Division I Academics: Limited-resource, HBCU schools improve

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana  --  One of the most notable trends in the Academic Performance Program data over the past two years has been the dramatic increase in Academic Progress Rates posted by limited-resource schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Although APRs at limited-resource schools and HBCUs have traditionally lagged behind other Division I institutions, recent data indicate a positive change. Limited-resource schools have raised their rates 11 points in that time period while the performance of HBCUs has climbed 15 points. While additional improvement is sought, many of those working on the issue are pleased with the uptick.

“I’m optimistic,” said NCAA Executive Vice President Bernard Franklin. “Over time, these institutions will continue to flourish and meet the needs of their student-athletes.”

Franklin, who leads several programs designed to assist limited-resource schools and HBCUs with their academic challenges, credited presidential leadership and overall institutional commitment for the progress.

Dennis Thomas, commissioner of the HBCU Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, agreed.

“The presidents and chancellors made and activated a commitment to academic success,” Thomas said. He listed more dedicated resources to academic support, the encouragement of different recruiting practices and academic support integrated within the university as a whole as some of the most effective best practices championed by presidents.

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Shaw Bears Releases 2013-2014 Basketball Schedule

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Shaw University today released its 2013-2014 men's basketball schedule, which features ten home dates, as well as an appearance at a tournament at Barton and a trip to Florida over the holiday break.

 

"This schedule gives us regional challenges with a trip to Indiana (PA) and a home-and-home with Charleston (WV).  Our trip to Florida will test us on a national level before starting what should be a competitive CIAA season," said Shaw men's basketball head coach Cleo Hill, Jr.

 

The Bears open the season on November 8 and 9 with an appearance at the Barton College Tournament where they will face Mount Olive on the 8th and Barton on the 9th.

 

Shaw opens its home season on November 18 with the first game of the home-and-home with Charleston.  They will travel to Charleston for a rematch on December 14.  On the 23rd, Georgia Regents (formerly Augusta State) travels to Shaw to begin a home-and-home which will be completed when the Bears travel to Augusta, GA for the second contest on December 12.

 

CIAA play begins on January 2, when the Bears host Elizabeth City State in the first game of a three-game homestand.  Shaw hosts Chowan on the 4th and Virginia State two days after that.

 

The Bears will then take to the road for four games in 16 days, including trips to Virginia Union, Bowie State,  Lincoln (PA) and Livingstone.

 

Winston-Salem State visits C.C. Spaulding on January 22 while the Bears will host cross-town rival Saint Augustine's on February 15.

 

All Shaw home games will be played at C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium.  Non-conference matchups will begin at 7:00 p.m., while CIAA contests will begin at 8:00 p.m. on weeknights and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.   A combined season ticket package with both football and basketball goes on sale June 15, while basketball-only season tickets will go on sale August 16.

SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS 2013-14 MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (.pdf)

Date	Opponent		Time
Nov. 8	vs. Mount Olive @ Barton College Tournament		TBA
Nov. 9	at Barton		TBA
	Barton College Tournament
Nov. 18	Charleston (W.V.)		7:00 PM
Nov. 23	Georgia Regents		4:00 PM
Nov. 30	vs. TBA @ Indiana, PA		TBA
	IRMC Classic
Dec. 1	vs. TBA @ Indiana, PA		TBA
	IRMC Classic
Dec. 12	at Georgia Regents		7:30 PM
Dec. 14	at Charleston (W.V.)		TBA
Dec. 20	at Florida Southern		TBA
Dec. 22	at Saint Leo		TBA
Jan. 2	Elizabeth City State *		8:00 PM
Jan. 4	Chowan *		4:00 PM
Jan. 6	Virginia State *		8:00 PM
Jan. 9	at Virginia Union *		7:30 PM
Jan. 11	at Bowie State *		7:30 PM
Jan. 13	at Lincoln (Pa.) *		7:30 PM
Jan. 18	at Livingstone *		7:30 PM
Jan. 22	Winston-Salem State *		8:00 PM
Jan. 25	at Saint Augustine's *		7:30 PM
Jan. 29	at Fayetteville State *		7:30 PM
Feb. 1	Johnson C. Smith *		4:00 PM
Feb. 8	Livingstone *		4:00 PM
Feb. 12	at Winston-Salem State *		7:30 PM
Feb. 15	Saint Augustine's *		4:00 PM
Feb. 19	Fayetteville State *		8:00 PM
Feb. 22	at Johnson C. Smith *

