WSSU badly needs win against J.C. Smith

WINSTON SALEM, North Carolina - No room for error. That's the situation Winston-Salem State is in after two straight losses, to No. 9 Shaw and to Livingstone.

The fast-fading Rams (17-6, 3-4 CIAA Southern Division) are ranked No. 7 in the Atlantic Region and clinging to hopes of making the NCAA Division II Tournament, but they need to win. They'll try to end their losing streak tonight when they play Johnson C. Smith (10-13, 3-4) at 7 o'clock at the Gaines Center.

The Rams have three regular-season games left before the CIAA tournament in Charlotte. Losses in four of the last six games will make their road to the NCAA tournament tougher, with only the top eight in each region advancing.

Coach Bobby Collins was not happy after Monday's lethargic 83-65 loss to Livingstone. There was an hour-long meeting after the game to clear the air, and Collins also put the Rams through a 6 a.m. practice later in the week.

READ MORE

FSU carries hot streak into CIAA showdown with Shaw

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -  Learning how to win meant losing a lot for the Fayetteville State men's basketball team this season. But after enduring a seven-game losing streak that included two overtime defeats in late January and early February, the Broncos have won four of their least five and three straight.

Coach Alphonza Kee hopes FSU can continue its hot streak into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament that begins Feb. 28 in Charlotte. But first the Broncos must close out the regular season with three pivotal CIAA games, starting today when Shaw comes to Capel Arena for a 7:30 p.m. game.

The Bears (21-2 overall, 13-0 CIAA) are the nation's No. 9-ranked NCAA Division II team and feature senior point guard Malik Allen. Allen ranks second in CIAA scoring (20.7) and is averaging 3.9 assists.

READ MORE

Cedric Blossom discusses his commitment to Morgan State

BALTIMORE, Maryland  - During the summer he was the leading scorer on his AAU team. For his powerhouse high school program, he’s the ultimate “glue guy.” No matter the level of competition, and no matter the quantifiable contributions, Cedric Blossom’s do-it-all game has made him a favorite of coaches and players alike.

Blossom’s versatility also made him a prime mid-major recruit, with Bryant, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Loyola, Morgan State, New Hampshire and Towson among the programs that expressed interest in the 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward. For the Montrose Christian co-captain and Columbia resident, one school seemingly always stood out above the rest.



“Morgan State first saw me on the AAU circuit, probably this summer actually,” Blossom said. “That’s where the head coach basically told me he fell in love with me. He said he needed me on the team.”

Blossom accepted Todd Bozeman’s offer last weekend, giving the Bears coach someone who “does all the little things to help you win.”

READ MORE 

J.C. Smith loses assistant coaches Flowers, Minter

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Johnson C. Smith football has lost a pair of high-profile assistant coaches during the offseason.

According to campus sources, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Maurice Flowers has taken the same position at CIAA South rival Shaw while defensive passing game coordinator Mike Minter left for the special teams coordinator’s position at Liberty University (Va.), an FCS program playing in the Big South Conference. Minter’s photo and biography are on Liberty’s football website.

Flowers, a former JCSU quarterback and East Mecklenburg High graduate, turned the Golden Bulls’ offense into one of the CIAA’s best in two seasons.

READ MORE

JSU Baseball to Open Season with Tournament

JACKSON, Mississippi  -  The Jackson State baseball team will open its 2012 season this weekend when the Tigers host Mississippi Valley State, Eastern Illinois and Florida A&M in the JSU Tournament at the Robert "Bob" Braddy, Sr. field on the JSU campus.

Jackson State will take on Florida A&M at 6 pm on Friday, Feb. 17. On Saturday, Feb. 18 JSU will face Eastern Illinois at noon and FAMU at 3 pm. The Tigers and Eastern Illinois will square off again Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 pm. For ticket information, call the JSU Athletics Ticket Office at 601-979-2420.

2012 Jackson State University Baseball Outlook

The Jackson State Tigers baseball team has experienced tremendous success under sixth year head coach Omar Johnson. In five seasons at the helm of the Tiger program, Johnson has recorded a .608 winning percentage (which is the highest winning percentage in school history for anyone that has coached over two seasons). His 169 victories ranks second in program history, behind Robert "Bob" Braddy's 811 wins during his 28 year career as JSU's baseball coach. Johnson's program has produced All-American and All-Conference standouts, set school records for single-season wins and finished as the top team in the SWAC at the conclusion of the regular season. The only thing that is missing from Johnson's stellar JSU resume is a Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship.

"Our outlook is basically the same every season," Johnson said. "Our goals are to (1) win our division, (2) win the conference tournament and (3) win in the regional. We are not changing our philosophy. We are going to be aggressive on the bases, situational hit, pitch and play defense. Hopefully we will continue to do that this season and if we hit the ball well, I am confident that we will have the success that we are expecting."

Last season the Tigers finished with a 27-26 overall record and a 14-11 conference mark. JSU went into the conference tournament as a No. 2 seed. The Tigers opened the 2011 SWAC Tournament with a 6-3 win over Prairie View A&M, but 13-6 to Southern. JSU bounced back to beat Prairie View A&M 6-2, eliminating the Panthers from the tournament and JSU advanced to the semifinals. However, the Tigers faced Southern for the second time in the tournament and fell 14-9 to the Jaguars.

Individually, Desmond Russell (So., UT, Freeport, Bahamas), Charles Epperson (Jr., OF/P, Huntsville, AL) and Jose Cruz (So., C, Kissimmee, FL) all received All-SWAC honors. Russell was named SWAC Freshman of the Year and received a second team All-SWAC nod. He was also named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. Epperson was a first team All-SWAC member and Cruz was a second team member.

