Texas Southern Lady Tigers Basketball Unveils Complete 2013 Recruiting Class

HOUSTON, Texas  --  The Texas Southern University Head Women's Basketball Coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry has released her complete 2013 recruiting class.

TSU has announced that Kiana Ingram (Houston, Texas) Miracle Davis (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Dana Jones (Gulfport, Mississippi), Sarah Williams (Roanoke, Virginia) Tashara Jones (Douglasville, Georgia), Ashley Ferguson (Arlington, Texas) and Jazzmin Parker (Houston, Texas) have each signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) to continue their education and basketball careers at the Texas Southern University.

"I think our staff did a great job this year of recruiting quality student-athletes that will help our program to continue to grow," said TSU head women's basketball coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry. "Overall we feel like we've filled our major needs going into next season."

Last season the Texas Southern Lady Tigers basketball program won their first ever Southwestern Athletic Conference title after dominating league play throughout the year. TSU reeled off a school record 15 consecutive wins en route to claiming the number one seed in the 2013 SWAC Basketball Tournament.

"The young ladies that we have signed all have one thing in common they are all competitors," said Hayes-Perry. "I believe that each of these ladies possess the skill sets needed to step in and make immediate impacts within our program."

The Lady Tigers 2013 recruiting class features a total of three freshman and four college/JUCO transfers. The seven student-athletes hail from five states (Virginia, Oklahoma, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas) and all of them arrive to TSU after competing on quality basketball programs prior to their arrival.

"Hopefully we can be a melting pot," said Hayes-Perry. "With seven new faces on the team it is important that our team chemistry is good. I certainly feel this will be a direct affect on how well our incoming student-athletes are able transition and pickup our teams' philosophies and goals. This all will play a major role in the amount of success we're able to have this upcoming season. We feel like we've put together a quality team with our new additions and the return of several key players from our squad last year."

Sarah Williams
5'6 Guard
Roanoke, Virginia
Tallahassee CC

Started in 11 games a Tallahassee Community College while participating in a total of 17 contests due to a severe ankle injury. Played a total of 417 minutes averaging 5.8 points per game along with 2.4 rebounds per outing. Tallied 33 assists and 24 steals. Played on average 24.5 minutes per contests while contributing 99 points. Initially verbal to Virginia Tech.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Sarah Williams:
"Sarah is a smart point guard and she has shown the ability to lead a team. She distributes the ball well and she also defends well. We will look for her to be our floor general for our team."



Miracle Davis
5'11 Guard/Forward
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Allen CC

Davis was as an Honorable Mention selection for Allen Community College after posting impressive numbers. She started 23 out of 26 games tallying 176 points scoring on average 6.8 points per game. She also contributed to her team on the defensive end of the floor racking up 52 steals and 3 blocked shots. Davis averaged 6.6 rebounds per outing to go along with 112 assists. She shot 35.5 percent from the floor and was one of her teams' key scoring threats offensively.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Miracle Davis:

"Miracle Davis is a JUCO transfer that is extremely versatile as she can play positions one through three. She is a solid player, very vocal and a good defender."

Kiana Ingram  (VIDEO)
5'7 Guard
Houston, Texas
Kempner High School

Ingram scored a season high 35 points during her senior season against Stratford High School. During her senior campaign Ingram averaged 15.9 points per game along with 3.5 rebounds. She also contributed 3.5 steals per contest on the defensive end of the floor while dishing out 2.3 assists a game offensively. She was one of her teams' premier scoring threats while proving valuable team leadership on and off the court.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Kiana Ingram:

"Kiana is a combo guard defensively she is aggressive on the ball, she is a very long build which should be great going thru passing lanes. Offensively she looks to get her teammates in positions to score easy baskets.''

