DOVER, Delaware - Delaware State University head football coach Kermit Blount gave his team a good review following its final spring camp scrimmage before more than 300 fans at Alumni Stadium this afternoon.
"I was pleased with the level of intensity on both sides of the ball during the scrimmage," said Blount, who is in his second year with the Hornets. "Although we are leaps and bounds ahead of last year at this time, we have a long way to go; but overall, we were able to get a great
deal accomplished during camp."
The highlight of the scrimmage was an 85-yard catch and run for a touchdown by running back Malcolm Williams (jr., Reading, Pa.), a former Temple University recruit. Williams hauled in a swing pass from Nick Elko (r-sr.; Arundel, Md.) at the 15-yard line and side stepped a would-be tackler before darting down the sideline for the score.
Williams also had a 15-yard run during the scrimmage. He joined the Hornets last summer, but had just seven carries for 18 yards last season.
"Malcolm certainly stood out this spring," said Blount. "He gives us some much needed speed at the half back position. If he continues to work hard and get more comfortable in our offensive system, he will be a factor for us this season."
Anthony Smith (r-fr.; Phila., Pa.) also saw time at quarterback during the scrimmage. He had several impressive throws, including a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Otis Best (so,; Jersey City, N.J.).
Wide receiver Justin Wilson (r-sr.; Windsor, Conn.) and offensive tackle Nail Muradymov (r-sr.; Burtonsville, Md.), each a projected starter, sat out the scrimmage for precautionary reasons after battling injuries during the 2011 season.
Nearly two dozen future Hornets were also in attendance during the scrimmage. The current high school seniors and transfer students will join the team this summer.
"We lack depth in several positions, especially along the offensive line," Blount said. "I believe we have some kids joining us this summer who can help, but we won't know for sure until and they show what they can do on the field."
The Hornets will begin summer camp in early August. DSU kicks off the 2012 season at home against VMI on Sep. 1. Game time is 2:00 P.M. AT Alumni Stadium.
COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
The "unofficial" meeting place for intelligent discussions of Divisions I and II Sports of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC). America's #1 blog source for minority sports articles and videos. The MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and HBCUAC colleges are building America's leaders, scholars and athletes.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Ban news focus of Jackson State University's spring game
JACKSON, Mississippi - Rico Richardson's 52-yard touchdown catch, and Joseph LeBeau's deflected interception. Rakeem Sims' physical runs, and Qua Cox's 75-yard pick six. Most of the highlights in Jackson State's spring game Saturday came from the usual suspects - except the one that might matter the most.
Before the game began, the public address announcer bellowed to the crowd that JSU's postseason ban this season is likely to be lifted.
"So buy your season tickets now! Because we're heading to the SWAC championship!" he said, drawing a smattering of applause from the 300-plus on hand.
Not so fast. According to JSU, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors must first pass changes to its penalty structure in a meeting at the end of this month, something school officials say they're "sure" will happen.
READ MORE
Before the game began, the public address announcer bellowed to the crowd that JSU's postseason ban this season is likely to be lifted.
"So buy your season tickets now! Because we're heading to the SWAC championship!" he said, drawing a smattering of applause from the 300-plus on hand.
Not so fast. According to JSU, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors must first pass changes to its penalty structure in a meeting at the end of this month, something school officials say they're "sure" will happen.
READ MORE
Fort Valley State Wildcats End Spring Football Drills
FORT VALLEY, Georgia - Spring ball has a differnt meaning in Fort Valley these days because it deals more with the gridiron than the diamond as its usually associated with.
Thee Fort Valley State Wildcats were eager to get back on the field for spring drills after their disappointing 2-8 finish last season in 2011.
Coach Don Pittman and his Wildcats entering the Annual Blue and Gold game looking to improve on his offensive line play. The Wildcat offense saw a host of different quarterbacks last season due to injuries, but the fourth year head man is hoping the experience gained from the adversity makes his younger players better. Pittman also says he wants to see his team mature and develop into their potential because next season will be extremely challenging.
READ MORE
Tennnessee State releases Centennial Week Schedule of Events
NASHVILLE, Tennessee - One hundred years in the making, Tennessee State University will be looking to its origins, and its century of history during the University’s Centennial Celebration April 14-21.
During the eight-day celebration, the University will celebrate the legacy of excellence, resilience and unity that the institution has been known for the past 100 years.
Events will include lectures, exhibits, symposiums, visual and performing arts and social events to commemorate this milestone.
For more information, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/centennial.
Saturday, April 14
The Ralph Boston Track Classic
Location: Ed Temple Track
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Legends Football Game
Location: William Jasper Hale Stadium (The “Hole”)
Time: 1 p.m.
Blue and White Game
Location: William Jasper Hale Stadium (The “Hole”)
Time: 3:30 p.m.
The Centennial Rededication Ceremony
Location: Kean Hall (on the Steps)
Time: 5 p.m.
Centennial Gospel Celebration
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 6 p.m.
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 6 – 9 p.m. (Opening Reception)
Green House Complex Dedication
Location: The Farm, Ed Temple Blvd.
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Agriculture Day Keynote Speaker, Dr. Chandra Jacobs-Young
Location: Agricultural Industrial Technology Center
Time: 10:20 a.m.
Centennial Health Fair
Location: Floyd-Payne Campus Center – 2nd Floor
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day
Centennial Multimedia Festival
Location: Performing Arts Center Room 210
Time: 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy Annual Student Organizations Banquet
Location: Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
Time: 6 p.m.
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day
Centennial Television program, “Eye of the Tiger”
Locations: Campus Monitors
Time: All Day
Chemistry Day SeminarSpeaker: Dr. K. Barry Sharpless, 2001 Nobel Prize Recipient in Chemistry
Location: The Poag Auditorium
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Real Utopia lecture with guest Dr. Erik Wright
Location: Agricultural Industrial Technology Center
Time: 1 p.m.
Our Legacy: Celebrating the Brown Daniel Library’s 100th Birthday
Location: Brown-Daniel Library
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Centennial Showcase of Art, Music and Communication
Location: Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
100 Years of Blue Fashion
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 8 p.m.
Asthma Management Lecture by Bijoy John, M.D
Location: Tom Jackson Industrial & Technology Building, #307
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Geier Breakfast
Location: Avon Williams Atrium
Time: 9 a.m.
Geier Panel Discussion
Location: Avon Williams Campus
Time: 10 a.m.
Biology Day lecture with guest speaker Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell
Location: Floyd Payne Campus Center
Time: 11 a.m.
Research and Sponsored Programs Showcase
Location: Research and Sponsored Research Building, 1st Floor Lobby
Time: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Pulmonary Function Mini Screenings
Location: Tom Jackson Industrial & Technology Building Room #307
Time: 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “ Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day
“Living Legends: A Vision of Excellence – Perspectives from TSU’s Former President’s”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 12:45 p.m.
Guest speaker Mayor Karl Dean sponsored by Family and Consumer Sciences
Location: Farrell-Westbrook Complex
Time: 3 p.m.
Centennial Week TV Newscast
Location: Performing Arts Center TV Studio
Time: 5 p.m. (Live newscast)
Centennial Speech Contest
Location: Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
TSU’s Legacy TigerFest
Location: President Lawn
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Resilience and Unity: The Freedom Riders
Location: Floyd-Payne Campus Center—Robert N. Murrell Forum
Time: 7 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – Noon (Extension Workshop)
Centennial Theatre Festival
Location: Performance Arts Center Cox-Lewis Theatre
Time: 4 -6 p.m.
Viewpoint Symposium Series
Special Guest Speaker: Donna Brazile
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 7 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Live on the Lawn—The Taste @ TSU
Location: Big Blue Meadow Lawn
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person/$30 per couple/$40 for family (maximum of five)
*Inclement weather location: Gentry Basketball Pavilion
TSU Pan-Hellenic Greek Step Show
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Centennial Scholarship Gala
Location: The Mansion at Fontanel
Time: 6:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Attire: Black Tie
Cost: $225.00
Contact the TSU Foundation for more information
The Blue Tiger Student Unity Ball
Location: James Ferrell & Fred Westbrook Building
Time: 8 p.m.
About Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1912 after its organization in 1909 as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School, TSU became the four-year teachers’ college in 1922, and elevated to full land-grant university status in 1958. TSU absorbed the University of Tennessee at Nashville in 1979. Tennessee State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2012 Tennessee State University will celebrate 100 years in Nashville. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
TSU Quick Facts
Rick DelaHaya: 615.963.5312
Tennessee State University
3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY DEPT. OF MEDIA RELATIONS
During the eight-day celebration, the University will celebrate the legacy of excellence, resilience and unity that the institution has been known for the past 100 years.
Events will include lectures, exhibits, symposiums, visual and performing arts and social events to commemorate this milestone.
For more information, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/centennial.
Saturday, April 14
The Ralph Boston Track Classic
Location: Ed Temple Track
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Legends Football Game
Location: William Jasper Hale Stadium (The “Hole”)
Time: 1 p.m.
Blue and White Game
Location: William Jasper Hale Stadium (The “Hole”)
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 15
The Centennial Rededication Ceremony
Location: Kean Hall (on the Steps)
Time: 5 p.m.
Centennial Gospel Celebration
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 6 p.m.
Monday, April 16
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 6 – 9 p.m. (Opening Reception)
Green House Complex Dedication
Location: The Farm, Ed Temple Blvd.
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Agriculture Day Keynote Speaker, Dr. Chandra Jacobs-Young
Location: Agricultural Industrial Technology Center
Time: 10:20 a.m.
Centennial Health Fair
Location: Floyd-Payne Campus Center – 2nd Floor
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day
Centennial Multimedia Festival
Location: Performing Arts Center Room 210
Time: 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy Annual Student Organizations Banquet
Location: Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
Time: 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day
Centennial Television program, “Eye of the Tiger”
Locations: Campus Monitors
Time: All Day
Chemistry Day SeminarSpeaker: Dr. K. Barry Sharpless, 2001 Nobel Prize Recipient in Chemistry
Location: The Poag Auditorium
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Real Utopia lecture with guest Dr. Erik Wright
Location: Agricultural Industrial Technology Center
Time: 1 p.m.
Our Legacy: Celebrating the Brown Daniel Library’s 100th Birthday
Location: Brown-Daniel Library
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Centennial Showcase of Art, Music and Communication
Location: Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
100 Years of Blue Fashion
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 18
Asthma Management Lecture by Bijoy John, M.D
Location: Tom Jackson Industrial & Technology Building, #307
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Geier Breakfast
Location: Avon Williams Atrium
Time: 9 a.m.
Geier Panel Discussion
Location: Avon Williams Campus
Time: 10 a.m.
Biology Day lecture with guest speaker Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell
Location: Floyd Payne Campus Center
Time: 11 a.m.
Research and Sponsored Programs Showcase
Location: Research and Sponsored Research Building, 1st Floor Lobby
Time: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Pulmonary Function Mini Screenings
Location: Tom Jackson Industrial & Technology Building Room #307
Time: 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
Diversity Celebration Week – “ Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day
“Living Legends: A Vision of Excellence – Perspectives from TSU’s Former President’s”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 12:45 p.m.
Guest speaker Mayor Karl Dean sponsored by Family and Consumer Sciences
Location: Farrell-Westbrook Complex
Time: 3 p.m.
Centennial Week TV Newscast
Location: Performing Arts Center TV Studio
Time: 5 p.m. (Live newscast)
Centennial Speech Contest
Location: Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
TSU’s Legacy TigerFest
Location: President Lawn
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Resilience and Unity: The Freedom Riders
Location: Floyd-Payne Campus Center—Robert N. Murrell Forum
Time: 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 19
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – Noon (Extension Workshop)
Centennial Theatre Festival
Location: Performance Arts Center Cox-Lewis Theatre
Time: 4 -6 p.m.
Viewpoint Symposium Series
Special Guest Speaker: Donna Brazile
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 7 p.m.
Friday, April 20
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Live on the Lawn—The Taste @ TSU
Location: Big Blue Meadow Lawn
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person/$30 per couple/$40 for family (maximum of five)
*Inclement weather location: Gentry Basketball Pavilion
Saturday, April 21
TSU Pan-Hellenic Greek Step Show
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Centennial Scholarship Gala
Location: The Mansion at Fontanel
Time: 6:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Attire: Black Tie
Cost: $225.00
Contact the TSU Foundation for more information
The Blue Tiger Student Unity Ball
Location: James Ferrell & Fred Westbrook Building
Time: 8 p.m.
About Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1912 after its organization in 1909 as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School, TSU became the four-year teachers’ college in 1922, and elevated to full land-grant university status in 1958. TSU absorbed the University of Tennessee at Nashville in 1979. Tennessee State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2012 Tennessee State University will celebrate 100 years in Nashville. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
TSU Quick Facts
Motto: Think, Work, Serve
Established: June 19, 1912
Type: Public, HBCU
Endowment: $28,926,133
Chancellor: John Morgan
President: Dr. Portia Shields
Faculty: 431
Undergraduates: 7,105
Postgraduates: 2,060
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Campus: Urban, 500 acres (2 km²)
Former names: Tennessee A&I State Normal School for Negroes (1912); Tennessee A&I State Normal College (1925); Tennessee A&I State University (1951); Tennessee State University (1968)
Colors: Reflex Blue and White
Nickname: Tigers
Athletics: National Collegiate Athletic Association
Affiliations: Ohio Valley Conference
Web site: http://www.tnstate.edu/
Phone: 615-963-5555
Department of Media RelationsEstablished: June 19, 1912
Type: Public, HBCU
Endowment: $28,926,133
Chancellor: John Morgan
President: Dr. Portia Shields
Faculty: 431
Undergraduates: 7,105
Postgraduates: 2,060
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Campus: Urban, 500 acres (2 km²)
Former names: Tennessee A&I State Normal School for Negroes (1912); Tennessee A&I State Normal College (1925); Tennessee A&I State University (1951); Tennessee State University (1968)
Colors: Reflex Blue and White
Nickname: Tigers
Athletics: National Collegiate Athletic Association
Affiliations: Ohio Valley Conference
Web site: http://www.tnstate.edu/
Phone: 615-963-5555
Rick DelaHaya: 615.963.5312
Tennessee State University
3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY DEPT. OF MEDIA RELATIONS
Defense dominates WSSU spring game
KERNERSVILLE, North Carolina -- It was part fun, part business and also competitive. That summed up Winston-Salem State's spirited spring football game Saturday in front of about 500 at Glenn High School.
The trash-talking started during warm-ups, and coach Connell Maynor directed the White team against assistant Duane Taylor and the Red. Maynor's team came out on top 19-17.
"I would give us a B," Maynor said of a game dominated by the defenses. "It was competitive, and we made some mistakes, but that's going to happen in a football game. A lot of guys hadn't played in a game before, and I'm hard on them, but I have to be if (we) want to win championships."
Starting quarterback Kameron Smith was the only healthy player who didn't see action. Grambling transfer Anthony Carrothers and redshirt sophomore DeShean Townsend led the teams in his absence, and although both struggled at times, both also had good moments.
READ MORE
The trash-talking started during warm-ups, and coach Connell Maynor directed the White team against assistant Duane Taylor and the Red. Maynor's team came out on top 19-17.
"I would give us a B," Maynor said of a game dominated by the defenses. "It was competitive, and we made some mistakes, but that's going to happen in a football game. A lot of guys hadn't played in a game before, and I'm hard on them, but I have to be if (we) want to win championships."
Starting quarterback Kameron Smith was the only healthy player who didn't see action. Grambling transfer Anthony Carrothers and redshirt sophomore DeShean Townsend led the teams in his absence, and although both struggled at times, both also had good moments.
READ MORE
Key word for Livingstone after spring game: Maybe
SALISBURY, North Carolina — Maybe. That’s the only word you can use four-and-a-half months before the season-opener — and the one Livingstone football coach Elvin James used Saturday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
“We still don’t know,” he said after the Blue Bears wrapped up three weeks of spring practice with their annual Blue-Black game. “But compared to where we were and what we’ve been through, I can sleep better. Maybe everything will be will be better.”
Now in his third year, James ran his team through an accelerated 60-minute scrimmage and offered a mixed review.
