NSU and Hampton Face off on Saturday at Echols Hall

NORFOLK, Viriginia  --  The Norfolk State women's basketball team is looking for its first win over Hampton in six years when they take on the Lady Pirates in the Battle of the Bay on Saturday, Jan. 26 in Joseph Echols Hall. Tip-off is at 4 p.m. This is the third of three consecutive home games for the Spartans.

Media Coverage: The game against Hampton will be broadcast live on WNSB Hot 91.1 with Ross Gordon on the call. Live stats will be available here. Live audio can be found here. You can also listen to the game on the Heritage Sports Network on Sirius XM 128.

Last Time Out: The Spartans (3-14, 1-5) snapped a six-game losing streak with an 81-68 victory over Morgan State on Jan. 21 at Joseph Echols Hall. Junior Aivah Parham had a career-high 34 points and 12 rebounds to lead NSU. It was Parham's first double-double of the season. Junior Rachel Gordon also tied her career-best with 25 points and 12 rebounds to notch her third double-double of the season.

The Spartans shot 40.0 (26-of-65) percent from the floor on the night while the Lady Bears were held to 30.8 (20-of-65) percent shooting. NSU outrebounded Morgan State 50-38 and outscored the Lady Bears in the paint 30-10.

Three players scored in double-figures for Morgan State. Brianna Coardes led the Lady Bears with 18 points. Bianca Jarrett added 13 points and five rebounds while Whitney Southerland posted 11 points, respectively.

All-Time Series: Hampton leads the series with NSU, 48-35. The Spartans have not won against Hampton since Dec. 2, 2006.

About Hampton: The Lady Pirates (14-5, 5-0) are coming off of a 58-50 win over Coppin State on Jan. 21 at the Convocation Center in Hampton, Va. Hampton shot 34.4 (22-of-64) percent from the floor and held the Lady Eagles to just 30.5 (18-of-59) percent shooting. Olivia Allen led the Lady Pirates with 22 points and three rebounds. Aside from Allen, two other Hampton players scored in double-figures. Keiara Avant recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Nicole Hamilton added 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Last Year Against Hampton: The Spartans were 0-3 last season against Hampton. On Jan.21 the Lady Pirates came out with a 92-43 victory over NSU at the Convocation Center in Hampton, Va. Hampton shot 44.0 (33-of-75) percent from the floor while the Spartans only shot 25.0 (12-of-48) percent. Rae Corbo led NSU with 19 points and was the only Spartan to score in double-figures. Choicetta McMillian and Nicole Hamilton led the Lady Pirates with 16 points each. Two other Hampton players reached double-figures including Keiara Avant, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Alyssa Bennett, who tallied 13 points and seven rebounds.

On Feb. 11 NSU suffered a 68-46 loss to the Lady Pirates at Joseph Echols Hall. The Spartans shot 43.9 (18-of-41) percent from the floor and held Hampton to 36.9 (24-of-65) percent shooting. Tyisha Bridges led NSU with 11 points and three steals. Choicetta McMillian led Hampton with 28 points and five rebounds. Teammate Melanie Warner picked up a double-double as she finished the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

The Spartans fell to Hampton, 61-40, in the quarterfinal round of the 2012 MEAC Tournament held at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C. NSU shot 32.7 (17-of-52) from the field while Hampton only shot 31.1 (19-of-61) percent. Tyisha Bridges led NSU with 12 points. Jericka Jenkins led the Lady Pirates with 20 points. Teammates Keiara Avant (13 pts.) and Alyssa Bennett (12 pts.) had seven rebounds each, respectively.

Scoring Leaders: Rachel Gordon leads NSU in scoring averaging 10.1 points per game followed by Kashay Barnes, who is averaging 9.8 points per game. Barnes scored a career-high 25 points in the Spartans overtime loss to UMES on Jan. 12.

Parham Stepping Up: Aivah Parham posted a career-high 34 points and 12 rebounds in the Spartans 81-68 victory over Morgan State on Jan. 21. Parham led NSU in scoring and tied with Rachel Gordon in rebounds on the night. The game against Morgan State marked her first double-double and her fifth game that she finished scoring in double-figures.

Gordon Named MEAC Player of the Week: Forward Rachel Gordon earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors, the league office announced on Jan 21.