Tashara Jones
5'10 Guard
Douglasville, GA
Lithia Springs High School

Tashara Jones attended Lithia Springs High School. She was named 2011-12 Douglas County Sentinel Girls' Co-Player of the Year. Jones, who served as a team captain, was the shining star for Lithia Springs. Her individual accolades include leading the county in scoring with 18.8 points per game and dropping a career-high 42 points versus Kell. She finished her junior campaign as the team's leading scorer and third leading rebounder. A native of Pensacola, Florida, Jones' athletic talents have also been on display playing with the AAU Atlanta Celtics. Tashara chose Texas Southern over Miami, Clemson, Auburn, and Prairie View A&M.

 Coach Hayes-Perry on Tashara Jones:
"Tashara will be a great addition to our program, not only can she score the ball but she also has very good vision. She played point guard in high school but we plan to utilize her at the wing position. She is a rebounding guard that is capable of being a good defender"

Jazzmin Parker
5'8 Guard
Houston, TX
TCU/Blinn JC

Jazzmin Parker played at Mayde Creek High School. She was named team MVP in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Parker was also named all-state in 2010 and 2011 by the TABC. She was named 3-Time 1st All-District honoree, 2-Time TABC All-Region, District MVP and Houston Girls Coaches Association All-Star Selection in 2011. Parker was ranked the 34th best guard in the nation by ESPN HoopGurlz, 7th best guard in Texas by Premier Basketball Report, and the No. 18 ranked player in Texas. Parker was also ranked as the No. 96th ranked player in the country by Dan Olson of the Collegiate Girls Report. Parker averaged 23 pts, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in her senior campaign. She closed her school career owning a total of six school records, including career points (1,892), most points in a single season (750), and best career average (19.5). Jazzmin signed with TCU in 2011 before transferring to Blinn JC.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Jazzmin Parker:

"Jazzmin Parker is a transfer that we expect to contribute to our team immediately. She is a prolific scorer and she has one of the best mid range jumper that I've seen in a long time in women's basketball. She can score the ball from just about anywhere on the court and she has a solid three point shooter."

Ashley Ferguson
6'1 Forward
Arlington, TX
Bowie High School

Ashley Ferguson will arrive on the Texas Southern campus after an impressive career at Arlington Bowie High School. She was inducted into the Arlington Wall of Fame. She was named District Newcomer of the Year her sophomore season. She was named 1st Team All-District as a junior/senior year. District MVP her junior/senior year as well. Ferguson averaged 13 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal per game as a junior. As a senior she averaged 17.5 pts, 11 rebound, 2 blocks a game. She was also named to the All-District team. Ferguson chose Texas Southern over Southern Mississippi and University of Alabama-Birmingham, and ORU.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Ashley Ferguson:
"Ferguson has great hands and a knack for getting her hands on the ball defensively. She has shown the ability to make smart plays both offensively and defensively." Looking forward to working with her around the basket.

Dana Jones
6'0 Forward

Gulfport, Miss.
East Carolina University

As a Freshman at ECU (2011-12): Played in 25 contests during her rookie campaign. Missed five games from Jan. 6-28 due to a foot injury. Ranked third on the squad in free throw percentage (.756). Netted a career-best 19 points against Virginia Intermont (11/17) while setting her personal high in rebounds with six versus Elon (11/27). Shot 5-for-7 from the field and 7-for-10 from behind the free throw line against the Cobras. Pulled down three offensive rebounds at Southern Miss (2/5). Averaged 12.3 points per game as a senior at Gulfport High School, where she helped revive the Lady Admiral program. The versatile athlete was named Gulfport's most valuable player the last two seasons and earned a plethora of honors - including selection to the Division 8 6A All-Tournament Team, All-South Mississippi 6A accolades and All-Division 8 6A laurels. Was also tabbed to the All-Sun Herald Coast Team. As a senior, was listed as the 37th-best prospect out of Mississippi by FILA.

Coach Hayes-Perry on Dana Jones:

"Dana Jones will bring a lot of versatility to our team as she passes the ball well and is a solid scoring option. She can play the three or four positions and does a great job rebounding the ball. She will be a solid addition to our team."


