2-star G Alea Godfrey picks a MEAC program, B-CU

CROSBY, Texas -- Alea Godfrey of Crosby, Texas, has verbally committed to Bethune-Cookman, according to her club team coach, Howard Randle of the Houston Elite.

The 5-foot-10 junior guard also considered Louisiana-Lafayette, McNeese State, Southern Mississippi, Stephen F. Austin, and Wichita State.

Godfrey is rated a two-star prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz. She is the first commitment for the Wildcats of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.  She will be in the class of 2013.

READ MORE

Paine golf team looks to build on SIAC title

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Frustrated with the sport, Victor Tapia kicked golf to the curb. The Morelia, Mexico native decided to focus on getting an economics degree at a college in his home country. Then, his buddy Carlos Solis called him.

Paine College needed another golfer, and Tapia took little time mulling the decision. With everything already in orders – SAT scores, passport, etc. – Tapia enolled in January. “I like golf,” he said. “This is something I always wanted to do.”

The freshman golfer and his Lions teammates are enjoying golf a little more these days. After winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Classic almost two weeks ago, Paine is shifting its focus to its biggest event of its season.

On Friday, the Lions will play in the NCAA Division II portion of the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship at PGA Golf Club, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The 54-hole event runs through Sunday.

“I think we’re going to do well over there,” Tapia said. “We’re just enjoying the moment of winning this (SIAC) championship.”

Jacob Barge gives FSU golf hope at regional

HERSHEY, Pennsylvania - Fayetteville State struggled as a team in the first round of the NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Super Regional on Monday. But junior Jacob Barge provided a bright spot for the Broncos.

The Jack Britt High School alum carded a 6-over-par 77 on a chilly day with steady rain to finish the first round tied for 14th on the East Course at Hershey Country Club, playing his way into competition for an individual berth in the NCAA championship.



"I just tried to keep my head," Barge said in an FSU release. "It was really easy to lose it out here. I think I did a pretty good job of it."

Fayetteville State, which won its 26th CIAA championship last month and is making its eighth appearance at the super regional, finished the opening day alone in 13th after shooting a team total of 324. Freshman Brandon Jobe, also out of Jack Britt, shot 80. Jedidiah Frazier added an 81, while Pinecrest High School graduate Lincoln Jackson shot an 86 for the Broncos' aggregate total.

READ MORE

TSU's Ward Named to CFPA Award Watch List

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University redshirt junior tailback Trabis Ward was named as one of the top returning running backs in the NCAA Football College Subdivision according to the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) on Monday.

Ward, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was one of 39 student-athletes selected to the 2012 CFPA Running Back Award Watch List.

Trabis Ward Bio - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

Last season, Ward led the Tigers with 193 carries for 978 yards. He led TSU with 11 rushing touchdowns, including a season-long 40-yard scamper. Ward rushed for an average of 88.9 yards per game.

The redshirt junior was also versatile, catching 12 passes for 144 yards. He caught a 49-yard pass for the Big Blue last season.

Tennessee State University opens the 2012 football season with the 14th Annual John Merritt Classic on Sept. 1 against Florida A&M at LP Field.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Chowan Volleyball Will Begin New Era Under Makini Thompson

 
MURFREESBORO, North Carolina - The Chowan University Department of Athletics announced today Makini Thompson as the new head coach for volleyball. Thompson comes to Chowan with a diverse playing and coaching background. Thompson will serve as the program's third head coach since transitioning to NCAA DII status in 2006. She replaces Peter Green, who resigned his position as head coach in March.

"I am very honored to be chosen for this position and looking forward to moving and getting started at Chowan," stated Thompson.

Thompson will have the task of taking over a program that has claimed two CIAA Championships in three seasons (2009, 2010). The team will return four All-CIAA players from a year ago to help Thompson on her new quest. This will be Thompson's first collegiate head coaching position.

"We are excited to have a vibrant and enthusiastic coach take over the Chowan volleyball program," stated Meredith Long, Deputy Athletics Director. "We are confidant that she will continue with the winning tradition that volleyball program is known for, dating back to the junior college days."

Thompson has a diverse playing and coaching background, which includes international and professional play.

"I can't wait to get to know the girls and continue the winning tradition," stated Thompson.

A 6'-0" outside hitter, Thompson enjoyed three superb seasons at Florida State University from 2005-2007. In 2006, she became the first Florida State player to earn All-AVCA honors as a junior when she collected an honorable mention nod.

Thompson recorded more than 1,200 kills during her three-year stint with the Seminoles, the 21st player in school history to reach 1,000. For her efforts, Thompson collected a First Team All-ACC award in 2006, as well as a Second Team All-ACC selection as a senior in 2007.

In 2008, Thompson played professionally for Langenthal VBC in Switzerland. She is also a member of the Jamaican Senior National team and competed in last year's Caribbean Championships in Suriname, where she helped the Jamaicans take fifth place.

During the 2010 season, Thompson served as a co-coach of Smash 18, the top-ranked club team in New England. Smash won the Great Nor'Easter and Mizuno Winterfest Tournaments and represented New England at the USAV Nationals in Reno. She also has club experience with the North Florida Volleyball Academy (2005-2008).