Gordon came away with 19 rebounds, blocked three shots and recorded two steals in two games for the Spartans. She nearly had a double-double against Howard on Jan. 14 as she finished the night with 11 rebounds and eight points. Gordon was also just shy of a double-double against Coppin State on Jan. 19 where she scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds

This is the second time this season that Gordon was named Defensive Player of the Week. She earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors alongside Savannah State's Erin Hogue on Nov. 27.

MEAC, NCAA Leaderboard: As a team NSU currently ranks in the top 5 in six different categories in the MEAC, while NSU players rank in the top 5 in five different categories, including Rachel Gordon, who leads the league in rebounding at 11.3 boards per game. Gordon also currently ranks 12th in the NCAA in rebounding. Recca Trice is tied for first in the league for assists and is ranked 30th in the nation in assists per games.

Cracking the top 10: Recca Trice's seven assists in the game against Appalachian State on Nov. 25 moved her into sixth place all-time in the NSU record book for career assists. Trice has 94 assists on the season and her 426 career assists puts her two away from tying Dekisha Thompson for fifth all-time.

 Rachel Gordon's eight rebounds in the game against Coppin State on Jan. 19 moved her into 11th place all-time in the NSU record book for career rebounds. Gordon has 158 rebounds on the season and her 625 career rebounds puts her 86 away from tying Andrea Watts for 10th all-time.

Owning the Paint: NSU outscored Morgan State in the paint, 30-10, on Jan. 21. Last season NSU dominated the inside scoring, averaging 6.8 more points in the paint per game. Only Monmouth, Howard, Hampton (first meeting) and Bethune-Cookman (first meeting) scored more points in the paint than NSU in a game last year.

Winning the Rebounding Battle: NSU outrebounded Morgan State, 50-38, on Jan. 21, with Rachel Gordon and Aivah Parham leading the way with 12 rebounds each.

Defensive Minded: Rachel Gordon and Aivah Parham tallied 12 rebounds each in the Spartans 81-68 win over Morgan State on Jan. 21 Gordon currently leads the MEAC in rebounding, averaging 11.3 rebounds per game.

By Chaundrea Lee, Media Relations Assistant
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
NSUSPARTANS.COM

2013 Norfolk State Football Schedule is a Blockbuster

NORFOLK, Virginia  –  A school record-tying seven home games, including three Division I FCS non-conference matchups, highlight the 12-game 2013 Norfolk State University football schedule, which was released Friday.

Maine of the Colonial Athletic Association, Charleston Southern of the Big South Conference and FCS independent Old Dominion will all visit William “Dick” Price Stadium this upcoming season. The non-conference slate also includes a third all-time trip to Rutgers, the Spartans' fourth straight year playing a Division I FBS team which advanced to a bowl game the previous season.

The home conference schedule includes games with Savannah State, Hampton, Florida A&M and South Carolina State.

“I feel like this could be the most competitive schedule we've ever played,” NSU head coach Pete Adrian said. “In addition, our home schedule is outstanding and has to be one of the most attractive we've ever had for our fans. The schedule is quite a challenge, but our players are excited about it and I think they will be up to the challenge.”

Division I FCS schools are permitted to play 12 regular-season games the next two years since there are 13 Saturdays between the Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekends. NSU's 12 regular-season contests this upcoming season match the 2003 and 2008 squads for the most in school annals, and the seven home games will match the 2006 and 2009 seasons for the most ever in one year at Dick Price Stadium.

The schedule kicks off with a first-ever matchup between NSU and Maine on Saturday, Aug. 31. The Black Bears went 5-6 overall last season, 4-4 in the CAA. This marks the start of a two-year, home-and-home series between the schools, with NSU returning to Maine to kick off the 2014 schedule.
Maine replaces long-time NSU rival Virginia State on the Spartans' schedule, as NCAA bylaws preclude VSU from facing the Spartans on Labor Day weekend.

The following week (Sept. 7), NSU will travel to Piscataway, N.J., to face the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers for a third time. The teams also squared off in 2007 and 2010, with Rutgers winning both matchups. Rutgers went 9-4 in 2012 and was one of four Big East teams to tie for first place with 5-2 conference records. The Scarlet Knights lost to Virginia Tech 20-17 in the Russell Athletic Bowl last month.

NSU will enjoy a bye week on Sept. 14 before hosting Charleston Southern on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the Fish Bowl Classic. The teams have met once before, with the Spartans earning a 33-3 victory in Charleston in 2011. The Buccaneers went 5-6 overall, 3-3 to take fourth place in the Big South this past season.

MEAC play opens for NSU on Sept. 28 as the Spartans travel to Baltimore, Md., to face Morgan State. The Spartans have won the last six meetings in the series.

The October slate gets underway on Oct. 5 as NSU will host Savannah State for a second consecutive year. Following a road contest at Delaware State on Oct. 12, the Spartans will then host three straight games at Dick Price Stadium. Hampton visits Norfolk for the annual Battle of the Bay game on Oct. 19. The following week, NSU will play host to cross-town foe ODU on Saturday, Oct. 26. The teams have met once previously, a 35-18 ODU victory in the first round of the 2011 FCS playoffs. The Monarchs are playing as an FCS independent in 2013 before joining the Division I FBS ranks in Conference USA in 2014. They advanced to the FCS quarterfinals this past season.

The three-game homestand concludes on Nov. 2 as Florida A&M travels to Norfolk for NSU's 2013 homecoming. The teams have not played the last two seasons in the MEAC's unbalanced schedule.

November's schedule continues with road games at 2012 MEAC champion Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 9 and at North Carolina Central on Nov. 16.  Like FAMU, NCCU rotates onto the Spartans' schedule for the next two years, while Howard and North Carolina A&T rotate off. NSU and NCCU have not met since the Eagles transitioned to the Division I level in 2011. Their last meeting came in 1995 when both played in the Division II CIAA.

The regular-season schedule wraps up on Nov. 23 as the Spartans host South Carolina State for Senior Day.

Season ticket information will be released in the coming months.



NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 2013 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date		Opponent	Location	Time
8/31		Maine	Norfolk, Va.	6 pm
9/7		Rutgers	Piscataway, N.J.	TBA
9/21		Charleston Southern (Fish Bowl Classic)	Norfolk, Va.	4 pm
9/28	*	Morgan State	Baltimore, Md.	TBA
10/5	*	Savannah State	Norfolk, Va.	1 pm
10/12	*	Delaware State	Dover, Del.	TBA
10/19	*	Hampton (Battle of the Bay)	Norfolk, Va.	1 pm
10/26		Old Dominion	Norfolk, Va.	1 pm
11/2	*	Florida A&M (Homecoming)	Norfolk, Va.	2 pm
11/9	*	Bethune-Cookman	Daytona Beach, Fla.	TBA
11/16	*	North Carolina Central	Durham, N.C.	TBA
11/23	*	South Carolina State (Senior Day)	Norfolk, Va.	1 pm

11/30 FCS Division I Playoffs                                 TBD                         TBD

BOLD - Home Game
* MEAC Games




By Matt Michalec, Sports Information Director
VISIT: NSUSPARTANS.COM
VISIT: NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY

Southern baseball practice gets under way

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  With the playing surface at Lee-Hines Field receiving a much-needed makeover, the Southern University baseball team opened practice Friday with position players hitting balls in the batting cages and pitchers testing their arms with bullpen work.

This will be the scene for coach Roger Cador’s team the next two weeks.

“We’re going to be a little set back for a couple weeks where we won’t have use of the field,” Cador said. “But that’s OK. The money was available, so we’re taking a chance and making (the improvements) happen.”

Cador said when the $150,000 project is complete, Southern will have a new drainage system and a whole new infield.

The timing of the work will leave the Jaguars little opportunity to work on fielding grounders or turning double plays, and could leave their defense a bit shaky early in the year.

The ping of aluminum bats resonated from the batting cages as SU practiced Friday.


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Xavier Gold Nuggets open their new home with a 9-0 victory

Spring 2013 opener at the new XU Tennis Center

NEW ORLEANS -- The women of Xavier University of Louisiana, in the first intercollegiate match at the new XU Tennis Center, rolled to a 9-0 victory Friday against city rival Loyola. It was the spring season opener for both teams.

The $2.5 million facility opened in late October. It's the first time since 1959-60 that XU can compete outdoors regularly on its campus.

Results     Facebook photos

All-American Kourtney Howell, a junior, led the Gold Nuggets. Howell teamed with freshman Brion Flowers for an 8-0 victory against Frances Bonnin and Meghan de Baroncelli at No. 1 doubles, then defeated de Baroncelli 6-1, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Flowers also won her singles match, and Amanda Materre won in singles and doubles.

Nine players, including three freshmen, contributed to a victory in which the Gold Nuggets did not drop a set. Xavier attracted approximately 100 fans and treated them with free hot dogs.