"These players got a significant amount of playing time last season," said Johnson. "I am expecting them all to perform better than they did last season. "

The Team - Jackson State will have a seasoned team. The Tigers will have 10 players who competed in at least 30 games last season and another six returners with game experience. JSU's key contributors from last season include: Kendall Logan (Sr., OF, Natchez, MS), Frank Solis (Sr., 3B, Miami Lakes, FL), Quintavious Drains (Sr., P, Riverdale, GA), Jose Garcia (So., UT, Deltona, FL), Cruz, Russell, Epperson and Stephen Curtis (So., IF, Nassau, Bahamas).

Logan had a .366 batting average, with 67 hits, 63 runs, 44 RBI and a team-high 12 home runs. He also was 19-21 in stolen base attempts. Solis had a .302 batting average, with 55 hits, 41 runs and 21 RBI. Drains posted a team high seven wins as a starting pitcher. He had a 4.24 earned run average last season. In 99.2 innings pitched he struck out 95 batters while giving up 102 hits and 54 runs. Garcia finished the season with a 4.18 ERA. He struck out 36 batters, while giving up 29 hits in 32 innings of work. Cruz posted a .199 batting average last season, with 30 hits, 18 runs and 19 RBI. Russell hit .310 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 5 homers, 49 RBI, 10 stolen bases. As a pitcher he had a 4-6 record, 4.52 ERA, 3 saves, 79 strikeouts, 32 walks in 81 2/3 innings. Epperson had a .299 batting average with 56 hits, 12 doubles, four home runs and 39 RBI. He was also 14-15 in stolen base attempts. Curtis hit .289, with 43 hits, five doubles and three home runs. He was 10-11 in stolen base attempts.

Pitchers and Catchers - Drains returns as the projected ace of the Tigers pitching staff. His 7-3 record led the team in wins. His 95 strikeouts also led the team. Over the last two seasons he has a 20-7 record and 183 strikeouts to go along with 11 complete games. Drains may also have the opportunity to break JSU's all time pitching wins record this season.

Russell is expected to record even better numbers as a sophomore. He was tied for third on the team in wins (4) behind Drains and Terrance Washington (5). Russell will also play a field position. Kiarious Hall (Sr., P, Moss Point, MS) is expected to make significant contributions for the Tigers as a member of the rotation. Last season he was the only member of the staff who did not suffer a loss, with his 3-0 record. In 10 appearances he pitched 21 innings and allowed 21 hits.

The other returners to the pitching staff include Raymond Rodriguez, Jose Garcia and Andre Rodriguez.

The returning catchers include Cruz, who coach Johnson believes will swing the bat better this season, and Gary Mele (So., C, Atlanta, GA).

Infield and Outfield The Tigers have experience and talent in the infield and outfield. JSU's infield will be anchored by third baseman Frank Solis. Solis is a three year starter for JSU. He is the only player on the team who has played every year he has been here.

"We are expecting him to be one of our big leaders, but at the same time play defense like he has played the past three years," Johnson said. "He has only committed 10 errors in the three he has played, which is outstanding."

JSU will return all three starting outfielders in Kendall Logan, Charles Epperson, and Gabriel Babineaux.

Newcomers - Jackson State will not have many freshmen this season, but the following players will have an opportunity to get some playing time: Luis Torres (Fr., Ceiba, Puerto Rico), Gary Thompson (Fr., Meridian, MS) and Aric Thompson (Fr., Memphis, TN). Gary Thomas and Aric Thompson are expected to compete for shortstop position this season.

COURTESY: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS MEDIA

Virginia State Trojan Football Releases 2012 Football Schedule

PETERSBURG, Virginia  -  Virginia State University has released its 2012 football schedule that features Norfolk State University coming from the MEAC conference, Benedict College coming from the SIAC conference, and West Liberty State University coming from WVIAC conference. The Trojans will host five home games this season compared to only having three home games the entire last season. The Trojans practically lived on the road last season taking on two NCAA I-AA schools in Norfolk State University and Gardner-Webb University.

Virginia State will kick-off their season on Sept. 1 in Norfolk, VA at the Annual Labor Day Classic against Norfolk State University. The Trojans suffered a disappointing lost to the Spartans, falling 37-3 in last season’s match. On Sept. 8 the Trojans open at home against the visiting West Liberty State University at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick, VA.

Virginia State will hit the road for the next two weekends traveling to Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC. The Trojans take on Benedict College on Sept. 15 and then begin their CIAA conference schedule headed to Charlotte, NC, to play the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University. Last season the Trojans suffered a heart breaking lost to the Golden Bulls 14-7. The Trojans lost on a last second offensive turnover that lead to a Golden Bulls score with under a minute left in regulation. VSU looks to avenge the tough lost last season.

On Sept. 29, VSU will play their home conference opener against Shaw University at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick, VA. The Trojans and Bears last squared off in the 2010 CIAA Championship game with the Bears edging the Trojans 14-7 at Durham County Stadium.



Their next opponent will be northern divisional rival Elizabeth City State University on Oct. 6. Last season the Vikings finished the regular season with a record of 8-4 and 6-1 in conference play. They also played in the CIAA Championship game and fell to the Rams of Winston-Salem State University.

On Oct. 13, the Trojans travel to Bowie, MD to take on the Bulldogs of Bowie State in another northern divisional game. Last season, the Trojans defeated the Bulldogs 28-21 in a thrilling overtime game at home. Freshmen running back, Tyler Wilson carried the Trojans to a win with 149 all-purpose yards.

On Saturday, October 20th Virginia State University’s football team will host Homecoming 2012 against Lincoln (Pa.) at 1:30 p.m. in Rogers Stadium. VSU holds a 6-0 lead in the series, winning last season meeting 21-16 on the road in West Grove, PA.

