GSU out of SWAC tourney

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — Grambling picked maybe the most inconvenient time to play arguably its worst defensive game of James Cooper's three-year head coaching career.

The Tigers (22-26) committed seven errors Thursday morning in an elimination game against host team Southern (32-15) at Lee-Hines Field and allowed six unearned runs en route to the 8-0 loss.

"We picked the most inopportune time to have a game with all those errors," Cooper said. "The first time in my career we've made seven errors in one game."

The Jaguars, playing as the visitors in their home park, struck quickly as leadoff speedster Tyler Kirksey reached on an infield single, stole second base, advanced to third on an erred pickoff attempt and scored on a wild pitch. The initial run was just a sign of the Grambling gifts to come.

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Native New Orleanian becomes 4th signee of Gold Rush

NEW ORLEANS — Native New Orleanian Gary Smith is Xavier University of Louisiana's fourth men's basketball signee for the 2012-13 season.

Smith, a 6-foot-1 point guard, lives in Sugar Land, Texas, and will graduate Thursday from The Village School in Houston, where he started on the varsity the past four seasons, was a four-year team captain and became the school's all-time assists leader. He was chosen the team's top defensive player four consecutive seasons.

Smith averaged 14.5 points, six assists, six rebounds and three steals per game as a senior.

Reggie Rankin of Scouts Inc., writing on ESPN.com, had this analysis of Smith at the 2009 National Prep Alliance Invitational Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas: "Smith has a nice midrange game, finds the open man and plays under control."

Smith was a four-time all-tournament selection. As a sophomore he averaged 13 points and six assists per gane.

Previously signed with the Gold Rush were guard RJ Daniels of New Orleans, guard Xavier Rogers of Denton, Texas, and forward John Gibson of Marietta, Ga.

Xavier was 23-9 this past season, shared the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship, qualified for the second straight year for the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship and ranked 24th in the postseason coaches poll. Xavier's 27 seasons of 20 or more victories are the most in the history of Louisiana men's college basketball.


#5 Gary Smith II highlights from the National Prep Alliance Tourney 2012

2012-13 Xavier men's basketball signees 
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.* Hometown High School (College)
RJ Daniels G 6-4 190 Fr. New Orleans, La. St. Augustine
John Gibson F 6-7 195 Fr. Marietta, Ga. Walton
Xavier Rogers G 6-2 175 Jr. Denton, Texas Lake Dallas (Grambling)
Gary Smith G 6-1 180 Fr. Sugar Land, Texas The Village School
* athletic classification at Xavier in fall of 2012

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

MVSU Devils’ pitching shuts down SU in tournament

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - At 6:01 p.m. Friday, at the end of a long, steamy and devastating afternoon for the Southern baseball team at the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament, Southern right-hander Brian Foster stood outside the first-base dugout at Lee-Hines Field, physically and emotionally spent after the wildest day of his life.

He got a handshake and a hug from assistant coach Fernando Puebla. Then, for the second time, Foster burst into tears.

Earlier that morning, inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center, Foster received his pre-med diploma at SU’s spring commencement. Meanwhile, about 100 yards away, his teammates momentarily staved off elimination with a thrilling win over Alcorn State.

Six hours later, Foster had thrown 151 pitches against Mississippi Valley State. He earned a standing ovation after the eighth inning, crying as he walked off the mound.

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Harris, Smith increase Gold Nuggets' signee total to five

PATRICE SMITH

DARIAN  HARRIS

NEW ORLEANS — Defensive specialist Darian Harris of Gretna, La., and Louise S. McGehee School and right-side hitter Patrice Smith of Glenn Heights, Texas, and DeSoto High School signed women's volleyball scholarships Wednesday with Xavier University of Louisiana.

Xavier has signed five high school seniors for the 2012 season.

Harris recorded 757 digs, 107 aces and 70 kills the past three seasons at McGehee. She helped the Hawks finish second in the Division IV state
playoffs in 2009 and reach the semifinals in 2010. They won district championships both seasons.

Smith started as a junior and senior on DeSoto teams which were 27-8 overall and 9-1 in district in 2010 and 27-14 and 10-0 in 2011. Both teams were district champions and won in the first round of the state playoffs. Smith produced 193 kills, 150 blocks and 124 digs as a senior and was first-team all-district. She was selected her district's top newcomer in 2010.

Harris and Smith will be biology / pre-medical majors at Xavier.

Previously signed with the Gold Nuggets were middle blocker Jodi Hill of Prairieville, La., outside hitter CeCe Williams of Houma, La., and middle blocker Claudia Haywood of Memphis, Tenn.

Xavier was 23-7 in 2011, won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championship. The Gold Nuggets will begin the 2012 season in late August.



Facebook photos of their signings: Darian Harris and Patrice Smith

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

Shaw University Completes Football Coaching Staff

RALEIGH, North Carolina - Shaw University head football coach Robert Massey has completed his football coaching staff. Massey keeps a number of the coaches collected by former head coach Darrell Asberry, while adding three new members to the staff.

"I feel this is a nice blend of returning coaches - who understand the traditions of Shaw football," said Massey. " And also new coaches who can and will take Shaw to the next level."

Serving as Associate Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach will be Maurice Flowers, who most recently served as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at his alma mater, Johnson C. Smith. In all, he has 17 years of coaching experience, with 16 of those spent as a head coach or lead coordinator. Last season, JCSU had one of the top offenses in the CIAA and quarterback Keahn Wallace was named Offensive Player of the Year.

De'Andre' Okonji, who finished his college career as Shaw's all-time leading receiver, returns to his alma mater as the Wide Receivers Coach. Last season, he was the Student Assistant Coach at Feather River Community College where he was responsible for wide receivers, special teams, and recruiting. He coached one All-American receiver last season.

Marcus Webb joins the coaching staff after two years at Contra Costa College in Richmond, CA, where he most recently served as the Tackles/Tight Ends Coach as well as having primary responsibility for recruiting and video.

Rounding out the coaching staff are five coaches who served on the Bear staff last season. Richard Gray will continue as Offensive Line Coach while Markus McElveen - who served as a student assistant coach last season - takes over the Defensive Line coaching duties.

Felton Page continues as the Running Backs Coach and Kenneth Williams remains the Defensive Backs Coach. Sherman Simmons, who coached the defensive line last year, moves to the Linebackers Coach position.

Shaw opens its 2012 campaign on Thursday, August 30 when they travel to Charleston (WV). They open their home season the following Saturday, September 8 when they host Miles.

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU falls to Seton Hill in regional

WEST LAWN, Pennsylvania -- The record will show that sixth-seeded Winston-Salem State lost 3-2 Thursday to top-seeded Seton Hill in the first round of the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional baseball tournament.

The record also will show that the winning run was set up by a two-base throwing error by third baseman Devin McLemore of WSSU on a grounder by right fielder Cody Herald in the bottom of the fourth inning. Herald scored on a double by center fielder Jackson Boyd — the only extra-base hit of the game.

But records are sometimes misleading. Starter Sheldon Johnson (2-5, 2.37 ERA) of the Rams was the more effective pitcher, even though starter Brad Schnelle of the Griffins posted his ninth victory against no losses. Johnson struck out nine and walked one. Schnelle struck out one and walked three over his 8 2/3 innings and left with the tying run on second in the person of Dominique Fitzgerald.

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2 admit hazing female FAMU band member

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Two former Florida A&M University band members, including one charged in the felony hazing death of drum major Robert Champion, today pleaded no contest to misdemeanor hazing for beating a female clarinet player last year, the Orlando Sentinel says.

Aaron Golson, 19, and Sean Hobson, 23, will serve a year's probation in Georgia, their home state, and report to a jail-work camp for one month. They initially faced felony charges for hazing Bria Shante Hunter, 18. The freshman was seeking to join a group of FAMU band members from Georgia called the "Red Dawg Order." She and Hobson attended the same high school.

The hazing occurred about three weeks before Champion died from a Nov. 19 beating aboard a bus after ...

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FAMU band members plead no contest in Bria Hunter hazing

TALLAHASSEE — Two Florida A&M University band members, including one charged in the felony hazing death of drum major Robert Champion in Orlando, admitted Thursday to hazing a first-year female clarinet player who was treated at a hospital after being beaten last year.

Aaron Golson, 19, and Sean Hobson, 23, avoided jail sentences for hazing Bria Shante Hunter, 18, who wanted to join the "Red Dawg Order," a group of FAMU band members exclusively from Georgia.

Both pleaded no contest to misdemeanor hazing.

They were ordered by Circuit Judge Charles Dodson in Tallahassee to serve a year's probation in Georgia, where they live, and report to a jail-work camp for 30 days. Prosecutors said medical records did not support felony hazing charges, which require proof of "serious bodily injury."

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ASU's Carr signs with Ravens

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Former Alabama State player Nigel Carr has signed a free agent contract with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.

Carr played his final two years at ASU after transferring to the Hornets from Florida State. In two seasons, Carr recorded 55 tackles, (34 solo) with eight tackles for a loss and three sacks in 12 games. He also had an interception, three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

“After going undrafted, I made a call to (Ravens) general manager Ozzie Newsome to tell him about Nigel,” ASU head coach Reggie Barlow said. “He agreed to bring him up on a tryout basis for their minicamp. Nigel displayed what we knew he can do. I’m so happy and proud of him.”

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2-star PG Monique Whaley-Briggs chooses the MEAC and NCCU

DURHAM, North Carolina - Monique Whaley-Briggs of Philadelphia, Pa., has verbally committed to North Carolina Central, according to her trainer, Brian Smith. The 5-foot-10 guard is a senior at Carver High School and has a two-star rating from ESPN HoopGurlz.

"Monique is very bright kid who is yearning to be coached and will be a welcome addition to the Eagles program," Smith said. "She has been flying under the radar but definitely a low major (Division I) caliber athlete. The recruiting process was tedious but she persevered and found the right fit."

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XU beats Point Loma, ends national tournament drought

MOBILE, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana defeated two ranked doubles teams and two ranked singles players Wednesday in a 5-0 men's tennis victory against Point Loma Nazarene in the second round of the NAIA National Championship.

The Gold Rush (18-7), seeded seventh, became the first XU team in 39 years to reach the national quarterfinals. Thirty-seven teams in five sports failed to reach the quarterfinals since then, including 16 second-round losers. The XU men increased their win streak to six and set a school record for victories in a season.

Viktor Svoboda and Loic Didavi won in doubles and singles. Svoboda clinched the dual with a 6-2, 6-2 victory against KC Ensley at No. 3 singles. Steffen Giles-Osborn and Sean Richardson rallied from a 7-4 deficit to beat Ensley and Angel Tavera 9-7 at No. 2 doubles.

Ensley is ranked 35th in singles by the Intercollegiate Tnnis Association and 16th in doubles with Tavera. Didavi beat 17th-ranked Tyler Bowman 6-2, 6-3.

Didavi and Zach Taylor, ranked in the top four in doubles all spring, knocked off 11th-rated Bowman and Gregory De Andrade 8-4.

Xavier scored its first point at No. 3 doubles when Svoboda and Corey Huggins beat Michael Zablan and Andrew Combs 8-6. Zablan and Combs broke serve in the 13th game after saving two match points, but Svoboda and Huggins broke back to end the match and record their seventh consecutive victory.

Of the four unfinished singles matches, Xavier led in three of them.

"Big win," XU coach Alan Green said. "Not only to finally get an XU team through to the quarterfinals again, but also to make amends for last year."

A year ago the XU men had a first-round bye and was the higher seed in the second round — but lost 5-3 to a Vanguard team they defeated in the regular season. Xavier entered the Point Loma dual with the same scenario, but a different attitude.

"That loss to Vanguard last year left a bad taste in our mouths," Green said. "We didn't have any intensity, we were probably overconfident, and we got whipped. But today we came out with intensity and maintained it. That was the difference."

Xavier will play second-seeded Embry-Riddle (Fla.), a 5-0 winner against Belhaven, at 1 p.m. Thursday. Point Loma, the No. 10 seed, finished 13-11 and was 0-2 this season against Xavier.

No XU team had won in the second round since the Gold Rush defeated top-ranked and unbeaten Sam Houston State 67-60 in the NAIA men's basketball tourney at Kansas City, Mo., on March 14, 1973. Xavier lost 87-80 the following day to Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Xavier and Embry-Riddle will meet for the third time, but it will be the first postseason matchup. The Eagles won 6-1 in 2004 and 8-1 in 2007.

"We're the type of team that can beat anybody or lose to anybody," Green said. "Hopefully we can take care of ourselves tomorrow and that will be enough."

NOTES: Xavier lost in the second round each of the past three seasons . . . The victory was Xavier's 10th of the season against a ranked NAIA opponent and fourth against a top-10 team. Both are school records . . . The 2008-09 Gold Rush held the previous season mark for victories . . . This was the first time that Xavier won a dual at nationals without dropping a match . . . Xavier is the first men's tennis team from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference to reach the quarterfinals.


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

CSU's Pioneering NBA referee Ken Hudson dies in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Georgia — Ken Hudson, one of the first full-time African-American referees for the National Basketball Association, passed away on May 9 in Atlanta. He officiated in the league from 1968 to 1972.

During this phase of his career, he interacted with such notable players as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Walt Frazier, Lenny Wilkins, and Jerry West, to name only a few. Hudson became beloved by both players and owners. In 2009 he was recognized by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as the recipient of the prestigious Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he attended Westinghouse High School, Hudson earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio where he began his refereeing career. He returned to Pittsburgh to teach elementary school students for several years. Ken also attended the University of Pittsburgh. But, after working in other arenas, he found his niche in the world of sports.

The former executive for the Coca-Cola Company successfully negotiated agreements with the Big East, CIAA, SWAC, MEAC, and SIAC Conferences. After moving to Atlanta with Coca-Cola, he was on the committee that was responsible for developing relationships with the NBA.



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TSU's Larry Inman Basketball Camp set for June

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State University women's basketball program will hold the inaugural Larry Inman Basketball Camp, June 25-28.

The individual camp will take place Monday - Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon each day at the Gentry Center on TSU's main campus. The camp is for participants in the 4th-8th grade.

The camp will focus on improving individual skills and fundamentals necessary to develop into a great basketball player.

For more information contact the women's basketball office at (615) 963-5903.

CAMP BROCHURE

CAMP INFORMATION
Coach Larry Inman Girl's Basketball Camp

WHEN: June 25-28


WHERE: Gentry Center


TIME: 9:00 a.m. - Noon each day


AGES: 4th grade to 8th grade


COSTS: $60 per individual


CONTACT: TSU Women's Basketball Office, 615.963.5903. 
For more information, click here to read the brochure.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

All-SWAC DE Jackson to test supplemental draft waters?

HOUSTON, Texas -- Texas Southern is losing a star in defensive end Marquis Jackson, who requested and has been granted his release from the program. The question for NFL scouts to begin the process of answering is where might Jackson land, and, frankly, should they care?

Jackson, officially listed by Texas Southern at 6-5 and 275 pounds, has earned first team all-conference recognition after each of the past two seasons. This past season he registered 50 tackles, an eye-popping 18.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. His twin brother, Malik Jackson, was just drafted (fifth round, No. 137 overall) out of Tennessee by the Denver Broncos.



Success on the football field is nothing new to the brothers. They were named the Co-Defensive Players of the Year by the LA Daily News after starring at Birmingham High School in Lake Balboa, California. Malik signed with Southern Cal out of high school before electing to transfer to Tennessee later in his career. Marquis played junior college football at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita (CA) and verbally committed to joining his brother at USC. When the NCAA levied sanctions against USC, however, Malik transferred to Tennessee and Marquis considered other options, including going across town to UCLA, prior to deciding on Texas Southern.

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Small athletics budgets makes NCAA Division I play a challenge

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- When a leak appeared in Mississippi Valley State's gym roof and warped the floor, basketball practice became impossible just as the 2010-11 season was getting under way.

The displaced Delta Devils — who had made the NCAA men's basketball tournament three years before — loaded into vans to practice at a middle school 20 minutes away.

It took four months to find money to repair the floor. Meanwhile, the Devils embarked upon an early-season schedule that included several of the nation's top hoops schools: Indiana, Butler, Kentucky, Marquette. They lost all four of those games (and many others), but it was enough to earn $800,000 in guarantees. And more than enough for a new floor.

"We are the lowest in the totem pole in resources and finances," says Sean Woods, the departing men's basketball coach at the 2,000-student school two hours north of Jackson, Miss. "We can't compare to anyone else in the country."

INTERACTIVE: How Division I schools make, spend money

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WSSU Collins sees boost in additions from junior colleges

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Coach Bobby Collins of Winston-Salem State and his staff savored the school's first CIAA title in men's basketball for a while. Then they went back to work. Collins signed three junior-college players who are expected to make impacts early and often next season.

"We feel good about the three, and they all bring something to the party," Collins said. The Rams will lose only one player from last season — rising junior center Nequan Melvin, a role player, has decided to transfer.

They'll add Maurice Nash, a 6-foot-4 swingman from Raleigh and Davidson County Community College; Marquez Jones, a 6-3 combination guard from Kinston and Lenoir Community College; and Victor Holloway, 6-7 power forward from Kinston and Arizona Western Community College.

Nash and Jones were prolific scorers in junior college. In two seasons at DCCC, Nash averaged ...

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A look at JSU, the SWAC and the almighty dollar

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Hopefully by now you’ve had time to pick up today’s copy of The Clarion-Ledger, where in it, a USA Today story highlights the plight of MVSU – and to an extent, most smaller D-I athletic programs – in today’s dog-eat-dog college landscape.

I’m generally not a numbers guy, but I found the report interesting.

The story, which you can see for yourself here, offers a glimpse at the day-to-day struggles that smaller athletic programs must overcome for survival.

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Vanguard ousts Nuggets at NAIA National Championship

MOBILE, Alabama — Vanguard avenged two regular-season singles losses and defeated Xavier University of Louisiana 6-3 Tuesday in the opening round of the NAIA Women's Tennis National Championship.

The Lions (10-14), ranked 15th in the coaches poll and seeded 16th in the tournament, will play defending champion and top-seeded Auburn Montgomery (22-2) in the second round at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The Gold Nuggets, ranked 20th and seeded 17th, finished 7-22 after their sixth trip to nationals in eight seasons.

Gabriele Allford and Ashley Tebeau, both straight-sets singles losers in Vanguard's 5-4 home victory against Xavier on April 5, reversed those outcomes to help the Lions hand the Nuggets their first opening-round loss at nationals. Alford beat Nicole DeLoach 6-1, 6-3 at the No. 4 flight, and Tebeau defeated Ashley McGill 6-0, 6-0 at No. 6.

Xavier never led in the dual, and Vanguard took the lead for good at 2-1 when Allford and Tebeau defeated McGill and Jordyn Goody 8-2 at No. 3 doubles. The Lions clinched when Petronella Lindahl beat Goody 6-3, 6-3 at No. 5 singles.

The Nuggets got their points from DeLoach and Kourtney Howell, who beat Ekaterina Gabashvili and Petronella Lindahl 8-1 at No. 2 doubles; Amber Brown, who defeated Gabashvili 6-2, 6-4 at No. 3 singles; and Amanda Materre, who rallied past Nina Pudar 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 at No. 2.

DeLoach and Howell closed the season with seven consecutive doubles victories. Brown avenged a straight-sets loss to Gabashvili from April. Materre became the fourth Gold Nuggets freshman to win in singles at nationals — joining Dominique Bell (2004), Marian Lang (twice in 2009) and Carmen Nelson (2010) — and earned her sixth straight singles victory.


Howell lost 6-1, 4-6, 1-0 (10-6) to Gabriela Bergmanova, ranked second by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, at the top singles flight.

The Gold Nuggets entered the tournament 5-0 in first-round matches. It's the first time they failed to reach the second round.

It was the final collegiate competition for McGill, a fifth-year senior who graduated from Xavier on Saturday and competed at nationals in tennis and basketball. The other five Nuggets are scheduled to return next season.

Xavier's men (17-7), ranked seventh and seeded seventh, had a first-round bye and will play ninth-ranked and 10th-seeded Point Loma Nazarene (13-10) in the second round at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Point Loma defeated 23rd-seeded Mobile 8-1 Tuesday.

NOTES: There were no first-round women's or men's upsets. There were two 5-4 decisions — Indiana Wesleyan's women beat Robert Morris (Chicago), and Belhaven's men defeated Campbellsville. Both duals matched the 15th and 18th seeds . . . The NAIA announced a three-year contract extension with the Mobile Area Tennis Association to keep the women's and men's tournaments in Mobile through 2016. The date of next year's tourneys will be May 14-18.

Results

NAIA National Championship (seedings in parentheses) First Round — 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15 Vanguard (16) d. Xavier (17) 6-3 William Carey (9) d. Indiana Southeast (24) 9-0 Shorter (12) d. Bethel (Kan.) (21) 9-0 SCAD Savannah (13) d. Nebraska Wesleyan (20) 9-0 Lewis-Clark State (14) d. Northwestern Ohio (19) 9-0 Lindsey Wilson (11) d. Spring Hill (22) 9-0 Southern Nazarene (10) d. Missouri Valley (23) 7-2 Indiana Wesleyan (15) d. Robert Morris (Chicago) (18) 5-4 Second Round — 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16 Auburn Montgomery (1) vs. Vanguard (16) Concordia (Calif.) (8) vs. William Carey (9) Azusa Pacific (5) vs. Shorter (12) Oklahoma Christian (4) vs. SCAD Savannah (13) Embry-Riddle (Fla.) (3) vs. Lewis-Clark State (14) Point Loma Nazarene (6) vs. Lindsey Wilson (11) Brenau (7) vs. Southern Nazarene (10) Fresno Pacific (2) vs. Indiana Wesleyan (15) Quarterfinals — 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 17 Semifinals — 9 a.m. on Friday, May 18 Championship — 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 Xavier at Nationals (5-6) May 17, 2004 (first round): Xavier 8, Lee (Tenn.) 1 May 18, 2004 (second round): Auburn Montgomery 5, Xavier 0 May 16, 2005 (first round): Xavier 9, Indiana Southeast 0 May 17, 2005 (second round): Brenau 5, Xavier 0 May 12, 2008 (first round): Xavier 7, McKendree 2 May 13, 2008 (second round): Vanguard 5, Xavier 1 May 12, 2009 (first round): Xavier 8, Union (Ky.) 1 May 13, 2009 (second round): Berry 5, Xavier 3 May 18, 2010 (first round): Xavier 6, Indiana Wesleyan 3 May 19, 2010 (second round): Auburn Montgomery 5, Xavier 0 May 15, 2012 (first round): Vanguard 6, Xavier 3

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

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.

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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