Schedule for 2nd Annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Events DC announced that the official schedule of events surrounding the 2nd annual AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ will be held Thursday, August 30 through Sunday, September 2. The football game features Morehouse College vs. Howard University on Saturday, September 1 at RFK Stadium at 3:30 p.m.

“As illustrated by our schedule, we have a great lineup of events that not only includes an exciting rivalry on the field, but also a number of diverse entertainment and educational options,” said Erik A. Moses, managing director of Events DC’s Sports and Entertainment Division. “That is central to our mission of making this a destination event for fans of all ages and interests.”

All events are free to the general public (except for the football game). Students, alumni, HBCU football fans and all other interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate in the various entertainment events, networking opportunities and educational experiences. Additions to the schedule will be announced as necessary.

Tickets for the football game are priced $25 to $50 (plus applicable fees), and on sale at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Through June 30, $25 tickets are available for $15 (plus applicable fees).

The JW Marriott Washington, DC is the headquarters hotel and will serve as the hub for AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ activity during the weekend. In addition to hosting the HBCU Alumni Networking Mixer, the headquarters hotel will host the official Welcome Dinner for both teams and Happy Hours. Promotional rates for this hotel, and other participating Marriott properties, can be reserved at www.nationsfootballclassic.com or 800-266-9432 (use reference code: NFF).

2012 AT&T NATION'S FOOTBALL CLASSIC™ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, August 30 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.	Presidential Symposium: A Focus on Excellence in STEM, Youth Voter Participation and Interpersonal Relationships Howard University Cramton Auditorium and Blackburn Center Through panel discussions, this symposium explores educational and social issues facing the African-American community. Session 1: 10am-12:30pm; Session 2: 2-4pm; Session 3: 5-6:30pm
Friday, August 31 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	"The Game Before The Game": Mordecai Wyatt Johnson – Benjamin E. Mays Student Debate Howard University Cramton Auditorium Witness the academic rivalry between Howard and Morehouse as they showcase each school’s tradition of developing great orators.
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	AT&T Kickoff Rally – Downtown D.C. location Join the fun at the official Kickoff Rally in the heart of the nation’s capital. Reps from participating schools, city officials, music and much more.
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.	HBCU Alumni Networking Mixer – JW Marriott Alumni from all HBCUs gather for networking and fellowship.
Saturday, September 1 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Pepsi® Fan Festival – RFK Stadium Festival Grounds Fan Festival featuring games, music and exhibit booths.
3:30 p.m.	AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ – RFK Stadium Morehouse College Maroon Tigers vs. Howard University Bison
Sunday, September 2 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Chapel Service – Howard University Rankin Chapel at Cramton Auditorium

Visit www.eventsdc.com.

About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™
The AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. This year, the game features Howard University against Morehouse College. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions. Tickets for the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced $25 to $50.

ATTNFC website: www.NationsFootballClassic.com
ATTNFC Twitter: @nationsclassic
ATTNFC Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NationsFootballClassic
Howard University website: www.howard.edu
Morehouse College website: www.morehouse.edu

Xavier University First in African American Medical Graduates

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Xavier University of Louisiana is first among the nation’s colleges and universities in the number of African American graduates who go on to complete medical school, according to data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Xavier had 60 African-American graduates earn medical degrees in 2011, the latest year for which complete data is available. Howard University was second with 43 graduates, followed by the University of Florida with 26. The remaining schools ranked in descending order are Harvard University, Yale University, Duke University, Stanford University, Spelman College, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The statistics, which were published in the June 7 issue of Diverse issues in Higher Education magazine, are not altogether surprising, since for the past three decades Xavier has been one of nation’s leaders in preparing and sending graduates to medical and professional schools. In fact, Xavier was No. 1 in the nation in placing African Americans for 15 straight years before an enrollment drop due to the six-month closure of the school following Hurricane Katrina curtailed its numbers. Even still, in 2011 the University placed 68 students into medical school according to AAMC data, second only to much larger Howard University.

Nor is it surprising in light of some recent grants Xavier has received designed to help the university continue, build upon, and share with other colleges and universities the programs and practices that have helped build it into a powerhouse of science education.



Earlier this year The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) announced that Xavier was one of 47 U.S. colleges and universities selected to participate in a $50 million initiative that will enable the school to create more engaging science classes, bring real-world research experiences to students, and increase the diversity of students who study science.

Identified as among the best universities in the nation at producing graduates who go on to science careers, Xavier was given a Capstone Award of $1 million. Capstone recipients are charged with assessing which elements of their various approaches to science education have been successful and why, establishing a leadership role for these schools. More details available HERE.

Xavier’s undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program was also recognized with a $500,000 grant from UNCF/Merck Science Initiative. As the only recipient of this grant, Xavier was able to demonstrate the strength of their STEM program and stand out in UMSI’s competitive selection process. More details available HERE.

XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis stands proud of the longstanding and ongoing accomplishments of the University in producing the highest quality science graduates well-prepared for graduate and professional schools in the field.

“Xavier has achieved a national reputation for excellence in placing the most African American students in medical schools and graduating the most African American biologists, chemists, and physicists, in addition to an impressive number of African Americans completing PhDs in science and engineering,” said Francis. “Going forward we intend to build upon that success.”



COURTESY XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Xavier Nuggets sign 2 setters to complete their recruiting class

Jodi Chatters

Franziska Pirkl

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has completed its 2012-13 women's volleyball recruiting class with the signing of Jodi Chatters of Lake Charles, La., and Franziska Pirkl of Munich, Germany, to scholarships. Both will be freshmen at XU.

Chatters, a 5-foot-6 setter, was all-state in volleyball and twice in soccer for St. Louis Catholic High School and was the 2011-12 female winner of the Lake Charles American Press Outstanding Athlete of the Year award. In June she was inducted into the Southwest Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Chatters helped St. Louis win state championships in soccer in 2009 (Division III) and 2010 (Division II) and finish second in the 2011 Division III state volleyball tournament. Chatters scored in both soccer title victories. She also competed in track and field, winning the long jump at the District 4-4A outdoor meet and placing seventh at the state meet this year.

Chatters' mother, aunt and uncle are XU alumni, and her sister, Cydney, is an XU junior.

Pirkl, a 5-9 setter, will transfer to Xavier from the University of Alaska Anchorage, an NCAA Division II member where she redshirted during the 2011 season. Pirkl played club volleyball in Germany. She helped SV Lohhof of Bayernliga to a runner-up finish in 2010 at the German under-18 championships. In 2009 she helped her team win the Bavarian under-18 title and place ninth at the German under-18s. In 2008 she helped her team place second at the Bavarian under-16 championships and third at the German under-16s.

"My coach at Alaska Anchorage, Chris Green, and Coach (Christabell) Hamilton at Xavier are very good friends," Pirkl said. "He helped me transfer to Xavier. He told me a lot of good things about Coach Hamilton. When I talked to her, she emphasized the importance of combining school with sports and that she supports her athletes in every way. I think I can learn a lot at Xavier."

Chatters will be a biology/pre-medical major at Xavier. Pirkl will major in mass communications.

The Gold Nuggets will have eight newcomers this season. Previously signed with were defensive specialists Alexis Clay of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and Darian Harris of Gretna, La., middle blockers Claudia Haywood of Memphis, Tenn., and Jodi Hill of Prairieville, La., right-side hitter Patrice Smith of Glenn Heights, Texas, and outside hitter CeCe Williams of Houma, La.

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

2012-13 Xavier University of Louisiana Women's Volleyball Signees

Name Pos. Ht. Yr.* Hometown High School (College)
Jodi Chatters S 5-6 Fr. Lake Charles, La. St. Louis Catholic
Alexis Clay DS 5-1 Fr. Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. Palos Verdes Peninsula
Darian Harris DS 5-3½ Fr. Gretna, La. McGehee
Claudia Haywood MB 5-11 Fr. Memphis, Tenn. Cordova
Jodi Hill MB 5-9 Fr. Prairieville, La. Dutchtown
Franziska Pirkl S 5-9 Fr. Munich, Germany Theodolinden Gymnasium (Alaska Anchorage)
Patrice Smith RS 5-9 Fr. Glenn Heights, Texas DeSoto
CeCe Williams OH 5-6 Fr. Houma, La. Vandebilt Catholic
* classification at Xavier in fall of 2012

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

Penny Minter named new Director of Athletics at Lane College

PENNY MINTER
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
LANE COLLEGE

JACKSON, Tennessee -- Penny Brown Minter, former Administrative Assistant in the Department of Athletics, is now Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Minter has been associated with the College for 13 years and brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the intricacies of intercollegiate athletics.

In her new position, she will provide leadership to the entire department, consisting of 12 sports that include football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, cross-country, softball, baseball, tennis and track & field. She will also be responsible for the supervision of all coaching staffs, the daily operations of the department, and its relations with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Minter received her Associate of Science Degree from Jackson State Community College in Health and Physical Education and her Baccalaureate Degree from Union University in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Management.

As a 1985 graduate of West Sr. High School and star basketball player, the Jackson native was honored as the State's leading scorer, averaging better than 30 points a game. She received All-Academics, All-District, All-Conference, and All-Region accolades. She is married and the mother of 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

COURTESY LANE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

2012 NCCU Football Tickets

Former MVSU guard Brent Arrington transfers to Morehead State

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -  For the first time in about a month-and-a-half, Brent Arrington got a good night’s sleep.

Since late May, Arrington has patiently waited for Mississippi Valley State to release him from his scholarship. His request was repeatedly denied, making what should have been a relaxing summer break an exceedingly stressful time for the Lansdowne grad.

But last Friday, after his father spoke with someone from the NCAA and pleaded Arrington’s case, the 6-foot-2, 182-pound guard was released from his scholarship. Arrington’s first days as a free man were something to savor.

“I feel great,” Arrington said. “The first night I had the release I could actually fall asleep. I slept the whole night, no headaches. I’m just ready to play ball right now.”

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Savannah State University grad Jones in Olympics

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Former Savannah State track and field standout Amara Jones has qualified as an alternate for the 2012 Bahamian National Olympic Team in the 4x100 meter relay event. She will travel with the team to London for the 2012 Olympics.

During the training camp phase, commencing next week, Jones will join the team in training as coaches Diane Woodside, David Charlton, Henry Rolle, and Ronald Cartwright finalize the six women that will represent the Bahamas. During the qualification period, Jones’ 4x100-meter team had the fastest time for the Bahamas in the qualification period.



“I’m just happy I have the opportunity,” Jones said. “This is a dream come true and I think one of the biggest things for me is being able to learn from our veterans. I have been so blessed this year and the experience alone is an achievement for me. I just have to keep working hard.”

During Jones’ tenure at Savannah State, she set school records in the women’s 200m, and 400m dashes, and was on the team that set a new school record in the 4x100m relay. She was the first Savannah State female ...

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TSU holds John Merritt Classic press conference

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The Tennessee State University Department of Athletics kicked-off the 2012 football season this morning with a press conference at LP Field.

The meeting gathered representatives from both teams to promote the 14th Annual John Merritt Classic (JMC).

The press conference on Thursday morning was hosted by former Channel 5 Sports Director and long time friend of John Merritt, Hope Hines. Also joining the master of ceremony were TSU's Director of Athletics, Teresa Phillips, and head football coach Rod Reed; along with Florida A&M head football coach, Joe Taylor, joined by assistant sport's information director Ronnie Johnson.

Other dignitaries in attendance included: Tennessee State University interim president, Dr. Portia Shields and Beth DeBauche (OVC Commissioner).

"We have worked hard to get FAMU up to Nashville and then for us to go down to Tallahassee," said Teresa Phillips. "We've done that, so now we are excited about the game and looking forward to it."

The John Merritt Classic will be held on September 1, at LP Field. The game will mark Rod Reed's third JMC as a head coach and the first with Florida A&M as the opponent.

"I'm excited to play Florida A&M again after losing seven in a row in the series before finally winning in 2010," commented Coach Reed. "I have a lot of respect for FAMU coach Joe Taylor.

The John Merritt Classic, first played in 1999, honors John A. Merritt, the legendary TSU football coach who led the Tigers from 1963 - 1983.

During 21 seasons, "Big John" won four undisputed national championships among historically black colleges ranked by the Sheridan Poll, compiled a lifetime record of 172-33-1, and built a powerful program that produced NFL stars like Richard Dent (Chicago Bears), "Jefferson Street" Joe Gilliam (Pittsburgh Steelers), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (Dallas Cowboys), Claude Humphrey (Atlanta Falcons) and many others.

The JMC, one of four HBCU football Classics solely hosted by a single NCAA FCS institution, is intended to allow Tennessee State University to raise funds for scholarships and other related needs for TSU students. The Classic also provides an opportunity for community outreach with its weekend of activities.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama A&M's Tamisha Augustin Named Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach



Tamisha Augustin
Assistant Coach
Marshall University

HUNTINGTON, West Virginia – Marshall University women’s basketball coach Matt Daniel announced the hiring of assistant coach Tamisha Augustin on Thursday.

Augustin, 29, is the final hire to Daniel’s staff, joining associate head coach Tony Kemper and assistant coach Caronica Randle. Daniel was named the new Thundering Herd coach on May 29.

“We are excited to have Tamisha become a part of our family,” Daniel said. “Her professionalism as a coach and a player overseas, along with her connections up and down the East Coast and throughout the South make her a great new addition to our program.”

Augustin will join the Herd after spending the past two seasons as an assistant at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference member South Carolina State.

Prior to South Carolina State, Augustin developed her coaching skills at the high school level, coaching the varsity girls’ team to a 15-11 record at Bethel High School in Hampton, Va., in 2008-09. She also was a cross country assistant coach in 2008-09. Augustin is a 2001 graduate of Bethel, where she played basketball and competed in cross country and track and field.

She also coached boys’ teams at Henry County (Ga.) High School in the 2007-08 season and at Love Joy (Ga.) High School for the 2006-07 season.

She was the head coach for the Georgia Metro Nike Travel Team from 2006-08.

As a shooting guard for Alabama A&M University, Augustin was a two-time All-SWAC selection and a four year-captain.

Her basketball talents took her overseas, playing for the professional club KSC-Szekszard (Hungary) for the 2008-09 season, before an injury interrupted her playing career.

The Hampton, Va., native received her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2005 from Alabama A&M and went on to receive a masters in microbiology in 2007 from A&M.

Augustin furthered her education in 2010, receiving a master’s in education from Regent University in Virginia Beach in 2010 and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in leadership.

"I am very grateful and excited about the opportunity Coach Daniel has given me,” Augustin said. “Marshall University has great history and I would like to continue on that legacy. The direction of the program can only go higher, based on the foundation provided.

“Conference USA is a competitive environment and I look forward to the challenge. I am eager to continue to learn new things in this game I love so much. Coach Daniel has built a staff with a lot of charisma and great character; I believe this will lead to a championship."

COURTESY MARSHALL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XU Rush sign 2, including guard from 2-time state champion

Lucas Martin-Julien

Lucas Martin-Julien

Wesley Pluviose-Philip

NEW ORLEANS — Lucas Martin-Julien of Reserve, La., and Wesley Pluviose-Philip of Albany, N.Y., have signed men's basketball scholarships with Xavier University of Louisiana. Both will be freshmen in the 2012-13 season.

Martin-Julien, a 6-foot-2 guard, was a three-year starter for Riverside Academy in Reserve, about 30 miles west of New Orleans. He helped the Rebels win Class 2A state championships in 2010 and 2011 and finish second in the 2A playoffs this past season. He was all-district as a junior and a senior and honorable-mention all-state as a senior. He averaged 9.9 points per game this past season and 9.5 points as a junior.

He was a WGNO-TV VooDoo Prep Athlete of the Week in January after his putback layup with 41 seconds remaining gave Riverside a 57-55 victory against Scotlandville Magnet. He also made 7-of-8 free throws in that game. Martin-Julien had six steals Dec. 20 against Prestonwood Christian, the eventual Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools 5A state champion.

Martin-Julien played football his final two seasons at Riverside, starting at strong safety both years and making all-district as a senior for a team that reached the 2A state quarterfinals.

Pluviose-Philip, a 6-7 forward, was a standout on and off the court. He averaged 12 points and eight rebounds per game for Albany High School this past season, was second-team all-conference and was chosen to start in the Albany-area outstanding senior game. He averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds in club play for City Rocks during the summer of 2011. He was a two-year starter and helped Albany reach the sectional semifinals in 2010 and 2011. In track Pluviose-Philip had a best time of 51 seconds for 400 meters.

Pluviose-Martin attended Boys State in 2011, and later that year he and a basketball teammate organized a bedding drive for victims of Tropical Storm Irene in New York's Schoharie County. Also his senior year, Pluviose-Philip was one of two student representatives to the City School District of Albany Board of Education.

Pluvoise-Philip will be a biology/pre-medical major at Xavier. Martin-Julien still is deciding on a major.

The Gold Rush have six signees for next season. Previously signed were guard RJ Daniels of New Orleans, guard Xavier Rogers of Denton, Texas, forward John Gibson of Marietta, Ga., and guard Gary Smith of Sugar Land, Texas.

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. The Rush reached the NAIA national tourney six of the past eight seasons.

2012-13 Xavier University of Louisiana 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
Lucas Martin-Julien G 6-2 187 Fr. Reserve, La. Riverside Academy
Wesley Pluviose-Philip F 6-7 230 Fr. Albany, N.Y. Albany
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: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

NSU quarterbacks coach takes Rhode Island job

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Steve Canter is leaving behind the only state he's ever coached in. The Norfolk State quarterbacks coach accepted the same job at the University of Rhode Island late last week, accepting the fact that moving up often means moving on.  He played at Kempsville High and Virginia Tech and coached at Landstown High and NSU.

"It tears at your heartstrings a little bit," Canter said. "But this job, it's all about who you know. You never know where an opening is going to occur and you want as many people as you can to be comfortable recommending you."

Canter said he canvassed advice from coaching mentors like University of Illinois assistant Chris Beatty, coaches from his playing days at Virginia Tech and even Adrian. Adrian has often encouraged his assistants to leave for better opportunities as they arrive. This, Canter said, was one of those.

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Morgan State's Erin Hawkins joins High Point women's basketball coaching staff

ASSISTANT COACH ERIN HAWKINS

HIGH POINT, North Carolina -- The High Point University women's basketball team and head coach DeUnna Hendrix announced the addition of Erin Hawkins as an assistant coach on Tuesday. Hawkins comes to HPU from George Washington University where she worked for one year as the Assistant Director of Basketball Operations.

“Erin was a former teammate of mine who I have known for a long time,” Hendrix said. “She brings a wealth of energy to work every day. She will be a quality recruiter for us and comes to HPU with great ties in the Washington DC area. I feel like Erin is someone that can relate well to our players and I know she will be a great addition to High Point women's basketball.”

During her time with the Colonials, Hawkins oversaw film logistics, breakdown and exchange, along with oversight of the team's managers and supply inventory.

“I am thrilled to be here as part of the High Point family.” Hawkins said. “I am also very excited to work with Coach Hendrix. After playing together now we have the opportunity to coach together. I am looking forward to this exciting new chapter here at HPU.”

Hawkins played collegiately at Morgan State for three seasons from 2008-11. She helped the Lady Bears to 17 victories in each of her three seasons, including the program's first-ever Division I postseason appearance with a trip to the Postseason WNIT as a senior in 2011.

Hawkins began her career at the University of Richmond in 2006 before transferring to Morgan State. In her one season on the Spiders, Hawkins was teammates with Hendrix, who was a senior at the time. During her collegiate career Hawkins totaled 886 points, 131 three-point field goals, 282 rebounds, 222 assists and 135 steals in 116 collegiate games.

A native of Washington, D.C., Hawkins attended High School at the Bullis School where she earned varsity letters in both basketball and soccer. She was a four-year starter at point guard and helped guide her team to three Independent School League (ISL) championships. She was a two-time All-Gazette first team honoree by The Gazette Newspapers and was named All-Met honorable mention.

Hawkins received his bachelor's degree from in Speech Communications from Morgan State in 2011.

COURTESY HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU's O'Quinn sparkles against tall odds

ORLANDO, Florida - Tuesday's Orlando Summer League game served as a snapshot of Kyle O'Quinn's mission as an undersized, underappreciated, underdog. O'Quinn, the Magic's second-round pick out of Norfolk State, faced center Andre Drummond, the Detroit Pistons' first-round selection from Connecticut.

Drummond was the 9th pick; O'Q was the 49th pick out of 60 players taken in the two rounds. "I don't care who you are," O'Quinn said of the matchup. "You're one of 60. It doesn't matter. Not afraid."



A power forward playing center, O'Quinn got the best of Drummond, scoring 11 points and grabbing six rebounds. Drummond managed just three rebounds and three points, going 1-of-4 from the field and the free-throw line. O'Quinn, 6-feet-10, 240 pounds, not only was giving away an inch in heighth and 30 pounds, but refs allowed physical play.

O'Quinn turned what could have been....

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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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