NORFOLK, Virginia -- Haley Ward didn't realize she made history.
When the Norfolk State sophomore outfielder grounded out in Game 2 of a doubleheader March 29, her streak of 13 consecutive at-bats with a hit ended.
That tied the NCAA Division I mark held by Boston University's April Setterlund, set in 2010.
"It shows that hard work is starting to pay off," said Ward, the preseason MEAC Player of the Year and former Cox High standout.
The key to her feat, Ward said, was staying focused and having a purpose when entering the batter's box. It also helped being oblivious to her hit parade.
"I probably would have had a differently mentality (if I knew about it)," Ward said.
Ward captured her second straight MEAC Player of the Week award on April 1. The first followed a 10-for-11, 12-RBI performance in a three-game sweep of Coppin State.
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Friday, April 12, 2013
In the FCS Huddle: Excellence starts with inner drive
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- (Sports Network) Falling from the top perch of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football hasn't lessened the pressure on South Carolina State.
"I think it might be more," says head coach Buddy Pough, who wants nothing to do with the middle of the standings, where the Bulldogs found themselves at season's end last year.
"It gives you a little different sense of urgency. I think you go through years where you've been successful for so long, you just kind of think that's something that's given. You don't necessarily think there's a possibility that you could have a year like we had last year. And now that we've had, I think it's created a little sense of urgency, where we know we've got to do something special or that can happen to us again."
The Bulldogs believe last year's 5-6 record was a ...
NCCU Football Hosts Spring Game Tonigjht
DURHAM, North Carolina -- The North Carolina Central University football program will host its “Maroon vs. Gray” spring game on Friday, April 12 at 6 p.m. inside O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium on the NCCU campus. Admission is free.
For many years, NCCU’s spring game has featured the offensive and defensive units going head-to-head with a spattering of special teams play. On Friday evening, the Eagles will be divided into two teams to provide fans with more of a game-like experience.
The Eagles will begin warm-ups and go through position drills at 6 p.m., with game kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
NCCU is coming off of its first winning season since 2007, as the Eagles posted an overall record of 6-5 in 2012, with a MEAC record of 5-3.
The Eagles open their 12-game 2013 schedule with the “Bull City Gridiron Classic” at Duke on Aug. 31. The first of six NCCU home games will take place on Sept. 7 versus Saint Augustine’s.
Season tickets are on sale now for only $105, an $80 savings off of the value of a reserved seat for each home game. For complete details about season ticket specials, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or call the NCCU Ticket Office at (919) 530-5170.
For more information about NCCU football, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.
Boxtorow’s 2013 National Spring Football Road Tour Makes Stop at NCCUThe fifth annual Boxtorow Spring Football Road Tour will stop in Durham, N.C., on Friday for the NCCU spring football game.
The nationally syndicated FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW with Donal Ware will broadcast live from 5:00-6:00 p.m. via its local radio affiliate, WAUG-AM 750 or online at www.boxtorow.com.
Visitors to the Boxtorow broadcast location underneath the O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium press box will receive free giveaways.
FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW is a sports talk show which places a major emphasis on HBCU Sports. The show airs weekly on radio stations around the country including top markets such as Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Austin, Texas, Nashville, Raleigh, and Greensboro, N.C. The show can also be heard via the Internet on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m. ET at www.boxtorow.com.
Football Season Tickets On Sale Now
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Thursday, April 11, 2013
DSU Hornests to Hold Red/White Scrimmage This Saturday
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| DSU Head Coach Kermit Blount |
More than 70 players have participated in this year's camp.
The Hornets are projected to return 12 starters from their 2012 squad, which posted the team’s first winning record since 2007. DSU was 6-5 overall and tied for third in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with a 5-3 mark in the league.
Delaware State must replace a number of key players, including quarterback Nick Elko, the 2012 MEAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year; and three other All-MEAC First Team performers.
Cory Murphy (r-jr.; 6-2, 205), a 2012 junior college transfer, and Esayah Obado (r-fr.; 6-200) have taken most of the snaps at quarterback this spring. Each was listed on the 2012 Hornet roster, but did not see playing time.
“Each of our quarterbacks is getting some valuable reps this spring,” said Delaware State head coach Kermit Blount. “This spring has been important in the development of our QBs; and I’m eager to see how each performs during our final scrimmage.”
The Hornets must also replace All-MEAC wide receivers Travis Tarpley and Justin Wilson.
Tarpley, also a 2012 Sheridan Broadcast Network Black College All-American, was tops in the MEAC in receptions (7.8 pg) and receiving yards (96.2 pg); and tied for first in the league in touchdown catches (7). Wilson was third in the MEAC in receptions (6.0 pg) and receiving yards (73.3 pg) last season. He led the league in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2010.
Milton Williams (jr.; 6-3, 200) and Mailk Golson (r-fr.; 5-10, 180) are among several players who will battle to replace Tarpley and Wilson as starting wide receivers.
Delaware State’s hopes to continue the improvement in the running game it began last season. The Hornets averaged 98.9 yards per game rushing in 2012, up from 50.3 per game in 2011. DSU also rushed for 13 touchdowns last season after tallying just six the previous year.
Malcolm Williams (jr.; 5-10, 180) has had a productive spring after leading the Hornets with 437 yards rushing despite missing two games in 2012. Williams rushed for 120 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown, before hurting his ankle in Delaware State’s 23-7 loss to FBS Cincinnati last season.
Dae-Hon Cheung (so.; 5-9, 180) rushed for 410 yards (5.0 ypc) and three touchdowns, while Nagee Jackson had 238 yards rushing and a team-high seven touchdowns on the ground last season. Each player had at least one 100-yard rushing game in 2012.
The Hornet offensive line expects to return three starters this fall, led by 2012 All-MEAC Second Team center Brandon Cunningham (r-sr.; 6-2, 280). Keon Williams (so,; 6-2, 280) is emerging star at left guard.
The biggest loss along the offensive line is left tackle Nail Muradymov, a 2012 All-MEAC First Team performer.
Delaware State has seven projected starters returning on defense, led by 2012 All-MEAC First Team players Davon Moore (jr.; 5-11, 195) at free safety and inside linebacker Ernest Adjei (sr.; 6-0, 235).
Moore was third in the MEAC in tackles (8.8 pg; 97 total) and third for third with four interceptions in 2012. His 175 interception return yards were tops in the MEAC and second among all FCS players last season.
Adjei was tied for sixth in the MEAC in tackles at 8.5 per game last season (93 total).
Delaware State defensive returners also include defensive back Terrick Colston (so.; 6-1, 190) and left end Rodney Gunter (jr.; 6-5, 300). Each was selected to the 2012 All-MEAC Second Team.
Colston, a 2012 Jerry Rice Award nominee (top FCS freshman), was second on the Hornets and fifth in the MEAC in tackles (8.6 pg; 95 total) last season.
Gunter was tied for seventh in the MEAC in sacks (0.5 pg; 5.5 total) and tops among DSU defensive linemen with 49 tackles (27 solo) last season.
Delaware State placekicker Mitchell Ward (jr.; 6-1, 180) and punter Marko Kano (jr.; 6-6, 220) also return. Ward was 12-for-19 on field goal attempts and perfect on 28 extra-point kicks in 2012. Kano averaged 39.4 yards (long 62) on 42 punts last season.
Returning defensive back Joe Boyd (jr.; 6-0, 195) was fourth on the team with 87 tackles last season. He was also credited with 3.5 tackles-for-loss, an interception and two forced fumbles.
2013 DSU Football Schedule
COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS
No shortage of title-winning pedigree in championship field
CANTON, Michigan -- When you take a look at the list of teams vying for the 2013 NC Bowling Championship beginning Thursday at Super Bowl Lanes in Canton, Mich., two-time defending national champion Maryland-Eastern Shore is sure to grab your attention.
And it should. After all, the Hawks are two-time defending national champions and have won 10 tournaments this season. What’s more, they haven’t finished worse than second in any event they’ve competed in this year.
“We are honored to be the second overall selection,” head coach Kristina Frahm said. “I do feel, however that we have a top team and I think our experiences can help us make a serious run at winning another national championship.
“Obviously, we are looking for a three-peat.”
Current NTCA No. 1 Nebraska won the first two championships in 2004 and ’05 and the Huskers hoisted the hardware again in 2009. The Huskers, like the Hawks, have participated in every national championship tournament. This season’s Huskers, however, sport a bit of a different look than in years past. The team boasts just one senior, team leader Kristina Mickelson, who suffered a cracked elbow in a car accident in September and has seen limited action this season.
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THE QUEST FOR A THREE-PEAT BEGINS TODAY
CANTON, Mich. - While the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) women's bowling team is no stranger to history and records, they are heading into uncharted territory today when they embark on a quest for a third straight NCAA Championship and fourth overall. No team has won four NCAA titles and no one has won three-in-a-row.
The two-time defending champions, fresh off their dominating win for the MEAC title, are the No. 2 overall seed and will attempt to collect a third consecutive title - and fourth overall. UMES, along with seven other finalists, are competing April 11-13. The best-of-seven-games finals will air live on ESPNU on Saturday, April 13, at 8 p.m. with Dave Armstrong calling the action from the lanes, alongside analyst and PBA Hall of Famer Randy Pedersen.
Central Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt, Sam Houston State, Wisconsin-Whitewater and Fairleigh Dickinson round out the eight-team field. The final two days of the tournament will be played in the Baker format, in which teams of five compete against each other, with the members bowling one frame in order, through the 10 frames.
The event is held at Super Bowl Lanes, site of the 2009 Championships. While UMES didn't win in 2009, they did the last time they were in Michigan, 2011 when the event was in Taylor. Action begins Thursday the 11th at 11:00 a.m. The teams will bowl seven team games, facing each team in the field once. The second block starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m. on the opening day. The first day determines seeding and the teams will then face-off in a double elimination bracket on Friday starting again at 11 a.m.
The official NCAA Bowling Championship digital program is available online and is free to view and will be updated after the championship. Fans can access that here.
The University of Detroit-Mercy is co-hosting the event and will update their website regularly throughout each day. Fans can find that by clicking here.The Detroit Sports Commission is the other host and will be updating social media regularly. The event is using a hash tag of #ncaabowling. Fans can find them at:
Fans can also match matches live via live streaming. Each match on Thursday and Friday is streamed and all matches are available here.
It can be found manually by going to www.ncaa.com, clicking the video tab, then NCAA Live-Winter Championships then the date. The USBC will also be on hand and posting updates throughout the day at bowl.com
Everything will also be available on www.umeshawks.com
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION
Rand Paul goes to Howard University in peace, receives quiet
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tea party titan Rand Paul, visiting Howard University on Wednesday, told students that he had been called “either brave or crazy to be here” at the historically black college.
Probably some of each: brave, because he’s trying to sell himself and fellow Republicans to African Americans, a singularly resistant demographic; and crazy, because he based his pitch on revised history and airbrushed facts — and the Howard kids weren’t fooled.
“No Republican questions or disputes civil rights,” the senator from Kentucky proclaimed. “I’ve never wavered in my support for civil rights or the Civil Rights Act.”
Howzat?
As a candidate in 2010, Paul questioned the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act’s Title II, which prohibits private discrimination. “I don’t want to be associated with those people,” he said when MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow asked him about private businesses that refuse to serve black customers, “but I also don’t want to limit their speech in any way in the sense that we tolerate boorish and uncivilized behavior because that’s one of the things freedom requires.”
VIEW PAUL'S HOWARD U. VIDEO
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Probably some of each: brave, because he’s trying to sell himself and fellow Republicans to African Americans, a singularly resistant demographic; and crazy, because he based his pitch on revised history and airbrushed facts — and the Howard kids weren’t fooled.
“No Republican questions or disputes civil rights,” the senator from Kentucky proclaimed. “I’ve never wavered in my support for civil rights or the Civil Rights Act.”
Howzat?
As a candidate in 2010, Paul questioned the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act’s Title II, which prohibits private discrimination. “I don’t want to be associated with those people,” he said when MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow asked him about private businesses that refuse to serve black customers, “but I also don’t want to limit their speech in any way in the sense that we tolerate boorish and uncivilized behavior because that’s one of the things freedom requires.”
VIEW PAUL'S HOWARD U. VIDEO
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BC Purple-Gold Football Game Set For Saturday
COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- The Benedict College Tigers will wrap up their 2013 spring football practice this Saturday with the annual Purple-Gold Game.Kickoff at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is 2:30 p.m.
A full day of fun, family activities is planned. The inaugural “Powder Puff Game” between the Benedict College cheerleaders and the female members of the Benedict College Marching Band of Distinction kicks things off at 11 a.m. An alumni flag football game is set to take place at 12:30 p.m.
A fan zone with a live DJ, a skills challenge for the kids, face painting and food will also be available. Fans can have their photo taken with the 2013 SIAC Men's Basketball trophy, cheerleaders and the tiger mascot. The official team shop will also be open for fans to purchase Benedict gear.
All events are free.
COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION
Changes continue in rebuilding CIAA
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Changes continue to cycle in the CIAA office. Director of Public Relations Shera White and Associate Commissioner of Governance Monique Smith have left the conference.Smith, a former St. Paul’s administrator, came to the league as its PR director after a tumultuous series of events. (Long, long story there.) When she was promoted, she hired White in her old position. That was 13 years ago.
For a while, I thought Monique and Shera would ride out the new administration under Commissioner Jacqie Carpenter. But it appears all parties were just trying to get through the CIAA tournament before going their separate ways.
Got to hand it to Carpenter. She was everywhere and in every thing during tourney week. No one could accuse her of sleeping on the job. And many of her initial critics are slowly coming around.
Hey, I was just happy the media got ...
FAMU's Smalls looking to fill big shoes at linebacker
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The suggestion that he is now the guy to beat for one of two starting inside linebacker spots was enough to make Will Smalls chuckle.
It wasn’t that the FAMU junior found humor in the question. He knows that the competition will heat up when fall workouts begin.
But he clearly established himself during Saturday’s Orange and Green spring game with two interceptions that would put him ahead if Coach Earl Holmes were to make a depth chart today.
“I’m going to come out here and do the best I can to try to help my team,” Smalls said, downplaying his eight tackles in the intrasquad game and the fact that he took one of the picks back for a 33-yard touchdown.
One thing that Smalls didn’t want to be hyped too much is that he is constantly being compared to Brandon Hepburn, who led the Rattlers in tackles last season. The comparisons are coming now despite the fact that Smalls spent two seasons waiting to prove he could contribute.
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It wasn’t that the FAMU junior found humor in the question. He knows that the competition will heat up when fall workouts begin.
But he clearly established himself during Saturday’s Orange and Green spring game with two interceptions that would put him ahead if Coach Earl Holmes were to make a depth chart today.
“I’m going to come out here and do the best I can to try to help my team,” Smalls said, downplaying his eight tackles in the intrasquad game and the fact that he took one of the picks back for a 33-yard touchdown.
One thing that Smalls didn’t want to be hyped too much is that he is constantly being compared to Brandon Hepburn, who led the Rattlers in tackles last season. The comparisons are coming now despite the fact that Smalls spent two seasons waiting to prove he could contribute.
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013
FAMU finds cure for athletics budget woes
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- How do you make a sea of red ink disappear?
Simple: You cover it with black ink.
That is essentially what Florida A&M’s Budget and Finance Committee endorsed Wednesday for addressing an estimated $2.2 million deficit in athletics for the current academic year.
Following a plan proposed by Ronica Mathis from the budget division, FAMU will use more than $2 million in earnings on investments in scholarship funds to cover all athletic scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year. It would give the university a $645,000 surplus in athletics going into the coming school year, Mathis said.
Florida statute allows the university to use earnings on investments for scholarships, she said.
FAMU’s intercollegiate sports programs have lost ...
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FAMU football coach teaches schemes, lessons
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| Add caption |
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The chalkboard works just fine when Chris Cash wants to illustrate plays for the safeties he coaches on the FAMU football team.
But there is just no drawing up the bigger part of what the Rattlers’ assistant believes his players have to know when it comes to life choices and persevering in the face of adversity.
Cash just tells them about that.
Cash grew up in a single-parent household in a California neighborhood where drugs and gangs were right outside his door. He had to cope with the murder of a sibling. Another one is doing time in prison and another overcame prison time to earn a college degree.
Cash, who had a successful collegiate career at USC before spending five years in the NFL, said he doesn’t mind telling his story because some of his players might be facing similar challenges.
Stillman tennis heads to SIAC tournament
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama | The Stillman College women’s and men’s tennis teams have accomplished goal one of the 2013 season: to finish atop the conference standings. Now, the teams look to accomplish goal two: to win the conference tournament.Both the Tigers and Lady Tigers are the No. 1 seed entering the SIAC tournament Thursday in Atlanta.
The men are 24-2 with a perfect 11-0 conference mark. The women are 28-1 and 11-0 in league play. The women are on a 25-match win streak and the men are on a 23-match win streak.
“This is going to be a tough tournament. There are some good teams who can win on any given day,” coach Will E. Riley said. “It is up to us to play well in each match if we are going to win the whole thing.”
In men’s singles, player of the year candidate ...
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Eight-team field selected for bowling national championship tournament
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – The eight-team field competing for the 2013 National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship was announced Wednesday by the NCAA Women’s Bowling Committee. The seeded field includes the following teams, all selected at large:
NC WOMEN'S BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD
1. Central Missouri
2. Maryland Eastern Shore
3. Nebraska
4. Arkansas State
5. Vanderbilt
6. Sam Houston State
7. Wisconsin-Whitewater
8. Fairleigh Dickinson
Competition begins with qualifying rounds in which each team bowls one five-person regular team game against each of the other seven teams participating in the championship for a total of seven games. Teams will be seeded for bracket play based on their win-loss record during the qualifying rounds. Teams will then compete in best-of-seven-games Baker matches in a double elimination tournament. In the Baker format, each of the five team members, in order, bowls a complete frame until a complete (10-frame) game is bowled. A Baker match tied 3½ games to 3½ games after seven games will be decided by a tiebreaker using the Modified Baker format.
The University of Detroit Mercy and the Detroit Sports Commission will host the championship, which will be held April 11-13 at Super Bowl Lanes in Canton, Michigan. Tickets can be purchased on www.NCAA.com prior to the championship.
Maryland-Eastern Shore won its second consecutive National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship in 2012 at Freeway Lanes in Wickliffe, Ohio defeating Fairleigh Dickinson in six games, winning the final game 203-176. With the victory, Maryland Eastern Shore became the first team since 2004-05 to win back-to-back national titles.
The championship finals will air on ESPNU Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m. ET. A tape delay broadcast of the championship finals will air on ESPN Sunday, April 14 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET.
NC WOMEN'S BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD
1. Central Missouri
2. Maryland Eastern Shore
3. Nebraska
4. Arkansas State
5. Vanderbilt
6. Sam Houston State
7. Wisconsin-Whitewater
8. Fairleigh Dickinson
Competition begins with qualifying rounds in which each team bowls one five-person regular team game against each of the other seven teams participating in the championship for a total of seven games. Teams will be seeded for bracket play based on their win-loss record during the qualifying rounds. Teams will then compete in best-of-seven-games Baker matches in a double elimination tournament. In the Baker format, each of the five team members, in order, bowls a complete frame until a complete (10-frame) game is bowled. A Baker match tied 3½ games to 3½ games after seven games will be decided by a tiebreaker using the Modified Baker format.
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| UMES SEEKS THIRD STRAIGHT NCAA NATIONAL TITLE |
Maryland-Eastern Shore won its second consecutive National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship in 2012 at Freeway Lanes in Wickliffe, Ohio defeating Fairleigh Dickinson in six games, winning the final game 203-176. With the victory, Maryland Eastern Shore became the first team since 2004-05 to win back-to-back national titles.
The championship finals will air on ESPNU Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m. ET. A tape delay broadcast of the championship finals will air on ESPN Sunday, April 14 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks snags top spot in final regular-season poll
NASHVILLE, Tennesee — Two-time defending national champion Maryland-Eastern Shore is back on top in the latest poll released Tuesday by the National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA). This is the final poll of the regular season and marks the first time the Hawks are on top since October when they were No. 1.UMES, currently standing at 110-21, has had a dominating season and was recently named the No. 2 overall seed in the upcoming national championships. The Hawks are coming off of a sixth Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship and a first-place finish in the Music City Classic. They have won 10 of the 13 events they have bowled in this season, finishing second in the other three.
Right below the Hawks is second-ranked Nebraska (69-22) with 694 points, trailing UMES’s 724 points. Nebraska earned six first-place votes while the Hawks got 15. Central Missouri (97-23), the new third-ranked team, got the other six votes and 689 points. The Jennies, who led the poll for several months, were ahead of Arkansas State (86-28) and Vanderbilt (85-38) who had 604 and 550 points, respectively.
Sam Houston State and Wisconsin-Whitewater traded places for sixth and seventh place and Fairleigh Dickinson (72-37; 408 points) stayed in the eighth spot. The top eight rankings mirror the recent NCAA announcement for the national championships in Canton, Mich.
Stephen F. Austin kept the No. 9 position, but Adelphi jumped from 14th after winning the Northeast Conference Tournament to complete the poll’s top 10.
Alabama A&M was the only newcomer, finishing in a tie for 20th place with Bethune-Cookman. Norfolk State and Delaware State represented the MEAC in 14th and 19th places, respectively.
NATIONAL TENPINS COACHES ASSOCIATION (NTCA) POLL
| RANK | SCHOOL (FIRST-PLACE VOTES) | POINTS | RECORD | PREVIOUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland Eastern Shore (15) | 724 | 111-20 | 3 |
| 2 | Nebraska (5) | 694 | 69-22 | 1 |
| 3 | Central Missouri (6) | 689 | 97-23 | 2 |
| 4 | Arkansas State | 604 | 86-28 | 3 |
| 5 | Vanderbilt | 550 | 85-38 | 5 |
| 6 | Sam Houston State | 478 | 97-36 | 7 |
| 7 | Wisconsin-Whitewater | 468 | 66-34 | 6 |
| 8 | Fairleigh Dickinson | 408 | 72-37 | 8 |
| 9 | Stephen F. Austin | 330 | 66-39 | 19 |
| 10 | Adelphi | 308 | 79-37 | 14 |
| 11 | Saint Francis (Pa.) | 256 | 67-35 | 10 |
| 12 | Kutztown | 201 | 72-40 | 13 |
| 13 | Sacred Heart | 190 | 62-46 | 12 |
| 14 | Norfolk State | 182 | 61-33 | 11 |
| 15 | Valparaiso | 124 | 60-67 | 15 |
| 16 | New Jersey City | 119 | 62-47 | 17 |
| 17 | LIU Brooklyn | 105 | 53-43 | 16 |
| 18 | Saint Francis (N.Y.) | 61 | 69-69 | T18 |
| 19 | Delaware State | 27 | 58-58 | T18 |
| T20 | Bethune-Cookman | 14 | 61-64 | 20 |
| T20 | Alabama A&M | 14 | 45-41 | NR |
Dropped out: None.
Others receiving votes: Alabama State, Bowie State, Fayetteville State, Monmouth, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE ATHLETICS AND NCAA.COM
Others receiving votes: Alabama State, Bowie State, Fayetteville State, Monmouth, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE ATHLETICS AND NCAA.COM
SCSU Bulldog standout Jakar Hamilton trying to make the draft
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Playing football games in Arizona, Texas and Indiana this past season helped South Carolina State defensive back Jakar Hamilton become well-accustomed to long distance trips around the country.
The frequent flyer miles continue to add up for the University of Georgia transfer as he seeks to impress prospective NFL teams. The past week has seen Hamilton hop on flights destined to three different states to visit with the Dallas Cowboys, followed by San Diego and this past Monday in Green Bay.
At each visit, Hamilton has come away more optimistic about his chances of becoming the fourth straight former S.C. State player selected in the NFL draft which runs this year April 25-27 in New York City.
Wrongfully convicted former North Carolina A&T basketball player is free at last after 17 years
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina -- When Lamonte Armstrong stopped in a drug store early one Sunday last month, he watched curiously as the clerks hovered over the pages of a newspaper.
The 62-year-old peer-support counselor had just finished up a graveyard shift at Freedom House, the recovery center he's worked at since 2012. He was tired but intrigued as he approached the counter.
The clerks were engrossed in The News & Observer's story of Joseph Sledge, whose murder conviction 34 years ago seems to be unraveling with recanted testimony and new DNA evidence bolstering his claims of innocence.
"I looked at the clerks, and I said, 'I know that man,'" Armstrong recounted. "You know how I know him, because the same thing happened to me.'"
Armstrong spent 17 years in prison, some of it with Sledge.
Armstong was wrongfully convicted of murdering an N.C. A&T University professor found dead in her Greensboro home in 1988. He maintained his innocence throughout--from the first time Greensboro police interviewed him to a Guilford County jury returning a guilty verdict to his arduous appeals of his life-sentence.
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The 62-year-old peer-support counselor had just finished up a graveyard shift at Freedom House, the recovery center he's worked at since 2012. He was tired but intrigued as he approached the counter.
The clerks were engrossed in The News & Observer's story of Joseph Sledge, whose murder conviction 34 years ago seems to be unraveling with recanted testimony and new DNA evidence bolstering his claims of innocence.
"I looked at the clerks, and I said, 'I know that man,'" Armstrong recounted. "You know how I know him, because the same thing happened to me.'"
Armstrong spent 17 years in prison, some of it with Sledge.
Armstong was wrongfully convicted of murdering an N.C. A&T University professor found dead in her Greensboro home in 1988. He maintained his innocence throughout--from the first time Greensboro police interviewed him to a Guilford County jury returning a guilty verdict to his arduous appeals of his life-sentence.
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Millicent Van Norden Named UMES Head Volleyball Coach
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| Millicent Van Norden |
In 11 seasons as a collegiate head coach at Alcorn State, North Carolina A&T, South Carolina State and most recently Coppin State, Van Norden has amassed a career record of 176-206, earning 20 wins in a season three times and receiving two Coach of the Year honors.
"We are extremely excited to have Coach Van Norden start the next chapter of UMES Volleyball," said Davidson. "She is a proven winner in this conference and has national experience as well; we know we can look to her to continue our expectations of being at the top of the MEAC each season."
"I am very excited to become a part of the UMES family," said Van Norden. "The commitment to a successful volleyball program by the university, athletic administration, the student body, and the student-athletes is a rare commodity that I have always seen and admired at UMES. I am happy to become a part of the Hawk culture and to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of success."
Last season under former head coach Don Metil, who recently left to take the reins at Towson University, the Hawks went 28-6 and captured their second straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship. Under Metil's tutelage, the Hawks currently have the nation's longest home-winning streak, standing at 30-straight won matches at the Hytche Athletic Center.
"We thank Coach Metil for his contributions," said Davidson. "He took the Hawks to new heights and helped us experience unparalleled success in the volleyball program. We wish him the best in his new endeavor."
Last season, Van Norden served as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh under former Hawks head man Toby Rens. The Panthers went 17-14, falling in the Big East Tournament Quarterfinal round.
She was at Coppin State for the 2011 season and South Carolina State from 2007-2010. There, she transformed the Bulldogs from the bottom of the league to a MEAC Championship in 2010. SCSU defeated Delaware State in the title game 3-1, the first MEAC Volleyball title at South Carolina State since 1990. Her team was turned around from 1-7 in league play in 2007 to an impressive 6-2 in 2010.
"What I learned most from coaching the program at South Carolina State is that it is not about all that you have, but what you do with the opportunity in front of you. I taught discipline and sacrifice to my team and expected everything that they did to reflect the future success that they wanted," Van Norden said.
Prior to her stint at South Carolina State, Van Norden was the head coach at North Carolina A&T for three seasons. She compiled an overall record of 49-52 and was 23-7 in the MEAC and was named the conference Coach of the Year in 2005 after guiding the Aggies to a 9-1 record.
Van Norden began her coaching career at her alma mater Alcorn State.
In three seasons, she posted a record of 71-42 and won two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division titles and made two SWAC Tournament championship match appearances.
Van Norden was a highly decorated student-athlete at Alcorn State where she earned letters in volleyball and track and field. On the volleyball court, she was a two-time All-SWAC selection and was named the pre-season volleyball SWAC Player of the Year in 2000.
On the track, Sylvan-Van Norden was a 2000 USA Track and Field Indoor National Participant and a provisional qualifier in the long jump and the 100-meter hurdles in that same year. She currently owns the school and SWAC record in the heptathlon with 5,071 points.
During her time as a student-athlete she was a member several student organizations including the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, SWAC Student-Athlete Association and the Alcorn State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. A four-year SWAC scholar athlete, Van Norden was a two-time recipient of the NCAA Leadership Award and a recipient of the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Athlete Award in 2000.
She earned both her bachelor's in education (2000), and a master's degree in secondary education (2003) from Alcorn State. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was involved in the NYSP Extended program.
(The Coppin State sports information staff contributed to this release.)
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION
Monday, April 8, 2013
GCAC honors Fakler, Rolland, Kennie, Materre, Montrel
 Amanda Materre |  Kyle Montrel |
 Catherine Fakler |  Devinn Rolland |
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Fakler, a sophomore from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School, was a double-winner Friday in the Mississippi College Twilight Invitational at Clinton, Miss. She recorded personal bests of 4 minutes, 48.87 seconds in the 1,500-meter run and 18:23.24 in the 5,000. This is Fakler's first GCAC weekly award in track after winning twice in cross country this past fall.
Rolland, a sophomore from Harvey, La., and a graduate of Cabrini High School, reached the NAIA Championships A-qualifying standard in the long jump for the fourth time in five meets. She placed third out of 19 competitors at Mississippi College with a season-best of 5.77 meters (18 feet, 11¼ inches). She also ran the second leg of the 400-meter relay which placed sixth in 47.99 and reached the NAIA A-standard. This is her fifth GCAC field award of the season; she's also won the track award twice.
Kennie, a freshman from New Orleans and a graduate of Holy Cross High School, earned his second GCAC award after a season-best 7.03 meters (23 feet, 0¾ inches) in the long jump which placed him fifth out of 22 at Mississippi College. He is the No. 5 NAIA performer in that event this outdoor season.
Materre, a sophomore from Richmond, Texas, and a graduate of Westside High School, won her second GCAC award of the season after going 2-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles in the Gold Nuggets' dual-match victories against NAIA No. 2 William Carey and No. 3 Auburn Montgomery. Materre won 6-3, 6-2 on the road Friday against William Carey's Maja Vuzem, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's 22nd-ranked singles player. Materre is ranked 39th.
Montrel, a freshman from Atlanta and a graduate of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, was 2-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles against No. 6 William Carey and No. 1 Auburn Montgomery. The Gold Rush won 5-4 at Carey, and Montrel's 6-1, 6-4 victory against Robin Semal tied the dual at 4. This is the third time this season Montrel has won the GCAC award, which matches the conference's season record set by XU's Terry Richardson in 2009 and tied by XU's Zach Taylor in 2011 and 2012 and teammate Viktor Svoboda a week ago.
Xavier will be the host school for the GCAC Championships on Saturday at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans. It's a one-day meet with field events starting at 8:45 a.m. and track events beginning at 9:30. The XU men's tennis team will conclude its regular season with an 11 a.m. Sunday dual against Jackson State at the new XU Tennis Center. The Gold Nuggets have nothing else on their regular-season schedule, but coach Alan Green said that could change.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Eleanor Roosevelt PG Emmanuel Matey commits to Morgan State
GREENBELT, Maryland -- Eleanor Roosevelt senior Emmanuel Matey spent part of spring break discussing his plans for next year with his family, and late in the week, the 6-foot point guard offered an oral commitment to play at Morgan State, accepting his first and only Division I scholarship offer.With Morgan State Coach Todd Bozeman headed to Atlanta for the Final Four, Matey had to delay his official visit to the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference school last week. But he expects to take the short trip to Baltimore sometime in the next two weeks and make his pledge official when the regular signing period begins on April 17.
Though Matey, who helped the Raiders win the Maryland 4A title last month, had been in contact with Towson, Cornell and American, none of those schools had yet come through with a firm offer.
A transfer who played at McNamara and North County last year, he had several Division II opportunities, but Morgan State stood out from the pack with its recruiting efforts. Bozeman personally attended a handful of Eleanor Roosevelt games, including the Feb. 28 win at DuVal after which he extended the scholarship offer.
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SAU Falcons Win 13-6 To Sweep Lincoln (Pa.) in Weekend Baseball Series
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| Jason Baytop Freshman Outfielder |
The Falcons (25-15 overall) swept the three-game weekend series from the Lions (4-21 overall) to remain in second place in the CIAA. They battle conference leader Winston-Salem State University in a single nine-inning game on Monday, April 8, at USA Baseball Complex in Cary, N.C., at 1 p.m. The Rams are 13-1 in the division and the Falcons are 12-2.
Against Lincoln, Baytop was 2-for-5 at the plate including a home run and double. He also recorded three stolen bases. Both Baytop and Jeremy Wilkins (Sr./Smithfield, N.C.) paced the Falcons with two hits apiece. Ariel Polanco (Sr./Harlem, N.Y.) and Pat Hall (Sr./Virginia Beach, Va.) each added two RBIs while Jamie Scott (Jr./Hampton, Va.), Sterling James (So./New Castle, Del.) and Calvin Butcher (Jr./New Castle, Del.) each scored two runs for the Falcons.
Alex Edwards (Jr./Chicago, Ill.) gained the win after scattering five hits in six innings. He struck out eight batters and walked four to improve to 3-0 on the season. Both Chris Rogers (Sr./Chicago, Ill.) and Daveed Todd (Sr./Chicago, Ill.) pitched in relief in the final three innings to finish off the Lions.
Hall got the Falcons on the scoreboard first with a two-run single which scored Baytop in the first inning. The Lions came back to tie the game 2-2 in the same inning, but Baytop hit an RBI grounder to score James and Scott smacked an RBI double to score Butcher in the second inning. The Lions stayed close early by scoring one run in the second inning to slice the Falcons' lead to 4-3.
The Falcons opened a sizable lead in the fourth inning, scoring five runs for a 9-3 margin. Baytop's RBI double scored James, and both Baytop and Butcher scored on a fielding error. Clarence Peace (Jr./Creedmoor, N.C.) hit an RBI single to score Scott and Wilkins singled in Peace.
The Falcons padded their lead to 11-3 in the fifth inning. Polanco hit a two-run homer to left field that scored him and Baytop. Lincoln scored three runs in the eighth inning, but Ricky Martin (Jr./Raleigh, N.C.) had a sacrifice fly which scored Darren Burks (Jr./Matteson, Ill.) and Baytop hit a solo homer in the ninth for the final score.
Box Score
COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Stillman College hoping bigger leads to better after spring football game
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Stillman College is bigger and it's visibly evident.
You can see it along the offensive and defensive lines, in the physical stature of its running backs and the height of its wide receivers.
It's something coach Teddy Keaton is hoping will make them better in the fall, following an ultra-competitive spring game, which the White team won 14-0 against the Blue team, at Stillman Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Keaton and his coaching crew mixed up the squads as evenly as possible in order to get a longer look at players vying to make the fall roster and for the most part he was pleased with the results.
"The majority of the white team on offense was the starting 'O'. The majority of the blue team on defense was the starting defense," Keaton said. "The white defense was the second-string defense and the blue offense was the second-string defense. We're just trying to find that depth. I think our (No.) 1s were solid."
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You can see it along the offensive and defensive lines, in the physical stature of its running backs and the height of its wide receivers.
It's something coach Teddy Keaton is hoping will make them better in the fall, following an ultra-competitive spring game, which the White team won 14-0 against the Blue team, at Stillman Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Keaton and his coaching crew mixed up the squads as evenly as possible in order to get a longer look at players vying to make the fall roster and for the most part he was pleased with the results.
"The majority of the white team on offense was the starting 'O'. The majority of the blue team on defense was the starting defense," Keaton said. "The white defense was the second-string defense and the blue offense was the second-string defense. We're just trying to find that depth. I think our (No.) 1s were solid."
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Sunday, April 7, 2013
Alabama State Hornets Completes First Week Of Spring Practice
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State football team wrapped up the first week of spring practice with a controlled, situational practice Saturday morning at Hornet Stadium.The Hornets ran approximately 70 plays in full pads on the first of four scheduled Saturday practices, which lead into the annual Black and Gold Game Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m. at The New ASU Stadium.
“It was a good opportunity to see the guys compete and get 70+ plays in to give us something to evaluate,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “Offensively, we had six explosive plays of 20+ yards. Defensively, we had some guys do some good things, getting to the ball, particularly Lawrence Henderson who had several sacks. Overall, it was a good first week.”
Quarterbacks Daniel Duhart, Arsenio Favor, and Sam Gibson took equal reps running the offense, which worked specifically on down and distance situations – 1st and 10, 2nd and 8, 3rd rd and 12 from various locations on the field.
“You're going to have a lot of those situations in every game,” Barlow said. “The quicker we can adjust our minds to them, the better off we'll be. We were thinking crumb (smaller) blessings today. It wasn't so much about moving the ball up and down the field, but situational. If it's first down, we want to figure out how to make it 2nd and 5. If it's third and 8 and we're on the opponent 30-yard line, we want to figure out how we can get it in field goal range for Bobby Wenzig. So, it's a mindset behind all of it to work those key situations. We know it will come up every week.
The Hornets return to practice Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Hornet Stadium.
and 8, and 3
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
FAMU Rattlers Excite The Crowd At Orange And Green Game
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Bragg Memorial Stadium was filled with anticipation up until 2 p.m. on Saturday. Loyal Rattler fans were wondering if the team could show more promise in just a short five months since completing a challenging 4-7 campaign. Players were wondering if they could execute their assignments after just 15 days of practice in a totally new system. Media was curious as to whether FAMU was making any marked improvements. And finally, head coach Earl Holmes wondered how well the slew of personnell, concept and program decisions he had made over the five months would gel. Corporately, the anxiety yielded to excitement as the new-look Rattlers, from head-to-toe, appear to be moving in the right direction.
In front of about 1,500 people inside Bragg Stadium and hundreds more who enjoyed the atmosphere from the North end zone parking lot, the Florida A&M offense and defense displayed portions of their new playbooks and concepts.
On the first series of the game, the offense, under the direction of new offensive coordinator Quinn Gray, displayed what Holmes had preached all Spring. The Rattlers pounded the ball between the tackles play after play. Demont Buice, a redshirt-junior transfer, who began his collegiate playing at Clemson University, showed why Gray and Holmes were touting his progress since arriving on campus in January. Several times he plunged in the middle and carried the pile with him. All Spring Holmes said that the goal was to control the game by controlling the ball.
“Wherever I played football on a successful team, we’ve always had a big back. We’ve got that in Demont and we will concentrate our efforts on a solid running game,” Holmes said. Buice carried the ball 14 times in the scrimmage, gaining 57 yards. Running backs James Owens and Omaria Albert also combined for another 50 yards on the ground in 15 carries.
As expected, there were hiccups in the game. Confusion between quarterback and receivers cost quarterback Damien Fleming an uncharacteristic early interception, that was picked off by William Small. Small would grab another off of backup Jerry Caplan later in the game. Fleming would settle in and complete 8-of-14 for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
Fleming’s favorite target for the Orange and Green game was tight end Michael Morris, who showed spectacular hands, making two touchdowns on three catches for 66 yards. Morris had one of the most thrilling plays of the day as he went up and grabbed a pass out of the air on a seam route for 35 yards. Dennis Hall and Victor Goins made strides in the rebuilt receivers corps, making two catches each for 39 and 25 yards respectively.
Fleming spoke of getting the first test of the 2013 Rattlers out of the way. “I felt like we did pretty well as an offense. Everybody new we had coming in and adjusting to the offense. The no huddle and with us (quarterbacks) calling plays…I believe everybody did pretty well today. There's a lot of playbook time, a lot of studying and getting out there on our own to get it. Overall I was just happy to see the guys get it today, not just with us but with the fans there as well,” Fleming said.
Holmes liked the pace at which the whole team absorbed the new concepts. “Looking back at it, you're talking about 15 days to prepare for today. We had some young guys and some older guys, but at the end of the day, you're talking about learning a new system on offense and some defense and new coaches. Overall, I'm pleased with it.
Defensively, Smalls stole the show. He not only grabbed the two interceptions, be he led the team in tackles with five solos and three assists. He gained 69 yards on his two returns. Curtis Alexander finished with three solos and three assists. Brandon Denmark and David White finished with four solo tackles each. Akil Blount also tallied four tackles with three solos and one assist.
Defensive coordinator Levon Kirkland was encouraged about what he saw on the field. “When guys put that orange and green on and they step on that field, when we go 9-on-9 or 7-on-7 or team, it's game speed, so when you get out here in a game it's not a problem. That's what we're teaching. If we can do the little things. I was pretty impressed with the guys today…not bad,” Kirkland said.
All-American kicker Chase Varnadore was his usual efficient self, making two of three field goals under windy conditions. He nailed field goals of 25 and 44 yards, while just pushing the third attempt to the right. New punter Colby Blanton, who takes over duties from graduating senior Branden Holdren, made some impressive kicks. Coach Juan Vasquez says he is developing him in phases.
“Currently we’re working on conditioning him to the technique we want him to have in the Fall. From now until then, he’ll get adjusted to the speed we need to him operate at on game days,” Vasquez said. Blanton hit some booming kicks, averaging 39 yards-per-punt on five kicks for 195 yards and a long of 53 yards.
The old saying says, “Defense wins championships, but offense fills the seats.” With the background of the head coach and defensive coordinator, you can expect defense to be solid, which Kirkland echoes. “We've got to recognize as far as coverages go as fronts go, we have to understand what we're going against. They got us a little bit on the play-action pass. Basically our linebackers have to get a little depth and making sure they are checking out the pass first. When you're aggressive like we're going to be, they're going to try to play-action pass you to throw you off, so we have to be aware of certain situations. If we can get that done, we can do some good things,” he said.
Several positives came out of the scrimmage, officially teeing off the Earl Holmes era as head coach. He got his coaches, he got his offense and he has his dream job. No one is more impressed with the running back situation than Fleming, who saw some good things out of Buice. “Buice sticks out. A lot of times we have linebackers come off the edge, but now it causes them to think. I saw him pick up one of our best linebackers, Brandon Denmark, and that makes me feel comfortable because if he can do it to him, he can do it to anybody,” Fleming said.
Overall, the fans got an entertaining game, the media got to ask all of their questions and the coaches got to see what the players retained. The Orange and Green Game was played on a chamber of commerce beautiful day, with temperatures between 65-75 degrees for the duration.
Holmes can now turn his attention from anxiety to focus on Mississippi Valley State. He has a plan for that date and the season and it starts now. He concluded, “I think the guys came and played their hearts out and that's what we're asking them for and they gave us great effort. When it comes to the mistakes, I think we really improved from last week to this week and that's another positive step. Now, we've got to shape this thing up and finish strong in the classroom the rest of the Spring and Summer and get ready for August.
We start Monday preparing for the Sept.1 game. We'll look at it (film) and we've got some guys coming in and we've got some calls from some transfer kids that we've signed so far, so we'll look at it to make sure we get those missing pieces. Overall, I thought looking back at it, in 15 days with a new coaching staff and a new mindset, it was not bad. What was pleasing to me was that we really cut down on the penalties.”
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Spring Practice Report
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Bethune-Cookman football team held
its eighth practice of the spring and fifth in full pads with a two-hour workout
Friday afternoon at the Wildcat Practice Fields. The practice extended just over
12 periods with heavy emphasis on offensive and defensive sets.With the team more than halfway through thBrian Jenkins noticed the increased intensity on the field during Friday’s practice.
e originally slated 13-practice schedule of the spring, head coach
The Maroon and Gold spent much of practice focused on both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 action amongst the first and second team units. Additionally, the offensive and defensive lines did some individual workouts with their position coaches.
The Wildcats endured light rain at the start of practice before precipitation moved out of the area midway through. From that point on, the team worked out in temperatures ranging from the low-to-mid 60s, while the skies were cloudy and winds blew in from the ocean less than two miles east of campus at 8-10 mph.
B-CU returns to the Wildcat Practice Fields on Saturday, April 6.
Bethune-Cookman’s 13 spring practices conclude with the annual Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20. The time and location for the event should be finalized early next week. Fans are encouraged to attend the event as it’s free to the public.
The first edition of the CatEye Network original series First Down aired Tuesday, April 2, going behind the scenes with the B-CU football team. The series will feature six episodes throughout the course of spring practice leading into and beyond the Spring Showcase on April 20.
For the latest information on Bethune-Cookman Football, follow @BCUathletics on Twitter. Join the conversation for all things related to B-CU Football in 2013 by using the official hashtag #NeverSatisfied in all tweets.
COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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