Following graduation from Florida State University in 2008, Thompson served three seasons as the head volleyball coach for Robert F. Monroe High School. She accumulated a 49-28 record while at RFM High School. She also served as the Coordinator for Communities in Schools, Inc. where she helped foster at-risk youth in the community.

In 2011, Thompson served as a volunteer assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth University. She worked with the outside hitters where the team led the CAA in hitting percentage and blocking.

This past fall Thompson was selected to participate in the AVCA Minority Coaching Program which was held at the 2011 AVCA Convention.

Thompson has had strong coaching influences over her volleyball career but attributes her biggest influences to the Jamaican National Team coaches.

"My biggest coaching influences have been the coaches in Jamaica who have little to no resources to help them but give so much of their time and knowledge without a second thought," Thompson said.

Thompson will begin her tenure at Chowan in May and will prepare to lead her new team onto the court in August. They will open the season with the 5th Annual Janet Collins Invitational on August 31st.

COURTESY CHOWAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
VISIT: CHOWAN UNIVERSITY
VISIT: GOCUHAWKS.COM

Alabama A&M: Hicks excited about new challenge

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Bryan Hicks was successful at Warner Pacific College. He was successful at the University of Louisville and again at Missouri State University. Because of that, he won't settle for anything less at Alabama A&M. Hicks was introduced (May 1)  today as the school's new athletics director, replacing Betty Austin, who retired at the end of February.

"It's good to be back on the Hill and be a Bulldog," Hicks said. "This is a destination job for me. Our future is now. It's going to take all of us [- administration, faculty, staff and student-athletes.

BRYAN HICKS
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS

"Our goal is to be the best in all that we do. We want to exude class all the time. If we do that, we will take Alabama A&M athletics to new heights."

Hicks, a Huntsville native and A&M graduate, talked about the school's athletic program when he was growing up in the late 1970s and 1980s. The Bulldogs fielded some of the best teams the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference had to offer. A&M's facilities were also among the best the league had to offer.

Photogallery

READ MORE

Kyetta May tabbed as UAPB's new volleyball coach

KYETTA MAY
HEAD WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL COACH
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas – Kyetta May, the highly successful head women's volleyball coach at Kentucky State University, has been selected as the new coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, it was announced on Monday.

According to Lonza Hardy Jr., UAPB's athletics director, May will join his staff in Pine Bluff on May 25.

“I'm extremely delighted that we're able to hire a head volleyball coach with such impressive credentials,” noted Hardy. “Coach May has been a winner as a college student-athlete and she's been a winner as a college head coach. She knows how to win and what it takes to be a winner. I know that she'll bring that mindset into our volleyball program.”

In five years as Kentucky State's head coach, May led the volleyball program to back-to-back Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships in 2010 and 2011. Her teams finished in second place in 2008 and 2009. She was tabbed conference coach-of-the-year three times, in 2008, 2010 and 2011.

For five consecutive seasons, May-coached teams at Kentucky State eclipsed the 20-win plateau, including records of 23-18 (15-1 SIAC) in 2011, 26-11 (15-1 SIAC) in 2010, 26-14 (16-0 SIAC) in 2009, 29-20 (10-0 SIAC) in 2008 and 21-18 (10-0 SIAC) in 2007. Her career record at KSU stands at 125-81.

Prior to her stint at Kentucky State, May coached briefly at Harris-Stowe State University, an NAIA school in St. Louis, Mo., and at Clayton High School in Clayton, Mo.

As a college player at Alabama A&M University under legendary coach Betty Austin between 1998-2001, May helped to lead the Lady Bulldogs to a pair of SWAC championships (2000 and 2001). The Dean's List scholar-athlete was tabbed Lady Speedstick Sportswoman-of-the-Year in 2000.

A native of East St. Louis, Ill., May said coaching at UAPB helps her to achieve one of her major dreams.

“I've always wanted to coach in the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” said May. “This is a great opportunity for me as a young coach.

“I'm definitely thankful and grateful for this opportunity,” added May. “This program has a lot of potential. I'm used to winning and hard work is embedded in my bones. I'll try to instill that in the players and into the program at UAPB.”

May graduated from Alabama A&M on May 12, 2001 with cum laude honors in environmental science and a minor in chemistry. She holds a Master's degree in education from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.

By Andrew Roberts, Sports Information Director
VISIT: UAPBLIONSROAR.COM
VISIT: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF

Nate Kilbert named new head women's basketball coach at UAPB

NATE KILBERT
HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
UNIVERSITY OF ARKASAS AT PINE BLUFF

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas – Nate Kilbert, the reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference coach-of-the-year who led Mississippi Valley State University to the 2011-12 league championship and to a berth in the Women's National Invitation Tournament, has been chosen as the new head coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“Wow. This is a great moment for me and for my family,” said Kilbert. “I'm excited about this opportunity. I'm really looking forward to meeting with the young ladies and getting ready for next year. With hard work, I know that we can do great things with this program.”

The hiring of Kilbert was announced at a press conference at 2 p.m. Friday at the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex on the UAPB campus. In making the announcement, UAPB athletics director Lonza Hardy Jr. said he was elated to bring in a coach with the credentials that Kilbert has.

“Coach Kilbert is a highly motivated and skilled individual who is committed to the overall well-being of his student-athletes, both on and off the court,” said Hardy, who also hired Kilbert at Mississippi Valley State when he became that university's athletics director in 2001.

