MONTGOMERY, Alabama - The Alabama State football team reports to camp Wednesday and will hold its first fall practice Thursday afternoon at Hornet Stadium. Approximately 95 players are set to check in to dorm rooms today and get settled in before getting down to business on the practice field Thursday at 3 p.m.
The Hornets are coming off an 8-3 season in 2011, with a 7-2 mark in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Each victory total was one more than what was achieved in 2010.
"We're excited; it's been a long time," Barlow said since last season ended with victory in the Turkey Day Classic over Tuskegee to the eve of fall camp. "It's kind of been surreal as I think about it. I remember early in the summer thinking ‘when will that day get here'. Now, report day is here and we're a month away from the first game (on Sept. 2 in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge vs. Bethune-Cookman in Orlando, Fla.). I think the players are excited; many of them stayed here over the summer, and we are looking forward to getting started."
Barlow has an experienced group reporting ...
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Thursday, August 2, 2012
Savannah State football team gets back to work
SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Quarterback Antonio Bostick looked leaner, stronger and swifter, and he wasn’t the only Savannah State football player who underwent a transformation this summer.
“The kids are in good shape,” said second-year head coach Steve Davenport as the Tigers opened preseason camp Wednesday morning with 95 players on the field. “Bostick had a tremendous off-season.”
Coming off a 1-10 season that included seven straight losses to end the year, Davenport is not dwelling on the past. And he’s not dwelling on season-opening games at Oklahoma State and Florida State, which figure to push the losing skein to nine straight.
In Davenport’s world, the days ahead for the Tigers are going to do nothing but get better.
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“The kids are in good shape,” said second-year head coach Steve Davenport as the Tigers opened preseason camp Wednesday morning with 95 players on the field. “Bostick had a tremendous off-season.”
Coming off a 1-10 season that included seven straight losses to end the year, Davenport is not dwelling on the past. And he’s not dwelling on season-opening games at Oklahoma State and Florida State, which figure to push the losing skein to nine straight.
In Davenport’s world, the days ahead for the Tigers are going to do nothing but get better.
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Wednesday, August 1, 2012
QB biggest question mark as Jackson State football starts practice
JACKSON, Mississippi - Not long after being promoted to offensive coordinator, Jackson State assistant coach Derrick McCall stated his plans for the Tigers' offense this season. In short, he wanted to keep the train moving.
"Offensively, our job is to score points," McCall said. "We want to do it in a way that has never been done before. I want to be better than we were last year.
"What we want to do is try to continue to build on what we've been doing."
As players report today in advance of Thursday's first practice, there's understandable skepticism among JSU faithful as to whether or not that can truly occur.
Can the Tigers' Air Raid offense - a unit that led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in passing offense and total offense each of the past two seasons - keep up its frantic pace without record-breaking quarterback Casey Therriault?
GSU football returns after short, hot summer
GRAMBLING, Louisiana - This summer may have been — and continues to be — hot, but it wasn't particularly long for the Grambling football team.
The Tigers report for training camp today, and will meet with their coaches and hit the field Thursday evening for their first full team practice of the fall.
"It's here, and the kids this year should be a little more excited because of how we ended last year," coach Doug Williams said. "Hopefully some of the younger guys who played and some of the younger guys who were waiting their turn will be ready for their opportunity and show some enthusiasm."
Fresh off 2011 Bayou Classic and SWAC championships, Grambling will be ...
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The Tigers report for training camp today, and will meet with their coaches and hit the field Thursday evening for their first full team practice of the fall.
"It's here, and the kids this year should be a little more excited because of how we ended last year," coach Doug Williams said. "Hopefully some of the younger guys who played and some of the younger guys who were waiting their turn will be ready for their opportunity and show some enthusiasm."
Fresh off 2011 Bayou Classic and SWAC championships, Grambling will be ...
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Hometown Olympics - SSU's Amara Jones
SAVANNAH, Georgia - In an Olympic 100 meter dash, every step, every arm movement could be the difference between a spot on the medal stand and a long trip home. This year, one of Savannah's State's own headed to the biggest stage in sports.
"It's a life changing experience even to know you will be a part of something that's so much bigger than yourself," said Jones.
Amara Jones is just 20 years old, a MEAC track champion, a college graduate, and now a member of the Bahamas Olympic Team. "She does not think she can lose, and that's a good thing," said Ted Whitaker.
Ted Whitaker was Jones' track coach at Savannah State, and one of the first to recognize her talent.
"Wish I could take all the credit, but you have to come with the desire, with the heart," explained Whitaker. "And she's an extremely strong young lady."
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"It's a life changing experience even to know you will be a part of something that's so much bigger than yourself," said Jones.
Amara Jones is just 20 years old, a MEAC track champion, a college graduate, and now a member of the Bahamas Olympic Team. "She does not think she can lose, and that's a good thing," said Ted Whitaker.
Ted Whitaker was Jones' track coach at Savannah State, and one of the first to recognize her talent.
"Wish I could take all the credit, but you have to come with the desire, with the heart," explained Whitaker. "And she's an extremely strong young lady."
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UMES conducting search for new baseball coach
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is in the middle of a search for a new baseball coach after declining to renew the contract of Will Gardner. Gardner was 61-260 over six seasons with the Hawks. His teams went 39-73 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.
