MEAC Announces 2011 Football Television Schedule

NORFOLK, Va., August 18, 2011- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced its 2011 television football slate today featuring eight exciting matchups scheduled to broadcast on ESPN, ESPNU and ESPN Classic. The nationally televised games are a part of the MEAC’s ongoing partnership with ESPN.

The 2011 television schedule kicks off with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney featuring Bethune-Cookman University and non-conference opponent Prairie View A&M University on Sunday, September 4. The game will air live beginning at noon ET on ESPN.

The Thursday night lineup commences with Hampton against defending Co-Champion Florida A&M on September 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State, who both also earned a share of the conference title, will meet on Saturday, September 10 in Daytona Beach, Fla.  The Wildcats will also host Hampton in a Thursday night game on September 22.



Morgan State and Howard will be featured on Saturday, September 24 as the two teams compete in the New York Urban League Football Classic at New Meadowlands Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Bethune-Cookman will travel to Norfolk, Virginia on October 20 to take on Norfolk State in the MEAC’s final Thursday night televised game. The game will air live on ESPNU with a 7:30 p.m. kick off time.

Florida A&M will compete in two additional conference televised games beginning on the road in Orangeburg, South Carolina against South Carolina State on Saturday, October 22.  FAMU will conclude the MEAC’s television slate with its annual matchup against B-CU in the Florida Classic. The game will be played at the Florida Citrus Bowl and will air live on ESPN Classic at 2:30 p.m.

For more information on MEAC football, visit www.MEACSports.com

2011 MEAC Football Television Schedule

Date Game Network Time Broadcast Time
Sun., Sept. 4 Bethune-Cookman v. Prairie View A&M (MEAC/SWAC Challenge) ESPN Noon Live
Thurs., Sept. 8 Florida A&M at Hampton ESPNU 7:30 p.m. Live
Sat., Sept. 10 South Carolina State at Bethune-Cookman ESPNU 4 p.m. 10:30 p.m. (tape delayed)
Thurs., Sept. 22 Hampton at Bethune-Cookman ESPNU 7:30 p.m. Live
Sat., Sept. 24 Morgan State v. Howard ESPNU 3:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. (tape delayed)
Thurs., Oct. 20 Bethune-Cookman at Norfolk State ESPNU 7:30 p.m. Live
Sat., Oct. 22 Florida A&M at South Carolina State ESPNU 1:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. (tape delayed)
Sat., Nov. 19 Florida A&M v. Bethune-Cookman ESPN Classic 2:30 p.m. Live

By MEAC Media Relations

Morgan: Turnaround near at Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS - Mississippi Valley didn't win a game during the 2010 season, losing all 10 games by at least two touchdowns.

It wasn't much fun. But second-year coach Karl Morgan says the Delta Devils' turnaround is near.
"Things are progressing steadily," Morgan said. "I really think some positive things are happening at Mississippi Valley."

The Delta Devils were hit with a big blow when starting quarterback Oliver Hughes suffered a season-ending knee injury near the end of spring practice. Sophomore Carl Davis returns after completing 12 of 21 passes for 73 yards last season.

The new quarterback will have some playmakers around him. Cox led the team with 520 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season. Junior Chris Williams led the Delta Devils with 32 receptions last season.

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Director Eboni Tyler and Assistant Director Erin Hawkins Join GW

Eboni Tyler

Erin Hawkins

WASHINGTON, D.C. - District of Columbia natives Eboni Tyler (Virginia State '04) and Erin Hawkins (Morgan State '11) have been named Director of Operations and Assistant Director of Operations, respectively, for the George Washington University women's basketball program.


"Eboni and Erin are excellent additions who bring a level or professionalism and relatable experience to our staff," said Head Coach Mike Bozeman. "Eboni's organizational skills and experiences working with the Washington Mystics and Wizards are going to be invaluable, while Erin is a former player who will offer that type of perspective and act as a liaison between our student-athletes and coaching staff."

Tyler's responsibilities will include team travel logistics, equipment management and game and practice scheduling, as well as coordinating the team's efforts with academic support, compliance, marketing, facilities and community service and assisting Coach Bozeman with budget management. Hawkins will oversee film logistics, breakdown and exchange, along with oversight of the team's managers and supply inventory.

Tyler most recently served as guest services manager for District-based Monumental Sports & Entertainment and the professional basketball franchises Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics. She served in her role as guest services manager for the Mystics since 2006 and added duties as guest services specialist with the Wizards in June 2010.

Tyler, the daughter of longtime Howard women's basketball coach Sanya Tyler, received her bachelor's degree in sports marketing from Virginia State in 2004.

Hawkins helped Morgan State to 17 victories in each of her three collegiate seasons with the Lady Bears from 2008-11, including the program's first-ever Division I postseason appearance with a trip to the Postseason WNIT as a senior last March. After beginning her career at Richmond in 2006, she went on to total 886 points, 131 three-point field goals, 282 rebounds, 222 assists and 135 steals in 116 collegiate games.

By GWsports.com

FAMU's Ammons stands firm on his stance for MEAC-SWAC game

Ammons refuses to sell the Rattlers brand for cheap

Tallahassee, FL - For the right price, Florida A&M would consider accepting an invitation to play in the nationally televised MEAC-SWAC Challenge football game — even if it remains in Orlando.

"What FAMU could do for that MEAC-SWAC game is something that no other team in the MEAC or the SWAC can do," FAMU president James Ammons told the Democrat in an exclusive interview recently. "We feel that we should have a fair market value for us to be in that game."




He didn't say what the payout is, but said it's more than $100,000 and not close to the gate receipts of a home football game. Other sources have said the Challenge payout is less than $175,000.

That is small compared to what the football team brings in when it plays in guaranteed games and its annual classics in Orlando and Atlanta. Each of those showcase games is worth more than $600,000.

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VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS

Former Fayetteville State running back Richard Medlin scores twice in NFL debut

Foxboro, MA - Well, color us impressed.

Richard Medlin, who spent his last four seasons as a running back at Fayetteville State, experienced the rush of a lifetime last Thursday night. Playing for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, Medlin scored two touchdowns in his NFL debut, contributing nicely to a 47-12 Patriots win over Jacksonville at Gillette Stadium.

Sure, both of Medlin's scores were from 2 yards out. And sure both came late in the fourth quarter of an exhbition opener. But that does little to diminish Medlin's eye-opening achievement. Don't forget, back in 2007, Medlin arrived at Fayetteville State out of Garner High School as a walk-on. He eventually used his athleticism, toughness and persistence to become a standout for the Broncos. Medlin was the 2008 Special Teams Player of the Year in the CIAA and played a key role the next season in sparking FSU's run to the conference title. Then, he followed by leading the Broncos in rushing during his senior season.



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ECSU Names Brenda Brown Head Volleyball Coach

LADY VIKINGS HEAD COACH BRENDA BROWN

ELIZABETH CITY, NC- Elizabeth City State University officially announces the hiring of Brenda Brown as the head coach of the Lady Viking volleyball team.

Brown replaces Linda Bell who moves into the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance for the department.

This will be the first head coaching job for Brown who comes to ECSU after a much heralded career as a volleyball student-athlete at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. During her career as a Lady Eagle (2002-2005), Brown was a two-time All-CIAA First Team selection (2004, 2005). She garnered Second Team honors as a sophomore in 2003 and was a member of the All-Rookie team in 2002. In 2004 Brown was a member of the team that captured the school's second CIAA Volleyball Championship in 2004 and was named Most Valuable Player of the CIAA Tournament her senior season when the team repeated as conference champions. Her final season NCCU posted an impressive 29-14 overall mark and went a perfect 16-0 in conference play.

Her junior year Brown was voted to the 2004 Daktronics Division II Women's Volleyball All-Atlantic Region Second Team.

During her stint as a player, the Lady Eagles were 59-5 versus conference opponents, played in four straight CIAA title games and advanced to the NCAA playoffs twice. She finished her career as NCCU's all-time leader in digs with 1,465 and ranks 4th all-time in kills with 1,168 and 7th in service aces at 125.

Brown holds a B.A in Sports Management (2006) and earned a Masters in Athletic Administration in 2010 from North Carolina Central University.

