Former Florida A&M Rattlers star preparing for NFL camp

Tallahassee, FL - Curtis Holcomb didn't waste a minute after walking into the Success Athletic Training building. The former Florida A&M cornerback swirled his outstretched arms at shoulder height a few times and dove right into a rigid workout. He worked his way around a variation of weights and at a non-stop pace, then went on to knock out almost 100 push-ups.

As the 250th pick by the San Francisco 49ers in this year's draft, Holcomb knows that little is guaranteed. The current NFL lockout brings on a certain level of anxiety, too.



"I'm working hard every day, but I've got to keep that mindset that I'm working harder than the next person," said Holcomb, the first FAMU football player to be drafted since quarterback JaJuan Seider in 2000. "But, then again, I want to work hard because it gives me motivation."

The daily evening workouts that usually run for an hour is a boost of confidence as well as preparation, he said. He's been training with SAT owner...

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Southern’s Halls sign pro baseball contracts

Baton Rouge, LA - From the moment they got friendly with a baseball glove, Frazier Hall and Cody Hall worked and waited for their shot at the pros. Now the wait is over, and their lives are speeding up.

The two Southern University seniors, both taken earlier this week in the Major League Baseball draft, have signed pro contracts and will head to rookie camps Sunday.

Frazier Hall, the two-time Southwestern Athletic Conference player of the year, was selected in the 16th round by the Los Angeles Angels. The first baseman is headed to Tempe, Arizona, with the rest of the Angels’ draftees, where they’ll take physicals and work out for a few days. Frazier Hall said after that, he’ll be assigned to Orem, Utah, where he’ll play for the Angels’ short-season Class A team.

“I’m ready to go at it,” he said. “Now that it’s here, it’s crazy.”

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Former Delaware State Player and Coach Jackie DeVane named Head Women's Basketball Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan

Coach Jackie DeVane

Buckhannon, WV - West Virginia Wesleyan College Director of Athletics Ken Tyler announced today the hiring of Jackie DeVane as Head Women’s Basketball Coach. DeVane was selected from a pool of almost 100 applicants.

Tyler stated, "We are very pleased to welcome Coach DeVane to West Virginia Wesleyan. She brings a wealth of successful experience, as well as strong enthusiasm for teaching and coaching. Jackie will be a real asset to Wesleyan."

DeVane has spent 15 years as a collegiate head coach, including 10 on the Division I level. She began her career at Division II Cheyney University, where she led the Lady Wolves to their first 20-win season in 10 years. From Cheyney, DeVane was hired as the head coach at Division I Delaware State University, where she earned MEAC Coach of the Year honors. In addition, she coached the men’s basketball team for the final three games of their season and the conference tournament.

In 2000, DeVane accepted the head coaching position at Division I Monmouth University where she compiled an overall record of 75-57, made an appearance in the NEC finals, won the most games (18) since Monmouth joined the NEC, and set a school record with four consecutive winning seasons.

After so many years on the road, DeVane left coaching in 2005 to raise her daughter Kiki in a more stable environment. Kiki will be a freshman student-athlete at Bethune-Cookman University this fall. From her new base in Houston, Texas, DeVane stayed active in the game by coaching AAU and helping young athletes move on to college. During her 15-year head-coaching career, DeVane served on the Board of Directors of both the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association and the Black Coaches’ Association.

DeVane earned a bachelor’s degree from Delaware State, a master’s from Penn State, and has completed doctoral work at Temple University. DeVane was a four-year letter winner and captain at Delaware State and led the team in rebounding three years. She pulled down a school-record 28 rebounds in one game her freshman year, and was inducted into the DSU Hall of Fame in 1997.

DeVane summed up her hiring by stating, "I am excited to be a part of the West Virginia Wesleyan family. I think Ken Tyler is doing a wonderful job with the athletic department and I love that President Balch is so supportive of athletics! It’s an awesome feeling to be back in the saddle, and I’m looking forward to working with the student-athletes in the program."