"It's so nice to have a true home-court advantage. I didn't know what kind of turnout we would have, but I thought the support was amazing," 10th-year XU coach Alan Green said. "I was very pleased with the crowd, and I think we're going to attract more fans as the season progresses.

"I was very satisfied with the way we came out and played. We used more women than we probably will in most of our matches, but I wanted everyone who could play to have a piece of this one."

Freshman Vashi Balleste clinched the dual with her 6-0, 6-0 decision against Wesley Dejoie at No. 6 singles. Amber Brown and Nicole DeLoach also earned singles victories, as did Simone-Alyce Ewell at No. 2 doubles with Materre and Jordyn Goody and Olivia West at No. 3 doubles.

The Gold Nuggets won their spring season opener for the first time since 2007. It was the first of eight home duals for the XU women; the next one will start at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 against NCAA Division I McNeese State. The next dual will be Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. against another D-I opponent, Nicholls State, in Houma, La.

The XU-Loyola men's dual was postponed.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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GSU Releases 2013 Football Schedule

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -  The Grambling State University Football Team will have four games and a trip to Kansas City as a part of the 2013 schedule.

The Tigers will begin the 2013 season at home this year as they will welcome Alabama A&M University. Game time for the home opener is at 6 p.m. Following the home opener the Tigers will hit the road.

September will be busy month for the G-men as they will be on the road for three consecutive weeks before returning to Robinson Stadium. The month will begin on September 7^th at 6 p.m. as the Tigers will take a short drive on I-20 to Monroe as they will take on the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks at Malone Stadium.  Grambling will take their longest trip of the season on September 14^th when they will travel to take on Lincoln University at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City Missouri. The G-Men will step back into conference action on September 21^st and play their final game of the three game road swing against Alabama State in Montgomery.  Rounding out the month the Tigers will return home to the confines of Robinson Stadium as they face Lamar University on September 28^th at 6 p.m.

October will start off at a familiar destination for Tiger fans at the G-Men will face Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic in Dallas on October 5^th at 6 p.m. Grambling will travel to Lorman, Mississippi on October 12^th to take on the Braves on Alcorn State University. The Tigers will travel back to the Magnolia State on October 19^th to face Jackson State University.

Following another long road trip the Tigers will have two consecutive games in Grambling. High School Day will be observed on October 26^th at 2 p.m. against Texas Southern and then Homecoming will be celebrated on November 2^nd against Mississippi Valley. The regular season will conclude on November 30^th when Grambling and Southern will play in the Bayou Classic.

For more information on the 2013 football season, please contact the GSU ticket office at 318-274-2625.
 

 

2013 GSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
 
August 
8/31, *Alabama A&M,  Robinson Stadium, Grambling, LA  7 p.m.

September
9/7, @ Louisiana-Monroe, Monroe, LA, 7 p.m.
9/14, @Lincoln University of Mo. (Gateway Classic, Kansas City, Mo.), 5 p.m.
9/21, @ *Alabama State, ASU Hornets Stadium, Montgomery, AL  TBA
9/28, Lamar University, Robinson Stadium, Grambling, LA, 7 p.m.

October
10/5, *Prairie View A&M  (State Fair Classic),  Dallas, TX, 7 p.m.
10/12, @*Alcorn State,  Lorman, MS, 3 p.m.
10/19, @*Jackson State,  Jackson, MS, 3 p.m.
10/26, *Texas Southern,  Robinson Stadium, Grambling, LA, 3 p.m.

November
11/2, *Mississippi Valley State (Homecoming), Robinson Stadium, Grambling, 3 p.m.
11/9,  @*Arkansas-Pine Bluff, TBA
11/30, *Southern,Bayou Classic, New Orleans, LA, 2:30 p.m.

BOLD - Home Game
*   SWAC Game


COURTESY GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Rams wary of hungry FSU Broncos

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina   --  No rest for the weary.

That’s the reality for Winston-Salem State as it travels to take on Fayetteville State tonight in a crucial CIAA Southern Division game. WSSU, ranked No. 19 in NCAA Division II, is coming off a big 69-66 win over Shaw — but life on the road is never an easy one.
 
“We know it’s going to be a tough game, so we can’t celebrate too long,” Coach Bobby Collins of the Rams said. “He (Alphonzo Kee) coaches his team very well and we know each other pretty well, so we’ll be prepared. We have to be ready to go down there against Fayetteville State.”

The Broncos (8-9, 0-2 Southern Division) are on a four-game losing streak. Kee said that since a loss to Bowie State on Jan. 14, it’s been a struggle.

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Ex-Florida safety transfers to TSU

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Former Florida starting safety De’Ante “Pop” Saunders, who was suspended for four games this past season, has enrolled at Tennessee State.

Saunders, who is from DeLand, Fla., was suspended for a violation of team rules for the first two and last two games of the regular season and was released before the Sugar Bowl. He will be a junior.

“He had a few hiccups at Florida so we sat down and talked with him and he understands what it’s going to take to be a part or our program,” TSU coach Rod Reed said.

Saunders, 5-foot-9, 189 pounds, recorded 18 tackles, had an interception, broke up four passes and recovered a fumble in 2012.

“He’s a very talented player, there’s no doubt about that ...


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Transfers fit in nicely with Fayetteville State women's squad

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  --  Shuanda Ashford and Kristen Hanzer were enjoying productive basketball careers at the NCAA Division I level when changes prompted both to seek a new start elsewhere.

They've found that at Fayetteville State, where the two senior transfers have helped turn the Broncos into contenders for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title.

FSU heads into Saturday's home game against rival Winston-Salem State with a 7-1 league mark that's tied for the best in the CIAA. The Broncos are 15-3 overall and 1-1 in the Southern Division after an unexpected 83-78 loss at Livingstone on Wednesday.

Two of the key elements in that start have been Ashford and Hanzer.

Ashford, an E.E. Smith High graduate, is averaging 14 points and 6.9 rebounds, while Hanzer leads the CIAA with an 18.9 scoring average.

"They have been great pieces to add. They've brought a Division I mentality to our level,'' said FSU coach Eva Patterson-Heath.

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ECSU Vikings return to Vaughan Center

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina  --  There’s a certain comfort in playing home for the first time in 19 days.

At least it carries meaning to Elizabeth City State women’s basketball coach Alico Dunk.

“It’s a good feeling just to sleep in our own bed,” Dunk said. “Those are the things you miss the most after playing in hostile environments.”

While the Lady Vikings have prospered anyway during their five-game road swing, winning them all, Shawn Walker and his ECSU men have been up-and-down no matter the location.

Both get to compete again in the R.L. Vaughan Center today for Winter Homecoming against Virginia State. The Lady Vikings will start at 3 p.m. with the men following at 5.

ECSU’s women (15-3, 7-1 CIAA) have fought off each road challenge and return to Elizabeth city on a tear, winning eight of their last nine games. Oddly enough, the CIAA North Division leader’s last defeat was in its last home game, a 75-70 loss to Fayetteville State on Jan. 7.

For the Viking men (11-7, 4-4), also tops in the CIAA North, the team’s ...

 

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For Henderson, Jackson State passes the mom test

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Prior to his official visit to the Jackson State campus last weekend, Cornelius Henderson had very few doubts he wanted to commit to the Tigers.

There was just one last hurdle that needed to be cleared.

The powerful defensive line prospect out of Duncanville, Texas — he’s also on the Duncanville High powerlifting team — wanted to see if the school passed the judgment of one very important person: his mom, Sherry Jingles.

“She told me when the whole process started not to worry about how far away I went from home,” Henderson said. “I know when the day comes, it will hit her. When she stepped on campus, she loved it.

“I think she loved it more than I did, to be honest with you,” Henderson said. “She was smiling the whole time. I could tell she enjoyed herself.”

Not 24 hours later, Henderson, ranked a three-star defensive tackle prospect according to Scout and a two-star by Rivals, committed to JSU. At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, Henderson is a big, strong, physical player at a position of need for JSU entering 2013. The Tigers are looking to replace all four defensive line starters from last December’s SWAC championship game.



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Rob Johnson helps lead red hot Norfolk State University

Senior known to hit the "big shot"

NORFOLK, Virginia (WAVY) - Once again, Norfolk State appears to be the team to beat in the MEAC. The Spartans will bring an undefeated record to Joe Echols this Saturday for the first of two contests with Hampton. One of the reasons for the Spartans success, the play of senior transfer, Rob Johnson. Sportswrap's Brian Parsons has the story.

Rob Johnson helps lead red hot NSU

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Alabama State Football: Crowell effect: Transfers cut Alabama State's signing class in half

Alabama State running back Isaiah Crowell  made a big impact for the Hornets last season after transferring from the University of Georgia

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Alabama State football coach Reggie Barlow called it the “Isaiah Crowell effect.”

Six months after the former University of Georgia tailback made national headlines with his decision to transfer to Alabama State University, nearly a dozen players have followed suit, enrolling in the school in early January with plans to play for the Hornets in 2013.

“Isaiah Crowell has started a phenomenon at Alabama State,” Barlow said. “Most coaches would say having one transfer is good. We played five games on television this year. I think that was the Isaiah Crowell effect and then there are positive things going on in our program — new facilities, we’re winning, a lot of buzz.”

While all of the transfers are currently enrolled at Alabama State, Barlow did not say all of them were on scholarship. The list includes two players who sat out 2012 for academic reasons, a pair of junior college transfers and seven players who transferred to Alabama State from major college programs.

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Urban Invitational set for return trip to Houston

Four historically black colleges and universities will compete at Minute Maid Park

NEW YORK -- With another season comes another chance to make an impact with the fans of tomorrow. Major League Baseball announced plans for the sixth annual Urban Invitational on Thursday, and the three-day tourney will feature four historically black colleges and universities.

One team -- longtime power Southern University from Baton Rouge, La. -- will be playing in its sixth straight Urban Invitational, but the other three schools (Alabama State University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University) will be back for just the second time.

The showcase, part of MLB's ongoing efforts to highlight the passion for baseball within the inner-city communities of America, will take place in Houston for the second straight season. It will begin on Friday, Feb. 22, and the round-robin tournament will conclude on Sunday the 24th.

All of this year's games are scheduled for the Astros’ Minute Maid Park, but the Urban Youth Academy at Sylvester Turner Park will play host to a youth baseball clinic. Perhaps the best part for the teams involved? Saturday's games will air live on MLB Network and MLB.com.

Frank Robinson, one of the game's all-time great players and MLB's executive vice president of baseball development, said Thursday that the event is noteworthy for a number of reasons.

"Major League Baseball would like to congratulate the four teams and all the student-athletes who will be participating in this year’s Urban Invitational," said Robinson in a press release. "This annual event is an important and special opportunity for the sport to showcase the talent and skill level demonstrated by HBCU programs deserving of national attention. We are proud to work alongside the Astros organization to not only provide a wonderful experience for those playing the games on the field, but also offer opportunities away from the diamond for the Houston community."

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FAMU fans turn out to support Coach Earl Holmes

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Joe Bullard didn’t even bother to think when he was asked to recall the last time that there has been as much excitement about FAMU football as new head coach Earl Holmes is causing.

Right away, he harkened to 1978 when the Rattlers won their first NCAA national championship.
“I’m happy to say that back then we said, ‘The Rattlers are back,’ and they were,” said Bullard, a radio disc jockey who has been the voice of the Marching 100 for more than three decades. “Now it’s the Rattler nation and Earl Holmes. The excitement is back.”

Bullard was among the 200 or so who turned out at The Moon on Wednesday night for a community meet-and-greet with Holmes, who was named head coach almost two weeks ago. Since his hire, Holmes has repeatedly said he will campaign to get the community to rally behind him and a new-look Rattlers team.

Judging from the crowd that turned out Wednesday, folks are already buying in. Athletic Director Derek Horne said his phone has been constantly ringing with fans wanting information about season tickets and the 2013 schedule, which he said should be released in a week.

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Morehouse alum lead official for Super Bowl XLVII

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana - Former All-SIAC quarterback and 1977 Morehouse graduate Jerome Boger was named head referee and will become the second African-American in the history of the Super Bowl to serve as head official.

    

Boger was the highest-graded official by the NFL this season.

    

Boger, also a former SIAC official, worked 11 NFL games during the regular season. His crew averaged 94.1 penalty yards per game, the fourth-fewest of any referee who worked at least 10 games.

    

Boger was a four-year starter at Morehouse and worked high school and recreational league games before moving up to colleges. He spent 11 years as an official in the SIAC and five seasons (1996-2000) in the MEAC. He also officiated in Conference USA, the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.

    
He has been an NFL official since the 2004 season. He started in the league as a line judge and was promoted to referee in 2006 after only two seasons. He became the third African-American referee in the NFL after Johnny Grier and Mike Carey.

COURTESY THESIAC.COM 

Gold Nuggets 14th in NAIA after dropping 2 more places

NEW ORLEANS — Another loss resulted in another drop for the Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball team.