For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit ECSUVIKINGS

READ RELATED ARTICLE: NCCU grad Brown is new volleyball coach at ECSU

14th Annual DownEast Viking Football Classic

VISIT: ECSUVIKINGS
VISIT: BLUEBEARSATHLETICS

Patience Pays Off for DSU's Elko

Dover, DE -- Despite a record-setting high school career, Delaware State University quarterback Nick Elko has waited more than three years for the opportunity to start at the college level.

Although Delaware State first-year head coach Kermit Blount has not announced his starters for the 2011 opener at VMI on Sep. 3, Elko has taken the majority of snaps with the No. 1 offense during the Hornets' preseason camp. In addition, the Odenton, Md., native has the most experience among the four QBs on the roster.

After sitting out the 2008 season as a freshman redshirt, Elko has appeared in 15 games with the Hornets, including a memorable start before more than 106,000 fans at Michigan in 2009.

Last season, he competed in 10 games off the bench, completing 39-of-68 passes (57.4%) for 540 yards and seven touchdowns. Elko ranked second in the MEAC in passing efficiency (149.2) and was seventh in passing average (54.0 ypg) during the 2010 season. He threw at least one touchdown pass in six games.

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Marino Casem’s name approved, Alcorn announces historic weekend

Lorman, MS -- The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning today approved the request submitted by President M. Christopher Brown II to add Marino “The Godfather” Casem’s name to Alcorn’s football stadium.

Spinks Stadium, originally named for NFL player, former assistant Alcorn football coach, and alumnus Jack Spinks, will become Casem-Spinks Stadium. The unanimous vote honors Casem and Spinks who coached together at Alcorn. The names will appear in alphabetical order and the field remains named after Dwight Fisher.

“Coach Casem helped Alcorn athletics increase both in stature and in reputation, to become a nationally recognized university,” President Brown said. “Every Alcornite celebrates the Board’s decision. Coach Casem built a quality football and athletic program during his tenure at Alcorn. What’s more, he prepared athletes for life beyond the game. He believed in the concept of ‘student-athlete’ and stressed high academic performance in the classroom first.”

Never at a loss for words, a grateful Coach Marino Casem shared his joy, “This honor is only possible because of the hundreds of Alcorn student-athletes, coaches, staff, administrators and fans, and I humbly thank each of you, especially President Brown. I am truly overwhelmed by this honor from my Alcorn family.”

Alcorn State University National Alumni Association President Percy O. Norwood Jr. ’68 said, “Alcornites everywhere are rejoicing. It is about time. We will pack the stadium when Coach Casem is publicly recognized.”

During Casem’s over 20 years at Alcorn, he saw several of his players go on to successful careers and play sports on the professional level. Today, his former player Leslie Frazier is the only head NFL football coach from the SWAC.

Alcorn will celebrate the renaming of the stadium with a historic weekend of activities September 16-17, 2011. On Friday, September 16th, the weekend kicks off with the unveiling of the Dr. Walter Washington Parkway highway signs at 10 a.m. in the Ecology Resource Center. The Mississippi Legislature approved and Governor Haley Barbour signed into law, legislation designating segments of Mississippi Highway 552 beginning at Alcorn within Claiborne County and extending to its intersection with U.S. Highway 61 in Jefferson County be named in honor of Dr. Washington.

Miss Alcorn 2011-2012 will for the first time in the university’s history receive her crown before the first home game. “I am so excited,” says senior biochemistry/pre-medicine student Arkayla Ellis ’12. “I am grateful for the chance to showcase my crown throughout the football season and welcome the new tradition.” The lavish coronation is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

On Saturday, September 17th, to help high school and community college students learn more about opportunities available at Alcorn, the institution is hosting its fall High School and Community College Day, a chance for students and parents to experience Alcorn firsthand. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. and concludes with the 4:00 p.m. Alcorn vs. Mississippi Valley State football game.

At halftime, President Brown will unveil the new stadium signage honoring Coaches Casem and Spinks. The festivities will conclude with the Welcome to the Reservation Concert. The public is invited to attend all events. For more information, contact Elena Kostyleva at 601.443.3658 or elenad@alcorn.edu .