What they’re saying about Jackie DeVane:

"She is a hard worker who pays close attention to dotting her I’s and crossing her T’s. Jackie is very diligent, is a great communicator, and is very smart when it comes to achieving educational goals."
-Hall of Fame Coach John Chaney, formerly of Temple University

"Wesleyan has hired a quality individual who also happens to be one of my favorite people. She is intelligent and relates extremely well to young people. She knows the game and is a great basketball coach who has always had a great love for the game. I think you guys got someone who the community will love. She is a very, very good recruiter and you’ll be very proud of the job she does with the young women that make up your basketball program. Congratulations on hiring such a beautiful person."
-Former Syracuse University Head Coach Marianne Freeman (DeVane’s coach at Delaware State)

By West Virginia Wesleyan College Sports Information

Colonial Heights' Phillingane will play softball at VSU next year

Colonial Heights, VA - For four years there has been one constant on the Colonial Heights softball team - senior pitcher Savannah Phillingane. Over her career, Phillingane has grown into one of the most competitive pitchers in the Central District with her delivery and hard-nosed attitude on the mound.

Next season, the Colonials pitcher will take those talents to Virginia State where she signed on the dotted line of a National Letter of Intent Tuesday to play college softball.

"This makes two players [Caitlin Underhill] in two years that we've seen gone on to play Division II softball, it is really exciting," said Colonial Heights coach Toni Martin. "I think it will be a good fit for her. She can do anything but I think that they might want her as a closer, but she really wants to catch."



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SWAC issues postseason bans for low APR

Presidents Adopt Postseason Ban Policy; SWAC adheres to NCAA ban, effective immediately

Birmingham, Ala. - The SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted Thursday to adopt a league policy to prohibit any member institution subject to NCAA postseason bans to include SWAC championships and tournaments. The policy is effective immediately.

Currently, the policy prohibits Southern University and A&M College and Jackson State University from being eligible to participate in the 2011 Farmers Insurance SWAC Football Championship, and it prohibits the Southern University and A&M College and Grambling State University men’s basketball teams from participation in the 2012 Farmers Insurance SWAC Basketball Tournament.

The NCAA already hit both schools with a postseason ban because of low APR scores, which were released last month. But the SWAC football championship did not apply because the NCAA considers the game an extension of the regular season. The league does not receive an automatic bid to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

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Former MEAC offensive coach lands at Georgetown

Former DSU and FAMU Running Backs
Coach Renato Diaz lands at 
Georgetown, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Georgetown University Head Football Coach Kevin Kelly has announced that Renato Diaz has joined the offensive coaching staff as the wide receivers coach and Tony Lucas has joined the staff as the running backs coach under the team's offensive coordinator David Patenaude.

"Renato and Tony both have a great passion for the game and are great teachers," Kelly said. "On the recruiting trail both will be excellent ambassadors for the Georgetown football program."

Diaz, a Miami, Fla. native, comes to the Hilltop with 15 years of coaching experience, having served the last three seasons as the running backs coach and kickoff and punt returners coach at Delaware State, where he helped Larrone Moore rank first in the nation in kick return average at 34.8 yards per return. Prior to his time with the Hornets, Diaz spent three seasons as the running backs coach with Florida A&M where he guided the Rattlers rushing attack rank 17th in the nation and first in the MEAC in all-purpose rushing in 2005 and 2007.

Diaz, who graduated from University of South Florida with a Bachelors of Science in Geology in 1983 got his start in coaching with the Bulls, where he rose from offensive assistant in 1996 to tight ends coach and special teams coordinator prior to moving to Columbia University in 2000.

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GAME OF NOTE:  10/15/2011-- Geogetown Hoyas at Howard Bison, Greene Stadium, Washington, D.C. 1:00 p.m.,  ET

Countdown to Football: 86 Days -- Alabama State off probation

This season, Alabama State will finally be free from the NCAA sanctions placed on the program in 2008.

The probation included a ban on postseason play in 2009 and a reduction in recruiting activities and scholarships in addition to the elimination of victories in the 2000 and 2001 seasons, including the 2001 SWAC championship.

"You can tell the student-athletes we're free and can get on with the business at hand," said fifth-year ASU coach Reggie Barlow.

Photo Galleries:
The Week in Pictures at ASU
May 15-21, 2011

The Week in Pictures at ASU
May 22-28, 2011

The Week in Pictures at ASU
May 29-June 4, 2011



Watkins Steps Down as Baseball Coach; Hornets Make Coaching Changes

Longtime Head Baseball Coach Larry Watkins has stepped down to take an administrative position within the Athletic Department, Athletic Director Stacy Danley announced Tuesday.

In other coaching moves, Head Volleyball Coach Sonia Price and Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach Bernard Sewell were relieved of their duties.

