Tennessee State Track & Field Completes Meet at Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University's track & field teams competed well at the Vanderbilt Invitational this weekend.

The Flying Tigers and Tigerbelles notched eight top-5 marks, two of which came from redshirt freshman Ashontae Jackson.

Jackson leapt a personal-best 19-5 ½ (5.93m) in the long jump to secure third overall. Jackson placed fifth out of 20 competitors in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.05 seconds.

In the triple jump, Daniecce Ward cleared a distance of 38-0 (11.58m) for a third place finish.

Gabrielle Todd put together a solid performance in the 400-meter dash, inking a time of 55.81 for second overall.

For the Flying Tigers, Jahleel Michael registered a fifth-place time of 53.88 in the men's 400-meter hurdles, while teammate Arthur Combest followed in at sixth with a time of 55.91.

Sean Jenkins placed second in the men's high jump, clearing 6-6 (1.98m), while sophomore Royce Dates leapt 23-6 ¼ (7.17m) for the fifth-best collegiate mark in the long jump.

TSU track & field shifts its focus to the Ohio Valley Conference Championships held on May 4-5 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

VANDERBILT INVITATIONAL RESULTS

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Rams add two more CIAA titles

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State's athletics motto of "Return to Glory" might need an overhaul after all the winning it has done this season.

The Rams' baseball and softball teams each completed CIAA championship runs Saturday in Ettrick, Virginia. The baseball team beat Chowan 6-1 in the championship game for its second straight CIAA title. The softball team had to work extra by beating Virginia State 1-0 and 3-0 in the double-elimination tournament to also win its second straight CIAA title.

For Dominique Fitzgerald, an outfielder with the baseball team, it was his third CIAA title. He was also a star wide receiver for the CIAA championship football team in the fall.

"This means a lot because we were expected to win this time around and we took care of business by winning three straight games," Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald had a bases-clearing double in the eighth inning to make the final 6-1.

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TSU introduces Cooper-Dyke as new women's hoops coach

HOUSTON, Texas -- Cynthia Cooper-Dyke spoke in detail Friday about her reasons for resigning as North Carolina-Wilmington's women's basketball coach to accept the head coaching vacancy at Texas Southern. But one factor clearly stood out.

"I'm back home," Cooper-Dyke said. "That's something that was very special to me."

Cooper-Dyke, a basketball Hall of Famer and former WNBA star with the Comets, formally returned to her Houston-area roots when she was introduced as TSU's new women's basketball coach during a news conference at the school's H&PE Arena. Cooper-Dyke, who replaces Yolanda Wells-Broughton, was the head coach at nearby Prairie View A&M from 2005-10 before spending the last two seasons at UNCW.

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Coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, one of the greatest women's basketball players ever, is enshrined in both the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2009) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2010).  This is a tremendous catch for the SWAC, with two hall of famers returning home -- Coach Cooper-Dyke (UNC-W) and Patricia Cage-Bibbs (N.C.A&T), returning to Louisiana to her alma mater, Grambling State University. Videographer: Houston Roundball

Hall of Famer Cooper-Dyke set to take over the helm of TSU women's basketball

HOUSTON, Texas -- Cynthia Cooper-Dyke was formally introduced as the new women’s basketball head coach at Texas Southern University on Friday. Cooper-Dyke is the 13th coach in the programs history. TSU marks her third head coaching position at NCAA Division I level.

“We’re very excited to introduce Cynthia Cooper-Dyke as the next head coach of Texas Southern Lady Tigers basketball, said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland. “Coach Cooper-Dyke has shown the ability to turn around programs with that being evident by the success she has had throughout her career. We’re truly elated to have someone of her caliber join our staff and we expect great things out of our women’s basketball program over the years to come.”

Cooper-Dyke comes to Texas Southern from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington where she led the Seahawks to back-to-back postseason appearances in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) and was named 2011 Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year. In two seasons at UNCW, Cooper-Dyke compiled a 44-22 overall record highlighted by a 28-13 mark in conference play.


Videographer: Houston Roundball

Cooper-Dyke began her collegiate coaching career at Prairie View A&M where her teams captured three straight conference titles, two SWAC Tournament titles, two NCAA tournament appearances and two WNIT postseason appearances. Cooper-Dyke was named SWAC Coach of the Year twice. Her teams dominated SWAC regular season play compiling an impressive 64-26 record over a five-year period.

She is a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also a USA Olympic Gold Medal winner. Cooper-Dyke captured four championship titles while playing with the Houston Comets and was named WNBA Finals MVP a total of four times. She played her college ball at the University of Southern California where she helped lead the team to back-to-back national titles.

“I’m extremely excited to take over as head coach of the Texas Southern women’s basketball program,” said Cooper-Dyke. “There’s a lot of talent within the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the program here at Texas Southern has limitless potential. We plan to recruit the best student-athletes in Houston, the state of Texas and across the country. Texas Southern can be one of the premier women’s basketball programs in the nation and we will work diligently to make that a reality.”

The Texas Southern women's basketball program finished a combined 11-49 the past two seasons including a 5-31 record in conference play. Cooper-Dyke will look to finalize all of the positions on her coaching staff during the upcoming weeks.