Gardner's contract expired June 30; UMES does not announce personnel changes.
"I want to thank Coach Gardner for all of his hard work and I think that he has left the program in a stronger position than when he found it in terms of moving it forward and our level of competitiveness and talent," said UMES athletic director Keith Davidson. "It was my opinion that there were some benchmarks and expectation that had been set before the beginning of the year that weren't quite met and we need an opportunity to turn the corner with a fresher approach."
The Hawks did finish 11-13 in the MEAC this past season and won two games in the postseason conference tournament, but still finished 14-39 overall.
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Gardner's contract expired June 30; UMES does not announce personnel changes.
"I want to thank Coach Gardner for all of his hard work and I think that he has left the program in a stronger position than when he found it in terms of moving it forward and our level of competitiveness and talent," said UMES athletic director Keith Davidson. "It was my opinion that there were some benchmarks and expectation that had been set before the beginning of the year that weren't quite met and we need an opportunity to turn the corner with a fresher approach."
The Hawks did finish 11-13 in the MEAC this past season and won two games in the postseason conference tournament, but still finished 14-39 overall.
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
North Carolina A&T Aggies Schedule First Practice
GREENSBORO, North Carolina - The 2012 North Carolina A&T football season starts in 31 days. The Aggies will have to take a few more preparatory steps before traveling to Conway, S.C., to face Coastal Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.
The Aggie football players will report to preseason camp on Friday, Aug. 3. Their first official practice will be Saturday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 12, the Aggies will hold a picture/media day at 9 a.m., inside Aggie Stadium. Six days later on Aug. 18, the Aggies annual Fun Fest Day to kickoff the 2012 season will start at 10 a.m., at the Aggie Stadium parking lot.
"We're looking forward to it," said second-year A&T head coach Rod Broadway. "We're excited. Hopefully, we can make improvements as a football team and get better. That's the key, constant improvement."
The Aggies had a four-win improvement from 2010 to 2011, as they went 5-6 overall and 4-4 in the MEAC. The progress is starting to be recognized.
Senior running back Mike Mayhew was recently named preseason MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and the Aggies return 10 starters from a defense that was ranked eighth nationally. Three of those starters on defense - senior defensive end Tony Mashburn, junior strong safety Travis Crosby and junior linebacker D'Vonte Grant - joined Mayhew on the preseason All-MEAC team. Junior right guard Nathan Isles and senior defensive tackle Brandon Young were preseason second teamers.
A few milestones reached could also signal growth for the Aggies football program. Mayhew is 139 yards shy of breaking the school's all-time rushing record. He could also join Hampton's Alonzo Coleman and Howard's Harvey Reed as the only backs in MEAC history to record three straight 1,000 yard seasons. In addition, quarterback Lewis Kindle has a chance to become the only quarterback in school history to throw for more than 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
"I think everyone gets excited at the start of a new season," said Broadway. "It's our job as coaches to hold that excitement. If you hold it, they can see themselves getting better. Hopefully, that translates into us winning some football games. I think we have a core group of guys who understand how we want to get things done. Guys are really putting forth the effort and going for it."
Preseason Schedule
Date Event Time
August 3 Players Report All DayAugust 4 Practice 4 p.m.
August 5 Practice 7 p.m.
August 6 Practice 9 a.m.
August 7 Practice 9 a.m.
August 8 Practice 9 a.m.
August 9 Practice 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
August 10 Practice 9 a.m.
August 11 Practice 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
August 12 Media/Picture Day 9 a.m.
August 13 Practice 9 a.m.
August 14 Practice 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
August 18 Fun Fest 10 a.m.
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Dr. Jerome Fitch Brings Experience, Leadership to Claflin University Athletics Director Post
Dr. Jerome Fitch |
“My goal here is to enhance fundraising, improve facilities and increase scholarships for every sport,” said Fitch, who previously served as the institution’s assistant athletics director for compliance. “I want to further the vision Dr. (Timothy) Autry established and make Claflin University one of the best NCAA Division II programs in the country.”
Fitch was selected by President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale to replace the retiring Dr. Timothy J. Autry, who had served in that position since 2005.
“Our Athletics Department is an importance source of spirit at Claflin University ( can we say something stronger than our athletics is a source of spirit??),” said Tisdale. “We are profoundly confident that Dr. Fitch can continue and expand on the phenomenal legacy left by his predecessor. I have every expectation Claflin student athletes will have even more opportunities to succeed on and off the field of play because of his leadership.”
Fitch says he will draw heavily from Autry’s “humility, sense of dedication and honesty” while serving this post.
In his previous capacity at Claflin, Fitch was instrumental in the University’s transition from an NAIA school to NCAA Division II by ensuring institutional compliance with all rules and regulations.
Fitch wants to bring an outside-of-the-box mentality to fundraising for the department while improving its image locally, regionally and nationally. “I want to explore avenues we haven’t in the past but continue to call upon our friends, alumni and corporate sponsors for support,” he said. “We will aim to improve our facilities to the point where they become the envy of any athletics program at the Division II level.”
In the past, Fitch has been an athletics director at Alabama A&M University and Savannah State University. At Alabama A&M, he cleaned up NCAA violations with its track and field and soccer programs while finalizing the construction of a football stadium. Fitch’s track record at Savannah State, an NCAA Division I school, included erasing a $197,000 debt.
He started his career as assistant athletics director and sports information director at North Carolina Central University in 1972. He went to be the head men’s basketball coach at Johnson C. Smith University, Voorhees College and Livingstone College. Fitch was also the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Elizabeth City State University. He worked for nearly eight years an academic advisor within the University of South Carolina’s athletics department.
“The biggest change in college athletics has been the transformation from it being amateur sports to a business-driven enterprise,” he said reflecting over his past three decades in college sports.
He cites his greatest influences as being Autry and NBA Hall of Famer Sam Jones, a personal friend of Fitch’s who delivered the keynote address at the Claflin Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet last year.
Fitch has a Doctor of Education degree from South Carolina State University and a Master of Education degree from North Carolina Central University. His favorite sports teams are the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Washington Redskins and, of course, the Claflin Panthers.
COURTESY CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Over 85 AAMU Bulldogs report for Fall Camp
NORMAL, Alabama - The Bulldog football coaching staff welcomed over 85 players to the A&M campus on Monday to begin work for the fall preseason camp.
On Tuesday, July 31, the Maroon & White will hit the field for preparations for the 2012 season. A&M will take the field six days a week for the two and a half-week fall camp, which concludes on Tuesday, August 14.
The A&M sports information office would to thank everyone for their cooperation before, during and after practices.
Here is the fall preseason practice schedule. This is SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
Tue., July 31- Practice at 7:00 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 1 - Practice at 9:15 a.m.
Thur., Aug. 2 - Practice at 9:15 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 3 - Practice at 9:15 a.m.
Sat., Aug. 4 - Practice at 9:15 a.m.
Sun., Aug. 5 – Off Day
Mon., Aug. 6 - Practices at 8:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Tue., Aug. 7 - Practice at 9:15 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 8 - Practices at 8:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Scrimmage
Thur., Aug. 9 - Practice at 2:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 10 - Practices at 8:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 11 – 2 p.m. Scrimmage
Sun., Aug. 12 - Off Day
Mon., Aug. 13 - Practice TBA
Tue., Aug. 14 - Practice at 9:15 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 15 – School Starts!!!!!
Sat., Aug. 18 - Fan Day Scrimmage 4 p.m.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS – Magic City Classic tickets will go on sale to the general public once they are available and all the season ticket orders have been filled.
2012 Ticket Prices
· Season Tickets- $125.00 (4 home games at Louis Crews Stadium)
· Reserved Advanced: $25.00
· Reserved Game Day- $30.00
· Adult General Admission Advanced- $20.00
· Adult Day of the Game General Admission- $25.00
· Child General Admission (ages 6-17) - $6.00
Louis Crews Classic & Homecoming
· Reserved Advanced: $30.00
· Reserved Game Day: $35.00
· Adult General Admission-$25.00
· Adult General Admission Game Day-$30.00
· Child General Admission (ages 6-17) - $6.00.
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
FAMU linemen heat up strength testing
TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida A&M offensive linemen James Rose and Kevin House created such a racket in the weight room Monday morning that they drowned out the clacking sound of iron around them.
“We always push each other,” said House, a redshirt freshman who will start at right guard. “Usually I’m stronger than him but I went to work on my lower body more than my upper body. It just drives us with competition; speed and everything. It makes us get high reps and higher max.”
What House and Rose lifted turned out the be ...
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Alabama State's new stadium adds excitement to coming season for Reggie Barlow
MOBILE, Alabama -- Already excited about the upcoming season, Alabama State football coach Reggie Barlow is particularly pumped up about the opening of the program's first on-campus stadium Thanksgiving weekend.
Barlow, along with ASU athletic director Stacy Danley, director of alumni relations Cromwell Handy, basketball coach Lewis Jackson and other members of the athletic staff, attended the Alabama State/American Lube Fast Coaches Caravan at the Mobile Marriott on Monday night.
"I like to call the stadium a luxury stadium," Barlow said. "It has all the bells and whistles. It's definitely not just a set of bleachers thrown together. I often go over there and just look around."
A record-breaking receiver and kick returner at ASU, Barlow is ...
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Barlow, along with ASU athletic director Stacy Danley, director of alumni relations Cromwell Handy, basketball coach Lewis Jackson and other members of the athletic staff, attended the Alabama State/American Lube Fast Coaches Caravan at the Mobile Marriott on Monday night.
"I like to call the stadium a luxury stadium," Barlow said. "It has all the bells and whistles. It's definitely not just a set of bleachers thrown together. I often go over there and just look around."
A record-breaking receiver and kick returner at ASU, Barlow is ...
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Monday, July 30, 2012
2012 Cleveland Classic to Feature Morehouse College and Winston-Salem State University
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission will host the second annual Cleveland Classic HBCU football game presented by McDonald's on September 15, 2012 where Morehouse College will battle Winston-Salem State University at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
The Cleveland Classic is an entire weekend full of dynamic activities and events for all ages while celebrating premier historically black universities. Festivities will include a College Readiness Fair presented by McDonald's and College Now Greater Cleveland, Greek Step Show, Tailgate Party presented by University Hospitals, KeyBank Marching Band Half-time Show and the Cleveland Classic game presented by McDonald's.
The Cleveland Classic is one of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's proprietary events that will serve as a vehicle to bring the community together through exciting sports, educational and cultural activities.
“We are thrilled to once again host the Cleveland Classic. We have two high-caliber schools playing in the game and have enhanced the offering of cultural and educational weekend activities in which the Cleveland community can participate. It's our goal to continue to build an exciting tradition and economic generator for our region,” stated David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. “This year, the Cleveland Classic weekend is expected to infuse an estimated $3 million of economic activity.”
The weekend will begin on Friday, September 14 with a College Readiness Fair presented by McDonald's and College Now Greater Cleveland. The College Readiness Fair offers an opportunity for the Cleveland Municipal School District and surrounding suburban area students to prepare for life after high school by learning the different options for post-graduate education and methods to achieve their learning goals. An estimated 1,500 select students will be transported free of charge to Cleveland Browns Stadium where lunch will be provided.
The festivities continue Friday evening with a Greek Step Show at Quicken Loans Arena from 7:00pm-10:00pm.
This exciting competition will celebrate the cultural art of stepping as nine nationally recognized HBCU fraternities and sororities showcase their talents and compete to be named the 2nd Annual Cleveland Classic Greek Step Show Champion. Kym Whitley, actress and comedian, along with Ahmaad Crump of the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the evening once again. The Greek Step Show is free to attend with a Cleveland Classic game ticket which will be available for purchase at the event.
On Saturday, September 15th, before entering the stadium for the main event, fans can show their spirit by attending the official Tailgate Party presented by University Hospitals on the north side of Cleveland Browns Stadium. Admission to the Tailgate is free with a Cleveland Classic game ticket. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, health screens, vendors, food, beverages, games and more.
The Cleveland Classic football game presented by McDonald's will kick off at noon on Saturday and will feature Morehouse College versus Winston-Salem State University at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Tickets to the Cleveland Classic football game are now on sale through Ticketmaster and are $15 for general admission seats or $40 for reserved seating (processing fees are additional). Groups of 20 or more individuals can purchase tickets for $10 general admission or $35 for reserved seating.
“It is an honor and a privilege to play in the 2012 Cleveland Classic. We look forward to coming to Cleveland, Ohio to face a very formidable Morehouse College Tiger football team. This is a great opportunity for Winston-Salem State University to face a tough opponent in a professional football venue and we look forward to putting on a great show,” said Connell Maynor, Head Football Coach for the Winston-Salem State University Tigers.
“The entire Morehouse family – players, coaches, fans and alumni – is looking forward to participating in the Cleveland Classic,” said Yusuf Davis, Morehouse College Sports Information Director. “We are certain that the Classic will be a success on every level and we anticipate that this will be one of the highlights of our season.”
Additional highlights of the Cleveland Classic include:
Tom Joyner, heard on Cleveland's 93.1 WZAK and host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, will broadcast live from 6:00am-10:00am from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on Friday, September 14th. Joyner is also slated to attend the Tailgate party and toss the coin at the beginning of the Cleveland Classic game.
The National Anthem will be performed by national R&B recording group, Dru Hill.
The KeyBank Marching Band Half-time Show will electrify the crowd with high-light performances by Morehouse College and Winston-Salem State University marching bands and drum lines.
“Radio One is honored to partner with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to build the Cleveland Classic into a pillar of Cleveland's rich history. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Tom Joyner back to Cleveland and his live national broadcast from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame preceding the Cleveland Classic that will showcase this great city and event,” stated Jeff Wilson, Regional Vice President of Radio One, Inc.
The Cleveland Classic Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is chaired by Jakki Nance, Spelman graduate and Chief Operations Officer for Swin Cash Enterprise, along with Eddie Taylor, Practice Leader for Oswald Companies, Donnie Perkins, Vice-President of Diversity and Inclusion for University Hospitals and Herb Washington, Owner and Operator of McDonald's. Their leadership and resources will enhance the efforts of the Sports Commission and bring much awareness to the community.
TJ Ward, starting safety for the Cleveland Browns, has been named honorary chair for the 2012 Cleveland Classic. He is a fan favorite that is known for his hard-hitting, aggressive playing style on the field and his commitment to inspiring youth in the community. Ward is slated to attend the Greek Step Show on Friday, September 14th and participate in various
promotional efforts leading up to the event.
For more information on the Cleveland Classic weekend or to purchase tickets, visit www.clevelandclassicfootball.com.
ABOUT THE GREATER CLEVELAND SPORTS COMMISSION:
The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission prides itself on being one of the most distinguished Sports Commissions in the country, effectively leveraging sports events and activities to further economic development in Northeast Ohio. The philosophy of the Sports Commission sets it apart from others by operating as an economic and community development organization utilizing sports as a vehicle to forward other community agendas. The organization takes the unique approach of becoming a management and financial partner in each event with the goal of producing events that are more successful in Cleveland than other cities in which they have been held. Since 2000, the Sports Commission has been responsible for attracting, creating and/or managing over 124 sporting events resulting in more than $385 million in economic activity. For more information, please visit www.clevelandsports.org.
Yusuf Davis, Sports Information Director
VISIT: MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
VISIT: MOREHOUSE MAROON TIGERS
Zimbabwean-Born Businessman Commits $6.4 Million to Send 40 African Students to Morehouse
Econet Wireless Cbairman Strive Masiyiwa with incoming Morehouse College African Students (Photo Courtesy Morehouse College) |
“I have a dream of fighting ethnic divisions in my country and I am encouraged to realize my vision…After all, I believe that I was born at a time like this to serve and develop my community.”
Zimbabwean-born businessman and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa is helping to make Hamim’s dream a reality. Hamim is one of 10 students – two from Burundi and eight from Zimbabwe – who will be attending Morehouse on full, four-year scholarships, beginning this fall.
They are the first class of the new Ambassador Andrew Young International Scholars program. Masiyiwa, founder and chairman of Econet Wireless, wants African students to earn a world-class education that they can take home with them after graduation. Forty African students in all – representing an investment of $6.4 million – will go through the program.
Masiyiwa believes Morehouse and Atlanta, the center of the civil rights movement with leaders such as Ambassador Andrew Young, will be the perfect place for the students to develop.
“For us, the civil rights movement and our fight against colonialism was almost synonymous,” he said. “We knew people like Ambassador Young and Martin Luther King Jr. I remember reading about King and his life, and of course I got to know about Morehouse and the fact that he had been here and (HBCUs) were very proud institutions. So I got to know about Morehouse fairly early and it really resonated in the struggle that we were involved in.
“What I want to see coming from the student who comes out of the Morehouse system is a much more confident, self-assured, more complete young man who is not struggling to find out who he is in the world,” he said.
The 10 students, some of the top students in their countries, were chosen from a larger pool of 20 young men, chosen by Capernaum Trust, the education arm of Masiyiwa’s Higher Life Foundation.
“Mr. Masiyiwa and his wife really have a heart for seeing talented students who have leadership potential go get the best education in the world and then come back to Africa to lead the kind of changes they want to see on the African continent,” said Philip Howard ’87, vice president for Institutional Advancement.
“They hope the young men will bring the kinds of 21st -century management, leadership, social justice, civic engagement, all those things Morehouse provides, back to the continent to lead Africa into the 21st century.”
Howard; William Bynum, vice president for Student Services; and Kevin Williams ’85, dean of Admissions, flew to Zimbabwe to interview the 20 students in June. Ten were chosen, though the other 10 received scholarships to a South African university.
CNN's Don Lemon talks to Morehouse College senior Derrius Quarles about helping students tap into scholarships.
“All of them, without fail, talked about returning home to do something related to their fields to improve the conditions of their fellow countrymen,” said Bynum. “I’m very excited about these young men. They are academically talented, driven, and once they make that cultural adjustment, the sky’s the limit on what they can achieve.”
The students arrive in Atlanta on Aug. 5, four days before New Student Orientation so they can adjust to their new surroundings. All will have American roommates in the College’s Dubois International House residence hall.
Spelman College officials will observe the Morehouse program this year as Masiyiwa will send 10 female students to Spelman next year.
For now, the 10 young Africans are ready to take advantage of their time at Morehouse.
“I expect Morehouse to help me become the agent of positive change in the community and in people’s lives,” said Abel Gumbo.
By ADD SEYMOUR JR. COURTESY MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
ASU to play at Soldier Field against Kentucky State
CHICAGO, Illinois — Albany State football players got an experience of a lifetime last season when they played in the Circle City Classic against Kentucky State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This year, the Rams are going a little more north and a little more historic.
The Rams will play Kentucky State in the 15th annual Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field on Sept. 29, making one of the longest road trips in the history of the program.
“The players were very excited last year when we went to Indy where the Super Bowl was and where the Colts played, and I expect them to feel the same this year,” said ASU coach Mike White, who played against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field when he was a defensive lineman in the NFL three decades ago. “I think they will look forward to the trip. How we get there is a question I have been asked several times.”
Transportation was White’s biggest concern when the Rams played in Indianapolis last October, and he remained uneasy about it when talking about this year’s trip.
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The Rams will play Kentucky State in the 15th annual Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field on Sept. 29, making one of the longest road trips in the history of the program.
“The players were very excited last year when we went to Indy where the Super Bowl was and where the Colts played, and I expect them to feel the same this year,” said ASU coach Mike White, who played against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field when he was a defensive lineman in the NFL three decades ago. “I think they will look forward to the trip. How we get there is a question I have been asked several times.”
Transportation was White’s biggest concern when the Rams played in Indianapolis last October, and he remained uneasy about it when talking about this year’s trip.
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Sunday, July 29, 2012
SWAC teams ‘motivated’ as practice starts
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - The poll released at Southwestern Conference Media Day on July 16 represented one of the last gasps of speculation that fuels football fans during the offseason, but a few coaches in the room were happy to use it for their purposes as well.
Southern coach Stump Mitchell, whose Jaguars were picked fourth in the five-team SWAC West, made extra sure his players saw that prediction, and it made an impact.
“It brings up a bit of anger inside of me because I know we shouldn’t be in this position,” defensive tackle Casey Narcisse said. “But we got ourselves here, and all we have to do is get in a dog fight and win it all out so six months later we’ll be crowned champs.”
Though the first punches in that fight are a little more than a month away, the SWAC’s teams will begin lacing up their gloves in the next few days. With the exception of Texas Southern, which will hold its first ...
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Southern coach Stump Mitchell, whose Jaguars were picked fourth in the five-team SWAC West, made extra sure his players saw that prediction, and it made an impact.
“It brings up a bit of anger inside of me because I know we shouldn’t be in this position,” defensive tackle Casey Narcisse said. “But we got ourselves here, and all we have to do is get in a dog fight and win it all out so six months later we’ll be crowned champs.”
Though the first punches in that fight are a little more than a month away, the SWAC’s teams will begin lacing up their gloves in the next few days. With the exception of Texas Southern, which will hold its first ...
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Barbarino gives FAMU Rattlers high marks
TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Still trying to catch his breath after completing the final dash of a shuttle run Thursday morning, Florida A&M freshman defensive end Caleb Helms walked into the direction of strength and conditioning coach Russell Barbarino.
“My legs are about to explode, coach,” the former North Florida Christian standout told Barbarino. “Oh yeah,” Barbarino responded, stop-watch and time charts in hand with a whistle around his neck as he kept an eye on the next group of runners.
Several other groups went through the shuttle drill, one of the many physical tests that the entire FAMU football team will go through next week. The players who ran Thursday, providing they passed, will skip the run when testing begins Monday as a prelude to the start of pre-season camp on Aug. 8.
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“My legs are about to explode, coach,” the former North Florida Christian standout told Barbarino. “Oh yeah,” Barbarino responded, stop-watch and time charts in hand with a whistle around his neck as he kept an eye on the next group of runners.
Several other groups went through the shuttle drill, one of the many physical tests that the entire FAMU football team will go through next week. The players who ran Thursday, providing they passed, will skip the run when testing begins Monday as a prelude to the start of pre-season camp on Aug. 8.
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S.C. State Bulldogs have a rallying cry after summer practice
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Time will tell if South Carolina State will regain the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football title this season. From an overall physical health standpoint, team strength and conditioning coach Trumain Carroll is ready to declare the Bulldogs championship-ready.
“The team is in a lot better shape actually than they were last year,” Carroll said. “The volume has increased dramatically. We took those guys up. They’re doing probably 30 percent more work in probably 20 percent shorter time. They just responded to it great.”
A total of 78 returning players and incoming freshmen participated in the monthlong workouts held during the Summer II session at S.C. State. Four times a week — two days in the weight room and two days on Willie Jeffries Field at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium — the players were put through the rigors physically in preparation for the upcoming season.
Donations raised from the “Lift-The-Bulldog” campaign made the workouts possible for the third straight year. Yet for the investment to pay dividends, Carroll said ...
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“The team is in a lot better shape actually than they were last year,” Carroll said. “The volume has increased dramatically. We took those guys up. They’re doing probably 30 percent more work in probably 20 percent shorter time. They just responded to it great.”
A total of 78 returning players and incoming freshmen participated in the monthlong workouts held during the Summer II session at S.C. State. Four times a week — two days in the weight room and two days on Willie Jeffries Field at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium — the players were put through the rigors physically in preparation for the upcoming season.
Donations raised from the “Lift-The-Bulldog” campaign made the workouts possible for the third straight year. Yet for the investment to pay dividends, Carroll said ...
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ASU AD: Bigger schools ‘scared’ to play Rams on football field
ALBANY, Georgia — Albany State’s 2012 football schedule is one of the toughest in recent years. Before the Rams enter their grueling conference schedule, they will be battle tested with a trio of non-conference games against three teams that are no strangers to postseason success.
On Friday, ASU interim Director of Athletics Richard Williams said he has tried to make that schedule even tougher. During the annual Quarterback Club Football Kickoff Reception, Williams said he has tried to add several larger schools — such as Division I Alabama State — to ASU’s schedule.
The only problem, Williams said to a room full of supporters, is that those larger programs are scared.
“I’ve been approached often with the (question), ‘Why don’t we play the FAMUs, the Bethune-Cookmans and the Norfolk States?’ ” Williams said. “If you can understand, because we have had such a rich tradition and rich history of Golden Ram football, to be honest they are scared. They are scared that someone from Albany, a smaller program but mighty in force, to come down and run the gamut on them.”
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On Friday, ASU interim Director of Athletics Richard Williams said he has tried to make that schedule even tougher. During the annual Quarterback Club Football Kickoff Reception, Williams said he has tried to add several larger schools — such as Division I Alabama State — to ASU’s schedule.
The only problem, Williams said to a room full of supporters, is that those larger programs are scared.
“I’ve been approached often with the (question), ‘Why don’t we play the FAMUs, the Bethune-Cookmans and the Norfolk States?’ ” Williams said. “If you can understand, because we have had such a rich tradition and rich history of Golden Ram football, to be honest they are scared. They are scared that someone from Albany, a smaller program but mighty in force, to come down and run the gamut on them.”
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Saturday, July 28, 2012
Towson Football Adds former MEAC Coach Rubin Carter As Defensive Line Coach
TOWSON, Maryland - Veteran Coach Rubin Carter, a football coach at the collegiate and professional level for nearly 25 years, has been named as the Defensive Line Coach at Towson University, it has been announced by Coach Rob Ambrose.
Coach Carter will join the program in time for the start of the Tigers’ pre-season camp next week.
A native of Pompano Beach, Fla., Carter was the head coach at Florida A&M University from 2005 to 2007. In three seasons, he led FAMU to a 16-17 record, including a 7-4 mark in 2006. Most recently, he was the Defensive Line Coach at the University of New Mexico where he worked with Head Coach Mike Locksley, a 1992 Towson graduate.
“Rubin Carter is a proven coach with plenty of success and experience,” said Coach Ambrose, the winner of the 2011 Eddie Robinson Award as the FCS National Coach of the Year. “He is a great mentor for young men and he is a tremendous addition to our staff.”
A 1975 graduate of the University of Miami (Fla.), Carter earned his degree in business administration. An All-American defensive lineman for the Hurricanes, he was the Most Valuable Player of the Hula Bowl in 1975. A 1992 inductee into Miami’s Hall of Fame, Carter was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft by Denver.
During an outstanding 12-year career with the Broncos, Carter appeared in 152 games for Denver as a member of the Broncos’ legendary “Orange Crush” defense. During his career with Denver, he was a member of two American Football Conference (AFC) championship teams and helped the Broncos win five AFC West titles. Carter played in Super Bowl XII against Dallas and Super Bowl XXI against the New York Giants.
The winner of the NFL’s Ed Block Courage Award in 1986, he finished his career with 1,036 tackles and 33 sacks.
After he retired, Carter got his start in coaching when Dan Reeves hired him as an assistant coach with the Broncos. He spent the 1987 and 1988 seasons as a member of the Denver staff.
In 1989, he started his college coaching career when he was named as the Defensive Coordinator at Howard University. He joined former Denver teammate Steve Wilson’s staff at Howard. In five years as a member of the Howard staff, he helped the Bison post a 34-22 record. In his first season, Howard compiled an 8-3 record. In 1993, he was a member of Howard’s Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship team. During the 1993 season, Howard went 11-0 in the regular season and lost to Marshall in the NCAA I-AA playoffs.
During his tenure at Howard, Carter coached against Towson twice. In 1990, he was part of a Howard team that lost to the Tigers, 17-7. In 1993, he helped Howard pull out a 44-41 victory on the final play of the game, preserving the Bison’s undefeated season.
After his stint at Howard, Coach Carter joined the coaching staff at San Jose State. He was the Spartans’ Defensive Line Coach in 1995 and 1996. In 1997, he joined Coach Ron Vanderlinden’s staff at the University of Maryland where he was the Terrapins’ Defensive Line Coach.
After two seasons in College Park, Coach Carter returned to the NFL as the Defensive Line Coach for the Washington Redskins. As a member of Coach Norv Turner’s staff, he helped the Redskins compile a 19-15 two-year record. In his first season in Washington, the Redskins posted a 10-6 record and qualified for the NFL playoffs. After a 27-13 win over Detroit, Washington dropped a 14-13 decision to Tampa Bay in the playoffs. In 2000, he was part of a Redskins team that finished with an 8-8 record.
In 2001, he joined the New York Jets’ coaching staff when Herm Edwards was named as the Jets’ new head coach. In three years with the Jets, he was their Defensive Line Coach and helped them win 25 of 48 regular season games in addition to earning back-to-back playoff appearances. In 2001, the Jets had a 10-6 record and made the playoffs. One year later, New York posted a 9-7 mark and tied for first place in the AFC East, earning another playoff appearance.
He returned to college football coaching in 2004 when Coach Bobby Wallace hired him to be part of his Temple University staff. He spent one season at Temple as the Owls’ Defensive Line Coach. After the 2004 season, he received his first opportunity to be a head coach when Florida A&M hired him.
In 2009, he joined Coach Locksley’s staff at New Mexico. Carter had worked with Locksley at Maryland.
A member of the Florida Track & Field Hall of Fame and the Fort Lauderdale Hall of Fame, he and his wife, Karen, are the parents of four children, Andre, Diandra, Alvin and Joshua.
Their oldest son, Andre, is an 11-year NFL veteran who played for the AFC champion New England Patriots last season. An outstanding defensive end, he is a product of the University of California who was a first round draft pick by San Francisco in 2001. He played five years with the 49ers and five seasons with Washington before joining the Patriots last year.
Coach Carter is joining a Tiger coaching staff that led Towson to a 9-3 record last season and its first Colonial Athletic Association championship.
He will be working with some talented defensive linemen at Towson, including senior defensive end Frank Beltre. A pre-season All-American selection, Beltre is a third-year starter for the Tigers. He is one of three returning starters on the defensive line for the Tigers. Senior defensive end Romale Tucker and senior defensive tackle Matt Morgan also return.
Towson opens its season at Kent State University on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m.
COURTESY TOWSON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Former HU record-setter starts CFL season well as Calgary receiver
CALGARY, Alberta - Wide receiver Marquay McDaniel, 28, a former Hampton University standout, caught four passes for 85 yards last Thursday night for the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders (1-2), though they lost 33-32 to the Montreal Alouettes.
McDaniel, a 5-foot-10, 205-pounder who grew up in Virginia Beach, is in his fourth year in the CFL. He spent his first three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
In 2009, he caught 57 passes for 688 yards and three touchdowns. In '10, he increased his totals to 76 receptions for 994 yards and seven TDs, boosting his average per catch by a full yard to 13.1.
#16 MARQUAY MCDANIEL, CALGARY STAMPEDERS
Last year, when McDaniel spent most of the year on the injured list, he had just four receptions for 60 yards. But his Week 3 effort against Montreal was more productive than his entire 2011 season. It gave him eight catches for 147 yards for the season, ranking him 18th in the league in receiving yardage. Also against the Alouettes, he gained 10 yards on his only rush.
CFL play differs from the NFL in that ...
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McDaniel, a 5-foot-10, 205-pounder who grew up in Virginia Beach, is in his fourth year in the CFL. He spent his first three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
In 2009, he caught 57 passes for 688 yards and three touchdowns. In '10, he increased his totals to 76 receptions for 994 yards and seven TDs, boosting his average per catch by a full yard to 13.1.
#16 MARQUAY MCDANIEL, CALGARY STAMPEDERS
Last year, when McDaniel spent most of the year on the injured list, he had just four receptions for 60 yards. But his Week 3 effort against Montreal was more productive than his entire 2011 season. It gave him eight catches for 147 yards for the season, ranking him 18th in the league in receiving yardage. Also against the Alouettes, he gained 10 yards on his only rush.
CFL play differs from the NFL in that ...
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ASU Golden Rams fans get 2012 season preview
ALBANY, Georgia - The Albany State Rams find themselves in an unfamiliar position heading into the 2012 college football season. For one of the few times, the Rams are not picked to win the SIAC in the preseason.
That is something that is likely going to motivate head coach Mike White and the Golden Rams when they report for fall camp next week.
Coach White previewing the season to the ASU Quarterback Club at their annual gathering at the ASU Coliseum tonight. The Rams, who lost the SIAC Championship game and their first round DII playoff game, are picked to finish 2nd this season in the east division behind Morehouse.
Coach White says he is ready for the team to report and to get to work so Albany State can get back on top in the SIAC.
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Moore adds twist to Jackson State QB derby
JACKSON, Mississippi - There's a new, albeit familiar, name in the Jackson State quarterback race - Clayton Moore. Yep, that Clayton Moore.
"One way or the other, I've always been in the news," Moore said. Moore's journey to Jackson has been anything but straight and narrow.
He's bounced back and forth between the Division I and junior college ranks, spending last season as the starter at Akron University in Ohio, where he enjoyed modest success for a team that was 1-11.
QB Clayton Moore, #8, Akron Zips (2011)
Now in the mix at JSU, Moore adds more intrigue to what was already an eagerly anticipated position battle to replace the school's all-time leading passer, Casey Therriault. So, have the Tigers found a second "White Tiger," the moniker given to Therriault by fans during his time at JSU?
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"One way or the other, I've always been in the news," Moore said. Moore's journey to Jackson has been anything but straight and narrow.
He's bounced back and forth between the Division I and junior college ranks, spending last season as the starter at Akron University in Ohio, where he enjoyed modest success for a team that was 1-11.
QB Clayton Moore, #8, Akron Zips (2011)
Now in the mix at JSU, Moore adds more intrigue to what was already an eagerly anticipated position battle to replace the school's all-time leading passer, Casey Therriault. So, have the Tigers found a second "White Tiger," the moniker given to Therriault by fans during his time at JSU?
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Doug Williams Among Five Inductees to Enter Ark-La-Tex Sports Museum August 4
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana – The Ark-La-Tex Sports Museum of Champions will induct five new members during ceremonies beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4 in the Shreveport Convention Center. The five new members will join the list of 119 past inductees.
The list of 2012 inductees includes Pro Football Hall of Famer Y.A. Tittle, legendary Shreveport high school football coach Lee Hedges, Grambling and NFL quarterback Doug Williams, Northeast Louisiana University and Olympic basketball player Glynn Saulters, Jr., and Centenary College and NBA basketball star Larry Robinson.
Receiving a special lifetime achievement award for his contribution to sports is renowned sports writer and author Jerry Byrd, Sr.
The museum will be open at 5 p.m. on Aug.4 for an open house followed by the banquet at 7 p.m. Individual and group tickets can be purchased for the event by contacting Dr. George Bakowski at (318) 221-8445.
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The list of 2012 inductees includes Pro Football Hall of Famer Y.A. Tittle, legendary Shreveport high school football coach Lee Hedges, Grambling and NFL quarterback Doug Williams, Northeast Louisiana University and Olympic basketball player Glynn Saulters, Jr., and Centenary College and NBA basketball star Larry Robinson.
Receiving a special lifetime achievement award for his contribution to sports is renowned sports writer and author Jerry Byrd, Sr.
The museum will be open at 5 p.m. on Aug.4 for an open house followed by the banquet at 7 p.m. Individual and group tickets can be purchased for the event by contacting Dr. George Bakowski at (318) 221-8445.
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