Following Homecoming the Trojans will host the visiting Hawks of Chowan closing out the 2012 home schedule on Saturday, Oct. 27. In their last meeting the Trojans defeated the Hawks at home in a superior fashion, 38-20. Prior to the kickoff versus the Hawks, Virginia State will honor its 2012 senior class.

Virginia State closes the season with a road game against I-95 rival, Virginia Union University on Nov. 3 in Richmond, VA. The Trojans tamed the Panthers last season with a 39-14 win on Homecoming 2011.

2012 VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
DATE   OPPONENT  LOCATION TIME
9/01/12 at Norfolk State, Norfolk, VA  6:00 p.m.
9/08/12 West Liberty State, Ettrick, VA  4:00 p.m.
9/15/12 at Benedict College, Columbia, SC 4:00 p.m.
9/22/12 at Johnson C. Smith, Charlotte, NC TBA
9/29/12 Shaw University, Ettrick, VA  6:00 p.m.
10/6/12 Elizabeth City State, Ettrick, VA 6:00 p.m.
10/13/12 at Bowie State, Bowie, MD TBA
10/20/12 Lincoln (Pa.) (Homecoming), Ettrick, VA 1:30 p.m.
10/27/12 Chowan, Ettrick, VA  1:30 p.m.
11/03/12 at Virginia Union, Richmond, VA TBA

COURTESY: VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Jackson State Releases 2012 Football Schedule

JACKSON, Mississippi - The Jackson State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has released its 2012 football schedule. The Tigers offer JSU fans an exciting 11 game slate of football action, four of which are home games.

JSU, which finished the 2011 season with a 9-2 record, opens the season with a trip to Starkville, MS to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in only the second ever meeting on the gridiron on Sept. 1. The Tigers will remain on the road for the next two weeks. On Sept. 8 JSU will take on the Tennessee State Tigers in Memphis, TN for the Southern Heritage Classic. JSU will then travel to Houston, TX to face the Texas Southern Tigers in their brand new stadium, which is shared with the Houston Dynamos professional soccer team.

JSU will open its home schedule on Sept. 22 for the Battle of the Big Cats game against the Southern Jaguars. The Tigers will round out the first month of the season against the Prairie View A&M Panthers on Sept. 29 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.



The Tigers will open the month of October with a two game road trip. On Oct. 6, JSU will travel to Pine Bluff, AK to face the Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions. The Tigers will then make their way to Montgomery, AL to face the Alabama State Hornets on Oct. 13.

The 2012 homecoming football game is set for Oct. 20 when the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils visit Memorial Stadium. The Tigers will have an open week before traveling to Grambling, LA to face the Grambling State Tigers on Nov. 3. JSU's final home game is set for Nov. 10 when the Alabama A&M Bulldogs come to Jackson for senior day and military appreciation day. The Tigers and the Alcorn State Braves will square off in the regular season finale (Capital City Classic) on Nov. 17 at Memorial Stadium.

Jackson State will make 2012 football season tickets available to the general public on May 7 and roll out special ticket promotions prior to that date.

2012 Jackson State Football Schedule

Sept. 1 at Mississippi State "Bulldogs"
Sept. 8 vs. Tennessee State "Tigers" (Southern Heritage Classic)
Sept. 15 at Texas Southern "Tigers"
Sept 22 Southern "Jaguars" (Battle of the Big Cats/Honoring W.C. Gorden)
Sept. 29 Prairie View A&M "Panthers" (High School Day)
Oct. 6 at Arkansas Pine Bluff "Golden Lions"
Oct. 13 at Alabama State "Hornets"
Oct. 20 Mississippi Valley State "Delta Devils" (Homecoming)
Oct. 27 Open
Nov. 3 at Grambling State "Tigers"
Nov. 10 Alabama A&M "Bulldogs" (Senior Day/Fan and Military Appreciation Day)
Nov. 17 Alcorn State "Braves" (Capital City Classic)
Dec. 8 SWAC Championship Game

COURTESY: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS MEDIA

Dutchtown's Hill is Nuggets' first signee for 2012 season

JODI HILL

NEW ORLEANS — Jodi Hill, a 5-foot-9 middle blocker from Prairieville, La., and Dutchtown High School, is Xavier University of Louisiana's first women's volleyball signee for the 2012 season.

Hill signed an XU scholarship Thursday afternoon at her school.

Hill was a Baton Rouge Advocate All-Metro selection as a senior and junior.

In 2011 she had 391 kills and 83 blocks to help the Griffins reach the second round of the Division I (Class 5A) state playoffs. Hill had 387 kills and 111 blocks her junior season.

She was first-team all-district as a junior and senior and second-team all-district as a sophomore. Hill helped Dutchtown reach the state quarterfinals in 2010 and the second round in 2009. Her match highs include 23 kills and 14 blocks, both recorded in the same contest her senior year.

"I'm very excited about Jodi coming to Xavier," XU coach Christabell Hamilton said. "I'm really impressed by her physique and her athleticism. She will add depth to our team. She's also a great young lady from a great family. She's very respectful. She's going to fit right in with our Xavier volleyball family."

Hill plays club ball for Louisiana Volleyball Baton Rouge. She plans to major in political science at Xavier and attend law school after graduation. Her great grandmother was an XU graduate.

Xavier's Gold Nuggets were 23-7 in 2011, won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championship.

photos from the signing ceremony (via Facebook) Jodi Hill's YouTube video

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XULA ATHLETICS AT FACEBOOK.COM

2012 Tennessee State University Football Schedule Released

2012 TSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE PDF 

Nashville, Tenn. - This fall brings a lot of excitement as the Tennessee State University Athletic Department announced its 2012 football schedule on Thursday.
The Big Blue will play 11 games and renews rivalries with three HBCU programs. TSU will also play five home games during the 2012 campaign.