XU runners to begin 2011 season Sept. 1 in Mississippi

Matt Pieri, shown competing in 2010 at Lafreniere
 Park in Metairie, La., is one of seven returning
All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference runners for
 Xavier's men and women.  Pieri is the defending
 GCAC men's individual champion.

NEW ORLEANS — The Xavier University of Louisiana men's and women's cross country teams will run on familiar territory throughout the 2011 season.

Joseph Moses, back for his seventh season as coach of the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets, announced the schedule Wednesday.

Xavier will begin the season Sept. 1 in the Mississippi College Opener at Clinton, Miss., and return there Oct. 22 for the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships. Those will be XU's ninth and 10th appearances in seven seasons at Choctaw Trails Cross Country Course.

Both Xavier teams are five-time defending GCAC champions. The Rush and Nuggets won GCAC team titles at Choctaw Trails in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Xavier's second, third and fourth events will have the same Louisiana destinations as last year. The Rush and Nuggets will compete Sept. 10 in the Four Points by Sheraton Loyola Wolfpack Invitational at Lafreniere Park in suburban Metairie for the third consecutive year, followed by the Ragin' Cajuns Invitational in Lafayette on Sept. 16 and the LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge on Sept. 24.

It will be the third straight year and the fourth time in six seasons that XU competes in the Ragin' Cajuns meet. The Rush and Nuggets will appear at LSU for the third straight year and the seventh time in nine seasons. The fifth meet, Oct. 1 at the Gulf Coast Stampede in Pensacola, Fla., will be XU's third time there in four years.

The final regular-season meet will be Oct. 8 in the University of Dallas Invitational, where XU also competed in 2008.

The GCAC has reclaimed its automatic bid to the NAIA National Championships after a one-year hiatus, so several from the conference — the top men's and women's team, plus the fastest five males and females not on those winning teams — will qualify for the NAIA meet Nov. 19 at Vancouver, Wash. Xavier's men and women qualified for nationals in 2008 and 2009.

Xavier has seven returning All-GCAC runners: Matt Pieri, Ray Walston, Javon Mead and Charles Shaw on the men's team and Anna D'Souza, Ashley Taylor and Donyé Coleman on the women's. Pieri was the 2010 GCAC men's champion. Both teams conducted their first preseason workouts Friday.

2011 Xavier University of Louisiana Cross Country Schedule

all times Central unless noted

Sept. 1 (Thu.): Mississippi College Opener, Clinton, Miss. — women 5 p.m., men 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 10 (Sat.): Four Points by Sheraton Loyola Wolfpack Invitational, Metairie, La. — women 8 a.m., men 8:35 a.m.
Sept. 16 (Fri.): Ragin' Cajuns Invitational, Lafayette, La. — women 6 p.m., men 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 (Sat.): LSU Invitational, Baton Rouge, La. — women 8:05 a.m., men 9:15 a.m.
Oct. 1 (Sat): Gulf Coast Stampede, Pensacola, Fla. — women 7:30 a.m., men 8 a.m.
Oct. 8 (Sat.): University of Dallas Invitational, Irving, Texas — women 9 a.m., men 10 a.m.
Oct. 22 (Sat.): Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships, Clinton, Miss. — women 8 a.m., men 8:45 a.m.
Nov. 19 (Sat): NAIA National Championships, Vancouver, Wash. — men 10:30 a.m. PST, women 11:45 a.m. PST

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

The Xavier Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets compete in Division I of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) as a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Xavier fields men's teams in basketball, cross country and tennis and women's teams in basketball, cross country, tennis and volleyball.

KEYS: First four games not easy for Southern University

Baton Rouge, LA - Reciting them from memory, one by one, Southern University football coach Stump Mitchell listed the first four games of this year’s schedule, barely stopping long enough to blink. “After that, I don’t know,” he said. You’ll have to forgive the man for not looking too far ahead.

Mitchell’s pivotal second season at SU could hinge on how well the Jaguars navigate their way through a rock ‘em-sock ‘em September schedule, which goes like this: Tennessee State, Alabama A&M, Jackson State and Florida A&M. No fluff. No filler. No breaks.