Cynthia Cooper-Dyke delivers her speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2010. To learn more about Cynthia Cooper-Dyke take a look at her official Hall of Fame bio .  A noted disciplinarian, Coach Cooper-Dyke published her autobiography in 2000, entitled She Got Game: My Personal Odyssey, which covered her childhood, her basketball career up to that time, and her mother's battle with breast cancer.  She learned to speak Italian fluently during her 10 years playing professional basketball in the Italian league.  The former USC and WNBA star later completed her Bachelor's Degree in Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University.

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION AND THE NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME.

Legendary Coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs accepts position at GSU

GRAMBLING, Louisiana (April 20, 7:57 PM) -- After receiving numerous applications for the Women's Head Basketball Coaching position, a candidate has been selected.

Alumna Patricia “Pat” Cage-Bibbs has accepted and will be Grambling State University next women's head basketball coach.

Bibbs, currently the head women's basketball coach for North Carolina A&T State University and previously coached at Hampton University became the 51st NCAA Division I Head Coach to join the 500 Victory Club, first head coach to win all 500 games at a NCAA D1 Historically Black University and coached the 6th Player at NCA&T to reach the 1000 career points. Coach Bibbs impressive resume sparked a strong interest for Grambling's women's basketball program.

Dr. Frank Pogue, President of Grambling State University states, “One of the reasons we created the university theme “A New Beginning” was to emphasize the importance of building on the excellent history for which Grambling State University is internationally known. The goal is to enhance excellence at all levels, especially in academic performance and athletics. It is widely known that Pat Bibbs' name and accomplishments are the best examples of excellence. She is also known as a scholar-athlete who has successfully merged classroom performance with athletic performance. She will return to her alma mater after achieving outstanding accomplishments, and we will be delighted to welcome her back home.”

“I am so elated to return to my alma mater where everything began for me. This opportunity will complete my coaching legacy, states Patricia Bibbs. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Pogue and Dr. Caldwell where I will have the opportunity be a part of a great team in moving the university forward in a positive direction. I am really excited and looking forward to the 2012-2013 basketball season. May God continue to lead and guide us.”

It is a great opportunity to hire a winning coach who has had a successful career such as Pat Bibbs. It is tough to find a successful head female coach especially one who has had such accomplishments in her career. It is unusual and special for a new Athletic Director to come across someone like Coach Bibbs and who is an alumna of the university as well. I look forward to having Coach Bibbs on staff and being a part of our team,” says Grambling State University new Athletic Director Dr. Percy Caldwell.

Grambling State University ended its 2011-2012 women's basketball season with an overall 15-15 season and an overall 10-8 conference season.

COURTESY: DEBRA JOHNSON, GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION



LEGENDARY COACH PATRICIA CAGE-BIBBS
HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
CAREER RECORD: 501-294
VISIT: COACH BIBBS.COM
(PHOTO BY KEVIN DORSEY)



GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Patricia Cage-Bibbs has resigned as the head women's basketball coach at North Carolina A&T. Bibbs, a graduate of Grambling State University, was announced as the school's next head women's basketball coach today.

The legendary coach spent the last seven seasons at A&T, where she compiled a 130-88 record. Bibbs' .596 winning percentage is the best in school history, and her win total is second all-time behind Tim Abney. She recently became the first women's basketball coach in history to win 500 career games exclusively at a Division I historically black college or university.

"The wonderful and kindhearted people at North Carolina A&T will always be a part of my extended family," said Bibbs, who has a career record of 501-294. "There are not enough words to express my gratitude for all Aggie Nation has meant to me and my family.

At this time in my life however, I want to be closer to my immediate family," the Louisiana native continued. "I'm looking forward to the fortunate opportunity I have to coach at my alma mater again. I will miss the A&T fans and my players so, so much, but I will cherish all the outstanding memories we shared."

A&T fans have a lot to cherish. The A&T women won just 37 games in the six seasons prior to Bibbs' arrival in April of 2005. By season three, Bibbs turned the Aggies into the MEAC's premiere team. The 2007-08 season started a string of three consecutive MEAC regular-season championships. A&T compiled a dominant record of 44-4 in conference play during that span. The team solidified its place in history by winning the 2009 MEAC Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 14 seed. At the time, it was the highest seed ever earned by a Division I HBCU. The 2008-09 team also won a school-record 26 games.

The following season, the Aggies made even more history under Bibbs. They won their first two games of the 2010 postseason WNIT, and became the first Division I HBCU to win two consecutive games in a NCAA-sponsored postseason tournament. Bibbs boasts wins over Wake Forest, Charlotte (twice) and Clemson during her time at A&T. Five of North Carolina A&T's 12 1,000-point career scorers are Bibbs signees. She won MEAC Coach of the Year in 2008 and '09.

Bibbs' 27 seasons of collegiate coaching include a 13-year stay at Grambling State and a seven-year stint at Hampton University. She has made nine postseason appearances, won 12 regular-season titles and 10 conference tournament titles. Her teams have won 20 or more games 13 times, have finished in first or second place 19 times and she has won conference coach of the year on 10 separate occasions.