TSU opens the season with long-time rival Florida A&M at LP Field in the 14th annual John Merritt Classic on Saturday, Sept. 1. The Rattlers and Tigers are renewing a rivalry that was briefly halted last season. September's meeting will be the 50th between the two historic programs.

The following weekend on Sept. 8, the Tigers face rival Jackson State for the 21st time in the 23rd annual Southern Heritage Classic presented by Fed Ex.

TSU reignites some historic memories in honor of the University's 100th centennial celebration. The Tigers welcome in-state rival Austin Peay to Hale Stadium, affectionately known as the Hole, on Sept. 15.



From there, Tennessee State visits Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 22 for the seventh time and the first meeting since 1987.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff and the Big Blue are meeting for the first time on the girdiron during the Tigers' annual Homecoming celebration on Sept. 29 at LP Field.

TSU resumes OVC action when Eastern Kentucky travels to Nashville on Oct. 6. The Tigers embark on a two game road swing at Southeast Missouri (Oct. 13) and Jacksonville State (Oct. 20).

Senior Day 2012 is slated for Oct. 27 when Tennessee Tech visits the Music City. The Tigers close out the season with trips to Murray State (Nov. 3) and UT Martin (Nov. 17).

Tennessee State is coming off 5-6 overall mark in 2011 and a fifth place finish in the OVC (4-4), moving up four spots from the 2010 season.

"We are very excited about the schedule this season," said TSU Athletics Director Teresa Phillips. "This schedule allows TSU to connect with some of our historic rivals, while rekindling fond memories of Hale Stadium. The team is headed in the right direction under head coach Rod Reed and we look forward to the 2012 campaign."

Season ticket prices and details, as well as game times will be announced at a later date.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

OVC Announces Divisional Play for Basketball

Brentwood, Tennessee  -  On Thursday the Ohio Valley Conference announced the plan for divisional play for men's and women's basketball beginning with the 2012-13 academic year.

The addition of Belmont University on July 1, 2012 will give the OVC 12 member institutions, the largest the Conference has been since it was formed in 1948 (the OVC is currently the nation's eighth-oldest Division I conference).

The sports of softball and volleyball will use schedules based on a divisional format but have yet to determine if those sports will formally recognize divisions. The sports of baseball, women's soccer and men's and women's tennis will not use divisional play because those sports currently have less than 12 participating teams.

The East Division will include Belmont, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Morehead State, Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech.

The West Division will include Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Murray State, Southeast Missouri State, SIUE and UT Martin.

Some of the factors in determining the divisions included geography and balance while also being mindful of matchups and rivalries (both current and future).

Finalized 2012-13 men's and women's Conference basketball schedules will be released in the coming weeks.

The final piece of divisional play will be to determine tournament seeding and bracketing. The OVC Championships sub-committee is studying those issues now and the Directors of Athletics will make a decision soon.

Divisions for OVC Basketball in 2012-13

East

Belmont

Eastern Kentucky 

Jacksonville State 

Morehead State 

Tennessee State

Tennessee Tech 

West
Austin Peay
Eastern Illinois
Murray State
Southeast Missouri (SEMO)
Southern Illinois - Edwardsville (SIUE)
UT Martin

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU Spartans' possible MEAC title in jeopardy after stinging loss

NORFOLK, Virginia - The Norfolk State Spartans failed to exorcize the demon that has become Delaware State on Wednesday night. Now they need help if they are to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's regular-season title. And the Spartans will probably have a nightmare or two about the six-point lead they blew in the game's last three minutes. They will lament the 10-1 run they allowed the Hornets to make to start overtime.

Delaware State ended up winning 73-63. But from the looks on the Spartans' faces, the Hornets won this game when Tahj Tate rebounded a missed 3-pointer by teammate Casey Walker and banked home the stickback with 1.4 seconds remaining to force the overtime with the game tied at 59.

"I think we were really deflated by that tip-in," Spartans coach Anthony Evans said. "It really got to us."

READ MORE

VUU -- Pistons' Ben Wallace sets NBA record for games played by undrafted player

Auburn Hills, Michigan — If Pistons coach Lawrence Frank had a vote, he wouldn't hesitate voting Ben Wallace (Virginia Union University) into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Frank's endorsement Tuesday came about 90 minutes before Wallace set an NBA record for games played by an undrafted player (1,055).

"Oh, yeah," Frank said. "Who knows in terms of the voting? But (from my perspective), without a doubt (Wallace is in). "You look at what he's done — he's a champion, four-time defensive player of the year. I think without a doubt he has credentials to be Hall of Fame-worthy."

Ben Wallace Airballs Free Throw, Makes Three-pointer

Wallace set the record when he replaced Greg Monroe with 54.8 seconds remaining in the first quarter of Tuesday's game against the Spurs. The Pistons trailed 29-20 at the time, and eventually lost 99-95. The record had been held by former Spurs guard Avery Johnson (NJ Nets Head Coach), (Southern University graduate).

Wallace said he's not worried about the Hall of Fame, but would gladly accept the nod if he gets voted in. "It doesn't matter what (the player) thinks, it's all up to what everybody else thinks," Wallace said. "If (voters) say I'm a Fall of Famer, then I gotta agree with them."

READ MORE

TSU Track & Field Inks Four during Signing Period

 Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University Track & Field Director Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice announced the signing of four student-athletes during the recent National Letter of Intent signing period that began on Feb. 1.

Clairwin Dameus, Leslye Williams, Jerome Henderson and Quamel Prince all signed their National Letter of Intents to suit up for the Tigers during the 2012-13 academic year.

