Charlotte 49ers Football Primer: A quick look at N.C. Central

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  --  The Charlotte 49ers’ third game of their inaugural season on September 14 will see them taking on a second FCS team. That team is the Eagles of N.C. Central out of the MEAC, and will be the final game of a three-game home stretch before the Niners hit the road and head to Presbyterian.

N.C. Central Eagles
September 14, 2013
McColl-Richardson Field
Last year: 6-5 (5-3 MEAC)
Head Coach: Henry Frazier III (3rd season)

After a season that saw them bounce back nicely after a 2-9 (1-7 MEAC) showing in 2011, the Eagles hope to carry over some success from 2012. It won’t be easy, though. The good news: Jordan Reid, who threw for 1,594 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, returns for a final year, and he and Matt Goggins should challenge each other for the starting quarterback position.

But leading receiver Geovonie Irvine are gone, as are classmates Decona Roberts and Arthur Goforth (a running back), leaving Marvin Poole as the top returning wideout (yardage-wise) for a less than stellar receiving corps. Goforth’s graduation leaves several questions to be answered as far as the running game is concerned; Andre Clarke, a viable red zone threat (9 TDs) will need to prepare for a greater load this season.

CONTINUE READING

Claflin softball team sweeps Fort Valley State

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Claflin University swept a SIAC doubleheader from Fort Valley State at home on Saturday afternoon to improve to 26-12, 16-6 in SIAC play.

Game 1: Claflin 3, Fort Valley State 1

Claflin was led offensively by Alice Boone, 2-4 with an RBI, and Amaris Gilchrease 2-2 with a double. On the mound, it was the Kristin Spearman (11-4) show as the senior pitched a complete-game 3-hitter, striking out 2 Fort Valley State batters. Kierra Johnson took the loss on the mound for Fort Valley State.

Game 2: Claflin 3, Fort Valley State 2

Claflin was led at the plate by Amanda Evans, who went 2-4 with the game-winning RBI double in the bottom of the 7th to score Markea Sheppard, who had a 2-2 day at the plate with a double.

Freshman Erin Lipps (7-2) turned in one of her better performances of the year to pick up the win on the mound for the Lady Panthers, Lipps scattered 6 hits while striking out 8 batters. Ashley Parmer took the loss for Fort Valley State.

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Nuggets defeat AUM for 3rd straight win vs. top-10 team

COACH ALAN GREEN
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TENNIS 
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's women's tennis team extended its unbeaten streak against ranked NAIA opponents with a 6-3 victory Saturday against No. 3 Auburn Montgomery at the new XU Tennis Center.

It was the third consecutive victory during the past 10 days for the Gold Nuggets (13-7) against a top-10 opponent. The XU women, who are ranked sixth, are 9-0 this season against top-25 NAIA opponents.

Auburn Montgomery's men defeated Xavier 6-3.

The Gold Nuggets took advantage of an AUM team which had just four available players. AUM's Jade Curtis, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's top-ranked NAIA singles player and winner of her last 53 singles matches, did not play because of an injury. Morgane Zowczak, ranked 34th in singles, did not play because of illness. AUM forfeits at No. 3 doubles and No. 5 and 6 singles were the result, and Xavier clinched its first-ever tennis victory against AUM by winning two doubles matches.

"It was a bittersweet victory," XU coach Alan Green said. "We think we could've matched up well against AUM if they had a full lineup available. But I think we have proven to everyone that we have played the toughest schedule in the NAIA and we have not lost to anyone we played (in the NAIA).

Our team has earned the right to be considered for No. 1. But it only matters to me if we can finish the season that way."

Kourtney Howell and Brion Flowers defeated Chanel Cunningham and Maria Fernanda Vargas 8-4 at No. 1 doubles, then Amanda Materre and Simone-Alyse Ewell clinched the dual at No. 2 with their 8-2 victory against Tiffany William and Hagar Caro.

The Nuggets picked up just one more point thereafter in a match which was played: Materre's 6-3, 6-3 victory against Vargas at No. 3 singles.