Two of Bibbs' most memorable milestones came as the Aggies head coach. A&T defeated UNC Asheville 88-62 at UNC Greensboro's Fleming Gymnasium on Nov. 23, 2007 to secure Bibbs' 400th career win. Win No. 500 occurred on Feb. 27, 2012, as the Aggies defeated Savannah State 88-74 in Savannah, Ga.

"We had the privilege of being in the presence of a true college basketball coaching legend," said A&T Director of Athletics Earl Hilton. "We are honored that many of coach Bibbs' milestones were achieved at North Carolina A&T. Those moments will always be a part of our storied history. What cannot be overlooked in the midst of all these accomplishments is the fact that Patricia Cage-Bibbs is a great champion for women's athletics. We wish her continued success at Grambling State."

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

North Carolina A&T hires former S.C. State basketball coach

GREENSBORO, North Carolina - Cy Alexander is back in the MEAC.

Alexander was named men’s basketball coach at N.C. A&T on Friday afternoon. The man who guided S.C. State to five MEAC titles during a 16-year run there, said he plans to do the same with the Aggies.

A native of Winston-Salem who went to Catawba and played under Sam Moir, Alexander will be introduced at A&T at a news conference next week.

“I can’t wait to get started,” the 58-year-old coach said. “We have a lot of work to do.”

A&T, which hasn’t had a winning season since 1996-97, fired coach Jerry Eaves in March after the Aggies went 12-20 overall and 7-9 in the MEAC in his ninth season. Alexander is A&T’s third coach since ’96-97 and the fourth since the Aggies won the last of their 15 MEAC titles.

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Alexander The Great!

CY ALEXANDER

HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY

(Alma Mater: Catawba College 1975)

Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Cy Alexander has been hired as the new North Carolina A&T men's basketball coach, Director of Athletics Earl Hilton announced today. A&T will announce Alexander as its new coach at a news conference to be schedule in the near future.

Alexander brings with him a wealth of experience in constructing a championship program within the MEAC. Alexander led S.C. State to seven MEAC tournament title games, winning five of those contest over a 16-year span. Before Alexander arrived in Orangeburg, the Bulldogs had captured only one MEAC regular-season title, and they reached just one MEAC tournament final. In addition, the school was coming off of its ninth straight losing season.

When Alexander left S.C. State in 2003, he had won nearly 60 percent of his games and more than 70 percent of his conference games. Alexander will be asked to restore the Aggies tradition of winning MEAC titles. The Aggies own a league-leading 15 MEAC tournament titles, but have not been crowned champions since 1995.

"The goals and objectives for our men's basketball program are clear," said Hilton. "We want an inspired program that forms its foundation on young men who graduate to become productive, successful citizens in society, and, who during their time at North Carolina A&T, win conference championships and advance in the NCAA Tournament. As an A&T family, we believe Cy Alexander has both the knowledge and the wisdom to help us achieve these goals and objectives."

Alexander's time in the MEAC began in 1976. He spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Howard University under A.B. Williamson. In 1987, he was named the head coach at S.C. State. He was able to compile a 277-202 record overall and a 191-79 record in the MEAC. In year one at S.C. State, he was 16-13. By year two, the Bulldogs finished 25-8, broke the school record for wins and advanced to the NCAA tournament after winning the school's first MEAC tournament title. Alexander was now on his way to piecing together what became one of the most successful coaching runs in MEAC history.

Alexander's efforts helped him win three MEAC Coach of the Year honors while at S.C. State, including the 2003 honor for leading the Bulldogs to their fifth MEAC crown. His S.C. State teams received the prestigious American Sports Wire Black College National Championship three times (1996, '98, '00). In 1996, he was named American Sports Wire National Coach of the Year. He is also a member of the S.C. State Hall of Fame. After the '03 season, Alexander became the head men's basketball coach at Tennessee State University. Alexander spent six seasons with the Tigers. Alexander is a Winston-Salem, N.C., native, who has a 344-308 career record over 22 seasons. He will be the ninth Aggie men's basketball coach of the modern era.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Track & Field Stays in Nashville for Vanderbilt Invitational

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- It's an easy trip for the Tennessee State University track & field teams this weekend. The Flying Tigers and Tigerbelles travel just a couple of miles down the road for the Vanderbilt Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

This is the final weekend where most of the TSU athletes will compete for marks before the Ohio Valley Conference Championships in two weeks.

Events start on Friday at 3pm with numerous field events, including the men's long jump. The 200-meter dash starts at 5pm followed by the 1,500-meter run, the Steeplechase and the 5,000-meter run. Saturday's field events start at 10am with the relays beginning at Noon.

Redshirt freshman Ashontae Jackson has a couple of the Tigerbelles' top marks in the OVC. Jackson is third in the 200-meter dash with her time of 24.25. She ranks fifth with a logged time of 12.05 in the 100-meter dash.

Gabrielle Todd is fifth in the OVC after her clearance of 5-3 ¼ (1.61m) in the women's high jump at the Florida A&M Relays.

In the triple jump, Ja'Lyn Burr is third, leaping 38-0 ¾ (11.60m) at the 41st Annual Morehouse Relays. Senior Daniecce Ward follows in fifth with her distance of 37-9 ½ (11.52m) at the Boston-Moon Classic.

In the women's shot put, Brittani Logan's throw of 43-10 ¾ (13.38m) at the Boston-Moon Classic puts her in fifth in the OVC.

Michael Johnson is fourth after pacing a time of 48.94 in the men's 400-meter dash. In the 110-meter hurdles, senior Flying Tiger Arthur Combest's time of 14.72 in the 110-meter hurdles is third. Freshman Jahleel Michael is currently positioned fifth with his time of 54.78.

In the high jump, Combest is third after clearing 6-8 (2.03m) at the Boston-Moon Classic. Senior Avian Hughes' triple jump distance of 46-4 (14.12m) is fourth in the conference.

All four TSU relay teams in the 4x100m and the 4x400m rank in the OVC's top-5. Both of the 4x4 relays are third with times of 3:16.75 for the Flying Tigers and 3:47.31 for the Tigerbelles.

Live results and recap of this weekend's Vanderbilt Invitational will be posted online at TSUTigers.com.

Vanderbilt Track & Field Invitational
Heat Sheets -  Day 1
Heat Sheets -  Day 2


COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Kickoff times set for Southern University's 2012 football season

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Southern University has finalized the start times for its 2012 football home schedule, the Athletics Department announced Friday.

The Jaguars also confirmed the scheduled kickoff times for five of its six road games. Southern's Sept. 1 season opener at New Mexico remains as the only game time to be determined.

Southern's home opener against Mississippi Valley, which is slated for a ESPNU live telecast on Thursday, Sept. 13, is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Homecoming 2012 will feature the Jaguars hosting Texas Southern in A.W. Mumford Stadium at 5:30 p.m. Southern's final two home games against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Oct. 20 and Alabama State on Nov. 10 are both schedule for 6 p.m. kickoffs.

For more details regarding season ticket applications and season book renewals, fans are encouraged to contact the SU ticket office at 225.771.3171.

For a copy of the 2012 Southern football schedule click on the link below. A printable PDF version is also included.

2012 Southern U. Football Schedule (Printable PDF)

September
1 at New Mexico (Albuquerque, N.M. | University Stadium) - TBA
13 Miss. Valley State | A.W. Mumford Stadium - 6 p.m.
22 at Jackson State (Jackson, Miss. | Veterans Memorial) - 4 p.m.
29 vs. Florida A&M (Atlanta Football Classic | Atlanta, Ga. | Georgia Dome) - 3:30 EST

October

6 at Alcorn State (Lorman, Miss. | Jack Spinks Stadium) - 2 p.m.

13 Texas Southern (Homecoming 2012) | A.W. Mumford Stadium - 5:30 p.m.

20 Arkansas-Pine Bluff | A.W. Mumford Stadium- 6 p.m.

27 at Prairie View A&M (Shreveport, La. | Independence Stadium) - 4 p.m.

November

Nov. 3 at Alabama A&M (Huntsville, Ala. | Louis Crews Stadium) - 1 p.m.

Nov. 10 Alabama State (Senior Night) | A.W. Mumford Stadium - 6 p.m.

Nov. 24 vs. Grambling State (State Farm Bayou Classic | New Orleans, La. | Mercedes-Benz Superdome) - 1:30 p.m.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
VISIT: GOJAGSPORTS.COM
VISIT: SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE

Fayetteville State Broncos wins 26th CIAA Golf Championship

FORT LEE, Virginia - Like a seasoned group of card players sitting around the same table, the Fayetteville State Broncos golfers had their reads, their signals - and their games - completely down cold.

Through the twisting fairways of Cardinal Golf Course, the Broncos passed each other often, giving each other unofficial updates on where they stood against the other players in their respective groups. Using this kind of links math, the Broncos knew they were in good shape.

"I'd pass my teammates in groups behind me, and I knew I was keeping pace in my group," said Jacob Barge. "I'd signal that I was doing OK, and I was greeted with a lot of smiles and thumbs up."

The math held up.

The class of the CIAA since the start of the season several months ago, Fayetteville State captured its 26th league championship and the 11th CIAA title in the last 15 years after winning the CIAA Golf Tournament by six strokes over Virginia State on Friday at Cardinal Golf Course. It is the 16th golf championship under legendary Fayetteville State coach Raymond McDougal.

The Broncos, who led after the first round, finished with four players among the top 11, with Brandon Jobe finishing third alone after a second 72 for a two-day total of even-par 144. Barge was tied for fourth at 1 over after a 72 on Friday while Jedidiah Frazier was seventh at 3 over (72-75-147) and Lincoln Jackson (73-77-150) was tied for 11th.

"This shows just how complete of a team we were this year," Jackson said. "We have five guys who can really post a good score, and that makes it so much easier on everyone else."

Final Stats |  Photo Gallery 

Chowan's Cliff Forbes fired the low round of the tournament - and for his season - with a 4-under 68 to take medalist honors by two shots over Virginia State's Stephen Genchi, the first-round leader. Genchi carded a 72 on Friday to finish second at 2-under 142, but Forbes, who shot 72 on Thursday, opened his round with birdies on the first three holes.

"I felt like I needed to get off to a good start because I had some shots I had to make up," Forbes said.

He never let up, going as low as 5 under before a bogey on the 17th hole.

"I got a little nervous coming in," Forbes admitted. "This is the biggest win of my life."

Fayetteville State shot a two-day total of 10-over 586 after a 296 on Friday, clipping defending league champion Virginia State, which entered Friday just four shots back of the Broncos, the closest any CIAA team had been to Fayetteville State entering the final round of a league tournament this season. The Trojans shot 298 on Friday for a 592 total.

Chowan was third at 594 after a 5-under 283, the low team round of the tournament.

The Broncos won both regular season CIAA tournaments with relative ease, winning the Northern Division tournament by a staggering 27 strokes. Virginia State was never a factor in either tournament, but was in the hunt throughout the championship, closing with three shots late in the round.

"There was a lot of pressure," said Jobe. "This was the closest any team had been to us coming into the final day in a CIAA tournament. We knew it would be close at Virginia State's home course."

"Coming down the stretch we knew it was tight," said Barge. "But we knew we just had to play our game."

The Broncos did just that, adding to the long tradition of Fayetteville State golf.

"It's unbelievable," said Barge. "It's not a dream anymore, it's a dream season come true."

The Rams' Wesley Griswold scored a double eagle on the par-5 seventh hole on Friday, a day after he eagled the hole in the first round. Griswold finished tied for eighth at 4 over. Teammate Glendon Mabe was the Rams' highest finisher at 1 over to tie for fourth.

COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

VISIT: FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

VISIT: FSUBRONCOS.COM

Prothro signs with Florida A&M

TIERRA PROTHRO
(Photo Courtesy Northwest Florida State
College Athletics)

CARROLLTON, Georgia -- When it came time to make a decision on the potential end to her playing days, Tierra Prothro opted to defy the odds one more time.

Facing the dilemma of a third knee surgery within a two-year span, the former Carrollton High School basketball standout ultimately decided she wasn’t going to let it derail her hoop dreams.

“The last surgery, the doctors told her that they were going to leave it up to her whether or not she’d play again. You know, most kids couldn’t come back from having that surgery twice. But after that third one, they said they wouldn’t try to take her dream away from her. So they left it up to her. And I knew if it was up to her, she’s going to die trying to play basketball. That’s all she knows and she just loves the game,” noted Shon Thomaston, Prothro’s former coach at CHS.

And not only did Prothro continue her basketball career, she shined during her sophomore season at Northwest Florida State College, averaging 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest en route to First Team All-Panhandle Conference honors this past season for the Lady Raiders.

Prothro is now taking her game to the Division I level after signing with Florida A&M this past Friday, choosing the Lady Rattlers over the University of New Orleans, Memphis and Cincinnati.

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N.C. A&T set to hire Cy Alexander as men's basketball coach

COACH CY ALEXANDER

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Cy Alexander, the former South Carolina State coach, will be the new men’s basketball coach at North Carolina A&T State University after the school’s Board of Trustees meets this afternoon.

Alexander, a Winston-Salem native, was the S.C. State coach for 16 years before moving to Tennessee State University. He was fired from the TSU job in 2009 after coaching there for six years.

While at S.C. State, which plays in the MEAC along with A&T, Alexander won five conference titles and played in the NCAA tournament five times. He is the winningest coach in the program’s history. Alexander could not be reached for comment.

Coppin State coach Ron “Fang” Mitchell said Alexander’s teams are tough and defense-minded.

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Wallace, Fargas leads Southern Past UNO

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Stephen Wallace recorded four hits and drove in six runs while Pedro Fargas pitched three innings of perfect baseball as the Jaguars defeated UNO 9-4 Wednesday night at Lee-Hines Field.

Southern (22-14) extended its current win streak to seven games as the Jaguars move closer to next month's SWAC baseball tournament in Baton Rouge.

"We did a lot of things right, right off the bat," said head baseball coach Roger Cador. "And when that happens it gives you a tremendous advantage so you can coast a little, which you never like to, but invariably it's going to happen."

The Jaguars posted three runs in the first two innings powered by solid at bats. After Taylor Roy's lead- off double, Brian Rowry reached first after being hit by the pitch. Derrick Hopkins singled; scoring Roy before Cameron McGriff singled loaded the bases for Wallace.

Wallace blasted Alex Smith pitch into the wall in right- centerfield for a two RBI double to give the Jaguars a 3-0 lead at the end of the first inning. Wallace's double down the left field line in the second inning scored two more runs after Cameron McGriff singled to score Roy.

"He had a really good approach to the ball and he had really good success," said Cador." Without those six runs he knocked in, we would be in trouble."

Wallace finished 4-for -5 at the plate with six RBI's, including a solo home run that towered over the left field wall in the bottom of the sixth inning.

As the Jaguars built a 6-0 cushion, starting pitcher Danny Garcia held UNO scoreless for the first three innings but eventually gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings on the mound. Freshman Pedro Fargas relieved Garcia in the top of the seventh and retired the final nine batters for the Privateers.

(Pedro) did more than ok, I thought he had really good life on his fastball," said Cador. "He threw two or three good changeups so it really is a good momentum and confidence builder for him."

Of the nine batters Fargas faced in the final three innings, the 6-3, left-handed pitcher struck out four.

Southern prepares for a pivotal division series on the road at Prairie View which may decide the SWAC western division race and the division's No.1 seed in the SWAC baseball tournament.

COURTESY Britany Brown, Media Relations Student Assistant, SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Stillman dominates SIAC season awards

ATLANTA, Georgia - At 31-13 overall and 23-3 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Stillman College softball team is enjoying the best season in school history. Wednesday, the team’s success was recognized when the all-conference team was announced.

Stillman’s Bailey Braughton is the SIAC Player of the Year.

Braughton, a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High, ranked second in the SIAC with 11 home runs, 51 runs batted in, 54 runs scored and 62 hits during the regular season.

The 5-foot-3 junior shortstop finished with a .431 batting average and a .799 slugging percentage, which rank eight and fifth in the conference, respectively. Braughton finished fourth with 25 stolen bases and 10th with a .506 on-base percentage and a .942 fielding percentage, helping the Lady Tigers win the SIAC West Division title.

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Kentucky State Golf Finishes Fourth at the Bluegrass Spring Classic

GEORGETOWN, Kentucky – Kentucky State University's Golf squad finished competition at the 2012 Bluegrass Spring Classic tied for fourth place. The Breds finished day two with a score of 354, giving them a two-round score of 741, tied with West Virginia Tech.

For Kentucky State, George “Righter” Dundon finished with a team-best 169 and tied for 17th overall. Dundon shot an 86 in the first round and an 83 in round two, tying with Jordan Bell of Georgetown College, who also shot an 86 and 83 in the first and second rounds, respectively.

Josh Jackson, who shot an 89 in the first round, improved his score by seven strokes in the second round (82), finishing with a 171 and rounding out the Top-20 in this year's classic.

Daniel Neeley finished the Classic with a 183, while Carlton Foreman rounded out play for the Breds with a 218.

KSU heads to Augusta, Georgia on Sunday to compete in the 2012 SIAC Championship, which will be held at the Jones Creek Golf Course.

For more information on the Championship, visit http://www.thesiac.com./

COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama splits a doubleheader with Mississippi Valley State

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Three Mississippi Valley State pitchers held Alabama to four hits as the Delta Devils defeated the Crimson Tide 8-3 Wednesday to split a doubleheader at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

It was the first victory for any Mississippi Valley State men's team over an SEC team, according to David Brandt of The Associated Press. Alabama won the first game 8-0 as senior center fielder Taylor Dugas set another school record.

The Tide's record fell to 14-24. Mississippi Valley State improved to 9-29.

In the second game, the Delta Devils scored six runs in the fifth inning to take an 8-1 lead.

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Alabama State football: Riley normally lets play do the talking

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Kejuan Riley has proven there isn’t too much he’s unable to do on the football field.

He has established himself as perhaps the premiere defensive back in the SWAC. He’s earned countless honors and awards over his three-year career at Alabama State and is an interception away from rewriting the Hornets’ history books. And the list could go on and on.

But there’s one vital piece missing from Riley’s arsenal that remains in the developmental stages — vocal leadership skills.

“Lately, I’ve been trying to get out and talk to everybody a little bit more,” said Riley, the Wetumpka native. “I am a laid back guy, but I know that being one of the leaders on this team I need to talk a little bit more.”

There’s no secret amongst teammates and coaches that the senior free safety’s voice has to become a regular presence on the sideline and in the locker room.

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Alabama A&M AD finalist: Weidner sees A&M potential

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- William Weidner has spent more than half of his life in athletics. When he noticed Alabama A&M was looking for an athletic director, he jumped at the chance to get back in the game.

"I have a strong passion to return to intercollegiate athletics as a director of athletics," Weidner said Wednesday. "In my evaluation, I see a great fit here with where the program is and where they would like to go. I would like to be a part of a team effort to help them get there and build on the foundation that they have."

Weidner and Melvin Hines, who currently serves as the senior associate athletic director at Alabama State, interviewed for the job Wednesday. Bryan Hicks, the associate athletic director at Missouri State University, will be in town today to interview.

School officials have indicated they hope to name a new athletic director next month.

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TSU's Williams Announces Dates for Boys Basketball Camp

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University men's basketball coach Travis Williams announced the dates of his inaugural boys basketball camp on Wednesday afternoon. The Travis Williams Boys Basketball Camp will be held June 4-7 from 9am until Noon each day at the Gentry Center.

The four-day camp focuses on the fundamentals of basketball through station work, competition, with a strong emphasis on shooting, ball-handling and individual offensive/defensive skills. The camp stresses the fundamentals of smart decision making and hard work, while having fun along the way. Campers will be divided by age groups and skill level to ensure that each camper has a meaningful experience.

The camp is $100 for those who pay before June 1 and $115 for any registration after June 1. Parents can review the brochure here, which includes a registration form and instructions on what items to bring.

For any questions regarding the Travis Williams Basketball Camps, call the TSU Men's Basketball office at 615-963-4931.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Huggins is XU's second straight NAIA Player of the Week

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Corey Huggins, who won 5-of-6 times in three dual matches, is the NAIA Men's Tennis Player of the Week for April 9-15.

It's the second consecutive week that the Gold Rush won the national award.

Huggins, a junior from Brooklyn, N.Y., and a graduate of Bedford Stuyvesant High School and Seminole State (Okla.) College, was 2-1 in singles and 3-0 in doubles, with two of the doubles victories against Tulane and Alcorn State of NCAA Division I. Huggins clinched the Gold Rush's 4-0 victory against Alcorn State with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-1) singles decision against Maxim Tkachenko.

Xavier, ranked eighth, lost its dual at Tulane but won Saturday at Tougaloo and Alcorn to finish the regular season 14-7.

Teammate Loic Didavi was the national winner for April 2-8. Since the NAIA instituted this award a year ago, no school has won it more than Xavier. The Gold Rush and Embry-Riddle (Fla.) have been honored three times apiece. Another XU teammate, Zach Taylor, received the award for April 25-May 1, 2011.

Both XU teams will compete April 27-28 in an NAIA unaffiliated group qualifying tournament at Racquet Club of the South in Norcross, Georgia.


By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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WSSU's Jones is CIAA baseball player of the year

AARON JONES

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - First baseman Aaron Jones of Winston-Salem State, one of the most consistent hitters in the CIAA, was named the conference player of the year on Wednesday.

Jones, a 22-year-old junior from Kernersville, leads the CIAA in hitting with a .479 average and in RBIs with 54 heading into this weekend's conference tournament.

"It's pretty cool to win something like this, and I was kind of surprised when I was told about it," Jones said by cell phone as the Rams traveled to Petersburg, Va., for the Thursday's start of the conference tournament. "I think this is a team-based award and really we've had such a good season and a lot of guys made all-conference, so that shows you how good we are as a team."

Jones, who graduated from Gospel Light in 2008, played one season at UNC Wilmington, then transferred and played one season at Lenoir Community College. He was at LCC last spring, but didn't play baseball and said he missed it.

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2-time state-champion point guard is XU Nuggets' first signee

WHITNEY GATHRIGHT

NEW ORLEANS — Whitney Gathright of New Orleans, the starting point guard for two state-championship teams at John Curtis Christian School, is Xavier University of Louisiana's first women's basketball signee for 2012-13.

Gathright, who is 5 feet 4 inches tall, signed a scholarship Wednesday afternoon at Curtis in suburban River Ridge, Louisiana.

Gathright averaged 8.9 points, 4.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 steals for Curtis this past season. She averaged 13 points in five playoff games and led Curtis with 14 points in the Patriots' 55-42 victory against Iota in the Class 2A championship game March 10. Curtis finished 34-1 and won its final 22 games.

As a freshman in 2009 she averaged 11.8 points in five playoff games and had 10 points and four assists in the Patriots' 51-41 victory against South Beauregard in the 2A championship game.

In each of her final three seasons she was selected to The Times-Picayune's All-Metro small schools team and earned 2A All-State honorable mention. Curtis was 115-20 during her tenure, and she recorded 1,295 points (9.8 average) and 393 assists (3.0) in 132 games. In Gathright's final two seasons she made 38.6 percent of her 3-pointers (93-of-241) and 77.4 percent of her free throws (127-of-164).

Xavier will replace five seniors from this past season. Coach Bo Browder's Gold Nuggets were 26-9 in 2011-12, won Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and, for the second consecutive year, reached the second round of the NAIA Division I National Championship. The GCAC Tournament title was the Nuggets' third in a row.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Florida A&M's Bass settles in as backup QB

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  During one of the more impressive drives in Saturday's Orange and Green football game, Florida A&M backup quarterback Tyler Bass methodically moved the offense down the field.

The drive culminated with a 20-yard touchdown pass. He'd made throws like that all spring – almost as if he was competing against starter Damien Fleming.

Bass is not. He understands his role but he's got to continually play as if he has a point to prove, Bass said. Quarterback coach Quinn Gray has noticed it, although Bass' role has been spelled out to him.



"That's the kind of kid he is," Gray said. "He wants to compete. He wants to be the guy, but at the same time helping him understand what his role is he's accepted it. He is beginning to move on in terms of trying to get better and helping the team in whatever ways he can."

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FAMU's offense gets job done

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Since the first day of spring camp, coach Joe Taylor has been harping on the benefit of reps. So on Saturday when the offense didn't seem to be able to find a spark — whether it was starter Damien Fleming or backup Tyler Bass under center — Taylor just let them keep trying.

"We kept putting them out there until they decided to play," Taylor said after watching the offense eventually getting a 33-18 victory in the annual Orange and Green Game at Bragg Stadium.

For the first time in Taylor's era, both units were intermingled with returning starters, with the offense in orange and the defense in green. The format this year allowed more balance, while giving fans an opportunity to track the performance of both sides — the defense was awarded points for stops, turnovers, and of course returns for touchdown.

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FSU Broncos men's golf team set to begin pursuit of 26th CIAA title

BRANDON JOBE

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina - Brandon Jobe's class schedule has him visiting Fayetteville State's Capel Arena several times a week. And when he swings through, he can't help but look up.

Hanging from the rafters above one end of the building is a row of banners, spelling out the school's athletic glories in white type on blue fabric. More than a few of those are commemorating the Broncos' men's golf team.

"If I'm in there running or doing something else, I'll usually stop," said Jobe, a junior who's in his first season with Fayetteville State's golf team. "I see them every day. I think about how good it feels to be with a group of people that produce such results."

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Vanessa Taylor Named Head Women's Basketball Coach at North Carolina Central University

DURHAM, North Carolina - After 11 seasons of continued success at Johnson C. Smith University, head women's basketball coach Vanessa Taylor announced her resignation this afternoon, effective May 31, 2012. In 18 total seasons of coaching, Taylor has an overall record of 298-207 with six seasons of 20 or more victories. Prior to joining the Golden Bulls staff, Taylor compiled an 83-95 record over seven years at Elizabeth City State University.

The three-time CIAA Coach of the Year is moving on to accept a position as head women's basketball coach at North Carolina Central University, a Division I institution in Durham, North Carolina. JCSU President Ronald L. Carter said her departure is a bittersweet moment for the University and the Department of Athletics.

“I am very sad to see Coach Taylor leave JCSU and would like her to stay,” said Carter. “We have been in talks over the past several weeks; however, the opportunity ahead of her is too great for her to turn down. I am extremely excited for her to rise to new possibilities at her growing edge and advance her career at North Carolina Central University. I always speak with our students, faculty and staff about seizing opportunities and embracing possibilities. I extend my congratulations and best wishes for a successful future to Coach Taylor.”

Johnson C. Smith University Head Basketball Coach Vanessa Taylor side-by-side with Director of Athletics Steve Joyner (L) and University President Dr. Ronald L. Carter to receive her 2011 CIAA Women's Basketball Coach of the Year Award.  Coach Taylor was selected today, as the new Women's Basketball Head Coach at Division I, North Carolina Central University of the Mid-Eastern Athletics Conference (MEAC).   (Photo Courtesy: Johnson C. Smith University Athletics)

JCSU wrapped up the 2011-12 season with a 22-7 record, a return trip to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament Finals, and a repeat appearance in the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament. The Golden Bulls debuted at the No. 24 spot in the week 10 USA Today/ESPN DII Top 25 poll. This season, the team was ranked as high as No. 2 in the NCAA DII Atlantic Regional rankings.

Taylor was selected as the 2011 CIAA Women's Basketball Coach of the Year; her third time winning the honor (1998, 2000), but first time at Johnson C. Smith. She holds the mark for most wins all-time as the women's basketball coach at JCSU with a school record of 215-112; the next closest coach has 157 victories after 11 seasons. Taylor has never had a losing season at Johnson C. Smith with five seasons of more than 20 victories and no season with fewer than 16 wins.

“This has been an awesome experience. I've become a better athletic professional during my time here at Johnson C. Smith University,” said Taylor. “Opportunities such as these don't come around but so often in a lifetime. I'm confident that this is the right time for me to take the next step in my coaching career. I extend a great deal of gratitude to the University Presidents I served under, Dr. Dorothy Yancy and Dr. Ronald Carter; as well as the athletic administrators and our current Athletic Director Stephen Joyner, the alumni, the 100 Club, the outstanding assistant coaches I've worked with, the student-athletes I've coached and all other supporters of the women's basketball program.”

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COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU to Name Lady Eagles Head Basketball Coach by LIVE Webstream Broadcast at 4:30 p.m. TODAY

DURHAM, North Carolina - (http://www.nccueaglepride.com/) – The NCCU Sports Network has announced that it will carry a live video and audio stream of Wednesday’s 4:30 p.m. press conference from the Emma Marable Conference Room, inside the William Jones Building on the campus of North Carolina Central University as the new head women’s basketball coach is announced.

Play-by-play voice of the NCCU Sports Network Chris Hooks will anchor the coverage live from the conference room giving fans an all-access pass to the naming of the eighth head coach in the Lady Eagles illustrious history.

Hooks will also interview the new head coach along with the Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree.

To access the press conference video or audio live stream, fans can go to the Game Central page on the website and click on the press conference link. Both the live video stream and audio stream are free for all fans to enjoy.

Stay up-to-date with North Carolina Central University Athletics by flying over to www.NCCUEaglePride.com, the official website of NCCU Athletics.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE WEBSTREAM AT 4:30 PM EDT TODAY: NCCU Sports Network Broadcast link (Game Central)

Whatever happened to former Akron East and Lakeland standout Aslea Williams?

AKRON, Ohio - Excuse Aslea Williams if she did not mourn the elimination of Ohio University and Ohio State from the NCAA men's basketball championship chase. She had her own national championship to celebrate.

Williams, who was a two-time Akron City Series All-Star while playing for East in 2007 and 2008 and earned junior-college honors at Lakeland, was a member of the Shaw University team that defeated Ashland, 88-82, in overtime, for the women's NCAA Division II national championship last month in San Antonio.

"I still don't believe it," Williams said in a phone interview from Raleigh, N.C., where Shaw is located. "It's the greatest feeling in the world as far as accomplishments in college basketball are concerned. There's no better way to finish your senior season."

Williams, a 6-1 forward, averaged 15.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for Shaw, which was unranked at the start of the season but finished with a 29-6 record. Shaw had a two-year mark of 54-18 with Williams in the lineup.

Williams averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds at East and in two years at Lakeland before transferring to Shaw, where she is two semesters away from earning a degree in criminal justice. Her father, Donny, is an Akron police officer.

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