A&T Aggies haven’t lost hope despite NCAA sanctions

GREENSBORO, North Carolina — All the progress, all the momentum built from N.C. A&T’s four-game improvement in Rod Broadway’s first season as head football coach last year has gone for naught.

The Aggies welcome back almost all of their core, including back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Mike Mayhew and three preseason first-team All-MEAC performers on defense, but their 2012 season is over before it has even started because of a one-year postseason ban levied by the NCAA as a result of poor Academic Progress Rate showings.



At least, that’s one way to look at it. Broadway and his players are choosing to approach the setback from another direction. They’re building something.

“We knew some of the situation when we accepted the job. To be honest, I didn’t know it was as bad as it is,” Broadway said. “We’re not going to complain about it. We’re just going to try to go to work and build a football team.”

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ASU Rams report to camp, amped to start 2012 season

ALBANY, Georgia — Justin Blash stepped on campus Thursday morning ready to push himself, ready to prove he and his teammates are better than they looked the last time they stepped off the field.

Albany State’s senior defensive lineman and the rest of his teammates reported to campus for the first time this season, and Blash said they all came together with one thing on their minds: hard work.

So when he ran into teammates Travis Walker and Darvel Nelson minutes after arriving, his first question was pretty simple.

“I said, ‘Y’all ready to get it?’ ” Blash said to the pair of offensive linemen, who will be going head-to-head against one another once practices start next week. “Darvel laughed at me and told me he is down to 328 (pounds), and Travis just gave me a little head nod. So I think we are ready to go.”



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Grambling starts fall practice

GRAMBLING, Louisiana — "First" couldn't come soon enough for the Grambling football team. The defending SWAC champions were eager to return to the field Thursday for their first fall practice, marking the earliest start by any local Division-I college and one that couldn't come quickly enough.

Several Tigers were outside by 5 p.m., more than two hours before a practice that didn't end until dark.

"It's pretty exciting, man," senior punter Fabian Carter said. "The team has got a lot of young, humble guys, and it's good as a senior and a leader, kinda workin' with 'em. We haven't even seen that first ring yet, but we're workin' on getting another one already. We're very excited."

Coach Doug Williams talked beforehand about how much he and his assistants looked forward to finally seeing several newcomers in action. He was pleased with attendance in summer ...

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Hampton Uniuversity Athletics Announces New Staff Appointments

HAMPTON, Virginia - Rodney D. Smith, administrative vice president at Hampton University has announced the appointment of Novelle Dickenson as the new athletics director, Alexiss Robinson as assistant athletics director and senior woman administrator and Kristen Drummond as compliance coordinator.

A university committee, made up of faculty, staff and administrators reviewed the credentials of thirty candidates over the past four months and conducted on-campus interviews with eight candidates for the position of director of athletics. The university was looking for an individual who was experienced in athletics and academics with a clear understanding of the need for balance between the two. In the end, the University assembled a team that would maximize skills and expertise for optimum athletics administrative leadership with a clear understanding of the role that academics play with student athletics.

“I believe Mr. Dickenson’s background in academics as well as athletics is a perfect fit for the athletic director position here at Hampton University,” said Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey. “He is passionate about Hampton athletics and is a staunch educator with more than 30 years of experience in the classroom and academic administration.”

Dickenson assumes duties today, August 2, replacing Interim Athletic Director Malcolm Avery, who held the position for the past four months. Dickenson is no stranger to Hampton or the athletic department having served as the faculty athletic representative for the past 12 years. Over the past three decades, Dickenson has also served as chair of the Hampton Department of Political Science and History, interim chair of the Department of Sociology, interim chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, pre-law advisor, faculty representative to the Hampton University Board of Trustees, member of the Tenure and Promotions Committee in the School of Liberal Arts.

Dickenson has served as President of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), and is a former member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Academic/Eligibility and Compliance Cabinet, including the Continuing Eligibility sub-committee. Dickenson received his undergraduate degree in political science from Hampton University, a master’s degree in political science from Howard University, as well as completed further post-graduate studies at Howard University.

Robinson joins the staff as the assistant athletic director/SWA with direct oversight of academic support and compliance. She will also have joint oversight with the athletic director over athletic performance and trainers. She is a 2003 graduate of Hampton University and holds a Master of Science degree in kinesiology-athletic administration from Indiana University. She comes to Hampton after serving as director of student-athlete support services at Howard, assistant director of compliance and student services at Temple University and compliance coordinator at Norfolk State University.

Drummond, who has been named compliance coordinator, spent the last year at Hampton as a coordinator of athletic academic support. She was responsible for monitoring athletic eligibility and degree advancement, while also advising student-athletes of course selection, career planning and working with at-risk student-athletes. Drummond has served as athletic academic graduate intern at the University of Iowa and athletic Academic program specialist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Drummond earned both a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Ram Ramblings: WSSU trying to sell tickets for Cleveland Classic

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Now that I’ve received a copy of the Winston-Salem State’s new football media guide I guess that means the season can’t be that far away.  While I still have a week of vacation next week that won’t stop the Rams and coach Connell Maynor from starting practice on Aug. 9. The players will report for physicals on Aug. 7.



Big things are expected from the Rams, who are coming off a 13-1 record, the best in school history. It’s been known for years that the Rams’ fans love to travel and they will be put to the test this season. One of those tests will be showing up to take on Morehouse in the Cleveland Football Classic on Sept. 15.

That will be the Rams second game of the season and the WSSU athletics department is making a big push to get fans to buy tickets. The benefit of purchasing the tickets through the WSSU ticket office is the department gets to keep a percentage of tickets sold by WSSU.

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NCCU Eagles look for speed, strength in preseason drills

DURHAM, North Carolina - The Eagles were preparing for warmups Thursday evening at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium when they spotted their leader heading toward the field. “Frazier, what’s up, baby!” a player yelled. “Where’s the horn, baby?” another player asked.

N.C. Central head coach Henry Frazier III returned the love. “What’s up?” Frazier said. The coach wasn’t clutching his trademark bullhorn, but that big smile of his was there. The day was a long time coming for Frazier and the Eagles after going 2-9 in 2011, the team’s fourth straight losing season.



It was the first day of practice for NCCU’s second season as a Football Championship Subdivision team. The Eagles flew around during a practice that started at a fast pace with the quarterbacks taking turns running offenses. One set of guys would run a play, and then another group would follow in rapid succession.

“I thought tempo was really high,” Frazier said.

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Mike Davis: Former Indiana, UAB Coach Named Interim at Texas Southern

HOUSTON, Texas  -  Former Indiana and UAB head coach Mike Davis has resurfaced with an interim position at Texas Southern. Davis, who led Indiana to the 2002 National Championship game, has accepted the position after parting ways with UAB this past spring.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to get back into coaching,” Davis said in an interview with KRIV-TV in Houston. “I’ve researched Texas Southern’s program.

Davis, who spent six seasons at each Indiana and UAB, led the Hoosiers to four NCAA Tournament appearances. During his tenure at UAB, the Blazers won 20+ games on four consecutive occasions, but managed to qualify for the Big Dance only once (2011).

UAB finished the 2011-12 season at 15-16 overall, a mark that ultimately led to the school moving forward with ...

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UMES track star Guion-Firmin in London for Olympics

Lenora Guion-Firmin

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- Sprinter Lenora Guion-Firmin, a rising senior on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's track team, will have one heckuva story about her summer vacation to share when she returns to campus this fall.

Guion-Firmin, who is from Martinque, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean, qualified for France's 2012 team that will compete in the London Olympic games that begin July 27. She is a member of the French 4x400-meter relay team.

She earned a silver medal July 1 in the 4x400-meter relay in the 2012 European Athletics Championships. Running the event's second leg, Guion-Firmin helped her teammates finish with a time of 3:25.49 behind Ukraine (3:25.07) and earned her nation its best finish in the women's track competiton held in Helsinki, Finland.

"This is such a privilege for (Guion-Firmin) to represent her country," UMES head coach Ernest Barrett said. "It is every track athletes dream to run in the Olympic Games."

Guion-Firmin represented UMES in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships in June. Her 52.65-second time in the 400-meter dash earned her NCAA first-team All-American honors. She is the only female athlete in UMES history to receive All-American recognition in indoor and outdoor track.

She produced a personal best time -- and school record -- of 52.20 seconds in the 400-meter event during a Princeton, N.J. meet in mid-May of this year. Guion-Firmin also holds the UMES record of 23.49 seconds in the 200-meter dash. In the outdoor track season she ran a team's best 12.07-second time in the 100-meter dash.

Guion-Firmin finished first or second in eight events during the 2012 collegiate outdoor track season, including the NCAA Championships. She had four first-place finishes, two in the 400-meter dash and one in the 100 and 200-meter events.

"Her points alone helped elevate UMES into the top 60 track and field programs in the country," Barrett said.

Her Olympic teammates in the 4x400-meter relay are: Phara Anacharsis, Marie Gayot and Floria Guei. Guion-Firmin is making her first appearance for the French team.

Preliminary heats will be run Aug. 10 -- three days after Guion-Firmin's 21st birthday -- and the medal race will be held the following day, Aug. 11, according to the official London Olympics' website.

Bonne chance, Lenora!

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Kynard, Owens will team up in college at Bethune-Cookman

TOLEDO, Ohio - Tony Kynard and Clemmye Owens have been teammates on the basketball court since junior high school. The Rogers seniors apparently plan to continue serving as backcourt mates beyond their final season wearing a Rams uniform. Both gave verbal commitments on Monday to attend Bethune-Cookman University after graduating from high school next spring.

"We've been playing basketball together since the seventh grade, so we decided to go to the same school," said Kynard, the 6-foot-1 point guard who averaged 13.9 points and 8.2 assists during his junior season.




Owens, a six-foot shooting guard, pumped in a team-high 18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest in his junior campaign. "I liked the school, and it seems like it's the best [college] program for me," Owens said. "Their style of play fits me."

Kynard and Owens, who have been key members of the Rams backcourt the last two seasons, made their decision to verbally commit to Bethune-Cookman during a recent unofficial visit to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference university. Toledo native and former Tiffin University coach Rodney Martin is an assistant coach on Bethune-Cookman's coaching staff.

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Norfolk State's Goldberg named one of top 44 kickers in country

NORFOLK, Virginia - We'll discuss all the questions the Norfolk State football team faces heading into training camp here for the next few weeks (key questions will be in The Pilot on Monday), but for the moment, let's discuss somewhere the Spartans can feel secure.

Everett Goldberg was named a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award watch list on Thursday, which is given to the top college kicker in the country at all levels. Ryan Estep, an All-American last year, was a finalist for the award last year.

If there's any area NSU seems set heading into ...

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Title target is prime story line as S.C. State players report

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - After a one-week break following the completion of summer workouts, the South Carolina State football team is headed back to campus today.

Just over 90 returning and new players are expected to report to the team before the start of preseason practice at 7 p.m. Friday at the Oliver C. Dawson Stadium practice field. It will be the first of 20 practices planned by head coach Buddy Pough, entering his 11th seasons at the helm of his alma mater.



The Bulldogs, ranked 24th in the preseason by the College Sportings News Preseason Football Championship Subdivision Top 25 rankings, head into the Aug. 30 season-opener in Atlanta against Georgia State with a myriad of story lines: ‘Bulldog’ empire strikes back

To a man, the players want nothing more than to add a 15th Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship year to the “Wall of Champions” outside Oliver C. Dawson Stadium

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Bethune-Cookman fall football camp kicks off

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida - There is one game film that Bethune-Cookman head football coach Brian Jenkins keeps going back to. The game does not feature the Wildcats and predates his time at B-CU. But Jenkins said he keeps watching South Carolina State's 37-21 playoff loss to Appalachian State in 2008.

The Bulldogs led that game 14-10, before the Mountaineers pulled away. If they just could have held on, Jenkins reckons, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference may be viewed in a different light as it pertains to the Football Championship Subdivision title picture.  Instead, the league is winless in the playoffs since 1999 -- 0-for-14.

"They were right there," Jenkins said of S.C. State. "If they would've done that, we wouldn't have these conversations about schools in the MEAC and (the FCS title)."

In his first two seasons at B-CU, Jenkins produced a solid 18-5 record. Season 3 under Jenkins is slated to kick off with the start of fall camp around 9 a.m. today at New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex. Bethune-Cookman will spend its first two weeks of practice in New Smyrna Beach while its on-campus practice facilities undergo renovations.



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ASU to hold first fall practice Thursday

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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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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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?

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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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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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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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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 Day
August 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

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -  Claflin University has selected Dr. Jerome Fitch to be its next athletics director. The veteran athletics administer plans to contribute to the University’s strategic vision by elevating Claflin athletics programs in all facets.

“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.

All practices during the preseason camp are open to the public. All visitors to practice, during and after, please remember that no photography, video or cell phone use is permitted during practice and that everyone must remain off the field.

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.

Each insisted that the other couldn’t match his lift during the first day of testing. They went back and fort until Rose took one last lift and rushed off to a class. He was satisfied with his 425 pounds. House settled for 415.

“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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2012 SIAC Media Luncheon - Tuskegee Golden Tigers

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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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