 

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

Charlotte tourism boosters: CIAA impact declined in 2013

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  --  Economic impact from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s basketball tournament declined by 6 percent in 2013, according to figures compiled by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Despite the dip, the $47 million spent on hotel rooms, restaurant meals, game tickets and related parties remains the largest annual tourism event in the city.

In 2012, the conference of 12 historically black colleges and universities generated $50 million in local spending during its week-long run at Time Warner Cable Arena. This year marked the eighth consecutive year Charlotte has hosted the CIAA’s men’s and women’s tournaments.

“The numbers came in higher than we thought they would,” said Tom Murray, CEO of the visitors authority. “Last year was the 100th anniversary of the conference. We expected a bigger drop (this year).”

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Arizona Cardinals undrafted rookie Padric Scott (FAMU) is a renaissance man

(Courtesy FAMU Athletics)

PHOENIX, Arizona  --  Last week I posted a speculative article about the final possible 53 players making the team. And one of the guys that I gave no love to -- that comments pointed out that I should have -- was Padric Scott, the unrestricted DL free agent from the MEAC. And since I wanted to see how it feels to be a writer that actually researches before he composes, I spent hours upon minutes in dragging up some two interviews with the athlete. (One that has been on ROTB's FanShots for over a month. Jess, you need to find a way to give that section more prominence.)

And from what I read, I'm impressed not only with what he could bring to the field, but what he does off the field. He appears to be a well rounded, grounded young man.

For instance, did you know that he graduated from FAMU cum laude with a degree in Molecular Cell Biology? All the while fighting the "dumb jock" stereotype?

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Atlanta-based college sports conference eyes Birmingham for major games, taking place of departing SWAC

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Weeks after one college sports conference announced its exit from Birmingham another seeks to take its place.

Officials with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference are in talks with Birmingham leaders to bring its football, basketball and golf championship events to the city. Those events are currently held in Atlanta, but with contracts expiring, the SIAC is eyeing Birmingham as its new venue.

The SIAC seeks city concessions totaling more than $100,000 and use of city sporting facilities. The three-year football contract would begin this year while basketball would begin in 2014.

"Birmingham is a town that has always struck me as a place that wants to support college championship events," SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore said in an interview with AL.com/The Birmingham News. "Perhaps an opportunity may be created for us."

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Bethune-Cookman's Jarkevis Fields Added to CFPA Award Watch List

CHARLOTTE,  North Carolina –  Bethune-Cookman senior linebacker Jarkevis Fields has been named to the watch list for the 2013 College Football Performance Award FCS Linebacker Award.

College Football Performance Awards, the largest awards organization in D-I college football, recently announced its watch list for the 2013 CFPA Linebacker Award, and 35 linebackers earned spots on the list. The preliminary watch list highlights returning performers, vying for the top individual linebacker award in the Football Championship Subdivision.

#1 JARKEVIS FIELDS
(Courtesy B-CU Athletics)

Fields, a 6-0, 230-pound senior from Sanford, Fla. (Seminole High School), returns to the Wildcats as the leading tackler from the 2012 campaign. He ended the season with 103 tackles (sixth-best in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), six tackles for losses and a sack. He also dropped back and broke up four passes, while helping the B-CU defense finish third nationally in passes intercepted.

"Congratulations to Jarkevis Fields on earning a spot on the 2013 CFPA Linebacker Award Watch List," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Fields gives Bethune-Cookman strength at linebacker for the 2013 season."

Fields was named to the First Team All-MEAC squad in 2012, as well as receiving the Army Strong Leadership Award at the Florida Blue Florida Classic. He was also the recipient of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Walter Payton Achievement Award, in addition to being a preseason HBCU All-America selection by BoxToRow.

Former Bethune-Cookman star Ryan Davis earned the CFPA National Defensive Performer of the Year Award.

The Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman begin the season Sunday, Sept. 1, traveling to Tennessee State in Nashville, Tenn. A time for kickoff will be announced at a later date.

B-CU Wildcats 2013 Football Schedule

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Appeals court to review ruling in FAMU hazing lawsuit

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida --  FAMU wants an appeals court to reverse a judge's decision allowing a civil case filed in the deadly hazing of drum major Robert Champion to continue.

The Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach has agreed to review last month's ruling by Circuit Judge Walter Komanski, who refused to throw out a lawsuit filed by the drum major's parents against Florida A&M University.

FAMU lawyers say the school should be immune from the parents' lawsuit because Champion voluntarily participated in the hazing, an illegal assembly under state law. Pamela and Robert Champion say the school allowed a deep-seated culture of hazing to fester within the band, and that led to their son's death.

Champion, 26, died Nov. 19, 2011, from blows he absorbed during a hazing on a bus parked at ...

PDF: FAMU petition for writ of certiorari

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CIAA football title game will be at Bowman Gray

BOWMAN GRAY STADIUM
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA
"HOME OF THE 2013 CIAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME"

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  This year’s CIAA championship football game will be played at Bowman Gray Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. on Nov. 16.

The game, matching winners of the Northern and Southern divisions, was last played at Bowman Gray in 2002.

CIAA officials announced Monday that the league’s Football Championship Committee unanimously selected WSSU as the host.

 

WSSU, the two-time defending CIAA champion, finished 14-1 last season and reached the NCAA Division II championship game.

 

“I think it’s great for Winston-Salem and great for the city and for Bowman Gray Stadium,” Coach Connell Maynor of the Rams said. “When I was an assistant at Fayetteville State, we played in the CIAA title game in 2002 at Bowman Gray, and they did a great job with the game, so I’m happy about it.”

 

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Coppin State again targeted for transformation

Coppin State University Physical Education Complex (256,000 S.F.)
Completed January 2010
 Construction Cost: $95.1 Million 

Coppin State graduates 60 percent of its student-athletes in four-years; transfer students at 40 percent in four-years; and new freshmen at 15 percent over four years.

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  When Tasha Wilkie helped out in the math department as an undergrad at Coppin State University, she dealt with some students who came in without basic skills. They didn't know their multiplication tables or how to work with fractions.

"We have students who've taken courses like three times" before they passed, said Wilkie, who graduated in 2011 and is now working toward a doctorate in biology at Ohio State University. There, she realized she also was ill-equipped for some classes by her studies at Coppin.

But this commencement season, Wilkie and others remain Coppin boosters. Even though Coppin boasts one of the worst graduation rates in the nation — only 15 percent of first-time, full-time freshmen graduate within six years — they say Coppin is a much-needed institution that could be turned around.

"It's kind of like a diamond in the rough," said Egypt Buie, who graduated with a bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary studies. The New York-native said the campus was more nurturing than others she experienced.

Over the past dozen years, the university, known for producing much-needed nurses and teachers for the city's workforce, has received additional funds to make up for decades of under-funding at historically black colleges. It has added 20 new academic degrees, overhauled its facilities in Northwest Baltimore and increased the faculty by nearly half.

SOARING LIKE AN EAGLE:  Report of the Coppin State University Special Review Committee (.pdf)

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SWAC Baseball Players Selected in 2013 MLB Draft

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Three baseball players out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference were selected in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft.

During the three-day event, Angel Rosa (Alcorn State), Jose De Leon (southern), and Cory Jordan (Grambling State) were drafted moving the count of SWAC baseball players selected overall to 249.

Rosa (SS • 6-2 • 182 • Sr. • Guaynabo, PR / Puerto Rico Baseball Academy) was selected in the 13th round with the 397th overall pick by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Rosa, 2013 Pre-Season SWAC Player of the Year, finished the last year with a .294 batting average. He also led the Braves in stolen bases (17), on base percentage (.372) and recorded 50 hits and 26 runs scored.

An All-SWAC First Team selection in 2013, De Leon (RHP • R/R • 6-2 • 210 • Sr. • Isabela, Puerto Rico/Colegio San Antonio) was picked in the 24th round with the 724th pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished with a 4-3 overall record and in the top ten in the league in ERA (3.28) and innings pitched (81.2). He led the Jaguars with 73 strikeouts including 25 strikeouts looking. Both marks were ranked second in the conference.

Jordan (RHP • R/R • 6-5 • 215 • Sr. • Houston, Texas / Bellaire HS) was taken by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 35th round with the 1,058th overall selection. Last year as a relief pitcher, Jordan finished with a 2-3 overall record, two saves and a 4.22 ERA. He recorded 27 strikeouts while appearing in 14 games in relief.

SWAC MLB Draft Notes

• There has been a player from the SWAC drafted every year since the amateur draft started in 1965
• The players drafted in 2013 moves the SWAC count of baseball players of current member institutions drafted to 249
• The last time the SWAC had three or more players drafted was 2011 - Chretien Matz (Arkansas-Pine Bluff / Detroit Tigers), Frazier Hall (Southern / L.A. Angels), Cody Hall (Southern / San Francisco Giants), Rodarrick Jones (Southern, Pittsburgh Pirates), and Eldred Barnett (Grambling State / San Francisco Giants)
• Jose DeLeon becomes 91st player drafted from Southern and first since Frazier Hall was drafted in 2011. SU continues to lead the SWAC in baseball players drafed by a MLB team.
• Angel Rosa becomes the 12th player in Alcorn State baseball history to be selected via the draft and first since 2007 after Marcus Davis was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates
• Cory Jordan becomes Grambling State's 51st player and fourth consecutive drafted overall since 2010. Chris Wolfe was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2012. GSU is ranked second among SWAC schools to have a player drafetd by a MLB team
• Rosa becomes the second consecutive shortstop after GSU shortstop, Chris Wolfe, was drafted by the Oakland Athletics
• The last time the SWAC had multiple pitchers drafted was 2007 - Southern's Baron Short (Angels), Roy Merritt (Mets) and Jeff McCollum (Nationals)
• Rosa becomes the first player from Alcorn State and 15th player from the SWAC drafted by the Angels organization
• De Leon becomes the 11th player from the SWAC and ninth from Southern drafted by the Dodgers organization
• Jordan becomes the first player from Grambling State and third player from the SWAC drafted by the Rays organization.

COURTESY SWAC.org 

Alcorn's Rosa Selected by Angels in 2013 MLB Draft

ANGEL ROSA
(ALCORN STATE ATHLETICS)

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Junior shortstop, Angel Rosa was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 13th round of the  2013 Major League Baseball Draft, with the 397th overall pick.

Rosa, 2013 Pre-Season SWAC Player of the Year, finished the 2013 season with a batting average of .294.  He led the Braves in stolen bases (18) and recorded 50 hits and 26 runs.  Rosa, 6'-2"/182 lbs., is from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and is a graduate of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. 

"Rosa is a special player who works hard in season as well as in the off-season, stated head baseball coach Barrett Rey."  He deserves the opportunity and we know he will make the Alcorn family proud. 

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

N.C. A&T's Kelvin Freeman taken in 17th round of MLB Draft

KELVIN FREEMAN
(Courtesy: North Carolina A&T Athletics)

LOS ANGELES, California  --  The Chicago Cubs selected N.C. A&T first baseman Kelvin Freeman with the 498th pick in the 17th round of the MLB Draft on Saturday.

Freeman, a Wilmington native, was the MEAC Player of the Year and a third-team All-America selection as a senior, according to Collegiate Baseball.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound slugger led the MEAC with 16 home runs and 59 RBI, hitting .342, slugging .663 and also stealing 14 bases in 15 attempts.

Freeman is the third A&T player to be picked in the past five years, after Xavier Macklin went in the 12th round to the Oakland A's in 2011 and C.J. Beatty went to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 26th round in 2009.

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SIAC Battle Of Bands Week 4: A Look Back to 2012

Howard trustee says university in ‘trouble’

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  A vice chairwoman of Howard University’s board of trustees recently told the board that the historically black school in Northwest Washington “is in genuine trouble” because of fiscal and management problems, according to a report published Friday.

“Howard will not be here in three years if we don’t make some crucial decisions now,” Renee Higginbotham-Brooks wrote in a letter dated April 24, which the Chronicle of Higher Education published on its Web site.

Among the concerns Higginbotham-Brooks cited were competition for students from less expensive public colleges, the possibility of a reduction in federal appropriations, expenses associated with the university’s hospital, the absence of a robust fundraising system to offset declines in tuition revenue and a university workforce that she said is too large.

Rachel Mann, a spokeswoman for Howard, said Friday afternoon that the university would refer questions about the letter to the board chairman, Addison Barry Rand, who was traveling and was unavailable for an interview.

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Earnest Wilson III hired as new SSU football coach

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  It’s been a coaching carousel with the struggling Savannah State football program for the last 20 years — and Earnest Wilson III has patiently waited for the opportunity to take a ride.

On Friday, the 48-year-old offensive coordinator from Hampton University finally got his chance when he was named the 24th head coach in Tiger history — and the 12th since 1992. Wilson takes over for Steve Davenport, who was dismissed after posting a 2-20 record over the last two seasons.

“People don’t know this, but I probably applied for this job five times,” said Wilson, who ran an offense that averaged 317 yards and 21.7 points a game for a Hampton team that went 3-7 last season. “And every time, I felt like I got closer. The good thing is I learned more and more each day I coached, and I’m going to learn more and more each day here. I’m going to learn to be a better leader, a better coach and learn what I need to do to win games.”

Wilson, a veteran of 23 years of coaching, beat out three other finalists — John Hendrick, E.J. Junior and Robert “Mickey” Joseph — for the job.



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ART SHELL CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC & JUNIOR TOURNAMENT READY TO TEE OFF

Click here for more information
 

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland --  The 2013 version of the Art Shell UMES Celebrity Golf Classic & Junior Tournament will be held June 11-12 at Great Hope Golf Course in Westover, Md. The annual event benefits the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's (UMES) Professional Golf Management Program and Division of Athletics.

NFL, UMES and CIAA Hall of Famer Art Shell returns to host the tournament and bring with him a bevy of friends and colleagues from professional sports and UMES Athletic lore. The celebrities will partner with foursomes on the course to enjoy a full round of fundraising golf. Among those returning is Redskin Great and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams who attended his first event last year.

For more information, or to register for the tournament or one of the associated events, call 410-651-8045. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. The event is an activity of the UMES Foundation.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Kristina Frahm Steps Down as UMES Bowling Coach

COACH KRISTINA FRAHM
 

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - With a ring for every finger, five-time National Champion Kristina Frahm has decided to step down as the head coach of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and return home to Illinois to work in her chosen field of accounting.

"This was a really tough decision, but one that I know is right," Frahm said.  I am heading back home to Illinois, where my family is, to pursue a career in accounting. I now get to work in the other field I am passionate about. I will also start studying to sit for the CPA exam," she said.

Frahm earned a degree in that field from UMES in 2011 and was the University's Bernstein Award winner, the highest academic award the school gives. That same year she won the NCAA Elite 88 Award, the highest academic award given in each sport by the NCAA.  Just recently she completed her M.B.A. from Salisbury University.

"We can't thank Kristina enough," said Director of Athletics Keith Davidson. "When her coach and mentor stepped down she was the chosen person to keep the ship afloat. She did so much more than that, so much more than we expected. She coached us to two more National Championships."

"I appreciate all the support and knowledge I gained from the University. It was a great experience and I am grateful for the opportunity they have given to me," Frahm added.

Frahm is one of the most decorated persons in athletic history at UMES. As a player she won three National Championships, the NCAA in 2008 & 2011 and also won the USBC Collegiate Championship in 2011. She was a four-time All-America performer and a National Rookie of the Year. As a coach she guided the Hawks to another NCAA title in 2012 and another USBC trophy in 2013.

"She has been spectacular," said Davidson. "We are sorry to see her go, but we knew when we made this decision that she was pursuing her M.B.A. and one day would want to return home to her family. We are grateful for the time she gave us and wish her nothing but the best in future."

"I would like to thank Mr. Davidson, Neema Connor, G. Stan Bradley my Assistant Coach Tyler Schmitz and all the athletic staff for all the help and support they have shown me both as a player and as a coach," said an emotional Frahm.

"I also have to thank Sharon Brummell, Doug Dukes and Vince Brummell for instilling in me the confidence to succeed and knowledge to be a better player and coach. They built this program into the powerhouse that it is and I am thrilled that I could be a part of it."

UMES will begin a National search immediately for Frahm's successor. The selected candidate will be just the fourth coach in UMES Bowling history.  "This is probably the best bowling job in the country," Frahm said. "UMES values the sport and values its coaches and athletes, they make it a priority and the next coach will be lucky to work here."


COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Saint Aug's White Headed to Italy on AIST U.S. Softball Team

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Saint Augustine’s University standout Jo’Landa White will play in Italy on a U.S. all-star softball team from June 10 to June 21, 2013.

White will compete for the Stars squad of the American International Sports Teams (AIST) travel organization. She is one of 14 players on the softball team but the only one from North Carolina. Her teammates consist of 13 Division II players and one Division III player.

White is thrilled to represent her country against international competition.

“It is an honor,” she said. “I have never been away from home like this before. This will be my first plane flight. I am looking forward to seeing Italy.”

The Stars will play several games against teams from Italy and other countries during the tour, which includes sightseeing in places such as Milan, Florence and Venice. White expects to see action at catcher, shortstop and the outfield. She will wear No. 7.

White was invited to the AIST team based on her stellar play at St. Aug the past two seasons. A rising junior from Leland, N.C., White has 18 career home runs including a CIAA-leading 10 homers as a freshman in 2012. As a sophomore in 2013, she earned Daktronics All-Region honors after smacking eight homers, which tied her sister Daja for tops in the CIAA.

White also posted a .422 batting average and drove in 29 runs this season, which ranked her among the CIAA's top 10 in both categories. She helped lead the Lady Falcons to their first winning season in 10 years (17-12-1) and a fourth-place finish in the CIAA Championships, their highest finish in recent years.  As good as her numbers were this season, White looks to improve even more as a hitter in Italy.

“We will play good teams and face good pitchers,” White said. “This will be a great experience.”

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Two charged in FAMU hazing case get house arrest, probation

ORLANDO, Florida -- Rikki Wills, the roommate of the Florida A&M drum major who died after undergoing a hazing ritual in 2011, won't spend any time in jail for his role in the death, and neither will fellow drum major Shawn Turner.

Both Wills and Turner previously pleaded no contest to felony hazing charges in connection with Robert Champion's death aboard a bus in Orlando.  The two were sentenced in Orange County on Friday.  Wills will serve one year of house arrest and five years probation.  Turner will serve 18 months of house arrest and three years probation.

Champion's parents, Robert Sr. and Pamela, traveled from their home in Georgia to Orlando for the sentencings.

"I don't have any hatred," said Pamela Champion, who spoke for about 25 minutes before Wills was sentenced, most of the time looking directly at him.  "It hurts more than anything to know how much my son loved me, how much he would do anything to help anyone," she said, "and the person that he shared a living quarters with wouldn't reach out to him."



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From Colleton County to college baseball glory

WALTERBORO, South Carolina --  In this weekend's super regional, you won't see Savannah State, which is no surprise. But it was a surprise that you saw them in the tournament at all.

What the Tigers did was almost surprise everyone watching the tournament.

The small school, playing in their first ever NCAA tournament, was led by a guy who is small in stature, but big in heart. Colleton County's Darien Campbell ended his career in a 3-2 loss to Alabama in the Tallahassee regional.

"I'm not that big," said Campbell. "I'm 160, 5-foot-5. Coming out of high school I was 125 pounds soaking wet. Big schools weren't interested in a guy small in stature but Savannah State gave me a chance. I became a freshman starter and took off from there."

When Campbell started at Savannah State, they weren't even in a conference. The Tigers were playing as an independent before they joined the MEAC two years ago.

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Alabama State Coaches Caravan To Roll In July

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  The Alabama State University Coaches Caravan will roll through Alabama and Georgia July 11-20.

The caravan, in its third year aimed at promoting and increasing awareness of Hornet Athletics, will make stops in seven cities beginning Thursday July 11 in Mobile, Friday July 12 in Tuscaloosa, and Saturday July 13 in Atlanta. The caravan will resume Tuesday July 16 in Dothan, Thursday July 18 in Columbus Ga., Friday July 19 in Birmingham, and will culminate Saturday July 20 in Montgomery.

Alabama State acting athletic director Melvin Hines, head football coach Reggie Barlow and head men's basketball coach Lewis Jackson will lead the Tour Team.

The Alabama State Coaches Caravan will reflect on the 2012-13 athletic year, another stellar campaign in the classroom and in competition, and look ahead to the upcoming campaign, highlighted by the first full home football season in The New ASU Stadium.

Hornet student-athletes excelled academically. More than 170 ASU athletes earned at least a 3.0 GPA during Fall 2012, with another 160 earning at least a 3.0 GPA this past spring. In the fall, 23 achieved 4.0 GPAs, while 30 achieved a perfect GPA in the spring.

This season, Alabama State University claimed the women's All-Sports Trophy as the best all-around women's sports program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. It was the first time Alabama State has earned the award in the women's all-sport competition. ASU finished third in the men's all-sport standings, and that combination helped to give Alabama State its third consecutive runner-up finish in the overall SWAC Commissioner's Cup Standings.

Highlighting the in-season competition was the women's track program's second consecutive “Triple Crown”, earning SWAC championships in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track. It was the second straight league title in cross country, the fifth consecutive title in indoor track, and the fourth consecutive outdoor track championship. Both the women's and men's golf programs won SWAC Championships this spring, earning NCAA Tournament appearances. The women's team earned its second SWAC title in three years, while the men's team won its second consecutive league title.



The following is the schedule, subject to change:

Thursday, July 11 – Mobile, Ala.  6-9 p.m.
Grand Central, 256 Dauphin St., Mobile, Ala. 36607

Friday, July 12  - Tuscaloosa, Ala. 6-9 p.m.
Cypress Inn, 501 Rice Mine Road, Tuscaloosa, Ala. 35406

Saturday, July 13  - Atlanta, Ga.  5-8 p.m.
Stats Restaurant, 300 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30313

Tuesday, July 16 - Dothan, Ala. 6-9 p.m.
TBA
Thursday, July 18 – Columbus, Ga.  6-9 p.m.
DoubleTree Hotel, 5351 Sidney Simons Blvd., Columbus, Ga. 31904

Friday, July 19 – Birmingham, Ala. 6-9 p.m.
TBD

Saturday, July 20 – Montgomery, Ala. 5-8 p.m.
The New ASU Stadium

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Gun, ammunition and Weed found during P.J. Hairston's and ECSU's Faulcon arrest

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina  --  A 9-millimeter handgun, one magazine with nine rounds of ammunition and one bag of marijuana were found outside the rented 2013 GMC Yukon that North Carolina basketball player P.J. Hairston was driving when he and two other men were arrested during a license check Wednesday night, the Durham Police Department confirmed Friday.

Hairston, 20, was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and driving without a license after he was stopped at the intersection of Holloway Street and North Guthrie Avenue in Durham at 10:20 p.m. on Wednesday. Elizabeth City State basketball player Miykael Faulcon, 20, and former college basketball player Carlos Sanford, 23, were also charged with possession, and all three men were released on $1,000 unsecured bonds.

According to the police report, which was released Friday, the items taken as evidence were 41.1 grams (or 1.45 ounces) of marijuana in a plastic bag, 2.1 grams (or 0.07 ounces) of marijuana in plastic, three cigars, plastic baggies, a handgun, an ammunition magazine and a rental agreement.

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SSU’s Kyle McGowin Drafted By Angels In 5th Round

KYLE MCGOWIN
(Courtesy: SSU Tigers Athletics)

LOS ANGELES, California – Savannah State RHP Kyle McGowin was selected as the 157th pick in the fifth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft by the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.

McGowin was the Angels fourth pick in the draft and third right-handed pitcher. The Angels also picked up south paw and 17-year-old Hunter Green out of Kentucky in the first round. L.K. grabbed RHP Keynan Middleton and RHP Elliot Morris prior to drafting McGowin.

The 6-3, 180, Sag Harbor, New York native, pitched the Tigers to their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in May, and the programs first Division I NCAA Regional bid.

McGowin was named the MEAC Pitcher of the Year after ending the regular season with an ERA of 1.49 in 96.1 innings pitched and a 12-1 record. He led the MEAC in strikeouts (111) and wins, and was ranked sixth nationally after the end of the regular season.

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Hampton University's OC Wilson gets Savannah State head coach's job

Hampton University offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson was named head coach at Savannah State, Pirates' head coach Donovan Rose confirmed Friday.

Wilson had been coordinator at HU for one year, and was chosen from among a list of four finalists to take over the program at the Pirates' MEAC rival.

"I think it's a tribute to the kind of program we have here that he was asked to be a candidate," Rose said. "When he called and told me, I said, 'I wish you the best.' I think he did a good job for us."

Rose said that he is likely to promote from within the staff to replace Wilson as coordinator. He said that he will hire someone to replace Wilson as wide receivers' coach, perhaps as soon as next week.
Rose acknowledged that June is a bit late to replace a coordinator, but didn't begrudge Wilson the opportunity.

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Savannah State names new football coach

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  A new era of Tiger football begins Friday as Savannah State University announces the selection of Earnest Wilson III as its new head coach, effective immediately.

The coaching veteran of 23 seasons becomes the 24^th head coach of the Tigers since the football program started in 1915. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Wilson replaces Steve Davenport who served as SSU head coach for the past two seasons.

Wilson, 48, comes to Savannah State from fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member Hampton University where he spent the past year as the Pirates offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Under Wilson, Hampton averaged 317.2 yards of total offense and 21.7 points per game.

Before joining Hampton, Wilson worked at Jackson State University (JSU) as offensive coordinator, quarterback coach and wide receiver coach for two years (2010-12). While at JSU, Wilson’s offense led the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in scoring offense, total offense, pass offense, pass efficiency, first downs and fourth down conversions.

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Tennessee State Tigers Football Season Tickets On Sale July 8

(Courtesy TSU Tigers Athletics)

 

TICKET OFFICE | TAILGAITING FAQ | PARKING & TAILGATING | PARKING & SEATING

 

For Season Tickets - Call 615-963-5841

2013 Season Ticket Information2013 Tennessee State University Football season tickets will go on sale July 8. The Tigers open the season with Bethune-Cookman in the 15^th Annual John Merritt Classic on Sept. 1.  Later on in the season, the Tigers will return to Hale Stadium to face Austin Peay.

 
Season tickets are $85.00 and season parking passes are $40.00. The season parking package will include all four contests at LP Field.  The Hale Stadium game against Austin Peay on November 9 will be $5.00 cash the day of the game.

Season Ticket Price - $85
Faculty/Staff Price - $75
Kids 12 and under - $75 (Parents Must specify at time of purchase, no refunds will be given after purchase)

2013 Football Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all five games will go on sale July 22, 2013. All tickets will increase by $5 on gameday.

Single Game Tickets at LP Field – Range from $15 - $35
Single Game Ticket at Hale Stadium - $15

** Tickets increase by $5 on gameday**

Single Game Tickets go on sale July 22, 2013


COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION