For love of the game: Ellis leaves legacy on and off the field

(L) Legendary GSU Baseball Coach Wilbert Ellis and (R) Coach James Cooper
(Photo Courtesy: GSU Athletics)

GRAMBLING, Louisiana - Coach James Cooper has kept his predecessor — and often-times father figure — close to the program in which he has played such a large role for more than half a century.

But it's Ellis' off-field contributions to young athletes' lives he and Cooper remember most and feel are as responsible as any on-field victories for his induction this year to the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame.

"A lot of people know I've kept him close, but a lot of people may not know just how close I've kept him," Cooper said. "Coming from a single-parent home, when I came to Grambling, I was kind of rough around the edges and I did not always make the greatest decisions, but he helped me transition into being a grown man, and he did that not just for me, but for many other guys.

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Ashlee McGee named TSU assistant women's basketball coach

ASSISTANT COACH ASHLEE MCGEE

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State University head women's basketball coach Larry Joe Inman has announced the hiring of Ashlee McGee as an assistant coach.

"We're very excited about Ashlee being a part of our coaching staff," said coach Inman. "She's been here as a graduate assistant so she's familiar with the program which makes the transition for me coming in a lot smoother; also for the players as well. She brings a great tradition of winning as a player and we want her to bring that same attitude and devotion as a coach that as she brought as a player. We're very excited about what she brings here and we feel she's going to be an outstanding young coach."

McGee served as a graduate assistant for the Lady Tiger basketball program in 2011-12. As a graduate assistant she handled all aspects of the women's basketball program's administrative duties as well as assisted with team travel, film exchange, on campus recruiting and summer camps.

McGee, a native of Fishers, Indiana graduated from Austin Peay State University with a bachelor's degree in Health and Human Science in 2008. As an undergrad, McGee was a standout athlete for the Lady Govs basketball program for four years. She served as co-captain and helped lead APSU to consecutive conference tournament appearances.

Upon graduation, McGee went to Indiana University to pursue a master's degree in Applied Sports Science. While at Indiana she was a member of the student marketing association where she assisted with advertising and the promotion of IU athletics. She has also worked summer camps with Kansas University, Lipscomb University and IUPUI.

She continued her master's studies in Sports Administration at Tennessee State.

"I am really excited and thankful to Coach Inman and the athletic administration for giving me this opportunity to become a part of the staff," commented McGee. "I am ready for this upcoming season and look forward to working with the girls. I want to do my part to help this program reach success."

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

University of Maryland Eastern Shore looks to resurrect football program

(L) Sephen E. Baker, New York Giants WR (1987-1992)
and (R) Emerson Boozer, New York Jets RB (1966-1975)
at the United Way of New York City's 2012 Gridiron Gala. 
UMES's Boozer was inducted into the College Football
Hall of Fame in 2010.
(Photo Courtesy United Way of New York City)

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- With footballs clutched in their grasps and grimaces across their faces, the “four lightning backs” make their way across an empty campus field: The Bruiser, the Tipper, the Rabbit, the Shaker.

It’s yearbook photographs like this, in black and white with silly captions, that capture the storied football history of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a history that abruptly ended 33 years ago. The lightning backs (Emerson Boozer, Douglas Goodwin, Curtis Gentry and Leslie Donaldson) helped lead the Hawks in 1965 to their 20th straight winning season. All but Donaldson would play in the NFL.

High costs and budget cuts at the historically black college in Princess Anne caused football to be eliminated after the 1979 season.

But a passionate group of alumni and university staff called Hawks For Football has worked for more than a decade to resurrect the program, and is hopeful that now is the time for a revival, with a new school president and the university’s partnership in a feasibility study.

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If readers would like to support UMES reinstatement effort, they may send a donation to:  Hawks for Football Quasi Endowment c/o UMES Foundation, One Backbone Road, Princess Anne, Md. 21853.

PVAMU Launches New Labor Day Classic Informational Website

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- With the 28th annual Labor Day Classic football contest featuring Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University less than two months away, the Prairie View A&M Department of Athletics has launched the official Labor Day Classic website at http://labordayclassic.wordpress.com/. The site, which is hosted under the popular WordPress.com platform, includes pertinent information related to the classic such as ticket prices, history, university information, classic events, photo galleries, media information and more.

The site will contain the latest information related to the classic in addition to highlighting several memorable moments throughout the classic's 28 years as kickoff approaches. Within the next few weeks, fans who sign up through the site to receive updates regarding the classic will also receive an opportunity to win tickets via contests in addition to participating in various surveys related to their classic experiences.




