Alabama State baseball: Tempers flare after beaning incident

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Actually, it hasn’t ended. Play in Sunday’s game was suspended in the eighth inning after a beaning incident led to a near-brawl, causing the umpires to walk off the field with Jackson State ahead 3-2.

Southwestern Athletic Conference officials labeled it a suspended game, but in all likelihood will declare the outcome final after reviewing the contest. That’s the message Melendez delivered to his team in the moments following the game as campus police quickly escorted both the umpires and the Jackson State team off the campus.

“I honestly learned more about the opponent than I did about us,” the first-year ASU coach said. “I came into this conference with a frame of mind about how to play the game of baseball, how to go about the game of baseball the right way. I’m very disappointed after this weekend and the weekend that we went up there (on March 9-10) to see how the game is played on their side — which is a lot of taunting, a lot of talking to our players. That shouldn’t be part of baseball and I got aggravated about it when we went over there. This is Division I baseball and it should be played with class.”

READ MORE

Claflin University and Alumni Engagement: They Get It!

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - Recently, Claflin University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, reported that 45 percent of its living alumni had given to the institution. Not only is this the highest giving rate recorded by Claflin, it is one of the highest among all colleges and universities. The institution is determined to reach the 50-percent mark in the near future, which would make it the first HBCU to boast an alumni giving rate of 50 percent.

Other HBCU’s, as well as colleges and universities overall, are probably wondering how Claflin achieved its success. We have outlined the institution’s strategy below:

First, Claflin received a $1.5-million grant from the United ...

READ MORE

Howard Bison Defense Wins on the Scoreboard, but Offense Shows Improvement

WASHINGTON, D.C. - When head coach Gary Harrell was hired last year, he faced a number of challenges. Harrell got a late start on recruiting, on implementing his system and on becoming familiar with the players. Fast forward to this year and there is a marked difference as evidenced by the Annual Spring Game in Greene Stadium.

While the defense prevailed 30-21 on a point system based to turnovers, three and outs, sacks and tackles for losses, the offense was able to move the ball smartly. Sophomore Greg McGhee and junior Randy Liggins, Jr. split time at the quarterback position and both looked sharp.

“You can’t compare last year’s spring practice and this year’s,” offered Harrell. “I got the job late and we were installing a new offense. But we now have the advantage of having had a summer to install the offense and the defense in addition to playing 11 games together. The players now understand the system and are playing as a unit.”

The defense lost stalwarts Corey Berry and Sackie Kerkulah, all conference selections. So Harrell was anxious to see how their replacements would perform.

“We are very young up front, but I have been pleased with the play of Ibrahima Kebe and Rodney Hill,” said Harrell. “I feel confident in Markee White, Alphonso Beale and Taovan Sheats and their ability to come around.”

All American linebacker Keith Pough had his usual performance, making plays all over the field.

But Harrell gets a little excited when he talks about the potential of junior transfer linebacker, Tabrian Resby.

“He is a tremendous addition to this program,” explained Harrell. “You could see out there today of what he brings. He is very disciplined, having come from Georgia Military College, he has speed and he is strong. He will be a factor.”

On the offensive side of the ball, Harrell was especially pleased with the play of the offensive line and the depth at running backs.

“When the offensive line performs that way they did today without the services of two starting tackles, Corey Gwinner and Davin Morris, it is very gratifying,” said Harrell. “Young guys like Bradley Bush Johnson and John Smith got a chance to get in some valuable time. The key is that they are playing as a unit.”

The beneficiary of that unit play was the running backs. Terrence Leffall, who led the team in rushing last season, is bigger and stronger than last season and looked in mid-season form. But sophomore Aquainius Freeman, redshirt junior Andra Williams and redshirt freshman Terry Tuscan all looked good as well.

“You always need depth at that position,” said Harrell. “They all have different styles, but are effective.”

McGhee appeared to be very comfortable with his reads and checkdowns, sometimes going to his second and third options. But Liggins has been what Harrell calls the pleasant surprise.

“Coach (Ted) White has done a great job with Randy in terms of helping him understand what he can do best in this system,” said Harrell. “He now understands what the defense is doing, he makes good throws and he can use his legs when he gets in trouble.”

By Howard University Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARD-BISON.COM
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

HU lacrosse a fledgling part of sport's HBCU history

HAMPTON, Virginia - Desmond Purse had resigned himself to his choice.

Wanting to attend Hampton University out of high school in Silver Spring, Maryland, Purse saw no other option but to give up his sport, lacrosse. Hampton didn't have a team, and while he'd drawn looks from other schools, Purse had come to terms with the reality of hanging up his stick.

The ambition of one man and the mission of another changed all that.

On a sunny spring afternoon, Purse and the rest of HU's club lacrosse players ran through drills under the direction of captain Kevin Bennett, laughing and joking and otherwise acting like a team.

"It makes me feel like a student-athlete," said Purse, a sophomore goalie. "You've got to balance school, you've got to balance lacrosse and extracurriculars and community service. I didn't think I was going to get a chance to have that opportunity. I thought I was just going to go to school and excel in my academics and do other things outside of school, but the fact that I'm able to play a sport that I love again … "

READ MORE

Offense Wins TSU's Annual Blue-White Spring Game

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The offense (white team) picked up a 94-63 victory over the defense (blue team) in the annual Tennessee State University Blue-White Spring Game in front of 3,100 fans at Hale Stadium. The offense secured the win in a non-traditional scoring system that gave points for specific types of plays completed.

Michael German, the reigning OVC Freshman of the Year, threw 11 completions for 232 yards with four touchdowns for the Big Blue.

Redshirt junior Devin Wilson snagged five catches for 105 yards, while Joe Bowens caught four balls for a team-best 112 yards.

In the running game, Trabis Ward carried the ball 10 times for 44 yards. Telvin Hooks finished with four rushes for 28 yards.

"I thought we did some good things," said TSU head coach Rod Reed. "Michael (German) threw the ball well. I don't think we were as sharp in the run game as we normally are. I am excited about where we are headed. I think guys came out and competed. It was great to see us out there competing. The fan support was great."



Defensively, the Big Blue bruisers forced only one turnover. Sophomore and returning defensive leader Daniel Fitzpatrick snatched an interception for a 34-yard touchdown.

"That's what we expect out of him," said Reed. "He is our stat leader returning on defense. We expect that type of play out of our starters."

TSU starts fall camp in August and opens the 2012 season with Florida A&M in the John Merritt Classic on Saturday, Sept. 1. For the first time in nearly 12 years, TSU returns to Hale Stadium 'The Hole' on Sept. 15 to host Austin Peay.



Blue-White Spring Game
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. - Hale Stadium
Attendance: 3,100

White (offense) 94, Blue (defense) 63

Passing: Michael German 11-18-0 232 4; Immoni Carswell 3-6-1 82 0; Holt Claiborne 1-5-0 2 0.

Receiving: Devin Wilson 5-106 2; Joe Bowens 4-112; Je-Marc Sears 1-25 1; Trabis Ward 1-26; Hakeem Parker 1-25 1; Jeremy Pryor 2-20; Kaylen Pearson 1-2.

Rushing: Ward 10-44; Telvin Hooks 4-28; Martine Stevenson 8-25; Ryan Berry 5-11; Pearson 1-1.

Interceptions: Daniel Fitzpatrick 1-34 1.

Fumbles: 1, lost 0.



COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
VISIT: TSUTIGERS.COM
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

DSU Hornets look ahead after Spring Camp Finale

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

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

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.

 

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 – 2^nd 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 100^th 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, 1^st 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 Relations
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

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

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

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)

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.

READ MORE

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)

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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."



READ MORE

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.



READ MORE

Williams promoted to TSU head men's basketball coach

TSU HEAD COACH TRAVIS WILLIAMS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University Athletics Director Teresa Phillips and President Dr. Portia Holmes-Shields announced on Friday morning that assistant coach Travis Williams has been tabbed to be the 16th head coach for the Tigers men's basketball program.

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.

READ MORE

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)

BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky -- Western Kentucky University  new women's basketball coach Michelle Clark-Heard announced on Monday that Margaret Richards has joined her staff as an assistant coach.

"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

Simone-Alyse Ewell

Simone-Alyse Ewell

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

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."

READ MORE

WSSU's Collins a candidate for N.C. A&T vacancy

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Bobby Collins, the men's basketball coach at Winston-Salem State, is a candidate for the head-coaching vacancy at N.C. A&T, athletics director Bill Hayes of WSSU confirmed Friday.

"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 ...

READ MORE