After losing 63-56 at home Jan. 14 to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and city rival SUNO, the Gold Nuggets fell two places to 14th in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Top 25 Poll announced Tuesday afternoon. Voting was based on games through Sunday.
    
It's the second consecutive week that Xavier dropped after ranking ninth for two consecutive polls. Moving two spots ahead of the Gold Nuggets was Bethel (Tenn.), which lost 75-67 in double overtime at Xavier on Jan. 2.
    
The Gold Nuggets are in the top 25 for the 37th consecutive time dating to Jan. 25, 2010.
    
Since the loss to SUNO, Xavier defeated Philander Smith 65-47 on Saturday and Fisk 63-41 on Monday. The Gold Nuggets are 4-2 and tied for third place in the GCAC, one game behind leaders SUNO and Talladega. SUNO collected its most points of the season, 11, in the new poll and ranks 30th.
    
Xavier will visit GCAC and city rival Dillard at 5 p.m. Saturday and Mobile at 5:30 p.m. Monday. The next poll will be released Jan. 22.

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Jan. 20)

Rank	Team	Record	Points	Last
1	Lubbock Christian (5)	18-1	275	2
2	Freed-Hardeman (4)	18-1	270	3
3	Vanguard	12-1	264	1
4	Oklahoma City (2)	14-2	261	4
5	Westminster (Utah)	18-2	245	5
6	Lee (Tenn.)	16-1	236	6
7	Cumberland	18-1	225	7
8	The Master's	17-0	220	8
9	Westmont	13-3	205	11
10-tie	MidAmerica Nazarene	18-2	198	10
10-tie	Campbellsville	15-4	198	9
12	Bethel (Tenn.)	15-4	181	tie-13
13	Georgetown (Ky.)	12-6	166	16
14	Xavier	13-4	164	12
15	Rogers State	15-5	151	tie-13
16	Benedictine (Kan.)	18-3	138	17
17	Wiley	17-1	133	18
18	Lyon	16-3	130	15
19	Shawnee State	15-5	120	20
20	William Woods	15-2	115	19
21	Our Lady of the Lake	18-1	103	23
22	Faulkner	17-4	95	24
23	Central Methodist	17-3	74	22
24	Columbia (Mo.)	14-5	72	RV
25	Auburn Montgomery	14-5	63	21
Others receiving votes: LSU-Shreveport 54, St. Catharine 53, Carroll (Mont.) 38, Robert Morris (Chicago) 31, SUNO 11, Lindsey Wilson 3, Southern Poly 3.

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

Ram Ramblings: Sam Hanger in the building at Gaines Center

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --   You never know who might be hanging around the Gaines Center watching basketball.

On Wednesday night I ran into Sam Hanger, a former WSSU basketball coach who lives in Greensboro and is semi-retired from coaching.

Hanger, who is 60-years-old and a grandfather, said he loved being back at the Gaines Center and seeing some familiar faces.

Hanger has been out of coaching since his seven-year stint at Fayetteville State ended after the 2008-09 season when he was fired. He said he doesn’t miss the grind of recruiting, and scouting but admits he misses the strategy on game days.

“I’m getting the itch again to coach,” said Hanger, who was the coach of the Rams for three seasons in the late 1990s. “I’ve done everything I can at home and done all the things my wife has asked me to do so I’m ready.”

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Grambling State Band at President Barack Obama 2013 Inaugural Parade & Peformance on CNN at the National Mall

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 20/21, 2013)-- The Grambling State University "World Famous" Tigers Marching Band represented all HBCU bands at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington D.C. The band was also featured on CNN globally and had the opportunity to show the world why Grambling State Band is a top music program in the college ranks. Grambling was selected from over 2,000 organizations that applied for participation in the inaugural parade.

Grambling State was the only HBCU Band in this year's prestigious parade.  The Tigers also marched in President Obama's first inauguration parade in 2009.

 Go Grambling!!

WSSU wants to bring Division II football title game to city

BOWMAN-GRAY STADIUM
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.
Photo Courtesy NASCAR

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Athletics Director Bill Hayes of Winston-Salem State sees no reason why Winston-Salem can’t play host to the NCAA Division II football championship game. Hayes has started conversations with Visit Winston-Salem — the convention and visitors bureau for the city and Forsyth County — about going after the game.

“I think with the community behind it and the facilities at Bowman Gray Stadium, we could do a bang-up job,” Hayes said.