Assistant Coach Anthony Macon has been named Interim Head Baseball Coach, and Assistant Coach Frederick Whitt has been named Interim Head Volleyball Coach.

Watkins served as head baseball coach for 30 seasons and was just the third baseball coach in the school's history. A 1974 ASU graduate who played centerfield, Watkins became assistant coach upon graduation and was named head coach in 1982. This past season, the Hornets went 14-29 overall, 6-18 in conference play and were eliminated in the first round of Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament.

"To be associated with a program for more than 40 years takes a special individual," Danley said. "Coach Watkins is truly that person, one who has been tremendously dedicated to ASU and the baseball program. In this day and time, serving as head coach for 30 consecutive years at one school speaks of Coach Watkins' devotion and is a milestone that will be difficult to match. I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity."



Price had served as head volleyball coach for 16 seasons (1995-2010), while Sewell led the tennis programs for 14 seasons (1997-2011).

“After careful evaluation of the past history of each program, we are not receiving the needed results and will go in a different direction,” Danley said. “We will conduct a national search for whom we believe is the best candidate to lead these respective programs to a championship level.”

Last season, ASU Volleyball posted a 12-21 overall record and 3-5 in conference play as the Lady Hornets were eliminated in the second round of the SWAC Tournament. Price came to Alabama State in 1992 as an assistant coach in volleyball and women's basketball. She was named interim head volleyball coach in 1995 and became the permanent head coach one year later after relinquishing her role with women's basketball. Price also was Interim Athletic Director from August 2003-April 2004.

Sewell led the Lady Hornets to the 1999 SWAC Tennis Championship. This past season, the men's team was eliminated in the first round of the SWAC Tournament, while the women's team failed to qualify for postseason play.

By Alabama State University Sports Information

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Florida A&M Rattlers inks four hoopsters

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida A&M University men's basketball announces their 2011 signing class. The mixture of athletes concentrated on increasing the size of the Rattlers' front line. Four athletes have signed, with three coming from within the state of Florida and one from Georgia.

First year head coach Clemon Johnson, charged assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Tony Sheals, to get some size to bulk up the inside play and toughen the defense. The result is the signing of Eddie D'Haiti, Markee Teal, Nathaniel Drayton and D'Andre Bullard.  



D'Haiti, is from Orlando, Fla., and is a junior college transfer from Santa Fe College. He is 6'8" tall and weighs 235 lbs. He should help the Rattlers in the post position. He was an All-Mid Florida Conference player. He attended Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, where he led the team to a 43-13 record while playing there. He was shown interest by West Virginia, Valdosta St. and FAU.

Teal, is from State College of Florida (formerly Manatee Community College). He is from Ocala, Fla., where he attended Westport High School. He was also a first team Suncoast All-Conference selection as a post player. Teal stands 6'7" and weighs 220 lbs. He was shown interest by B-CU and St. Peters College.

Drayton, who goes by the name "Nate," is originally from Savannah, Ga. He is a junior college transfer from Salkehatchie Community College, where he was an All-Conference performer. Drayton plays the post and is 6'7" and 245 lbs. He was shown interest by Towson State, Coastal Carolina, and S.C. State.

Bullard, is a true freshman from Apopka, Fla. He attended Wekiva High School and was an All-County and All-Region player. He has good height for a point guard, standing 6'4" and 175 lbs. He was shown interest by Northeastern and Stetson University.

By Florida A&M Sports Information

Grambling State Eldred Barnett taken in MLB Baseball Draft

Grambling, LA---Grambling State Tigers junior outfielder Eldred Barnett was taken in the 29th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft by the World Champions San Francisco Giants.

The Benton, Louisiana native becomes the second consecutive Tiger outfielder taken in the MLB draft under head coach James Cooper who himself was taken in the 33rd round as an outfielder by the Houston Astros in 2004.

Barnett (6-2, 200), who was named to the All-Conference first team was also tabbed the Southwestern Athletic Conference newcomer of the year and selected to the 2011 SWAC Tournament All-Tournament team. Barnett led the team in hitting with a .355 batting average on 59 hits. He tallied 11 doubles on the season along with 41 runs scored and 44 RBI's.

“By far he was the best hitter on the team this past year, a guy you could just pencil in in the three hole for us, led the team in average and RBI and one of our top base stealers,” said Cooper.

