FAMU eager to pump up its brand

Tallahassee, FL - Whenever Angela Suggs sits in front a potential corporate supporter of Florida A&M athletics, she seldom goes by the routine marketing script. She lets her on-campus background set the precedent. John Burt didn't grow up on FAMU's campus like Suggs did, but he understands the culture of an HBCU.

FAMU clearly is banking heavily on Burt and Suggs. He is a representative of the mega collegiate marketing firm IMG. She is FAMU's associate athletic director for marketing. Together, they have the task of helping the school's athletic department raise millions of dollars, and at the same time get fans back in the kinds of numbers that will have its teams performing in front of packed or near-packed arenas regularly.

It is the first time in at least 20 years that FAMU has made such an intense effort.



So the obvious concept is this: Increase attendance to make the work of Burt and Suggs a little easier. In the meantime, the duo believes FAMU's past success, such as its victory in the first Division I-A championship game in 1978 and its past history of winning titles along with academic achievements and social involvement, make the school recognizable.

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Home for the Holidays: Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Fraizer spends the weekend in Columbus

Columbus, Miss. - Leslie Frazier is accustomed to heat. After all, he was raised in Columbus and grew up beneath the glare of the Mississippi sun. If the suffocating temperatures or the stranglehold of a media gaggle perturbed him Saturday afternoon, he didn't let it show. Instead, the Columbus native turned Minnesota Vikings head coach trotted easily up the steps of City Hall, ever the picture of grace and restrained Southern charm.

If anything good can be said of the NFL lockout, it is this: At least it gives a man a chance to spend a holiday with his family and old pals, away from the fishbowl. Well. Sort of.

Frazier arrived in Columbus Friday evening with his wife, Gale, his daughter, Chantel, his son, Corey, and a notebook-wielding, tripod-laden entourage that included a television crew from Minneapolis-based ABC affiliate KPTV and writers from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Outside City Hall on Saturday, beneath a shade tree on Main Street, Frazier insisted that the lack of privacy doesn't bother him, even when it turns a holiday weekend down home with the family into a media circus. It comes with the territory, he said. You can accept the exposure or wilt beneath it, but if you remember who you are and whom you represent, somehow things work out according to God's plan.
His unshakable faith has imparted to him an almost unflappable confidence, and it guides his every step.

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Germany to join Southern football staff

Baton Rouge, LA - Chadwick Germany said when he took over as head coach at Capitol High Academy, he hoped it would lead to a college job. He got what he wanted.

Germany said Friday he has left Capitol to become quarterbacks coach at Southern University, where he’ll try to improve the Jaguars’ passing attack and strengthen their recruiting efforts in Baton Rouge, where they failed to sign a single recruit this season.

“(Friday) is my first day at Southern. Thursday was my last day at Capitol,” Germany said.

“When I got the job at Capitol, my plan was to stay five years, and I wound up staying six. The goal was to have a chance to coach on the college level, and I’m getting that Southern. I’m excited about it. I’ll also be recruiting the Baton Rouge area, and hopefully I can find a niche there.” That’s what Stump Mitchell has in mind.

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Former TCC standout having sucess at Miles

Fairfield, AL - Former Talladega County Central standout, Reginald Virges is excited about what the upcoming season holds for the Golden Bears of Miles College. After two solid seasons, Virges believes the changes they have made in the off-season will help them to reach their goal of making it to the postseason.

“My first two years up there were good,” Virges said. “I came in as a freshman and I didn’t know that I was going to get the starting spot like that. When I came in I got the starting spot and started playing. I feel like this year is going to be a better because we have better coaches that can help us go somewhere this year.”



Last season, Virges recorded 81 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss of 87 yards and six sacks for a loss of 46 yards.  “I was the leader of the defense last season,” Virges said. “I am trying to make this team into a better team, we are trying to get to the playoff this year. We haven’t made the playoffs the last couple years and our goal is to make it to the playoffs and to turn this program around.”

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SUNO releases 2011-2012 basketball and volleyball schedules

New Orleans, La. - The Southern University at New Orleans Lady Knights will open their 2011-2012 season on November 5th in Dallas, Texas against Paul Quinn with the home opener on November 12th against Concordia-Selma. SUNO's women will also play two exhibition games, one at Southern on November 11th and the other at Nicholls State on November 30th. SUNO will also participate in the University of St. Thomas Tournament in Houston, Texas on December 19th and 20th.

SUNO's women finished the 2010-2011 season 18-5 and 3-4 in conference. A team made up mostly of underclassmen, Coach Elston King is licking his chops at the prospect of taking his young team's performance to the next level after a record-breaking season.

Forward Christine Conner, who will be a senior, was named an NAIA Honorable Mentiona All-American. She and former standout guard/forward LaTiondra Smith both made the All-GCAC team while guard Lydia Ross grabbed GCAC Co-Freshman of the Year honors.

2011 SUNO Volleyball Schedule Released

Coming off the most impressive one-season turnaround in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, the SUNO Lady Knights are preparing for what promises to be an intense season. After finishing their inaugural 2009 season with one win, SUNO achieved the improbable by reaching the finals of the GCAC Tournament in 2010. The season features matches against NCAA opponents the University of New Orleans and Alcorn State University.

The Lady Knights will also renew acquaintances against former conference rivals. The season opens in The Castle against Loyola on August 27th with Spring Hill College also on the docket. SUNO's conference schedule will consist of three in-season tournaments at Philander Smith, Talladega, and Dillard.

For Coach Naomi Washington the name of the game will be hustle and communication on the court. Washington feels that freshman signee, Christal Hollins, will add an athletic spark to the team. Plus she brings championship experience from the high school level. The Lady Knights also promise to be a more diverse team, which Washington feels will add an air of professionalism on the court. German setter Stephanie Bruhl will add to the mix in addition to players from two other countries.

SUNO 2011 Men's Basketball Schedule Released

The Knights' 2011-2012 schedule features the season opener at home against Florida Memorial University on November 4th. Other non-conference match-ups include former GCAC rivals Loyola, Spring Hill, and William Carey. SUNO will also get a visit from Johnson & Wales (North Miami) on September 11th in The Castle.

Having finished 11-14 and 4-3 in conference, SUNO will move forward inspired by individual contributions. Former point guard Brent Leduff was an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and a Louisiana Sports Writers Association Honorable Mention All-Louisiana team member. He, former center Andre Davis, and former shooting guard Ricardo Porter were all named to the GCAC All-Conference team.

Although all three players have played their final games in Knights uniforms, Coach Dale Valdery, will be looking to refine the current talent on the roster in addition to bringing energy to the team with new blood.



SUNO 2011/12 women's basketball schedule
SUNO 2011 women's volleyball schedule
SUNO 2011/12 men's basketball schedule

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VUL to field first football team since 1954 this fall

A.D./Coach Willard Bailey
VUL Dragons

Lynchburg, VA - Virginia University of Lynchburg plans to launch a football program this fall, more than a half-century after disbanding the team in 1954. The team will begin practice on Aug. 1 and play its first game against North Carolina A&T State University on Sept. 3.

The revival of the football program is part of a large-scale effort to bring back sports to Lynchburg’s only historically black college. This year, VUL will launch a total of 13 men’s and women’s sports teams.

“The time is ripe to bring it back,” said Willard Bailey, head football coach and director of athletics at VUL. “Not just football but the entire arena of intercollegiate athletics … Our students are calling for more than a library, a good meal and a classroom.”

VUL president Ralph Reavis spearheaded the effort to revive the sports program in response to demand from students, alumni and community members, Bailey said. The move coincides with an enrollment surge and the addition of a new dormitory on campus. The college expects an enrollment of more than 800 students this fall, up from about 550 last year.

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EBONY Magazine Announce Selected HBCU Campus Queens

All Hail the Queens! After over two million votes were cast during the period of May 23 -29, 2011, the people's choice for the September 2011 Ebony Magazine Campus Queens feature will include:

All queens chosen in voting order:

1. Desiree Williams, Hampton University
2. Ashley N. Graham, South Carolina State University
3. Tiffany Sorrells, Benedict College
4. De'Jonique Garrison, Clark Atlanta University
5. Jasmine Gurley, North Carolina A&T State University
6. Ashlee Thomas, Howard University
7. Charnee' Pearson-Starling, Bennett College
8. Charlena Kennedy, Bethune-Cookman University
9. Neshaszda Brown, Albany State University
10.Breana Watkins, Tuskegee University

It's alright that the list may not contain your favorite(s) as ALL the campus queens are WINNERS! Congratulations to the selected queens and for each of you that participated and supported this endeavor. Again, here are the video presentations of the 2011 EBONY Magazine's HBCU Campus Queens Top 10.

(beepbeep)

Shaw's Evans Picked as Preseason Football All-America

Darnell Evans
Shaw University Bears

Raleigh, N.C. - Madison High School graduate Darnell Evans continues to shine on the football field. The cornerback for Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. has been named to the Consensus Draft Service Preseason All-American First Team. Evans is one of only four sophomores on the first team.

The 5-8, 181-pound Evans in 2010 led the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association with six interceptions and was the only freshman named to the all-conference First Team as he helped the Bears to their third CIAA football title in four years. He was also tabbed as the 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year by the CIAA, an NCAA Division II conference of historically African-American schools.

Evans made 34 tackles in 2010, 22 of them solo. He led the CIAA in passes defended (17) and pass break-ups (10). He was also named the CIAA Defensive Back of the Week once during the season.

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AD's departure welcomed by Grambling State University family

Grambling, LA - There wasn't much of an attempt to hide the consensus opinion regarding Lin Dawson's resignation from his duties as Grambling State's athletics director. GSU alumni and fans are glad he's gone, and they've made the message loud and clear.

Usually when a coach or administrator leaves an athletic department, his departure is met with some boring comments about the hard work he put in for the betterment of the university.

Dawson's departure was met with brutal honesty. Head football coach Doug Williams — arguably the most important living figure in the Grambling family — said Dawson's departure was "in the best interest of the university." It seemed that Williams wanted to say more, but he chose to hold his tongue.

Jackie Hamilton, a GSU alum and the head football coach at Carroll, said, "I know ain't nobody gonna cry about it."

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Aaron James Named Grambling State's Interim Athletic Director

GRAMBLING, LA— Following the resignation of J. Lin Dawson, Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue has asked Aaron James Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, Sport and Leisure Studies, to serve as Interim Athletic Director, effective immediately.

James, a 1974 graduate of Grambling and first round draft pick up of the Utah Jazz, has also served Grambling as assistant Women's Basketball Coach, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Assistant Director of Athletics and Athletic Liaison for the Office of Development.

“I would like to thank Dr. Pogue for his confidence in me and I feel that as a Gramblinite and a former athlete it's a great opportunity to head the department,” said James.

Dr. Pogue announced that a search committee will be named very soon to conduct a national search, assisted by an executive search firm for Dawson's replacement. This search committee will be chaired by Dr. Steve Favors, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Promotions, Marketing and Advancement.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Dawson resigns from GSU
Dawson resigns as athletic director at GSU

Former UMES Hawk Shines in Pro Bowling Debut

 Kristina Frahm
Professional Bowler
UMES Class 2011

EULESS, Texas - In the largest field ever to bowl the United States Women's Open, former University of Maryland Eastern Shore standout Kristina Frahm (Oswego, Ill.) kept pace, finishing 37th overall in the 286 woman field, collecting her first professional payout of just over $1,000.

"It is a different experience than NCAA's, that's for sure," said Frahm. "You're on your
own now, making moves by yourself, there is no team support or team to help you. It
was exciting."

All bowlers bowled 24 games, three each, Saturday through this past Monday. The top 32 bowlers advanced to a semi-final round Tuesday of eight qualifying games to determine the top 16 for round robin play. The final five bowlers will bowl in Cowboys Stadium Thursday night. First place pays out $50,000 dollars but if a perfect 300 game is thrown in the finals the event pays out one million dollars. There have been several 300 games to date among the field, but none by the three former or one current Lady Hawks in the field.

Missing the cut by just five bowlers, Frahm was disappointed but humbled by her showing.

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South Carolina State's Pough finds success recruiting area stars

Augusta, GA - It makes sense for Oliver "Buddy" Pough to keep coming back to Augusta.

The South Carolina State football coach continues to see the benefits of trips to the area, and Thursday night was a chance for Augusta-area students and families to see what the Bulldogs have to offer. About 150 people interacted with South Carolina State alumni, representatives and officials as the Greater Augusta Alumni Chapter of South Carolina State University held its 15th annual Bulldogs Nite Out in the CSRA at Julian Smith Casino.

"We've got some good players from here. Any time you seem to have success somewhere, you tend to come back, so here we are," Pough said. "It's almost like an in-state area for us. These guys are only about 90 minutes away so there's a good recognition of South Carolina State here. We got a lot of alumni in the area. It's just a great place to come."



Local students -- most coming from Aiken, Columbia and Richmond counties -- had the chance to meet members of the South Carolina State family, even getting time to walk around to different tables in a 30-minute information sessions period.

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Spotted: Bulldogs Nite Out in the CSRA

Improvements planned as JSU takes over Miss. Veterans Stadium

Jackson, MS - Gone will be that ancient video board towering over the field and that puny broken one atop the opposite end zone. Upgrades are coming to those rickety elevators and that paint-chipped press box, too.

Jackson State fans will see a few noticeable differences at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium this fall, the first year the university is in control of the 60-year-old venue. Today, JSU takes ownership of the stadium from the Department of Finance and Administration for at least three years, according to a legislative bill passed in March. University officials said earlier this year they will pour $1.5 million to $3 million into the structure - most, if not all of those funds, coming from a legislative bond bill.



The worn press box will get a new paint job and the elevator to the press box and club levels will be renovated. But more importantly, JSU fans will see two new scoreboards when they enter the 60,000-seat stadium on Sept. 3 for the team's opener against Concordia College.

The stadium's outdated jumbotron is to be replaced with a massive virtual scoreboard that will more than double the size of the current video screen.



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WVSU to open season versus Bowie State, Virginia State

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia State will open its 2011-12 men's basketball schedule against a pair of CIAA programs in a West Virginia Conference arena.

The Yellow Jackets, facing a rebuilding year after losing five starters from a second-place WVC club (20-10), will play Bowie State then Virginia State in the Clarion Hotel Classic at Shepherd to open Coach Bryan Poore's 13th season at the Institute school.

Those Nov. 11-12 are two of the four non-conference games for State. WVSU also has a home-and-home deal with Johnson C. Smith of the CIAA. The Jackets' schedule is completed by the league-mandated 22 WVC games.

"Our non-conference schedule is complete with (Atlantic) regional games against quality CIAA teams that should help us in the regional rankings," Poore said. "We also are fortunate to only have one of those actually on the road, with the two neutral site games in the Shepherd classic.

"The Conference portion of the schedule is a flip-flop of last years in the two-year cycle adopted by the WVC. We have an early home stretch and a late road stretch, so I guess it balances out."

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NCCU's New Football Coach Has Made a Career of Turning Losers into Winners

Durham, N.C. - Henry Frazier III knew he was taking on a pretty tough challenge when he left his head coaching job at Prairie View A&M to become NCCU’s new football coach.

But Frazier has spent most of his life overcoming obstacles. As an African American youngster raised in a single-parent household with two older sisters, he not only graduated from high school but became the first man in his family to finish college and even has a master’s degree.

He became quarterback at Bowie State and took the longtime CIAA doormat Bulldogs to a conference championship in 1989.



He took over a long-losing high school program at Central High in Capitol Heights, Md., and made it respectable before returning to Bowie as head coach and turning the program in the right direction again.

And in he went for the 2004 season as head coach at Prairie View A&M - which had just a few years earlier suffered through a record 80-game losing streak - and by 2009 had long-suffering fans crying tears of joy after a SWAC championship.

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One story earns Xavier's Cassiere three awards

Ed Cassiere, SID
Xavier University of Louisiana

Read the feature

NEW ORLEANS — One feature story has produced three awards for Ed Cassiere, Xavier University of Louisiana's sports information director.

Cassiere's story — "McDaniel, Douglas Made July Memorable for XU Athletics" — received first place for features in the NAIA's Dr. W. Jack Bell Writing Contest. It also received first place in District 6 — which comprises Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas — in the College Sports Information Directors of America's coach/administrator profile/historical feature division. In the Louisiana Sports Writers Association's sports information contest, the story placed third among best releases.

The feature described the accomplishments of XU standouts Jimmie McDaniel (men's tennis) and Herb Douglas (men's track and field). McDaniel in 1940 played Grand Slam winner Don Budge in what has been called the first important interracial tennis match, and Douglas in 1948 long-jumped 24 feet, 9 inches in London to win bronze and become Xavier's only Olympic medalist.

It's the second time in three years that Cassiere received a best-in-the-NAIA award. He's earned nine awards the past three years in NAIA contests. Cassiere was the only Louisiana entrant to place first in CoSIDA District 6 this year.

Cassiere has won more than 60 awards in a sportswriting career which he started as a 10th-grader in 1974. The 2011-12 academic year will be Cassiere's sixth as Xavier's SID.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Hampton University athletic director Lonza Hardy Jr. interviews at Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Hampton University athletic director Lonza Hardy is interviewing for the same post at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a Southwestern Athletic Conference school.

An email from UAPB Chancellor Lawrence A. Davis Jr., obtained Tuesday night by The Daily Press, invited university administrators, faculty and staff to a reception to meet Hardy on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

"Over the past couple of days, I have visited with officials at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for discussions on their athletics program and their vacancy for an athletics director," Hardy said in an email Tuesday night. "Where those discussions may lead has not been decided, neither on the part of the university nor on my part. Consequently, my focus is on continuing to prepare Hampton University's athletics program for the start of a new school year and to continue getting our staff, coaches and student-athletes ready to fulfill the lofty goals that we have for all of our athletic teams."

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Clark Atlanta names Dale Brown as men's basketball coach

Atlanta, GA - In March, Clark Atlanta captured its first SIAC men’s basketball championship title in 46 years. Still, school officials saw untapped potential in the program.

“Today isn’t about what has happened in the past, it’s about building a team to ensure that we play even harder, work even smarter and aim even higher in the future,” associate athletic director D’Wayne Robinson said Wednesday upon the introduction of Dale Brown as the next head coach of the CAU men’s basketball program.

“I must say, we will win, and we will win right away,” Brown said. “My philosophy is real simple: Play hard, play smart and play together.”

Brown’s basketball résumé is extensive. During his junior college days at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Brown was named NJCAA men’s basketball player of the year in 1991.


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Pascagoula's Dale Brown named basketball coach at Clark Atlanta

Dale Brown, a Pascagoula native, has been named men's basketball coach at Clark Atlanta University, the school announced Wednesday.

Brown, 42, coached the last three seasons at Dillard University in New Orleans, but was named coach at Meridian Community College on June 10. But less than a month later, he's on the move again, taking over the program at CAU, a member of the Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

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FAMU Rattlers arriving early to take care of studies

Tallahassee, FL - Florida A&M running back James Owens went home to Orlando for a brief stay, then returned to the grind of offseason conditioning. This week he began an even more important chapter in his summertime routine — attending classes.

For Owens and most of the 65 other players who didn't go home for the summer, attending classes is an option they decided they'd take. It's one way of easing the fall semester workload in the classroom and keeping them on course for on-time graduation.

"I probably would be at home watching a lot of TV and doing nothing," said Owens, a walk-on who earned a scholarship following an impressive spring. "Now I'm in Tallahassee working out and studying I know I'm doing the right thing."



For the football players, who have demanding fall semesters packed with playbooks, traveling and practices in addition to their class work, summer school means they could carry fewer than the average 16 hours during the season. But there are some like defensive tackle Padric Scott, who doesn't have much of a choice when it comes to summer school because of their majors.

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Comet standout taking talents to Virginia Union

South Boston, VA - Destiny Betts has used her unique talents to help the Comets (Halifax County High School) varsity girls’ basketball team (21-2 record) reach levels of success it hadn’t enjoyed in decades. Betts, a 6-2 center who was instrumental in her team’s unbeaten (20-0) regular season run to a Western Valley District championship and a win in the Northwest Region Tournament, is taking her talents to Virginia Union University this coming season.

The Lady Panthers, coached by Barvenia Wooten Collier, are a member of the Division II CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association), and Betts is happy with where she’ll play basketball.

“I’m happy I got this opportunity because at first I didn’t think I’d get a full scholarship,” said Betts, a First Team selection and Co-MVP for the Western Valley District her senior season, as well as a First Team All-Northwest Region selection.

An Honorable Mention selection to the VHSCA All-Group AAA team, she averaged 15.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game her senior season.

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Finishing well

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Daytona Chief: Fired B-CU coach refused to aid in rape case involving son

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman University's men's basketball coach, fired this week, refused to cooperate with police as they investigated a sexual assault claim involving the coach's son, Police Chief Mike Chitwood said Tuesday.

In a letter to former coach Clifford Reed, B-CU president Trudie Kibbe Reed said her decision to terminate the longtime coach on Monday was based on his "failure to cooperate and insubordination with respect to the university's investigation into allegations against the university and its men's basketball program."

A police report released Tuesday concerning rape allegations made by an 18-year-old basketball player on B-CU's women's team names C.J. Reed as the lone suspect in the assault, even though the accuser never mentioned him as her attacker.

C.J. Reed, a junior guard, was the conference player of the year after leading the Wildcats to their first MEAC championship in school history. C.J. Reed has not been arrested or charged in the case.

The investigation was closed after the accuser refused to follow through with it, police said.

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Dillard Lady Bleu Devils' Basketball Team Add Six Recruits

Coach Kiki Baker Barnes

New Orleans, LA - The Dillard University Lady Bleu Devils' Basketball Team has announced the signing of six players who will join the Lady Bleu Devils' program for the 2011-12 season.

Dillard University Athletic Director and Head Women's Basketball Coach Kiki Barnes and staff have secured the services of Kiante Ageous, of Harvey, LA, Jaliesa Hicks, of Jackson, MS, Ariel Harrell, of Jonesboro, LA, Brittany Smith of Richmond, TX, Keylantra Taylor, of Houston, TX, and Kierrariel Mitchell, of Jackson, MS.

Ageous is an athletic 5'11 shooting guard who originally signed with the University of Arizona coming out of high school. In 2010, Ageous was ranked the 116th best player in the nation at her position by ESPN Hoop Gurlz. Ageous averaged 21.2 points and 11.2 rebounds her senior season for Sam Houston High in San Antonio, Texas after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. She was a McDonalds All-American nominee as well as an ESPN/RISE 3rd Team All-Area selection for the Hurricanes.

Ariel Harrell is a 6'0 forward who attended Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro, LA. A prospect for Hoop Gurlz, Harrell averaged 13.1 points and 15.3 rebounds as a senior. She was All-District Second Team her senior year and scored a season-high 32 points vs. state champion Winnfield High School.

Kierrariel Mitchell, a guard/forward from Jackson, MS. Kierrariel attended Jim Hill High School and averaged 13.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game her senior year. She had a game-high 26 points vs. Murrah High School, 3rd best school in state of Mississippi. She was voted All-State Honorable Mention as well as All-District and All-Metro Area First-Team as a senior, leading her team to an overall record of 26-8. Mitchell is ranked the 19th best player in the Mississippi FILA Class of 2011 Top 40.



Jaliesa Hicks is a 5'5 point guard who also attended Jim Hill High School in Jackson, MS. She averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds her senior season. She was named to the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger All-Metro Team all four years of high school.

Brittney Smith is a 5'7 guard who attended George Bush High School in Richmond, TX. She averaged 16 points and 2.6 assists per game as a senior and earned 1st-Team All-District honors. Smith had a season-high 36 points vs. Fort-Bend Austin. Smith was also MVP and Team Captain her senior season.

Rounding out the class is Keylantra Taylor, a 6'0 forward who played prep ball at Klein Forest High School in Houston, TX. Taylor averaged 16 points and 14 rebounds her senior season, earning 1st-Team All District honors. She was ranked 91st overall at the wing position in the nation by ESPN Hoop Gurlz. She was voted Team Captain and MVP, leading the Golden Eagles to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in ten years.

"I am very excited about the about the six young ladies that we are adding to an already good core group of girls," said Kiki Barnes. "Not only is each one these young ladies extremely talented, but they also possess a winning attitude."

The Lady Bleu Devils open the 2011-12 regular season on Friday, November 11, 2011 in an exhibition contest at Southern University at Baton Rouge.

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Xavier Volleyball tryouts scheduled for July 16 at The Barn

Coach Christabell Hamilton

NEW ORLEANS — Tryouts for the 2011 Xavier University of Louisiana women's volleyball team will be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 16 at The Barn.

Junior-college players, high-school students in the class of 2011 and Xavier students are eligible to try out. Prospects may bring a DVD of themselves in competition or in skills demonstration, an academic transcript and a player profile/resume.

There is no fee for the tryout, and water will be provided. Contact Coach Christabell Hamilton at (504) 520-5344 or chamilt5@xula.edu for more information.

Driving directions to The Barn, Xavier's gymnasium, can be found online by using 3999 Short Street and the 70125 zip code as the destination.



By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Hampton U. grad Kellie Wells wins national title in 100M hurdles

Eugene, Ore. - Kellie Wells' long, tough road back has reached a golden milestone. The 2006 Hampton University graduate is America's new women's 100-meter hurdles champion and bound for the IAAF World Championships of Track and Field starting late August in Daegu, Korea.

It took Wells just 12.50 seconds to take the gold medal at the USA Championships on Sunday at historic Hayward Field and put all her past tribulations behind her. She fought off old rivals Danielle Carruthers (second in 12.59) and Dawn Harper (third in 12.65) to claim her first American title and a trip to her first Worlds.

"It was tough at times but I was always hopeful a day like this would come," said Wells. "I'm just happy to be on top, to be looked as the best hurdler. "This (the Worlds) will be my first team, my first time to wear the US logo on my chest. "It will be an amazing honor and I can't wait to represent my country."




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Former Hampton U. star Francena McCorory close second to Allyson Felix in 400M at U.S. Track Championships

Allyson Felix won her first U.S. title in the 400, topping former Hampton University's Francena McCorory with a time of 50.40 to 50.49.  Debbie Dunn, Norfolk State University alum finished third for a ticket to the IAAF World Championships Aug. 27-Sept. 4 in Daegu, South Korea.  Dunn posted a time of 50.70.



Allyson Felix extends self, wins U.S. title at 400

Eugene, Ore. -- Allyson Felix powered down the home stretch to capture the women's 400 meters at the U.S. championships Saturday, setting up the possibility she might compete in two events at the world championships this summer.

Felix already has a spot in the 200 as the defending world champion. She has yet to decide whether she will attempt the 200-400 double at the worlds in Daegu, South Korea, in late August.

Going double the distance she normally runs, Felix got stronger as the race went along Saturday and held off Francena McCorory at the finish, winning in 50.40 seconds to become the first woman to win national titles in the 100, 200 and 400 over a career. Debbie Dunn (Norfolk State) was third.

The 200-400 double would not be easy to pull off in South Korea, given all the rounds and the lack of recovery time between them. That's why the decision will be a difficult one for Felix and her coach, Bobby Kersee.

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