If the Jaguars somehow thrive in those first four games, they’re in for a great year.If not ... well, remember how last season went?

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Blue signs track scholarship with Morehouse

ELLAVILLE, GA — Jeremy Blue came out of nowhere in the spring to win the Class A championship in the discus. In the process, he broke a 21-year record with his throw of 167 feet, 9 inches as he became Schley County’s second athlete (Carmetrick Ross) to win a state championship in track.

Blue is already throwing a college discus, which weighs almost a pound more than the high school discus, at 151 feet, which would still win the state championship. Blue is taking his throws to Morehouse College, hoping he can continue his success at the collegiate level.

“I’m amazed,” said Blue. “I didn’t think I’d be able to do it, but I’m here now, and I’m ready.”

Blue’s throw would have won all classes this year with the exception of 4A, which went to Georgia freshman football player Ray Drew.

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FAMU Rattlers feeling good about replacements at cornerback

Tallahassee, FL - When All-American cornerbacks Curtis Holcomb and Qier Hall completed their eligibility at Florida A&M last season, they left a glaring hole in the secondary.

Rattlers coach Joe Taylor wasn't too concerned, though. After all, he had three qualified replacements, led by Marvin Ross who has the most experience of the trio. While Ross has clearly established himself as a starter, Jerral Stewart and Terry Johnson also are contending for one of the two positions at corner.

The competition isn't over, though, and Ross knows it. "Coming into the starting role, I've got to play hard, use the techniques," he said. "We had Holcomb and Hall and they gave me a lot of help and study. "I took advantage of it because there was no reason to sit back. They were experienced guys. Qier and Curtis gave us a lot of encouragement."

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Ammons intends to improve FAMU facilities

Dr. James Ammons, FAMU President

Tallahassee, FL - Smack-dab in the middle of a drive down Wahnish Way, through the Florida A&M campus sits the attractive Lawson Center, home of the Rattlers' basketball and volleyball teams.

From inside the glass-laden building, one view is of a section of athletic facilities that includes softball, tennis and a drawn-down Olympic-size swimming pool. A short walk through the state-of-the art Lawson Center brings into view Bragg Stadium, which hasn't had a major renovation in more than 30 years.

Three short blocks south of the Lawson Center sits FAMU's baseball field, which also is in need of upgrades. Just about every one of the venues where the Rattlers play is high on the must-do list of FAMU president James Ammons.

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ASU Hornets wrap up preseason camp, head to class

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State University football team ended preseason camp Tuesday afternoon at Hornet Stadium.

With fall classes beginning Wednesday, the Hornets will not practice tomorrow and will resume practice Thursday and Friday at 3:30 p.m., prior to a Saturday scrimmage at 9 a.m.
The Hornets had one practice Tuesday afternoon in full pads, their 15th practice over a two-week period that began on August 3.

"We have a group that has come together, that has been working hard and doing some good things," head coach Reggie Barlow said as he assessed the team's status at the end of camp. "We have a host of guys we know are going to show up on a daily basis, like Kynjee Cotton, DreQuay Everett, T.C. McWilliams, Greg Jenkins just to name a few, and I really admire those guys. We have some other guys that are coming along also."


ASU New Hornets Stadium Flyover Graphics (Bootleg Version I provided by ASUcheerguy) See the real deal at: BAMASTATESPORTS

Barlow likes how the team has progressed but will look for continued improvement with the Sept. 3 season opener at Mississippi Valley State just 18 days away.

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ASU Rams on No. 9 preseason ranking: ‘We are blessed’

ALBANY, GA — The Albany State football team stepped onto the practice field Tuesday as one of the Top 10 Division II teams in the nation, but coach Mike White said he isn’t even thinking twice about the preseason honor.

The Rams are tied for ninth in the American Football Coaches Association Top 25 Division II Preseason Coaches’ Poll, which was released Monday. ASU ended last season ranked fourth in the national poll. This season, the Rams received 379 votes and are tied with Bloomsburg (Penn.) to start their 2011 campaign.

Several ASU players echoed their coach’s belief Tuesday that rankings — especially those in the preseason — matter very little.