“I'm proud of him. He started off here and had to transfer to another school because he wasn't a qualifier coming out of high school. The difference between him as a freshman here and after the JUCO did him some justice. He was able to come in and produce right away. It's going to be a tough road for him to make it to the big league but if he works hard and continues to get better day by day he will be able to make it.”

By GSU Sports Information

Former Claflin star Salley fields pro offers

Orangeburg, S.C. - Eric Salley has been spending a good deal of his time of late on Google. Tus far, the majority of the former Claflin star guard's searches have revolved around the country of Iceland. He hopes to have a few more destinations to search, but for now, it is the volcanic island in the North Atlantic that draws his interest because that is where his basketball career figures to take him.

"My agent has an offer for me from a team in Iceland," Salley said. "They are looking for a guard, and when they saw me, they went back and forth with my agent. Right now, we are just waiting to figure out the money situation."

And, Salley said, he is waiting on other offers. He said Spain would be an ideal destination.

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Saint Augustine's Rashaad Ingram Selected By San Diego Padres In MLB First-Year Player Draft

Raleigh, N.C. - Star shortstop Rashaad Ingram (Savannah, Ga.) of Saint Augustine's College was drafted Tuesday by the San Diego Padres on the second day of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Ingram was taken by the Padres in the 28th round with the 863rd pick. He becomes the second Saint Augustine's College player in three seasons to be drafted. Anthione Shaw, also a shortstop for the Falcons, was picked by the Oakland Athletics in 2009.

Ingram was drafted after a remarkable senior season in 2011. He captured national, regional and conference honors after leading the Falcons to a modern school record of 36 wins. The NCAA Division II leader in steals (80) and stolen bases per game (1.48), Ingram was named Daktronics Third Team All-American, Daktronics First Team All-Atlantic Region, All-CIAA first team and CIAA player of the year. He was one of 36 players nationally who was named to the College Baseball Lineup DII All-Star Team. Ingram led the Falcons in batting average (.390), hits (67), runs (72) and doubles (15) as a senior.

Ingram, tied for third in Division II in runs, finished his four-year career as one of the most decorated baseball players ever at Saint Augustine's College. He was part of a senior group that sparked a resurgence in the baseball program after four straight losing seasons including six wins the year before Ingram arrived.

The Falcons amassed 119 wins in four years. The baseball team won two CIAA regular-season titles, one CIAA Tournament crown, and made four consecutive CIAA Tournament finals appearances during that period.

By Saint Augustine's College Sports Information

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Southern University's Frazier Hall and Cody Hall get drafted by Major League Baseball

Baton Rouge, LA --When the big day began, Frazier Hall had a few phone conversations with baseball people — scouts, advisors and the like — who gave him encouraging news. They told the Southern first baseman that when the second day of the Major League Baseball draft got under way, he might go as early as the seventh round.

Then the waiting began. And continued. And continued. Frazier Hall was about to leave for an afternoon workout when the 16th round began. He took a few more phone calls, then checked his computer. The wait was over. The Los Angeles Angels took Frazier Hall in the 16th round Tuesday, giving him the shot at pro baseball he’s always dreamed of.


Videographer: MLB, SU's Frazier Hall

Less than an hour later, the San Francisco Giants took his teammate, right-hander Cody Hall, in the 19th round. The celebration began.

Frazier Hall, Cody Hall get a shot at pro ball

Frazier Hall and Cody Hall are both off the board.

Southern’s top two baseball prospects were selected within an hour of each other Tuesday during the Major League Baseball draft — first baseman Frazier Hall going in the 16th round to the Los Angeles Angels; right-hander Cody Hall going in the 19th round to the San Francisco Giants.

Frazier Hall earned his second straight Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year award this season, thanks mostly to his sparkling offensive numbers.

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Bethune-Cookman's Peter O'Brien selected by Colorado Rockies in 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft

Daytona Beach, FL - Bethune-Cookman University catcher Peter O'Brien became the first area player selected in the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Tuesday, chosen with the 107th overall pick by the Colorado Rockies. O'Brien, a junior catcher for the Wildcats and a Miami native, was selected in the middle of the third round. This season he helped lead Bethune-Cookman to another NCAA Regionals appearance, batting .304 with 14 home runs and 69 RBIs.

"It's awesome and I'm so excited," O'Brien said by phone, a few minutes after being chosen. "It was a hectic time but I'm glad its over." O'Brien said the Rockies were one of the most interested teams in him this spring.