The XU women have won five straight and nine of their last 11 duals. AUM is 9-7. The Nuggets were 0-8 against AUM from 2004-12 and never won a contested match against the Warhawks before Saturday.

The victory also resulted in a plaque for the Nuggets. Xavier and AUM were the only teams to go unbeaten during the AUM Invitational in early March, and AUM coach Rolando Vargas and Green agreed to let Saturday's match decide the championship of that tournament. Vargas was true to his word and presented the plaque to Green before departing.

The Gold Rush (11-7) also won two doubles matches — Loic Didavi and Kyle Montrel defeated Tim Hewitt and Bence Toth 8-4, and Nikita Soifer and Viktor Svoboda beat Nicolas Pinones-Haltenhoff and Othmane Lalami 8-5 — but managed only one singles victory, Montrel's 6-1, 7-6 (7-3) decision against Miguel Grifol. Toth clinched for AUM (13-3) with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 decision against Svoboda which snapped Svoboda's nine-match singles win streak.

The Rush will conclude the regular season with an 11 a.m. home dual against Jackson State on April 14. The Nuggets have nothing else on their regular-season schedule, but Green said that could change. Both XU teams will compete April 19-20 in an NAIA unaffiliated group tournament at Jonesboro, Ga., and attempt to earn automatic bids to next month's NAIA National Championship at Mobile, Ala.

Results: Men Women

By Ed Cassiere, SID
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

WSSU Rams Stay Hot With Double Wins Over Virginia State

WINSTON-SALEM North Carolina  --  The Winston-Salem State University Rams scored two runs in the fourth and four runs in the fifth inning to bust open a close game to defeat the Trojans of Virginia State, 8-1 in game one of a double header at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, NC.

 

With the win, the WSSU Rams improve to 29-8 overall and 11-1 in the CIAA, while the Trojans of Virginia State fall to 16-10 overall and 9-4 in the CIAA.

 

The Rams got on the board in the first inning when Travis Moore started the inning with a bunt single and stole second base, and then stole third base. Levi Grassley singled home Moore on a shot to center field, to gtive WSSU the early 1-0 lead.

 

In the second inning, Paco Martin started the inning with a walked and would steal both second and third base, before scoring on a Virginia State wild pitch.

 

Tyler Hickernell's masterful pitching job would keep the Trojans at bay, and WSSU would continue to pound the baseball and score runs.

 

In the fourth inning, WSSU would plate two more runs, as Travis Moore would reach on an error by the first baseman, and German Reyes would get them both home on a home run to deep left field, to give the Rams a 4-0 advantage.

 

Virginia State would finally get on the board in the fifth inning on a rbi single by Tyler Coleman, plating Nick Christopher, and cutting the Rams lead to 4-1.

 

But the WSSU Rams would explode for four run in the bottom half of the fifth, when Levi Grassley doubled down the left field line to start the inning. After an out and two hit batsmen, Brandon Harrison singled to center field scoring Grassley and Conner Andrus. Paco Martin and Brandon Harrison would pull off a double steal before Travis Moore walked to load the bases again. German Reyes grounded out, scoring Martin, and Harrison would eventually score on a wild pitch, to close out the scoring and give the WSSU Rams a 8-1 win.

 

Levi Grassley led the Rams by going three for four with one run scored and a rbi, while German Reyes was the man with the timely at-bat, as he went one for four with one run scored and a game high three runs batted in. Brandon Harrison finished one for two with one run scored and two runs batted in. Travis Moore finished one for two with two runs scored.

 

Tyler Hickernell (5-4) picked up the win for the Rams, going a complete seven innings, surrendering just three hits and a single unearned run, while striking out six and walking just one batter.

 

Josh Markins, John McCarty and Corey Grant each finished one for three, and Tyler Coleman picked up the Trojans lone rbi, with Nick Christopher scoring the lone run.

 

David Fitzpatrick took the loss for Virginia State, going 4.1 innings, giving up seven runs, of which six were earned. He also walked four and struck out three while hitting two batters.

 

Box Score

 

Big Inning Pushes WSSU Past Virginia State Trojans, 4-2 in Game Two Of Double Header

 

WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- Winston-Salem State's Aaron Jones had two rbi's and Levi Grassley hit his third home run of the season as the Rams scored three third inning runs to take game two of today's double header, 4-2 at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, NC.

 

With the win, the WSSU Rams improve to 30-8 overall and 12-1 in the Virginia State Trojans fall to 16-11 overall and 9-5 in the CIAA.

 

Virginia State scored in the first inning off of two hits and helped out by a WSSU error to put the Rams back on the heels early.

 

The Trojans Colton Gunn would keep the Rams' hot bats silent for the first two innings, but in the third, the bats came alive and WSSU would plate three runs on two timely hits.

 

Conner Andrus was hit by a pitch to start the inning, and after a pop out, Brandon Harrison tripled home Andrus with a shot to deep center field to tie the game at 1-1. Travis Moore would be hit by a pitch, and after a strikeout, Moore would steal second base putting runners at second and third with two outs. Aaron Jones would single to center field, scoring both Harrison and Moore to push the Rams out in front 3-1.

 

WSSU would get a little more breathing room in the fourth inning, when Levi Grassley would lead off the inning with a deep solo blast to left center field.

 

Virginia State was not done, and tried to claw back with a home run of their own with a shot off the bat of Stephen Brown to bring the score to 4-2.

 

But the Ram pitchers would shut down the Trojans the rest of the way and WSSU secure their 30^th win of the season.

 

Levi Grassley went one for three with a run scored and one rbi, including a home run, while Aaron Jones went one for two with two rbi's to lead the Rams' hitters. German Reyes and Rafael Gonzalez each were one for three, and Brandon Harrison finished one for two with a run scored and a run batted in.

 

Four Ram pitchers combined to limit Virginia State to two runs on six hits, with John Markley (2-0) picking up the win and Seth Mahaffey picking up the save (4).

 

Tyler Coleman and Percy Evans, Jr. each finished two for three, with Evans also picking up an rbi. Nick Christopher went one for three, and Stephen Brown went one for three with a run scored and one rbi. Brown had a solo home run for the Trojans.

 

Colton Gunn picked up the loss Virginia State, going a complete 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, while striking out six WSSU batters.

 

The Winston-Salem State University Rams will go for the series sweep Sunday at 1:00pm in a nine inning game at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem.

 

Box Score

 

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Florida A&M to Interview Candidates for Director of Marching and Pep Bands

FAMU MARCHING 100

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  After announcing a decision in February to continue a national search for a new Director of Marching and Pep Bands, Florida A&M University will interview two candidates for the position next week.

The search committee will meet with Sylvester Young, a former professor of music at Ohio University, on April 8 and 9. Don Roberts, instrumental music coordinator for Dekalb County School District, will interview on April 9 and 10. All sessions are open to public.

FAMU BAND SEARCH SCHEDULE 2013


BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Sylvester Young, 1990-1996, Ohio University

Dr. Sylvester Young, a Florida native, received a bachelor's degree in music education from Florida A&M University in 1969, and in 1986 was recognized as one of that institution's "100 Most Outstanding Graduates." He earned his master's degree in music from Bowling Green State University in 1973.

Young completed all course work for the Ph.D. program in music education at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. While at Missouri, he performed in select ensembles, including the famous MOSSPAC Symphony (Missouri Symphony Society Performing Arts Center). Young has also taught music in several states, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, and Virginia where he conducted the Hampton University Marching "Force," a 220-piece band.

The Marching 110 was under Young's direction from 1990 through 1996. Currently, Young is a member of the instrumental music education faculty of the Ohio University School of Music.

Don Roberts, Creator and Director

Mr. Don P. Roberts, M.M.ED. served as the Executive Band Consultant for the Twentieth Century Fox hit movie, “Drumline”. He was responsible for training the actors, writing the precision drills, rehearsing the band, etc. As the chief band consultant, he played a vital role in the making of “Drumline” and its success. The movie received national and international acclaim. In 2003, it was nominated by the NAACP as “Most Outstanding Motion Picture” and also nominated for an “American Choreography Award” for outstanding achievement in a feature film.

