S.C. State SID Bill Hamilton receives Helms Award

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Bill Hamilton, in his 39th year as sports information director at South Carolina State University, was among four persons honored for contributions to sports in the Palmetto State by the South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame during its annual banquet and induction ceremony on Monday.

Hamilton received the Herman Helms Media Excellence Award.

The Baltimore, Maryland, native, who grew up in Chesterfield, is the only full-time sports information director in the university’s history, having begun his career at S.C. State – his alma mater – in 1973. He has earned numerous professional awards during his career and is enshrined in the S.C. State, MEAC and CoSIDA halls of fame.

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NCCU Eagles head into MEAC tourney with high hopes

DURHAM, North Carolina — N.C. Central has earned a spot in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament in its first season of eligibility since becoming both a member of the league and a Division I program

This is NCCU’s first season as a full Division I member with the opportunity to compete for conference and NCAA championships, and that means the Eagles (18-30, 13-10 MEAC) could have a shot at the College World Series if they win the MEAC Tournament.

The Eagles open the conference tournament against Maryland-Eastern Shore on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Norfolk State’s Marty L. Miller Baseball Field.

If NCCU reaches the NCAA field, the Eagles likely would be in a regional with traditionally strong North Carolina, the type of team some of the Eagles never counted on playing in the postseason, considering the way they were getting beat.

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BSU's Delano Johnson pushes past tragedy for his NFL dream

MARTINSVILLE, New Jersey — It wasn't the Christmas break that Delano Johnson had hoped for.

He sat in his father's house in Baltimore, Maryland, on Christmas Eve, a college freshman who had typical plans of unwrapping gifts the next morning, catching up with friends from high school during the next few weeks and of course, sleeping in. Lots of sleeping in. It was supposed to be a carefree time for Johnson, but instead what happened next forever changed his life. Johnson was set to lose a person who he called his "hero and inspiration."

The phone rang with a call that came from his aunt's house, telling him that his mother had passed away. He was raised by her along with his three brothers, a woman who he said "put all of us on her back." His mother had succumbed to a "health problem that she had."

Instead of planning his winter break from college, Johnson readied himself for a funeral.



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Bethune sees hike in band tryouts because of FAMU scandal

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida - Florida A&M University's longtime rival, Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, has seen a 10 percent to 20 percent uptick in the number of students wanting to try out for its marching band — a direct result, says the band director, of the FAMU hazing scandal.

Director Donovan Wells, whose Marching Wildcats compete each year against FAMU's Marching 100 during the Florida Classic halftime show in Orlando, said many students wanting to join his band are high school students who probably decided to audition for Bethune-Cookman because of uncertainties about FAMU's band. Tryouts for high school students and college transfer students are from January-May.

Some students wanting to try out are from FAMU. Wells, however, will not take ...



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FAMU band member will admit to hazing Bria Hunter

Aaron Golson (L), Sean Hobson (C), James Harris (R)

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University band member Aaron Golson, one of 11 people charged in the fatal beating of FAMU drum major Robert Champion in Orlando, will admit that he hazed a female clarinetist weeks earlier, his lawyer said Monday.

Defense lawyer Craig J. Brown said Golson, 19, will enter a plea to a misdemeanor hazing offense Thursday in Circuit Court in Tallahassee, although he will still deny that he struck Bria Hunter, 18, as campus police claim.

"He was there [when Hunter was injured]. We've never really denied that," Brown said. "It's good that he can get one case done and out of the way."

Brown said Golson, who denies he contributed to the hazing death of Champion, 26, on a band bus after the Florida Classic football game Nov. 19, would not receive a jail sentence but would have to perform community service in the Bria Hunter case.

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Suspended FAMU band grounded for full year

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The president of Florida A&M University on Monday announced that the school's famous marching band, which has been suspended indefinitely since shortly after the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion last fall, will not perform at all through the 2012-2013 school year.

School president James Ammons informed university trustees of his decision during a brief teleconference today.



Meanwhile, the FAMU chapter of an honorary band fraternity that was involved in a student hazing in 2010 will be closed for the next five years, the national headquarters for Kappa Kappa Psi announced Monday. Also, 28 fraternity members, including those who were undergraduate members during the spring semester in 2010, have been expelled.

The fate of FAMU's embattled Marching 100 band — a symbol of the historically black university that has been instrumental in recruitment and fundraising — has been up in the air. School leaders have debated for months whether to allow the group to perform at football games and other events this fall.

Earlier this month, 11 band members were charged with felony hazing in connection with Champion's beating aboard a parked band bus after the Florida Classic football game in Orlando on Nov. 19. Since then, a ...

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MVSU Wins SWAC Title With Thrilling Comeback

IRONDALE -- Mississippi Valley State came from three runs down to beat Jackson State 7-3 and claim their seventh SWAC softball title and first since 2009. A grand slam by catcher Nicole Burr in the top of the seventh inning capped the comeback for the Devilettes, who improved to 34-17. MVSU will find out Sunday night where they will be heading in the NCAA tournament. The selection show will be streamed on NCAA.com at 9 p.m.

Burr was named Tournament Most Outstanding Player. She was joined on the All-Tournament team by teammates Kimberly Spivey, Alicia Lorenz. Jackson State had three players on the team. Last year's tournament MOP Wendi Reed, Jasmin Warren and Tayler Nave. Giana Robinson and Rebecca Villarreal represented Texas Southern, while Cassandra Brown (Alabama A&M), Cally Falls (Prairie View), CeCe Kolesar (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) rounded out the team.

JSU threatened in both the second and third innings, advancing runners into scoring position. However, MVSU snuffed out each threat to keep the game scoreless.

Photo Gallery

However, in the fifth inning lightening struck off the bat of SWAC Player of the Year Wendi Reed. After JSU left fielder Jasmine Warren doubled, Reed launched a moon shot over the left field fence for a 2-run blast.

The SWAC East regular season champs wouldn't go quietly. Devilettes loaded the bases in the top of the sixth inning. JSU reliever LeEthel Guillory walked MVSU catcher Nicole Burr to drive in pinch-runner Meagan Martinez to make it 3-1.

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TSU's Coach Ed Temple Selected to U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- When the United States Olympic Committee announced the Class of 2012 to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame recently, it was no surprise that a coaching legend from Tennessee State University was included as a member of the prestigious group.

Coach Ed Temple will join six Olympians, one Paralympian, one team, as well as a veteran and a special contributor when they are formally introduced and honored July 12 during an awards ceremony at the Harris Theater in Chicago.

Along with Coach Temple, the list of inductees includes Gail Devers (track & field), Jean Driscoll (Paralympic track & field), Gary Hall Jr. (swimming), Lisa Fernandez (softball), Kristine Lilly (soccer), Dan O'Brien (track & field), Jenny Thompson (swimming), the 2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Team, James Connolly (veteran - track & field) and Ted Stevens (special contributor).

The Class of 2012 was determined by a voting process that includes Olympians, Paralympians, members of the Olympic Family and a public voting element. The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate is one of the only national sports halls of fame that includes fan voting as part of its selection process. This year more than 100,000 votes were cast at TeamUSA.org.

"Over the years, these men and women captured our hearts and inspired us as Americans to strive for greatness, paving the way for today's Olympians and Paralympians who will soon compete in this summer's London Games," said Lisa Cochrane, senior vice president of marketing for Allstate. "Allstate is proud to support such a prestigious, lifetime achievement and extends its gratitude to the fans for their role in determining the very deserving U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2012."

The Class of 2012 is the 15th class to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate and will bring the total membership to 96 Olympians, five Paralympians, 10 teams, four coaches, 10 veterans, 16 contributors and two Olive Branch award inductees.

"The Class of 2012 inductees have provided fans of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams with countless inspiring moments, and it's an honor to welcome them to the U.S Olympic Hall of Fame, where both their achievements and impact will be celebrated," said Scott Blackmun, USOC chief executive officer. "Together with Allstate and fans of Team USA, we congratulate them on their accomplishments and thank them for their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements."

A 1950 graduate of Tennessee State University, Coach Edward Stanley Temple served as head women's track coach at Tennessee State University from 1953 to 1994 and became one of the greatest coaches in Olympic history. He helped establish the U.S. as a women's sprinting powerhouse and served as head coach of two U.S. Olympic teams (1960 and 1964), during which time his athletes brought home 23 Olympic medals (13 gold, six silver and four bronze).

His teams also won 34 national team titles and 30 Pan-American Games medals. As the women's coach, Coach Temple laid a foundation for growth in women's athletics, a boom that continues to this day.

Temple's 44-year coaching tenure at Tennessee State University saw him coach and mentor some of the greatest athletes in Olympic history, including Wyomia Tyus, Wilma Rudolph and Willie White. Rudolph was the first American woman of any race to win three track & field gold medals at a single Olympic Games, while Tyus was the first woman to successfully defend an Olympic 100-meter gold medal.

For Temple's athletes, a gold medal was only the start. The impact Temple had on his young female athletes stretched far beyond the track. Among the 40 Olympians he coached (35 of whom represented the U.S.), 28 of them have master's degrees and 14 of them have either an M.D. or Ph.D.

In addition to his 24 national titles, Temple has numerous other accolades, and is a member of the National Track & Field Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Helms Hall of Fame, Tennessee State University Hall of Fame, Harrisburg Central Area Chapter Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame, Black Athletes Hall of Fame and Communiplex National Sports Hall of Fame.

"I am excited to hear that Coach Temple has been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame," said former TSU Tigerbelle and current Track & Field Director Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice. "He deserves it. We have put so many athletes into the Olympic games thanks to his hard work and dedication."

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2012 will be formally introduced and honored on July 12 during an awards ceremony at the Harris Theater in Chicago. The ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Roberts and Alex Flanagan, will air in a nationally-televised broadcast on NBC Sports Network on August 24 at 7 p.m. Central Time.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS SERVICE

Texas-Pan American, Bethune-Cookman and Fayetteville State capture team titles

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida -- Drama ruled the day on Sunday at PGA Golf Club, as the University of Texas-Pan American took home the Men's Division I title and Bethune-Cookman University claimed its Championship-record ninth team title in the Women's Team Division at the 26th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship presented by Brown Capital Management.

Texas-Pan American, the first-round leader, used a furious comeback to claim its fifth overall title.

The Broncs, who finished with a total team score of 904, trailed Tennessee State University by five strokes entering the final round. But the team used a solid 1-under-par 71 by team captain Kevin Kirakossian, and solid play by the rest of the team to win the division by two strokes over Tennessee State.

Bethune-Cookman University and Savannah State University tied for third at 911. Savannah State senior Cedomir Ilic of Serbia took home medalist honors in the Division with a 220 total in the 54-hole event.

"My team has worked hard all year and it really paid off today," said Ofelia Lopez, the director of golf at the University of Texas-Pan American. "They came out with fire and determination and looking to win a title. And it happened."

Lopez was particularly impressed with Kirakossian, a junior from Oregon.

"He has always been our go-to guy," said Lopez. "He plays to win and plays for his team. That's what a leader is all about. That's what being a team captain is all about."

The Bethune-Cookman women's team, which led South Carolina State University by five strokes entering the final round, used a team effort to take home its second consecutive title, this time by eight strokes. The Wildcats finished with a 916 team total.

Hampton (Va.) University finished third at 956.

"We fought all year and it all led to this," said head coach and PGA Professional Scooter Clark. "We needed to come out and respond to South Carolina State, who played great, and we did. It was no doubt a challenge."

Tiana Jones of Alliance, Ohio, was the medalist in the Women's Team Division. The junior opened with an 82 on Friday, but bounced back with a sparkling 68 on Saturday, and a solid 74 in the final round on the Ryder Course.

Jones also earned an exemption from the LPGA into one Symetra Tour event during the 2012 or 2013 season.

"I wanted to play smart but I also wanted to play aggressive," said Jones. "I was dreaming about winning the individual title last night and my heart was in my throat all day. It feels awesome."

In Division II, Fayetteville (N.C.) State University ran away with the title, winning the division by 36 strokes and finishing with an 896 total.

The Broncos were led all weekend by Junior Jake Barge. The Fayetteville native shot a final-round 70 on the Ryder Course, and also claimed Division medalist honors.

"It was great for our team to get back in the winner's circle this year," said Barge. "We haven't won since 2009 so this is really satisfying. We got the job done."

Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Mo., finished second overall, while Morehouse College of Atlanta, finished alone in third.

See the final-round photo gallery

See the second-round photo gallery

In the Men's Independent Division, Justin Watkins from the University of Central Oklahoma took home medalist honors after a final-round 78.

Aaron Burton of Adelphi University in New York finished second, two strokes back of Watkins. Casey Foster of Central Oklahoma was third.

"It wasn't exactly the way I wanted to finish but I was still able to close it out with a win," said Watkins. "I am exhausted mentally, but was still able to hold it together. It feels amazing."

In the Women's Independent Division, Ariel McNair of Xavier University closed with a 76 to win the title by two strokes over Mia Campbell of Alabama State University.

Shanequa Valentine of Prairie View A&M University finished third.

"I made a couple of birdies on the back nine which really propelled me to this win," said Campbell. "It was a grind all day, but was satisfying to finish strong like this."

The 2012 Championship was played on the Wanamaker and Ryder Courses at PGA Golf Club, and featured nearly 180 players representing over 40 colleges and universities.

The PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship presented by Brown Capital Management, which celebrated its 26th edition this year, originated in November 1986 following the Jackson State University Golf Tournament and has elevated golf in minority colleges and universities by providing opportunities to more players to compete in a national championship.

In 2006, The PGA of America was granted complete ownership and management of the championship by the National Minority Collegiate Golf Scholarship Fund. In 2008, the Championship featured a record number of participants, with nearly 200 students from 47 schools, with representatives from 14 countries.

See the first-round photo gallery

See the Welcome Dinner photo gallery

Final-Round Scores

Men's Team Division I

1. Texas-Pan American 294-309-301--904
Kevin Kirakossian 73-78-71--222
Santiago Bueno Bragado 72-73-79--224
Mathew Charles 74-78-73--225
Jonathan Sloss 75-80-78--233
Chris Felix 76-82-79--237

2. Tennessee State 302-296-308--906
Cameron Scitern 74-74-76--224
Ryan Pierson 75-73-76--224
Dallas Hill 79-81-80--240
James Stepp 77-77-80--234
Andrew Warner 76-72-76--224

T3. Bethune-Cookman 306-303-302--911
Matthew Mcknight 77-77-79--233
JaMichael Jones 80-76-73--229
Alex Clapp 74-74-80--228
Emmanuel Petrich 75-80-72--227
Rafael Abad 83-76-78--237

T3. Savannah State 304-308-299--911
Cedomir Ilic 76-72-72--220
Travis Roe 76-79-76--231
Ryan Lassiter 75-82-76--233
Brandon Neals 77-84-75--236
Calib Simons 80-75-81--236

5. Alabama State 301-311-307--919
Scott Benson 77-73-71--221
John Montgomery 74-77-72--223
Jose Rodriguez 85-NC
Robert Grant 73-79-84--236
Joseph Killebrew 77-82-80--239

6. Florida A&M 306-309-308--923
Justin Stills 78-77-70--225
Cody Sapp 80-83-79--242
Randon Holt 87-74-79--240
Anthony Phipps II 76-77-84--237
Shephard Archie III 72-81-80--233

7. Arkansas at Pine Bluff 305-318-326--949
Caleb Ray 75-84-84--243
Nqobani Ndabambi 75-77-77--229
Gregory Robinson 78-76-83--237
Shane Kelly 77-81-82--240
Elliott Rollins, Jr. 86-87-84--257

8. Texas Southern 322-321-322--965
Dominique Worthen 78-80-67--225
Jason Barton 78-73-78--229
Michael Calvillo 87-87-92--266
Quinton Leonard 93-90-91--274
Luis Colon Gonzalez 79-81-86--246

9. Maryland-Eastern Shore 322-329-333--984
Mike Veverka 78-76-79--233
Greg Raad 81-85-83--249
Paul Cecil 82-85-84--251
Christopher Toney 81-83-87--251
Sedrick Bailey 92-98-98--288

10. North Carolina Central 333-343-345--1021
Spencer Jones 78-80-82--240
Ryne Toole 83-85-82--250
Andre Jones 84-86-82--252
Walter Batts 88-92-99--279
Jack Waissen 115-100-108--323

11. Hampton 351-359-346--1056
Geoffrey Napper 100-93-102--295
Curtis Fearrington 79-82-77--238
Mark Irwin 91-88-92--271
Tyler Davis 90-103-94--287
Sean Moore 91-96-83--270

Men's Team Division II

1. Fayetteville State 300-293-303--896
Jake Barge 72-71-70--213
Brandon Jobe 80-74-76--230
Jedidiah Frazier 71-73-76--220
Lincoln Jackson 77-75-81--233
Michael Wallace 81-89-NC

2. Lincoln 313-305-314--932
Steven Mallow 84-74-77--235
Jacob Sandbothe 77-77-76--230
Kyle Brennaman 76-76-83--235
Eric Kosmatka 76-78-78--232
Jordan Morris 93-86-87--266

3. Morehouse College 319-323-313--955
Bryan McElderry 78-75-82--235
Clifton Jordan 81-85-79--245
Justin McElderry 78-84-78--240
Alexander Atkinson 82-84-78--244
Bruce Cousin 85-80-78--243

4. Virginia State 317-338-328--983
Stephen Genchi 70-NC
Rashad Hunt 79-84-83--246
Aaron Bryant 88-88-77--253
Adam Clary 82-80-83--245
Dalton Jolly 86-86-85--257

5. Benedict College 344-328-330--1002
Anthony Wik 83-82-80--245
Eddie Smith III 94-80-79--253
Jordan Buchanan 78-75-84--237
Kelly Willis 89-91-87--267

6. Paine College 341-332-337--1010
Carlos Solis 76-74-75--225
Victor Tapia 82-82-77--241
Patrick Mobley 90-82-85--257
Ralpph Godbee 93-94-100--287
Keith Godbee 123-116-122--361

7. Winston Salem State 341-335-339--1015
Glendon Mabe 75-77-82--234
Zach Sheets 83-78-74--235
Mike Asbury 86-82-80--248
Kyle Collins 97-98-103--298

8. Kentucky State 362-346-360--1068
George Dundon 89-86-96--271
Josh Jackson 83-81-77--241
RhoShawn Johnson 99-82-84--265
Carlton Foreman 104-107-103--314

Women's Team Division

1. Bethune-Cookman 305-311-300--916
Patrizia Trevisan 72-79-74--225
Estefania Acosta 78-75-80--233
Andrea Orozco 74-79-76--229
Marie Bergelin 81-78-75--234
Jennifer Hide 81-81-75--237

2. South Carolina State 324-297-303--924
Tiana Jones 82-68-74--224
Cheryl Chua 79-76-74--229
Carmen Jones 83-87-78--248
Cherie Chua 82-79-78--239
Cabriel Duren 81-74-77--232

3. Hampton 329-314-313--956
Kayla Williams 80-76-81--237
Nicole West 83-76-71--230
Iman Ellis 87-87-86--260
Dionne West 81-85-78--244
Maria Stewart 85-77-83--245

4. Texas-Pan American 329-322-318--969
Sam Garcia 80-82-76--238
Elena Arroyo 84-76-78--238
Blake Peterson 87-82-82--251
Marisa Canales 78-82-82--242
Ashley Garcia 89-83-85--257

5. Lincoln 351-332-312--995
Kaitlyn Schwartze 81-84-74--239
Payton Schooler 84-74-82--240
Shea Colley 87-87-82--256
Sophia Pardalos 100-87-74--261
Kara Harwood 99-98-90--287

6. Texas Southern 337-339-321---997
Kassandra Rivera 78-82-70--230
Adrianna Trevino 89-86-77--252
Bridget Johnston 89-81-89--259
Tyler Lawrence 85-90-85--260
Angela Rafac 85-98-89--272


Men's Independent Division

Justin Watkins, University of Central Oklahoma - 74-74-78--226
Aaron Burton, Adelphi University - 79-75-74--228
Casey Foster, University of Central Oklahoma - 80-76-76--232
Juan Diego Fernandez, Louisburg College - 83-72-78--233
Julio Gonzalez Galvan, Louisburg College - 77-74-83--234
Louis Kelly, Adelphi University - 76-74-84--234
Michael Ferguson, Univ. of Maryland East Shore - 79-81-82--242
Joseph Morrison, Alabama State University - 82-81-80--243
Christopher Davis, Carroll University - 74-87-84--245
Corey Price, Alabama State University - 88-82-75--245
Barry Davis, Alabama State University - 78-89-79--246
Minsoo Soh, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 87-82-78--247
Jacob Mendez III, Calumet College of Saint Joseph - 86-79-83--248
Lawrence McKenzie, Livingstone College - 89-79-81--249
Erik Potts, Hannibal-LaGrange University - 85-83-82--250
Ben Davis, Calumet College of Saint Joseph - 86-86-83--255
Bryan Martin, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 85-90-83--258
Joseph Journey, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 85-89-85--259
Edgar Evans Jr., Southern University Baton Rouge - 87-83-90--260
Norris Brown, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 84-90-87--261
Sean Wilson, Chowan University - 96-90-88--274
Delton Pounds, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC - 98-88-89--275
Michael Harden, Clemson University - 97-93-94--284
Richard Sheppard, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 98-91-99--288
Patrick Harris, Methodist University - 98-97-98--293
Dylan Watts, Edward Waters College - 99-95-100--294
William Brown, Prairie View A&M - 100-97-99--296
Richard Fleming, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 102-100-97--299
Charlois R. Fletcher, Louisburg College - 96-105-106--307
Spencer Smith, Edward Waters College - 112-126-109--347
Anthony Long, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 89-91-WD--WD
Buddy Senatore, California Polytechnic State Univ. - 80-87-WD--WD
Joseph Sable, Prairie View A&M - 117-88-WD--WD

Women's Independent Division

Ariel McNair, Xavier University - 84-79-76--239
Mia Campbell, Alabama State Univ. - 83-80-78--241
Shanequa Valentine, Prairie View A&M - 88-78-78--244
Whitney Young, Wheeling Jesuit University - 85-89-85--259
Alexandra Uduk, Univ. of Maryland East Shore - 98-87-83--268
Michelle Gifford, Savannah State University - 98-90-93--281
Allison Brown, SCSU - 105-106-96--307
Cheiwah Ferguson, Texas Southern University - 106-103-100--309
Jamie Bruce, Benedict College - 112-119-111--342

COURTESY PGA-AMERICA MEDIA RELATIONS

Bethune-Cookman to face Texas A&M at NCAAs

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The Texas A&M softball team battled through adversity this season to earn a No. 8 seed for the 64-team NCAA Division I Softball Tournament, getting the good news in a fitting way.

A&M watched Sunday night's Selection Show Special on ESPNU at the Denver Airport. The Aggies, who swept a nonconference series at Boise State that concluded Saturday night, had to wait more than six hours for a flight that was delayed.

The players and coaches couldn't find a television at the airport that was showing the show, so they watched it on the computer of softball sports information director Meredith Collier.

"They all screamed [when it was announced]," Collier said. "I'm pretty sure all of Terminal B heard them scream."

It was cold and the air was thick, Collier said, but everyone was smiling for good reason. Their favorable path to the Women's College World Series is lined with familiar opponents with the opportunity to play in one of the nation's best home environments.

The Aggies (39-16) will host Bethune-Cookman (29-29), Louisiana State (34-22) and Texas State (37-15) on Friday through Sunday at the Aggie Softball Complex.

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Fayetteville State golfers win national minority tournament for 7th time

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida -- Fayetteville State ran away with the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship on Sunday, winning by 36 strokes at 32-over 896.  Fayetteville State's Jacob Barge was the medalist, shooting a 70 to finish at 3-under 213.

"It was great for our team to get back in the winner's circle this year," Barge said. "We haven't won since 2009, so this is really satisfying. We got the job done."

Barge is the second straight Fayetteville State golfer to win the individual title. John Michael Cole of Fayetteville won last year but has since transferred to Appalachian State.

Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Mo., was second.

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Alcorn State expected to name Armour head coach

LOMAN, Mississippi - Michael Armour will reportedly return to Alcorn State to rebuild the football program as head coach.

Footballscoop.com reported Saturday the Southwestern Athletic Conference school will hire Armour, who was a member of the Braves' staff from 2008 to early 2011 until he followed Earnest Collins III to Northern Colorado to become offensive coordinator.

He coached the quarterbacks and wide receivers at Alcorn State in 2008 and '09 before becoming offensive coordinator in 2010.

The 1996 graduate of Eastern Michigan, where he was a quarterback, also has coached at Lane College, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Texas A&M-Kingville, Norfolk State and Alabama A&M.

Alcorn State has had a long search for a head coach after putting Melvin Spears Jr. on administrative leave in December and then firing him in February. The Braves were 2-8, including 1-8 in the SWAC, in their only season under him last year.

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B-CU wins MEAC championship, off to NCAA softball tournament

ORMOND BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman is off to the NCAA softball tournament for the third straight season after its 2-1 win over Florida A&M in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship Saturday at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

B-CU's conference title is its eighth overall, as it won five straight from 2000 to 2004.


Photo Gallery

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'Cats and Rattlers make MEAC title game

ORMOND BEACH, Florida -- Shamaria Engram went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run Friday at Ormond Beach Sports Complex to lead Bethune-Cookman past Hampton 3-2 and earn a fourth straight berth in the MEAC Championship title game.

Karina Romero went 2-for-3 with a run and Shanel Tolbert threw her third complete game of the tournament for the defending champion Wildcats (29-29), who will face Florida A&M at 1 this afternoon for the championship.

If the second-seeded 'Cats lose, they will play the third-seeded Rattlers (28-28) again at 3:30 p.m.

The Wildcats took a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a two-run double to left by Engram, who is batting .444 with five RBIs and three runs in the tournament. Aurelia Gamch knocked an RBI single in the fourth to make it 3-0.

The Pirates (25-32) cut the deficit to ...

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18 student-athletes, 3 managers receive Xavier degrees

NEW ORLEANS — Eighteen student-athletes received degrees Saturday at Xavier University of Louisiana's 2012 commencement at Lakefront Arena.

Also graduating were three student managers employed by the athletics department.

Student-athletes graduating were:

• Iva Bobkova, Brno, Czech Republic (Ludvika Danka), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.

• Shayla Arnae Boyd, Gonzales, La. (St. Amant High School), women's basketball, bachelor of science.

• Anna Maria D'Souza, Baton Rouge, La. (St. Michael), women's cross country, bachelor of science.

• Patrice Elaine Hightower, New Orleans (McGehee), women's
volleyball, bachelor of science.

• Joyy Jermaine Joseph, Donaldsonville, La. (Ascension Catholic), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.

• Wanto Joseph, New Orleans (O. Perry Walker), men's basketball, bachelor of science.

• Jazmoné Elisse Kelly, Cincinnati, Ohio (Ursuline Academy), women's basketball, bachelor of science.

• Danielle Louise Kennebrew, Atlanta, Ga. (Archbishop Carroll), women's basketball, bachelor of science.

• Jamaan L. Kenner, LaPlace, La. (East St. John), men's basketball, bachelor of science.

• Cameron D. Knowles, Omaha, Neb. (Central), men's tennis, doctor of pharmacy.

• Ashley Nicole McGill, Memphis, Tenn. (Northside), women's basketball and tennis, bachelor of science.

• Anastesia Dede Opata, Lawrenceville, Ga. (Central Gwinnett), women's tennis, bachelor of arts.

• Celeste Helena Poe, Cerritos, Calif. (Gahr), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.

• Sean Eugene Richardson, Ellendale, Ga. (Stockbridge), men's tennis, bachelor of science.

• Ashley Nicole Taylor, LaPlace, La. (Cabrini), women's cross country, bachelor of science.

• Raymond Anthony Walston III, Atlanta, Ga. (Mays), men's cross country, bachelor of science.

• Christina Leanna Warren, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Los Osos), women's basketball and cross country, bachelor of science.

• Jordan Sinclair Wilson, Baton Rouge, La. (Baton Rouge Magnet), men's cross country, bachelor of science.

Student managers graduating were:

• Taurah Nicole Dizadare, women's basketball, bachelor of science.

• Shakiyah Octavia Huston, men's basketball, bachelor of science.

• Herstyn Branford Jones, men's basketball, bachelor of science.

Boyd and Opata completed degree requirements in July. Wilson completed degree requirements in December.

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

Life in Division I: Q-and-A with N.C. Central’s athletic director

DURHAM, North Carolina - Excerpted from an interview that originally appeared in the Spring 2012 issue of NCCU Now.

In 2011–12, North Carolina Central University entered Division I athletic competition as a full member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Composed of teams from 13 historically black universities from Delaware to Florida, the MEAC is in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision, the second tier of Division I. As NCCU’s first year of competition at this higher level draws to a close, Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, the university’s athletics director, talked with NCCU NOW editor Rob Waters about the rewards and challenges of Division I membership, and predicted a bright future for Eagle teams.

Q. How does it help NCCU to be in Division I?

The biggest benefit is that we’re now aligned with schools that share our academic profile. And it so happens that it is a Division I conference. Our profile – with all of our new programs, including our new Ph.D. program, is similar to that of most MEAC schools. Almost all are master’s level and Ph.D. level. The geographic base of the MEAC is broader than the CIAA – Delaware to Florida – so it gives us exposure and an opportunity to recruit students and student-athletes from a much greater recruiting base.

The four-year transition period when we weren’t in a conference was a difficult time, but it did improve our national visibility. Our teams were playing all over the country – often in front of people who didn’t previously know about NCCU. West of Texas there are no HBCUs, so we were able to reach out to a population of students, some of whom might like to go to an HBCU but don’t have that option in their home states, and show them, “Here’s a school you might consider.”

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Standout DE Jackson leaves Texas Southern program

HOUSTON, Texas - All-SWAC defensive end Marquis Jackson has been granted his release from Texas Southern University's football program. Houston, TX (Sports Network) - All-SWAC defensive end Marquis Jackson has been granted his release from Texas Southern University's football program.

Jackson, from Northridge, California, requested the release heading into his redshirt senior season.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound standout earned All-SWAC first-team honors in each of the past two seasons. Last season, Jackson had 50 tackles and six sacks while also ranking sixth in the conference with 18.5 tackles for loss.

TSU, which finished 4-7 last season...

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Southern Jaguars cancel LSU-E games

NEW ORLEANS - The Southern baseball team has canceled the final two games of its exhibition series at Lee-Hines Field, coach Roger Cador said.

The Jaguars lost a 9-6 exhibition Thursday. They were scheduled to play the Bengals again Friday and Saturday, but had to wipe out the games because of the weather.

Southern was hit by rain Friday morning and afternoon. Typically, the infield at Lee-Hines would’ve been covered by tarp, but the infield was re-sodded earlier this month. The new sod needed rain, Cador said, but also could’ve been damage if it had been covered by the tarp.

Southern wants the field in the best possible condition for next week’s Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.

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NEW ORLEANS - Listen to an exclusive audio replay of Southern University head baseball coach Roger Cador on Inside the SU System hosted by Robyn Merrick.

Cador and the Southern Jaguars, who won the SWAC Western Division title after sweeping UAPB, are preparing for the 2012 SWAC Baseball Tournament in Baton Rouge, La. May 16-20. The Jaguars will open postseason play at the double-elimination tournament against Mississippi Valley St. on May 16 at Lee-Hines Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Inside the Southern University System airs Sundays at 6 p.m. on KQXL 106.5 FM in Baton Rouge and on the web at q106dot5.com.

Memphis standout becomes XU Gold Nuggets' third signee

CLAUDIA HAYWOOD
photo from the signing ceremony (via Facebook)

NEW ORLEANS — Claudia Haywood, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker from Memphis, Tennessee, and Cordova High School, is Xavier University of Louisiana's third women's volleyball signee for the 2012 season.

Haywood signed an XU scholarship Friday afternoon at her school.

As a senior in 2011, Haywood led Cordova's Lady Wolves to a 19-10 record, a district championship and the Class AAA city championship. She was selected the outstanding player of the city championship match. Haywood also was named to the Memphis Commerical Appeal's Best of the Preps Division 1 team. She was all-district her final two seasons, and she had 30 kills in a five-set match as a senior.

"I'm excited to welcome Claudia to our family," XU coach Christabell Hamilton said. "She is strong at the net and will contribute to our offensive game. She is the second middle blocker we've signed in her class, so the level of competition in our gym will be intense and high, just the way I like it."

Haywood was a four-year varsity starter and played her first two seasons at Southwind High School before transferring to Cordova. She played four seasons of club volleyball, the first two with the Memphis Juniors, then two more with Memphis Volleyball Academy. She helped MVA qualify for the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships in 2011.

Haywood will be a biology/pre-medical major at Xavier.

Middle blocker Jodi Hill of Prairieville, La., and Dutchtown High School signed with Xavier on Feb. 16, and outside hitter CeCe Williams of Houma, La., and Vandebilt Catholic High School signed on Wednesday.

Xavier was 23-7 in 2011, won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championship.

2012-13 Xavier women's volleyball signees
Name Pos. Ht. Yr.* Hometown High School (College)
Claudia Haywood MB 5-11 Fr. Memphis, Tenn. Cordova
Jodi Hill MB 5-9 Fr. Prairieville, La. Dutchtown
CeCe Williams OH 5-6 Fr. Houma, La. Vandebilt Catholic
* classification at Xavier in 2012-13



Clips from Xavier University of Louisiana Head Coach Christabell Hamilton Volleyball Clinic at American Samoa, March 2012.

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

Eagle Stadium a big hit for baseball tournaments

DOTHAN, Alabama - Since Steve Sherrill arrived as director three years ago, things have really been looking up for the City of Ozark Parks and Recreation Department. And if you really question that, just try to find a hotel room in Ozark this weekend.

“Every single hotel is booked solid,” Sherrill said Friday afternoon. “Some of the umpires called today and they couldn’t find any rooms here at all. There is nothing left.”

Sherrill has helped to bring in tournament after tournament to Ozark. Including the tournaments scheduled for later this summer, that total is now up to 11 in just three years.

This week, it’s the third consecutive year Ozark has hosted the Alabama Community College Conference Tournament. Last week, it was the SIAC Tournament.

So how has Sherrill been so successful at bringing so many tournaments to Ozark?

“Well the first thing we did is bring Eagle Stadium up to NCAA standards,” he said. “We built new dugouts, added new fencing, a warning track, and a lot of other upgrades. Then we just went out and worked hard to get people in here.”

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Sean Woods Named Head Men's Basketball Coach at MSU

MOREHEAD, Kentucky -- Sean Woods, who has spent time with five Division I men’s basketball programs and led Mississippi Valley State to the 2012 NCAA Tournament, has been named the 13th head coach in Morehead State University history.

Woods will be formally introduced during a press conference on Monday at 2 p.m. ET.   The press conference, which is open to the public, will be held at MSU’s Adron Doran University Center.

“I am very pleased to welcome Sean as the new head men’s basketball coach at Morehead State University,” said Dr. Wayne D. Andrews, MSU president. "I believe that Coach Woods' experience, character and integrity will help us continue the momentum that our basketball program has achieved in recent years. I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding leader for our young men.”

“We are very excited to add Sean and his family to the Morehead State athletics family,” said Brian Hutchinson, MSU director of athletics. “Sean is a strong leader and tireless worker. We were impressed with his energy, character, vision and professionalism throughout the interview process.”

Woods led Mississippi Valley State to 50 overall wins and 44 Southwestern Athletic Conference victories the past four years. The 2011-12 Delta Devils finished 21-13 overall, 17-1 in the SWAC, won the conference tournament and advanced to the school’s fifth-ever NCAA Tournament.

MVSU improved by 14 overall wins and 10 conference victories from his first season to his fourth. Woods was recognized as the 2011-12 SWAC Coach of the Year and earned the prestigious Ben Jobe Award, which honors the top minority coach in NCAA Division I men’s college basketball.

Prior to accepting the head job in Itta Bena, Miss., Woods spent time on the coaching staffs at TCU (2006-08), Texas A&M Corpus Christi (2005-06) and High Point (2003-05).

Woods may be best known as one of the “Unforgettables” from Kentucky’s 1992 East Regional final team. He scored 21 points against Duke in one of the NCAA Tournament’s most memorable games, but Christian Laettner’s buzzer beater gave the Blue Devils a 104-103 overtime win over the Wildcats.

Woods, a UK Athletic Hall of Famer, played in 91 games for the Wildcats from 1989-92. He was coached by Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith, Herb Sendek and Billy Donovan at Kentucky. Pitino, Smith and Donovan all have won national championships as head coaches.

“Sean has an impressive background, ties to the state of Kentucky and has been around some of the top coaches in the game,” Hutchinson added. “Our men’s basketball program has enjoyed a lot of success in recent years, and we look forward to keeping the bar high with Sean at the helm.”

Woods succeeds Donnie Tyndall, who accepted the head job at Southern Mississippi in late April.

Morehead State has enjoyed a postseason berth in three of the past four seasons. The Eagles have won 102 games the past five years, including a 2011 upset of Louisville in the NCAA Tournament.

COURTESY MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Today Is A Great Day and Tomorrow Will be Better!

ANN ARBOR, Michigan - The "Beep" is on a little R&R and family business in Ann Arbor.

At 3:00 p.m. today, my daughter will be conferred the Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Michigan Medical School.   For any parent, this is a day to be proud.  I am and we are!

She has raised the bar significantly higher for her two brothers and step-sister, that all will soon be pursuing their own pathway in life.  Her undergraduate major --- bio-chemistry, Spelman College, only four years ago.  Seems like forever, and also valedictorian of her high school class.  If you can get your first born to a high level, hopefully the rest will follow and make good decisions.

Second daughter will be a junior at her college in Virginia and doing well.  Older son has won three high school championships in soccer and lacrosse.  Just elected to be the captain of his track and soccer teams for his senior year.  Bright future with good grades and good athletic skills.

The eight year old --my joy and giving the ole man a real challenge in staying physical fit.  May become a Rattler --if the mess can ever get cleaned up!

FAMU, an institution with a proud 125 year history, and now enduring its worst scandal in decades.  Not over academic integrity or research shortcomings -- but the marching band!

We are talking about an entertainment group with 100 "semi-pro" non-students that have made FAMU ground zero for a  life-style of hazing and beat downs of tuition paying students that were pursuing a college education.

One such student, drum major Robert Champion ends up dead after a severe beating at the hands of these thugs.

Robert Champion deserved better than what Julian White and his staff provided.

I'm a FAMU graduate (undergrad) and former Marching 100 member - a few decades ago. Without that Dr. William P. Foster music scholarship, I may not have earned a college degree.  Certainly, I would not have had the pleasure of marching with 193 other men and three women, in the pre-final decade of the celebrated career of Dr. William P. Foster. 

Make no mistake, without FAMU's band and the many lessons learned, I would not have had a successful career that has led me to the highest levels in my career fields, and one that gave me the entrepreneur skills to form my own corporation, and build it into a successful regional employer and service firm. 

Back in the day, I was in a hurry.  Earned degree in less than three years at FAMU and rushed off to face life challenges and pursue my dreams.  No time for frats and foolishness.  On a  mission, seeking success for my future family.

My car has a FAMU-1 plate.  Over the years, I have been an active donor, but today, I have mixed emotions about my institution.

How can you have 100 folks marching in the band and they are not even students at your university?

Read the report yourself. at the Rattler Nation Blog.  What good is expulsion, when they never were qualified to even be on the bus or field with legitimate, tuition and board paying college students.

It is unimportant when Dr. White and Dr. Ammons made the wrong turns -- but this is inexcusable!  Period!

Pay the Champions whatever they want for their son's death! Case Closed!!

And end the Marching 100.

The program ended forever with the retirement of Dr. Foster. These impostors are not the "Marching 100" that I once knew and loved.

The University can survive without a marching band.

FAMU is better than the 100 idiots that have been parading around in its uniforms for possibly the past few years with no financial or academic connection to the institution.  Flat out fraud and abuse of the higher education system.

The FAMU -1 plate will come off my vehicle once I return home.  Dr. White, James Ammons and others within the Department of Music have demolished a legacy that took Dr. William P. Foster a lifetime to build.

Back in the day, when I marched with 195 others, we stood for something greater than our individual goals.  Back in the day, we were 1,000 times better than this 420 member -- bloated, gang minded version, formally known as the Incomparable Marching 100.

I can't get pass 100 people marching in the band that are not students at FAMU.

Why would leadership let folks with no school affiliation, and students at Florida State University or Tallahassee Community College march on the "Patch" or in official university performances as members of the FAMU band?

Only full-time FAMU students should be allowed in the FAMU's band. Case Closed! 

I am outraged!  Rattlers everywhere are outraged!  Clean house!

This is a great teaching moment for our children.  You can learn from other folks mistakes.
 
Have a great day!  Tomorrow will be better.  Hubba Doc!

beepbeep

B-CU tops North Carolina A&T at MEAC Softball Championships

ORMOND BEACH, Florida -- Shamaria Engram hit a two-run home run and had an RBI double as Bethune-Cookman beat North Carolina A&T 6-1 to go 2-0 on the first day of the MEAC Championships at Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

B-CU beat Norfolk State 3-2 in its opener to move into the winner's bracket, where it will face Hampton at 1 this afternoon.

Engram went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs for the Wildcats (28-29) in their win over the Spartans (26-34).

The game was scoreless until Engram's two-run blast that highlighted the Wildcats' three-run fifth inning. B-CU added three more in the sixth on RBI hits by Romeo, Engram and Amari Foster.

Karina Romero went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs, and Shanel Tolbert (28-24) scattered six hits and allowed one unearned run to pick up her second win of the day.

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WSSU Rams to rely on pitchers Johnson, Edwards

WINSTON SALEM, North Carolina - Sure, Winston-Salem State can hit, but in next week's NCAA regional baseball tournament, good pitching will be just as important.

That's where the Rams might have an advantage, with workhorse seniors Sheldon Johnson and Wes Edwards. Both right-handers are expected to see plenty of action in the six-team tournament, which will start May 17. Pairings and sites will be announced Sunday.

Johnson, 23, was drafted in the 41st round by the Atlanta Braves in 2007 and also was recruited to play quarterback at Syracuse. He decided baseball was his sport, but suffered an arm injury in 2008 that led to Tommy John surgery.

"We've come a long way as a pitching staff since the beginning of the season," said Johnson, the No. 2 starter who also can pitch in relief if needed. "Everybody knows their role, and we've got a good backbone with the bullpen, and I think myself and Wesley are kind of the leaders."

Johnson transferred to WSSU after helping ...

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FAMU band director Julian White retires unexpectedly

Dr. JULIAN E. WHITE

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University band director Julian White, who has been under intense criticism since the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion in Orlando last fall, retired unexpectedly Thursday amid more troubling revelations about the embattled Marching 100 band.

White's attorney, Chuck Hobbs, announced the decision late Thursday afternoon. White, 71, chairman of the university's music department and director of bands since 1998, had been fighting for months to keep his job.

Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott and the chancellor of the State University System said Thursday that FAMU's famous band, which is under indefinite suspension, is not ready to take the field again.  White's retirement comes days after FAMU revealed that at least two band members charged in Champion's death — and possibly a third — should not have been in the band, and that nearly 100 others may not have been eligible to join the band.

Percussionists Caleb Jackson and Brian Jones, both charged with felony hazing in Champion's beating Nov. 19, were allowed to travel with the band and be on a parked charter bus where the attack took place.

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