Peter O'Brien, C: Rockies third round selection / 107th overall out of Bethune-Cookman University

O'Brien, 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, spent three seasons at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, FL where he started all 61 games behind the plate for the Wildcats in 2011. In his junior season, O'Brien hit .304 (70-for-230) with 29 extra-base hits, including a team-high 14 home runs. O'Brien led the Wildcats with 20 home runs and a .384 batting average and picked off nine runners and catching 20 attempted base stealers during his sophomore season. He also drove in 56 RBI 2010. O'Brien was also named the MEAC Player of the Year following his sophomore season. O'Brien was rated the 13th-best prospect in the state of Florida, and the 103rd-best prospect overall in the draft by Baseball America. Additionally, he was ranked the seventh-best catcher available in the draft by Baseball America.

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Oakland Athletics select North Carolina A&T slugger Xavier Macklin in 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft

Xavier Macklin

GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Carolina A&T slugger Xavier Macklin is a member of the Oakland Athletics organization. On the second day of the First-Year Major League Baseball Player Draft, Macklin was selected in the 12th round as the 376th pick. Macklin is the first Aggie taken in the draft since the St. Louis Cardinals selected C.J. Beatty in the 26th round in 2009.

Macklin, a junior out of Rocky Mount, N.C., posted impressive power numbers throughout his Aggies career. He hit .357 with 49 home runs and 183 RBIs as he set school marks in home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage. Macklin's reputation for power can be measured in his .705 career slugging percentage. He ends his collegiate career with three first-team All-MEAC honors.

Macklin said he was informed about being drafted at approximately 5 p.m. Apprehension and nervousness drove him away from following the draft hours before the Athletics selected him. Macklin received a phone call from a friend notifying him of the good news. A local A's scout who lives in Greensboro made the official call for the organization.

"I can't describe this feeling right now," said Macklin. "It's crazy. It's surreal. It's like I'm not even here right now."

The 2011 season solidified Macklin's status as a MLB prospect. He hit .355 with 22 home runs and 67 RBIs. Nationally, he ranks second in home runs and home runs per game. He owns the fourth-best slugging percentage in the nation and his RBIs per game ranks him 11th.

"He really deserves this," said N.C. A&T head coach Keith Shumate. "People recognize how much talent this young man has, but I don't think people know how hard he worked to get to this point. He had a legendary career at A&T."

Macklin is one of only two MEAC players who have been selected thus far. Bethune-Cookman catcher Peter O'Brien went in the third round to the Colorado Rockies. Macklin becomes the seventh player under Shumate to be taken in the MLB Draft. He is the fourth Aggie in the last five years to be selected, and earned the second highest draft position of any Aggie selected during the Shumate era. Duron LaGrande was drafted in the 10th round by the Montreal Expos in 2004.

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information

Alvin Brown and the Decline of the Willie Gary Football Classic

Early in the campaign, several local reporters commented on the elusive nature of his work history, lamenting that it was difficult to accurately assess Mayor-elect Alvin Brown’s performance in a seemingly endless series of over-lapping jobs held since leaving the Clinton Administration more than a decade earlier. It seems that Brown’s role as president and executive director of the once-promising Willie E. Gary Football Classic, a scholarship program featuring an annual match-up of historically black colleges, might provide the most important clue as to his leadership abilities.

Founded by flamboyant trial attorney Willie Gary in 2002, the annual football game started out as something of a smashing success. In its early years, the classic was played at Alltel Stadium and drew relatively decent crowds — averaging about 15,000 per game between 2002 and 2004. Not bad for an annual match-up between two smaller schools.

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Videographer: TheOProductions1907

Albany State University adds Valdosta to football schedule

ALBANY, GA — A rivalry has been renewed. Albany State University and Valdosta State University have inked a contract that will pit the football teams against each other on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., ASU athletic officials announced on Monday. The one-year deal — which could eventually turn permanent — also gives Albany State an additional home game this season and finalizes the 2011 football schedule.

“We would have liked to have this 10th game scheduled a long time ago, but it worked out this way,” ASU coach Mike White said. “(Valdosta) is a very good team, and they have a very good record against us.” In fact, the VSU Blazers have won 13 of the 14 meetings in the series, which dates to 1982. The teams haven’t played since 2007, when the Blazers won, 41-3, in Valdosta.