Most recently, Mr. Roberts was appointed as the Associate Producer and Executive Band Consultant for the ESPNU Television series, “The Battle”, which features some of America’s best Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Marching Bands. The five series weekly show debuts in the fall of 2010.

Mr. Roberts also serves as the President and Musical Director of the company, Halftime Live, which has provided the official drum line for the Atlanta Hawks from 2007-Present, and the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. The Halftime Live Marching Band was featured on worldwide television as they performed with Grammy award winning artist, Ne-Yo, as a part of the 2008 National Hockey League All-Star Game halftime show.

In 2009, Mr. Roberts served as the Musical Director and Executive Band Consultant for the “Black College Football Xperience” video game by Neriyzed Game Studios (bcfxgame.com). Mr. Roberts also choreographed the drills and routines for the popular Nature’s Own Whitewheat Bread commercial, which featured marching bands and debuted during the 2005 Super Bowl.

In 2005, Mr. Roberts also worked as the Executive Band Consultant on the Missy Elliot hit song, “Bad Man”, from her album, “The Cookbook”.

Don P. Roberts received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. While at FAMU, he served as drum major, student conductor, and student arranger in what is considered to be one of the finest band programs in America.

He received a Master's Degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Presently, Mr. Roberts is pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Administration from Argosy University in Sarasota, Florida.

As an educator, Mr. Roberts has served as the Instrumental Music Coordinator of the DeKalb County School System (26th largest school system in America) since 1996.  He served as the Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands at Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia from 1990 through 1996. He was appointed to a dual role from 1998-2004 as DeKalb County Instrumental Music Coordinator and Southwest DeKalb High School Co-Director of Bands. With the assistance of six chairmen (3 band and 3 orchestra), Mr. Roberts supervises approximately 100 instrumental music directors, 19 high schools, 19 middle schools, and 88 elementary schools. There are more than 15,000 students participating in band and orchestra in DeKalb schools.

Under the guidance of Mr. Roberts, the DeKalb County School System has one of the largest, most active and innovative music programs in the state of Georgia. The DeKalb School System was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Communities in Music Education in America” in 2005 and 2008.

Mr. Roberts' bands (Southwest DeKalb High School and McNair Middle School) received superior ratings for fifteen consecutive years from the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA). The Southwest DeKalb High School band was the first African American high school band to ever perform for the Georgia Music Educators Association Convention in state history (1996). Under Mr. Roberts' tutelage the band was invited to perform in the 1997 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The band also recorded the compact discs, "We Rock the House", in 1996 and “Band of the 90’s” in 2000.

One of Mr. Roberts’ greatest accomplishments as a music educator was the Southwest DeKalb Panthers being the only band in America selected to perform in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games where he worked with world renown “Super Producers” Kenny Ortega (High School Musical and This Is It) and Don Mischner (Prince Super Bowl Halftime 2007).

Additionally, he served as Assistant Band Director of the Atlanta Olympic Band, which performed in the Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games.

His 300 member Panther Marching Band was also the hero band in the movie, “Drumline”. They have performed all across the United States.

In 2008, Mr. Roberts was recognized by the Dallas Austin Foundation as its 2008 “Maestro of the Year in Music Education”. He was also recognized as a 2008 Black History Living Legend by Atherton Elementary School in DeKalb County.

Mr. Roberts has served as a clinician, adjudicator, and arranger for many different organizations throughout the Southeast. He was Multicultural Chairman for the Georgia Music Educators Association for four years (1998 – 2001). In addition to his membership in GMEA and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster’s Fraternity, Mr. Roberts is a member of the 100 Black Men of America, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Music Educators National Conference.

He is Co-Founder of Precision Incorporated (Summer Band Camp), Chief Consultant for the Metro Atlanta Battle of the Bands, and former Executive Producer of DeKalb Schools Television Show, "Music in Motion".

Livingstone College Stinson Named Gaines Award Winner

JAMES STINSON

SALISBURY, NC  – Tommy Amaker of Harvard University and James Stinson of Livingstone College (NC) have been named the winners of the third annual Clarence 'Big House' Gaines College Basketball Coach of the Year Awards, presented to the top minority college basketball coach in NCAA Division I (Amaker) and II (Stinson). The announcement was made today by Dave Goren, executive director of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association & Hall of Fame.

In the six seasons since taking over as head coach of Harvard's century-old men's basketball program, Amaker has reinvented the Crimson into an Ivy League and regional power. He has directed Harvard to a period of unprecedented prosperity in the form of back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, three consecutive Ivy League championships and four 20-win seasons in a row.

Amaker's 2012-13 Crimson squad—New England's only representative in the NCAA tournament—was the talk of the nation after knocking off third-seeded New Mexico, but his Harvard teams have long been making headlines, with each season bringing more program milestones. Some of the highlights:

• 112-66 record (.639 win percentage), including an Ivy League-best 90-30 (.750) the last four seasons
• 54-30 Ivy League record (.642), including an Ivy League-best 45-11 (.804) the last four seasons
• First three Ivy League championships in school history (2011, '12, '13)
• Consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (2012, '13), including Harvard's first since 1946
• Four straight seasons with 20 wins and a postseason appearance
• Harvard's first appearance in a major national poll, ranking as high as No. 21 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll
• The four highest single-season wins totals in program history (26-5 in 2011-12, 23-7 in 2010-11, 21-8 in 2009-10 and 20-10 in 2012-13)

Amaker owns a 288-205 career record: 112-66 at Harvard, 108-84 at Michigan and 68-55 at Seton Hall.

A 1987 graduate of Duke with a bachelor's degree in economics, Amaker was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1987 NBA draft. He is a former member of the board of directors for USA Basketball and was a member of the Men's Collegiate and Men's Senior National Committees with USA Basketball, where he helped select members of the gold-medal-winning 1996 U.S. Olympic team.

Stinson's recently-completed ninth season as head coach at Livingstone was the best in Blue Bears' history. The Blue Bears won their first CIAA Southern Division Championship, set a school record for most wins (22), reached the championship game of the CIAA Tournament, and qualified for their first NCAA Tournament appearance.

In 2010-11, the men's team broke another barrier by winning the CIAA's highest GPA award and advancing to the CIAA championship game for the first time in school history. Stinson was named CIAA Coach of the Year, and former Mayor Susan Kluttz proclaimed March 9, 2011, Livingstone Men's Basketball Day in the City of Salisbury.

Prior to his tenure at Livingstone, Stinson coached at his alma mater, Barber-Scotia College, where he brought much needed discipline and fire to the Barber-Scotia men's basketball program. Stinson organized outreach campus programs, spoke at various churches and gave free basketball clinics. Stinson also spent four years as a NAIA Division I basketball rater.

While at Barber-Scotia College, Stinson led the Sabers to eight 20-win seasons, four regular season championships, three EIAC tournament championships and two NAIA Elite Eight appearances.

Stinson was voted Coach of the Year three times and was a three-time EIAC Top Tournament Coach.

Stinson accepted a basketball scholarship to Barber-Scotia in 1983. He was named All-Conference in the EIAC in 1985-86 and was named to the Dean's list from 1985-1987. He earned his degree in 1987.
The Gaines Awards will be presented as part of the 53^rd Annual NSSA Awards Banquet, June 11^th, at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC.
 
CLARENCE E. “BIG HOUSE” GAINES
The Gaines Awards are named for legendary Winston-Salem State University head men's basketball coach Clarence 'Big House' Gaines. During 47 seasons as WSSU's head coach, Gaines's teams won 828 games, including the 1967 NCAA Division Two national championship (the first team from a historically black college or university to do so). A former President of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Gaines was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. He died in 2005.

**Courtesy of National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association & Hall of Fame (NSSA)

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.


CONTINUE READING

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.” 

 

CONTINUE READING

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.

CONTINUE READING

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 ...

CONTINUE READING

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 ...

CONTINUE READING

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 ...

CONTINUE READING

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.

CONTINUE READING

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