Hayes saw firsthand the outstanding job Florence, Ala., did as the championship-game host in December, when WSSU lost to Valdosta State in its first title-game appearance. It was the 27th year that the University of North Alabama was the host institution, but Hayes said that with North Alabama considering a move to Division I, the game most likely will move.

According to a report in the Florence TimesDaily, next season’s game will be in Florence, but the NCAA will be taking bids this year for 2014 and beyond.

Cameron Schuh, who works for the NCAA in public relations, said in an email that bids will be accepted this summer and that with future title-game sites will be announced in the fall.

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S.C. State gains 5 verbal football commitments

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  The first recruiting visit weekend held at South Carolina State University has produced five verbal commitments, four from the state of Georgia.

Tight end Zane Fields (6-2, 235 lbs.) of Lovejoy High School, defensive linemen Dayshawn Taylor (5-11, 240) of Lincoln County High School and Greg Newell (6-2, 220) of the Atlanta Sports Academy and wide receiver Chris Trimmings (5-11, 180) of Brunswick High School were the four Peach State natives who made tentative plans to sign with the Bulldogs.

The lone Palmetto State native out of the three who visited this weekend who gave a verbal commitment was Blythewood High School quarterback Kylen Binn. The 6-5, 210-pound North-South All-Star completed 123-215 passes for 1,386 yards and 13 interceptions and rushed for 248 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Bengals under former head coach and Bulldog alumnus Reggie Kennedy (now at Sumter High School).

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SU recognizes 82 students for academic excellence

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University Athletics recognized 82 student-athletes for their academic success, naming them to the newly established "Athletic Council List."

The list recognizes students who achieved a 3.0 or above in Fall 2012, or, maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA. The students will be recognized at a basketball doubleheader in the coming weeks.

"Beyond the accomplishments of these students in competition, folks rarely think of how hard they work to excel in the classroom and work toward graduation," said Director of Athletics Dr. William Broussard.

"Our academic advisement staff and faculty and administrators across campus share in this success."

The list includes individuals from every varsity sport and also varsity cheerleaders.

"I am extremely proud of these student-athletes who recognize the importance of excelling in the classroom as well as in their respective sports," Southern faculty athletics representative Dr. Doze Butler said.

"Recognition of their academic achievement in this way is long overdue. These young men and women clearly understand that as student-athletes, their roles as ‘students' come first. We will encourage them to continue to serve as role models for their student-athlete peers and the general student population."

FALL 2012 ATHLETIC COUNCIL LIST

Baseball
Luis Cruz
Jose De Leon
Chase Dicharry
Jose Francisco
Daniel Garcia
Camilo Godoy
Elliott Jones
Tyler Kirksey
Marcus Lewis
Leronn Morton
Brandon Oswald
John Pagan
Zephan Rochelle
Bryan RowrySantos Saldivar
Marcus Tomlin
Darryl Wesley

Cheer
Shelby Clayton
Henry Henderson
Antonio Jackson
Shartazia Warren
Tanisha Williams
Kim Butler
Duane Pigott
Caitlyn Woodard
Lonzetta Willis
Taylor Franklin
Bowling
Kaylene Adams

Football
Hansoni Alfred
Clinton Boyd
Zach Brown
Demetrius Carter
Darrius Coleman
John Douglas
Matthew Hill
Michael Jones
Devante Lawrence
Kadeem Lewis
Jamaal Martin
Dion Palmer
Gregory Pittman
Benay Pryor
Eddie Smith IV
Marlon SmithLenard Tillery
Richard Tuten
Men's Basketball
Brandon Moore

Men's Track and Field
Anthony Collins
Taylor Ferguson
Michael McCulloch
Victor Nicholls

Soccer
Courtney Bahadursingh
D'Nae Capron
Jazmine Harrell

Softball
Carla Arismendi
Alicia Barajas
Shabanese Brown
Whitney King
Jasmine Payne
Shawntall Steamer
Emily Wright

Tennis
Lois Alexis
Carlista Mohammed
Demetria Woods

Volleyball
Simone Beasley
Chanda Journet
Payton Mitchell
Michelle Williams

Women's Basketball
Joslyn Allen
Jasmine Jefferson
Jasmine King
Lechell Rush

Women's Track and Field Maya Anderson
Tershauna Broadnax
D'Ellionne Davenport
Deandra Deveaux
May Dozier
Shannon Jones-Butts
Brittany Lacy
Shariece Pinkston
Raquel Sims
Kashmia Weary

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS