TSU's Coach Temple Set for U.S. Olympic Induction Thursday

CHICAGO, Illinois -- Tennessee State University legend Coach Ed Temple will be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame on Thursday at the Harris Theater in Chicago.

A 1950 graduate of Tennessee State University, Coach 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.

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.

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2012 will be formally introduced and honored Thursday 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 SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M's President Resigns to Initiate His Retirement

Reaction to FAMU President Ammons' resignation by State Rep. Alan B. Williams (D-Tallahassee)


Rep. Alan B. Williams, (D-Tallahassee)
Florida House of Representatives

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Rep. Alan B. Williams, D -Tallahassee, issued this written statement in reaction to the announcement by FAMU President James H. Ammons today.

“As a state lawmaker and graduate of Florida A&M University, I am saddened by the announcement of President Ammons’ resignation," Williams said. "From the outset of his tenure, President Ammons has shown strong leadership and has worked to ensure that FAMU remains a beacon of academic excellence.

“President Ammons has been a highly effective recruiter of talent to FAMU and he has instilled Rattler pride in the hearts of alumni throughout the world. He consistently puts first the best interests of FAMU students.

“Under his leadership, FAMU has strengthened its long-term vision and built on its excellent reputation. In fact, the university has been named one of the most popular schools in the country and one of the best institutions of learning for African Americans, particularly those earning doctoral degrees in the natural sciences, engineering and pharmacy.

“President Ammons has brought positive change to FAMU, and I believe he capably demonstrated strong leadership during a historic phase of development and progress at FAMU. His resignation is a personal decision, but I suspect that it is one that he making not for his own best interests but for the best interests of the future of the university. Accordingly, I am very proud of the work President Ammons has done. And like other supporters of FAMU, I am hopeful that the university’s next president will be given the necessary respect and autonomy to carry forward with the important work that President Ammons has started.”

Ross Named New NCA&T Track and Field Director

COACH DUANE ROSS
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
(Photo Courtesy NCA&T Sports Information)

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T Director of Athletics Earl Hilton announced the appointment of Duane Ross as the new director of track and field programs. Ross, a former member of the U.S. Olympic team, will oversee and run the operations of A&T's six track and field programs, including men's and women's cross country, men's and women's indoor track and field and men's and women's outdoor track and field.

"I am extremely excited about this opportunity and the future of this program," said Ross. "North Carolina A&T State University has a heritage and history that is unmatched. I intend to keep us on that path by building a championship program of which the administration, faculty and staff, student-athletes and alumni can all be proud of. I would like to thank Chancellor (Harold L. Martin) and Mr. Hilton for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the former A&T track and field coaches who have come before me for all of their hard work in laying the foundation for such a great program."

Ross' background in track and field and the Aggies' recent success in the sport seem to be a perfect match. The Aggies are coming off of a season in which the men's outdoor track and field team finished second at the MEAC Championships held at A&T's Irwin Belk Track. The women finished third in outdoor and return most of their top competitors. The program has also produced six (indoor or outdoor) All-Americans in the seven years, and this past season 17 athletes qualified for the NCAA Division I East Regional Preliminary Round.

Ross has spent the past five years serving as the director of track and field programs at Division III Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C. During his time there, seven Monarchs have won individual NCAA Championships. Thirty-eight Monarchs have earned All-American honors. On 57 occasions a Monarch has achieved an NCAA qualifying mark, and Methodist has won 71 individual Mason Dixon conference championships on Ross' watch. The last four Mason Dixon Athletes of the Year have been Monarchs, and the last two Cross Country Mason Dixon Athletes of the Year were also from Methodist.

Also under his guidance, women's sprinter Ruby Blackwell was named United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association National Athlete of the Year in 2011. Academically, Ross had 22 scholar athletes and two Academic All-Americans.

"Our track and field programs are well positioned to move toward becoming an elite NCAA Division I program," said Hilton. "It is important we that we build on the excellence we have seen from our track and field programs over the last few years. Coach Ross knows what it takes to obtain our goals as both an athlete and a coach."