“We’re thrilled to have Albany State back on our schedule,” said VSU head coach David Dean. “With the proximity of the two schools, it has always been a great rivalry and a big event for South Georgia. Both schools always bring large crowds to the games, and they have seen...

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

WSSU losing two assistant coaches

Bobby Collins, the men's basketball coach at Winston-Salem State, gave credit for his team's successes to the assistant coaches as often as possible. Whether it was in recruiting or in preparing for opponents, Collins said that Murray Garvin and Byron Jones were valuable assets for the Rams.

But next season, he'll be without them — both have left WSSU and moved on to other jobs. Garvin, WSSU's associate head coach for the past three seasons, has taken an assistant coach's job at S.C. State. Jones, who played a part in the Rams' 19-8 record and CIAA Southern Division title last season, has taken a job at Fresno State.

"It's good that my coaches are being noticed," Collins said. "I think that proves that my system works pretty well when you get the right players and the right mix." Collins said he hopes to hire new assistants by July 1 and said he already has received nearly 50 résumés.


Videographer: QCQT09

Former West Valley pitcher to throw for Arkansas-Pine Bluff

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Andrew Wixon is going to take the mound next season at the NCAA Division I level next season. The former West Valley High School standout and right-handed sophomore pitcher for Herkimer County Community College in New York recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

At the time of his signing, the 6-foot-5, 190-pounder had a 3-2 record with a 0.96 earned-run average. Wixon’s junior college career ended last weekend, when Herkimer lost a best-of-three NJCAA Region III Sub-Regional series to Erie Community College (N.Y.) in Little Falls, N.Y. Wixon started the first game, an 8-4 win for Herkimer on Saturday, and threw 2 1/3 innings, allowing an earned run.

Hermiker finished the season 19-17 overall, including 18-12 in Region III and 13-8 in the Mountain Valley Conference.

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Videographer: Krank04; M4 Fight Song and Bottoms Up

DSU Hornets To Compete at NCAA Track & Field Championships

DES MOINES, Iowa – For the third straight year, the Delaware State University men's outdoor 4x400 relay team will compete for a national title at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held this Wednesday through Saturday at Drake Stadium on the campus of Drake University.

The Hornet squad of sophomores Tyquan Brown (Neptune, N.J.), Ryan Carter (Wilmington, Del.) and Tariq Devore (Queens, N.Y.) in addition to junior Leslie Murray (Hyattsville, Md.) qualified for competition after posting a fourth-place time of 3:05.64 at the East Regional, held in Bloomington, Ind.

Prior to the regionals, the quartet was ranked seventh nationally with a time of 3:04.49 that was set at the IC4A Championships. Earlier this season, DSU won the MEAC and IC4A titles in the relay.

The relay will compete at 8:20 p.m. Thursday in the 4x400 semifinals. The finals will be held on Saturday at 1:50 p.m.

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16 Shaw High School (Ohio) members of marching band sign letters of intent to attend college

East Cleveland school band members college-bound

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio - Although 16 graduating members of the Shaw High School marching band in East Cleveland did not have their musical instruments in their hands, there was music in where they all sat facing their parents and other supporters.

The students all signed "letters of intent" to attend colleges or universities. The East Cleveland School System makes a special program of the letter signings for its members of the high school marching band.

"Thirty percent of what we do is music," said Donshon Wilson, the band director. "However, the other 70 percent is academics."

The students sat shoulder-to-shoulder at long tables as their parents and other supporters beamed smiles across a room, where marching band trophies glittered under the daylight streaming through the windows. Some parents cried with happiness for the graduating seniors.

"Mr. Wilson made him realize that you start being serious," said Sheila Scruggs, describing how music helped her son find a stronger place in life. "Mr. Wilson taught him to be a leader, not a follower."


Videographer: WEWSTV; Shaw High School Mighty Cardinal Band, East Cleveland, Ohio, May 31, 2011.

Videographer: rodneyreynoldsrr; SHAW HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND, Jan. 23, 2011.

Videographer:jaboes; The Shaw Band marched in the 2008 International Marching Band Salute to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was an event of the Beijing City Festival "Perform in Harmony-With Olympic Spirit" and it was an honor for the Shaw Band students of inner-city East Cleveland, Ohio to be selected as one of the premier bands to represent the USA. Shaw was one of only five U.S. high schools playing in the International Salute to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in China. Band director Donshon Wilson said the community donated about $500,000 to help send 52 students and 16 adults to China, purchase new uniforms and instruments, and funds to start a middle school band feeder program in East Cleveland.

