XU Nuggets get rematch with Vanguard at NAIA tournament

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana will play Vanguard at 9 a.m. next Tuesday in the opening round of the NAIA Women's Tennis Championship at Mobile, Ala.

The NAIA announced the pairings Tuesday.

It will be a rematch between the Gold Nuggets (7-21) and the Lions (9-14), who won the final two doubles matches to rally for a 5-4 victory against Xavier on April 5 at Costa Mesa, Calif. Since then Xavier has won 4-of-5 duals, including all three in an NAIA unaffiliated group tournament which earned the Nuggets an automatic bid to nationals.

It will be the sixth time in eight seasons that the Nuggets compete at nationals. They're 5-0 in first-round matchups there, but never have they advanced past the second round.

Vanguard finished fifth in the Golden State Athletic Conference, which has of the tournament's 24 teams, and received the last of 10 at-large bids.

Vanguard was 15th and Xavier 20th in the coaches poll announced Monday. The Nuggets dropped one place from a week ago, but it was the first time this season that the XU women appeared in back-to-back top 25s.

Sophomore Kourtney Howell and freshman Amanda Materre are Xavier's top two players. Howell is 27th in the Campbell's-Intercollegiate Tennis Association NAIA singles rankings, and Materre is 38th. Howell was the NAIA Women's Tennis Player of the Week for April 23-29.

Auburn Montgomery is the defending champion. Copeland-Cox Tennis Center is the tournament venue.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, May 6)

Rank	Team	Record	Points	Last
1	Auburn Montgomery (13)	22-2	343	1
2	Fresno Pacific	20-4	332	2
3	Embry-Riddle (Fla.)	18-3	321	3
4	Oklahoma Christian	16-3	310	4
5	Azusa Pacific	17-3	299	5
6	Point Loma Nazarene	16-5	286	6
7	Brenau	13-5	279	7
8	Concordia (Calif.)	14-7	266	8
9	William Carey	14-9	253	9
10	Southern Nazarene	12-5	243	10
11	Lindsey Wilson	15-3	231	tie-11
12	Shorter	19-8	226	tie-11
13	SCAD Savannah	9-3	209	13
14	Lewis-Clark State	7-14	201	14
15	Vanguard	9-14	187	15
16	Indiana Wesleyan	22-2	181	16
17	Campbellsville	13-6	158	18
18	Lee (Tenn.)	9-7	154	17
19	Westmont	7-11	145	20
20	Xavier	7-21	141	19
21	Martin Methodist	11-4	126	21
22	Robert Morris (Chicago)	17-2	126	22
23	St. Thomas (Fla.)	5-4	97	23
24	Oklahoma Baptist	10-8	89	24
25	Marian (Ind.)	21-6	76	25
Others receiving votes: Northwestern Ohio 68, Davenport 36, Webber International 35, Belhaven 27, Nebraska Wesleyan 26, Olivet Nazarene 10, Georgetown (Ky.) 9, Bethel (Kan.) 8, Indiana Southeast 4, Missouri Valley 3, Milligan 1.

Tournament bracket (PDF) NAIA tournament website

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

Fourteen Savannah State Athletes Graduate With Honors

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Several former Savannah State athletes were awarded their degrees during the university's 180th commencement ceremony in Tiger Arena on May 5.

Michael King (baseball) earned his master of business administration degree.

Receiving undergraduate degrees were Julius Green (baseball), Dexter Kelley (baseball), Rod Mitchell (basketball), Derek Williams (football), Ashley Roper (women's basketball), Cheick Diop (football), Darren Hunter (football), Cordarian Robertson (baseball), AJ DeFilippis (football), Ivy Smith (women's basketball), Courtrevez McTier (baseball), Treasure Monroe (women's basketball), Chris Herans (football), Brittany Lewis (volleyball), Matthew Nowacki (baseball), Channing Welch (football), Courtney Long (women's basketball), Alisha Nelson (women's basketball, track), Thelmore Jackson (football), Amara Jones (women's track), William Edwards (football), Damon McKinney (football), Eric Ransom (baseball), Calvin Leonard (football), Vince Cochran (football), Brandon Miller (football), Angela Palmer (tennis), Patrice Rogers (softball), Jarvis Thomas (football), Rodney McDowell-Turner (track), Shamyra Adama (softball), Craig Huling (football) and Devin Stowers.

A total of 14 athletes graduated with honors.

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Lamar Cardinal assistant Price leaves to coach Grambling State

JOSEPH PRICE
 MEN'S HEAD BASKETBALL COACH
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
(PHOTO COURTESY: LAMAR UNIVERSITY
ATHLETICS)

BEAUMONT, Texas -- If Pat Knight has his way, Lamar will lose other assistant coaches after future seasons. That's a sure sign of success, he figures.

Joe Price, an assistant to Knight in his only season at Lamar, has left the school to be the head coach at Grambling. The Louisiana-based school announced the hiring Tuesday.

"When I took this job, I said I wanted assistants to move on to bigger assistants jobs or to be head coaches," Knight said. To replace Price, Lamar will move Kermit Holmes from director of basketball operations, a position that will be ...

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Alabama State, Tuskegee Agree to Play in Turkey Day Classic

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Alabama State University President William H. Harris has announced that ASU and Tuskegee University have signed a contract that will allow the two teams to be matched against each other in this year's Turkey Day Classic (TDC) football game.

The TDC game will be played on Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 22.

The game will be played in ASU's new Hornet Stadium.

“The Alabama State University family is excited that the tradition between Tuskegee and Alabama State will be continued during this year's 2012 Turkey Day Classic,” Alabama State President Dr. William H. Harris said. “We look forward to the annual reunion between the institution and our students, alumni, family and friends. It will be an exciting day in the history of ASU as we open the new ASU Stadium and are elated that our first opponent will be none other than Tuskegee University.”

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Grambling wins SWAC track and field title again

NEW ORLEANS — Three-time defending champion Grambling’s men’s track and field team trailed Southern by two points (64.50-62.50) after eight events when the Southwestern Athletic Conference men’s 1,500-meter run started Sunday at Tad Gormley Stadium.

But Grambling senior Darwin Price wasn’t fazed by the pressure. The Tigers distance runners and jumpers have been carrying the team most of the season.

Price finished in 4 minutes 1.90 seconds for his fourth consecutive championship in the 1,500 to give Grambling the lead. And when his teammate Deonte Pope finished second in 4:04.17, the Tigers were well on their way to their fourth consecutive SWAC championship.

Grambling finished with 149.50 points, followed by Prairie View (125) and Southern (112.50). The Tigers have won titles in seven of the past eight years.

Alabama State won its third consecutive women’s title with 243 points. Prairie View finished second with 166.

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Sarah Needleman signs with Tennessee State

Sarah Needleman signs with Tennessee State
Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Head women's golf coach Chris Seibel has announced that Sarah Needleman has signed a National Letter-of-Intent with Tennessee State.

Needleman competed on the golf team at Fishers High School in Indiana for four years. She also received Hamilton Southeastern County honors.

In an article posted on school's site, Fishers assistant coach Abbey Rhodes said Needleman has been a leader for her golf team a both on and off the course.

Rhodes continued by saying: "She focused on her goal to play college golf, and achieved it while giving younger players on her team the incentive to adopt her devotion to her team. Sarah is a leader and motivator that her Fishers girls' golf team family will miss, but she's also a radiant example of what can be achieved through focus, determination, positive-thinking, and practice."

Sarah has plans to major in sports marketing in the fall.

"I am proud to bring in a student-athlete who has a solid golf game and is an excellent student," commented head women's golf coach Chris Seibel. "As a coach, it is nice to have a player receive the President's Academic Award. It gives me a feeling of comfort knowing that she will be just fine in the classroom, and we can go full force on the golf course. Sarah is the definition of a STUDENT-ATHLETE."

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU Spartans Clinch 7th Straight MEAC Track and Field Sweep

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – The Norfolk State men’s track and field team added another title to its MEAC championship legacy Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T, winning its seventh consecutive conference outdoor title and clinching its seventh straight sweep of the MEAC indoor and outdoor titles.

NSU amassed 145.5 points, comfortably ahead of runner-up North Carolina A&T’s 95, as the Spartans also recorded their fourth straight MEAC running triple crown since 2008 thanks to 2011-12 titles in men’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track.

The Spartans won five of the 10 track events contested on Saturday, including a pair of victories by junior Keith Nkrumah in the 110 and 400 meter hurdles. Nkrumah clocked personal-best times of 13.68 in the 110 hurdles final, and 50.40 in the 400 hurdles. The victories marked the first two MEAC gold medals in Nkrumah’s career. He tied with Florida A&M's Elias Chesire as the Most Outstanding Runner of the MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship. Both tallied 20 points toward their team scores.

Two other Spartans also picked up their first career MEAC outdoor titles Saturday. Rookie Nathnael Meseret won the 1,500 meters in a PR of 3:53.62, and James Taylor won the 200 meters in 20.74 seconds.

NSU’s final win on Saturday came via Sean Holston, who repeated as MEAC 400 meter champion. Holston clocked a time of 46.01 seconds, .01 off his personal-best set in his 2011 MEAC victory. Holston was also runner-up to Taylor in the 200.

The Spartans also got solid performances from Vincent Brown, who ran a PR of 1:50.09 to place fourth place in the 800 meters, and Vincent Rono, who was third in the 3,000m steeplechase (9:55.98). Junior Amos Kipkosgei placed fifth in both the 1,500 and steeplechase, and Damtew Adnew was fourth in the steeplechase.

Kenneth Giles was named MEAC Outdoor Most Oustanding Men's Coach for leading the Spartans to their 25th conference title in his tenure (11 cross country, seven indoor and seven outdoor titles).

The Spartans will have a number of participants in the NCAA East Regional later this month in Jacksonville, Fla. Entries will be released in the coming weeks.

Final Results

COURTESY Matt Michalec, SID, NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPARTANS

Hampton takes MEAC championship - winning ninth crown

GREENSBORO, North Carolina - Hampton won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships on Saturday afternoon at the Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State.

The Pirates tallied 136 points to win their ninth title in program history. Maryland Eastern Shore finished in second place with 106 points, followed by North Carolina A&T in third with 84 points.

South Carolina State’s Shamire Rothmiller tallied 26 points to earn the Outstanding Field Athlete award while Maryland Eastern Shore’s Cynthia Anais posted 25 points and was named the Outstanding Runner.

Hampton’s Maurice Pierce was selected as the Women’s Track and Field Outstanding Coach for the eighth time in his career.

“It feels good to win another championship,” Pierce said. “My assistant coaches and athletes did a great job. It wasn’t our best performance but at the end of the day we scored the most points so I’m excited to win.”

It was a record setting day as Bethune-Cookman’s Sasha Smallwood posted a meet record in the pole vault with a mark of 3.58m (11-09.00). Hampton’s Carolyn Lewis held the previous record of 3.35m, which she earned in 2007.

UMES’ Cynthia Anais topped her own meet record with a time of 2:05.97 in the 800m run. Anais set the previous mark of 2:07.97 during Friday’s semifinal.

Kadian Dunkley of Bethune-Cookman ran a time of 11:06.99 in the 3000m steeplechase to earn a new conference record. Hampton’s Jahlisa Smith held the previous mark of 11:15.28 in 2010.

Results | Photo Gallery

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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