XU Nuggets beat No. 2 Carey; Rush defeat No. 6 Carey

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Both Xavier University of Louisiana tennis teams defeated the highest ranked opponents in their histories Friday. The Gold Nuggets defeated NAIA No. 2 William Carey 5-1, and the Gold Rush beat sixth-ranked William Carey 5-4.

Kourtney Howell clinched for the XU women (12-7), who are ranked sixth, with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against Carola Orna at No. 1 singles. Viktor Svoboda clinched for the Gold Rush (11-6), ranked eighth, with a 6-2, 6-2 decision over Arnau Sanz at No. 4 singles.

It was the second consecutive dual that the Nuggets won on the road against a top-10 team. Before this season, the Nuggets' lone victory against a top-10 opponent was in 2005. The Nuggets are 8-0 this season against ranked NAIA opponents; all their losses are to NCAA Division I teams.

Howell and Brion Flowers scored the first point of the women's dual when they defeated Carola Orna and Maja Vuzem, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's second-ranked NAIA doubles team, 8-5. Amanda Materre and Olivia West rallied from a 6-3 deficit to beat Malin Collin and Anastasiya Zvyaginte 9-7.

The 2012-13 Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis team
ROSTER
(Click on Photo to enlarge)

The singles victories of Howell, Flowers and Materre all occurred in matchups of ranked players. Howell was ranked eighth and Orna was ninth.

The women's dual was halted because of darkness. William Carey's campus facility does not have lights.

In the men's dual, Svoboda's singles victory was his ninth in a row. Svoboda, Nikita Soifer and Kyle Montrel all won in singles after losing in a 6-3 home loss to the Crusaders on Feb. 8. Svoboda and Soifer's 8-3 victory against Robin Semal and Arnau Sanz was their ninth in their last 10 doubles matches.

Montrel's 6-1, 6-4 victory against Semal tied the dual at 4. Svoboda clinched one point later.
The XU men have won eight of their last 10 duals, including five 5-4 victories.

"I'm so proud of our teams," XU coach Alan Green said. "These wins were special to us. We played well from the beginning. The guys played tough once again. William Carey was down a key player, but their other guys stepped up. We also had to overcome their home court on senior day for them.

"For the women, it was the top of our lineup that carried us to victory."

William Carey's women are 9-7, and the men are 7-4.

The Rush and the Nuggets will play Auburn Montgomery — whose men are ranked first and women are ranked third — at 2 p.m. Saturday at the new XU Tennis Center.

Results: Men Women

By Ed Cassiere, SID 
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

XU's Shannon, Rolland, Hurt, James qualify for nationals

CLINTON, Miss. — Xavier University of Louisiana's women's 400-meter relay team of Tramaine Shannon, Devinn Rolland, Chartia Hurt and Chelsea James reached the NAIA's A-qualifying standard Friday at the Mississippi College Twilight Invitational.

The Gold Nuggets' foursome finished sixth in a season-best 47.99 seconds to qualify for the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Marion, Ind., in May.

Xavier recorded 12 additional season bests, including Rolland's 18 feet, 11¼ inches in the long jump — she finished third — and Catherine Fakler's winning times of 4:48.87 in the women's 1,500 and 18:23.24 in the 5,000. Christopher Kennie was fifth in the men's long jump in a season-best 23-0¾.
Rolland met the A-standard in the long jump for the fourth time in five outdoor meets this season. She also won the 200 in 24.73.

The Gold Nuggets have qualified for nationals in seven events: Rolland in the 100, 200 and long jump, Zahri Jackson in the 800 and 1,500, the 400 relay and the 1,600 relay with Rolland, Jackson, Shannon and Hurt.

Xavier's next meet will be the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans on April 13. Xavier is the host school.