By Andrew Roberts, Sports Information Director W Sports
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 

Tuskegee University to regain property from Veterans Affairs

United States Department of Veterans Affairs to return 65 acres donated by school 90 years ago

WASHINGTON, D.C.  —  The Department of Veterans Affairs will donate 65 unused acres and about 20 buildings to dramatically expand Tuskegee University under a property transfer that is awaiting congressional approval.

Tuskegee said it plans to use the area for more classrooms, dorms, research labs and faculty offices for several new degree programs.

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers of Saks and endorsed by the entire Alabama House delegation is part of an ongoing effort to return the property that the college originally gave up 90 years ago for the creation of a medical facility for black war veterans.

In 1923, the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute donated 300 acres for what would eventually become the Tuskegee VA Medical Center. But now, the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System — created in 1997 through a merger of the VA medical centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee — no longer needs the property.

“The ... transfer would allow CAVHS to provide these unutilized, empty buildings for job creation in a severely economically depressed local community while at the same time providing CAVHS and the community access to future clinical interns for the CAVHS system,” said Tracy Boleware, a spokeswoman for Tuskegee University.

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Mount Tabor’s Long signs with WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- Nate Long, a 6-4 guard who recently graduated from Mount Tabor, has signed to play basketball at Winston-Salem State.

Long was originally going to go to Cape Fear Community College but decided on WSSU to be closer to home.

“My mom got sick and it was just better for me to be close to home. Winston-Salem State is a perfect fit for me,” Long said by telephone Thursday morning.


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Long was a key player for Coach Andy Muse and the Spartans as they went 27-4 this past season and made it to the 4-A Western Regional final before losing to Charlotte Olympic 69-64.

Long averaged 14 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists a game for the high-scoring Spartans.

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Tuskegee University selects Campbell as new Athletic Director

Curtis Campbell
Athletic Director
Tuskegee University
(Photo Courtesy: Stillman College Athletics)
 

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  --  Curtis Campbell has been chosen to serve as Tuskegee University's new athletic director after an extensive search and interviews with an array of highly qualified finalists, starting today. For six years, he was the athletic director at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. An experienced athletic administrator, Campbell has 14 years of service in intercollegiate athletics.

While at Stillman, he oversaw several major athletic projects. In 2009, Campbell was instrumental in the opening of the Stillman College Tennis Facility. During his tenure, there were extensive renovations to Birthright Alumni Hall, home of the basketball and volleyball programs. As an administrator, he also worked to increase operational and scholarship funds for each of Stillman's 12 sports.

During his time, Stillman posted a number of first-time events in competition: the school's first NCAA national outdoor track and field champion, the department's first SIAC tennis titles, the men's basketball team reached the South Region final – the best an SIAC school had accomplished in recent history; and the baseball team won their first game in NCAA region play and reached the South Region final for the first time in program history.

Campbell also upgraded the attention to student-athlete welfare at Stillman. He organized the department's Student Athlete Advisory Committee and initiated the development of the school's chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also initiated a successful academic enrichment program, "Grades First," that was a requirement for the maintenance of athletic eligibility. As a result, 10 student athletes graduated with honors at the 2013 commencement service. Under his leadership, two of the last three valedictorians at the college were student-athletes.

Prior to his position at Stillman, he served for two years as athletic director at Division III Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois. At Blackburn, Campbell completely renovated the weight room and improved the operation of the sports information office. During his tenure, Blackburn also successfully hosted the 2006 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) men's basketball tournament and the 2006 SLIAC sportsmanship summit. He also worked to improve athletic-academic relations at Blackburn while streamlining the efficiency of the athletic department.

Campbell has extensive experience with Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schools. He also worked at Kentucky State University for four years, where he served as assistant athletic director for compliance and later served as interim athletic director. While at KSU, he also monitored athletic scholarships, assisted with game-day operations, coordinated tickets and ticket sales, and assisted with the management and development of the athletic budget.

Prior to his time at KSU, Campbell served as coordinator of student-athlete development at the University of Minnesota, where he assisted in the development and implementation of a comprehensive CHAMPS Life Skills Program for 700 student-athletes. He also coordinated the community service program for student-athletes.

In addition to his administrative background, Campbell has teaching experience and served on numerous committees including being chair of the SIAC football and baseball committees and a member of the Division II/NCAA bylaws/legislation committee. He is a 1990 graduate of Longwood University and holds a Bachelor of Science in social work. In 1999, he earned a master's degree in student affairs administration from Radford University.

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WSSU baseball adds four players

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina --  Coach Kevin Ritsche of the Winston-Salem State baseball team announced the signing of four more players to this fall’s recruiting class.

The Rams, coming off a school-record 39 victories, have added UNC Greensboro transfer Ray Crawford , who played at Dudley High School; outfielder Gavin Culler , who played at West Forsyth; first baseman Brad Miller from Largo, Fla. and pitcher Eric Corlett , who played at East Forsyth.

Ritsche says that Culler is a leadoff hitter who led the state of North Carolina in stolen bases during his junior season at West Forsyth.

Crawford, who will join ...

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Wells, assistant at WSSU, going to Arizona State

Coach Tim Wells
(Courtesy: WSSU Athletics)

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Tim Wells, an assistant basketball coach at Winston-Salem State, has accepted a similar position at Arizona State.     

Wells, 35, spent the last five seasons as an assistant for Coach Bobby Collins, helping the Rams with recruiting, scouting of opponents and working with inside players.
 Wells, a Carver graduate and Winston-Salem native, played four seasons at N.C. State and graduated in 2000.

Collins said that Wells was instrumental in the success of the program. The Rams have averaged 20 wins over the last three seasons and won a CIAA title; they have been to the NCAA Division II Tournament three straight seasons.

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Xavier's Fakler earns All-Louisiana in two running events

Catherine Fakler

NEW ORLEANS — Performances in the women's 5,000-meter run and the 3,000-meter steeplechase earned spots for Xavier University of Louisiana's Catherine Fakler on the 2013 All-Louisiana track and field team announced late Saturday.
    
Fakler, a sophomore from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory High School, was Louisiana's No. 3 female performer in the 5,000 (18 minutes, 23.24 seconds) and the steeplechase (12:20.90). The top three performers in each event, based on times compiled by the NCAA and the NAIA, earn All-Louisiana.
    
Fakler recorded her 5,000 best at the Mississippi College Invitational on April 5. Eight days later in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships in New Orleans, she recorded her season best in the steeplechase and won the event.
    
Fakler is the first from Xavier to be named All-Louisiana in women's or men's track and field.

It's the second major honor this week for Fakler. On Monday she was chosen to the Capital One Academic All-America® college division women's track and field/cross country second team.

By Ed Cassiere, SID
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAATHLETICS

FAMU Hazing Director Says Program in Place

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The Florida A&M Marching 100 will return to the field this fall. The band was suspended following the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion in 2011. The school has implemented more than a dozen new procedures in it’s  get tough against hazing, including the hiring of a new anti hazing czar. Bryan Smith says he’s confident the right policies are in place, but says ending hazing still depends on the students.

“I know we have to remain diligent, we still have to keep providing our preventative measures, we have to keep enlightening and educating the students as well as out faulty and our alumni about our anti hazing and our initiatives, so ultimately it will still fall and come back to the students should they decided to do what’s right” says Bryan Smith, whose official title is Special Assistant to the President.

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White Sisters Named First Team All-State In Softball

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Sisters Daja and Jo'Landa White of Saint Augustine's University were selected to the N.C. Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) College Division All-State Softball First Team on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

Twenty-three students including six from CIAA schools were named to the all-state first and second teams. St. Aug is one of three schools to place two or more players on the first team.

The Leland, N.C., natives led the Lady Falcons to their first winning season in 10 years. The Lady Falcons won 17 games, finished second in the CIAA Southern Division and placed fourth in the CIAA Tournament. The fourth-place finish is the highest for the Lady Falcons in recent memory. The sister tandem led the CIAA in home runs with eight apiece.

Daja White, a freshman outfielder, ranked second in NCAA Division II with 1.5 runs per game and 1.0 stolen bases per game in addition to ranking 10^th with a .476 batting average. The Daktronics honorable mention All-American ranked second in the conference with 38 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. She was a Daktronics All-Atlantic Region first team pick and an All-CIAA rookie team selection.

Jo'Landa (Left) and Daja Receive More Postseason Honors

Jo'Landa White, a sophomore catcher, ranked eighth in the CIAA with a .422 batting average and tied for ninth with 29 RBIs. A Daktronics All-Atlantic Region second team selection, White was part of a college division all-star softball team which played international competition in Italy in June 2013.

The All-State first and second teams are comprised of players across North Carolina from NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA institutions. The nominees were submitted by the North Carolina sports information directors and voted on by the NCCSIA members.

North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association
2013 College Division All-State Softball Teams

First Team
Pos.	Name	Class	School	Hometown
P	Carley Tysinger	Fr.	Catawba College	Lexington, N.C.
P	Maryann Hoskins	Fr.	Lenoir-Rhyne University	Havelock, N.C.
C	Jo'Landa White	So.	Saint Augustine's University	Leland, N.C.
IF	Jessica Fellmeth&%	Sr.	Lenoir-Rhyne University	Waxhaw, N.C.
IF	Cynthia Hayes	Jr.	Guilford College	Seagrove, N.C.
IF	Haily Jarman	Jr.	Lenoir-Rhyne University	Wadesboro, N.C.
IF	Beth Overman	So.	Mount Olive College	­ Elizabeth City, N.C.
OF	Taylor Cloninger	Jr.	UNC Pembroke	Jacksonville, N.C.
OF	Leigh Ward	So.	Chowan University	Oriental, N.C.
OF	Daja White	Fr.	St. Augustine's University	Leland, N.C.
UTL	Brea Hartley	So.	UNC Pembroke	Lexington, N.C.
DP	Kayla Saliga	So.	Wingate University	Asheboro, N.C.
Second Team
Pos.	Name	Class	School	Hometown
P	Stacey Houser	Fr.	Wingate University	Mooresville, N.C.
P	Alora Lincoln	So.	Chowan University	Smithfield, VA
C	Sarah Tompkins	Fr.	Greensboro College	Wilmington, N.C.
IF	Sarah Connolly	Fr.	Greensboro College	Mount Airy, N.C.
IF	Kierston Garner	Fr.	Salem College	Danbury, N.C.
IF	Robyn Stanek	So.	Mars Hill College	Winston-Salem, N.C.
IF	Amanda White&	So.	Meredith College	Wilmington, N.C.
OF	Liz Hipple&	Jr.	Chowan University	Chincoteague, VA
OF	Kelsey Maffucci	Sr.	Wingate University	Rockledge, Fla.
OF	Jackie Nicholson	So.	Greensboro College	Snow Camp, N.C.
UTL	Spencer Embler	Jr.	Fayetteville State University	Thomasville, N.C.

& - Named to 2012 All-State Team
% - Named to 2011 All-State Team

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PVAMU's Barrick Named On College Football Performance Awards Watch List

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Last season, after being sidelined all week due to an undisclosed injury, Prairie View A&M kicker Chris Barrick answered the prayers of PV Nation when he knocked down his first career field goal and clenched the Panthers 37-34 victory over the Texas Southern University Tigers.

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  -- Prairie View A&M kicker Chris Barrick was named on the 2013 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS Watch List for the 2013 CFPA Placekicker Award.

Barrick, a 6-4 junior out of Copperas Cove (Texas), led the Panthers in scoring with 65 points and ranked second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in field goal percentage, going 9-for-11 last season. Barrick was named the SWAC Specialist of the Week on Oct. 22, 2012 following his team's 52-37 win over Alcorn State he went 7-for-7 on PATS and added a 23-yard field goal to pick up his second-career Specialist of the Week honor.

On kickoffs in 2012, Barrick averaged 56.1 yards per kick off of 54 attempts. He was named to the All-SWAC Second Team to cap off his season.

The CFPA is the largest awards organization in Division I college football, and it selected all of its recipients based upon objective scientific rankings to the extent of which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration. The winner will be announced January 8, 2014.    


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PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
2013 PANTHERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Day	Date	Opponent	Location / Stadium	Time			Event
Sat.	8/31/2013	*Texas Southern	Houston, Texas - BBVA Compass Stadium	7:00 p.m.			29th Labor Day Classic
Sat.	9/7/2013	Texas State	San Marcos, Texas	6:00 p.m.
Sat.	9/14/2013	*Southern University	Baton Rouge, La.	6:00 p.m.
Sat.	9/21/2013	*Alabama A&M	Prairie View	6:00 p.m.
Sat.	9/28/2013	Stephen F. Austin	Nacogdoches, Texas	6:00 p.m.
Sat.	10/5/2013	*Grambling State	Dallas, Texas - The Cotton Bowl	6:00 p.m.			Southwest State Fair Classic
Sat.	10/12/2013	*Alabama State	Montgomery, Ala.	1:00 p.m.
Sat.	10/19/2013	*Mississippi Valley State	Prairie View	2:00 p.m.			Homecoming
Sat.	10/26/2013	*Jackson State	Shreveport, La. - Independence Stadium	4:00 p.m.			Shreveport Classic
Thu.	11/7/2013	*Alcorn State	Alcorn State, Miss.	6:30 p.m.
Sat.	11/16/2013	Abilene Christian	Prairie View	1:00 p.m.
Sat.	11/23/2013	*Arkansas-Pine Bluff	Prairie View	1:00 p.m.

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S.C. State Releases Football Season Ticket Promo

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS
2013 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date		Opponent	Location	Time
8/31/2013		COASTAL CAROLINA  $	ORANGEBURG, SC	6 p.m.
9/7/2013		Clemson University	Clemson, SC	TBA
9/14/2013		ALABAMA A&M	ORANGEBURG, SC	6 p.m.
9/21/2013		Benedict University %	Columbia, SC	4 p.m.
9/28/2013	*	HAMPTON UNIVERSITY &	ORANGEBURG, SC	2 p.m.
10/5/2013	*	N.C. A&T State University +	Atlanta, GA	4 p.m.
10/12/2013	*	NC Central University	Durham, NC	2 p.m.
10/19/2013		OPEN
10/26/2013	*	Bethune-Cookman University	Daytona Beach, FL	4 p.m.
11/2/2013	*	Savannah State University	Savannah , GA	1 p.m.
11/9/2013	*	FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY @	ORANGEBURG, SC	1:30 p.m.
11/16/2013	*	MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY #	ORANGEBURG, SC	1:30 p.m.
11/23/2013	*	Norfolk State University	Norfolk, VA	1 p.m.

Home Games are in bold

Neutral Site Games are in italics

* denotes a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest

$-Military Appreciation Day
%-Palmetto Capital City Classic
& -Youth/ROTC Day
+-Atlanta Football Classic
@-Homecoming
#- Senior/Faculty-Staff Appreciation Day

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Football 101: Seminar takes ladies inside FAMU football

Holmes, FAMU staff teach, explain nuances of football

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Saundra Brown isn’t your average female football fan.

“My boys played football and my dad was a football coach so I’ve been around football,” said Brown, whose son, Barry, played linebacker for the FAMU football team more than 15 years ago.

On Saturday, Brown got a refresher on the nuances of the game. But for the 50 or so other women who attended coach Earl Holmes’ “Heels and Helmet” crash course on football, it was their first glimpse inside the game.

The women braved a morning downpour to attend the four-hour session intended to ...

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MEAC/SWAC Challenge Weekend
SEPT. 1, 2013, ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Florida A&M Rattlers vs. Mississippi Valley Delta Devils

Rattler fans! Be sure to partake in the ancillary activities surrounding the 2013 MEAC/ SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney.  Accompany your FAMU Football season opener purchase with tickets to the Pep Ralley hosted at Downtown Disney, Band Showcase at Disney's Epcot or any other Official MEAC/SWAC Challenge weekend list of events.  The 2013 MEAC/ SWAC Challenge game tickets are currently on sale.  Visit www.MEACSWACCHALLENGE.com for more details.

 

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Arrest leads to father-son bonding for LaFleur

SPOKANE, Washington  -- In a matter of 30 seconds on the night of April 3, 2011, an undercover cop put Greg LaFleur in handcuffs and effectively ruined the former Southern University athletic director’s life.

In some ways, though, LaFleur’s arrest for allegedly soliciting a would-be prostitute at the Final Four in Houston — and his eventual acquittal in January 2012 — was also the best thing that happened to him.

To be sure, the 54-year-old former NFL tight end would never wish the last 26 months upon himself again — no way, no how.

After all, he was fired before he returned to campus, and he’s still struggling to find work in athletics, the only field he’s ever known. And because his name was so tarnished by the mere accusation — regardless of the eventual verdict — there’s no telling when he’ll land the AD position he desires.

But in losing his job and, in the eyes of many, his credibility, LaFleur gained something far more valuable — a chance to reconnect with an NBA-bound son more than 2,000 miles away.

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Lee Smith appointed Interim Athletic Director at Mississippi Valley

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  --  Lee C. Smith, head softball coach and intramural director at Mississippi Valley State University since 2001 has been appointed Interim Athletic Director of the University, pending IHL Board approval.

"Coach Smith's organizational skills and commitment to the success of student athletes on the field and in the classroom is what we need during this transition", said MVSU Acting President Dr. Alfred Rankins.

Smith, a Valley alumnus, was hired as the women's head softball coach in 2001 and has high standards of excellence for the student athletes. As head softball coach, he led the women's softball team to victory in eight Southwestern Athletic Conference titles in the last 10 seasons along with eight NCAA tournament appearances. Forty-five of his players have been National Fast Pitch Coaches Association Scholar Athletes; the team has an overall grade point average of 3.20; 95 percent of his student athletes graduated successfully; and in 2008, the team ranked 32nd among Division I all-academic programs by the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association.

Other highlights of Smith's leadership include:

· 61 student athletes being named All-SWAC
· MVSU became the first HBCU softball team to win a game in the 2004 NCAA Tournament
· In that same tournament, they became first HBCU softball team to win multiple games
· Being named SWAC Coach of the Year seven times in his 12 years at MVSU.
 

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Queens College Hires VSU's Darryl Jacobs as New Head Men’s Basketball Coach

QUEENS, New York  --  In an historic day for the Queens College athletics department, Darryl Jacobs has been hired as the first full-time Head Men’s Basketball Coach in nearly two decades for the Knights, it was announced on Thursday, by Assistant Vice President for Athletics, China Jude.  This milestone marks a new person roaming the sidelines in nearly 20 seasons.

Jude reflected upon the hiring of Coach Jacobs: “I am excited to have Darryl Jacobs join our family.  His skill set and personality fits perfectly into our Knights family.  We look forward to him returning home to the Northeast to make a significant impact on our community.”

The Paterson, New Jersey native; returns to the northeast from Petersburg, Virginia, where he was the head men’s basketball coach at Virginia State for the past two seasons.  Under Jacobs’ leadership, the Trojans improved in victories each year and had back-to-back six win records in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association; culminating with his 2012-13 team advancing into the second round of the CIAA playoffs.



Before his time in Petersburg, Jacobs was the head men’s basketball coach at Clark Atlanta University from 2006-2011. While there, he built the Panthers into one of the elite programs in the country. He led the Panthers to two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (2009-2011); while also leading them to their first SIAC Tournament Championship (2011) in 46 years.

Coach Jacobs was also named SIAC Coach of Year, Atlanta Tip-Off Club/Naismith Georgia College Coach of the Year and HRSN runner-up for National Coach of the Year in 2010.

His teams at Clark Atlanta from 2009-2011 were rank nationally on numerous occasions; culminating in a 22nd national ranking in 2010. With a reputation as a tireless worker and game strategist, his teams have been able to defeat several DI programs during his career.

Coach Jacobs has over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to his credit. He was a two sports standout at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, starting as a running back on the football team and point guard on the men's basketball team. He played several years of professional basketball following graduation in both South America and the USBL.

Jacobs currently Chairs the NCAA Men’s Basketball South Region Rankings Committee, is a member of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee and Vice President for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Coaches Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for High Blood Pressure of Richmond.

Jacobs is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Black Coaches Association.  Jacobs received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance/Accounting from William Penn University in 1988 and is pursuing his Master’s in Sports Management at Virginia State University.

COURTESY QUEENS (N.Y.) COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Former CFL QB Worman added to MVSU football coaching staff

Coach Rick Worman
MVSU DELTA DEVILS

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  –  Mississippi Valley State University head football coach Karl Morgan has added a new coach to his coaching staff.

Rick Worman has begun his duties at MVSU as quarterbacks coach, replacing Mike Pizinski who recently left to pursue other opportunities. Worman will also assist with wide receivers and running backs.

The former Canadian Football League (CFL) quarterback hopes to use his professional experience as a teaching tool for MVSU student-athletes.

"I want to use my knowledge from the pro ranks to help develop student-athletes on this level," said Worman.

The Fresno, California native comes to Valley after serving as a scout for the Ottawa-based CFL team. Before that, he served as the running backs coach for the CFL's Hamilton Tigercats. He also spent seven seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos, working as a West Coast Scout for four years before joining the coaching staff as a quarterbacks coach in 2007. He added the title of offensive coordinator in 2008.

Prior to joining the Eskimos, Worman spent time as the head coach of the Arena Football League 2's Fresno Frenzy in 2002 and the offensive coordinator of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2001. That season, the Bombers led the league in virtually every offensive category en route to a 14-4 record and a Grey Cup appearance.

Worman's coaching career includes three Grey Cup appearances and two Grey Cup championships. He previously coached former CFL quarterback MVPs Ricky Ray and Khari Jones.

He also spent one season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the College of the Siskiyous.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1, 2013, FLORIDA CITRUS BOWL
 

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NCAA Lifts ALL Postseason Bans Against Alabama State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- All of Alabama State University's athletic programs are eligible to participate in postseason play due to decisions on Friday and earlier this week by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Acting Athletic Director Melvin Hines was notified Friday that the NCAA had completed its evaluation of the data and other information that was submitted to the NCAA following the initial announcement of penalties related to APR scores.

"We are thrilled that our student-athletes will now be eligible to compete in postseason play," said Hines.

According to Hines, after the initial APR penalties were imposed against the baseball, volleyball, football and men's basketball teams, ASU was given an adjustment phase with the opportunity to submit additional data.

"Once the NCAA evaluated that additional academic performance data, assessed our ASU Academic Improvement Plan and reviewed us according to its Limited Resource Institution component, the NCAA staff determined that ASU will not be penalized," said Hines.

The NCAA had announced earlier that the bans against baseball and volleyball had been lifted. Today's announcement lifts bans against both football and men's basketball, which means all 18 Alabama State University athletics teams are eligible for postseason play for the upcoming 2013-14 season, should they qualify.


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