The institutions the students agreed to attend were Central State (Ohio), Alabama State, Kent State, Bowling Green and Youngstown State Universities. Also on the list were Florida A&M, Wilberforce, Howard University, Cuyahoga Community College, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and the University of Toledo.

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North Carolina A&T Aggies has opponent for home opener

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina A&T football team has an opponent for Saturday, Sept. 3. The Aggies are scheduled to play Virginia University of Lynchburg at Aggie Stadium. Game time is 4 p.m.

"I want to first thank the Aggie family for its patience while we searched for a new opponent," said Director of Athletics Earl Hilton. "It was important to provide our devoted fans with an exciting five-game home schedule. (VUL) is one of the original members of the CIAA, so we are pleased to be playing an institution with a similar history to ours."

Like N.C. A&T, VUL is a former member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. VUL is returning to collegiate football after nearly seven decades without it. The Dragons are currently a university-sponsored independent who offers students athletic scholarships. VUL is in the process of reapplying to the NCAA as a Division II athletics program with hopes of becoming a CIAA member again. The Dragons' current governing body is the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. VUL also sponsors men's and women's basketball, men's golf and men's and women's track and field.

North Carolina A&T finished 1-10 overall and 1-7 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference last season. With the hiring of a proven winner -- Head Coach Rod Broadway, expectations are high in AggiesNation.

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information


Videographer: SpeechlessQue; NCA&T Whoa

North Carolina A&T signs four 3-star players for basketball

GREENSBORO, N.C. - In an attempt to add speed and versatility to the 2011-12 North Carolina A&T women's basketball team, head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs has announced the signing of five new players.

Ariel Bursey, Kelsei Ewings, Chyanna "Chy" Cunningham, Kierra Dunnington, and Adriana Nazario will try to add to what has become a championship program at N.C. A&T. Bursey, Ewings, Dunnington and Nazario are considered three-star recruits (out of five stars) by ESPN HoopGurlz.

Recruiting expert Dan Olson of Collegiate Girls Basketball Report, called the Aggies' class "by far the best amongst all HBCUs."

Earlier this year, the Aggies inked Jaylan Bodiford (6-2, Ballard Louisville, Ky.), Jasmine Parker (6-2, A.L. Brown, Kannapolis, N.C.) and Eboni Ross (6-2, Eau Claire, Columbia, S.C.). Tiffanie Adair, a 2010 signee, will also be added to the Aggies roster this year, bringing the Aggies total number of newcomers to nine. Bodiford, Cunningham, and Ewings were McDonald's All-American nominees.

"There are some outstanding guards in our conference," said Bibbs. "We had to improve our depth and team speed so we can defend those guards. We want to be able to matchup with any lineup our opponents put on the floor."

Bursey (5-10, Western Harnett, Sanford, N.C.) is ranked the 35th best guard in the nation. Bursey enters her collegiate career with the reputation of being a scorer. Over the final two seasons of her high school career, she averaged 25.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. In the classroom, she earned a 4.2 grade point average. Her sister Trinity Bursey played at the University of North Carolina.

"She is super athletic and gets to the rim quickly," said Bibbs. "She is one of the highest rated players we have ever signed. She has good size and huge hands. But the thing I like about her most...she will play defense."

Ewings (5-5, West Point, West Point, Miss.) provides the Aggies with another scorer. She averaged 27.0 points and 6.0 assists per game. She is the No. 7 rated player in the state of Mississippi. ESPN HoopGurlz gives her a grade of 83 (out of 100), and ranks her as the 103rd best point guard in the country. In the Mississippi All-Star game, she was awarded Defensive Player of the Game.

"We are excited about finally having a smaller guard who can defend some of the small guards in our conference," said Bibbs. "She is lightning quick and a true menace defensively."

Cunningham (5-10, Tupelo, Tupelo, Miss.) is another Mississippi product headed to N.C. A&T. Ranked No. 17 in the state, Cunningham can play shooting guard, point guard and small forward. She is ranked 86th among guards in the nation. She averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game.

"She is going to be able to do so many things for us," said Bibbs. "She is a versatile athlete who can defend several different positions."

Dunnington (5-10, Indian River, Chesapeake, Va.) averaged 17.7 points and 8.1 rebounds as a senior. Maxpreps.com ranked her the 77th best player in the state of Virginia. The Aggies, who shot 27.7 percent from 3-point range during the 2010-11 season, welcome her ability to knock down perimeter jump shots. She is ranked the 121st guard in the country.

"We are so pleased to be able to go into the Tidewater area and get a player of this quality," said Bibbs. "That is a tremendous accomplishment for our program. She is lightning quick on the defensive end, and she is going to hit some big threes for us."

Nazario's father Dre Nazario told ESPN HoopGurlz, "North Carolina A&T offers (Adriana) a family environment with a top notch education along with a competitive team that always has a goal of challenging for a championship." Nazario (5-8, George Washington, Charleston, WVa.) verbally committed to Virginia Tech originally, but later decided to come to Aggieland. She is ranked No. 7 in the state of West Virginia, and Jumpoffplus.com ranks her 140th in the nation.

"We landed a steal here," said Bibbs. "You're talking about a young lady who was an All-State performer and the conference player of the year. She will be a perfect fit here."

By North Carolina A&T State Sports Information
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Video: Damon Allen and the great Canadian QB hope

When football fans rave about their favourite quarterbacks they usually talk about arm strength or how smart he is. Rarely do they speak about feet. And that’s a shame, according to Damon Allen. The Canadian Football League’s all-time leader in passing yards helped rookie Calgary Stampeders quarterback Brad Sinopoli train during the month of May. The main focus during their four workouts was footwork.

“Football is a game you play waist down,” Allen said following a training session with Sinopoli last Friday at Toronto’s York University. “No matter what position you play I always believed if you can make a guy’s feet better then he’ll become a better all-around player automatically.”


Videographer: nationalpost; 5 Drills: Damon Allen trains Calgary Stampeders quarterback Brad Sinopoli

In the video above Allen, who retired following the 2007 season, explains five different drills he had Sinopoli do, which will help improve his footwork.

“How often does a quarterback actually get a chance to throw in a balanced situation? Never,” said Allen. “A quarterback is almost always throwing on the move. It’s rare that you just drop back and get the time to throw. The majority of time you’re on the move and you have to slide and reset and throw or throw on the run or make something happen outside the pocket.”


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Hampton University: Dream come true' for new Stamp

CALGARY - LaMarcus Coker called his audition with the Calgary Stampeders a “dream come true.” As it turned out, the shifty running back didn’t get much chance to dream about it on the eve of rookie camp at McMahon Stadium.

“It’s been a while since I’ve practised at this level of competition, so I was anxious. I didn’t even get much sleep last night,” Coker said. “I stayed up studying my playbook till 2 a.m., and by the time I finally fell asleep, it felt like I was opening my eyes back up at 5:30 a.m. to come over here and get treatment and get my ankles taped up.”

If Coker was feeling sluggish, it didn’t show during Thursday’s opening sessions of Stampeders rookie camp at McMahon Stadium. During offensive drills, the 24-year-old ball-carrier rattled off a couple of impressive runs, showcasing his speed on the big field. If he shows enough to earn a full-time job with the Red & White, he’s not expecting many more late nights.  “I’m just here to work, and the recreational stuff, just leave that to the side,” Coker said.

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Morgan State, Mississippi Valley and Tennessee State in 2011 iBN Sports Las Vegas Invitational

The 11th annual iBN Sports Las Vegas Invitational is pleased to announce their lineup for the 2011 tournament. The stellar field includes 2007 LVI Champion North Carolina Tarheels, UNLV, USC, University of South Carolina, Morgan State, Cal. Poly., Mississippi Valley, and Tennessee State.

The first two rounds will be played on campus sites with the semifinals and finals set for the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 25 and 26.

Two-day basketball tournament on Friday, Nov. 25 & Sat. Nov. 26, with 4 games each day. Sold as a 2-day package ONLY. Package prices are $170, $138, $117 and $85. Game times are TBD.

SPECIAL HOTEL ROOM AND TICKET PACKAGE
Call 800-675-3267 to book now!
Includes Friday night and Saturday night (November 25 & 26, 2011), resort fee, and two ticket packages
$400 = 2 nights and 2 $85 ticket packages
$466 = 2 nights and 2 $117 ticket packages
$508 = 2 nights and 2 $138 ticket packages
$572 = 2 nights and 2 $170 ticket packages