“We’re still inconsistent,” he said. “Still making too many mental mistakes. But the offense has definitely improved. We’re excited to watch the pieces of the puzzle come together. The foundation has been laid.”
READ MORE
“We still don’t know,” he said after the Blue Bears wrapped up three weeks of spring practice with their annual Blue-Black game. “But compared to where we were and what we’ve been through, I can sleep better. Maybe everything will be will be better.”
Now in his third year, James ran his team through an accelerated 60-minute scrimmage and offered a mixed review.
“We’re still inconsistent,” he said. “Still making too many mental mistakes. But the offense has definitely improved. We’re excited to watch the pieces of the puzzle come together. The foundation has been laid.”
READ MORE
Xavier Gold Rush close regular season with 4-0 victory at Alcorn
LORMAN, Mississippi — Corey Huggins capped an unbeaten Saturday with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-1) decision against Maxim Tkachenko to clinch Xavier University of Louisiana's 4-0 men's tennis victory at Alcorn State.
Xavier's women lost 4-1 to Alcorn.
The duals were the final ones of the regular season for the Gold Rush (14-7), ranked ninth in the NAIA, and the Gold Nuggets (4-21). Both teams won 9-0 at Tougaloo earlier in the day. It was the first time since Feb. 11, 2011, that the XU men won two duals in one day and the first time since Feb. 20, 2010, that the Rush scored two shutouts in one day.
Huggins was the only Gold Rush player to win twice in singles and twice in doubles.
Victories by the teams of Huggins and Viktor Svoboda and Amir Rahbar and Loic Didavi gave Xavier the doubles point, then the Gold Rush pulled away in singles when Steffen Giles-Osborn defeated Vitali Vasileuski 6-1, 6-2 at No. 3 and Sean Richardson beat Garry Amor Singh 7-5, 6-2 at No. 5. Huggins clinched at No. 6.
The victory was the Gold Rush's third of the season against an NCAA Division I opponent.
The Gold Nuggets scored their point when Amanda Materre defeated Quta Mebuke (ASU) 7-6 (7-1), 7-5 at No. 2 singles. It was the team-high 14th singles victory of the spring for Materre, a freshman, and the 13th in her past 18 matches.
XU's Kourtney Howell and Nicole DeLoach defeated Dari Rudd and Chan Rutherford 8-7 (7-5) at No. 2 doubles — but after Alcorn clinched the doubles point.
The next competition for both Xavier teams will be April 27 in the quarterfinals of an NAIA unaffiliated group qualifying tournament at Norcross, Georgia.
Results: Men Women
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT:XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Xavier's women lost 4-1 to Alcorn.
The duals were the final ones of the regular season for the Gold Rush (14-7), ranked ninth in the NAIA, and the Gold Nuggets (4-21). Both teams won 9-0 at Tougaloo earlier in the day. It was the first time since Feb. 11, 2011, that the XU men won two duals in one day and the first time since Feb. 20, 2010, that the Rush scored two shutouts in one day.
Huggins was the only Gold Rush player to win twice in singles and twice in doubles.
Victories by the teams of Huggins and Viktor Svoboda and Amir Rahbar and Loic Didavi gave Xavier the doubles point, then the Gold Rush pulled away in singles when Steffen Giles-Osborn defeated Vitali Vasileuski 6-1, 6-2 at No. 3 and Sean Richardson beat Garry Amor Singh 7-5, 6-2 at No. 5. Huggins clinched at No. 6.
The victory was the Gold Rush's third of the season against an NCAA Division I opponent.
The Gold Nuggets scored their point when Amanda Materre defeated Quta Mebuke (ASU) 7-6 (7-1), 7-5 at No. 2 singles. It was the team-high 14th singles victory of the spring for Materre, a freshman, and the 13th in her past 18 matches.
XU's Kourtney Howell and Nicole DeLoach defeated Dari Rudd and Chan Rutherford 8-7 (7-5) at No. 2 doubles — but after Alcorn clinched the doubles point.
The next competition for both Xavier teams will be April 27 in the quarterfinals of an NAIA unaffiliated group qualifying tournament at Norcross, Georgia.
Results: Men Women
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT:XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
TSU Track & Field Teams Stand Out at Boston-Moon Classic
NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University's men's and women's track & field programs picked up 23 podium finishes in the 10th annual Boston-Moon Classic on Saturday at the Edward S. Temple Track.
The Flying Tigers and Tigerbelles snatched five individual titles as several alums looked on, including TSU legend Ralph Boston.
Brielle Moore started captured the women's 100-meter hurdles title with her time of 14.87. Latia Carney followed in second with a time of 15.15, while Daniecce Ward clocked in at 15.47.
Carney won the women's 400-meter hurdles, pacing a time of 1:05.51. Teammate Kenisha Ladler placed in fifth with a time of 1:11.73.
Ward claimed another high jump title, clearing a height of 5-1 ¾ (1.57m). The senior placed third with her leap of 37-9 ½ (11.52m) in the triple jump. Felicia Oladokun placed fourth, leaping 37-3 ¾ (11.37m).
Freshman Ashontae Jackson placed second in the long jump with her distance of 18-2 ½ (5.55m). Ashontae Jackson earned a pair of podium finishes, placing second in the 200-meter dash (24.53) and third in the 100-meter dash (12.05).
Cincinnati native Diera Taylor claimed third in the 200m with her time of 25.03. Breanna Adams claimed fifth in the 800-meter run, notching a time of 2:19.47.
In field events, Brittani Logan claimed the women's shot put title tossing the silver bullet 43-10 ¾ (13.38m), while Cierra Joshua earned third tossing 36-11 ¾ (11.27m).
The Tigerbelles tandem of Adams, Jackson, Taylor and Kya Riley claimed the women's 4x4 relay with a time of 3:47.31. The 4x100 team (Betts, Jackson, Taylor and Carolyn Petway) won second at 47.18.
For the Flying Tigers, Arthur Combest had a strong performance with two top-3 finishes. Combest placed second in the high jump, clearing 6-8 (2.03m). He also ran 14.83 in the 110-meter hurdles for a third place mark.
Lamonte Burton was fourth (22.25) in the 200-meter dash, while Adrian McDaniel was third (13:17.62) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Freshman Alex Griffin had a strong day, throwing 44-7 (13.59m) in the shot put for second. He also grabbed second in the discus throw, notching a distance of 119-3 (36.36m).
Tennessee State track & field remains in Nashville for next Saturday's Vanderbilt Invitational.
Boston-Moon College Results (PDF)
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
The Flying Tigers and Tigerbelles snatched five individual titles as several alums looked on, including TSU legend Ralph Boston.
Brielle Moore started captured the women's 100-meter hurdles title with her time of 14.87. Latia Carney followed in second with a time of 15.15, while Daniecce Ward clocked in at 15.47.
Carney won the women's 400-meter hurdles, pacing a time of 1:05.51. Teammate Kenisha Ladler placed in fifth with a time of 1:11.73.
Ward claimed another high jump title, clearing a height of 5-1 ¾ (1.57m). The senior placed third with her leap of 37-9 ½ (11.52m) in the triple jump. Felicia Oladokun placed fourth, leaping 37-3 ¾ (11.37m).
Freshman Ashontae Jackson placed second in the long jump with her distance of 18-2 ½ (5.55m). Ashontae Jackson earned a pair of podium finishes, placing second in the 200-meter dash (24.53) and third in the 100-meter dash (12.05).
Cincinnati native Diera Taylor claimed third in the 200m with her time of 25.03. Breanna Adams claimed fifth in the 800-meter run, notching a time of 2:19.47.
In field events, Brittani Logan claimed the women's shot put title tossing the silver bullet 43-10 ¾ (13.38m), while Cierra Joshua earned third tossing 36-11 ¾ (11.27m).
The Tigerbelles tandem of Adams, Jackson, Taylor and Kya Riley claimed the women's 4x4 relay with a time of 3:47.31. The 4x100 team (Betts, Jackson, Taylor and Carolyn Petway) won second at 47.18.
For the Flying Tigers, Arthur Combest had a strong performance with two top-3 finishes. Combest placed second in the high jump, clearing 6-8 (2.03m). He also ran 14.83 in the 110-meter hurdles for a third place mark.
Lamonte Burton was fourth (22.25) in the 200-meter dash, while Adrian McDaniel was third (13:17.62) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Freshman Alex Griffin had a strong day, throwing 44-7 (13.59m) in the shot put for second. He also grabbed second in the discus throw, notching a distance of 119-3 (36.36m).
Tennessee State track & field remains in Nashville for next Saturday's Vanderbilt Invitational.
Boston-Moon College Results (PDF)
Photo Gallery |
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Alabama State's common goal
MONTGOMERY, Alabama - For Mervyl Melendez, it was like starting over. For the 27 players on Alabama State’s baseball team, it was unlike anything they had ever experienced.
Melendez looked at the players assembled in front of him at the start of the 2011-12 school year and thought he had the makings of a good baseball team. A former business major at Bethune-Cookman, his professors had drilled the importance of diversity into his head and that idea became the backbone of 12 ultra-successful seasons by Melendez as the Bethune-Cookman baseball coach before coming to Alabama State last June.
Ron Frost didn’t know what to expect. He had grown up in Atlanta, played on an intercity high school team comprised of African-Americans and came from Southern Union Community College in east Alabama to play at a historically black university.
“Compared to last year, it’s totally different,” said Frost, the senior pitcher and co-captain. “The whole culture is different. “It was a quick changeover, but what really surprised me is we jelled real quick. There was never any real confrontation on the team.
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Melendez looked at the players assembled in front of him at the start of the 2011-12 school year and thought he had the makings of a good baseball team. A former business major at Bethune-Cookman, his professors had drilled the importance of diversity into his head and that idea became the backbone of 12 ultra-successful seasons by Melendez as the Bethune-Cookman baseball coach before coming to Alabama State last June.
Ron Frost didn’t know what to expect. He had grown up in Atlanta, played on an intercity high school team comprised of African-Americans and came from Southern Union Community College in east Alabama to play at a historically black university.
“Compared to last year, it’s totally different,” said Frost, the senior pitcher and co-captain. “The whole culture is different. “It was a quick changeover, but what really surprised me is we jelled real quick. There was never any real confrontation on the team.
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Rush, Nuggets beat Tougaloo in opener of Mississippi trip
JACKSON, Mississippi — Xavier University of Louisiana dropped a collective 10 games Saturday morning in 9-0 men's and women's tennis victories against Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent Tougaloo.
The Gold Rush (13-7 overall, 1-0 GCAC), ranked ninth in the NAIA, snapped a three-dual losing streak, and the Gold Nuggets (4-20, 1-0) ended theirs at six. The XU men have a 47-dual GCAC regular-season winning streak which dates to 2004; the women have 66 victories in their past 67 GCAC regular-season duals.
In the men's dual neither Amir Rahbar nor Corey Huggins lost a game in doubles or singles, and the Rush won 6-of-9 matches without dropping a game. Rahbar clinched for the Rush with a 6-0, 6-0 victory against Stonie Lyons at No. 4 singles.
Tougaloo's women defaulted a doubles and singles match because of five available players, making the Gold Nuggets' work easier. Xavier's top four singles players — Kourtney Howell, Amanda Materre, Amber Brown and Nicole DeLoach — posted 6-0, 6-0 victories. DeLoach beat Cristen Sudduth at No. 4 to clinch the dual.
Tougaloo's men are 2-9, and the women are 2-8.
Xavier traveled to NCAA Division I Alcorn State on Saturday afternoon for its final regular-season duals.
Results: Men Women
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Football coach sues Grambling State University
GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Doug Williams is suing Grambling State University over his ongoing contract dispute with the school, Williams said Friday.
The football coach filed suit Friday in 19th District Judicial Court in Baton Rouge against Grambling State University, University President Frank Pogue, the University of Louisiana System, the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, the Louisiana Department of Education and state of Louisiana.
Williams declined to comment further and directed all questions regarding the matter to his attorney, Cleo Fields.
"It is a sad day in Louisiana when a coach who dearly loves Grambling has to hire an attorney who is one of the university's biggest supporters to sue it," Fields said in an emailed statement. "However, right is right and wrong is wrong. When facts come out, the people of Louisiana will be astonished to learn of the promises made and later broken to Coach Doug Williams.
Cleo Fields statement on Williams suit (.pdf)
Doug Williams lawsuit (.pdf)
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The football coach filed suit Friday in 19th District Judicial Court in Baton Rouge against Grambling State University, University President Frank Pogue, the University of Louisiana System, the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, the Louisiana Department of Education and state of Louisiana.
Williams declined to comment further and directed all questions regarding the matter to his attorney, Cleo Fields.
"It is a sad day in Louisiana when a coach who dearly loves Grambling has to hire an attorney who is one of the university's biggest supporters to sue it," Fields said in an emailed statement. "However, right is right and wrong is wrong. When facts come out, the people of Louisiana will be astonished to learn of the promises made and later broken to Coach Doug Williams.
Cleo Fields statement on Williams suit (.pdf)
Doug Williams lawsuit (.pdf)
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5 things to watch: Former SCSU Bulldog Nathan says offense has plenty to be excited about
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - Juavahr Nathan could not help but laugh.
Still going to school at S.C. State and working out in the Bulldogs’ weight room in preparation for what he hopes will be a shot to play in the NFL, the former Bulldog, a key cog on the team’s offensive line the past four seasons, was not about to mince words when asked what he wanted to see from the Bulldogs during Saturday’s spring game.
“I want to see the offense demolish the defense,” Nathan said. “Since I have been here, we played some good spring games, but we never beat the defense. I just want to see the offense beat the defense’s behind.”
Just so happened, current Bulldogs’ defensive back Mason Harris was walking by Nathan at the time and managed to overhear the statement. Thus, Nathan’s burst of laughter.
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Still going to school at S.C. State and working out in the Bulldogs’ weight room in preparation for what he hopes will be a shot to play in the NFL, the former Bulldog, a key cog on the team’s offensive line the past four seasons, was not about to mince words when asked what he wanted to see from the Bulldogs during Saturday’s spring game.
“I want to see the offense demolish the defense,” Nathan said. “Since I have been here, we played some good spring games, but we never beat the defense. I just want to see the offense beat the defense’s behind.”
Just so happened, current Bulldogs’ defensive back Mason Harris was walking by Nathan at the time and managed to overhear the statement. Thus, Nathan’s burst of laughter.
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Hampton native Ganon Baker builds basketball training reputation
HAMPTON, Virginia - On the first day of spring, inside Hampton University's Holland Hall, two men sweat through a morning workout at one end of the basketball court.
The younger man, Hampton University senior and All-MEAC wing Darrion Pellum, aspires to a professional basketball career. He moves mostly wordlessly through a series of drills — shooting, dribbling, moving and pivoting from different spots on the floor.
The older man, Hampton native Ganon Baker, can help Pellum reach his goal. For nearly 90 minutes, he demonstrates and directs the drills. He moves crisply, precisely and constantly, belying his 39 years. He maintains an almost endless stream of chatter, both instructional and encouraging.
"Come on, DP, you can't miss two in a row. Elevate, elevate, elevate." "You've got to get it off quicker than that." Use your feet to get open and the ball will help you score." "Every shot's the most important shot. Every shot's the game winner." "Every miss, you're closer to a make." "Don't let your mistakes affect the next possession."
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The younger man, Hampton University senior and All-MEAC wing Darrion Pellum, aspires to a professional basketball career. He moves mostly wordlessly through a series of drills — shooting, dribbling, moving and pivoting from different spots on the floor.
The older man, Hampton native Ganon Baker, can help Pellum reach his goal. For nearly 90 minutes, he demonstrates and directs the drills. He moves crisply, precisely and constantly, belying his 39 years. He maintains an almost endless stream of chatter, both instructional and encouraging.
"Come on, DP, you can't miss two in a row. Elevate, elevate, elevate." "You've got to get it off quicker than that." Use your feet to get open and the ball will help you score." "Every shot's the most important shot. Every shot's the game winner." "Every miss, you're closer to a make." "Don't let your mistakes affect the next possession."
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Fleet defense looks ready for big season at NSU
NORFOLK, Virginia - Norfolk State's last major scrimmage of the season was a breeze, at least for its head coach.
"It was pretty easy," Pete Adrian said. "I spend my time with the defense and the defensive side had a really good day. Defensively, I'm pretty sure we'll be pretty good, just like we were last year. We've got some guys that can flat-out run."
The squad allowed just two touchdowns in approximately 70 plays Friday and forced three-and-outs on the offense's first five drives.
Despite losing seven senior starters from last year's MEAC champion, the defense seems certain to be the Spartans' calling card again this season.
Inside linebacker Brent Singleton, a transfer, was the star of Friday's scrimmage. Outside linebacker Lynden Trail, another transfer, delivered the biggest hit. And lineman Cameron Jude, eligible after transferring from Michigan State, had a sack, his fourth in two weeks, though it was taken away when officials failed to blow a play dead after he made contact with quarterback Nico Flores.
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"It was pretty easy," Pete Adrian said. "I spend my time with the defense and the defensive side had a really good day. Defensively, I'm pretty sure we'll be pretty good, just like we were last year. We've got some guys that can flat-out run."
The squad allowed just two touchdowns in approximately 70 plays Friday and forced three-and-outs on the offense's first five drives.
Despite losing seven senior starters from last year's MEAC champion, the defense seems certain to be the Spartans' calling card again this season.
Inside linebacker Brent Singleton, a transfer, was the star of Friday's scrimmage. Outside linebacker Lynden Trail, another transfer, delivered the biggest hit. And lineman Cameron Jude, eligible after transferring from Michigan State, had a sack, his fourth in two weeks, though it was taken away when officials failed to blow a play dead after he made contact with quarterback Nico Flores.
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Saturday, April 14, 2012
Williams promoted to TSU head men's basketball coach
TSU HEAD COACH TRAVIS WILLIAMS |
Williams, a native of Tifton, Georgia, served as an assistant for previous TSU head coach John Cooper during the last three seasons. Cooper left on April 6 after accepting the head coaching position at Miami University (Ohio).
Williams helped restore a winning attitude to the Tigers' program. The Big Blue recorded just nine wins in 2009-10, while improving to 14 victories in 2010-11. Last season, the Tigers completed a 20-13 mark - the most for any TSU program since 1978-79. It also marked the school's first winning season in 16 years.
The 2011-12 campaign gave Tennessee State its third NCAA Division-I postseason appearance with an invitation to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT). The Tigers fell to eventual CIT Champion Mercer, 68-60, in the first round.
As the first assistant, Williams was involved with every aspect of the program. His major priority was the recruitment and development of student-athletes, both academically and athletically. Williams helped with practice, game day strategies, assignments and scouting reports. He also maintained day-to-day operations. Williams worked with student-athletes individually, while scheduling practice and workout sessions. He coordinated all community service initiatives and served as the team's academic liaison.
"We are very pleased to have retained Travis Williams as our next head men's basketball coach," said Phillips. "Coach Williams is committed and has been a successful Division I student-athlete. He has coached on a variety of levels, so he brings a plethora of experience to this job. He understands the importance of relationship building and will continue to make TSU basketball a significant entity in the Nashville area."
"I am truly humbled and grateful for this opportunity to serve as the 16th head coach at TSU," said Williams. "It's with great honor and pride to serve Tennessee State University and the Nashville community. I will strive to represent TSU in a first class manner at all times by working hard and expecting my student-athletes to do the same. Our goal is to ensure our student-athletes graduate, while maintaining their competitive intensity and desire to win the OVC Championship."
When he joined the Tigers in the summer of 2009, Williams brought 10 years of coaching experience as an assistant and head coach.
This marks Williams' third time taking the reins of a basketball program. Williams served as head coach of the Dongguan Parklane Snow Wolf Professional Basketball Club in China's National Basketball League (NBL). He led the team to an 11-2 preseason record before leaving prior to the 2009 regular season. Williams was hired by the Dongguan Snow Wolf to develop the game of basketball in China directly after the 2008 Olympics. He facilitated player development, conditioning and game day strategies.
In 2004, Williams received his first head coach appointment at Fort Valley State University in Georgia. He led the Wildcats to a pair of winning seasons during his tenure. Williams led FVSU to an 18-12 record during the 2006-07 campaign. At the conclusion of the season, the Wildcats ranked 10th in the Division II South Region poll, making it to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Championship game. FVSU's 18 wins were the most since the 1998-99 season.
After a three-season stint at FVSU, Williams served as an assistant for one season at Mercer University (2007-08). That season, Mercer defeated No.17 ranked University of Southern California.
Williams' coaching resume includes stops as an associate head coach with the Southern Crescent Lightning of the World Basketball Association (2004) and an assistant position at Chicago State (2003-2004).
From 1999-2003 he served as assistant at his alma mater Georgia State. During his tenure with the Panthers, the program produced three conference regular season championships and one conference tournament championship. While at GSU, the Panthers defeated two Top-25 teams (No.15 St. Josephs and No.23 Georgia) and produced an upset over No. 6 seed Wisconsin in the 2001 NCAA Tournament marking the first 20-win season in school history, finishing 29-5.
In 2001-02, the Panthers had another 20-win season and advanced to the final game, bowing out by a single point in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Championship game, receiving a bid to the NIT Tournament.
Williams hosted "In the Loop", an all-access cable sports show covering all levels of athletics throughout central Georgia. He has also served as a motivational speaker and educational consultant with his "If You Believe, You Can Achieve" Power Hour series.
Williams is currently a member of National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and Black Coaches and Administrators Association (BCAA). As a player, he scored more than 1,000 career points at GSU. He graduated with a Bachelor's in business management in 1995 and a Master's in Sports Administration in 1999. While in college at GSU, Williams interned with the National Football League (NFL) Players Association as a research intern.
He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville. Williams is married to Nikkya Williams. The two celebrated the birth of their daughter Teagan Loure' Ann on Nov. 3, 2011.
TSU PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Tennessee State promotes Travis Williams to men's basketball head coach
NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Travis Williams’ goal to be a Division I college basketball head coach by the time he was 40 was still in peril last week.
The developments over the last eight days, however, helped the 39 year-old get there on Friday.
And Williams has Tennessee State’s players to thank. They persuaded Athletics Director Teresa Phillips to promote him after John Cooper accepted the head coaching job at Miami (Ohio) on April 6.
“I didn’t expect it to happen this way, in this short amount of time,” said Williams, a Tigers assistant for three seasons. Phillips called the players and assistant coaches in for a meeting in the Tigers locker room on Tuesday.
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DSU wrap up Spring Camp with Alumni Stadium Scrimmage
DOVER, Delaware - The Delaware State University football team will close out its 2012 spring camp with a full contact scrimmage at Alumni Stadium on Saturday beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The final spring camp session will put the Hornets offense against the defense in a variety of game situations.
Delaware State second-year head coach Kermit Blount says he has yet to determine the number of plays to be run.
"We've had a productive camp and the coaching staff is eager to continue evaluations during the scrimmage," said Blount. "Unlike last spring, when we spent so much time getting familiar with the players and installing new systems, we've be able to have more of a traditional spring camp."
The Hornets expect to return eight offensive starters this season. Last season's starting quarterback Nick Elko (r-sr.) has taken most of the first team snaps this spring. Elko completed 207 of 362 passes (57.2%) for 2,064 yards in his first season as a starter in 2011. He threw for 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions; and was second in the MEAC in passing average (206.4 ypg) and sixth in total offense (193.5 ypg) last season.
The Hornets also return wide receiver Travis Tarpley (r-sr.), who was tops among all MEAC players in all-purpose yards at 144.2 per game in 2011. Tarpley set a DSU single-season record with 66 receptions last year. He was tops on the Hornets with 736 receiving yards and second on the team with 148 rushing yards last season.
Fellow receiver Justin Wilson (sr.) also returns after catching 54 passes for 563 yards and six touchdowns in eight games in 2011. Wilson, the 2011 MEAC Preseason Player-of- the-Year missed three games last season due to an ankle injury.
On defense, the Hornets must replace their two leading tacklers from last season, linebackers Quentin Ferguson and Brandon Harvey.
The top returning tacklers from 2011 are inside linebacker Ernest Adjei (sr.) and defensive back Joe Boyd (so.). Adjei had total 59 tackles, including 35 solo stops, while Boyd tallied 53 tackles (38 unassisted) last season.
Blount also expects returning defensive end Quinton Fortes (sr.) and linebacker Olusegun Ayanbiola (r-sr.) to play major roles on the defense this season.
After spring drills, the Hornets will continue off-season workouts in preparation for summer camp in early August.
DSU will open the 2012 season at home against VMI on Sep. 1. Game time is 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
Margaret Richards, former KSU, St. Aug's coach named WKU Lady Topper Assistant Coach
MARGARET RICHARDS (Photo Courtesy WKU) |
"I couldn't be happier to be reunited with Margaret and have her on my staff here at WKU," said Heard. "Our relationship goes all the way back to her days in high school, and it has been a pleasure to watch her grow into a tremendous coach. She will be a huge asset in all areas of Lady Topper basketball, but her best strength will be building relationships with players and coaches. She knows me and my style and has such a bright future."
Richards spent two years as an assistant under Coach Heard at Kentucky State (2005-06, 2006-07). The two were also on the staff at Louisville for the 2007-08 season, where Richards served as a graduate assistant on the Cardinal's first Sweet Sixteen team. She was also a member of the women's basketball team at Nebraska (1999-2000 - 2003-04), where Heard served as an assistant coach for three of those years. Richards spent the 2011-12 season as an assistant coach at Weber State.
"I am so excited to be back home in Kentucky and to have the opportunity to once again work with Coach Heard here at WKU," said Richards. "Growing up in this state, I've always known about - and had tremendous respect - for the tradition of Lady Topper Basketball. It's an honor to be associated with this program, and I look forward to being part of the rise back to national prominence."
Also no stranger to the Sun Belt Conference, Richards coached at North Texas during the 2010-11 season. During her year with the Mean Green, she served as the team's recruiting coordinator, and was also responsible for guard development.
Prior to joining the staff at UNT, Richards spent two seasons as the head coach at Saint Augustine College. She compiled a 33-24 record in two season as the Lady Falcons' head coach, highlighted by an 18-10 record and a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Western Division championship in 2009-10. In her first season, she led Saint Augustine to 15 wins and the program's first CIAA semifinals appearance in six seasons. During Richards' tenure, two Lady Falcons made the all-CIAA team and the all-CIAA Rookie team. She was also named CIAA Coach of the Week six times.
A native of Louisville, Richards starred at Louisville Central High School. She ranked second in the state in scoring during her senior season (35.5 ppg), earning first-team all-state accolades and a spot on the Kentucky All-Star Team.
Richards earned her bachelor's degree in communication studies and double minored in sociology and ethnic studies from the University of Nebraska in 2003. The Cornhuskers earned a Top-25 national ranking during her senior season, and she was selected as a team captain during both her junior and senior campaigns.
The Richards File:
Born - Sept. 13, 1981
High School - Louisville Central, 2000
HS Athletics - Basketball, 4 letters; Track and Field, 2 letters; Field Hockey, 1 letter
College - Nebraska (BA), 2003
College Athletics - Basketball, guard, 4 letters
Coaching Experience -
Kentucky State, assistant coach (2005-06 - 2006-07)
Louisville, graduate assistant (2007-08)
Saint Augustine College, head coach (2008-09 - 2009-10)
North Texas, assistant coach (2010-11)
Weber State, assistant coach (2011-12)
Western Kentucky University, assistant coach (2012-13)
The Michelle Clark-Heard File:
Born — July 27, 1968
High School — Atherton (Ky.) 1986
HS Athletics — Basketball, 4 letters
College — WKU (BA), 1990; Nebraska (MA), 2001
College Athletics — Basketball, forward, 4 letters
Coaching Experience —
Nebraska, assistant coach (1998-99 - 2001-02)
Cincinnati, assistant coach (2002-03 - 2004-05)
Kentucky State, head coach (2005-06 - 2006-07)
Louisville, assistant coach (2007-08 - 2011-12)
Family — Husband, Luther
New Orleanian Locure, Ewell of Detroit sign with XU Nuggets
Alexandria Locure |
|
NEW ORLEANS — Alexandria Locure of New Orleans and Simone-Alyse Ewell of Detroit are Xavier University of Louisiana's first announced women's tennis signees for the 2012-13 academic year. Both are seniors in high school.
Locure, who attends John Curtis Christian School in suburban River Ridge, Louisiana, is a TennisRecruiting.net two-star prospect ranked ninth in Louisiana and 80th in the Gulf States region. She has won approximately 20 singles championships and one doubles title in amateur age-group tournaments.
As a sophomore at Curtis is 2010, Locure ran the third leg
on the 1,600-meter relay team which won the district championship in outdoor track and field.
A honor roll student multiple times at Curtis, Locure will major in pharmacy at Xavier.
Ewell, who attends The Roeper School in Birmingham, Michigan, is a TennisRecruiting.net three-star prospect ranked 12th in Michigan and 53rd in the Great Lakes region. A veteran of USTA regional and national events since age 11, Ewell won two singles matches and two doubles matches to help her Southeast Michigan team finish second in the 2011 Marian Wood Baird Cup.
Ewell, whose career goal is to become a veterinarian, has played flute in jazz and concert bands at Roeper since fifth grade. She also won an award for a children's book she published at age 12, and she organized a Christmas 2010 drive which collected 2,000 books.
Xavier competes in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Coach Alan Green's Gold Nuggets qualified for the NAIA National Championship five of the previous seven seasons and won first-round dual matches at nationals all five times.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Friday, April 13, 2012
FAMU football wraps up spring practice
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The final scrimmage of spring football practice — highlighted by some hard hitting and interceptions that were returned for touchdowns by the defense — was over Thursday afternoon for Florida A&M.
Then, after running through a few obligatory football matters, coach Joe Taylor spent the rest of his time chiding his players about their responsibilities over the next three months. Taylor put as much emphasis on summer school attendance as he did on conditioning and watching film.
He repeatedly reminded them of the importance of class attendance. He wanted to make sure that he doesn't lose key players to academic ineligibility, as was the case for seven players last season.
"You lose that many and I don't know if you ever recover," Taylor said. "That can't happen so I really charge them to be somebody that your teammates can depend on; go to summer school and attend classes. If we can get that part done, then we've got a chance to be really competitive."
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Then, after running through a few obligatory football matters, coach Joe Taylor spent the rest of his time chiding his players about their responsibilities over the next three months. Taylor put as much emphasis on summer school attendance as he did on conditioning and watching film.
He repeatedly reminded them of the importance of class attendance. He wanted to make sure that he doesn't lose key players to academic ineligibility, as was the case for seven players last season.
"You lose that many and I don't know if you ever recover," Taylor said. "That can't happen so I really charge them to be somebody that your teammates can depend on; go to summer school and attend classes. If we can get that part done, then we've got a chance to be really competitive."
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WSSU's Collins a candidate for N.C. A&T vacancy
"I have given permission to A&T to talk to Bobby," Hayes said. "When you have success such as Bobby has had, schools are going to look at your coaches, and I know that."
Collins finished his latest season at WSSU, his sixth, with a CIAA title and a 21-9 record. He did not return a message left Friday on his cell phone. Collins has one year left on his contract, which pays him $106,500 a year.
According to sources familiar with the interview process but not authorized to speak about it, Collins was ...
Track & Field Hosts 10th Annual Boston-Moon Classic
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State University men's and women's track & field teams host the 10th annual Boston-Moon Classic on Saturday, April 14 at the Edward S. Temple Track.
Running events start at 9:30am followed with field events at 10am. As of Friday, eight universities are slated to be at the event including Belmont, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee Tech.
TSU returns from a two week hiatus after competing in three outdoor meets already. Currently, the TSU tracksters have 13 top-5 marks in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Freshman Ashontae Jackson is third in the league after her run of 24.25 in the 200-meter dash at the Weems-Baskin Invitational in South Carolina. Jackson, a native of Gordonsville, Va., is second in the women's long jump after distancing 18-5 ¼ (5.62m) at the Morehouse College Relays on March 15.
Also leading the way for the Tigerbelles is junior Gabrielle Todd. Her leap of 5-3 ¼ (1.61m) at the 62nd annual Florida A&M Relays ranks fifth in the OVC.
The Tigerbelles have three of the top-5 spots in the triple jump: Ja'Lyn Burr (38-0 ¾/11.60m/2nd), Felicia Oladokun (37-5/11.40m/3rd) and Daniecce Ward (37-3 ¾/11.37m/5th).
Arthur Combest leads the TSU hurdlers with his time of 14.72 in the 110-meter hurdles at the FAMU Relays. The junior ranks fifth in the men's high jump, clearing a height of 6-4 ¾ (1.95m) at the Weems-Baskin Invitational.
Jumps specialist Royce Dates holds the OVC's best mark of 23-10 (7.26m) in the long jump. Dates is tied 70th overall, but is expected to make big strides this weekend after taking two weeks of rest.
Results from Saturday's meet will be posted online at TSUTigers.com and CFPITiming.com.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TSU Football Closes Out Spring Practice on Saturday
NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University football closes out a successful spring this weekend with the annual Blue-White Spring game on Saturday afternoon.
The contest is slated for 3:30pm kickoff at Hale Stadium, affectionately known as 'The Hole.' Prior to Saturday's Blue-White game, a Legends Game will take place between TSU and Vanderbilt at 1pm.
Admission to Saturday's festivities are free. There will be concessions, a rummage sale and national sports talk host Donal Ware is expected on site. Ware will talk with Head Coach Rod Reed, TSU alum/Philadelphia Eagle Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and other TSU personalities at the Spring Game. Ware's show will be aired live on WFSK 88.1 FM.
On Friday, TSU and DRC host the annual Celebrity Slam Jam at the Gentry Center. Doors open at 5:30pm with autograph signings as numerous NFL athletes will be on hand. The basketball game starts at 7pm.
For tickets, fans can call the TSU Ticket Office at 615-963-5841 or by visiting a Ticketmaster outlet.
Reed Announces Two Additions to Coaching Staff
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Tennessee State University football coach Rod Reed announced the hiring of offensive line coach Russ Ehrenfeld and cornerbacks coach Mikhal Kornegay on Friday afternoon.
Kornegay obtained his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at Florida State in 2006 and earned his master's in Sports Administration in April 2010.
The contest is slated for 3:30pm kickoff at Hale Stadium, affectionately known as 'The Hole.' Prior to Saturday's Blue-White game, a Legends Game will take place between TSU and Vanderbilt at 1pm.
Admission to Saturday's festivities are free. There will be concessions, a rummage sale and national sports talk host Donal Ware is expected on site. Ware will talk with Head Coach Rod Reed, TSU alum/Philadelphia Eagle Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and other TSU personalities at the Spring Game. Ware's show will be aired live on WFSK 88.1 FM.
On Friday, TSU and DRC host the annual Celebrity Slam Jam at the Gentry Center. Doors open at 5:30pm with autograph signings as numerous NFL athletes will be on hand. The basketball game starts at 7pm.
For tickets, fans can call the TSU Ticket Office at 615-963-5841 or by visiting a Ticketmaster outlet.
Reed Announces Two Additions to Coaching Staff
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Tennessee State University football coach Rod Reed announced the hiring of offensive line coach Russ Ehrenfeld and cornerbacks coach Mikhal Kornegay on Friday afternoon.
It's a homecoming of sorts for Ehrenfeld after spending three seasons at Chattanooga. Kornegay takes his first full time coaching job after spending four seasons as a graduate assistant at Florida State.
Ehrenfeld replaces Steven Smith, who accepted an assistant offensive line position with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kornegay takes Anthony Blevins spot, who is now the defensive backs coach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Returning to Tennessee State, Ehrenfeld brought an immediate impact to UTC in his first season. He helped the Mocs allow only nine sacks in 2009, tied for fewest in the SoCon and third lowest in the nation. UTC did not allow a sack for the last four games of the season, including a trip to FBS National Champion Alabama in the season finale.
In 2010, he turned his attention to the centers and guards, helping T.J. Hurless earn a spot on the All-SoCon second team. Add in Chris Harr and Ehrenfeld has guided two Mocs to all-league honors in his two years at UTC.
In 2011, Ehrenfeld coached tight ends, helping the Mocs to a 5-6 overall record, including a 38-17 win at then ranked No. 10 Jacksonville State on Sept. 10. Faysal Shaffat was a 2011 All-Conference freshman tight end for the Mocs.
In his first stop at TSU, Ehrenfeld's offensive line set the tone for the No. 1 rushing offense in the Ohio Valley Conference while allowing just the second fewest number of sacks in the league. All totaled, he has coached more than ten offensive lineman that have gone on to play professionally.
Ehrenfeld previously coached the offensive line at TSU for three seasons (1997-99), helping the Tigers capture back-to-back OVC championships in 1998 and 1999. Notably, four linemen from the 1999 team went on to play in the NFL.
A native of Hillside, N.J., Ehrenfeld played four seasons at Chattanooga, helping the Mocs claim three SoCon titles as a starting offensive guard. He earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education-history in 1981.
Following graduation, Ehrenfeld's first coaching position was at TMI Academy as the offensive line coach. His first collegiate position was as a graduate assistant at the University of South Carolina, where he had the opportunity to coach the Gamecocks in the 1984 Gator Bowl. Since then, he has also coached at Austin Peay (1985-87, 95-96), Itawamba Community College (1988-89), Southeast Missouri State (1990-92), Eastern Michigan (1993-94), Alabama State (2000) and Bucknell (2001-02).
Kornegay, a native of Greenville, Fla., comes to Tennessee State after spending seven cumulative seasons with the Seminoles under legendary head coach Bobby Bowden and current coach Jimbo Fisher.
He served as Graduate Assistant/Quality Control coach for the Seminoles since the 2008 season. While in that capacity, Kornegay assisted coaches Mickey Andrews and Mark Stoops with instructing the defensive backfield. There he helped implement a major base defensive from heavy coverage for the Seminoles.
Kornegay also coached two NFL draft picks in 2010 with Patrick Robinson being selected in the first round to New Orleans and Myron Rolle by Tennessee in the sixth round.
Prior to joining FSU as a graduate assistant, Kornegay served one season as an assistant coach at Madison County High School in Florida. He also served as a speed and strength coach at Titus Sports Academy in 2007.
A three-year starter on special teams for the Seminoles, Kornegay served as team captain in 2006. He helped FSU to two Atlantic Coast Conference championships and saw an appearance in the 2006 Orange Bowl.
Kornegay obtained his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at Florida State in 2006 and earned his master's in Sports Administration in April 2010.
Both coaches are currently participating in spring drills with the Tigers.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Sanders, FAMU Strike! Land Willie Conner
CHICAGO, Illinois - Head coach Clemon Johnson, Condric Sanders and Florida A&M have scored a recruiting coup, and have landed Class of 2012 Chicago Crane star Willie Conner.
Conner, a 6'4" shooting guard, ranks among the Top 30 Class of 2012 prospects in the state of Illinois and should be an impact player at FAMU. Conner brings size and an ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways to the table.
Conner put up numbers throughout the season while playing in the Public League Red-West Division, which was arguably the toughest league in the state this past season.
FAMU is making a very strong recruiting push in Chicago with Condric Sanders now on staff. Sanders, who was at Lewis and juco power Highland prior to moving up to the Division I level, is actively involved with a number of other Chicago prospects and is already actively engaged in building a pipeline from Chicago to FAMU.
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Florida A&M Lands Commitment From Chicago 2-Guard
CHICAGO, Illinois -- Willie Conner, a 6'4 2-guard from Crane Tech High School in Chicago has committed to Florida A&M. He chose the Rattlers over offers from Rhode Island and Tennessee-Martin.
Conner, a 6'4" shooting guard, ranks among the Top 30 Class of 2012 prospects in the state of Illinois and should be an impact player at FAMU. Conner brings size and an ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways to the table.
Conner put up numbers throughout the season while playing in the Public League Red-West Division, which was arguably the toughest league in the state this past season.
FAMU is making a very strong recruiting push in Chicago with Condric Sanders now on staff. Sanders, who was at Lewis and juco power Highland prior to moving up to the Division I level, is actively involved with a number of other Chicago prospects and is already actively engaged in building a pipeline from Chicago to FAMU.
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Florida A&M Lands Commitment From Chicago 2-Guard
CHICAGO, Illinois -- Willie Conner, a 6'4 2-guard from Crane Tech High School in Chicago has committed to Florida A&M. He chose the Rattlers over offers from Rhode Island and Tennessee-Martin.
Conner had a strong season at Crane and was one of the better available back court prospects in Illinois heading into in the Spring signing period prior to the commitment. Earlier in the year it was thought that he may have been leaning toward Rhode Island. However, that changed when Jim Baron was fired as their head coach earlier this month.
Conner is one of the most unheralded players in the Chicago Public League and can undoubtedly play at the D1 level, which is why he is a good get for Rattlers head coach Clemon Johnson. He has tremendous scoring ability and a solid overall offensive skill set. That is because Conner has a quick shooting stroke, range that extends beyond the 3-point arc and strong upper body strength that he utilizes well in order to consistently get to the basket.
Kudos undoubtedly go out to Rattlers assistant coach Condric Sanders, whose hard work and continuous pursuit of Conner was instrumental in enabling Johnson to close the deal. Sanders, who is nicknamed "Old Skool" by his peers, has ...
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If a High School Dies, Where Does the Glory Go?
CHICAGO, Illinois (Feb. 11, 2012) - As Willie Conner stood alongside his fellow Crane High School seniors last week, clutching a rose and looking down at the hardwood floor, his final home game in a Cougars uniform was not the only thing on his mind.
“We’re not just playing for our fans and our coach and ourselves,” Conner said. “We’re playing for our whole school.”
Chicago Public Schools announced plans in November to phase out Crane, which would end one of the city’s most storied basketball programs. The announcement came just a few days before the Cougars’ first game of the season in December.
“My first thought was just ‘Wow!’ ” said Chris Head, Crane’s head coach. “The thought of phasing out a school with such history, such tradition. How could you do it?”
Crane was a charter member of the Chicago Public League in 1913. It is second in the city for most league titles with 11. (Its rival Marshall has 12.) The school has produced numerous N.B.A. players, including Ken Norman, Tony Allen and Will Bynum, as well as the longtime Chicago Bears owner George Halas.
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Unsigned Senior Willie Conner Drops 26 Points As Chicago Crane Tops Homewood-Flossmoor At The Team Rose Shootout
CHICAGO, Illinois (12 Dec. 2011) - Senior guard Willie Conner is continuing to push his recruiting stock higher with his strong start to his senior season, and again came up big on Sunday night by scoring 26 points to lead Chicago Crane past Homewood-Flossmoor 61-57 at the Team Rose Shootout.
Conner, a 6'4" wing, had given an early verbal to Texas-Pan American, but decided to again open up his recruitment, and now finds himself among the top uncommitted prospects in the 2012 recruiting class. Conner, who is also a strong student in the classroom, leads a team that should only get better this season.
Conner scored 12 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter to offset a 19-point showing from Delvon Rencher of Homewood-Flossmoor, who is also still on the board as a recruit.
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Conner is one of the most unheralded players in the Chicago Public League and can undoubtedly play at the D1 level, which is why he is a good get for Rattlers head coach Clemon Johnson. He has tremendous scoring ability and a solid overall offensive skill set. That is because Conner has a quick shooting stroke, range that extends beyond the 3-point arc and strong upper body strength that he utilizes well in order to consistently get to the basket.
Kudos undoubtedly go out to Rattlers assistant coach Condric Sanders, whose hard work and continuous pursuit of Conner was instrumental in enabling Johnson to close the deal. Sanders, who is nicknamed "Old Skool" by his peers, has ...
READ MORE
If a High School Dies, Where Does the Glory Go?
CHICAGO, Illinois (Feb. 11, 2012) - As Willie Conner stood alongside his fellow Crane High School seniors last week, clutching a rose and looking down at the hardwood floor, his final home game in a Cougars uniform was not the only thing on his mind.
“We’re not just playing for our fans and our coach and ourselves,” Conner said. “We’re playing for our whole school.”
Chicago Public Schools announced plans in November to phase out Crane, which would end one of the city’s most storied basketball programs. The announcement came just a few days before the Cougars’ first game of the season in December.
“My first thought was just ‘Wow!’ ” said Chris Head, Crane’s head coach. “The thought of phasing out a school with such history, such tradition. How could you do it?”
Crane was a charter member of the Chicago Public League in 1913. It is second in the city for most league titles with 11. (Its rival Marshall has 12.) The school has produced numerous N.B.A. players, including Ken Norman, Tony Allen and Will Bynum, as well as the longtime Chicago Bears owner George Halas.
READ MORE
Unsigned Senior Willie Conner Drops 26 Points As Chicago Crane Tops Homewood-Flossmoor At The Team Rose Shootout
CHICAGO, Illinois (12 Dec. 2011) - Senior guard Willie Conner is continuing to push his recruiting stock higher with his strong start to his senior season, and again came up big on Sunday night by scoring 26 points to lead Chicago Crane past Homewood-Flossmoor 61-57 at the Team Rose Shootout.
Conner, a 6'4" wing, had given an early verbal to Texas-Pan American, but decided to again open up his recruitment, and now finds himself among the top uncommitted prospects in the 2012 recruiting class. Conner, who is also a strong student in the classroom, leads a team that should only get better this season.
Conner scored 12 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter to offset a 19-point showing from Delvon Rencher of Homewood-Flossmoor, who is also still on the board as a recruit.
READ MORE
Eager Grambling goes through first workouts
GRAMBLING, Louisiana — No way Jomarcus Savage was going to be late for Grambling's first official practice of 2012.
"I've been waiting for so long," the rising senior defensive lineman said. "We had meetings at 3 — I've been ready since 1 o'clock with all my pads on. This is a great feeling, great weather, great place to be right now."
Savage and his teammates were eager to start spring practice Thursday after having to hear about other schools' progress for more than a month.
"I talked to a couple of friends," he said. "I know La. Tech will be done this weekend, and I've got a couple friends at Bama, and their A-Day Game's this weekend, so we're one of the last schools to get started. It's kind of tough, but it does make us hungry, and I'm eager to find out what the outcome's gonna be."
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"I've been waiting for so long," the rising senior defensive lineman said. "We had meetings at 3 — I've been ready since 1 o'clock with all my pads on. This is a great feeling, great weather, great place to be right now."
Savage and his teammates were eager to start spring practice Thursday after having to hear about other schools' progress for more than a month.
"I talked to a couple of friends," he said. "I know La. Tech will be done this weekend, and I've got a couple friends at Bama, and their A-Day Game's this weekend, so we're one of the last schools to get started. It's kind of tough, but it does make us hungry, and I'm eager to find out what the outcome's gonna be."
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Southern's Banks, Pugh unveil 2012 basketball recruits
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Head men's basketball coach Roman Banks and head women's basketball coach Sandy Pugh unveiled the 2012 signing class.
Here is a complete listing of the 2012 SU Men's Basketball Signees.
Damian Goodman F Decatur, Ga. Columbia 6-8 200
Devonse Reed G Dallas, Texas Wilmer Htchins 6-4 190
Yondarius Johnson G Plain Dealing, La. Pearl River JC 6-4 240
Here is a complete listing of the 2012 SU Women's Basketball Signees.
Britney Washington G St. Francisville, La. West. Feliciana 5-10 155 Video
Victoria Davis G Monroe, La. Richwood 5-3 135
COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Here is a complete listing of the 2012 SU Men's Basketball Signees.
Damian Goodman F Decatur, Ga. Columbia 6-8 200
Devonse Reed G Dallas, Texas Wilmer Htchins 6-4 190
Yondarius Johnson G Plain Dealing, La. Pearl River JC 6-4 240
Here is a complete listing of the 2012 SU Women's Basketball Signees.
Britney Washington G St. Francisville, La. West. Feliciana 5-10 155 Video
Victoria Davis G Monroe, La. Richwood 5-3 135
COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
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