Here are all of Xavier's results from the Mississippi College Twilight Invitational:


Women
100: Chelsea James, 7th in 12.38
200: Devinn Rolland, 1st in 24.73; Chartia Hurt, 14th in 26.64; Tayler Louis, 27th in 27.79
400: Chartia Hurt, 4th in 58.97; Tramaine Shannon, 5th in 59.14; Tayler Louis, 15th in 1:04.50
1,500: Catherine Fakler, 1st in 4:48.87
5,000: Catherine Fakler, 1st in 18:23.24; Hannah Finnegan, 5th in 19:51.60
400 Relay: Tramaine Shannon, Devinn Rolland, Chartia Hurt, Chelsea James, 6th in 47.99
Discus: Loryn Darthard, 8th in 28.70 meters (94 feet, 2 inches)
Long Jump: Devinn Rolland, 3rd in 5.77 meters (18 feet, 11¼ inches)
Shot Put: Loryn Darthard, 10th in 8.66 meters (28 feet, 5 inches)
Team Scoring: 1, Southeastern Louisiana 105½; 2, Grambling 98; 3, Hinds Community College 96; 4, Alcorn State 90½; 5, Xavier 55; 6, SUNO 54; 7, (tie) William Carey 42, Stillman 42; 9, (tie) Mississippi College 22, Loyola 22; 11, Jackson State 21; 12, West Alabama 17; 13, North Alabama 9; 14, Spring Hill 8; 15, Dillard 4


Men
1,500: Kwame Jackson, 9th in 4:18.19
5,000: David Holobowicz, 7th in 16:16.48
Long Jump: Christopher Kennie, 5th in 7.03 meters (23 feet, 0¾ inches)
Team Scoring: 1, Southeastern Louisiana 151; 2, Grambling 142; 3, Hinds Community College 93; 4, West Alabama 51; 5, Alcorn State 36; 6, Stillman 35; 7, Mississippi College 27, Jackson State 27; 9, SUNO 25; 10, William Carey 24; 11, Concordia (Ala.) 20; 12, Spring Hill 18; 13, Dillard 13; 14, Team DMSA 11; 15, Xavier 6; 16, Loyola 5


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

Sources: Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Courtney Banghart are finalists for USC job

Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
Head Women's Basketball Coach
Texas Southern University
 

HOUSTON, Texas  --  Per sources, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke (Texas Southern) and Courtney Banghart (Princeton) are the frontrunners for the USC job. As one source stated it’s, "a dead heat" between them.

With the Trojans having just filled their men’s position with Andy Enfield on April 1st, a decision for the women’s head coach is coming soon. For awhile, it was thought that Cooper-Dyke and former Texas head coach, Gail Goestenkors were the favorites. But as was reported earlier, Goestenkors is finalizing a deal with Ohio State to become their head coach.

Both coaches have things working in their favor. Cooper-Dyke is a former Trojan and one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all-time. She’s had coaching success at UNC-Wilmington and most recently Texas Southern -- she won the regular season SWAC championship in her first year.


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Livingstone College 2013 Football Schedule

SALISBURY, North Carolina --  The Livingstone College football program has released its 2013 football schedule. Under the direction of interim head football coach Darryl Williams, the schedule features five road games and five home contests, beginning with the historical Commemorative Classic against Johnson C. Smith University on September 7. The game will be played at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

After opening against J.C. Smith, the Blue Bears will remain at home and face across town rivals, Catawba College in a non-conference matchup on September 14. The following week, Livingstone will take the long haul trip down south to face Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida on September 21. The Blue Bears will turn around and make their way to Lincoln, PA to take on Lincoln University (PA) on September 28.

The Blue Bears return home on October 5 to host Virginia Union University, and will begin CIAA Southern Division play on the road against St. Augustine's University on October 12, and Shaw University on October 19 in Raleigh, NC. Livingstone will round-off the month of October with a home contest against defending CIAA Champions, Winston-Salem State University on October 26.

Livingstone's homecoming matchup will feature the Blue Bears squaring up against the Broncos of Fayetteville State University on November 2. The Blue Bears will conclude their 2013 season on the road as they travel to Lynchburg, VA to face Virginia University of Lynchburg in a non-conference matchup.

The Blue Bears wrapped up their 2012 season 2-8 overall and 2-5 in the CIAA.

LC BEARS 2013 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date		Opponent	Location	Time
9/7/2013		Johnson C. Smith University*	Charlotte, NC	4:00 p.m.
9/14/2013		Catawba College	Salisbury, NC	6:00 p.m.
9/21/2013		Edward Waters (Fla.)	Jacksonville, FL	2:00 p.m.
9/28/2013		Lincoln University (PA)	Lincoln, PA	2:00 p.m.
10/5/2013		Virginia Union University	Salisbury, NC	1:00 p.m.
10/12/2013		St. Augustine's University	Raleigh, NC	2:00 p.m.
10/19/2013		Shaw University	Raleigh, NC	1:00 p.m.
10/26/2013		Winston-Salem State University	Salisbury, NC	1:00 p.m.
Homecoming
11/2/2013		Fayetteville State University	Salisbury, NC	1:30 p.m.
11/9/2013		Virginia-Lynchburg	Lynchburg, VA	1:00 p.m.

* Commemorative Classic


COURTESY LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU's Massey signs CFL contract

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Jameze Massey of Winston-Salem State, one of the most explosive players in the CIAA last season, has signed to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

Massey, a 5-9 and 170-pound wide receiver and return specialist, helped the Rams to a school-best 14-1 record and a spot in the NCAA Division II national-championship game in 2012.

 

Last season, he led the Rams in receiving with 65 catches for 1,324 yards and 15 touchdowns. He averaged 20.4 yards a catch and 94.6 yards a game, helping the Rams average a school-record 40 points a game.

 

“I’m excited about going up there and showing what I can do,” Massey said Friday. “They want me to play on special teams first and then, hopefully, I can work in with the wide receivers.” 

 

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Walk-ons impressing new Florida A&M coach

WRs coach Ernie Mills was a UF and Steelers star

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Early in his collegiate coaching career, when he was an assistant at Johnson C. Smith University, one of Ernie Mills’ elder peers gave him some advice that has become a major part of his approach.

“He said any coach can coach the best player on the field, but to measure yourself as a coach and to get better as a coach is coaching the guy who might be the walk-on,” Mills said. “I took that to heart because I was just coming from the NFL and had never thought about the worst talent on the field, because in the NFL everybody had talent.”

Mills is finding that wisdom to be especially useful at FAMU, where he is helping Earl Holmes establish his program. Mills, who spent the last six seasons as receivers coach at Jacksonville University, said he is giving his non-scholarship players the same opportunities as the ones who are supposed to be more talented.

Keeping the playing field even will help him determine who will give the Rattlers the best chance to win, he said.

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Niki Reid Gieckeler and Howard University assistant coaches Brian Johnson, James Simmons moves on to CAA Towson University

TOWSON, Maryland -- Niki Geckeler, who led Howard University to back-to-back 20-plus-win seasons and three postseason tournament appearances, was introduced as the women's basketball coach at Towson on Thursday.

"When we started this search, we went in search of a coach that would possess the characteristics needed to build the Towson women's basketball program into a perennial force in the CAA," Towson athletic director Mike Waddell said. "Niki is just that person … a leader and a winner. She has shown leadership throughout her career as both a player and now as a coach. With her energy and passion for the game, she has recruited great students and athletes and transformed them into championship programs."

The season before Geckeler started with the Bison, in 2007-08, Howard won just four games. In 2011-12, Geckeler compiled a 24-9 mark, tying the program's record for wins in a season. She amassed 85 career wins at Howard, including 44 in the past two seasons.

Under her guidance, the Bison went to the Women's National Invitation Tournament in 2011 and 2012 and the Women's Basketball Invitational this season, the program's first three postseason bids.

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Stunning Comeback Gives ASU Confidence

ALBANY, Georgia -- Last Saturday, the Albany State baseball team completed a comeback for the record books. Fittingly, the team's motto came directly in to play—“it's not how you start, it's how you finish.”

In the series finale against Tuskegee, the Golden Rams responded from a nine-deficit twice, scoring seven runs in two separate innings for a staggering 24-17 extra-inning victory.

“For them to be able to extend the game, and give us a chance to win, this shows what kind of kids I got,” ASU head coach Ken Conner said.

It’s the most runs Albany State has posted since scoring 22 in a road win at Lemoyne-Owen.

Junior Dexter Moody continued ...

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Hope springs anew after GSU's woeful season

GRAMBLING, Louisiana --  Grambling had a football season to forget in 2012 as the Tigers went 1-10, didn't beat an NCAA member and went winless in Southwestern Athletic Conference play for the first time in school history.

But with spring practice starting Thursday at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium, hope starts anew that the Tigers can return to their 2011 SWAC champion form.

While there are many questions, here are five of the most pressing ones as GSU heads into spring practice:

1. Can Grambling run the ball or stop the run?

stop the run?

In an era of pass-happy offenses, a rushing attack and rushing ...

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Former Tuskegee RB Derrick Washington garnering interest from NFL's Chiefs, Patriots

 DERRICK WASHNGTON
(Courtesy Tuskegee University Athletics)

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Former Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington did more in one season than many have in four.

Now, the 2012 Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Player of the Year, is busy trying to extend his career on the gridiron. According to several reports, the Raymore, Mo. native and Missouri transfer is working out for the Kansas City Chiefs and has already worked out for the New England Patriots.

Washington, a 6-foot-, 215-pounder, rushed for 1,679 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a 10-2 record and a conference championship on his way to a being named a finalist for the Harlon Hill trophy award, the Division II equivalent to ...

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Hampton U. football makes strides toward 2013

HAMPTON — Donovan Rose wouldn't wish Hampton University's 2012 football season on anyone, but said he believes that the program will emerge better for the experience.

"There's no pressure," the Pirates' head coach said earlier this week. "I think right now we've got a great opportunity. I couldn't imagine anything any different. I had to go through what I did, and we're still standing.

"I might have taken a lot of jabs, a lot of blows, like a fighter, but I'm still standing, and I'm stronger. I'm very enthusiastic about the future of the program."

The Pirates have emphasized fundamentals and accountability in spring practice, as an exceptionally young group learns to play together and acclimates themselves to the system.

Hampton holds its annual spring Blue-White game 4:30 p.m. Friday following a day-long free clinic for high school coaches and prospects that's part of the program's outreach to the community and local talent.

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Orangeburg native, MEAC Defensive Player of Year Pough has eye on NFL

KEITH POUGH
(Courtesy Howard University Athletics)

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Keith Pough’s Facebook wall provides a window into a world filled with positivity.

The words he posts there seem to always fall into one of two categories — faith and motivation.

It is a side that belies what Pough can be on the football field. There, between the white lines, he morphs into a monster.

For the past four seasons at Howard, the 6-foot-2, 240-pounder — an Orangeburg native who played at Scott’s Branch High School — has wreaked havoc on the MEAC. Over the course of the past four years, he has amassed 341 tackles, 71 for loss. And his standout career culminated last season with a 72-tackle — 10 for loss — 3-1/2-sack performance that earned him MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors and made NFL personnel take notice.

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Niki Geckeler Named New Women's Basketball Head Coach at Towson U.

TOWSON, Maryland --  Niki Geckeler, who led Howard University to back-to-back 20-plus-win seasons and three post-season tournament appearances, has been named as the new head women's basketball coach at Towson University, it was announced by Director of Athletics Mike Waddell.

"When we started this search, we went in search of a coach that would possess the characteristics needed to build the Towson women's basketball program into a perennial force in the CAA," said Waddell. "Niki is just that person ... a leader and a winner. She has shown leadership throughout her career as both a player and now as a coach. With her energy and passion for the game, she has recruited great students and athletes and transformed them into championship programs. We are very fortunate to welcome her to Towson."

Prior to Geckeler's first season with the Bison in 2008-09, Howard won just four games. In 2011-12, Geckeler compiled a 24-9 mark, tying the program's all-time record for wins in a season. She amassed 85 career wins at Howard, including 44 in the last two seasons alone. Under her guidance, the Bison earned two straight post-season invitations and the first ever preseason WNIT berth, going to the postseason WNIT twice (2011, 2012) and the 2013 Women's Basketball Invitational (WBI). These were the program's first three post-season bids in program history.

She coached the 2010 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year and the 2011 MEAC Player of the Year, Saadia Doyle as well as three first-team all-league honorees. In the last two seasons, two of her players ranked in the top 15 and three ranked in the top 35 in the nation statistically, points per game, assist/turnover ratio and assists per game. Her teams were in the top 15 in the country in scoring defense in 2012 (14th - 53.0 ppg) and 2013 (sixth - 50.3 ppg).

Geckeler is committed to her student-athletes' academic success as well. At Howard, she had a 100 percent graduation rate and eight student-athletes earned spots on the MEAC All-Academic team.

"I would like to thank Mike Waddell and the Towson family for naming me the new head women's basketball coach here at Towson University," said Geckeler. "What an honor it is to lead a group of great young women to new heights. Mr. Waddell's vision, passion and enthusiasm for Tiger athletics is one that I admire."

Geckeler added, "I look forward to reigniting the excitement which will become synonymous with lady Tiger basketball. Through hard work, commitment and discipline we will restore the roar."

Prior to her tenure at Howard, Geckeler served an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Georgetown (1996-2002; 2004-08) and as an assistant and associate head coach at Fordham (1995-96; 2002-04) where she coached a combined 11 conference all-academic team selections and one Rhodes Scholar finalist.

While at Georgetown, she signed the No. 6 recruiting class in the country in 2007-08 - a group that led the Hoyas to three NCAA Tournament berths. She also signed Katrina Wheeler, the first McDonald's All-American women's basketball player to attend Georgetown. Her 1999-2000 recruiting class was also ranked in the top 30. At Fordham, Geckeler signed a top 50 recruiting class in 2003-04.

Geckeler, a 1993 graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor's degree in psychology was a four-year starter at point guard for the Hoyas. She served as team captain and led Georgetown to the 1992-93 Big East Conference co-championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen. Geckeler finished her career as a Hoya ranked in the top 10 for 3-point field goals made, 3-point field-goal percentage, assists and games played.

Geckler is the married to Timothy Geckeler, a former football player at Rutgers, and they have three-year old daughter, MaKenzie.

COURTESY TOWSON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

DSU Hornets Announce 2013 Home Football Start Times

DOVER, Delaware  -- Delaware State University has announced that each of its four 2013 home football contests will start at 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium. The first home game of the 2013 season is Oct. 5 against defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champion Bethune-Cookman. The annual homecoming contest is the following Saturday (Oct. 12) against Norfolk State.

The Hornets will also host MEAC rivals Howard (Nov. 2) and Morgan State (Nov. 23) at Alumni Stadium during the 2013 season.

Delaware State will play its first four games of the upcoming season on the road, beginning with the annual Route 1 Rivalry contest at Delaware on Sep 7. The game is set to begin at 6:00 p.m. at Delaware Stadium (Tubby Raymond Field) in Newark.

The following Saturday (Sep. 14), the Hornets will visit Towson University for the first meeting between the schools since 1994.

The Hornets will travel to Fargo, North Dakota to take on defending FCS champion North Dakota State on Sep. 21. The Bison won their second straight FCS championship last January.

Delaware State will begin MEAC play on the road at Savannah State on Sep. 28. This will be the third meeting between the Hornets and Tigers, but first since Savannah State joined the MEAC in 2011. 

DSU will also visit MEAC rivals North Carolina A&T (Oct. 19 @ 1:00 p.m.), Hampton (Oct. 26 @ 1:00 p.m.) and Florida A&M (Nov. 16) during the 2013 season.

Delaware State was 6-5 overall in 2012, its first winning season since 2007. The Hornets were tied for third in the MEAC with a 5-3 league mark last season.

(COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS)

DSU Hornets 2013 Football Schedule (Tentative)

Date Opponent Location Time (ET)

Sat, Sep 07 Delaware Newark, Del. 6:00 p.m.

Sat, Sep 14 Towson Towson, Md. TBA

Sat, Sep 21 North Dakota State Fargo, ND TBA

Sat, Sep 28 Savannah State * Savannah, GA TBA

Sat, Oct 05 BETHUNE-COOKMAN * Dover, Del. 2:00 p.m. Homecoming

Sat, Oct 12 NORFOLK STATE * Dover, Del. 2:00 p.m.

Sat, Oct 19 North Carolina A&T * Greensboro, N.C. 1:00 p.m.

Sat, Oct 26 Hampton * Hampton, Va. 1:00 p.m. Hall-of-Fame Day

Sat, Nov 02 HOWARD * Dover, Del. 2:00 p.m.

Sat, Nov. 09 OPEN

Sat, Nov 16 Florida A&M * Tallahassee, Fla. TBA

Sat, Nov 23 MORGAN STATE * Dover, Del. 2:00 p.m.

* MEAC Games

BOLD: HOME GAME

UDC fires basketball coach Jeff Ruland

Jeff Ruland

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  Jeff Ruland will no longer be the men’s coach at the University of the District of Columbia as of next month. The former Washington Bullet and NBA all-star was fired by the school after going 6-20 this past season.

When reached by telephone, Ruland declined to comment. UDC Athletic Director Pat Thomas confirmed the dismissal, but said, “I can’t comment any further.”

Under Ruland, who was in the fourth year of a five-year contract, the Firebirds made a big turnaround, going from 1-20 his first season to 22-6 his third season. In 2011, he took UDC to the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in 25 years.

His success came despite UDC being placed on NCAA probation prior to his arrival because of, as the infraction report detailed, “the single most egregious lack of institutional control ever seen by the [NCAA] committee.” The school was on probation the entire time Ruland was there.

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DSU Hornets Outplay Towson Tigers for Seventh Straight Win

DOVER, Delaware  --  The Delaware State baseball team collected 11 hits and took advantage of four Towson errors in a 10-7 victory over the Tigers at Soldier Field this afternoon. The Hornets have won their last seven games to improve to 19-7 this season. Towson fell to 13-14.

Aaron Nardone was 3-for-5 with two runs batted in, while J.P. Frey, Cameron Cecil and Mike Alexander collected two hits each for the Hornets.  Nardone had two doubles in the contest to give him a team-high seven this season.

Towson opened the scoring with two runs off Delaware State starter Zach Adkins in the top of the first inning.

Delaware State scored five runs on just three hits in the second inning to take the lead. The Hornets tallied three runs in the inning on Towson errors and a fourth on a wild pitch. Alexander singled to lead off the inning. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Eddie Sorondo. Hassan Evans followed with a single to put DSU runners on third and first.  Nick Arrue was at the plate when Alexander scored the Hornets’ first run on a wild pitch by Towson starter Kevin Ross. Two batters later, Frey singled to right field to score Evans with the tying run. The next batter, Cameron Cecil, reached on a throwing error by Towson shortstop Hunter Bennett. Cameron Onderko scored on the play to give the Hornets a 3-2 lead. After a walk to Ryan Haas, Nardone reached on an error by Tiger second baseman Pat Fitzgerald. Frey crossed the plate on the play to stretch DSU’s lead to 4-2. Alexander, batting for the second time in the inning, reached on an error by Towson pitcher Ross. Cecil scored on the play, giving the Hornets a 5-2 lead.

Towson scored two runs in the third inning off Adkins and one in the fourth off Hornet reliever Bobby Brown to tie the game at 5-5.

Delaware State answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead for good. Cecil started the rally with a one-out single. Haas followed with a walk to give the Hornets runners at second and first with one out. Nardone followed with a hard ground ball to second. The ball took a bad hop off the side of the head of Towson second baseman Fitzgerald and rolled into the outfield for a double. Cecil scored on the play to put the Hornets on top 6-5. Fitzgerald was shaken up but stayed in the game.

The Hornets padded their lead with four runs in the fifth. Cecil and Haas had run scoring doubles, while Nardone and Alexander singled in runs in the inning. Alexander’s hit gave DSU a 10-5 lead.

The Tigers scored two runs off DSU reliever George Michael in the sixth to pull to within 10-7. 

Delaware State reliever Zach Candeloro retired all three batters he faced in the eighth; and Derek Marshallsea pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first save of the season for the Hornets.

Haas was one-for-two with a RBI in the contest, giving him seven hits and 10 runs batted in his last 11 at bats (.636).  

Brown pitched 1.1 innings out of the bullpen to earn his first win of the season (1-1).

Delaware State will return to MEAC North play this weekend at home against Norfolk State. The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at noon. The teams will play a single game on Sunday starting at 1:00 p.m.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

24th Southern Heritage Classic Set For September 14

MEMPHIS, Tennessee  -- The 24th annual Southern Heritage Classic between Tennessee State and Jackson State is set for September 14 at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.

This marks the 20th year in a row (and 22nd overall) that the teams have squared off in this Classic which began in 1990. Tennessee State is 12-11 all-time in the event while Jackson State is 9-12. The all-time series between the two schools is at 25-20-2 in favor of TSU.

The Big Blue won the 2012 meeting 38-12 in front of 42,257.

Thousands come back annually to Memphis for the lively tailgate parties, the classic rivalry, to tee off in the celebrity golf tournament and to experience music made in Memphis. For more information, go to southernheritageclassic.com.

Follow TSU Athletics on Facebook.com/TSUTigers, Twitter @TSU_Tigers and YouTube

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Dwight Floyd's Special Commentary: FAMU Got It Right When Rutgers Didn’t

"The Editor"
DWIGHT FLOYD
 

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  In one case a player complained of sexual harassment and abuse. In another case there is a videotape that clearly shows physical and emotional abuse—that’s what they call it in law enforcement. Some may argue with the findings, so remember that I am only discussing the action that was taken based on a sustained charge.

When Florida A&M University sustained charges of abuse through an investigation conducted by the university police department, its administration did not hesitate to fire the head coach. Most of the information that led to the sustained charge was based on witness statements, some confirming and others denying that anything negative happened.

In the Rutgers case it is not a matter of determining the facts because it is right there on videotape for everyone to see. Yet, Rutgers head basketball coach Mike Rice retained his job long after the allegations were brought to the school’s attention and later confirmed through an investigation by the athletic department.

See ESPN.com to review videotape & Interview.

On videotape coach Rice is seen tossing balls at players’ heads and feet. According to ESPN he called them “fagots” and “fairies”, obviously intending to demean them. He grabbed them like a bully and pushed them around. He kicked them like a raging spoiled brat, or worse. The videotape shows that he did it on numerous occasions with obvious intent.

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West is best: XU sophomore receives NAIA national honor

Olivia West

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Olivia West was selected NAIA National Women's Tennis Player of the Week, the NAIA announced Wednesday.

West, a sophomore from Humble, Texas, and a graduate of Atascocita High School, was honored for March 25-31 after going 2-0 in singles and 3-0 in doubles during the Gold Nuggets' spring-break trip to Florida. Xavier won all three of its dual matches, including a 6-3 victory against then-NAIA No. 14 Northwood and a 7-2 decision against then-No. 7 Embry-Riddle.

West's 0-6, 6-2, 6-0 victory against Melanie Snowberger clinched the Northwood dual.

During the past four seasons, seven from Xavier have won NAIA National Player/Athlete of the Week awards. West is the second women's tennis player to be honored; teammate Kourtney Howell won in 2012. Zahri Jackson won the women's outdoor track award for March 18-24. West, Howell and Jackson are Houston-area residents.

XU's women and men will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., to play William Carey at 3 p.m. Friday, then play Auburn Montgomery at 2 p.m. Saturday at the new XU Tennis Center. In the NAIA coaches polls announced Tuesday, William Carey is second, AUM third and Xavier sixth in the women's rankings, and AUM is first, William Carey sixth and Xavier eighth in the men's.

By Ed Cassiere, SID
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAATHLETICS

Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships April 13 at Tad Gormley Stadium, New Orleans Field Events: 8:45 a.m. Track Events: 9:30 a.m. Meet Information

Alabama State football coach Reggie Barlow talks after first day of spring practice

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  With a 2013 recruitingclass that was ranked tops in black college football d a slew of transfers from schools such as Florida, West Virginia, Southern Miss. and Arkansas State to go along with a talented core of returners such as SWAC Newcomer of the Year running back Isaiah Crowell, the Hornets could be among the early favorites in the conference.

Watch coach Reggie Barlow talk about acclimating the new guys into his system and  his hopes for the newcomers in this short clip. 

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Keith Pough: 2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report for the Howard OLB

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  Keith Pough is an underrated linebacker from Howard University in the MEAC. He's one of the more unique prospects in this year's draft because he could have easily played in the FBS but chose instead to go to the FCS. He's the kind of prospect almost any coach in the NFL would love to have.

Let's explore how Keith projects to the NFL:

Overall Strengths
+ Athletically gifted player on film
+ Excellent, reliable tackler
+ Tremendous pass rusher

Overall Weaknesses
- Coverage instincts aren't great
- Will wash out in the run game from bigger blockers
- Competition questions from playing at a smaller school

Draft Projection
He should be taken anywhere from the middle of Round 3 to the end of Round 6.




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MEAC Champs Offer Youth Summer Hoops Camp

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  --  North Carolina A&T State University will hold the Youth Summer Basketball Camp, June 10-June 14. The camp will begin each day at 8:30 a.m., at A&T’s Corbett Sports Center, and will conclude at 12:30 p.m.

The camp is offered to boys ages 7-14 for a fee of $110 before June 1 and $125 any time after. In order to properly register, an application and deposit must be mailed to Men’s Basketball, 1601 E. Market Street, Greensboro, N.C., 27411  For more information, please call Don Corbett at (336) 285-3611 or email him at dmcorbet@ncat.edu.

REGISTRATION FORM (.pdf)

 

Registration Form

New FAMU RB coach focuses first on fundamentals

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Elijah Williams doesn’t plan to reinvent the wheel for the running back corps at FAMU. He just wants to make sure that when they come out of the backfield with the ball, it doesn’t result in a wasted down.

So since the former University of Florida star came on as running backs coach, he’s been preaching two things — ball-control and efficiency.

“I have to let these guys know that you can’t be a running team if you’re fumbling the ball,” Williams said Tuesday. “We have to be very precise and efficient with our ball security.

“A good back never fumbles, he never falls sideways or backward. He always falls forward. I don’t care if the lineman misses the block, you find the line of scrimmage and you fall for it. We have to do these things; so that’s all on me.”



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Bluefield State netters snag two victories

Men Tennis: BSC vs WV State Univ.
Date: April 3
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Bluefield City Tennis Courts

CHARLESTON. West Virginia — In a matchup between the top two teams in the Atlantic Region, the Bluefield State men’s tennis team prevailed with a 5-0 win over regionally-ranked No. 2 Shaw University (N.C.) Monday morning in the WVIAC/CIAA Round-Up hosted by the University of Charleston. The Big Blues (11-2) followed that with another 5-0 win over Atlantic Region no. 7 Winston-Salem State.

In the match with the Bears (13-2), BSC took a quick lead after doubles play, when Jacob Carey and Pitor Kruk teamed up to defeat Charles Silva and Sergio Cuartas 8-3 in the no. 1 doubles match. Niklass Sparr and Vlad Catlan (8-4) won in second doubles, and the Big Blues picked up a no. 3 doubles win by default to put BSC on top 3-0 heading into singles play.

The Big Blues moved to 4-0 a lead due to a default win at the no. 6 singles position and won the match after Conner Pickering defeated Andre Monti 6-1, 6-2 in the no. 4 singles match.

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Charlotte 49ers Football Primer: A quick look at Chowan

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  --  We began our Charlotte 49ers football spring primer series by looking at the Charlotte 49ers’ first opponent, Campbell. We move on to September 7, when the Chowan Hawks pay a visit to the Queen City.

Chowan Hawks
September 7, 2013
McColl-Richardson Field
Last year: 6-4 (5-2 CIAA)
Head Coach: Tim Place (5th season)

The Division II Hawks enjoyed a 5-2 record in the CIAA last year and a 6-4 record overall, good for its first winning season since 1999. Part of the reason was the play of quarterback Cameron Stover; the junior threw for 2,358 yards, 19 touchdowns and just nine interceptions in 2012. Stover is back for his senior season, and joining him will be his leading receivers: sophomore Ryan Nolan (led the team in receiving last year in route to a CIAA All-Rookie selection) and juniors Antjuan Randall and JR Williams–the trio combined for 109 catches, 1,562 yards and 12 touchdowns. The trio stepped up in the absence of first-team selection Robert Holland, who went down in week one against Livingstone. In the backfield, the Hawks will be missing leading rusher Elliot Smalls, and they’ll look to younger players to fill the gap. The offensive line will feature some questions, as well, as CIAA first team postseason pick Jobari Coleman-Wilson has graduated; the unit still has some depth going into next season.

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