Bethune-Cookman takes control of MEAC with 42-17 win over North Carolina Central

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  Brian Jenkins rarely shows the type of emotion that he did following his Bethune-Cookman Wildcats' 42-17 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win over North Carolina Central on Saturday.

Shortly after the final whistle, Jenkins marched over to the sidelines at Municipal Stadium and took a microphone from Wildcats' athletic director Lynn Thompson. He thanked the fans, gave a shout out to the band and even got a little sway going during the school's fight song.

 

In his postgame presser, he said someone told him he should let his team see him smile a little more. Of course, in typical Jenkins' fashion, he was not smiling at the time that he said as much. But down on the field he did, and for good reason – with the win over North Carolina Central (5-3, 4-1), B-CU (6-2, 5-0) took sole possession of first-place in the MEAC.

 

The Wildcats will have to lose twice in their final three games against teams that have a combined seven wins – Morgan State, Savannah State and Florida A&M – to potentially fall short of a conference title.

 

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THE SHOW: Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands

Videographer: Wally Thomas

TSU beats Tennessee Tech with no time left

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Tennessee State waited until time ran out to score a touchdown, and that was enough to beat Tennessee Tech on Saturday.

The Tigers rallied for a 22-21 win at Hale Stadium, and some in the crowd of 11,373 spilled onto the field to join the players in a celebration.

With one second left and TSU at Tech’s 6, Mike German rolled right and had to avoid two defenders before being forced to throw the ball to tight end A.C. Leonard, who caught it despite being covered in the back of the end zone.

Jamin Godfrey’s extra point kick gave TSU (8-1, 4-1 OVC) the victory.

“The last play was designed for a corner route toward the back pylon and another route to the front pylon,” German said. “You stretch the defense out and see who gets open. If nobody gets open you put the ball in the end zone to one of your best players and see what he can do with it. As you saw, he came up with a touchdown.”



Head Coach Rod Reed, Kicker Jamin Godfrey, QB Michael German and TE A.C. Leonard talk to the media after the Tigers 22-21 victory on the last play of the game vs. Tennessee Tech to improve to 8-1 on the season.

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Central State University appoints new AD to lead Marauder Athletics

Jahan L. Culbreath

WILBERFORCE, Ohio  --  Jahan L. Culbreath has been appointed athletic director for Marauder athletics at Central State University. Culbreath has more than 20 years of experience in Athletic coaching and administration that includes, assistant athletic director of development, athletic liaison for football operations, and head men's and women's track and field/cross country coaching. He has held athletic appointments at the University of Minnesota, Reebok International Limited, Stoughton, Massachusetts, and Kenny Bee, Inc., of New York, New York.|

Culbreath is a 1992 graduate of Central State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication. Jahan was appointed interim athletic director in June 2012 following his position as associate director of athletics and student wellness at Central State University. “I am excited about the opportunity to build on the foundation, and legacy in place. We have a strong program, and I look forward to bringing my energy, and enthusiasm to serve the University,” said Jahan Culbreath.

Central State University's President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said; "Mr. Culbreath brings a wealth of expertise in athletic leadership, athletic student development, and philanthropy."

The appointment was effective October 25, 2012.

---

SIAC membership

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Council of Presidents unanimously approved the application of Central State University as an associate football member of the SIAC, effective July 1, 2013.

"Central State University is so pleased, and excited to be received as an associate member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference," said Central State University President, Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond. "The affiliation for our football program will promote great enthusiasm and energy for our alumni, students, and the entire CSU family! We look forward to participating as a SIAC member with 'sister' SIAC institutions." she said.

Johnson C. Smith 27, St. Augustine’s 21

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Juice was loose for J.C. Smith’s homecoming.

Senior receiver Matthew Jeffries scored a career-best three touchdowns on seven receptions in the Golden Bulls’ 27-21 CIAA South win against St. Augustine’s Saturday at McGirt Field. The victory was J.C. Smith’s third in a row, which was last accomplished in 2006 and put the Golden Bulls (5-4, 4-2 CIAA) one away from back-to-back plus winning seasons for the first time since 1973.

“I’ve never caught three (touchdowns in a game) in my life,” Jeffries said. “This day means a lot. It’s my last homecoming. I enjoyed every bit of it.”

The 6-4, 205-pound Jeffries took advantage of physical mismatches against St. Augustine’s smaller defensive back, going high to snag passes when J.C. Smith needed big plays. Jeffries and quarterback Keahn Wallace, who hit 16-of-27 passes for 316 yards and four scores, exploited that difference in single coverage to keep the Falcons (5-4, 3-3) honest.

“In practice this week, my coach told me I just had to make plays,” Jeffries said. “I knew they were going to try to be physical with me. My teammates held me up all week and (Wallace) threw great passes to me.”