“The rankings really don’t matter,” senior running back Darryl Carey said. “We come out here and work hard every day and expect to be a good team. When we come out here on this field, we practice hard, we work hard in the offseason, we have some great coaches, and we are blessed to be on the field.”

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Southern University linebacker corps deeper this year

Baton Rouge, LA - Now in his fifth season at Southern University, senior linebacker Corey Ray knows the drill. He’s used to it. Every preseason, he said, players and coaches naturally believe they’ll be better than they were the year before.

“We said the same thing during camp last year,” Ray said. Of course, they weren’t better.

The Jaguars went 2-9 in their first season under Stump Mitchell, and the linebackers had their share of disappointing moments. All too often, in crucial third-down situations, SU linebackers blew assignments, missed tackles or did both at the same time. As a result, opponents had 58 third-down conversions last season, forcing Southern’s defense to stay on the field and wear down in the second half.

So why, then, will this season really be...



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Southern Linebackers at a glance
LINEBACKERS

POSITION COACH: O’Neill Gilbert.

PROJECTED STARTERS: Demetrius Bentley, Corey Ray, Jamie Payton, Corry Roy.

ON THE BENCH: Franchot West, Jared Detrick, Javandon Vallare, Robert Sanchez, Larry Johnson, Christian Allen, Daniel Brown.

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FAMU's Taylor left wanting more

Tallahassee, FL - There was a little bit more pushing and shoving Monday afternoon — the first day in pads for the Florida A&M football team — but it didn't stop Rattlers coach Joe Taylor from wishing he'd seen a little bit more from his younger players.

"I don't think the effort was bad but there were too many questions, mainly with the second and third team," he said. "I guess that's that youth, but I think we're still on a good pace."

Monday was the start of what Taylor called "separation week," when he'd find out more about the personality of his team and which players will emerge as the ones who make the travel squad. They'll have the first of two two-a-days workouts scheduled this week, culminating with a scrimmage Saturday at 9 a.m.

The scrimmage will carry most of the weight for grading his players, Taylor said.

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Friends of Howard Football hosts "The Meet The Bison Luncheon" for the Howard University football team

Washington, DC -- Friends of Howard Football, a local alumni-based fundraising group that promotes interest in the Howard University football program, hosts the “Meet the Bison” luncheon in the Howard University Blackburn Ballroom on Sunday, August 28th from 12 pm to 3 pm.

The “Meet the Bison” luncheon is a fundraising opportunity for friends, family, alumni, and Howard University supporters to be introduced to the 2011 Football team. The entire Howard University Football program coaching staff, including head coach Gary “Flea” Harrell, will be in attendance to make introductions and familiarize supporters to the Howard University Football Team and the Howard University community.



Event tickets are $55.00 per person or $550.00 for a 10 person table. Tickets are available at the Friends of Howard Football website or at http://2011fhfmeetthebisonluncheon.eventbrite.com. The ticket purchase deadline is Wednesday, August 24th. Advance registration is required and seating is open and based the first-come-first-served basis; except for reserved tables. All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be available.

Throughout the year, representatives of the Friends of Howard Football group organize fundraising events that benefit Howard University’s Football Program. These events afford Friends of Howard Football members the opportunity to network and socialize in a festive environment, while raising funds to support the football program. Their goal is to help provide the best academic and athletic opportunities for the student-athletes, while maintaining Howard’s high standard of excellence.

For more information about the Friends of Howard Football, Inc., the Howard University Football program, or to purchase tickets to the “Meet the Bison” luncheon please visit www.friendsofhowardfootball.org or email us at info@friendsofhowardfootball.org.

VISIT:  Friends of Howard Football, Inc.

Alabama A&M, Hayes closer to an agreement

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M men's basketball coach Willie Hayes, who has been on the job for more than two months, is getting closer to signing a contract, school officials said earlier this week.

Hayes replaced long-time coach Vann Pettaway, who resigned after 25 years on the job. He has been working in good faith since being hired on May 26 and remains confident a deal will be struck soon.

"I think we're going to get it done," Hayes said. "The university is going through a lot of stuff financially and dealing with SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). After they get done with that, I think we'll sit down and get this done."

A&M's campus visit with SACS is set for ...

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Southern University has ‘Virgil Island’

Baton Rouge, LA - Before preseason camp began at Southern, coach Stump Mitchell said fans could expect “big things” this season from a smallish player — 5-foot-9 cornerback Virgil Williams.
Mitchell and his staff believed the sophomore could cement his spot as the team’s No. 1 cornerback.

Twelve days have passed since camp began, Williams has done nothing to deter his coaches’ faith.
“He’s a guy that played all three positions last year. He was a corner, a nickel and a safety for us last year,” defensive coordinator O’Neill Gilbert said Sunday at the team’s media day. “We’ve settled him down as a corner, and we expect a big year out of Virgil.”



As a true freshman last season, Williams actually went through preseason camp as a...

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Baez finds home at SU

Baton Rouge, LA - Sometimes, when universities feel an economic crunch, or when they’re in the mood to de-emphasize athletics on campus, they’ll consider a move to drop football. And sometimes, the academic folks win. They drop football.

Jorge Baez and Jamie Payton faced a very different, very rare problem. They arrived at Southern this season after their previous university closed down. Not the football program. The entire school.



In the spring of 2010, Baez was the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Lambuth University, a private NAIA school in Jackson, Tenn., that was founded in 1843. Payton, a graduate of Dutchtown High, was a productive linebacker. Lambuth had been around for more than 150 years, but Baez and others had begun to see signs of trouble. Big signs.

The school was running out of money.

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Q&A with UMES coach Frankie Allen

Princess Anne, MD - One year ago UMES coach Frankie Allen was looking forward to welcoming six new players onto the Hawks' roster.

Today, just one member of that six-man class -- sophomore guard Louis Bell -- remains in Princess Anne. UMES has just four returners coming back off last season's 9-22 team.

Allen was a busy man this offseason in putting together his 2011-12 roster. He added former Colorado and Northern Illinois coach Ricardo Patton and Marlon Terry as assistants, and recruited a seven-man class.

The new additions to the Hawks are: Olatunji "T.J." Kosile, a 6-foot-11 center from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Miss.; Pina Guillaume, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Blinn College in Texas who played his freshman year at Binghamton; Ron Spencer, a 6-foot-9 forward who transferred from Tennessee-Martin; Akeem Anderson, a 6-foot-7 forward from Northwest Mississippi Community College; Gregory Womack, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla.; Percy Woods, a 6-foot combo guard from Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pa.; and Ishaq Pitt, a 6-foot-3 point guard from St. John Vianney in New Jersey.

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Saint Augustine's College goes for smaller stadium

RALEIGH, N.C. -- This season, for the first time in more than 50 years, the football team at Saint Augustine's College may fulfill its dream of playing home games on campus. But a new stadium will be smaller than school leaders had hoped.

The college has scaled back plans for a 5,000-seat venue after opposition from neighbors upset at the prospect of noisy crowds and game-day traffic. Instead, Saint Augustine's will seek permission for 2,500 seats - a capacity that won support from Raleigh City Council members in previous negotiations.



The revised proposal, which could go before the council Sept. 6, marks a setback for college officials who wanted more seats to attract recruits and compete for upper-tier NCAA track competitions.

The complex is named in honor of George "Pup" Williams, the longtime track coach who has led his athletes to 31 NCAA Division II track championships.

"To me, it's a slap in the face," said Williams, also the school's athletic director. "Sometimes I wonder how it would have been with Mike Krzyzewski or Dean Smith (pushing for the stadium).

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FAMU football team pleased with depth at quarterback

Tallahassee, FL - Tyler Bass knows the wacky things that could happen in a football game, especially to quarterbacks. He saw a lot of it in his freshman year at the University of Memphis.

As best Bass, now a backup quarterback at Florida A&M, could recollect, three upper-class quarterbacks ahead of him went down in one game. He got the call to finish the fourth quarter of the game with East Carolina holding an insurmountable lead.

Such a scenario might not play out at FAMU with Austin Trainor as starter, but if Rattlers coach Joe Taylor should ever have to realize a coach's worst fear about his quarterback, he just might not have much to worry about.

For the first time in more than seven seasons, FAMU has a talented trio of backup quarterbacks. Taylor had been living on the edge with...

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