"I am excited about our incoming class," noted Cheeseborough-Guice. "We went after some strong student-athletes that will make a difference right away."

Dameus, a native of Boynton Beach, Fla., is known as a multiple event specialist. The Santaluces Community High School (Palm Beach County) product won a first place medal at the 2011 ESPN Rise Championships in Orlando. Dameus recorded personal bests of 19-6 ½ in the long jump and 14.50 in the 100-meter hurdles. The incoming freshman competed in the AAU National Junior Olympic Multis Championships and finished as state runner-up in the long jump.

View Dameus' video here.

Williams, a native of Nashville, joins the Tigerbelles after setting four school records at Martin Luther King Magnet School. The sprinter was an AAU National Qualifier in 2007, 2010 and 2011. She also claimed a state title in the 200-meter dash with a run of 24.92 seconds. Williams holds several regional championships in the 100-meter, 200-meter and both relay events.

Clarksville product Jerome Henderson joins TSU next season after competing in the AAU Junior Olympics on four occasions. Henderson won the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.74 at the 2011 Great Eight at Vanderbilt University. The Clarksville High football star also earned top-10 finishes in the TSSAA 100-meter dash and the 4x100-meter relays.

View Henderson's video here
Antioch's Quamel Prince captured the state title in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:51.27. Prince also clocked times of 48.71 in the 400-meter dash and 4:03.53 in the 1,500-meter run.

Coach Cheeseborough-Guice feels that these four additions along with others in the future will help continue the Flying Tigers and Tigerbelles' goal of reaching an OVC title.

"I think this adds another piece to the puzzle," said Cheeseborough-Guice. "This will help us continue to move forward and contend for an OVC Championship."

TSU Track & Field competes in the 2012 OVC Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Gentry Center on Feb. 24-25.

2012 TSU Track & Field Signees - Feb. 1 Signing Period
Clairwin Damues, Fr. - Sprinter - Boynton Beach, Fla. (Santaluces Community High School)
Quamel Prince, Fr. - Sprinter/Middle Distance - Nashville, Tenn. (Antioch High School)
Jerome Henderson, Fr. - Sprinter - Clarksville, Tenn. (Clarksville High School)
Leslye Williams, Fr. - Sprinter - Nashville, Tenn. (Martin Luther King Magnet School)

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU's Divens Signs NFL Contract with Tennessee Titans

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Former Tennessee State University football player Lamar Divens signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.

Divens, who played for the Tigers in 2006 and 2007, signed an undrafted free agent contract with Baltimore in 2008. In the summer of 2011, he was released by the Ravens. The Fayetteville, Tenn., native signed a practice squad contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in December, but was a free agent this season. Divens has played in five NFL games during his four-year career.

At TSU, Divens played in 14 games and inked 46 tackles during his career. He also notched six tackles-for-loss during that span. For Lincoln County High School, Divens won 5A Mr. Football honors and was named first team All-State.

Divens joins four other Tigers already in the National Football League: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Philadelphia Eagles), Anthony Levine (Green Bay Packers), Cecil Newton (Baltimore Ravens) and Javarris Williams (Houston Texans).

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Rattlers Release 2012 Football Schedule

2012 Rattler Football Schedule (.pdf)

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The Florida A&M Department of Athletics announced its 2012 football schedule today with the Rattler gridders heading to Music City USA to face the Tennessee State Tigers in the "Big" John Merritt Classic, then traveling west to face the Oklahoma Sooners of the Big 12 Conference.

Head Coach Joe Taylor and the Rattlers aim to improve on its 7-4 record last season and compete for the MEAC crown. With a core of returnees and a host of promising newcomers, the Rattlers start off the season with a visit to Nashville, Tenn. on Sept. 1, to face the "Big Blue" Tigers of Tennessee State. The match-up will be the first for the Rattlers and Tigers since the 2010 Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic.

The Rattlers and Tigers had previously mixed it up in the Atlanta Football Classic for 13 straight years before the "100 Black Men of Atlanta" brought in the Jaguars of Southern University as the Rattlers' opponents last season. TSU defeated FAMU 29-18 in their last meeting in 2010. Prior to that, the Rattlers had won eight consecutive Atlanta Football Classics over the Tigers. TSU is banking on a strong recruiting class from head coach Rod Reed to strengthen its team for the upcoming season.

On Sept. 8, the Rattlers visit the Sooners of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. The Rattlers will face one of the favorites in the Big 12 Conference on their home turf.

On Sept. 15, the Rattlers will return home to the friendly confines of Bragg Memorial Stadium to face the Pirates of Hampton University. The Rattlers would like to get revenge on the Pirates for a tough 23-17 loss in Hampton, Va. last season.

Sept. 22 finds the Rattlers in Dover, Del., to face the Hornets of Delaware State University. Head Coach Kermit Blount looks to improve on the Hornets' 3-8 record in his inaugural season. Last season, the Rattlers bested the Hornets 34-7 at Bragg Stadium.

The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, which takes place annually on the final weekend of September, will take place on Sept. 29 in the Georgia Dome. This will mark the second consecutive year the Rattlers will face the Jaguars of Southern University in the classic. Last season, FAMU freshman quarterback Damien Fleming led the Rattlers to three second half scores to defeat the Jaguars 38-33. Jaguars head coach Stump Mitchell will look to exert revenge on the Rattlers, especially since they were interested in Fleming as well.

On Oct. 6, the Rattlers will visit the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., for a MEAC matchup with the resurgent Howard Bison. Last season, the Bison pulled an improbable comeback to defeat the Rattlers on homecoming. The 29-28 upset catapulted the Bison into the spotlight, finishing with a record of 5-6. They capped their wins last season with a 10-7 win over Hampton in the battle of the HUs.

