DURHAM, N.C. (NCCUEaglePride.com) – North Carolina Central University and Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Inc., have partnered to unveil a brand new truck with NCCU style on Monday, Aug. 1 in front of McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Inc., now “The Official Mover of NCCU Football,” will use the 28-foot truck to transport the Eagles’ gridiron equipment to road games and will be added to Tru-Pak’s fleet of more than 200 trucks.
“I can’t think of a finer institution to give this gift to than NCCU,” stated Allyson Siegel, Executive Vice President of Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Inc. “Producing leaders in the world for years in both the classroom and on the athletic field, NCCU is leading the way for other institutions. I am very excited about the upcoming season and look forward to being part of their success in years to come.”
The truck will be used primarily to aid the NCCU football program move its equipment to and from the site of competition, which will enhance the travel experience for the student-athletes and support staff; while also giving the institution visibility not only across North Carolina, but nationwide as the truck will be used as part of the normal fleet during the week and the rest of the year.
“I’m so excited about our new partnership with Tru-Pak Moving Systems,” said NCCU Athletics Director Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree. “As our program grows, we are looking to form great corporate sponsorships such as this. Ms. Allyson Siegel has been wonderful in her support of our athletics program, and most importantly, our student-athletes. We will move in style this season.”
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VISIT: NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
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Saturday, August 6, 2011
AT&T Announced as Title Sponsor of Nation's Football Classic™
Washington, DC - Events DC announced today that AT&T has signed a multi-year deal to serve as the title sponsor of the Nation’s Football Classic™, an annual black college football game featuring Howard University against Morehouse College at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The inaugural game, now entitled the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™, will be held Saturday, September 10 at 3:30 p.m.
“AT&T is a perfect fit for the Nation’s Football Classic™” said Erik A. Moses, managing director of the Events DC Sports and Entertainment Division. “Title sponsor support for this game from AT&T, one of the world’s most recognizable brands, is consistent with the way we believe this new HBCU tradition in the nation’s capital will be embraced by the greater Washington region and the nation for years to come.”
In addition to serving as title sponsor, AT&T will headline the AT&T Kickoff Rally, a spirited event celebrating the start of the weekend’s events with music and appearances by celebrities, city officials and representatives from the participating schools.
“AT&T looks forward to celebrating the inaugural game with students, alumni and supporters as we honor the rich tradition, camaraderie, heritage and excellence of these proud institutions,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “The AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ is just one of the ways we continue to show our commitment to all customer segments.”
The official schedule of events surrounding the Classic will take place Thursday, September 8 through Sunday, September 11. In addition to the much anticipated on-field matchup between two historic rivals, events include educational activities, fan experiences and networking opportunities. All events are free to the general public (except for the football game).
Tickets for the inaugural AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the Howard University box office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced $15 to $60.
AT&T NATION'S FOOTBALL CLASSIC™ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, September 8
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presidential Symposium: Beyond the Stereotypes – Academics, Athletics, Character and Black Male Achievement – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Through panel discussions, this event will showcase the positive roles colleges and communities play in improving educational and social opportunities for Black males.
Friday, September 9
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. UNCF Empower Me Tour / HBCU College Showcase and Recruitment Fair – Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. College-bound students and their parents participate in seminars focused on financial education, college readiness, career readiness, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, service and philanthropy. In addition, admission and recruitment information on HBCUs will be available.
Noon – 2:00 p.m. AT&T Kickoff Rally – Downtown D.C. location--Join the fun at the official Kickoff Rally in the heart of the nation’s capital. Reps from participating schools, city officials, music and much more.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. "The Game Before The Game": Howard vs. Morehouse Student Debate – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Witness the academic rivalry between Howard and Morehouse as they showcase each school’s tradition of developing great orators.
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. HBCU Alumni Networking Reception - DC Renaissance Hotel. Alumni from all HBCUs gather for networking and fellowship.
Saturday, September 10
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NFC Fan Festival – RFK Stadium Festival Grounds--Fan Festival featuring games, music and exhibit booths.
3:30 p.m. AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ – RFK Stadium -- Howard University Bison vs. Morehouse College Maroon Tigers
Sunday, September 11
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chapel Service – Howard University Rankin Chapel at Cramton Auditorium. Morehouse President Robert Franklin delivers keynote address.
About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™
“AT&T is a perfect fit for the Nation’s Football Classic™” said Erik A. Moses, managing director of the Events DC Sports and Entertainment Division. “Title sponsor support for this game from AT&T, one of the world’s most recognizable brands, is consistent with the way we believe this new HBCU tradition in the nation’s capital will be embraced by the greater Washington region and the nation for years to come.”
In addition to serving as title sponsor, AT&T will headline the AT&T Kickoff Rally, a spirited event celebrating the start of the weekend’s events with music and appearances by celebrities, city officials and representatives from the participating schools.
“AT&T looks forward to celebrating the inaugural game with students, alumni and supporters as we honor the rich tradition, camaraderie, heritage and excellence of these proud institutions,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “The AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ is just one of the ways we continue to show our commitment to all customer segments.”
The official schedule of events surrounding the Classic will take place Thursday, September 8 through Sunday, September 11. In addition to the much anticipated on-field matchup between two historic rivals, events include educational activities, fan experiences and networking opportunities. All events are free to the general public (except for the football game).
Tickets for the inaugural AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the Howard University box office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced $15 to $60.
AT&T NATION'S FOOTBALL CLASSIC™ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, September 8
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presidential Symposium: Beyond the Stereotypes – Academics, Athletics, Character and Black Male Achievement – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Through panel discussions, this event will showcase the positive roles colleges and communities play in improving educational and social opportunities for Black males.
Friday, September 9
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. UNCF Empower Me Tour / HBCU College Showcase and Recruitment Fair – Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. College-bound students and their parents participate in seminars focused on financial education, college readiness, career readiness, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, service and philanthropy. In addition, admission and recruitment information on HBCUs will be available.
Noon – 2:00 p.m. AT&T Kickoff Rally – Downtown D.C. location--Join the fun at the official Kickoff Rally in the heart of the nation’s capital. Reps from participating schools, city officials, music and much more.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. "The Game Before The Game": Howard vs. Morehouse Student Debate – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Witness the academic rivalry between Howard and Morehouse as they showcase each school’s tradition of developing great orators.
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. HBCU Alumni Networking Reception - DC Renaissance Hotel. Alumni from all HBCUs gather for networking and fellowship.
Saturday, September 10
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NFC Fan Festival – RFK Stadium Festival Grounds--Fan Festival featuring games, music and exhibit booths.
3:30 p.m. AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ – RFK Stadium -- Howard University Bison vs. Morehouse College Maroon Tigers
Sunday, September 11
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chapel Service – Howard University Rankin Chapel at Cramton Auditorium. Morehouse President Robert Franklin delivers keynote address.
About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™
Frazier challenges NCCU Eagles to push themselves
Durham, N.C. - No whistle around his neck. Instead, N.C. Central football coach Henry Frazier III strutted to the field with a bullhorn. "It counts now," Frazier said Wednesday evening before NCCU's first practice.
The coach was savoring the Eagles having officially rejoined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and being eligible to compete for the conference title, eligible to go after an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision crown. The Eagles will get there with trust and effort, Frazier said. That means players both buying what coaches are selling and busting their tails on the field, Frazier said.
"Players play and coaches coach," said Frazier, entering his first season at NCCU after turning a not-so-good Prairie View A&M squad into Southwestern Athletic Conference champions.
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The coach was savoring the Eagles having officially rejoined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and being eligible to compete for the conference title, eligible to go after an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision crown. The Eagles will get there with trust and effort, Frazier said. That means players both buying what coaches are selling and busting their tails on the field, Frazier said.
"Players play and coaches coach," said Frazier, entering his first season at NCCU after turning a not-so-good Prairie View A&M squad into Southwestern Athletic Conference champions.
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QB Carrothers transfers from Grambling to WSSU
Winston Salem, N.C. - Anthony Carrothers Jr. — the starting quarterback at Grambling State last season as a freshman — has transferred to Winston-Salem State. Carrothers, a dual threat, guided Grambling to a 9-2 record in his first season out of Charlotte's Independence High School."There's no quarterback controversy," coach Connell Maynor of the Rams said Friday after announcing the Carrothers' transfer. "Kam (Kameron Smith) is still our starter, but he's got to keep his job just like every starter who is coming back."
Smith helped the Rams to an 8-2 record last season but missed spring practice because of surgery for Crohn's disease. Maynor said Smith will start practice next week 100 percent healthy.
Last season, Carrothers (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) passed for 1,443 yards (93 for 170) and seven touchdowns, with eight interceptions. He also rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Carrothers' father, Anthony Sr., played for WSSU in the early 1980s.
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A Wild Journey For Laurel High Grad/Bowie State's Erhie
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| OgheneMaro Erhie |
What makes the Erhie story unique is that while he attended and graduated from Laurel High he never played football for the Spartans.
"I was mostly a soccer player. I was not really interested in football," Erhie, a 2006 graduate of Laurel, told Patch on Thursday. Erhie played soccer while at Laurel High and did not play organized football until he was a walk-on at Morgan State in Baltimore.
"I guess I got really big. I liked (watching) football and wanted to play," he said. "I think I made quite an impression at Morgan State. I never dressed but I was on the practice squad in 2007."
He then transferred to Division II Bowie State and last season he made the CIAA All-Rookie team as a 6-foot-6, 340-pound offensive lineman for the Bulldogs.
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Friday, August 5, 2011
Savannah State Tigers open Camp
Savannah, GA - The renovated T.A Wright Stadium is not even complete yet, but that didn't stop the Savannah State football team from hitting the field at their new home. Wednesday afternoon, Head Coach Steve Davenport and the Tigers opened up pre-season camp with a two hour practice on the new field turf at T.A Wright stadium.
"It feels good to get to work," said Davenport. "We're all about competition here...no job is taken yet." The Tigers are coming off a 1-10 season in 2010.
"There's a lot of excitement in the air all around campus," said Senior Running Back Justin Babb. "New" is the word around camp. In 2011 the Tigers have a new head coach, new conference in the MEAC, and a new stadium.
A total of ninety-four players have checked into camp under Tigers Coach Steve Davenport.
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PHOTO GALLERY: TED WRIGHT FOOTBALL STADIUM RENOVATIONS
VISIT: SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: SSUTIGERS
"It feels good to get to work," said Davenport. "We're all about competition here...no job is taken yet." The Tigers are coming off a 1-10 season in 2010.
"There's a lot of excitement in the air all around campus," said Senior Running Back Justin Babb. "New" is the word around camp. In 2011 the Tigers have a new head coach, new conference in the MEAC, and a new stadium.
A total of ninety-four players have checked into camp under Tigers Coach Steve Davenport.
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PHOTO GALLERY: TED WRIGHT FOOTBALL STADIUM RENOVATIONS
VISIT: SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: SSUTIGERS
North Carolina A&T Aggies Sign Interchangeable Parts
GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Carolina A&T head men's basketball coach Jerry Eaves didn't attempt to replace 6-foot-9 first-team All-MEAC superstar Thomas Coleman because it is hard to replace 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Instead, Eaves decided to replace the Aggies style of play. On Friday, Eaves released the rest of his 2011 recruiting class with all four players being either 6-6 or 6-7. The class includes Anthony Estes (6-7, 195, Washington, D.C.), Waylan Siverand (6-7, 220, Houston, Texas), Simon Barres (6-6, 212, Paris, France) and Jordan Herrera (6-6, 210, Silver Spring, Md.). Earlier this year, the Aggies announced the signing of Jean Louisme (6-4, 205, Fort Myers, Fla.) to bring the Aggies recruiting class total to five.
"There are going to be times this season when every guy on the floor is going to be 6-6," said Eaves. "This is going to help us match up with athletic teams in our league like Hampton. There are going to be points in the game where everyone on the floor for us can handle the ball, and everyone on the floor for us can guard three or four positions."
Estes attended Brisbane Academy in Charlotte. As a senior, he averaged 18.0 points and 12.0 rebounds. Estes also played at Our Savior in New York. He is an inside/outside player who can post and shoot the 15-footer.
"He wants to bang," said Eaves. "He is probably the most aggressive young man I have ever recruited. He can really put the ball on the floor and attack."
Siverand is gifted athletically and academically. He attended Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, N.H. In the classroom, Siverand graduated with a 3.6 grade point average. As a postgraduate for Kimball Union, he started all 26 games and averaged 12.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He graduated from Hightower High School in Houston in 2009. Siverand gets off the floor quickly, runs extremely well and has tremendous length.
"He is a super smart young man," said Eaves. "By far, he is the best athlete I have ever recruited. With this young man, our pressure defense is back. He is long, athletic and can jump out of the gym. He just has to learn how to play on this level."
Barres played in various places in Europe before finishing his prep career at Evelyn Mack Academy in Charlotte. There, he averaged 11.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.
"He is mature young man and player with a nice body and nice range," said Eaves. "He has a European-style game to him where he can step out and hit the three, the medium-range jump shot and he can put the ball on the floor."
Jordan Herrera attended Cloud Community College for one season after attending Hesston Junior College. At Cloud, he averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. As a prep standout, he attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.
"On defense, he anticipates well," said Eaves. "He wants to steal the ball to get dunks and layups. He is 6-6, but he is long and active."
By Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information
Georgia lines up 2015 football game with Southern Jaguars
Athens, GA - Georgia’s scheduling philosophy in football under athletic director Greg McGarity includes playing one Football Championship Subdivision opponent a year.The Bulldogs have lined up another, Southern University, on Sept. 5, 2015 in Athens.
The schools have a memorandum of understanding to play that season, according to senior associate athletic director Claude Felton. The Southwestern Athletic Conference school is located in Baton Rouge, La.
Georgia would pay Southern $650,000 as the guarantee. There is no signed contract yet.
Georgia has lined up one FCS (formerly I-AA) game each of the next six seasons: Coastal Carolina (2011), Georgia Southern (2012, 2016), Appalachian State (2013), Charleston Southern (2014).
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Note: Coach Stump Mitchell may be a better "athletic director" than a football coach. In one quick swoop, Mitchell may have raised the bar for HBCUs from $500,000 to $650,000 for a "money game" with a strong BCS program. Are you reading this SCSU and FAMU, who have future games scheduled with Arizona, Miami, South Florida and Ohio State, respectively. South Carolina State played at Georgia Tech in 2010, and earned a minimum of $225,000 for their blowout. This does not include the unnamed sum earned from shared ticket sales.
FAMU will play at South Florida on September 17, 2011, and will receive a "guarantee" of $400,000, a relatively low figure in today's college football economy. SCSU will earn $500,000 playing at Indiana on September 17.
FAMU continues to avoid playing at Florida State, but the across-campus Seminoles are paying Sun Belt Conference Louisiana-Monroe $1.3 million to play in Tallahassee on September 3, 2011. If you are going to schedule a blowout, at least get paid well for the opportunity.
-beepbeep
Pittsburgh Steelers releases S.C. State Harrison
Orangeburg, S.C. - Lake City native Josh Harrison was among five players released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.
Harrison, a standout at South Carolina State, was signed as a free agent by the team last week and has been with the Steelers in training camp.
Harrison was a two-year starter at left tackle at S.C. State and was a two time all-MEAC selection. Conference coaches voted Harrison MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, and he also was selected to play in the HBCU Classic in Atlanta.
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Harrison, a standout at South Carolina State, was signed as a free agent by the team last week and has been with the Steelers in training camp.
Harrison was a two-year starter at left tackle at S.C. State and was a two time all-MEAC selection. Conference coaches voted Harrison MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, and he also was selected to play in the HBCU Classic in Atlanta.
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FAMU’S Angel Signs Stellar Inaugural Class for 2011-12
Tallahassee, FL - Florida A&M Head Men’s Track and Field Coach Wayne Angel announced the signing of ten student-athletes to grant-aid today for the 2011-2012 season.
“I am very pleased and excited about the potential and possibilities of these student athletes,” said second year coach Angel. "They are tough, talented and have a no-nonsense approach to work, which will be necessary in helping FAMU in re-establishing its presence in the MEAC.
“We have added depth and talent to our sprint and hurdles groups, our 4x100 and 4x400 relays will bring a lot of excitement to the hill and hopefully ignite a fire in the hearts and minds of our students and alumni to come out and support us,” Angel said.
Here are the 2011-12 signees:
Elias Chesire- Distance- (Eldoret, Kenya) distance star with times of 3:52, 8:17, 14:28 and 29.40 respectively in the 1500, 3k, 5k and 10k. Chesire and FAMU distance ace Shuaib Winters will look to be a formidable tandem in the MEAC.
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VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
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| Coach W. Wayne Angel |
“We have added depth and talent to our sprint and hurdles groups, our 4x100 and 4x400 relays will bring a lot of excitement to the hill and hopefully ignite a fire in the hearts and minds of our students and alumni to come out and support us,” Angel said.
Here are the 2011-12 signees:
Elias Chesire- Distance- (Eldoret, Kenya) distance star with times of 3:52, 8:17, 14:28 and 29.40 respectively in the 1500, 3k, 5k and 10k. Chesire and FAMU distance ace Shuaib Winters will look to be a formidable tandem in the MEAC.
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VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
Javins signs with Talladega Lady Tornadoes softball team
TALLADEGA, AL — After learning of the cuts in athletic programs in junior colleges, Lindsey Javins wasn’t sure what the future held for her. But on Tuesday, she secured plans for the next three seasons by signing a scholarship to play with the Talladega College Lady Tornadoes softball team.“I’m excited to have a new team and a new coach,” Javins said. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.” TC head coach Mallory York is excited about the addition of Javins to the softball squad.
“She is another great pick,” York said. “She comes from a great coach that I have actually competed with. We played at Jeff State so in know the coach very well. She called and told me about Lindsey. I was very opened minded; I knew she was going to be a great athlete also because where she was coming from. She also has a very good attitude, I am looking forward to coaching her.”
SUNO athletic director looking forward to building program
New Orleans - House Bill 537 was a proposal to merge Southern University at New Orleans and the University of New Orleans, a measure intended to solve the educational crises at the two universities.The bill aimed to solve problems, but it also created problems for SUNO Athletic Director Elston King. He waited for months, not knowing if he would have an athletic program to oversee in the future. The bill forced him to put recruiting on hold.
But when the bill died in the Legislature on May 18, King rejoiced.
"We're very relieved, because our athletes didn't know for sure if there was going to be a SUNO," King said. "That's what stopped us from recruiting some great kids. But now that this is over with for at least this year, I really do believe we're going to put that on a platform for next year."
Now free to address the future of his program, King hopes to add golf and tennis within...
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VISIT: SUNOATHLETICS
B-CU Wildcats to be tested with tough schedule
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Most people recognize Bethune-Cookman University as a school with a great marching band, "The Marching Wildcats," but this past year, the band might have played second fiddle to the upstart football program.
Under the direction of second-year head coach Brian Jenkins, the Wildcats completed a 10-2 season in 2010, which saw them claim a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, advance to their first NCAA FCS playoff appearance since 2003 and take the National Black College Football title.
With the recent success of last season, Jenkins must rely on stellar student athletes including senior linebacker Ryan Lewis. Lewis was named preseason MEAC Defensive "Player of the Year." Lewis has been named to the All-MEAC First Team as well and is joined by offensive linemen Natiel Curry and Alex Monroe, defensive end Ryan Davis, linebacker Reggie Sandilands, and safety Michael Williams.
Named to preseason All-MEAC Second Team are running back Isidore Jackson, wide receiver Eddie Poole, and offensive lineman Marquell Rozier. No defensive players were named.
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Under the direction of second-year head coach Brian Jenkins, the Wildcats completed a 10-2 season in 2010, which saw them claim a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, advance to their first NCAA FCS playoff appearance since 2003 and take the National Black College Football title.
With the recent success of last season, Jenkins must rely on stellar student athletes including senior linebacker Ryan Lewis. Lewis was named preseason MEAC Defensive "Player of the Year." Lewis has been named to the All-MEAC First Team as well and is joined by offensive linemen Natiel Curry and Alex Monroe, defensive end Ryan Davis, linebacker Reggie Sandilands, and safety Michael Williams.
Named to preseason All-MEAC Second Team are running back Isidore Jackson, wide receiver Eddie Poole, and offensive lineman Marquell Rozier. No defensive players were named.
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Thursday, August 4, 2011
NCAA hitting SWAC hard
Houston, TX - Doug Williams returned to his alma mater, Grambling State, for a second stint as head football coach earlier this year to find the Southwestern Athletic Conference seemingly encountering one problem after another.
"If we keep doing business the way we've done it, we are going to put ourselves right out of business," Williams said last month at SWAC media day in Birmingham, Ala.
Since January, the SWAC has faced a wide range of indiscretions that include a current NCAA investigation into the Texas Southern football and men's basketball programs and postseason bans for three schools because of poor academic performances. In two other embarrassing instances, a former football coach sued — and won — a lawsuit for wrongful termination and an athletic director at another SWAC school (Southern) was arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute.
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"If we keep doing business the way we've done it, we are going to put ourselves right out of business," Williams said last month at SWAC media day in Birmingham, Ala.
Since January, the SWAC has faced a wide range of indiscretions that include a current NCAA investigation into the Texas Southern football and men's basketball programs and postseason bans for three schools because of poor academic performances. In two other embarrassing instances, a former football coach sued — and won — a lawsuit for wrongful termination and an athletic director at another SWAC school (Southern) was arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute.
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UMES Announces Women's Basketball Recruiting Class
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. -- Hawks women's basketball head coach Fred Batchelor has announced the addition of four student-athletes for the 2011-2012 season.
All four players will enter the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as freshmen: Porsha Barr (Waldorf, Md.), Jessica Long (Fort Washington, Md.), Shawnee Sweeney (Colonial Heights, Md.) and Alexis Udoji (Randolph, Mass.).
"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," says Batchelor. "With these strong freshmen, this class represents a group that will come in and help us immediately."
Porsha Barr - Freshman - 5'10" - Forward - Waldorf, Md. (Westlake HS)
Porsha arrives on campus after being the top scorer from Westlake High School. She averaged a double-double a game in her senior season with the Wolverines, getting 17 points and 10 rebounds per contest, leading Westlake to a combined 38-9 record in her final two seasons. Barr scored a season high 29 points twice in her senior year. She has competed with the AAU squad Lady Pearls, based out of Washington D.C. and was named an All-Star at the INDY 100 last summer.
"Porsha is a high energy player who will compete and challenge her teammates every day. She is capable of creating opportunities to help the team by making plays out of pure effort and out working her opponents. She is a strong rebounder who is most effective in transition. She will assist in our consistency of building a foundation of hard work. She is what every coach would love to have; a self motivated, determined young lady on and off the floor."
Jessica Long - Freshman - 5'7" - Guard - Fort Washington, Md. (Oxon Hill HS)
Jessica will suit up for the Lady Hawks as the 79th-ranked point guard in the Class of 2011 as ranked by ESPN. Long scored over 1,000 points in her high school career and was the leading scorer in Prince George's County in 2011 with Oxon Hill High School, averaging over 23 points per game for the Clippers. She spent her first three years at Paul VI Catholic in Fairfax, Virginia, being named the Best Defensive Player in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference twice plus named all-conference 3rd-Team in 2010. Long helped the Panthers to two straight Virginia Independent State Championships in 2009 and 2010. She has competed with AAU squads Team Unique, Team MD Sure Shots and the U-16 Fairfax Stars.
"I see Jessica as a throw back, old school point guard. She has the ability to run a team like a true floor general, which will make the players around her better. I love the way she defends the ball. Her ability to pressure and contain the opponents' point of attack will allow us to be a more effective team on both ends of the floor. I also believe she will be a great teammate. She will have an opportunity to learn and grow into the challenge of being a Division-I point guard."
Long is #1
Shawnee Sweeney - Freshman - 5'7" - Guard - Colonial Heights, Va. (Thomas Dale HS)
Shawnee comes to UMES as one of the strongest scoring shooting guards from the state of Virginia. She led Thomas Dale High School to their first two state tournament appearances in its history, finished ranked #6 in the state in 2010 and #8 in 2011 plus led the Knights to three straight Central District regular season and tournament championships from 2009 to 2011, amassing a combined 71-12 record. Sweeney averaged 15.3 points a game in high school, being named 1st-Team All-District and All-Metro 2nd-Team her senior year. She has also played for the AAU teams James River Blaze and Virginia Storm. Sweeney was named to her high school's Distinguished Honor Roll all four years.
"Shawnee is an extremely sharp young lady that has the ability and mentality to be an assassin from three point range. What I love about her the most is that she is just not a three point shooter. She is a tough, physical guard that is capable of attacking the basket to create for her teammates as well as get to the free throw line. Her passion and desire to produce excellence in every facet of her life is what's most impressive."
Sweeney is #3...
Alexis Udoji - Freshman - 6'4" - Center - Randolph, Mass. (Cardinal Spellman HS)
Alexis comes to Princess Anne as one of the top players in New England at the five position. As Cardinal Spellman High School's starting center, Udoji led the Cardinals to the Central Catholic League Championship in 2011, being named the league's Most Valuable Player that season after being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. She averaged a triple-double a game in her final three seasons, including 31 points, 16 blocks and 13 rebounds in the CCL title game, helping her be named The Enterprise Player of the Year in basketball. She set her school's record in blocked shots in a game with 20 in 2009.
"I believe this young lady will make a considerable contribution to our program as well as our league over her playing career. Her ability to effect the game on the defensive end will allow us to extend our pressure along with being able to take more risk because of her ability to block shots and make up for her teammates mistakes. Her development is critical to the overall effect she will have as a Lady Hawk. Alexis has a great spirit and a servant attitude which I believe will make her a pleasure to coach."
Udoji is #5 is this clip...
With an 8-8 record in the MEAC, the Lady Hawks earned a .500 or better conference finish for the fourth season in a row last year.
By University of Maryland Eastern Shore Sports Information
All four players will enter the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as freshmen: Porsha Barr (Waldorf, Md.), Jessica Long (Fort Washington, Md.), Shawnee Sweeney (Colonial Heights, Md.) and Alexis Udoji (Randolph, Mass.).
"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," says Batchelor. "With these strong freshmen, this class represents a group that will come in and help us immediately."
Porsha Barr - Freshman - 5'10" - Forward - Waldorf, Md. (Westlake HS)
Porsha arrives on campus after being the top scorer from Westlake High School. She averaged a double-double a game in her senior season with the Wolverines, getting 17 points and 10 rebounds per contest, leading Westlake to a combined 38-9 record in her final two seasons. Barr scored a season high 29 points twice in her senior year. She has competed with the AAU squad Lady Pearls, based out of Washington D.C. and was named an All-Star at the INDY 100 last summer.
"Porsha is a high energy player who will compete and challenge her teammates every day. She is capable of creating opportunities to help the team by making plays out of pure effort and out working her opponents. She is a strong rebounder who is most effective in transition. She will assist in our consistency of building a foundation of hard work. She is what every coach would love to have; a self motivated, determined young lady on and off the floor."
Jessica Long - Freshman - 5'7" - Guard - Fort Washington, Md. (Oxon Hill HS)
Jessica will suit up for the Lady Hawks as the 79th-ranked point guard in the Class of 2011 as ranked by ESPN. Long scored over 1,000 points in her high school career and was the leading scorer in Prince George's County in 2011 with Oxon Hill High School, averaging over 23 points per game for the Clippers. She spent her first three years at Paul VI Catholic in Fairfax, Virginia, being named the Best Defensive Player in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference twice plus named all-conference 3rd-Team in 2010. Long helped the Panthers to two straight Virginia Independent State Championships in 2009 and 2010. She has competed with AAU squads Team Unique, Team MD Sure Shots and the U-16 Fairfax Stars.
"I see Jessica as a throw back, old school point guard. She has the ability to run a team like a true floor general, which will make the players around her better. I love the way she defends the ball. Her ability to pressure and contain the opponents' point of attack will allow us to be a more effective team on both ends of the floor. I also believe she will be a great teammate. She will have an opportunity to learn and grow into the challenge of being a Division-I point guard."
Long is #1
Shawnee Sweeney - Freshman - 5'7" - Guard - Colonial Heights, Va. (Thomas Dale HS)
Shawnee comes to UMES as one of the strongest scoring shooting guards from the state of Virginia. She led Thomas Dale High School to their first two state tournament appearances in its history, finished ranked #6 in the state in 2010 and #8 in 2011 plus led the Knights to three straight Central District regular season and tournament championships from 2009 to 2011, amassing a combined 71-12 record. Sweeney averaged 15.3 points a game in high school, being named 1st-Team All-District and All-Metro 2nd-Team her senior year. She has also played for the AAU teams James River Blaze and Virginia Storm. Sweeney was named to her high school's Distinguished Honor Roll all four years.
"Shawnee is an extremely sharp young lady that has the ability and mentality to be an assassin from three point range. What I love about her the most is that she is just not a three point shooter. She is a tough, physical guard that is capable of attacking the basket to create for her teammates as well as get to the free throw line. Her passion and desire to produce excellence in every facet of her life is what's most impressive."
Sweeney is #3...
Alexis Udoji - Freshman - 6'4" - Center - Randolph, Mass. (Cardinal Spellman HS)
Alexis comes to Princess Anne as one of the top players in New England at the five position. As Cardinal Spellman High School's starting center, Udoji led the Cardinals to the Central Catholic League Championship in 2011, being named the league's Most Valuable Player that season after being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. She averaged a triple-double a game in her final three seasons, including 31 points, 16 blocks and 13 rebounds in the CCL title game, helping her be named The Enterprise Player of the Year in basketball. She set her school's record in blocked shots in a game with 20 in 2009.
"I believe this young lady will make a considerable contribution to our program as well as our league over her playing career. Her ability to effect the game on the defensive end will allow us to extend our pressure along with being able to take more risk because of her ability to block shots and make up for her teammates mistakes. Her development is critical to the overall effect she will have as a Lady Hawk. Alexis has a great spirit and a servant attitude which I believe will make her a pleasure to coach."
Udoji is #5 is this clip...
With an 8-8 record in the MEAC, the Lady Hawks earned a .500 or better conference finish for the fourth season in a row last year.
By University of Maryland Eastern Shore Sports Information
Bowie State Football Has Strong Local Flavor
Bowie, MD - Trevon Bennett is still waiting for his chance, and he may have to wait one more year. A Riverdale Baptist graduate, Bennett is a rising sophomore quarterback at Bowie State University as the Division II Bulldogs get ready to begin practice later this month. Bennett was a true freshman last season and played behind starting quarterback Clifton Budd, who returns this season as a senior after throwing for 1,538 yards last year."I want to be the No. 1 backup," Bennett told Patch on Tuesday. "The hopes are real high going into the season." "We had a better turnout this year than last year," he said. "Everyone is on the same page this year. And after attending eight weeks of summer workouts at Bowie State, "everything is going pretty well."
The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 3 at Assumption in Worcester, MA. The first home game for Bowie State is 1 p.m., Sept. 10 against Benedict College.
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Grambling State University football practice kicks off
Grambling, LA - Finally, football is here again. Grambling State's players report for training camp Wednesday, then have two workouts Thursday: a 6 a.m. conditioning test, then the first official practice at 7 p.m. After a long summer of keeping tabs on his players from a distance, head coach Doug Williams is eager to get back on the field.
"I really am," Williams said. "You go through the spring, and you go through some things from an evaluation standpoint, and then you spend the next few months with the kids away from you. You're just with the coaches, trying to figure out who is going to go where. You're trying to put the puzzle together."
Wednesday is mostly an administrative day. Players will be checking in, getting their equipment, getting room assignments, going through admission, registration and financial aid paperwork, sitting through meetings with trainers and campus security, and spending a little time hobnobbing with each other.
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"I really am," Williams said. "You go through the spring, and you go through some things from an evaluation standpoint, and then you spend the next few months with the kids away from you. You're just with the coaches, trying to figure out who is going to go where. You're trying to put the puzzle together."
Wednesday is mostly an administrative day. Players will be checking in, getting their equipment, getting room assignments, going through admission, registration and financial aid paperwork, sitting through meetings with trainers and campus security, and spending a little time hobnobbing with each other.
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ASU soccer team reports to camp
MONTGOMERY, AL -- Alabama State University's soccer program has reported to campus and will begin practice for the 2011 season Thursday at 7 a.m.Head Coach Jodie Smith enters his fifth season at the helm of the program and is very excited about this year's team as the Hornets are coming off the best season in the short seven-year history of the program.
"The girls realized towards the end of the last season we could be a different team," Smith said. "We have several starters returning and we actually had several players hang around this summer and you could tell they had a different approach during the spring and summer towards the program."
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Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Former Crimson Wave Rassoull among new VSU players
Petersburg, VA - The Virginia State University men's basketball coaching staff, has announced their 2011-12 signees for the upcoming season.
Trojans' new head coach, Darryl Jacobs will bring in four freshmen that included Hopewell resident Manny Wallace who played at Christchurch and six transfers, includling Petersburg native Ibn Rassoull, to attend Virginia State University. The Trojans look to rebuild after a 13-42 record over the past two seasons.
TRANSFERS
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Trojans' new head coach, Darryl Jacobs will bring in four freshmen that included Hopewell resident Manny Wallace who played at Christchurch and six transfers, includling Petersburg native Ibn Rassoull, to attend Virginia State University. The Trojans look to rebuild after a 13-42 record over the past two seasons.
TRANSFERS- Ibn Rassoull 6-4 190 G/F SR Petersburg, VA/St. Paul's
Rassoull averaged 14.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists last season at St. Paul's College and was also named to the 2010-11 All-CIAA team. He is also a graduate of Petersburg HS and can play multiple positions on the court for VSU.
- Daniel "Larry" Awosanya 6-8 220 F/C JR London, England/Campbell
Awosanya transfers from Div. I Campbell University where he maintained a 3.2 GPA while being named to the Atlantic Sun All-Academic team as a freshmen. Larry is a talented strong athletic player that attacks the basket extremely well while drawing contact from defenders.
- Richard "RJ" Hall 6-1 175 G JR Bay Shore, NY/Kennesaw State
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Killingsworth-Putney joins Bethune-Cookman Coaching Staff
Killingsworth-Putney's accolades are all spikes, each more ball-flattening than the next. At Pine Ridge High, she was named Miss Florida Volleyball in 2003 and led the Panthers to a state tournament berth. At the University of Florida, she was an All SEC player and an All-American.
She played on teams that won the SEC and appeared in the NCAA Regionals all four of her years as a Gator. Killingsworth is of just five players in Gators history with 1,000 kills and 300 blocks in her career. And in the rally era of UF volleyball stats, Killingsworth-Putney is the only player in school history to accumulate 300 blocks and 300 digs, and she finished her career with a school record 65 solo blocks.
Killingsworth-Putney will be rejoining her longtime coaching partner Isaac Raphael, who was hired as the Wildcats' head coach in July.
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Penny a profit to volleyball program, ASU says
Montgomery, AL - Alabama State athletic director Stacy Danley opened Monday's news conference with a simple declaration. "The transformation continues," he said.And with that, the Hornets introduced Penny Lucas-White as the program's new volleyball coach, taking another step in the school's goal to be competitive in the Southwestern Athletic Conference as well as an annual participant in NCAA postseason play.
The spirit of optimism echoed the news conference in June announcing Mervyl Melendez as the Hornets' baseball coach. Monday's gathering showcased a program coming off its finest season in SWAC competition that now has its sights set still higher.
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Southern football highlights fall camps
BATON ROUGE — Student-athletes from three Southern University programs will return to Baton Rouge this week as fall camp opens in preparation for the 2011 campaigns in football, women's volleyball and women's soccer.
Eager to erase the lingering effects from last season's 2-9 record, head football coach Stump Mitchell will welcome his Southern Jaguars to fall camp Wednesday at the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse as the Jaguars prepare for the 2011 season.
"There's no question we're excited (about the start of fall camp) with a lot of guys coming back with a lot of experience and a coaching staff that I feel will take us to the next level," said Mitchell. "We're just excited to get started."
The Jaguars first practice is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Thursday and is open to the public. The Jaguars kickoff their 2011 season in LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, for the John Merrit Classic against Tennessee State at 6 p.m. Sept. 3.
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Eager to erase the lingering effects from last season's 2-9 record, head football coach Stump Mitchell will welcome his Southern Jaguars to fall camp Wednesday at the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse as the Jaguars prepare for the 2011 season.
"There's no question we're excited (about the start of fall camp) with a lot of guys coming back with a lot of experience and a coaching staff that I feel will take us to the next level," said Mitchell. "We're just excited to get started."
The Jaguars first practice is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Thursday and is open to the public. The Jaguars kickoff their 2011 season in LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, for the John Merrit Classic against Tennessee State at 6 p.m. Sept. 3.
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