smith where he served as wide receivers coach from 2006-09. He was a four-year letterman at Howard from 1999-2003 and was named all MEAC in 2003.

Berry comes to Howard from North Carolina A&T where he served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach the past five years. The 1996 Savannah State graduate has also served stints at Morgan State and Forth Valley State.

Smith comes to Howard from Bowie State where he had served since 2004. At Bowie State, Smith coached under Coach Harrell, who was the offensive coordinator. He graduated from North Carolina A&T in 1993.

Andrews brings a wealth of knowledge to the kicking game. He was a standout and all-conference selection at Morgan State. He served as both punter and placekicker for the Bears.

Samuel Pough, who served as wide receivers coach last season, will continue his role of video coordinator.

By Howard University Sports Information
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Fayetteville State to play Carson-Newman in Football on Sept. 8

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - For the first time since the 2004 NCAA Division-II playoffs, the Fayetteville State Broncos will play perennial powerhouse Carson-Newman in football in 2011.

And a win could mean a potential playoff berth for the Broncos.

Fayetteville State announced on Thursday it will travel to play the Eagles at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 in Jefferson City, Tenn. The Broncos were originally slated to play St. Paul's on the road in the second week of the season, but St. Paul's College announced earlier this month that it would not field athletic teams next season.

The opportunity to play Carson-Newman gives Fayetteville State 10 football games for the 2011 season -- the number needed to qualify for a playoff berth.

"We are fortunate Carson-Newman had an opening on its schedule and we were able to make a game," says Broncos football coach Kenny Phillips. "It goes for our 10th game, and if we're fortunate enough to have a good season, we'd be eligible for the playoffs."

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NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field All-America Recipients Named

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announces the 172 men and 153 women that earned USTFCCCA All-America distinctions for the 2011 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field season. A total of 416 awards will be given as a result of performances at the past weekend’s NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Turlock, California.

Just as the indoor season, Abilene Christian’s men and Grand Valley State’s women won NCAA team titles. Both squads were the top-ranked team by the USTFCCCA heading into the championships and ACU’s men went wire-to-wire as the nation’s No. 1 team throughout the outdoor season.

NCAA TEAM FINISHES

Abilene Christian scored 68 points for the team victory to extend their NCAA-record to 19 national outdoor team crowns. ACU has won the national crown in eight of the last ten years. The Wildcats claimed individual national titles with Desmond Jackson (200 meters), Amos Sang (10,000 meters), and Nick Jones (discus). Jones also placed second in the shot put and was the team’s top scorer with 18 points.

Adams State finished as the men’s runners-up with 55 points and national titles from Andrew Graham (1500 meters) and Luke Cragg (5000 meters). Lincoln (Mo.) placed third with 51 and Emporia State, with 43 points, earned fourth for their first “trophy” finish and highest national-team finish in school history (seventh, 1996).



Grand Valley State’s women scored 82½ points for the NCAA crown, holding off late-charging Lincoln (Mo.) who finished second with 68. For GVSU, it was their first outdoor crown, and, combined with national titles in cross country and indoor track & field, the school earned an academic-year “triple crown”. GVSU junior Lauren Buresh won a national crown in the shot put and Liz Murphy took first with the hammer throw.

For second-place Lincoln, junior Judith Riley won the 100 meters and led off the Blue Tigers’ 4×100 national-champ relay. Sophomore Yanique Haye won top honors in the 400 hurdles. Adams State placed third with 51 points as Indira Spence carried three top-three finishes, scoring 22 points in the 100, 200, and 100 hurdles. Cassie Mitchell won the steeplechase crown for the Grizzlies. With a national crown in the 100 hurdles, Shermaine Williams led Johnson C. Smith to a fourth-place showing.

USTFCCCA All-Americans (PDFs): By Team | By Event | All-America History

REPEAT CHAMPIONS

Johnson C. Smith’s Shermaine Williams was the first to three-peat in the 100 hurdles since Abilene Christian’s Delloreen Ennis-London won four straight from 1996 to 1999. And, Fort Valley State’s Antionette Oglesby won a third-straight NCAA championship in the women’s triple jump. Neely Spence of Shippensburg won a third-straight crown in the 5000-meter run, becoming the first in D-II outdoor history to do so.

Kimour Bruce for Lincoln (Mo.) won his second-straight title in the 100-meter dash. Amos Sang won a second-straight crown in the men’s 10,000 meters. In the men’s pole vault, Western Washington’s Ryan Brown captured a second-straight win. And, Ashland’s Ryan Loughney won the men’s hammer and UC San Diego’s Nick Howe won the men’s javelin for the second year in a row.

USTFCCCA ALL-AMERICA HONORS

ohnson C. Smith’s Leford Green led all men in earning four USTFCCCA All-America certificates from the 2011 outdoor track & field season. Green was the national champ in the 400 meters, sixth in the 400 hurdles, and was a member of the winning 4×400 relay and as part of the fifth-place 4×100 relay.

Lincoln (Mo.) led all men’s teams with 15 All-America certificates, followed by Saint Augustine’s (13), Abilene Christian (13), and Johnson C. Smith (12). Lincoln also had the most women’s certificates with 19, followed by Grand Valley State (16), Saint Augustine’s (10), and Adams State (9).

The schools of the MIAA had the most certificates among all conferences with 39 men’s and 40 women’s. The Lone Star Conference had the second-most on the men’s side, followed by the CIAA (26), the RMAC (26), and the GLIAC (24). The GLIAC was second in the women’s category with 30, followed by the RMAC (23), the CCAA (20), and the CIAA (19).

To earn USTFCCCA All-America honors, athletes must have scored any portion of a team point at the NCAA Championships. USTFCCCA membership by a program is required to earn All-America awards.



Excerpt:

2011 USTFCCCA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD ALL-AMERICA – NCAA DIVISION II

Event

Name

School

Triple Jump LaQuan Priest Claflin
4x100m Relay Winston Brown Johnson C. Smith
4x400m Relay Winston Brown Johnson C. Smith
4x400m Relay Jamille Callum Johnson C. Smith
110m Hurdles Andre Collins Johnson C. Smith
4x100m Relay Gabriel Franklin Johnson C. Smith
400m Dash Leford Green Johnson C. Smith
400m Hurdles Leford Green Johnson C. Smith
4x100m Relay Leford Green Johnson C. Smith
4x400m Relay Leford Green Johnson C. Smith
400m Dash Akino Ming Johnson C. Smith
4x100m Relay Akino Ming Johnson C. Smith
4x400m Relay Akino Ming Johnson C. Smith
400m Hurdles Steve Banton Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Steve Banton Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Jermaine Blake Lincoln (Mo.)
100m Dash Kimour Bruce Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Kimour Bruce Lincoln (Mo.)
100m Dash Dwain Bryden Lincoln (Mo.)
400m Hurdles Roxroy Cato Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Roxroy Cato Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Mandela Clifford Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Terrel Cotton Lincoln (Mo.)
100m Dash Terrel Cotton Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Ravel Grey Lincoln (Mo.)
200m Dash Dane Hyatt Lincoln (Mo.)
400m Dash Dane Hyatt Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Dane Hyatt Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Antonio Abney Saint Augustine’s
110m Hurdles Jason Boyd Saint Augustine’s
High Jump Christopher Copeland Saint Augustine’s
Triple Jump Orolando Duffus Saint Augustine’s
200m Dash Josh Edmonds Saint Augustine’s
400m Dash Josh Edmonds Saint Augustine’s
4x400m Relay Josh Edmonds Saint Augustine’s
400m Dash Kelly Fisher Saint Augustine’s
4x400m Relay Kelly Fisher Saint Augustine’s
100m Dash Ramon Gittens Saint Augustine’s
200m Dash Ramon Gittens Saint Augustine’s
4x400m Relay James Quarles Saint Augustine’s
110m Hurdles Gerkenz Senesca Saint Augustine’s
High Jump Maurice Hall Saint Paul’s

WOMEN

Event

Name

School

4x400m Relay Kimberly Johnson Albany State (Ga.)
4x400m Relay Kendra Nelson Albany State (Ga.)
4x400m Relay Ebony Stone Albany State (Ga.)
4x400m Relay Candice Vaughn Albany State (Ga.)
Long Jump Antionette Oglesby Fort Valley State
Triple Jump Antionette Oglesby Fort Valley State
4x100m Relay Naffene Briscoe Johnson C. Smith
100m Hurdles Rosemarie Carty Johnson C. Smith
4x100m Relay Lakaevia Tyler Johnson C. Smith
100m Dash Danielle Williams Johnson C. Smith
100m Hurdles Danielle Williams Johnson C. Smith
4x100m Relay Danielle Williams Johnson C. Smith
100m Hurdles Shermaine Williams Johnson C. Smith
4x100m Relay Shermaine Williams Johnson C. Smith
100m Dash Latoya Campbell Lincoln (Mo.)
400m Hurdles Latoya Campbell Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Latoya Campbell Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Nyoka Cole Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Nyoka Cole Lincoln (Mo.)
400m Hurdles Michelle Cumberbatch Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Michelle Cumberbatch Lincoln (Mo.)
400m Hurdles Yanique Haye Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Yanique Haye Lincoln (Mo.)
Triple Jump Kimberly Hodges Lincoln (Mo.)
400m Hurdles Keniesha Jones Lincoln (Mo.)
4x400m Relay Keniesha Jones Lincoln (Mo.)
100m Dash Latoya King Lincoln (Mo.)
200m Dash Latoya King Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Latoya King Lincoln (Mo.)
Triple Jump Sanchia Lee Lincoln (Mo.)
100m Dash Judith Riley Lincoln (Mo.)
200m Dash Judith Riley Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Judith Riley Lincoln (Mo.)
4x100m Relay Jaivairia Bacote Saint Augustine’s
400m Dash Nicketa Bernard Saint Augustine’s
4x100m Relay Nicketa Bernard Saint Augustine’s
4x400m Relay Nicketa Bernard Saint Augustine’s
4x100m Relay Sheena Johns Saint Augustine’s
4x400m Relay Sheena Johns Saint Augustine’s
4x400m Relay April London Saint Augustine’s
400m Dash Kelly Shaw Saint Augustine’s
4x100m Relay Kelly Shaw Saint Augustine’s
4x400m Relay Kelly Shaw Saint Augustine’s
400m Dash Janae Jones Stillman
400m Dash Samantha Edwards Virginia State

NCAA Championship Scoring Summary | National Rankings Final Week-by-Week

Courtesy: Tom Lewis, USTFCCCA

NCAA Division I Baseball Championship Bracket Released

Sixty-four team field announced, Regionals begin June 3.

INDIANAPOLIS --The field of 64 teams competing for the 2011 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship was announced today by the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee.

The national top eight seeds are Virginia (49-9), Florida (45-16), North Carolina (45-14), South Carolina (45-14), Florida State (42-17), Vanderbilt (47-10), Texas (43-15) and Rice (41-19).

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC) led all conferences in the number of teams in the championship field with seven apiece. The Big 12 and Pacific-10 had six each, while the Conference USA had four selected.

Making the tournament for the first time are Belmont of the Atlantic Sun Conference, Alcorn State of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and UALR of the Sun Belt Conference. Overall, 36 of the 64 teams were in the field last year.

Miami (Florida) is in the field for the 39th consecutive year, extending its own record. Florida State is making its 34th straight appearance, second all-time. Other long consecutive streaks: Cal State Fullerton (20), Rice (17), Oral Roberts (14) and Texas (13).

Of the 292 championship eligible Division I institutions that sponsor baseball, Virginia has the most Division I wins with 49.

• Interactive Bracket
• Printable Bracket
• Breaking Down the Field

Each of the 16 regionals features four teams, playing a double-elimination format. The regionals are scheduled to be conducted from Friday, June 3, to Monday, June 6 (if necessary). Selection of the eight super regional hosts will be announced on www.ncaa.com/cws, Monday, June 6 at approximately 11 p.m. ET.

The 65th Men’s College World Series begins play Saturday, June 18, at the new TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska.

FIELD BY CONFERENCE
Conference No. of Schools Schools
Atlantic Coast 7 Clemson, Florida St., Georgia Tech, Miami (Fla.), North Carolina, North Carolina St., Virginia
Southeastern 7 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi St., South Carolina, Vanderbilt
Big 12 6 Baylor, Kansas St., Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Texas, Texas A&M
Pacific-10 6 Arizona, Arizona St., California, Oregon St., Stanford, UCLA
Conference USA 4 East Carolina, Rice, Southern Miss., UCF
Atlantic Sun 3 Belmont, Jacksonville, Stetson
Big East 3 Connecticut, St. John’s, Seton Hall
Sun Belt 3 FIU, Troy, UALR
Big West 2 UC Irvine, Cal St. Fullerton
Mountain West 2 New Mexico, TCU
America East 1 Maine
Atlantic 10 1 Charlotte
Big South 1 Coastal Carolina
Big Ten 1 Illinois
Colonial 1 James Madison
Horizon 1 Wright St.
Independent 1 Dallas Baptist
Ivy 1 Princeton
Metro Atlantic 1 Manhattan
Mid-American 1 Kent St.
Mid-Eastern 1 Bethune-Cookman
Missouri Valley 1 Creighton
Northeast 1 Sared Heart
Ohio Valley 1 Austin Peay
Patriot 1 Navy
Southern 1 Ga. Southern
Southland 1 Texas St.
Southwestern 1 Alcorn St.
Summit 1 Oral Roberts
West Coast 1 San Francisco
Western Athletic 1 Fresno St.

FIELD BY STATE
State No. of Schools Schools
Florida 8 Bethune-Cookman, UCF, Florida, Florida St. FIU, Jacksonville, Miami (Fla.), Stetson
California 7 California, Cal St. Fullerton, UC Irvine, Fresno St., San Francisco, Stanford, UCLA
Texas 7 Baylor, Dallas Baptist, Rice, Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas St.
North Carolina 4 Charlotte, East Carolina, North Carolina, North Carolina St.
Georgia 3 Georgia, Ga. Southern, Georgia Tech
Mississippi 3 Alcorn St., Mississippi St., Southern Miss.
Oklahoma 3 Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Oral Roberts
South Carolina 3 Clemson, Coastal Caro., South Carolina
Tennessee 3 Austin Peay, Belmont, Vanderbilt
Alabama 2 Alabama, Troy
Arizona 2 Arizona, Arizona St.
Arkansas 2 Arkansas, UALR
Connecticut 2 Connecticut, Sacred Heart
New Jersey 2 Princeton, Seton Hall
New York 2 Manhattan, St. John’s
Ohio 2 Kent St., Wright St.
Virginia 2 James Madison, Virginia
Illinois 1 Illinois
Kansas 1 Kansas St.
Maine 1 Maine
Maryland 1 Navy
Nebraska 1 Creighton
New Mexico 1 New Mexico
Oregon 1 Oregon St.

Other Notes:

Thirty-six of the 64 teams were in the 2010 field. Three teams are making the field for the first time in the program’s history: Alcorn State, Belmont, UALR.

Seton Hall is in the field for the first time since 2001.

Bethune-Cookman is making its 12 appearance.

Miami (Fla.) is in the field for the 39th consecutive year, extending its own record. Florida State is making its 34th consecutive appearance, which ranks second all-time. Other long consecutive streaks include Cal St. Fullerton (20), Rice (17) and Oral Roberts (14).

By NCAA Press Release

NCAA: Alcorn State to Face Rice in Houston Regional

Lorman, MS - The Alcorn State Braves will face Rice University Friday at 6PM at Reckling Park on the campus of Rice, in Houston, Texas in one of many NCAA Regionals.

The Braves, making their first NCAA baseball appearance, will enter with a 27-28 overall record. Conference USA winner Rice enters with a 41-19 record and are ranked 8th nationally.

ASU, winners of the SWAC tournament, were primed to play in the state of Mississippi. Southern Mississippi didn't get a Regional host birth, however, and are meeting rival Mississippi State in the Atlanta Regional Friday.

Junior pitcher Steve Easter of Chicago, the SWAC leader in wins with eight, says that it doesn't really matter where the Braves are sent:" I had no preference but there were several projected sites. I and we are just happy to be going anywhere."

Easter doesn't know if he will start Friday, but would be ready: "I hadn't really thought about it, but it would really be big to start. As long as I would keep my pitches down and the defense works for me we'd be okay." Easter knows nothing about the Owl lineup, but may by Friday: "I don't know anything about them, but I have faced a couple of their players before. They are always good and them winning their conference says it all. That's all I need to know about them."

The other teams in the Houston Regional are Baylor at 29-26 and California at
31-20. They meet at 3PM Friday.

Should ASU win Friday, they would play at 6PM Saturday. Should they lose they would play at 2PM Saturday.

Games will be broadcast back to Mississippi on WPRL 91.7 FM.

By Alcorn State Athletics
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NCAA: Bethune Cookman is 4th seed, Tallahassee Regional

MEAC Champions B-CU Wildcats to face Florida State Seminoles on Friday, 6 PM EST.

When the NCAA Baseball Committee revealed its at-large selections Monday, there was Alabama, number three seed, headed to Tallahassee. Joining Alabama (33-25) in the four-team field are number one seed Florida State (41-16), number two seed University of Central Florida (38-21), and number four seed Bethune-Cookman (35-22). The Seminoles are the number five national seed in this year's tournament. The winner of the Tallahassee Regional will play the winner of the College Station (Texas A&M) Regional in the Super Regionals next week.

A number three seed is much better than a number four. It means not playing the home-standing number one seed in the first game, and also means likely having the support of the home team in the two vs. three game. But that doesn't mean an easy time since the Tide will be playing a team that has already defeated Bama this year.

The double-elimination regional begins Friday at 11 a.m. (CDT), when Alabama plays Central Florida at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. Florida State plays Bethune-Cookman on Friday at 5 p.m. (CDT). “It feels good to see our name up there, but it’s a really tough regional,” Crimson Tide Coach Mitch Gaspard said.

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Memorial Day; Remembering Two National Champions from Morgan State

It is a tradition since the Civil War on Memorial Day to place American flags on the grave sites of soldiers, and veterans. The practice will be followed this year from Arlington National Cemetery where 300,000 flags will be placed to veterans cemeteries across the country to smaller neighborhood burial sites.

On Saturday I was able to find and place a Flag at the grave site in New Rochelle, NY of Eugene Lee Evans, a college football player of sixty years ago. Evans who was known as "Dippy" played on the CIAA national championship team of Morgan State in 1949, then as a young Army officer, died heroically in the Korean War just three years later.

His teammate in high school in Pelham, NY and later in college was Eli Page Howard, Jr. another extraordinary athlete of the late 1940s who also died while serving our country in Vietnam. Lt. Col. Howard is one of those heroes at Arlington for whom a Flag will be placed, a hero of the Vietnam War. Perhaps for a moment we can remember him as the star quarterback at Morgan College throwing the ball ...

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