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XU Gold Nuggets win 18th straight in GCAC regular season

NEW ORLEANS — Taylor Reuther had 10 kills, six aces and six digs and hit .500 Saturday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana to a 25-11, 25-9, 25-11 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's volleyball victory against Talladega at The Barn.

The Gold Nuggets (15-6 overall, 8-0 GCAC) won for the 10th time in 12 matches and pushed their all-time home record above .500 for the first time in the program's five-year history. Xavier is 25-24 at The Barn, 12-4 since the start of the 2011 season.

Xavier has won 18 consecutive GCAC regular-season matches since the start of 2011. The Nuggets can clinch a second consecutive GCAC regular-season championship with a victory at home Thursday against city rival SUNO.

Reuther produced kills on each of her first seven attacks and hit .500 or better for the sixth time this season. She reached double-figure kills for the fourth consecutive match and the 12th time this season, both team bests. Reuther, the NAIA's second-ranked server, had six aces for the second consecutive match.

Kerris Crier, Chinedu Echebelem and Jodi Hill had four kills apiece for Xavier. Jodi Chatters had 12 digs — her fourth consecutive match in double figures — and Echebelem had eight.

Talladega (18-11, 5-3) lost in conference for the second time in three days.
Crier recorded all her kills, plus three blocks, during a 17-1 first-set run which erased Talladega's 7-6 lead. It was the Lady Tornadoes' final lead of the match.

All 13 available Nuggets played. Crier and Moira Kirk started but did not play after the first set. Kirk, the Nuggets' best blocker, had two kills and two aces, but her streak of 40 consecutive matches with a block ended.

Xavier's next match will start at 7 p.m. Monday against Belhaven at The Barn. The Nuggets will play four times next week to close the regular season, then travel to Little Rock, Ark., for the GCAC Tournament the following week.

Box score

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

Week 9, HBCU Scorecard

OVC
Tennessee State 22, Tennessee Tech 21

MEAC
Bethune-Cookman 42, North Carolina Central 17
South Carolina State 41, Howard 23
North Carolina A&T 30, Norfolk State 9
Hampton U. 21, Savannah State 13
Delaware State 28, Morgan State 23 (Thursday)

SWAC
Alabama State 31, Alabama A&M 13 at Birmingham, Magic City Classic
Arkansas - Pine Bluff 10, Mississippi Valley State 0
Prairie View A&M 49, Southern U. 20 at Shreveport Classic
Texas Southern 23, Grambling State 20

SIAC
Albany State (Ga.) 24, Benedict 13 at Augusta City Classic
Tuskegee 14, Clark-Atlanta U. 0
Fort Valley State 26, Morehouse 19
Lane 28, Kentucky State 14
Miles 49, Stillman 13 (Thursday)

CIAA
Winston-Salem State 62, Shaw 31
Chowan 33, Virginia State 21
Elizabeth City State 27, Virginia Union 21
Bowie State 45, Lincoln (Pa.) 9
Johnson C. Smith U. 27, Saint Augustine's U. 21
Fayetteville State 47, Livingstone 29

OTHER
Central State (Ohio) 32, Quincy 16
Point U. 48, Newport News Apprentice 14
Charleston Southern 42, Edward Waters 7
Central Oklahoma 56, Lincoln (Mo.) 25
McMurry 29, Langston 11
West Virginia Wesleyan 42, West Virginia State 14
West Chester 59, Cheyney 14
Texas College 31, Concordia-Selma 20

WSSU romps past Shaw 62-31

DURHAM, North Carolina  --  Winston-Salem State continued its drive to perfection with a convincing 62-31 win over Shaw on Saturday afternoon at Durham County Stadium.

The Rams, ranked second in NCAA Division II, clinched the CIAA's Southern Division and improved to 15-1 on the road in Coach Connell Maynor's three seasons. The Rams scored on quarterback Kameron Smith's 11-yard run on their first possession and never looked back.

Smith had another outstanding game for the Rams, going 23 of 36 for a career-best 363 yards and six touchdowns. He has 13 touchdown passes in his last two games.

Scoring on passes from Smith in the first half were Jahuann Butler (two touchdowns), along with Jamal Williams, Jameze Massey and tight end Jamie DeGeare. By halftime the Rams were in command at 41-9.

Butler had eight catches for 120 yards and Massey had three catches for 114 yards.

The Rams improved to 9-0 and 6-0 in ...

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Paine College Athletics Announces New Football Program

AUGUSTA, Georgia  --  After years of speculation and anticipation, Paine College President, Dr. George C. Bradley, formally announced plans to revive football at the 131 year-old Liberal Arts Institution that sits in the heart of Augusta, Georgia. During the fall meeting of the Paine College Board of Trustees, the governing body voted unanimously to revive the sport that has been absent for fifty years.

“The wheels are in motion to have a full football program by 2014,” said Tim Duncan, Athletics Director during his address to faculty, staff, students and alumni who attended the morning press conference held on the front lawn of Haygood-Holsey Hall, Friday, October 26th. He went on to say that as early as 2013, the College had plans to recruit a Coach to lead the program and expected to acquire student athletes to participate in Club Ball during the fall 2013 semester.

Attorney Sharyn Doanes Bergin, President of the Paine College National Alumni Association, commented that she was ecstatic about the revival of football at her Alma Mater. She commented that the football program would spur alumni participation on many levels. Annie Rogers, President of the Augusta Alumni Chapter, learning of the new development, said “There is nothing like college football, especially at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). I welcome the day that I can experience college football at Paine College.”

A feasibility study was implemented in September 2011 and during the process, students, alumni and members of the Central Savannah River Area community (CSRA) were surveyed. The survey examined annual operating costs, infrastructure needs, initial expenses to start a team, staffing needs, and a timetable for implementing a football team. Of particular note, constituents who were surveyed overwhelmingly were in favor of starting a football program at Paine.

Historically, Paine College athletics has consistently placed emphasis on academic excellence. Paine’s 1951 football team produced two college presidents, an Assistant Vice Chancellor for the University System of Georgia, five athletes who earned doctoral degrees, one of which was a Geologist at the University of Chicago, and several athletes who earned graduate degrees. The 2012 valedictorian was a Paine College student-athlete. The College will continue to emphasize academic excellence within its football program.

Historian Mallory Millender believes that a football program will tremendously improve the quality of campus life, pride and morale. “One of the first questions that students from other colleges and universities ask of a Paine student is: “tell me about your football program or tell me about your Marching Band. The Paine student often responds “we don’t have one.”

“We expect football will increase the College’s economic impact on the community,” said Dr. Elias Etinge, Vice President of Student affairs. “Equally important, is that football will enhance campus life”

Implementing a successful football program is impacted by timing. Paine will open the new state-of-the-art Health Education Activities Learning (HEAL) Complex, the new home for the Department of Athletics in early 2013. Keeping aligned with the Institution’s Strategic Plan, the College is looking to develop housing and residential facilities in anticipation of increased enrollment.

“This is an exciting day for all of the fans, alumni, and supporters of Paine College,” said Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner Greg Moore. “We are thrilled about the prospect of Paine College launching a new football program. The SIAC Community congratulates President Bradley and Athletic Director Tim Duncan for their new development.”

“The Augusta Sports Council (Council) is thrilled that Paine College will field a football team beginning in 2014,” said Brinsley Thigpen, CEO for the Council. “In addition to the exciting spectator opportunities, it will offer our local residents; the visiting teams and fans will provide a positive influence to our local economy by once again increasing visitor spending due to sports tourism. The addition of football is evidence of the continued growth and success of the Paine College Athletics Department and the interest and support of sports in Augusta.” “We look forward to supporting them in this exciting endeavor,” said Thigpen.

“Overall football will impact every area of the College,” said Duncan. Football will facilitate increased opportunities for fundraising, improve student school spirit, enhance the visibility of the College, and create opportunities for the College to start a Marching Band and Drumline”

For more information, please contact Kimberly May, Sports Information Director, at 706.821.8379, Kmay@paine.edu, or Leah Suggs, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, at 706.821.8322, Lsuggs@paine.edu.

Tim Duncan (left) with mascot Leon the Lion (right), holding a Paine College football helmet.





COURTESY PAINE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Shaw has played WSSU tough

DURHAM, North Carolina  --  Winston-Salem State just might have its hands full today against Shaw at Durham County Stadium.

The Rams have lost three games in Coach Connell Maynor's three seasons, one of them to Shaw, in 2010.

The Rams — 8-0 overall and ranked No. 2 in the NCAA Division II poll — have yet to be tested in CIAA play, outscoring opponents 212-47 in five games. Last week, they barely broke a sweat routing Livingstone 58-0.

Robert Massey, in his first season as Shaw's head coach after two seasons as the defensive coordinator, said that his Bears match up well with the Rams.

Shaw is a coming off a 35-20 loss to Johnson C. Smith, a defeat Massey needed time to put behind.

"I pouted a little more than usual," he said. "But then I realized this is a great opportunity for us this week to play the No. 2 team in the country. And I think when you look back at how the games have gone between our two schools, the games have been good."




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ECSU hopes offensive consistency continues

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina  --  Hello, offensive continuity.

The Elizabeth City State football team spent most of the season trying to find it and, after back-to-back routs, Vikings coach Waverly Tillar hopes it is here to stay.

“We’ve been talking about continuity all year and it has been lacking,” he said. “It couldn’t have gotten here at a better time.”

That’s because ECSU, despite its earlier offensive problems, is close to securing a Northern Division title and a return to the CIAA championship game. If the Vikings win their last two games, beginning with today’s home season finale against Virginia Union, they will have achieved their major preseason goal.

“We’ve finally got the momentum we’ve been waiting on,” Tillar said. “Hats off to (offensive coordinator) Alvin Parker and the offensive line that is coming through down the stretch.”

 

 

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Wacky season leaves MEAC race wide open

Rattlers, conference rivals dealing with parity in league

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Considering all that was said about which team would win the MEAC football championship, North Carolina Central University isn’t supposed to be leading the standings.
Bethune-Cookman University in second place? OK the Wildcats get that considering how strong they’ve been in the past two previous seasons.

But Howard University sitting in third place wasn’t even supposed to be by a long shot. After all, the Bison are only in their second season of rebuilding under first-time head coach Gary Harrell. The predicted eight-place finish seemed to be more appropriate for Howard.

MEAC Standings
• Bethune Cookman (5-2 overall, 4-0 conference)
• North Carolina Central (5-2, 4-0)
• Howard (5-2, 4-1)
• Delaware State (5-3, 4-1)
• Florida A&M (3-5, 3-2)
• Morgan State (3-5, 2-3)
• South Carolina State (3-5, 2-3)
• Hampton (1-5, 1-3)
• Savannah State (1-6, 0-4)
• Norfolk State (2-6, 0-5)

So now that the entire league is turned upside down – literally when you see the team (Norfolk State University) that was favored to win sitting in seventh place and the team picked to finish ninth leading the conference standings.

Even FAMU, which traditionally sits near the top of the league around this time of the season, is in a downward spiral in fifth place.


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TSU Basketball Coach Mike Davis gets 4-year contract

HOUSTON, Texas  --  Less than three months after being named the interim basketball coach at Texas Southern University, Mike Davis agreed to a four-year contract with the Tigers.  The contract is scheduled to be presented for approval at a meeting on Friday of TSU's board of regents.

"We're ecstatic as a university to be able to reach a four-year agreement with Coach Davis," said Charles McClelland, TSU's athletics director, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "This is another sign of the university's athletics program moving in a positive direction.

"Coach Davis is an outstanding coach and we know he'lll do a great job for us over the next four years and beyond."

It did not take long for McClelland to determine that Davis, former coach at Indiana and UAB, is the right coach for the job.

"He's a great fit," McClelland said. "His transition into the university and the athletics program has been seamless. The student-athletes have jelled around him."




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Texas Southern University Lifts Band’s Suspension

HOUSTON, Texas  --  University officials have lifted the suspension of the Ocean of Soul marching band after an internal hazing review led to 10 students suspensions and 9 receiving reprimands. The band will be allowed to perform Oct. 27, at the TSU versus Grambling State home football game.

A university task force on Oct. 9^th announced 10 upperclassmen with band scholarships were suspended from school, effective immediately. All suspended members can reapply in January but are permanently banned from participating in the band.

 

 

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Carmichael Gets Call For SWAC Hall

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  --  The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to announce that former All-Pro wide receiver and current director of player development Harold Carmichael will be inducted into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

“I’m humbled and honored to be included in a Hall of Fame with such a storied tradition,” said Carmichael. “To be mentioned in the same company of guys like Jerry Rice, Charlie Joiner, Doug Williams, Jackie Slater, Ken Burrough, and Shack Harris is a wonderful feeling. It was a hard road for me to even to get to Southern. I was a walk-on. Nobody even knew who I was when I arrived on campus. I thought I had a scholarship but I did not. But I was very blessed to have a chance to show my talent and be in the position I am today.”

Carmichael will join Donald Driver (Alcorn State), Willie Norwood (Alcorn State), Hubert O Clemmons (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Eugene "Doc" Harvey (Grambling), Lawrence A. Davis (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), LyVonne LeFlore (Jackson State) and Herman Sanders (Mississippi Valley State) in a ceremony on December 6 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Carmichael was a four-year starter at Southern where he led the team in receptions each season. In his senior year, he was an All-American as well as All-SWAC. In 1971, Carmichael was drafted in the 7th round by the Philadelphia Eagles. The 4-time Pro Bowler spent 14 years in the NFL and finished his career 6th on the league's all-time list with 590 receptions. He is still the Eagles all-time leader in catches (589), yards (8,978) and touchdowns (79).

In 1980, Carmichael was voted NFL Man of the Year. He is also a member of the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame. In addition, Carmichael is a member of the Eagles Hall of Fame (1987), Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame Honor Roll and Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.


COURTESY PHILADELPHIAEAGLES.COM

Rivers to start as GSU attempts first SWAC win

Grambling State (1-6, 0-5) at Texas Southern (1-6, 1-4)

When: 4 p.m.
Where: BBVA Compass Stadium
TV: SWAC-TV
Radio: KPCH 99.3-FM
Coaches: GSU: Doug Williams (second year in second stint, 53-24 overall).
TSU: Darrell Asberry (first year 1-6, 41-31 overall).

HOUSTON, Texas  --  One week after Grambling State recorded its first win of the season against Virginia-Lynchburg, the Tigers will go after their first Southwestern Athletic Conference win with a trip to Texas Southern (1-6, 1-4).

But GSU (1-6, 0-5) will be without starting quarterback D.J. Williams, who injured his hip and ribs in the second quarter of last week's 22-7 win.

Coach Doug Williams said via text message that D.J. practiced one day this week, and that junior backup Frank Rivers will get the start.

Rivers replaced the injured Williams in the second quarter, throwing for 114 yards on 6-of-13 passing with one interception and one touchdown, a 35-yard touchdown to Anthony McGhee.  Rivers has played in spots over the last two seasons, and he has thrown for 451 yards on 31-of-59 passing with three scores to one interception.


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Magic City Classic a battle of two good RBs

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama A&M’s Kaderius Lacey figures he has the statistics to lay claim to be one of the best, if not the best, running back in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but there’s a newcomer at Alabama State that’s stealing some of his spotlight.

When Georgia transfer Isaiah Crowell ended up in the Hornets’ backfield, it bumped Lacey down to the second team on the preseason All-SWAC team.

“I guess the reality is he gets a lot of respect from the conference he was in,” said Lacey, who was the offensive MVP in last year’s Magic City Classic with 189 yards rushing on 38 carries and a touchdown in a 20-19 victory. “I understand, him coming from Georgia, being the No. 1 running back (by recruiting analysts) coming out of high school.

“But before he went to Alabama State, I was first team (SWAC preseason). When he enrolled at Alabama State, he was first team and I was second team. So it’s a little disrespect. I’ve done it on the field in this league. We’re going to see how it plays out Saturday.


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DWIGHT FLOYD: Hurricane Sandy vs. the FCS

DWIGHT FLOYD
"THE EDITOR"
Weekly Commentary
SportsEdit.Org

SportsEdit.Org FCS Fan Poll

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  There are a lot of exciting games to highlight this week making it hard to cite just one as the game of the week. Hurricane Sandy, no relation to the Miami Hurricanes, may be the biggest factor for games along the east coast, particularly the Carolinas where Sandy is projected to land. We have Alabama A&M versus Alabama State, sure to be one of the more exciting games in the FCS and likely to be one of the most attended games. Bethune Cookman plays host to surprise team North Carolina Central. Under a relatively new coach the Eagles are threatening to take over the MEAC. Expect BCU to have something to say about that. Undefeated Cal Poly, who has only been contested by FBS Wyoming, will take on conference member Sacramento State, a potential runner up in the Big Sky Conference. Earlier in the season Cal Poly beat North Dakota State, yet Cal Poly is still ranked lower. I thought only historically black colleges received that kind of treatment. Now you know why I started a SportsEdit fan poll.

Tennessee State is at home against Tennessee Tech. If Sandy doesn’t interfere the Tigers should win handily though strange things are known to happen in the OVC. The Tigers shouldn’t lose another regular season game provided they aren’t outcoached by anyone. The decision to make it to the playoffs is totally in their hands. Towson at 4-2 continues to be ranked in the top 25, maybe until now. This Saturday they play underrated Villanova. This is another game with playoff implications. Expect ‘Nova to rise to the occasion.


FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: SportsEdit # 19 ranked NCCU Eagles

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Before the Storm, Week 9 HBCU Football Schedule

CIAA
Bowie State @ Lincoln (Pa.), Homecoming, 1:30 pm
Winston-Salem State @ Shaw, Durham County Stadium, 1:30 pm
Virginia Union @  Elizabeth City State, 1 pm
Saint Augustine's U. @ Johnson C. Smith U., Homecoming, 1 pm
Livingstone @ Fayetteville State, Homecoming, 2 pm
Chowan U @ Virginia State, 1:30 pm

OVC
Tennessee Tech. @ Tennessee State, 2 pm

MEAC
Delaware State 28, Morgan State 23, Thursday Final
Howard U. @ South Carolina State, Homecoming, 1:30 pm
Norfolk State @ North Carolina A&T, Homecoming, 1:30 pm
Savannah State @ Hampton, Homecoming, 2 pm
North Carolina Central @ Bethune-Cookman, 4 pm



OTHER
Cheyney U. @ West Chester, 12 Noon
West Virginia Wesleyan @ West Virginia State,  1 pm
Quincy @ Central State (Ohio), 1:30 pm
Edward Waters @ Charleston Southern, 1:30 pm
Langston (Ok) @ McMurray, 3 pm
Central Oklahoma @ Lincoln (Mo.) 3 pm
Concordia-Selma @ Texas College, Homecoming, 2 pm
Newport News Apprentice @ Point U.  1 pm

SIAC
Miles 49, Stillman 13, Thursday Final
Lane @ Kentucky State, 1:30 pm
Benedict @ Albany State (Ga.), Augusta City Classic, 2 pm
Fort Valley State @ Morehouse, Homecoming, 2 pm
Tuskegee @ Clark-Atlanta U., 4 pm

SWAC
Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M at Birmingham, AL, Magic City Classic, 3:30 pm, ESPN3
Grambling State @ Texas Southern, 5 pm
Mississippi Valley State @  Arkansas Pine Bluff, Homecoming, 3:30 pm
Southern @ Prairie View A&M, Shreveport Classic, 5 pm

TSU Volleyball Finishes the Racers, 3-0

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State volleyball team (14-10, 8-3 OVC) stopped the Racers in straight sets (25-15, 28-26, 26-24) on the first night of "Pink Out".

Junior setter Erika Moss recorded 41 assists in the match and played a big part in the Tiger's .287 hitting percentage.

Sophomore Naomi Wells led the Tigers with 16 kills, but Rachel Ambroch, Sherryce Butler and Lindsay Hornsby each had at least seven kills in the match.

Wells also led the team in digs with 15 and senior libero Britani Hathorn added 12 to fuel the team's 44 digs during the match.

Butler started off the match with a kill to put the Tigers in the driver's seat early, and TSU quickly made the score 4-0 with kills from Wells and Hornsby. The Tigers retained their advantage at 7-3 before Murray State (4-18, 2-10 OVC) called its first timeout of the match. The stoppage didn't stop the Tigers as Moss extended her team's lead to six later in the match with a rare kill. Hathorn then recorded her first service ace of the match a few points later to make the score 14-8 in favor of TSU. Butler slammed home a kill off of a Moss assist that fooled the defense into guessing the wrong side, and the route was on. TSU went on a 9-4 run to end the set with Butler recording the set-winning point.

Seven different attackers recorded kills for the Tigers during the first frame and TSU hit .429 compared to Murray State's .143.

The teams played to a 3-3 tie to start the second period, but the Racers took the lead from there with a pair of attacks. The Tigers immediately grasped the lead with a 4-0 run that featured ...... However, the Racers fought back to take a one-point lead at 10-9 when an attack from Wells was sent right back with a Murray State block. The Racers added to their lead later in the set with another block off of an Ambroch attack. Not to be outdone, Hornsby recorded a block of her own and Ambroch racked up an ace to tie the frame at 14. With the set still tied, TSU got back-to-back points from Butler to take a narrow lead. The Racers came back yet again and the score was eventually 22-21 in their favor. Murray State called time in hopes of holding off the Tigers, but Wells tied the score for the 12th time with a finesse kill that fell between the Murray State defense. Freshman Emilie Sandve Aase had her fourth kill of the match, but the Racers wouldn't go down easily. Three more ties occurred down the stretch, but the Tigers finally won the set when Murray State recorded its sixth error of the frame.

The Racers out-hit the Tigers .273 to .245 in the period, but TSU had five more attacks.

Wells opened the third set with a kill and Ambroch had two aces as the Tigers roared to an early 9-1 lead. Murray State countered with a 6-2 run, but the Racers' momentum has halted with a service error. Butler added a solo block later in the frame, but TSU attacks kept falling wide, keeping Murray State within striking distance at 14-12. The Tigers were up by just one later in the set, but freshman Jordan Piper hit an un-returnable attack to make the score 19-17 in favor of TSU. The teams traded blows for the next few points, but an error by Piper tied the score at 24. Freshman Jaime Cooper finally ended the match with an ace that ricocheted off of two Murray State players.

Ambroch finished the match with three service aces.

TSU's next match is tomorrow at 12 p.m. against Austin Peay in Kean Hall. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the match in support of breast cancer awareness.

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Kenyan runners lead confident FAMU team to MEAC meet

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Wayne Angel probably won’t get much argument when he talks about having the key element in his effort to rebuild the FAMU men’s track team, with his recent addition of three distance runners from Kenya.

At least anyone who disagrees with Angel’s assessment won’t have much evidence if they look at what the Rattlers have been doing during the cross-country season. They started the season with a first-place finish at the USF Invitational, beating the likes of Miami, FAU and FIU.

They followed that up by ending every other meet with finishes no lower than fifth. But most importantly, the Rattlers are heading into this weekend’s MEAC championship with Shuaib Winters and Elias Chesire as the two best cross-country runners in the conference standings. In all, FAMU has five runners ranked in the top 15.

That’s the kind of effect that the three Kenyans — Chesire, Kevin Manrindich and Antony Kimaiyo — are having on the program, Angel said.



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Bethune-Cookman, North Carolina Central set for MEAC showdown

DAYTONA BEACH — Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins said he and his assistants watched North Carolina Central game film this week with mouths wide open.

N.C. Central coach Henry Frazier said when he watched B-CU film, he saw “absolutely no weakness in their football team.''

Hyperbole? Maybe.

But both teams have rolled through the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this season with the precision of a surgeon. They are both 5-2, 4-0 in the conference, setting up a showdown for first place at 4 p.m. Saturday at Municipal Stadium on B-CU's Senior Day.

It's no surprise that the Wildcats are battling for another MEAC championship. They were co-champs in 2010 and finished in a second-place tie last season. North Carolina Central, however, went 1-7 (tied for last place) in its first year in the league last season and 2-9 overall.

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Elko's career day highlights DSU Hornets' 4th straight win

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Nick Elko completed 33- of- 43 passes for a career-high 398 yards and two touchdowns to lead Delaware State to a 28-23 MEAC win over Morgan State in a nationally televised contest (ESPNU) at Hughes Stadium Thursday evening.

The Hornets won their fourth straight game to improve to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in the MEAC. Morgan State dropped its third in a row to fall to 3-5 and 2-3. The win streak is DSU's longest since an eight-game run during its MEAC championship season in 2007.  

"I'm really proud of our guys for the effort against a really determined Morgan State team," said Delaware State head coach Kermit Blount, who improved to 99-98-3 as a collegiate head coach. "It's great to see these kids rewarded with wins for all the hard work they've put in. Things are coming together for us as a team, but we still have a long way go."   

ESPNU Video Highlights

Elko, a former Maryland high school star, set a school record with 17 straight completions in the first half. His passing yardage total was the third highest in team history. Bryan Botts set the school record passing yardage record (430) vs. Morgan State in 2004. Rahsaan Matthews passed for 426 yards against Florida A&M in 1998.

Elko's previous high passing game was 339 yards vs. Norfolk State in 2011. He is third on the Hornets' career list with 4,876 passing yards.

Travis Tarpley had 12 catches, for 143 yards and two touchdowns, while Justin Wilson had eight catches for 100 yards.

Tarpley was one catch shy of the school-record 13 he set in 2011. Wilson surpassed the 2,000 receiving yards mark (2,090) and moved into second place on the Hornets' all-time list with 162 receptions.

"The coaches put together a really good game plan and we were able to take advantage of what the defense gave us," said Elko, who moved into a tie for third for career touchdown passes at DSU with 31. "I have to give credit to the offensive line, which did a great job all game. We ran the ball well, which helped to set up our passing success. I have worked with Travis (Tarpley) and Justin (Wilson) for five years now, and they just make big plays. "

The Hornets racked up a season high 502 yards, the most since amassing 562 against St. Francis in 2006.
Morgan State opened the scoring with a touchdown on its first possession. Quarterback Robert Council capped off a seven-play, 72-yard drive with a 41 yard touchdown run with 10:50 left in the first quarter. Ervin Gonzalez kicked the extra point to give the Bears a 7-0 lead.

Delaware State evened the contest on a touchdown early in the second quarter.

Elko connected with Tarpley on a four-yard touchdown pass to cap off a nine-play, 72-yard drive (4:48). Mitchell Ward's extra point kick tied the game at 7-7 with 13:10 left in the second quarter. Elko completed each of his five passes for 77 yards on the drive, including a 43-yard strike to Tarpley to the MSU seven.
Morgan needed just 14 seconds to regain the lead.

Tyrone Hendrix returned Ward's kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to give the Bears a 14-7 lead with 12:56 left in the second quarter.

Delaware State responded to the Morgan touchdown with one of its own on the ensuing possession to tie the game again.

Tarpley and Elko struck again on a 13-yard scoring pass to pull the Hornets to within 14-13 with 9:43 left in the second quarter. Elko completed five-of-seven passes for 64 yards during the nine-play, 76-yard drive, including first down strikes to Dae-Hon Cheung (17 yards) and Wilson (12, 14). Ward's extra point kick tied the game at 14-14.

The Hornets drove to the Morgan State 13 later in the second quarter, but had to settle for a field goal. Ward's 31-yard field goal gave DSU its first lead, 17-14, with 3:5q left in the first half. Cheung had a 24-yard run during the drive. The freshman back led the Hornets with 80 yards on 12 carries in the contest (6.7 ypc).

Delaware State stretched its lead to six just before halftime. Ward kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired in the half to give the Hornets a 20-14 advantage at the break. The eight-play, 75-yard drive started at the DSU 18 with 1:25 left in the half. The drive ended at the Morgan State seven. Elko connected with Wilson on a 39-yard pass and completed a 27-yarder to Tarpley during the drive.

The Hornets scored on their last five possessions of the first half.

Delaware State scored on six straight possessions after reaching the end zone of its first drive of the second half. Jackson capped off the seven-play, 80-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run to give the Hornets a 28-14 lead with 8:56 left in the third quarter. Cheung had an 18-yard run and Elko completed passes of 35 yards to Josh Bailey and 22 yards to Tarpley during the drive.     

Morgan State scored a touchdown in the third quarter and added a field goal in the fourth to pull to within 28-23.

The Bears trailed by that score when getting the ball for its final possession with 4:11 left to play. Morgan State recorded three first downs during an advance to the DSU 31. After three straight incompletions, Morgan State back-up quarterback came up short on a fourth down and 10 yards-to-go scramble to dash the Bears' comeback hopes.

Safety Davon Moore and linebacker Ernest Adjei led the Hornets with eight tackles each. Moore also had two tackles-for-loss, two pass break ups and a sack.

The Hornets return to action on Saturday Nov. 3 at North Carolina Central. Game time is 2:00 p.m. in Durham, N.C. 

North Carolina Central and Bethune-Cookman currently share the MEAC lead at 4-0. The teams will meet this Saturday (Oct. 27) in Daytona Beach, Fla.

STINGERSElko has thrown 184 straight passes without an interception ..,. The Hornets snapped a two-game losing streak to Morgan State.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Xavier to dedicate six new tennis courts Friday afternoon

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana will dedicate its new six-court, lighted tennis facility at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Approximate address of the courts is 3619 Pine St., zip code 70125.
    
The courts will give the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets, both nationally ranked in the NAIA, the opportunity to practice and play home matches on campus. Since XU revived its tennis program in the mid-1990s, the teams used City Park and the University of New Orleans as home venues.
    

The new Xavier Tennis Center consists of six lighted hard courts and
will play host to XU dual matches during the spring semester.

Xavier intercollegiate teams have not played outdoors regularly on their campus since football and men's track and field competed at Xavier Stadium in 1959-60. That facility no longer exists. In recent years two campus tennis courts, which the Rush and Nuggets used for practices, were razed to make room for a College of Pharmacy building expansion.
    

"This is an exciting time for XU tennis," 10th-year coach Alan Green said. "We are thrilled and grateful to be back home and to be able to showcase our teams in this great new facility."
    

Green added that the tennis courts will be available to the XU community, the public and for youth clinics.
    

The facility cost approximately $2.5 million. Construction began in April. Manning Architects designed the facility, and Gibbs Construction built it. Streets bordering the courts are Stroelitz to the north, Palm to the south, Pine to the west and Broadway to the east.
    

The tennis courts are approximately two blocks east of Xavier's Convocation Center and Convocation Center annex, both of which will open next week. The Convocation Center will be the new home of XU men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

The Xavier Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets compete in Division I of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) as a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Xavier fields men's teams in basketball, cross country, tennis and track and field and women's teams in basketball, cross country, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

George Mason eeks out win in exhibition hoops with Bowie State

FAIRFAX, Virginia  --  The George Mason men’s basketball team saw five players score in double figures as the Patriots outlasted a pesky Bowie State squad, 76-72, in exhibition action Thursday night at the Patriot Center. Leading the way was freshman Marko Gujanicic, who had 16 points in his unofficial Mason debut.

Adding to the Patriot offense was sophomore Erik Copes who had 13 points, while junior Vertrail Vaughns contributed 12, sophomore Anali Okoloji had 11 and junior Jonathan Arledge scored 10. In total, 11 different Patriots saw action in the preseason tuneup. Byron Westmorland accounted for 30 points for the NCAA Division II Bulldogs, who were picked to win the CIAA Northern Division title.

Mason had offensive struggles early, connecting on just one of their first nine field goal attempts, a layup by Copes. The Patriots would trail the Bulldogs for more than six minutes of the contest, until a Vaughns fast break layup tied the score at five.  It was part of a 9-2 run that gave the Patriots a 12-7 advantage less than midway through the first half. That lead held up until the 10-minute mark when Westmorland’s 3-pointer put the Bulldogs up 16-14.

The Patriots though, would take ...

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