The 28th annual Labor Day Classic, which is sponsored by State Farm Insurance and powered by the United States Marine Corps, will be played on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. in Houston's Reliant Stadium. For more information, log on to http://labordayclassic.wordpress.com/ or call (936) 261-9100.

In addition to all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com, tickets can also be purchased at Reliant Stadium, the Prairie View A&M University on-campus bookstore, TSU's on-campus bookstore and Wolf's Department Store (2701 Dowling Street, Houston, TX). Active and retired military personnel will also receive a special discounted reserved seating ticket of $16 (no limit) which can be purchased only at Reliant Stadium.

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Haitian upbringing key in B-CU's Jean Fanor NFL journey

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- In Haiti, Jean Fanor was robbed on his way to school every day. The muggers would take everything he had—even what little lunch money his parents could spare. If he ran, they could catch him. Fanor quickly learned to fight back if he wanted to eat that day.

That fight-or-flight mentality he learned in Haiti translated well to the football field when Fanor moved to Miami (Florida) when he was ten years old. Like Haitian-born NFL stars Jason Pierre-Paul, Pierre Garcon and others, Fanor had limited football experience before he moved to the U.S., but quickly became a star on the field—first at North Miami High School, and then as a member of the Bethune-Cookman University (Florida) Wildcats.

Now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Fanor is honored to try and become another player with Haitian roots on an NFL roster.  “Being one of the one percent to make it out of Haiti and play,” said Fanor, “That’s a blessing.”



During winter break of his junior year, Fanor returned to Haiti and remembered how lucky he was to leave. The abject poverty of the country was hard for Fanor to see again, especially when his opportunities in the U.S. had afforded him a college scholarship.

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Norfolk State’s Defeat of Missouri Nominated as ESPY’s ‘Best Upset’ of 2012

NORFOLK, Virginia - Norfolk State University’s men's basketball team has been nominated for the 2012 ESPY’s “Best Upset” award after pulling off one of the most stunning victories of the year back in March.

Norfolk State had captured the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament title to gain its first appearance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Norfolk State then went on to shock the nation by beating No. 2 seed Missouri, 86-84, in the first round of the NCAA West Region in Omaha, Neb. on March 16. Norfolk State was only the fifth No. 15 seed to knock off a No. 2 seed in the entire history of the NCAA Tournament.



Missouri, who had just won the Big 12 Conference title, came into the NCAA Tournament with an outstanding 30-4 record, ranking as the third best team in the country, according to ESPN’s national polls. Their loss to NSU made them the highest-ranked No. 2 seed to fall in the opening round.

"This nomination is a tribute to our athletics program," NSU Athletics Director Marty L. Miller said. "Along with the men's basketball team defeating Missouri, this ESPY nomination is one of the most significant accomplishments in our history."

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It's All About the Game: 23rd Southern Heritage Classic®

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - Thousands come back annually to Memphis, Tennessee, USA for the lively tailgate parties; to cheer on historically black football rivals, Jackson State University and Tennessee State University; to tee off in the celebrity golf tournament; for a glimpse at women’s fall fashions; and to experience music made in Memphis and other familiar rhythms. These are the tangibles.

Still, celebrating the Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx that began in 1990 is much more. The greatness of the SHC rests on how it connects kindred spirits - young and old - in celebration of the beauty of cultural diversity and the richness of the City's heritage.

Southern Heritage Classic, September 6-9, 2012 in Memphis, Tennessee
The Game: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium,  Saturday, Sept. 8 at 6 PM 
Jackson State University Tigers vs. Tennessee State University Tigers
JSU Human Juke Box Marching Band vs. TSU Aristocrat of Bands
For Info: Visit southernheritiageclassic

Buy Tickets: $18, $33 and $48, plus service charges. All seats reserved. Tickets are now available at Ticketmaster outlets including the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Box Office (opens Aug. 13) or online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000.

Florida A&M signs a 'steal' in Nigerian big man

Odi Onyekachukwu

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The video was enough for Reggie Bellamy to be persuaded that Odi Onyekachukwu would be a good fit for his basketball team at State College of Florida.

The lanky Nigerian had size at 6-foot-8, 230 pounds and Bellamy didn’t want to lose his diamond in the rough. He signed Onyekachukwu sight-unseen to play at the school formerly known as Manatee Junior College.

What he didn’t know was that Onyekachukwu was fasting and praying for about 45 days that his government would grant him a travel visa. He lost about 35 pounds, stunning Bellamy on his arrival in America.

Bellamy began to wonder if he had gotten ...

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Southern University Coach Sandy Pugh's Hoop Drills for Kids

Simms named Southern's new Head Athletic Trainer

ASHANTE SIMMS

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Southern University is proud to announce the hiring of Ashante Simms as its new head athletic trainer.

"We are excited to welcome Ms. Simms aboard," said athletics director Dr. William Broussard.  "She has seen both big-time (LSU) and small college athletics (Dillard) experience and her time running and establishing a sports medicine unit in addition to serving as a certified athletic trainer uniquely qualifies her."

"She is inheriting a capable staff in this department and I'm confident in her ability to lead them."

Simms, a New Orleans native and LSU graduate, joins the staff after spending five years as the head athletics trainer at Dillard University in New Orleans.

"I think the (sports medicine) program at Southern University could use an upgrade in infrastructure," said Simms. We already have two great athletic trainers in place, what we really need is some one to manage the program."

At Southern, Simms is charged with overseeing the care of over 300 student-athletes and arranging appointments with team physician and any necessary surgical needs.

"My most important goal is to make sure that (the student-athletes) have healthy lives beyond their sport," said Simms. "My concern is not just for them within this four-year time period. Its to make sure they can play with their families and have healthy lives beyond their college careers."

At Dillard, Simms oversaw the medical and physical therapy needs of three men's and four women's athletic programs and was instrumental in rebuilding the Bleu Devils' Sports medicine program.

Simms received a bachelor's of science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in athletic training from LSU in May 2007. Afterward, Simms began work with Oschner Clinic of New Orleans in June 2007, where she was assigned to serve as the head athletic trainer at Dillard University.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

‘BULLDOG HUNGRY’: With a chip on their shoulders, quarterback Wiley, teammates not letting heat stop them

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The relaxed, light-hearted atmosphere on Willie Jeffries Field gives an impression of the South Carolina State football team taking a leisurely approach toward summer workouts.

With head coach Buddy Pough and all of his assistant coaches prohibited by NCAA rules from having any on-field interaction, there’s plenty of opportunity among the players to go through the motions over the next month.

For those supporters whose donations to “Lift-A-Bulldog” made it possible for the workouts to take place during the Summer II session, nothing could be further from the truth. Look past the friendly banter between the offense and defense and even the most casual observer can see the desire and hunger to regain the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title burning among the players.

“That’s a big motivation,” senior defensive lineman J.D. Fulwood said. “We’ve been on top of the MEAC for ...



CLICK ON VIDEO FOR 'FULL SCREEN VIEWING' ENJOYMENT

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Capital City Classic No More

JACKSON, Mississippi - The Capital City Classic is over, for now. The annual football game that Jackson State University and Alcorn State University have played at Veterans Memorial Stadium since 1993 will move to Alcorn State's home in Lorman this year.

Alcorn State University President Christopher Brown and interim Athletics Director Dwayne White announced this week that the school will exercise its right to hold the Nov. 17 football game against arch-rival JSU in its home stadium.



The announcement comes as a blow to Jackson. The Capital City Classic has averaged an attendance of more than 32,600 since 2002, making it the city's most-attended annual sporting event. The average yearly economic impact to the city in recent years is more than $2.5 million.

The attendance numbers differ quite a bit, though, depending on who you ask, Brown said this morning at Koinonia Coffee House's Friday Forum. The city claimed more than 30,000 people attended the game last year. Meanwhile, the state Department of Finance and Administration's numbers showed 28,762 in paid parking and about 22,300 people actually walked through the turnstiles at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

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Former Cardozo forward completes hunt, picks Alcorn State

QUEENS, New York -- Tyrel Hunt was close to settling for a Division II school at this time last year. Then, before making a decision, he thought about how far he had come in one year, from a fringe rotation player to a key component at Cardozo, and he realized if he had made such strides in that short a period, why not see what the next year would hold.

The answer: a Division I scholarship.

Hunt parlayed a big season at God’s Academy in Dallas, Texas into a full ride to Alcorn State of the SWAC. The 6-foot-6 wing picked the Braves on Tuesday over Bradley and Hampton University. He also drew interest from TCU, Loyola of Chicago, Louisiana at Monroe, Boston University and Texas at Arlington, coach Tim Miller said, after averaging 24 points and 13 rebounds per game in leading God’s Academy to an 18-3 record.



“I wanted to chase my dreams because I knew I could do better,” he said.

The Rosedale native felt comfortable with Alcorn State coach Luther Riley. With plenty of turnover, including the graduation of leading scorer Marquis Baker, Hunt sees an opportunity to contribute immediately. Cardozo coach Ron Naclerio and Miller expect him to make an impact at some point, if not right away.

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Dukes commits to Lane College

Shelbyville first baseman Blair Dukes puts the tag on a Lincoln County
 runner on a pick-off attempt.

SHELBYVILLE, Tennessee - Recent Shelbyville Central graduate Blair Dukes will continue his education as well as his baseball career after signing a letter of intent with Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Dukes a two-sport athlete at Central also excelled on the football field and has a reputation of a young man with a lot of character and morals.

"Blair is just a great young man and a very good hitter. He's a .300 hitter and that's impressive because not many teams wanted to pitch to him." Shelbyville coach Brad Frasier said.

'A good fit'

"I think Lane is a good fit for him and he'll have a chance to step right in and start playing. I think he will be very successful at Lane."

Close family friend James Claybourne has known Dukes his entire life and supports his decision to attend Lane College.

"I have known Blair since birth and he's a great young church member, leader, great student athlete in football and baseball and an exceptional young man in our community," Claybourne said.

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Grambling State/Natchitoches fixture J.D. Garrett dies at 74

J.D. GARRETT
(1964 AFL BOSTON PATRIOTS PHOTO)

NATCHITOCHES, Louisiana -- J.D. Garrett, a former Grambling State football All-American, longtime high school coach and fixture in the Natchitoches community, died Wednesday night.

A press release from the City of Natchitoches confirmed Garrett, 74, died while at the city pool where he had worked since he was a teenager. The Natchitoches Parish Coroner's Office determined the death to be of natural causes.

Garrett was a football, basketball and track star at Central High School in Natchitoches. He went on to be a standout running back at Grambling and played five seasons for the Boston Patriots of the American Football League.

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Grambling State, Michigan Round Out CU Future Non-League Schedules

BOULDER, Colorado — The University of Colorado announced the additions of Michigan and Grambling State to its future football schedules, which are now complete through the 2016 season.

Colorado and Michigan will renew their short but exciting rivalry with a single game in Ann Arbor on Sept. 17, 2016. While not officially part of the Pac-12/Big Ten schedule series set to commence in 2017, it will mark the fifth time the schools will play, the first since 1997. The Wolverines lead the series 3-1, but CU’s 27-26 win in Ann Arbor on Sept. 24, 1994 featured what many term the “play of the century” when Kordell Stewart and Michael Westbrook, via a Blake Anderson tip, hooked up on a 64-yard touchdown as time expired.

CU last played a Big Ten opponent just last fall, falling 37-17 at Ohio State. Counting 69 games against Nebraska, the Buffaloes have lined up across from a Big Ten school 101 times. CU’s opponents in the Pac-12/Big Ten schedule plan have yet to be determined, but the Buffs are already scheduled in a home-and-home series with Minnesota in 2021-22.

Colorado and Grambling State are finalizing a contract that will bring the Tigers and their legendary marching band to Boulder on Sept. 26, 2015. The two have reached an agreement in principle for the first-ever meeting in football between the two schools, though they have played once each, both in Boulder and in the last five years, in men’s and women’s basketball. The contract calls for the football team to be accompanied by the school’s legendary marching band.

This will mark the first time Grambling State will play a game in Colorado, and only the second time its football team will play a game in the Mountain Time Zone – the only previous visit to the Rocky Mountain region came in 1980 when the Tigers lost 14-9 in a Division I-AA semifinal playoff game at Boise State.

“Both of these games will feature the best of college football pageantry,” CU athletic director Mike Bohn said. “Michigan was looking for a home game, we had an opening for a road game and it affords us the opportunity to travel back to the Midwest and play in one of college football’s great venues. We’re also excited about creating something unique here in Boulder with Grambling’s football tradition and world famous marching band. It will join our own band during the game and the night before in the Pearl Street Stampede that will create an extra special treat for our fans.”

CU’s future schedules:

2013
Aug. 31	Colorado State (Denver)
Sept. 7	CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Sept. 14	FRESNO STATE
PAC-12 HOME (4): ARIZONA-CALIFORNIA-OREGON-USC
PAC-12 ROAD (5): ARIZONA STATE-OREGON STATE-UCLA-UTAH-WASHINGTON
2014
Aug. 30	Colorado State (Denver)
Sept. 6	at Massachusetts
Sept. 20	HAWAI’I
PAC-12 HOME (5): ARIZONA STATE-OREGON STATE-UCLA-UTAH-WASHINGTON
PAC-12 ROAD (4): ARIZONA-CALIFORNIA-OREGON-USC
2015
Sept. 5	at Hawai’i
Sept. 12	MASSACHUSETTS
Sept. 19	Colorado State (Denver)
Sept. 26	GRAMBLING STATE
PAC-12 HOME (4): ARIZONA-STANFORD-OREGON-USC
PAC-12 ROAD (5): ARIZONA STATE-OREGON STATE-UCLA-UTAH-WASHINGTON STATE
2016
Sept. 3	Colorado State (Denver)
Sept. 10	SAN JOSE STATE
Sept. 17	at Michigan
PAC-12 HOME (5): ARIZONA STATE-OREGON STATE-UCLA-UTAH-WASHINGTON STATE
PAC-12 ROAD (4): ARIZONA-STANFORD-OREGON-USC