On Oct.13, the Rattlers will celebrate Homecoming against the Savannah State Tigers. Last season the Rattlers romped to a 47-7 victory over the Tigers, led by a 200-yard performance by running back Al-Terek McBurse. This will be the first visit to Tallahassee for the Tigers since they were fully admitted into the MEAC.

In back-to-back home football weekends, the Rattlers will welcome Buddy Pugh and the Bulldogs of South Carolina State University on Oct. 20. The Rattlers snapped their eight-year drought against the Bulldogs with a gritty 27-24 win in Orangeburg, S.C. Quarterback Damien Fleming was solid for the Rattlers, completing 34-of-40 passes for 297 yards. The game would be locked away for the Rattlers as Ronald Jackson got a crucial first down in Bulldog territory on a fake punt.

The Rattlers will be open on Oct.27.

The North Carolina A&T Aggies will get another shot at the Rattlers after feeling they allowed victory out of their grasp last season. In the 2011 game, the Rattlers eked out a 26-20 win in a hotly contested battle. The fiercely competitive game resulted in 299-yards in penalties.

The Prince Hall Shriner's Diabetes Football Classic will take place on Nov.10, against the Eagles of North Carolina Central University. It will be the Eagles' first visit to Tallahassee as full members of the MEAC. Last season the Rattlers handily defeated the Eagles 31-10 in Durham, N.C.

The pinnacle of the season will be on Nov. 17 as the Rattlers take on the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Classic in Orlando. The Wildcats took advantage of Rattler turnovers to prevail 26-16 on 2011. Joe Taylor and B-CU's Brian Jenkins are now 1-1 in head-to-head matchups. The Rattlers will look to tame the Wildcats on the final day of the regular season to have their shot at the MEAC title.

2012 Florida A&M Football Schedule

Sept. 1, at Tennessee State, Big John Merritt Classic, Nashville, TN
Sept. 8, at Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Sept. 15, Hampton,* Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Sept. 22, at Delaware State,* Dover, DE
Sept. 29, at Southern, Atlanta Football Classic, Atlanta, GA
Oct. 6, at Howard, * Washington, D.C.
Oct. 13, Savannah State* (Homecoming), Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Oct. 20, South Carolina State,* Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Nov. 3, at North Carolina A&T,* Greensboro, NC
Nov. 10, North Carolina Centra,l* Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Nov. 17, Bethune-Cookman, at Florida Classic, Orlando, FL

Season Tickets Prices
$60 General Admission (Limited Quantity
$75 - Reserved
$100 Chair Back Box Seating (Renewal Only)
$125 - Reserved Basketball Included
$150 - Chair Back Box Seating with Basketball Included (Renewal Only)

For ticket information, please call (850)599-3141

Rattler Booster packages are available now by calling their office at (850) 224-6093. For more information on the Rattler Boosters, please visit TheRattlerBoosters

Don't forget, if you can't make it to a home game, you can sign up to Rattler Vision, where you can watch the game streamed to your laptop or home computer. To sign up to Rattler Vision, go to FAMUAthletics

COURTESY: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

OU Sooners finalize 2012 schedule with UTEP, Florida A&M

NORMAN, Oklahoma - The OU football team will face UTEP, Florida A&M and Notre Dame in nonconference play during the 2012 season, the university announced Wednesday morning.

The announcement comes one day after the Big 12 released its 2012 conference schedule. The full release means the Sooners will play six home games, five road games and the OU-Texas game in Dallas on Oct. 13.

OU coach Bob Stoops said the athletic department has a philosophy of playing a challenging schedule to give the Sooners a chance to vie for a championship.  "I know that Joe Castiglione puts our program's best interests at the forefront when scheduling our opponents and it shows with the quality of teams on our schedule," Stoops said.

Florida A&M, Kansas State, Kansas, Notre Dame, Baylor and Oklahoma State will each make the trip to Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in 2012.

The Sooners' home opener against Florida A&M on Sept. 8 marks the first meeting between the schools. The Rattlers are a Football Championship Division program that compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

READ MORE 

Rattlers of Florida A&M likely headed to OU's Owen Field on Sept. 8

CAMPUS CORNER, Oklahoma — Add this to your schedule intel from today: Florida A&M will likely fulfill the FCS role in the fall.

My friend Coley Harvey at the Orlando Sentinel saw something today indicating OU (University of Oklahoma) and FAMU will get together Sept. 8 at Owen Field. I see no reason at all to doubt it — especially considering I first heard the Rattlers as an option early this morning. (I inserted FAMU as a possibility in our web story when the Big 12 schedule was released.)

Let’s hope they bring the band. (Coley reminded me a hazing scandal currently has the band in timeout.)

READ MORE 

Big 12 champions OSU face Savannah State in Season Opener

STILLWATER, Oklahoma - Seven home games, including visits from Big 12 newcomers West Virginia and TCU, highlight the 2012 Oklahoma State University football schedule.

The Cowboys open the season Sept. 1 when the defending Big 12 champions face Savannah State in the initial meeting between the schools. The following week the Cowboys hit the road for the first time when they travel to Tucson to face Arizona. The Cowboys and Wildcats will be meeting for the third straight year. They will face each other in Arizona for the first time since 1942.

On Sept. 15 Louisiana visits OSU. The Ragin Cajuns, who will be in Stillwater for a second straight season, are coming off a win in the New Orleans Bowl.

Following an open week, Oklahoma State opens Big 12 play against Texas. The Longhorns will be in Stillwater for the first time since 2009. Another open week follows the Texas game before OSU travels to Kansas on Oct. 13.

READ MORE

Oklahoma State football: Who is Savannah State?

A new low comes to Oklahoma State football on Sept. 1. Maybe a new low for Big 12 football. The worst program to ever grace a Big 12 schedule.

OSU hosts Savannah State on Sept. 1, and there is no pleasant way to put this. Savannah State will be the worst opponent the Cowboys have ever played, at least going back to World War I. I can’t speak for some of the teacher colleges of the Woodrow Wilson era. But Savannah State will be the worst in at least 90 years. There is no shame in Stillwater when it comes to scheduling.

Savannah State is a Division I-AA program in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Savannah State joined the MEAC for the 2010 season and was independent the eight years before that. Before 2002, Savannah State was NCAA Division II, the level at which Central Oklahoma and Southwestern State play.

Here are Savannah State’s season records going backwards from 2011: 1-10, 1-10, 2-8, 5-7, 1-9, 3-8, 0-11, 2-8, 0-12, 1-9, 2-7, 2-8. That’s 12 seasons in the 2000s, with 20 total victories.

READ MORE 

Tennessee State Tigers Survives OT Scare from JSU, 69-64

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - A three-pointer by Robert Covington sent the game into overtime and Tennessee State out-scored Jacksonville State by five to snatch a 69-64 win over the Gamecocks on Tuesday evening at the Gentry Center.

TSU (18-10, 11-4) overcame several deficits from JSU in the second half and managed a late run in the overtime period to extend its' win streak to eight games. The Tigers' 18th victory is the most since the 1993-94 season and the third most OVC regular season wins in program history.

The Tigers used a pair of triples to stay in the game. Covington hit a trey with 36 seconds left in regulation. Wil Peters added a triple at 1:30 in overtime to help TSU take the go-ahead win.

From the field, the Tigers shot 44 percent (20-of-46). TSU knocked down six triples and hit 79 percent at the free throw line. JSU was held to under 40 percent, making 24-of-61 shots from the field.

Covington led Tennessee State with 28 points and 12 rebounds in 41 minutes. The double-double was an OVC-best eighth of the season and the 18th of his career. The junior knocked down 10-of-18 attempts, while notching three blocks.

The 28 points moved Covington into 19th all-time in scoring at TSU, passing John Barnhill's (1955-59) mark of 1,253 points.



Peters added 10 points, dishing out four assists and pulling in three rebounds in 33 minutes. Kellen Thornton hit 3-of-5 attempts for 10 points and grabbed four rebounds.

In 22 minutes, Jordan Cyphers scored eight points, including six from the free throw line.

In the first half, the Gamecocks knocked down 52 percent (13-of-25) from the field. The Tigers were held to 45 percent (9-of-20), while making just one triple in three attempts. Covington led the Tigers with 10 points and four rebounds.

JSU opened up to a 15-11 advantage in the first eight-plus minutes of the game. The Gamecocks proceeded on a 7-to-1 run, stretching their lead to 21-12. TSU was held scoreless for 6:50 in the first half.

Tennessee State clawed back from a 10 point deficit to pull within 32-26 at the half.

JSU stretched their lead to 51-47. TSU went on an 11-to-7 run to tie the game. Covington knocked down a triple at 36 seconds to tie the game at 58-58.

In the overtime period, the Big Blue outscored the Gamecocks 11-to-6 in the extra period. TSU used a three-pointer from Peters and two more free throws to stretch their lead to 67-64 with just a minute remaining.

The Tigers travel to Miami (Ohio) for the Sears ESPN BracketBusters game on Sunday, Feb. 19. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

ASU football: Hornets explore 2012 schedule options

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Alabama State officials hope to finalize plans for the 2012 football season opener by the end of this week, discounting published reports that have the Hornets of the Southwestern Athletic Conference playing in the annual matchup against a school from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Labor Day weekend.

While ASU athletic director Stacy Danley has discussed the possibility of playing in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sept. 2, he is leaving his options open regarding possible Division I opponents.

"I have entered into discussions with the (SWAC) office and commissioner Duer Sharp about Alabama State participating in the ... Challenge," Danley said on Friday. "However, as of today, I have not received nor signed a contract committing us to that game."

READ MORE

Site, times changed for XU-Edward Waters doubleheader

NEW ORLEANS — Edward Waters College has moved the site of its Gulf Coast Athletic Conference basketball doubleheader against Xavier University of Louisiana.

Because of a weekend event at the college, EWC moved the games to the Florida State College (south campus) Sports Center. The women's game will tip off at 5 p.m. EST Saturday, followed by the men's game at 7. Xavier originally listed the starting times as 2 and 4 p.m.

FSC's south campus is at 11901 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville, Fla.

Both Xavier teams will attempt to reach 20 victories Saturday. The Gold Nuggets, ranked 21st in NAIA Division I, are 19-8 overall and share first place in the GCAC with Talladega at 9-2. The Gold Rush, ranked 25th, are 19-7, 8-3 and in second place in the conference.

By Ed Cassiere, SID
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Shaw cracks DII top-10 marking school high

RALEIGH, North Carolina — Fresh off of a 20 point win against Johnson C. Smith Monday night, the Shaw Bears have cracked the top-10 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II poll.

Shaw comes in at No. 9 in the latest poll marking the highest ranking in program history. They jumped three spots from their No. 12 ranking a week ago. Shaw's previous high ranking was in 2002-03 when they were No. 10 in the first poll of the season.

Shaw improved to 21-2, (13-0 CIAA) on the season with a pair of wins last week. They are currently on a 17-game winning streak and with Monday's win, the Bears clinched the Southern Division title.

Bellarmine is No. 1 in the NABC DII the poll this week and West Liberty, who knocked Shaw out of last year's NCAA Tournament, is at No. 2. CIAA member Bowie State is ranked No. 19.

The Bears next play Saturday at Fayetteville State in a 7:30 tip. Shaw returns to C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium Feb. 20, against Winston-Salem State for their home finale.