“He has a work ethic that should serve as a model for all coaches, he is innovative in his approach to coaching and he is well-connected in recruiting circles, both nationally and internationally. I'm thrilled that he is about to bring those credentials to UAPB.”

Kilbert, a 49-year-old native of Sallis, Mississippi, has more than 25 years of coaching experience, including an 11-year stint as Mississippi Valley State's head coach, his first stint as a head coach. He also excelled as the assistant women's coach at Alcorn State University from 1991 to 2001 and as an assistant coach at MVSU from 1989-91.

While at Alcorn State, and working alongside legendary coach Shirley A. Walker, the Lady Braves captured seven SWAC regular-season championships, including five straight between 1991 and 1995. At MVSU, the Devilettes were runners-up in the 2005 SWAC tournament and last season's team captured the 2011-12 SWAC regular-season championship, earning a berth to the WNIT, where they lost a close contest at Tulane University.

Kilbert's teams at MVSU also performed well in the classroom, earning SWAC accolades for amassing the highest combined grade point average of any women's basketball team in the conference in 2010-11.

Because the contract of former head coach Cary Shelton doesn't expire until the end of June, Kilbert's tenure at UAPB won't officially start until July 1. Nonetheless, Kilbert said he will immediately begin getting things in order for the upcoming season.

“The sooner you can get started, the better it would be for the program,” said Kilbert. “But I understand the situation, so I'm really starting as of today. I just won't be getting paid for it.”

Shelton, who served as UAPB's head coach the past three seasons, resigned from the position on March 18, effective at the end of his contract on June 30.

By Andrew Roberts, Director of Sports Information
VISIT: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF
VISIT: UAPBLIONSROAR.COM

Hard times for the SWAC?

"Anybody who thinks you can’t play because you are from an HBCU is out of their mind"  --  Michael Strahan

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Southwestern Athletic Conference has given the NFL Jerry Rice, the league’s all-time reception leader; Walter Payton, the No. 2 all-time rushing leader; Michael Strahan, the league’ single-season sack champion and Doug Williams, MVP of Super Bowl XXII. In three of the past four NFL drafts, the SWAC has given the league nothing.

Zero. Zilch. Nada. Bupkiss.

Have the SWAC and HBCUs lost their swagger? To get a handle on this, consider that Alabama had four players drafted in the first round this year, a number equal to players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities taken in the last two years – all four coming from the Mideastern Athletic Conference. The only player taken this year was Christian Thompson, a safety from South Carolina State selected in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens. Since 2005, only five SWAC players have been drafted.

READ MORE

FMU Patriots host WSSU Rams in PBC tournament tuneup

FLORENCE, South Carolina — It has been two weeks since the No. 6 Francis Marion baseball team played a game, or faced any live pitching, for that matter.

That’s one reason the Patriots wanted to reschedule an April 5 rainout against Winston-Salem State ahead of next week’s Peach Belt Conference tournament in Columbus, Georgia. After taking two of three games from USC Aiken two weekends ago, the Patriots had a long break for final exams.

FMU (33-14) is hoping tonight’s game against the Rams will help it get ready for Wednesday’s first-round tournament game against host Columbus State.

"Regardless of the outcome of this game, we just needed to play somebody, to see live pitching, to get our pitchers out there to do more than just throw some bullpen sessions,” FMU coach Art Inabinet said. “We needed to get our competitive juices flowing and hopefully get us ready for next week.”

READ MORE

FAMU Athletics Marches 40 Athletes Across the Stage

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- In three ceremonies that stretched the capacity of the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, FAMU held commencement ceremonies on April 28, signaling the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Among the droves of graduates were 40 FAMU student-athletes.

Topping the list was former FAMU golfer Gallop Franklin. Franklin played for the Rattler golf team from 2008-2011. During his career he was also elected FAMU SGA president twice. Then Governor Charlie Crist appointed him president of the Florida Student Association, where he was responsible for being the student representative on the Florida Board of Governors, for over 300,000 students in the state university system. Dr. Gallop Franklin, earned his doctorate in Pharmacy on Saturday.

Another milestone was the graduation of Danielle Anderson (basketball), Gina Davis (bowling) and Brandon Hepburn (football). These three student-athletes all attained Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry. With the university having just five total chemistry graduates in the entire university, student-athletes made up 60% of the university's chemistry graduates this semester.

Several athletes walked across the stage, as FAMU President Dr. James H. Ammons recognized them and took the opportunity to congratulate them on their accomplishments.

The three dynamic commencement speakers were a conglomeration of international symbolism. In the first commencement, FAMU alumnus, the Honorable Arthenia Joyner, was the keynote speaker. She graduated from FAMU Law School and is the only woman in the history of Florida to practice law for 42 consecutive years. Joyner is currently the Florida Senate Democratic Caucus' Pro Tem.

The second commencement speaker was the Honorable James E. Clyburn. Clyburn is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 6th District in South Carolina. He is currently the highest-ranking African-American in the United States Congress, the third ranking Democratic overall.

The final speaker of the evening was the Honorable Raila A. Odinga, Prime Minister of Kenya. Odinga is credited with restoring peace to Kenya following the controversial elections of 2007, which garnered international attention.

FAMU Athletics has made a commitment to pursuing athletes who could bolster the school's NCAA-required APR, and with 40 student-athletes graduating this Spring, the system is gaining consistency. Summer school and the newly renovated student learning center have also contributed to the academic success of FAMU's athletes.



Here is the full list of student-athletes who graduated this semester by sport (Ranked in order of # of graduates):

Football (15):Alexander O. Ajayi (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Mondrell Demareo Clarke (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration)
Jack W. Culpepper (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Branden Richard Curry (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Qier Naloy Hall (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
*Robert L. Hartley (Bachelor of Science in Political Science)
Gregory Terrell Harvey, Jr. (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
*Brandon Alexander Hepburn (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry)
Kory I. McCloughen ( Bachelor of Science in History)
Ronald G. Jackson (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Padric Herndon-BivensScott (Bachelor of Science in Biology )
Anthony Allen Shutt (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Philip Martin Sylvester (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering)
Brian Edward Tyms (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Jerry Anthony Willis, Jr. (Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business

Women's Basketball (5):
Danielle Anderson (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry)
Antonia Monique Bennett (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Tameka Jordan McKelton (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Regina Tanisha Smiley (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Euneshia Reshelle Proctor (Master of Science in Sports Management)-[Grad Asst.]

Cheerleaders (4):
Blayre A. Barlow ( Bachelor of Science in English Education)
Applemania L. Cook (Master of Education in Educational Leadership)
Zakiya Nailah Gaillard (Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology)
Ashley Lashay Garrett (Bachelor of Science in Journalism)

Men's Basketball (3):
Yannick Marquise Crowder (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration)
Rasheem Jenkins (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
*Jeffrey L. Neal II (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Delon S. Turner (Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business) [Returning student-athlete]

Softball (3):
*Britany Ann Doty (Bachelor Criminal Justice)
Amanda Nicole Reyes (Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies)
*Taylor J. West (Bachelor of Science in Health Science)

Men's Track (3):
Patrick Jerard Cooney (Bachelor of Science in Accounting)
Shelton Moran Tarver II (Bachelor of Science in Political Science)
Phillip James Washington (Bachelor of Science in Health Science)

Golf (3):
Shepherd Archie III (Bachelor of Science in Biology)
Gallop Phedro Franklin (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Wesley Calvin Yates ( Bachelor of Science in Economics)

Men's Tennis (2):
Michael Anthony Moore (Bachelor of Science in Political Science)
Simbrashe Happy (Master of Science in Sports Management)

Baseball (2):
Jarryd V. Reid (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration)
Cory Dennis Franklin (Bachelor Criminal Justice)

Bowling (1):
Gina Marie Davis (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry)

*Denotes student-athlete has eligibility remaining.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

After horrible tragedy, DSU's Jaashawn Jones keeps his NFL dream alive

DOVER, Delaware - Like any player from a small school hoping to make an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent, Delaware State's Jaashawn Jones has plenty of supporters echoing the same sentiment. Just give him a chance.

During the past six years, those words have had an entirely different meaning, haunting him as he grew into a chiseled 6-foot-1, 225-pound running back. They reminded him of the worst night of his life, a vivid memory that could be triggered in an instant by a simple turn of a doorknob or a loud noise.

Now those words refer to a potential NFL career, an opportunity to honor a brother, a chance to represent a community aching for a role model, and the ability to take care of the family that has watched over him amid the hardest of times. All Jones wants is a chance.

Jones' NFL prospects received a boost when he was selected to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) All-Star Bowl on Dec. 18 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. He had nine carries for 50 yards for the highest per-carry average (5.6) of any back in the game for the victorious East squad. His combination of size and speed had numerous teams at least inquiring about his draft day contact information.

READ MORE

Golden Ram Becomes New Athletic Director

BAINBRIDGE, Georgia - Stanley Bell, a native of Bainbridge, has been hired as the new Athletic Director for Bainbridge Leisure Services. Bell has been tasked with managing Bill Reynolds Sports Park, as well as coordinating all of the city’s baseball, softball and adult sports leagues.

A 2002 graduate of Bainbridge High School, Bell was a member of the BHS baseball team, where he played for Coaches Heath Horn and El Willis. After graduation, Bell attended Albany State University and was a pitcher for the Rams. While there, they earned three SIAC Conference Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2006. Bell earned a degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from ASU in 2007.

After graduation, Bell joined the staff of Albany Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Supervisor, focusing on adult sports and assisting with their youth sports programs.

READ MORE

Texas Southern's Joe Anderson Signs with the Chicago Bears

HOUSTON, Texas - Texas Southern wide receiver Joe Anderson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. During his senior year, Anderson, 6-1, 195, Texarkana, TX, had 47 catches for 638 yards and four touchdowns. He was 6th in the conference for receptions per game and 9th in the SWAC for receiving yards per game.

Over his three year career at Texas Southern, Anderson played in 34 games. He recorded 154 catches for 2010 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also returned 16 kickoffs for 289 yards.



COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS 2012

2012 HBCU NFL FREE AGENT SIGNEES

1. Brian Tymes, WR, Florida A&M, San Francisco 49'ers
2. Ryan Davis, LB, Bethune-Cookman, Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Jean Fanor, Safety, Bethune-Cookman, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Nicholas Cooper, RB, Winston-Salem State, Green Bay Packers
5. Donovan Robinson, LB, Jackson State , New York Jets
6. Donovan Richard, LB, South Carolina State, Jacksonville Jaguars
7. Micah Pellerin, Cornerback, Hampton U., Indianapolis Colts
8. Adrian Hamilton, DE, Prairie View A&M, Dallas Cowboys
9. Lamont Bryant, TE, Morgan State, Baltimore Ravens
10. Rico Council, LB, Tennessee State, Atlanta Falcons
11. Casey Therriault, QB, Jackson State, Atlanta Falcons
12. Demario Pippen, RB, Tuskegee, Denver Broncos
13. LaQuinton "Smoke" Evans,WR, Southern U., Tennessee Titans
14. Mario Louis, WR, Grambling State, Houston Texans
15. Marquette King, P, Fort Valley State, Oakland Raiders
16. James Dekle, G, Prairie View A&M, Arizona Cardinals
17. Kevin Elliott, WR, Florida A&M, Jacksonville Jaguars
18. Delano Johnson, DE/LB, Bowie State, Houston Texans
19. Jared Green, WR, Southern U., Carolina Panthers
20. Paul Cox, WR, Mississippi Valley, San Diego Chargers
21. Dominique Ellis, DB, South Carolina State, Kansas City Chiefs
22. Joe Anderson, WR,  Texas Southern, Chicago Bears
Updated 3:00 p.m. EDT, 5/4/12.

TSU Track & Field Turns Focus to OVC Championship

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University's men's and women's track & field teams participate in the 2012 Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championship this Friday and Saturday, May 4-5. The championship starts Friday at Noon at Abe Stuber Track Complex in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Majority of the field events take place on Friday, while most running events are in the preliminary stages. On Saturday, the opening ceremony kicks off field events at 10 a.m., followed by the final running events beginning at 1 p.m.

As of Thursday, TSU has 15 top-5 marks in the OVC. Freshman Ashontae Jackson has two top-5 marks.

The Gordonville, Va., product ranks second in the women's long jump, leaping 5.93m (19-5 ½) at the Vanderbilt Invitational. In the 200-meter dash, Jackson sprinted 24.25 seconds for fifth in the league.



Senior Arthur Combest has two top-5 marks. Combest is third in the high jump, clearing 2.03m (6-8) at the Boston-Moon Classic. He ranks fourth in the 110-meter hurdles, pacing a time of 14.72 seconds.

Also in the high jump, freshman Sean Jenkins is tied for fourth after his distance of 1.98m (6-6) at the Vanderbilt Invitational.

Jahleel Michael, a freshman for the Flying Tigers, is fifth in the 400-meter hurdles with his time of 53.88.

The Tigerbelles have two top-5 marks in the women's triple jump. Ja'Lyn Burr's distance of 11.60m (38-0 ¾) is third, followed by Daniecce Ward's fourth-place leap of 11.58m (38-0).

In the men's triple jump, senior Avian Hughes ranks fourth with his three-step distance of 14.12m (46-4). Brittani Logan enters the OVC Championships with a fifth-place ranking of 13.64m (44-9) in the shot put.

The TSU relay 4x400-meter teams are both ranked third with the men logging a time of 3:16.75 and the women pacing 3:47.31.

Live results of this weekend's OVC Championships will be available online at GoSoutheast.com. Recap and official results will be posted online at TSUTigers.com.

OVC Championship Central

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU hazing suspects turning themselves in

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Eight of the 13 people facing hazing charges after the death of a Florida A&M University band member had turned themselves in by Thursday afternoon, a state police spokeswoman said.

All eight who have surrendered so far face felony charges in the November death of 26-year-old Robert Champion, said Gretl Plessinger, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Of the remaining three who face the same count, two are in Georgia and one is in Delaware, she said.



"We're in contact with their attorneys or their families, and are expecting them to turn themselves in," Plessinger said.

READ MORE

N.C. Central football coach: Building something special

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Henry Frazier III is still on his honeymoon. “We are building something special, something that will stand for years to come, and we are doing it the right way,” Frazier, into his second year as head coach at N.C. Central, told the Durham Sports Club on Wednesday.

“Our student-athletes are going to represent N.C. Central, Durham and the state of North Carolina very well, but it’s going to take time.” Frazier arrived in Durham 16 months ago with a trunk-load of coaching awards and something of a reputation as a miracle worker after reviving a moribund football program at Prairie View A&M, which had the nation’s longest losing streak (80) before he turned it into a conference champion.

After a 2-9 record in Frazier’s first year at N.C. Central, the Eagles will return their entire coaching staff, 57 lettermen and 16 starters, convinced they can do better in their second year as a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team, Frazier said.

READ MORE

Frazier: Eagles are building football program for future

DURHAM, North Carolina — N.C. Central football will be better this season, Eagles coach Henry Frazier III told the Durham Sports Club on Wednesday afternoon at Croasdaile Country Club. Of course, after NCCU’s fourth losing season in a row, there’s hardly anywhere for the Eagles to go except up.

Frazier said the 2011 season was so bad for NCCU that he figured the Durham Sports Club wouldn’t let him return as a guest speaker for their luncheons. “I didn’t think I was getting another invitation after going 2-9,” Frazier said. But things are going according to plan, Frazier said.

This will be NCCU’s second season in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which Frazier said has some good teams. But NCCU can run with every single one of them, Frazier said. NCCU lost four games after surrendering leads in the fourth quarter. Frazier said part of that had to do with his decision to redshirt 25 players, which cost the Eagles some lumps.

But that’s how a program establishes a foundation, said Frazier, whose most recent recruiting class added 30 more players to the program.

READ MORE

A&T Selects Robinson As New Women's Head Basketball Coach

COACH TARRELL ROBINSON
HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
(PHOTO COURTESY: VCU ATHLETICS

GREENSBORO, North Carolina - North Carolina A&T has a new head women's basketball coach. Today, Director of Athletics Earl Hilton announced Tarrell Robinson will head the program. A press conference will be held next week to introduce the new head coach.

In choosing Robinson, A&T didn't stray far from the formula that has made the women's program successful over the past seven seasons. Robinson replaces legendary coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs, who resigned last month to take the head women's basketball coaching position at her alma mater Grambling State University.

Robinson, 34, served as an assistant coach to Bibbs for four seasons. Prior to the 2008-09 season, he was promoted to associate head coach. The four-year working relationship resulted in the program's most prosperous era in terms of championships and player accolades.

After a 9-19 season in 2005-06, Robinson made his mark at A&T through rigorous recruiting. He assisted Bibbs in landing Fayetteville, N.C., native Ta'Wuana Cook. Cook went on to be the program's first MEAC Rookie of the Year, its second all-time leading scorer and its all-time leader in assists. He was also instrumental in signing two-time MEAC all-tournament performer Lamona Smalley and 2009 MEAC Player of the Year Brittanie Taylor-James. When Jaleesa Sams, who was ranked as high as No. 31 nationally by Scouts.com, signed to play at A&T in 2007, the women's basketball team had its most highly-touted recruit in history.

The recruiting efforts helped the Aggies compile a 51-15 record, two MEAC regular-season championships and a MEAC tournament championship from 2007-09. Three current players - guard Amber Calvin, forward JaQuayla Berry and center Nikia Gorham - were also a part of Robinson's recruiting efforts. Cook, Sams, Taylor-James and Berry are all 1,000-point career scorers and all-conference performers.

"I am humbled and honored to be named the new head women's basketball coach at North Carolina A&T State University," said Robinson, who is a 2001 graduate of the school. "I want to thank Chancellor Harold Martin, Earl Hilton and the Board of Trustees for giving me this opportunity. North Carolina A&T stands for excellence. Excellence is what we will strive for every day in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. I am excited to be back in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, one of most competitive leagues and fun atmospheres in the country."

Robinson has spent the previous three seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University as an assistant under then head coach Beth Cunningham. Prior to the start of the 2011-12 season, he was promoted to associate head coach after serving as the program's recruiting coordinator in 2010-11. During his first two seasons at VCU, the Rams earned WNIT bids, including a run to the third round in 2010. Robinson's impressive recruiting credentials were evident in Richmond, Va., as well. He helped Cunningham land 2011 second-team All-CAA performer Andrea Barbour, a one-time McDonalds High School All-American Semifinalist. In the process, he also signed four players ranked among the top 30 at their positions in the country.

The Rams' freshman class this season included 6-foot-3 center Aprill McRae, who was the 22nd ranked post player in the nation by ESPN.

Robinson played for the Aggies men's basketball team for four seasons, starting in 1997. He scored more than 900 points and grabbed more than 700 rebounds during his career. As a junior, he led the Aggies in rebounding.

"I have known Coach Robinson for a long time, dating back to his days as a player, and my days as A&T's compliance director," said Hilton. "I have always liked him as a person, and I've always respected how hard he works. I think he is just the person to replace a coaching legend. He worked under Coach Bibbs for a number of years, and therefore is knowledgeable on what it takes to win here. It is important to me that we take what has already been established as one of the best programs in the MEAC, and make it better. I think Coach Robinson can get us there."

By NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Howell is NAIA Player of Week; Taylor wins GCAC award

Kourtney Howell rallied Xavier to victories
in the semifinals and title round of
an NAIA unaffiilated tourney.

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Kourtney Howell has been selected NAIA Women's Tennis Player of the Week for April 23-29.

Howell also was selected Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week, and Xavier's Zach Taylor won the GCAC award in men's tennis for the third time this season and the sixth time in two years to extend his conference career record.

Howell, a sophomore from Cypress, Texas, and a graduate of Cypress Woods High School, was 3-0 in singles and 3-0 in doubles to help the Gold Nuggets win an NAIA unaffiliated group tournament at Norcross, Ga., and earn an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship. She rallied her team in the final two rounds after trailing 2-0 against Milligan and 2-0 against then-17th-ranked Martin Methodist.

Howell clinched the semifinals dual with her 6-1, 6-3 singles victory against Milligan's Kayla Kelly, then she put Xavier ahead to stay in the championship round with her 6-4, 6-1 victory against Martin Methodist's 47th-ranked Paloma Cortina.  It was Howell's fifth victory this season against a ranked singles opponent and her second against Cortina. Howell teamed with Nicole DeLoach for an 8-5 decision against Martin Methodist's Maria Charrys and Jeanna Stanford — their sixth consecutive doubles victory.

This is the third time this year and the fourth time in two seasons that a Xavier tennis player was NAIA Player of the Week. The XU men produced the other three recipients — Corey Huggins for April 9-15, Loic Didavi for April 2-8 and Taylor for April 25-May 1, 2011. Howell is the first XU female athlete to win the NAIA award since Brittany Powell (women's basketball) did it for Jan. 18-24, 2010.

The conference award is Howell's fourth this season, which ties a GCAC record set by Xavier's Anastesia Opata in 2009.

Zach Taylor

Taylor, from Monroe, La., and a graduate of St. Frederick High School and Ventura (Calif.) College, also was 3-0 in singles and 3-0 in doubles at the unaffiliated tournament to help the Gold Rush qualify for nationals and, for the second consecutive year, win the men's title of the qualifying event. He did not lose a game in the quarterfinals or semifinals.

In Xavier's 5-0 championship victory against 16th-ranked Cumberland, Taylor and Didavi defeated Evan Sanna and Jeremy Fleming 8-3 in doubles, and Taylor defeated Sanna 6-1, 6-2 in singles. The singles victory was Taylor's seventh in a row.

The national tournaments for men and women will begin May 15 in Mobile, Ala., Pairings will be announced Tuesday. Xavier's men are ranked seventh, and the women are 19th.


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

Saint Augustine's Athletic Staff Adds Two Assistant Coaches

RALEIGH, North Carolina - Saint Augustine's College announced the addition of football assistant coach Chris Parker and women's basketball assistant coach Jarita Crump to the athletic staff on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

Parker joined the Falcons' football staff as safeties coach after spending the 2011 season as secondary coach with the Omaha Knighthawks of the United Football League. While at Omaha, Parker coached several players who signed with NFL teams.

Before joining the Knighthawks, Parker spent the summer of 2011 with the NFL's Detroit Lions as a defensive coaching intern. He entered the college coaching ranks in the 2009-10 season at Alma College in Alma, Mich., as secondary coach. The following season, he was the wide receivers coach at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

“I am very pleased to have Chris on the coaching staff,” Head Football Coach Michael Costa said. “He is an extremely hard worker and will be a terrific asset to the football program.”

Parker was a three-year football letterman at Georgetown University where he earned a sociology degree in 2009. A Stone Mountain, Ga., native, Parker was a prep standout at Tucker High School where he earned conference, region and state honors. He played several positions at Tucker including outside linebacker and safety. Parker was named team MVP his senior season.

Crump returns to the Lady Falcons basketball staff after spending the 2011-12 season at Leesville Road High School where she was head varsity girls basketball coach. She produced one all-conference player at Leesville Road.

Crump started her college coaching career at St. Aug as an assistant coach during the 2010-11 season. She helped guide the Lady Falcons to a 19-11 overall record, an 11-6 CIAA mark and a CIAA Tournament semifinals appearance.

“I am very happy to have Coach Crump back,” Head Women's Basketball Coach Rachel Bullard said. “She played a key role in our success when she was here, and I know she will be an integral part of our success going forward.”

From 2008-2010, Crump was the head varsity girls basketball coach at Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C. During her two seasons as head coach, the Lady Holy Rams won the NCISAA state 1-A title and were state runner-ups. The Lady Holy Rams were unbeaten in conference play both seasons. Crump was named conference coach of the year twice at Word of God.

In college, Crump was a basketball and academic standout at Campbell University where she graduated in 2003 with a degree in trust management. She also minored in financial planning and earned a master's degree in business administration. As a prep player, Crump starred at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, N.C. where she won conference honors in basketball and track. She was the school's female athlete of the year two consecutive seasons.

By Anthony Jeffries, Sports Information Director
VISIT: SAINTAUGFALCONS.COM
VISIT: SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY

SAC's George Williams’ coaching track record speaks volumes

RALEIGH, North Carolina - George Williams’ track record (pun intended) is unlike any other in the track and field world. As the longtime head coach at Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, N.C., Williams, 69, has guided the small, historically black college to an impressive 31 national championships since being hired in 1976.

Throughout his career, Williams has coached 32 Olympic athletes, and has won more than 100 coach of the year awards for track and field. In 2010, he captured the Division II national outdoor men’s coach of the year award, given by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). It was one of seven coaching awards Williams received that year. In 2011, Williams’ honors included the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men’s indoor and outdoor coach of the year, and the USTFCCCA Atlantic Region men’s coach of the year.

Williams is quick to pass the credit for his success onto ...

READ MORE

13 charged in hazing death of FAMU drum major

ORLANDO, Florida -- Thirteen people have been charged with hazing crimes in the beating death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, a Florida prosecutor announced Wednesday.

State Attorney Lawson Lamar said 11 people are accused of death with hazing, a third-degree felony punishable by up to six years for defendants with no criminal record. Two defendants face misdemeanor charges in the November death aboard a band bus in Orlando.


May. 2, 2012 - A prosecutor says 13 people will be charged in the death of Florida A&M university drum major who died after being beaten during a hazing ritual in November. 26-year-old Robert Champion died aboard a bus parked outside a hotel.

The state also has filed 20 counts of misdemeanor hazing against others in unrelated incidents. Lamar declined to identifiy those charged because they are in multiple jurisdictions and have not yet been arrested.

"I have come to believe that hazing is a form of bullying," Lamar said at a news conference in Orlando. "It's bullying with a tradition."

READ MORE

13 charged in FAMU hazing death

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (NSF) - Thirteen people have been charged in the hazing death of Robert Champion, the drum major for Florida A&M University's "Marching 100" whose death shook the university and led to the suspension of the iconic band.

Eleven individuals were each charged with a single count of hazing resulting in death, a third-degree felony, and two counts of hazing, a first-degree misdemeanor, according to information released by the office of State Attorney Lawson Lamar. Two more people were each charged with a single count of hazing.

Lamar's office didn't immediately release the names of those charged, saying they were concerned that doing so might prompt the defendants to flee. One defendant is in custody and authorities across the state and in Georgia were working to arrest the other 12 individuals.

In a nationally televised press conference, Lamar called Champion's death "homicide by hazing" but said he couldn't charge the defendants with murder because the death couldn't be linked to a single act. The maximum prison time for hazing resulting in death is six years.

Lamar also suggested that the investigation was continuing.

READ MORE

Charges Filed in Hazing Death of Florida A&M Drum Major

ORLANDO, Florida - Florida state prosecutors have filed 13 felony charges and 20 misdemeanor hazing charges against students who allegedly took part in the beating death of Florida A&M band drum major Robert Champion. But because the medical examiner concluded his death was not caused by any single blow, no murder or manslaughter charges were filed.

At a press conference on Wednesday, state attorney Lawson Lamar said the students were charged under a 2011 Florida statute that defines hazing and labels it a felony and administers more severe punishment if the hazing results in injury or death. The suspects, all FAMU students, were not named because all but one are at large. That student is currently in custody.

READ MORE

RELATED ARTICLES AND VIDEO
http://www.wpix.com/videogallery/69714419/News/13-charged-in-FAMU-hazing-death-of-Robert-Champion

13 charged in FAMU hazing death

Family of FAMU band member who died in hazing ritual wanted more severe charges for 13 people

13 charged in hazing death of FAMU band member; family says stiffer charges warranted
13 charged in FAMU drummer's hazing death

2 FAMU music professors quit after FAMU moved to fire them for role in hazing

5 to be charged in FAMU hazing death

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Two Florida A&M University professors have quit under pressure after being told by the school that they were being fired for their role in an off-campus student hazing incident.

Anthony Simons, one of the two music professors who were investigated by FAMU and the Tallahassee police department told the Orlando Sentinel that he resigned on Friday after receiving a termination letter from the university.

The other professor, Diron Holloway, also resigned last week — before the two men's termination took effect on May 3, said their Tallahassee attorney, Mutaqee Akbar.

"They just didn't have a chance, so they decided to protect their own careers and resign," Akbar said. Early Tuesday, the president of the faculty union, Elizabeth Davenport, told the Sentinel that the two professors "have been fired."

This is part 1-2 of the FAMU story/interview that ESPN showed March 25, 2012, reported by T.J. Quinn and the live interviews done by Bob Ley. The investigative story went into the Culture of Hazing in the FAMU Marching 100 Band. Drum major, Robert Champion, was brutally beaten and killed in November, 2011. Thanks to ESPN and their show Outside the Lines for interviewing the Executive Director of HazingPrevention.Org, Tracy Maxwell.
To see more about the story go to this link:
 http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/page/FAMU-hazing/culture-hazing-florida-u...

To learn more about HazingPrevention.Org go to our website: http://www.hazingprevention.org/

READ MORE

Charges coming today in FAMU hazing death

A press conference is planned at 2 p.m. ET.  10 News will stream the press conference live.   Click here to watch News 10 live video player broadcast.

ORLANDO, Florida -- Several people could soon face charges in the death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion. After five months of investigations, the announcement will come at a press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

There were a lot of people who were possibly involved in the hazing that was happening within the marching band. Investigators interviewed more than 50 people. Champion, 26, died in November after he was beaten while on a charter bus after the Florida Classic football game in Orlando.


12/21/11 Video on Robert Champion's Complete Autopsy Report

His death has brought attention to other hazing incidents at the university. Some have called it a "hazing epidemic." The band's longtime director, Julian White, has been on paid leave since the incident.

Meanwhile, two music teachers have resigned after learning they would be fired.

READ MORE

Texans waive Lane College WR Jacoby Jones after 5 seasons

The Texans selected Jacoby Jones out of Lane College (Marion Abramson HS - New Orleans, Louisiana) in the third round of the 2007 draft. He was released Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

HOUSTON, Texas - Those of you in that long line of people who think Jacoby Jones was to blame for the Texans’ playoff loss at Baltimore aren’t likely to be in the mood to hear about the positives he brought to the Texans.

Then again, you might just surmise this would be a particularly short column if that were indeed its intended direction. Such is Jones’ lot in life or, more accurately, his lot in Texans history: some shining, bright moments but far too few.



For every eye-popping display that made you marvel at Jones’ big-play ability, there was a head-scratcher that made you wonder why he still was on the roster. Not any longer. He was released Tuesday.

Jones, a fun-loving sort whom teammates liked, did have 51 receptions in 2010, when it was believed he had taken that elusive step forward coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith talked about during the offseason after Jones’ rookie season. And after his second season. And after his third season.

Jones seemed to ...

READ MORE