In 2011 and '12, Ross earned consecutive USTFCCCA South/Southeast Region Coach of the Year honors. He also earned Mason Dixon Indoor Coach of the Year honors in 2011, which was followed up by him winning the outdoor equivalent the same year. As an athlete, Ross earned a spot on the 2004 U.S. Olympic team. He was a silver medalist at the 2004 Olympic Trials in the men's 110 meter hurdles. He finished ninth in the 110 hurdles at the Games in Athens, Greece in '04. Ross is a four-time member of the U.S. World Championship team, where he earned two U.S. Championships and a two time silver medals in 110 hurdles.

In 1995 as a member of the Clemson track and field team, Ross won the NCAA Championship in the 110 hurdles. Ross received his B.S., degree in financial management from Clemson in 1996, and he earned his M.S., degree in physical education and sports management in 2012 from Aspen University (Colorado).

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Collins Basketball Camp Set for July 16-17

COACH BOBBY COLLINS
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The Bobby “BC” Collins basketball camp is set for July 16-17 at Pinecrest High School. The camp will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day. The camp is open to participants between the ages of 6-18.

Collins, a former star player at Pinecrest, is now the head men’s basketball coach at Winston-Salem State. He led the Rams to this year’s CIAA tournament championship.  It is the seventh consecutive year that Collins has offered the camp to local youth.

For more information, call Collins at (757) 344-9500 or Jackie Thompson at (910) 639-0151.

There is also a website for the camp: www.bobbycollinsbasketballcamp.com.

FAMU Announces Department of Music Interim Chair

Dr. Kawachi Clemons
Interim Chair, Department of Music
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the Institute for Research in Music and Entertainment Industry Studies at Florida A&M University (FAMU) Dr. Kawachi Clemons will serve as FAMU’s Interim Chair for the Department of Music.

Clemons has a broad and definitive career in music and higher education. His decade of teaching experience includes posts at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as former director of the Hip Hop Initiative, assistant director of bands and visiting assistant professor of Music at NCCU. Prior to his work at NCCU, Clemons was an assistant director in the Office of Student Affairs at Florida International University (FIU).

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the Interim Chair of the School of Music,” said Clemons. “I look forward to building on the foundation laid by faculty members, staff, trustees, students, and alumni under the leadership of President Ammons.”

Clemons has served on the production staff of The Academy Awards, Super Bowl XXXIII Halftime Show, and has managed numerous special events with Walt Disney Entertainment.

“Kawachi Clemons has the background to be a successful leader,” said FAMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Robinson. “I am very pleased we can call on such experience to guide the music department over the coming period of growth and transition.”

A native of Florida, Clemons earned his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received his master’s degree from Florida International University (FIU) and his undergraduate degree from FAMU.

Clemons is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the American Educational Research Association, the American Educational Studies Association, the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society and the Interlochen Alumni Association.

Clemons assumed his role of interim chair effective July 2.

COURTESY FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Zachery Selected to Lead PVAMU Marching Storm Band

Dr. Timmey Zachery
Director
PVAMU Marching Storm



PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- After a nationwide search, Dr. Timmey Zachery has been chosen to lead the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm.

Zachery will be tasked with enhancing the Marching Storm’s national reputation and shaping students, both academically and socially, while pushing them to higher levels of music performance.

A native of Alexandria, Louisiana, Zachery hails from a background that is filled with music. He began playing the trumpet as a grade school student and went on to play with the Southern University Marching Band. He later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Norfolk State University and his Doctor of Music Arts degree from Indiana University.

Zachery was assigned to the United States Navy Band, providing the opportunity to travel the world and meet other musicians from around the world. He has performed with the Virginia Symphony, The David Baker Big Band, The Right On Band, The Great American Music Ensemble and the Atlantic Fleet Jazz Band, Concert Band, Ceremonial Band and Show Band.

Prior to coming to PVAMU, Zachery served as an instructor of Music – High Brass and assistant band director at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. He also served as director of NSU Trumpet Ensemble and Jazz Combo. For the past year, he has also been an instructor of music theory at Tidewater Community College. Prior to teaching on a collegiate level, he served as a music instructor and band director at Norview Middle School in Norfolk.

Zachery will oversee all musical aspects of the marching band, while Ashley Robinson, assistant vice president for athletic compliance and advising, will manage the band’s fiscal budget and ensure that operations remain in compliance with University regulations.

Zachery will officially begin as band director on Thursday, July 5.



COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

2011-12 NCCU Athletic Highlights

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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