Courtesy: David Plati, Associate AD/Sports Information, University of Colorado Athletics

RB Isaiah Crowell completes transfer to Alabama State University, retains high-profile Atlanta attorney

Crowell was ranked as the country's No. 1 running back and No. 4 prospect by ESPN Recruiting in 2011.

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Isaiah Crowell is transferring to Alabama State University and the ousted Georgia running back has retained high-profile Atlanta criminal defense attorney Steve Sadow to represent him on weapons charges.

Crowell, a rising sophomore, was dismissed by the (University of Georgia) Bulldogs this past Friday. He faces two felony weapons charges and one misdemeanor charged after a 9-mm Luger handgun with an defaced serial number was found underneath the driver’s seat of the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis he was driving.

Reached by telephone Thursday, Sadow said he will be representing Crowell “pro bono,” which means he won’t be ...


Crowell was a five-star prospect out of George Washington Carver H.S. in Columbus, Ga., after rushing for 4,872 yards and 61 touchdowns in his career.  He was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) freshman of the year in 2011 and was named to several All-American teams.

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No exhibitions for FAMU women's basketball team

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Fans will get their first look at the Florida A&M women’s basketball team – laden with junior college transfers – on Nov. 13.

It won’t be the customary exhibition, though. A handful of closed scrimmages will suffice, said assistant coach Fred Murray who put the 2012-2013 schedule together.

“I think they (the scrimmages) are going to give us a chance to show where we are with practically a new team going into the season,” Murray said. “When you lose what we’ve lost as far as experience we know we’re going to be kind of starting over again. Going the closed-scrimmage route is going to show us a lot about what kind of (team) we’re going to put on the floor.”

The complete schedule is still unofficial, pending the Rattlers’ opponents in two tournaments and the search for a possible opponent for a Nov. 16 game.

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Stephen Joyner, Jr. named new head women's basketball coach at Johnson C. Smith University

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Johnson C. Smith University announced Stephen Joyner, Jr., as the new head women's basketball coach on Thursday, July 5, during a news conference on campus.

Joyner, Jr., transitions from Winston-Salem State University to the Gold and Blue after two seasons as Rams head coach. During that time, his teams posted back-to-back winning seasons for an overall record of 35-21. Last season, Joyner Jr., coached his squad to the quarterfinals game of the CIAA Tournament and just missed a bid into the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournament.

“I am pleased to have Steve Joyner, Jr., join our Athletics staff as head women's basketball coach,” said JCSU President Ronald L. Carter. “Steve brings solid coaching experience in women's athletics. I look forward to his leadership as our women's basketball team continues to excel at their growing edge.”

Joyner, Jr., returns to his alma mater, where his roots are deeply planted, to lead the women's basketball program. A 2001 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, Joyner, Jr., was also one of the top point guards in the CIAA during his Golden Bulls playing career.

Playing under the tutelage of his father, Stephen Joyner, Sr., Director of Athletics and a longtime head men's basketball coach at JCSU, Joyner, Jr., amassed 399 assists with an average of 4.53 assists per game during his final three seasons (1998-2001). During his senior campaign, JCSU captured the 2001 CIAA Tournament Championship, won the NCAA DII South Atlantic Regional title, and advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight – all firsts in school history.

“Now that I'm here, the sky's the limit,” said the newly appointed head women's basketball coach. “Johnson C. Smith is a great environment and I'm confident that I will be provided with the support to continue to grow this program and maintain a high level of competitiveness.”

Following his playing career, Joyner, Jr., spent the 2001-02 season as an assistant men's basketball coach at Livingstone College under the guidance of his uncle and head coach, Ed Joyner, Sr. While at Livingstone College, Joyner, Jr., also served as an assistant men's basketball coach for the Charlotte Stars AAU team.

After his stint at Livingstone, Joyner, Jr., spent four seasons on the women's basketball coaching staff at North Carolina Central University (2002-06). Following his four seasons at NCCU and a brief coaching tenure at UNC-Asheville, Joyner, Jr., returned home to spend two seasons at JCSU, where he served as assistant coach for the women's basketball and women's cross country teams.

Joyner, Jr., then moved to the Division I ranks and spent two seasons (2008-10) as an assistant women's basketball coach at Florida A&M University. Alongside head coach LeDawn Gibson, Joyner, Jr., helped the Lady Rattlers reach a 32-28 record during his two-season span on the bench.

“Steve's knowledge of JCSU culture and his tie to his alma mater will be key assets as our women's basketball team rebuilds during the next few years,” said JCSU Athletics Director Steve Joyner, Sr., “He brings a solid set of credentials and experience at both the Division I and Division II levels. We're happy to have him join our coaching staff as we push our student-athletes to perform at the highest level in academics and in sports.”

Joyner, Jr., follows Moses Sharpe, Stephen Joyner, Sr., Hythia Evans, Barry Street, and Vanessa Taylor to become the sixth head coach of the JCSU women's basketball program.

COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Get to know a '12 opponent: Norfolk State

LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Back for the second of five blog posts giving readers insight into Liberty University’s non-conference opponents. On Wednesday, we took a look at Wake Forest, whom the Flames will face in their season opener on Sept. 1. Today, it’s reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Norfolk State, which is the opponent for the Flames’ home opener on Sept. 8.

COACH: Pete Adrian, 43-36, eighth season at Norfolk State.

2011 RECORD: 9-3, 7-1 MEAC, lost to Old Dominion 35-18 in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

A LOOK BACK

Norfolk State was a program on the brink of breaking through for three years. The Spartans went 5-7 in 2008 but improved to 7-4 in 2009 before slipping to 6-5 in 2010. Before Adrian’s arrival on campus, the program was abysmal. Prior to 2007, Adrian’s third season, the Spartans had not had a winning season since going 7-4 in 1996. After being outscored by their opponents for nine straight years, Norfolk State has outscored its foes in each of the last five seasons, including in 2011 when the Spartans outscored their opponents by 119 points, the highest total since 1985 when they outscored teams by 130 points. The Spartans rode the arm and legs of MEAC offensive player of the year Chris Walley to the FCS playoffs for the first time, and they lost in the first round to Norfolk rival Old Dominion. There may be some rebuilding this season, especially on the defensive side where NSU lost its top three linebackers, but the last five years point to Norfolk State’s competitive not being a fluke. Last year’s 9-3 season was the second winningest mark in program history, behind only the 1984 team that went 10-2.

WHO’S BACK?


Dance Dimensions Dance & Music Academy located on 415 N. Military Hwy - Norfolk VA. 23502 - presents Hot Ice Auditions for the Norfolk State University Marching Spartan Legions upcoming 2012-13 Marching Band Season. Come join the sophisticated ladies of "Hot Ice" of Norfolk State University. (under the direction of Eboni Young). Auditions are scheduled for Saturday - July 7 at 11:00 a.m. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Call 757-435-5426 for more info. 

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In-state rivals highlight Southern University 2012 Soccer schedule

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Southern University women's soccer finalized its 2012 schedule, which features a season-opening alumni game on Aug. 18 at A.W Mumford Stadium.

In 2011, Southern posted several milestones in the programs history, including most wins (5) and first postseason win. Southern defeated Alcorn State

"(The 2011 season) was our team's first winning record in SWAC play," said assistant coach Courtnie Prather. "Our older players bring a lot of experience to the team."

Following the alumni game, Southern welcomes Lamar on August 24 and Nicholls State on Aug. 31 to A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The Lady Jaguars will have a week off before traveling down I-10 to Lafayette as to face UL-Lafayette on Sept. 7 followed by a home match against UL-Monroe on Sept. 14.

Southern concludes the month of September with a road trip to north Louisiana to face LSU-Shreveport in Shreveport on Sept. 17.

Two divisional home games open SWAC play as head coach John Knighten and the Jaguars host rival Grambling on Sept. 28 and defending SWAC champion Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 30.

Southern dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to UAPB in the semifinals of the 2011 SWAC Championships in Alexandria.

Southern then makes the journey through the state of Mississippi in early October for a 3-game road swing, traveling to Alcorn on Oct. 5, Mississippi Valley on Oct. and Jackson State on Oct. 12.

The Lady Jaguars return to Baton Rouge to host Alabama A&M on Oct. 19 before conducting senior day festivities on Oct. 21 against Alabama State. Southern will look to close the 2012 season on a high note in Texas for two divisional games at Prairie View on Oct. 26 and at Texas Southern on Oct. 28.

For the second consecutive year, The 2012 SWAC Championship will be held in Alexandria, La. at Johnny Downs Park Nov. 1-4.

2012 Women's Soccer schedule

Sat, Aug 18	Alumni Game	A.W. Mumford Stadium	3:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 24	Lamar	A.W. Mumford Stadium	7:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 31	Nicholls State	A.W. Mumford Stadium	1:00 p.m.
Fri, Sep 07	UL-Lafayette	Lafayette, La.	7:00 p.m.
Fri, Sep 14	UL-Monroe	A.W. Mumford Stadium	7:00 p.m.
Mon, Sep 17	LSU-Shreveport	Shreveport, La.	4:00 p.m.
Fri, Sep 28	Grambling *	A.W. Mumford Stadium	7:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 30	Arkansas-Pine Bluff *	A.W. Mumford Stadium	1:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 05	Alcorn State	Alcorn State, Miss.	4:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 07	Mississippi Valley St.	Itta Bena, Miss.	1:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 12	Jackson State	Jackson, Miss.	4:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 19	Alabama A&M	A.W. Mumford Stadium	7:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 21	Alabama State	A.W. Mumford Stadium	1:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 26	Prairie View A&M *	Prairie View, Texas	4:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 28	Texas Southern *	Houston, Texas	1:00 p.m.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach at odds over Municipal Stadium fees

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Although practices start in a month and tickets are already on sale, Bethune-Cookman University's football team still doesn't have an agreement with the city to use Municipal Stadium this fall for games.

The two high schools that use the city-owned stadium for their home games, Mainland and Seabreeze, finalized agreements this week that will end a three-year limbo period for their use of the stadium. But Bethune-Cookman, which has its first home game scheduled for Sept. 22, is still negotiating with the city over fees to use the 10,000-seat facility.



"We're having frank discussions," said Lynn Thompson, Bethune-Cookman's athletic director. "At this point we've had a couple of meetings. We want to put this behind us."

The city proposed a $3 per ticket surcharge, the same proposal that was rejected last year, and Bethune-Cookman said no again.

"We're waiting for a response," Thompson said. "We want a figure and a process that works for everybody."

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TSU Volleyball adds seven for 2012 season

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State University head volleyball coach Kathy Roulhac has added seven student-athletes to the roster for 2012.

Brittany Bunch, Lindsay Hornsby, Shawneis Jones, Jordan Piper, Sarah Sawyer, Lais Soares and Jordan Strickland have all made commitments to play volleyball for TSU.

"I'm extremely excited about this 2012 recruiting class," said head coach Kathy Roulhac. "It's the best complete recruiting class in the history of TSU volleyball. I'm looking for the incoming players to make an immediate impact in the overall success of the 2012 season."

Lindsay Hornsby (6-1*Fr.*MB*Corona, Calif.) - #14

At Temescal HS: Recorded 169 kills and 89 digs during senior campaign... Named to the All-Valley second team in 2011... Selected to the All-League first team for consecutive years... 2010 All-Academic Selection... Student of the Month in September 2008...

Lais Soares (5-11*Jr.*MB/OPP *Brazil) - #10

At Western Nebraska Community College: Selected to the Region IX All-Regional Team... Helped her team to a 2010 Regional Championship.... Led team to 2010 National Title... Team won second consecutive Regional Championship in 2011... Placed third in 2011 National Tournament...

Jordan Strickland (5-9 *Fr.*S* Lexington, Ky.) - #2

At Henry Clay HS: Tallied 850 assists, 230 digs and 67 kills during senior campaign... Earned ESPN Powerade Fab 50 Ranking... KVCA first team All-State selection... KHSAA All-State Tournament Team... 2011 KVCA Region 11 Player of the Year... 11th Region Tournament MVP.... Region All-Tournament Team... Lexington Herald Leader Player of the Year... Lexington Herald Leader All-City Team...

Jordon Piper (5-5 *Fr.*DS * Grand Prairie, Texas) - #5

At South Grand Prairie HS: Registered 242 kills and 164 digs as a senior... Served as team captain during senior campaign... 2011 Most Valuable Player... First-Team All-District senior year... Named to 2010 Lewisville All-Tournament Team... 2009 District Newcomer of the Year... 2009 Offensive Player of the Year....

Brittany Bunch (5-3*So.*DS/L*Denver, Colo.) - #1

At Overland HS: Named Most Valuable Player of the 2010 Overland Classic... 2010 All-Conference second team selection... All-Conference honorable mention in 2009...

Shawneis Jones (5-9.*Fr.*OH/MB*Danville, Ill.) - #15

At Danville HS: Recognized as United States Scholar Athlete... Led Danville HS to the best record in program history as a senior... Named the Most Valuable Player in 2011... Garnered All-Area honors in back-to-back seasons... Served as team captain during junior and senior campaigns... Freshman of the Year...

Emilie Sandve Aase (5-11*Fr.*MB*Norway) - #9

Bio information coming soon...

Tennessee State is coming off a successful season behind an 18-11 record and a second place finish in the Ohio Valley Conference race. The Tigers recorded their first winning season since 2007...

2012 Volleyball Signees

Brittany Bunch - DS/L - Denver, Colo. (Colorado State)

Lindsay Hornsby - MB - Corona, Calif. (Temescal Canyon HS)

Shawneis Jones - OH/MB - Danville, Ill. (Danville High School)

Jordon Piper - DS - Grand Prairie, Texas (Grand Praire HS)

Sarah Sawyer - MB - Midland, Texas (Midland CC)

Lais Soares - MB/ OPP - Brazil (Western Nebraska CC )

Jordan Strickland - S - Lexington, Ky. (Henry Clay HS)

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn State hires new defensive coordinator

ALCORN STATE, Mississippi - Alcorn State has announced the hiring of Tony Pecoraro as its new defensive coordinator under first-year head coach Jay Hopson.

Last season, Pecoraro was the defensive coordinator for Division II North Alabama, where the Lions made a second consecutive NCAA playoff appearance under head coach Terry Bowden.

"This place has a lot of good history," Pecoraro said. "I know it's going to be a challenge, but I think it's going to be a good challenge."

Hopson, who was hired by Alcorn in late May, is the first-ever white head coach in the history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

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UAPB's Shawn Forrest Named To Men's Basketball Staff at UL-L

SHAWN FORREST
ASSISTANT MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA at LAFAYETTE
(Photo Courtesy ULL Athletics)

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana – Shawn Forrest, a 14-year collegiate coaching veteran who spent the last four seasons at North Texas, has been named assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Louisiana. The announcement was made by men's basketball head coach Bob Marlin, and the hiring is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

“We are happy to welcome Shawn into the Ragin' Cajuns basketball family,” Marlin said. “As we went through the search and tried to determine which candidate fit best in our program, Shawn's name kept coming to the top.

“Shawn’s experience as a coach and recruiter in the Sun Belt Conference should provide an immediate benefit to the program,” Marlin added. “The knowledge that he has gained as a coach at the Division I level over the last two decades will help us to achieve the level of success that we are working towards.”

While serving as an assistant coach at North Texas (2008-09 through 2011-12), Forrest worked with teams that averaged 21.3 wins per season. In 2009-10, the Mean Green went 24-9, won the Sun Belt crown and faced Kansas State in the first round of the NCAA Championship.

Forrest was instrumental in helping land the 2010-11 recruiting class of Tony Mitchell, Jordan Williams, Chris Jones, and Roger Franklin, which was ranked as high as No. 31 in the country.

Prior to moving to Denton, Texas, Forrest worked as an assistant coach at Arkansas State for six seasons (2002-03 through 2007-08). He helped the Red Wolves to multiple Top 100 recruiting classes, which included a pair of two-time All-Sun Belt Conference players, a Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year, a league-leading scorer, second-leading scorer and third-leading scorer in the conference.

A standout athlete at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Forrest joined the ASU staff in August 2002 after serving as the recruiting coordinator at Florida A&M.

While at FAMU (2001-02 season), Forrest helped the Rattlers to a fourth-place finish in the MEAC – the highest they had finished in 10 years. Forrest also recruited Terrance Woods, who was a two-time First Team All-MEAC performer. Woods holds the third and fourth best single-season three-point field goals made in NCAA?history and in 2004 won the NABC All-Star Three-Point Contest at the Final Four in San Antonio.

Prior to his stint in Tallahassee, Forrest was an assistant at Troy from the 1997-98 season through 2000-01. During that time he worked with recruiting, academics, scheduled travel and worked with the guards.

While at Troy, Forrest helped land four straight Top 100 recruiting classes, producing five all-conference players and two players of the year in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Forrest helped the Trojans to two regular season and one Atlantic Sun Conference tournament championship, one NCAA?Tournament appearance and one postseason NIT appearance.

Forrest received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 1998.


BY BRIAN MCCANN, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR, ULL ATHLETICS