READ MORE

Gold Nuggets drop to 21st, Rush still 25th in NAIA polls

NEW ORLEANS — For the third straight week the Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball team dropped two places in the NAIA Division I coaches poll. The Gold Nuggets are 21st, their lowest rank of the season.

The XU men are 25th for the third consecutive week despite collecting 13 fewer points than in the previous poll.

The polls, the ninth of the season, were announced Monday afternoon before Xavier's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference doubleheader against Tougaloo — the final basketball games at The Barn. Xavier then swept the doubleheader, with the Gold Nuggets winning 52-46 and the Gold Rush rallying from 16 down for a 67-61 victory. The latter result may give the Rush a bump in next week's voting, because Tougaloo was 18th — up one spot — in the poll.

The Gold Nuggets are in the top 25 for the 27th consecutive time. The Gold Rush appear in the top 25 for the 20th time in 21 polls.

This past week the Gold Nuggets won 67-55 at SUNO and lost 68-62 at Talladega. The Gold Rush won 73-62 at SUNO and lost 84-64 at Talladega.



The 2011-12 Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball team

Head Coach:   Bo Browder (13th season) (Bio)
Associate Head Coach, Darrilyn Broussard (Bio)

2011-12 Team Roster

CURRENT RECORD: 19-8 OVERALL, 9-2 GCAC
 (Tied for 1st Place with Talladega College)

 Oklahoma City's women and Shorter's men are the top-ranked teams. Oklahoma City was a unanimous No. 1 for the third straight week, and Shorter replaced Robert Morris (Chicago) at the top.

Also receiving votes for the first time this season was GCAC newcomer Talladega, whose women collected five points and are 32nd.

Xavier is one of 11 schools with women's and men's teams in the top 25. The other schools are Azusa Pacific, Columbia (Mo.), Cumberlands, Georgetown (Ky.), Lee (Tenn.), Lindsey Wilson, MidAmerica Nazarene, Shorter, Southern Nazarene and Westmont. A week ago there were nine such schools.

Xavier will travel to Jacksonville, Fla., for a GCAC doubleheader against Edward Waters on Saturday.

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll

(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Feb. 12)

Rank Team Record Points Last

1 Oklahoma City (12) 23-1 312 1
2 Union (Tenn.) 24-2 302 3

3 Freed-Hardeman 21-4 292 2

4 Lee (Tenn.) 25-1 282 4

5 Cumberlands 23-1 272 5

6 Westmont 23-2 262 6

7 Lubbock Christian 19-4 248 7

8 Lewis-Clark State 23-3 244 8

9 Shawnee State 22-4 226 10

10 Langston 23-2 225 9

11 Olivet Nazarene 23-3 212 11

12 Vanguard 17-5 205 12

13 Azusa Pacific 18-6 194 13

14 Saint Xavier 19-6 183 14

15 Southern Nazarene 19-7 165 17

16 Belhaven 20-6 153 15

17 Georgetown (Ky.) 17-8 152 16

18 Westminster (Utah) 17-7 151 18

19 Loyola 21-2 130 20

20 Campbellsville 18-9 121 21

21 Xavier 18-8 115 19

22 Shorter 20-5 101 23

23 Lindsey Wilson 18-8 90 24

24 MidAmerica Nazarene 18-8 87 22

25 Columbia (Mo.) 18-8 68 RV

Others receiving votes: Lyon 46, William Woods 40, LSU-Shreveport 34, Rogers State 32, Avila 23, San Diego Christian 18, Talladega 5, Robert Morris (Chicago) 3, Central Methodist 1, St. Gregory's 1, Rocky Mountain 1, Martin Methodist 1.

The 2011-12 Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball team

Head Coach Dannton Jackson (ninth season), (Bio)
Assistant Coach Alfred Williams (third season) (Bio)

2011-12 Team Roster

Current Record: 19-7, 8-3 GCAC, 2nd Place

NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll

(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Feb. 12)

Rank Team Record Points Last

1 Shorter (10) 24-1 311 2

2 Oklahoma Baptist (1) 22-3 302 3

3 Robert Morris (Chicago) (1) 23-2 292 1

4 Southern Poly 20-4 281 4
5 Rogers State 20-4 268 6
6 Martin Methodist 20-5 259 7

7 Our Lady of the Lake 20-5 252 5

8 Westmont 18-5 235 9
9 Mountain State 20-6 231 10
10 Georgetown (Ky.) 19-6 220 8
11 Concordia (Calif.) 20-5 212 16
12 Texas Wesleyan 20-4 202 tie-13
13 John Brown 21-5 197 15
14 Lee (Tenn.) 18-5 167 17
15 Montana Western 20-7 155 24

16 Lindsey Wilson 16-8 152 12

17 Azusa Pacific 20-6 149 11

18 Tougaloo 21-5 144 19

19 LSU-Shreveport 18-6 141 18
20 Columbia (Mo.) 20-6 130 21
21 MidAmerica Nazarene 19-7 115 20
22 Montana State Northern 20-6 98 tie-13
23 Southern Nazarene 18-8 97 23
24 Cumberlands 15-9 63 RV
25 Xavier 18-7 57 tie-25

Others receiving votes: Saint Xavier 50, Evangel 35, Campbellsville 29, Point Loma Nazarene 22, Cumberland 19, Union (Tenn.) 18, Southwestern Assemblies of God 13, Westminster (Utah) 8, Biola 8, Cal State San Marcos 7, Baker 3, St. Thomas (Texas) 1, Oklahoma Christian 1, Pikeville 1, Great Falls 1, Science & Arts 1, Voorhees 1, Freed-Hardeman 1, Missouri Baptist 1, St. Catharine (Ky.) 1.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA