Former Morgan State Track Athletes Win Gold in Mexico

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Former Morgan State track and field athletes Romona Modeste and Allison Randall continue to perform on the grand stage. Both athletes won gold medals in their respective events at the Central American Caribbean Athletics Championships (CACAC), which were held on July 5-7, 2013 in Morelia, Mexico.

Modeste, who was a member of Morgan State's 2005 squad which captured the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Team Championship and is the school's record holder in the 400m hurdles (57.92 in 2006), won gold in the 4x400 meter relay for Trinidad & Tobago. The team ran a time of 3:30.64, which currently ranks them among the top eight fastest times in the world.

"Our goal was to qualify for the World Championship and in doing that we won gold, broke our national record as well as ranked No. 8 on the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) list," said Modeste on the team's performance. "Going into the World Championship we aim at breaking our record again and making it to the finals."

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Jackson State Sprint ace Jobodwana eager to improve

Anaso Jobodwana
(Photo Courtesy JSU Athletics)

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa  –  Having stamped his authority as South Africa's fastest man, lanky sprint prodigy Anaso Jobodwana is heading back to the drawing board in an effort to tweak his approach and write himself into the record books.

 

Jobodwana, who turns 21 at the end of this month, grabbed a magnificent sprint double at the World Student Games in Kazan, Russia, this week, but the SA 100m and 200m marks continued to elude him by the narrowest of margins.

 

While he had his sights set on another solid performance at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow next month, Jobodwana was reluctant to admit he had the national records in his sights, insisting his only goal was to continue his steady improvement.

 

“I'm just aiming to get my personal bests, so I guess that translates to national records,” Jobodwana said.

 

“I haven't really made any plans yet, so I'll go back to the drawing board and see what I need to work on and take it from there.”

 

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Team USA 4x100m Relay Earns Silver, Anchored by B-CU's Tristie Johnson

TRISTIE JOHNSON

KAZAN, Russia --  Bethune-Cookman freshman sprinter Tristie Johnson made her way to the World University Games medal stand on Friday (July 12), after anchoring the USA Track & Field 4 x 100m Relay to a second place finish at Kazan’s Central Stadium.

Entering the relay finals with a third-ranking time of 44.08 in the semifinal, the Jacksonville, Fla. native renewed her role as the squad’s anchor, crossing the finish line with a team time of 43.54 for the silver medal.

Joining her on the relay were Vashti Thomas (Academy of Art University), Aurieyall Scott (UCF) and Jade Barber (Notre Dame).

The medal ceremony caps off an outstanding week of performances for the Wildcats’ sophomore-to-be, who finished fifth individually in the 200m after moving up the rankings, turning in a finals time of 23.32.

“It is an awesome feat for Tristie, the Team USA relay team and Bethune-Cookman University,” Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Donald Cooper said. “We are extremely proud of her accomplishments as a member of both the USATF World University Games team and Bethune-Cookman University. The positives I spoke of when I took the job here are progressively manifesting.”

“Go Wildcats,” Cooper added.

For all the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow the official Twitter feeds at @BCUathletics and @CookmanTrack or "Like Us" on Facebook at Bethune-Cookman Athletics.


COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

JCSU's Danielle Williams Captures Bronze at the 2013 World University Games

KAZAN, Russia  -- Johnson C. Smith University rising senior track and field student-athlete Danielle Williams secured the bronze medal for Jamaica in the 100m hurdles at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia on Wednesday, July 10th.

The 2013 U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coache

Vashti Thomas (United States) won in a new World University Games record of 12.61 seconds, cutting one-hundredth of a second off Lucyana Longer (Poland) 12.62 seconds. Alina Talay (Bulgaria) was second in 12.78 seconds.

Host Russia continue to lead the track and field athletics medals section with 32 (15 gold, 11 silver, six bronze); and South Africa is in second place with six (three gold, one silver, two bronze). USA moved into third with three gold medals, while Jamaica moved up to 11th with one silver and three bronze medals.

Williams will have a few weeks to rest and recover before beginning her preparation for the incoming collegiate indoor track and field season.

s Association (USTFCCCA) Women's National Division II Track Athlete of the Year and newly crowned national Jamaican 110 hurdles champion Williams (St. Andrew, Jamaica) took bronze with a time of 12.84 seconds, 0.15 seconds off her winning time of 12.69 done at the Jamaican trials.

COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Five hot topics for Monday’s SWAC Media Day

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  --   Can Pine Bluff buck history and repeat?

Arkansas-Pine Bluff enters its pursuit of a second straight SWAC championship armed with 18 returning starters, including the quarterback (Ben Anderson) who made first-team all-conference last year. But history says the Golden Lions will have their hands full. Over the past 10 years, only Grambling has won multiple SWAC championships, and the league hasn’t seen a back-to-back winner since the Tigers won three straight titles from 2000-02. UAPB had not won a SWAC title since 1966, becoming the conference’s third champion in four years to break a dry spell of over four decades. Prairie View (2009) and Texas Southern (2010) had not won conference titles since the 1960s as well.

2) What will Houston bring to the title game?

The unofficial start of the SWAC football season still begins in Birmingham with Media Day, but the season’s official closing act no longer resides there. For the first time since the SWAC went to divisional play and introduced its conference title game in 1999, the East and West champs will not meet at Legion Field in Birmingham. Instead, the championship game is moving to ...

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Excitement building for Southern’s Dawson Odums as SWAC Media Day nears

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Dawson Odums has been through his first signing day as Southern’s football coach. He has been through his first spring practice and most of his first offseason.

In fact, Odums coached nine games for the Jaguars last season, leading Southern to a 4-5 mark as the interim replacement for Stump Mitchell.

But Monday in Birmingham, Ala., Odums will experience another first.

Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day arrives as the coaches from the conference’s 10 schools, along with two selected players apiece, converge on the Birmingham Marriott to answer questions about the season ahead.

Odums, who in December had the interim tag removed from his title, will be joined by a pair of seniors: quarterback Dray Joseph and defensive back Virgil Williams.

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SUNY-Buffalo hires Hampton U's Peel as head coach

COACH TRENA PEEL
(Photo Courtesy Hampton University)

BUFFALO, New York  –  A proven winner at every level of competitive softball, Trena Peel has been named the eighth coach in the history of Buffalo softball, Director of Athletics Danny White announced Friday.  Peel most recently served as head coach at Hampton University, where she led the team to its first MEAC Championship and NCAA Tournament berth since 1996.

Peel spent three seasons at Hampton, improving the team's win total each season.  After a 13-win season in her first year, she nearly doubled Hampton's total in her second season and took the Pirates to the conference semifinals.  In 2013, her team finished 34-26; an improvement of nine wins from the previous year, and won the MEAC Title.  The Pirates traveled to Gainsville, FL for the NCAA Tournament Regionals.

Prior to her first head coaching job at Hampton, Peel was an assistant coach at Mississippi Valley State, who went 27-23 in 2010. Four Devilettes were named All-SWAC: pitcher Lisa Jansen and right fielder Ashley Hobs were First Team All-SWAC selections, while outfielder Haleigh Eubanks and catcher Alexandria Robertson were named Second Team All-SWAC.

"Trena has tremendous enthusiasm for the game of softball and has been successful at all levels as both a player and a coach," said White.  "Her commitment to winning and the development of student-athletes makes her the ideal choice to build our softball program at the State University of New York at Buffalo."

Peel has also been an assistant coach at both the University of Maryland (2006-08) and George Washington University (2003-04).

A 2003 graduate of LSU with a bachelor of science in Kinesiology, Peel has enjoyed a professional career in the National Pro Fastpitch League that has included stints with the Akron Racers (2004, 2008-09), New York Juggernauts (2005), Chicago Bandits (2006) and Philadelphia Force (2007). In the summer of 2009, Peel participated in the MLB Celebrity All-Star Game during MLB All-Star Weekend in St. Louis, Mo.

In her rookie season with Akron, she finished with five home runs, three triples, 27 RBI and a league-high 27 stolen bases. The two-time NPF All-Star (2004, 2005) was especially productive in two seasons with Philadelphia. In 2007, she signed as a free agent and ended the campaign leading the team with five home runs and tied for second on the team with 20 runs scored. In 2008, she had eight home runs (tied for fifth in the league) along with eight stolen bases, 20 RBI and a .508 slugging percentage.

Peel played at LSU from 1999-2002, where she earned NFCA Second-Team All-American accolades and was a semifinalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year as a senior. She was named SEC Athlete of the Year in 2002 and was also a three-time All-SEC honoree, selected twice to the All-South Regional Team. She was a 2001 NCAA Region 3 All-Tournament team member and a 2002 SEC All-Tournament selection.

As a Tiger, Peel tallied a .323 batting average with 269 hits, 45 doubles and 27 triples, which ranks first in LSU history.  Her triples total is also in the Top 20 in NCAA history. As a junior, Peel led the nation in triples per game and broke the LSU and SEC single-season triples record while ranking fourth in NCAA history with 14.

While at LSU, Peel was a 1999 USA Junior Olympic Softball team member and played on the 2001 USA National Red Team. She was also selected to the USA Elite Team in 2002 and 2003. The 2002 SEC Player of the Year, Peel was also a semifinalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

New coach Greg Ruffin is resurrecting Paine football program

COACH GREG RUFFIN

AUGUSTA, Georgia  -- The two assistant coaches kept crossing paths in various circles, noticing they shared some similar physical characteristics and the same last name.

The Ruffins – Greg and Reginald – later discovered they’re cousins. Reginald grew up in Meridian, Miss., and Greg’s grandfather is from that city. For the past decade they’ve grown closer, but now that Greg Ruffin is the new coach at Paine College don’t expect Reginald – the head coach at Miles College – to take it easy on his new Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rival.

“He’s got to go by ‘Greg’. He can’t go by ‘Coach Ruffin,’ ” Reginald Ruffin said. “He hasn’t established himself in the conference yet.”

Greg Ruffin is the new guy on the SIAC football block.

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Albany State star guard Thomas leaving program for Valdosta State

ALBANY, Georgia  — Albany State women’s basketball coach Robert Skinner called April Thomas the best scorer to come through ASU in his 23 years with the program.

And now Thomas, a former Bainbridge star and rising junior, is headed to one of the Lady Rams’ biggest rivals.

 

Thomas confirmed to The Herald on Tuesday that she is transferring to Valdosta State, leaving behind an Albany State team that she had become the cornerstone of.

 

“We are going to miss her,” Skinner said. “It’s going to be hard to replace that kind of scoring. Her ability to score with her size was phenomenal. Since I have been coaching here, I haven’t had a shooter her size that can score like her.”

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It's All About FAMU Rattler Pride!

 Click Here for 2013 FAMU RATTLERS TICKETS



The ninth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney game features Florida A&M University Rattlers and Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils and will be played on Sunday, Sept. 1 on ESPN. For tickets, call 800-745-3000 and for more information, go to www.meacswacchallenge.com.

Fairfield's Miles College reaches new level of prestige in Birmingham

FAIRFIELD, Alabama  --  Students have been drawn to Miles College -- a small, predominantly African-American school in Fairfield -- for many reasons.    

Some were first-generation college students who went to Miles because it was close to home and affordable.

Some attended because, during the long decades of segregation in Alabama, most larger state schools were off-limits to African-Americans.

Many have taken advantage of the school's long-standing "open-door policy," which has allowed students with less-than-stellar high-school grades to continue their education.

And generations of these students seem to have found Miles to be a nourishing place -- socially and intellectually -- that has given them the start in life they needed.

The school has faced serious challenges at times.



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NAIA Spring Hill College accepted for NCAA Division II; plan move to SIAC in 2014

MOBILE, Alabama  --  The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has officially notified Spring Hill College that its application for membership in NCAA Division II has been accepted. Spring Hill College athletic director, Jim Hall, received the notification via email Friday, July 12.

In October 2012, Spring Hill College accepted an invitation to join the 13-member Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Badgers will now begin the process of making the transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the NCAA and to full membership in the SIAC.

By becoming a member of the NCAA, Spring Hill College will now join the 26 Jesuit colleges and universities nationwide that are already members of the NCAA.

"This is a historic day for Badger Athletics and for Spring Hill College," said Athletic Director Jim Hall. "We've worked diligently over the last two years to make this next phase in the upward evolution of Badger Athletics a reality. There is still considerable work to be done, but we are thrilled to be joining the SIAC and NCAA Division II."

Achieving full NCAA Division II membership typically takes three years. Provided the athletic department successfully completes each phase of the membership process, Spring Hill will spend two years in candidacy status and then one year as a provisional member of NCAA Division II before gaining full membership status.

SHC will remain a member of the NAIA and the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) for the 2013-14 seasons and will have access to SSAC and NAIA post-season championships. During the 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years, Spring Hill will play a full slate of NCAA Division II and SIAC regular season competition. The Badgers would not be eligible for NCAA or SIAC post-season competition until the 2016-17 seasons after full NCAA Division II membership has been attained.

Spring Hill College participates in 16 varsity athletic programs that will make the transition to the NCAA Division II level.

Golf Legends James Black and Calvin Peete Team Up With the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to Provide Scholarships for Public HBCU Students

WASHINGTON, D. C. --  The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), along with GIR Gear, will host the 2nd Annual HBCU Golf Challenge on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the prestigious Lake Presidential Golf Club in Upper Marlboro, MD. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to provide scholarships for current and prospective students attending public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The festivities will begin with the "African American Legends Golf Clinic" at 6:00pm on Thursday, August 8th at Lake Presidential Golf Club, located at 3151 Presidential Golf Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Guests will have a chance to meet and hear the firsthand stories of two African American golf legends James Black and Calvin Peete and their fight to gain equal access to public golf courses and eventually the PGA Tour, the value of education, as well as learn some valuable tips to improve your golf game. An autograph session will follow with special items to be auctioned off with all proceeds going to TMCF. The clinic is free and open to the public, limited slots available. Register at www.hbcugolfchallenge.com to reserve your seat.

The HBCU Golf Challenge will kick off on Friday, August 9, 2013 at Lake Presidential Golf Club, Upper Marlboro, MD with registration and a continental breakfast at 7:00am and a shotgun start at 8:00am. HBCU alumni, students, celebrities and friends will team together for a chance to compete for the "winner's pot" which is donated directly to the HBCU of choice for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Golfers will also have the opportunity to "Beat the Pro...Save a Child" on Hole 9, Par 3 with James Black and Calvin Peete. Other invited guests include national and local sports and entertainment celebrities. Following the tournament, an awards and recognition luncheon will be held.

"As an HBCU Alum and parent, I'm keenly aware of the challenges facing our youth seeking to further their education. This tournament gives us an opportunity to contribute to prospective or current HBCU students looking to fulfill their dream of achieving a college education. I'm very grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers, fellow HBCU Alum, family and friends who've helped make this event possible. I encourage everyone to come out, join the fun and support this worthy cause," says Gibran Cotton, President/CEO GIR Gear LLC.

For more information on the 2nd Annual HBCU Golf Challenge 2013, visit hbcugolfchallenge

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. TMCF helps students with a clear intention and the motivation to succeed and acquire a high-quality college education at an affordable cost. TMCF also efficiently connects high performing, world-ready students with top tier employment opportunities -- access that students or employers might not have on their own. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

TMCF is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, charitable organization and for more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit www.ThurgoodMarshallCollegeFund.org.

Mississippi Valley State men's basketball coach Chico Potts suspended after arrest on domestic violence charge

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Two former Alabama high school basketball standouts could be without the coach that recruited them when they start their college careers this winter.

Mississippi Valley State men's coach Chico Potts has been suspended indefinitely with pay after being arrested on a domestic violence charge earlier this month, according to an ESPN report. 

 

WXVT out of Greenville, Miss. also reported the news. 

"Effective immediately, Coach Potts has been suspended with pay," MVSU spokesperson Jennifer Freeman told ESPN. "This suspension will remain in effect until the university completes its investigation. Associate basketball coach Marcus Thomas will serve as acting head basketball coach and lead the basketball program during the suspension."

 

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New Tuskegee AD takes over: Campbell envisions improving baseball, football facilities as priorities

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  —  Curtis Campbell has always held Tuskegee in the highest regards.

He watched and admired from afar for 10 years through various administrative roles at member schools of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. It didn’t matter if it was during his stints at Kentucky State or Stillman College, Campbell’s personal appreciation for Tuskegee never wavered.

“People may want to categorize that Tuskegee is a great HBCU, but Tuskegee is a great institution,” he said. “It’s one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, bar none. If you look at history, academics and athletics, it’s strong on all of those areas.

“I’ve been in the (SIAC) conference for 10 years, and I think Tuskegee is one of the premiere institutions in the country. To have an opportunity to work there and lead their athletic department is a great opportunity.”

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GCHS’s Alphonso Boone signs with Shaw University

EMPORIA, Virginia -- Recent Greensville County High School graduate Alphonso Sylvester Boone, on Tuesday morning, made it official. He signed a letter of intent to attend Shaw University in the fall.

The offer and the commitment bring a substantial athletic scholarship.

“I like the academic standards of Shaw,” said Boone, previous to signing the dotted line. “And, they have a deep history in the CIAA Conference. I expect to see some pretty stiff competition. The CIAA is a pretty tough conference.

” Boone goes to Shaw as “an excellent student-athlete,” according to GCHS Track and Field Coach Leslie Young.

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Ex-Norcom star, Illinois native to join NSU Spartans

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norcom High School product Malique Trent and Illinois native LaTree Russell will join the Norfolk State basketball program as part of the 2013 recruiting class, interim head coach Robert Jones announced Thursday.

In addition, forward Grant Hefeng and guard Sajae Pryor will be eligible to compete after sitting out the 2012-13 season at NSU.

Trent, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard, was the Eastern District Player of the Year and first-team All-Eastern Region as a senior in 2013. He led Norcom to the Eastern District regular-season and tournament championships while averaging 19.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

Trent selected NSU from more than a dozen Division I offers. "Malique was a big-time recruit for us," Jones said in a statement. "He's one of the bigger local recruits we have had here in a while, so it was good to keep a player of his caliber at home."

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TSU's Godbolt Named to Buck Buchanan Award Watch List

Steven Godbolt III

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Tennessee State junior cornerback Steven Godbolt III is one of 20 players named to the initial Buck Buchanan Award Watch List as announced by the Sports Network on Thursday.

The Buchanan Award, established in 1995, is presented annually to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

 

The Buchanan Award Watch List will undergo a revision during the 2013 season. Ballots will be sent to a panel of about 175 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other officials following the regular season. The winner will be invited to The Sports Network FCS Awards Presentation on Dec. 16.

 

Godbolt picked off six passes in 10 games last season to finish first nationally in interceptions per game. He had two separate streaks during the 2012 season of three consecutive games with an interception. He also added 45 tackles (37 solo), six pass breakups and two forced fumbles for a Big Blue team that finished with an 8-3 record.

 

2013 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List

Dorian Bell (LB), Duquesne
Clarence Bumpus (LB), Northern Colorado
Qua Cox (CB), Jackson State
Wes Dothard (LB), Chattanooga
Steven Godbolt III (CB), Tennessee State
Ronnie Hamlin (LB), Eastern Washington
Antoine Lewis (DT), Villanova
Jestin Love (S), Central Arkansas
Grant Olson (LB), North Dakota State
Caraun Reid (DT), Princeton
Stephon Robertson (LB), James Madison
Caleb Schaffitzel (S), Missouri State
Alvin Scioneaux (LB), Wofford)
Robert Simpson (DT), Mississippi Valley State
Tyler Starr (LB), South Dakota
Jaquiski Tartt (S), Samford
Jordan Tripp (LB), Montana
Davis Tull (DE), Chattanooga
Colton Underwood (DE), Illinois State
Marcus Williams (CB), North Dakota State

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XU's Green to offer youth tennis camp starting July 29

XU coach Alan Green, center, consults with his All-America
doubles team of Loic Didavi, right, and Kyle Montrel during an
April home dual match.

NEW ORLEANS — Alan Green, the award-winning coach of men's and women's tennis at Xavier University of Louisiana, will offer a five-day youth camp July 29-Aug. 2 for boys and girls ages 8-18.
    
Site of the AMG Tennis Camp will be the XU Tennis Center, which opened in October and has six hard courts. Cost is $200 per camper, with a 25-percent discount offered to children of XU faculty and staff.
    
Campers will be divided according to skill level and experience. Campers will be introduced to all basic skills and techniques of tennis. Advanced level players will participate in high performance training, coaching and match play.
    
Visit this link for a PDF camp flyer, which includes a registration form. Call (504) 329-7189 for more information.
  
Driving directions to the XU Tennis Center can be found by clicking here.

Green is one of the most successful coaches in XU history. He was chosen Louisiana Coach of the Year in men's tennis in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and in women's tennis in 2009 and 2013. He has led the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets to regular appearances in the NAIA top 25 coaches polls, numerous conference and group championships and multiple appearances at the NAIA National Championships. The 2012-13 season was the best ever for the Rush and Nuggets — the men ranked fifth and the women third in the NAIA postseason polls. The Gold Nuggets in 2013 became the first Xavier team in any sport to reach the NAIA's national semifinals or be ranked No. 1 in an NAIA coaches poll.
    
Green was chosen the Wilson/ITA NAIA Women's National Coach of the Year in 2013. He will enter his 11th season at Xavier in 2013-14.

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

Family Reunion: DeMarco Sanders, Cameron LeFear join Flint coach Tony Holliday at Livingstone College

FLINT, Michigan -- DeMarco Sanders didn't have to look far to spot his biggest backyard rival in his younger years. It was his first cousin: Cameron LeFear.

As competitive basketball players, both often went at it in many knock-down, drag-out battles on Sanders' rim on Flint's north side – under the watchful eyes of their fathers. They also competed once as seniors in high school when Flint Northern faced Powers Catholic and LeFear's Vikings got the 68-65 edge.



That drive to outdo one another on the hardwood eventually helped them reach the college basketball level where the former adversaries are now joining forces as transfers at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C.

"I never envisioned that we would get to play with each other in college," said Sanders, a 2010 Flint Powers Catholic grad. "We somewhat talked about it, but it's kind of crazy that we actually can play together. Actually, I thought I was going to North Carolina by myself but now that I know I have a family member down there with me it's great."



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Behind the Scenes: 2013 JSU Football Photo Shoot

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- EVERYBODY! Check out this cool video - Behind the Scenes: 2013 JSU Football Photo Shoot.

2013 MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney

ORLANDO, Florida  --  The ninth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney game features Florida A&M and Mississippi Valley State and will be played on Sunday, Sept. 1 on ESPN. For tickets, call 800-745-3000 and for more information, go to www.meacswacchallenge.com.

Southwestern Athletic Conference 2013 Football Season Preview

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  --  SWAC Football begins its 15th season of division play with a series of questions.

Which teams will compete for the title on December 7 at the 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship?

Can Arkansas-Pine Bluff successfully defend its first-ever outright conference title?

Will Southern, Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State continue to build after showing signs of improvement last year?

Will Jackson State be able to bounce back from its gut-wrenching overtime loss in the 2012 Toyota SWAC Championship?

How will Grambling State rebound from a 1-10 record showing in 2012 that saw the Tigers go winless in the SWAC for the first time?

Will revamped defenses help Prairie View A&M and Alabama State climb their respective division?

These and other questions surrounding the 2013 season will be answered when the East and West Division winners meet in the championship game at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Each week, starting Labor Day weekend, inquiring minds will gain some insight.

 

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ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF
2012 RECORD: 10-2 (8-1 SWAC) / West Division and SWAC Champions

Arkansas-Pine Bluff can be the favorite to emerge from the West. The Golden Lions return 20 starters – 10 on offense and nine on defense – from last year’s 10-2 squad that set a school record for most victories in a season.

At the completion of 2012, the monumental season pushed head coach Monte Coleman as a nominee for The Sports Network Eddie Robinson Award.

All-SWAC redshirt junior quarterback Ben Anderson, MVP of the SWAC Championship, leads the Golden Lions’ offense. Anderson threw for 2, 346 yards and 16 touchdowns.

He will have plenty of help on offense with a trio of All-SWAC skill position players returning. Running back Justin Billings was the second-leading rusher in the conference with 852 yards. He averaged a conference-best 5.8 yards per carry. Wide receiver Ladarius Eckwood had 52 catches for 752 yards and six touchdowns, and tight end Dez Beverly posted 46 catches for 434 yards and six touchdowns.

The offensive line is an experienced unit. Their only loss, left tackle Terron Armstead, who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. That leaves guards Kenny Eagle (All-SWAC) and Keathric Brown with tackles Me’Kale Carter and LaFarious Hoskins as the anchors.

Despite losing FCS sack leader and Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Brandon Thurmond, and the 2012 SWAC leader in tackles, Bill Ross, the Golden Lions should be solid on defense as well.

Linebackers Jer-Ryan Harris, an All-SWAC performer, Xavier Lofton and Kyle Walker played well in spring drills. Damian Lee and DeMarcus Berry will be counted on to provide a strong pass rush. Gyovanni Harvey and All-SWAC free safety Ryan Shaw anchor the secondary.

Harris, Eckwood and Beverly were named to the CFPA Watch List for the upcoming season.

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ALABAMA A&M
2012 RECORD: 7-4 (6-3 SWAC) / 3rd - East Division

Anthony Jones, the dean of SWAC coaches, faces a mammoth rebuilding job as he enters his 12th season at Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs lost 23 seniors from a squad that won the first six games and was ranked No. 1 among HBCUs. Their toughest losses were on offense.

Jones must replace Deaunte Mason, a four-year starter at quarterback, and running back Kaderius Lacey, the league's leading rusher in 2012.

Brandon Wells, Chris Leachmen, Kyle Harmyk and Jaymason Lee are vying to replace Mason. Neither has taken a snap in a Division I game. Lacey's spot will be filled by committee with Brandon Eldemire and Brendon Johnson sharing the load. The receiving corps, led by Montaurius Smith (receptions leader last season), G’Alonzo Milton and Rashaad DeJarnett, is the strength of the offense.

If the quarterbacks are capable of getting the ball to receivers while operating behind a line that lost three all-conference performers, then AAMU could generate more offense than expected.

Defensive linemen Reginald Bailey, Corey Johnson and Phillip Harvey give the Bulldogs their  front after playing as reserves. The secondary will be solid, providing Jeremy Isabelle is able to fill Vernon Marshall’s shoes at strong safety and A.J. Clark, a converted quarterback, continues to develop at free safety.

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ALABAMA STATE
2012 RECORD: 7-4 (7-2 SWAC) / 2nd East Division

 

Alabama State generated impressive runs the past three seasons. They tied for the best record in the East Division each of those years. In lieu of their success in recent years is one appearance in the conference championship game, an 11-6 loss to Texas Southern in 2010.

Coach Reggie Barlow is optimistic that his team’s fortunes will change this season.

The Hornets fate will hinge in a large degree on how successful Barlow is in replacing quarterback Greg Jenkins, a two-year starter who signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Raiders.

Redshirt sophomore Daniel Duhart and junior transfer Arsenio Favor, who played two seasons at Southern Mississippi, are the leading candidates for the quarterback position.Duhart played in seven games last year and completed 29-of-42 passes for 288 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He threw a touchdown pass on his first collegiate drive and earned SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors after passing for 192 yards (22-of-31) with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a come-from-behind win at Prairie View A&M.

Favor played in 12 games over two seasons at Southern Mississippi. Last season he played in five games with three starts and completed 37-of-67 passes for 650 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 133 yards and three touchdowns.

Whomever the starter is under center, he will handoff to one of the conference’s top running backs, Isaiah Crowell.

After transferring from Georgia and carrying the 2011 title of SEC Freshman of the Year, Crowell rushed for 842 yards and closed out 2012 as the SWAC Newcomer of the Year. Crowell and tight end Justin Robinson were named to the CFPA Watch List to open 2013. Joining Crowell in the backfield is Malcolm Cyrus who registered 459 yards last season.

The Hornets defense will have a different look; complements of first-year coordinator Kevin Ramsey, who spent the previous four seasons at Texas Southern. Ramsey is known for his attack-style of defenses that puts heavy pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Defensive ends Carlton Jones and Chris Terry with nose guard Derrick Billups give the Hornets pressure up front. ASU is deep at the linebacker spots with Brandon Slater, Leland Baker and DeMarques Taylor. However, safety Deandre Rashada is the only returning starter in the secondary.

The kicking game should not be a concern for the Hornets with Bobby Wenzig pulling double duty as the punter and kicker. He gathered more All-America honors at the end of 2012 in academics and his play on the field more than any other SWAC football player.

For the preseason, he was added to the CFPA Watch List as a punter and kicker while receiving the title of preseason FCS All-American by the Sports Network. He averaged a league best with 45.6 yards per punt and was named to the All-SWAC First Team as a punter after winning the SWAC Specialist of the Week award on six occasions. His postseason accolades in 2012 include: BoxtoRow, Academic, SBN Sports Black College and FCS All-America honors.

Last year, Wenzig finished second on the team in scoring with 62 points. He connected 38-of-42 PATs and finished 8-for-14 in field goal attempts. He averaged more than 61 yards per kickoff, resulting in 14 touchbacks, helping the Hornets limit opponents to only 19 yards per kick return.

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ALCORN STATE
2012 RECORD: 4-7 (4-5 SWAC) / 5th East Division

Alcorn State shocked teams in the SWAC last season while posting a 4-7 record under Coach Jay Hopson, who was hired in late May.

The Braves won’t sneak up on opponents this season after showing signs of improvement a year ago. ALCN pulled off upsets against Grambling State to open 2012 and clipped Alabama A&M's undefeated season hopes during the Bulldogs' homecoming.

Pass defense was Alcorn’s calling card in 2012. The Braves led the SWAC and were fourth in the FCS, allowing just 156 yards a game through the air. Junior Devon Francois leads the secondary finishing last year's campaign with 41 tackles.

Other returnees in the secondary include: Jamison Knox, Anthony Williams and Hendricks Taylor.

Newcomers to a defensive line may lack chemistry. The front four, only returns junior Carrington Aloese and sophomore Rickey Joseph, and it needs to develop an effective pass rush to complement the secondary.

The Braves will need to focus on offensive production. Running back Arnold Walker is a big back who can get tough yards. He was the Braves’ leading rusher with 392. Sophomore John Gibbs and Jordan Payne, two of the three quarterbacks who shared playing time last season, are back. Gibbs started eight games but never established himself as the top guy. Brandon Vessel could also see action.

Senior wide receiver Tavoris Doss gives the Braves a big-play threat in the passing game and on kickoff and punt returns.

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GRAMBLING STATE

2012 RECORD: 1-10 (0-9 SWAC) / 5th West Division

Grambling State is in an uncustomary situation after going winless in the conference for the first-time ever.

Coach Doug Williams focused the spring drills on the Tigers getting bigger, faster and more aggressive on both sides of the ball. GSU will also need to increase their offensive productivity after averaging just 18.2 points a game in 2012. Last year, GSU dropped five games by less than seven points, including three contests by less than three. 

After winning the SWAC crown in 2011, the Tigers will again, rely on quarterback D.J. Williams, the coach’s son, to run the offense. Williams passed for 930 yards and two touchdowns, numbers that he needs to improve dramatically if GSU is to contend for the title.

Frank Rivers, whom split time with Williams the past two seasons, has transferred to Albany State.

The Tigers are deep at the running back slot with Cedric Skinner, Juwan Marin, Jeremy Runner and Justin Fortson. But again, productivity is an issue. Skinner was the Tigers’ leading rusher with 365 yards. Fortson was the most impressive ball carrier in spring drills.

At receiver, Anthony McGhee, who recorded 37 catches for 514 yards last year, and Robert Bailey, 11 catches for 143 yards, are the top returners at the slots.

Dennis “Dirt’’ Winston, a defensive assistant at GSU from 1992-97, returns as defensive coordinator and has installed a 4-3 scheme. Linebackers Aaron Breed, Steve Orisakwe and Rod Stevens were solid in spring drills, sparking a sense of optimism that the Tigers defense will be significantly better.

The addition of freshman kick specialist Jonathan Wallace will give the Tigers a boost on offense and defense. Coach Williams is counting on Wallace to handle the punting and place-kicking duties. Wallace is expected to help the Tigers with field position and has the ability to connect field goals beyond 40 yards.

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JACKSON STATE

2012 RECORD: 7-5 (7-2 SWAC) / East Division Champion

 

Jackson State, the reigning East Division champion, has experience on its side in its quest to return to the championship game. In 2012, The Tigers won five consecutive games down the stretch and contended for the SWAC title after winning the division as a result of a tiebreaker over Alabama State.
 

JSU return 51 lettermen, including eight starters on offense and seven on defense.

Senior quarterback Clayton Moore developed into the offensive leader and guided the Tigers to five consecutive wins down the stretch. He passed for 1,863 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he rushed for an additional 633 yards scoring 11 touchdowns on the ground.

Wide receiver Zachary Pendleton, tallied 33 receptions for 457 yards, and is expected to become Moore’s primary target. DeSuan McKenzie and Tobias Singleton, each recorded 15 catches. The duo will have to fill a void with the departure of SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Rico Richardson.

The secondary is the strength of Jackson State’s defense. All-SWAC cornerback Qua Cox had a conference best, five interceptions. Cox also received several honors in the preseason as he was named a Sports Network FCS Preseason All-American and was placed on the outlet's Buck Buchanan Award watch list. He also garnered CFPA Watch List honors.

Safety Cameron Loeffler is among the top tacklers in the conference. Loeffler led Jackson State with 84 tackles while amassing 4.5 sacks. Sophomore defensive end Teddrick Terrell is expected to be the leader on the line following the departure of All-Swac defensive end, Joseph LeBeau. Terrell had 37 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, in 2012. Senior Todd Wilcher and John McNabb anchor a solid linebacker corps.

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MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE

2012 RECORD: 5-6 (5-4 SWAC) / 4th East Division

Mississippi Valley State was the most improved team in the conference in 2012. The Delta Devils’ 5-6 record gave them the most victories since 2006, and defeated Grambling State and Southern in the same season.

A feat they accomplished for the first time since 1984 when Archie “Gunslinger’’ Cooley was head coach and the Satellite Express, featuring Willie Totten and Jerry Rice, was the scourge of the SWAC.

As a result of the improvement in the program, head coach Karl Morgan was a nominee for The Sports Network Eddie Robinson Award.

Unlike the golden days for MVSU Football, defense, not offense, was the Delta Devils’ hallmark in 2012. The same should be true this season despite losing seven seniors from a unit that led the SWAC and was fourth in the FCS in total defense allowing just 279 yards a game.

All-SWAC defensive lineman Robert Simpson returns to anchor the line. Simpson recorded 59 tackles, including 22.5 for losses, which led the nation, and seven sacks. His play from last season landed him on 2013 The Sports Network Preseason FCS All-America Team and its Buck Buchanan watch list.

Rico Shaw, D’Ondre Jackson, Cedric McField and converted tight end Jacob Avery will join Simpson in the trenches. Safety Kevin Eugene leads the secondary. Eugene was second in the SWAC with four interceptions last season and along with Simpson, has been added the 2013 CFPA Watch List.

The Delta Devils have gaping holes at quarterback and running back that must be filled. Juniors Carl Davis and Jeremy Collins are vying to replace Garrick Jones at quarterback. Junior Cortez Frizell is counted on to shoulder the load in the running game that saw All-SWAC performer Brandon Stansell and Tray Bateaste rush for 1,214 yards combined.

However, the Delta Devils offense will be generated behind Julian Stafford. Stafford serviced MVSU at the wide receiver and kick retuner positions. He powered the Delta Devils offense with a breakout season finishing in the top five in the SWAC in receptions (52) and receiving yards per game (73.8). He totaled 779 yards and four touchdowns from 50 receptions while averaging 15.3 yards per catch and nearly five receptions per game.

Last season, Stafford was named SWAC Player of the Week on two occasions receiving offensive player honors before being named specialist of the week to close the season.

MVSU will open the season on national television when it faces Florida A&M in the 9th Annual MEAC / SWAC Challenge presented by Disney. The game is scheduled for Sunday, September 1, at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. with live coverage on ESPN. Kick-off is slated for 11:45 a.m. ET.

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PRAIRIE VIEW A&M

2012 RECORD: 3-8 (3-6 SWAC) / 3rd West

 

Prairie View A&M has 67 returning lettermen on hand – with nine offensive starters among them – as the Panthers look to improve from a 3-8 record in 2012. The Panthers are no longer under the practice restrictions they were slapped with last season for their APR shortcomings is just as significant as the number of veterans they return.

Look for the PVAMU to have a potent offense again after leading the conference in total yards (416.6 a game), ranking second in passing offense (393.8) and third in scoring (27.7). The quarterback tandem of De’Auntre Smiley and Jerry Lovelocke will run the offense. They combined to pass for 2,462 yards and 16 touchdowns. They will operate behind a veteran offensive line that features four returning starters.

Running backs Fred Anderson and Courtney Brown will split carries again after combining for 1,105 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Johnta Hebert, the 2012 SWAC Freshman of the Year and a member of the CFPA Watch list as a returner, gives the Panthers depth at running back. He also provides speed and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well as the spotlight in the return game.

Highlighting the special teams and joining Hebert on the CFPA Watch List for the preseason is All-SWAC place kicker, Chris Barrick.Barrick led PVAMU in scoring with 65 points and ranked second in the SWAC in field goal percentage (.820) connecting 9-of-11 last season. On kickoff, he averaged 56.1 yards per kick from 54 attempts.

Defense was the Panthers’ Achilles heel last year as they ranked in the bottom third in most major categories. Coach Heishma Northern hired Charles McMillan as defensive coordinator in hopes of returning the Panthers to their former defensive prominence.

He must replace six starters, including the entire defensive line.

Junior college transfer Darrien Patterson and sophomore Meshak Williams are expected to anchor the line. Junior Jerome Howard leads the linebacker corps. The secondary will be inexperienced as the four projected starters, safeties Korey Austin and Adrian Grant and cornerbacks Stephen Meighan and Chris Motley, registered limited playing time.

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SOUTHERN
2012 RECORD: 4-7 (3-6 SWAC) 2nd West

Southern could give UAPB its biggest challenge in the West if the Jaguars can continue the improvements that they displyed after Dawson Odums replaced Stump Mitchell on an interim basis.

The Jaguars were 4-7 for the second consecutive season, beating their three biggest rivals – Florida A&M, Jackson State and Grambling State – in the process. Had it not been for a pair of botched extra point conversions in back-to-back one-point losses to Alabama A&M and Alabama State, they could have posted their first winning record since 2009.

As it turned out, their record was good enough for Odums, who began the season as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, only to have the interim tag removed from his title and begin his head coach tenure in 2013.

All-SWAC junior quarterback Dray Joseph is the unquestioned leader of the Jaguars’ offense. Joseph threw for 2,511 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2012. He led the conference in passing yards per game (228) and total offense (2,640).

Redshirt freshman running back Lenard Tillery, who sat out the 2012 season, is expected to add the big-play element. Southern’s ground game, hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher since 2003 and was last in the conference in 2012 with 79.5 yards a game.

Senior Darris Clayton is also expected to play a prominent role in the rushing attack after gaining 183 yards in a backup role last year.

All-SWAC wide receiver Lee Doss will again be Joseph’s No. 1 target. Doss had 65 receptions for 703 yards in 2012. Junior college transfer Sam Altman, redshirt freshman Justin Morgan and freshman Chuck Baker, a Rivals three-star athlete who originally committed to LSU, are counted on to complement Doss.

The tandem of Joseph and Doss were added to the CFPA Watch List for the preseason.

Southern’s defensive unit has experience with eight starters returning. Senior Kadeem Lewis and junior Arthur Miley anchor the defensive line and are strong pass rushers. Last season, Anthony Balancier returned to his natural linebacker position after playing safety in 2011. He led the Jaguars in tackles with 69 (32 solo) earning him a spot on the 2013 CFPA Watch List.

The secondary is inexperienced, but has talent. The unit is led by Virgil Williams and South Alabama transfer Dionte McDuffy.

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TEXAS SOUTHERN

2012 RECORD: 2-9 (2-7 SWAC) / 5th West Division

 

The uphill climb continues for second-year Texas Southern head coach Darrell Asberry as he attempts to rebuild the program.

The Tigers finished 2-9 in 2011 and are on probation for NCAA rules violations and have also been penalized for APR issues.

Nine defensive starters return with experience as Asberry hired veteran defensive coordinator Michael Vite to revamp the unit that ranked near the bottom of the conference in some of the major statistical category in 2012.

Defensive back Tray Walker will look to guide the defense finishing second on the team in interceptions to go along with 45 tackles (33 solo).

The offense will look for continuity and consistency behind veterans Edward Loving-Perkins and Fred Plummer.

Loving-Perkins led TSU in rushing and all purpose yards. He rushed for 541 yards averaging 4.4 yards per carry while finishing with three touchdowns. He added 254 yards as a kick returner ammassing 822 total yards averaging 74.7 per game. He opened 2012 as the SWAC's offensive player of the week.

Plummer, another bright spot on TSU's offense, led the Tigers in receptions with 34. He finished the year with 534 yards, averaging 15.7 per catch, to go with two touchdowns.

Help could be on the way. The Tigers' recruiting class, includes highly touted Aaron Hush, a 6-4, 290-pound defensive end. Hush signed with Temple out of high school, but was injured and ended up playing at Dean College in Massachusetts.

Running back Daveonn Porter was ranked No. 20 among junior college running backs last season while playing at Coahoma (Miss.) Community College. Porter will be counted on to rev up a ground game that averaged 96.2 yards a game.

 

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SSU Athletics and WGSA Announce New Broadcast Agreement for Football and Basketball

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  Savannah State University in conjunction with marketing partner Innovation Sports and Entertainment is proud to announce a new local television partnership with WGSA, the Savannah's CW Station. The partnership will make Savannah State Tigers' football and basketball games available over air in Savannah during the 2013-2014 academic year.

WGSA will carry three Savannah State home football games, and a select number of both men's and women's basketball home games.

WGSA will renew their coverage of SSU Athletics on September 14th when the Tigers take on Fort Valley State. WGSA will also broadcast the Tigers' October 12th contest against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Florida A&M. Finally, the Tigers' homecoming game versus North Carolina Central on October 26th will be the highlight of the football package. The broadcast dates for the men's and women's home basketball games will be announced once each of their schedules are finalized.

The current package is an enhancement to SSU and WGSA's first deal, which saw WGSA broadcast three men's basketball games and two women's basketball games during the 2012-2013 season. This year, WGSA will add football for the first time and more basketball games to the mix.

“We are excited to build upon our relationship with WGSA,” said Director of Athletics Sterling Steward. “It is important to build step-by-step and piece-by-piece. Televising our football games is a major step forward for the increased exposure it will bring our hard-working student-athletes. We are very happy that Savannah fans will be able to watch Coach Wilson's Tigers, in his first year at Savannah State.”

WGSA reaches over 335,000 households in the Savannah Designated Market Area (DMA).

WGSA can be found on channel 35.1 over the air in Savannah, on channel 13
/435 HD on Comcast systems locally, and on 34 on both DirectTV and DISH. ESPNU HD is carried on channel 396 on Comcast Digital cable, channel 208 on Direct TV and 141 on Dish Network.

About ISE Innovation Sports and Entertainment, a specialty division of the Innovation Group, is the exclusive marketing partner for Savannah State athletics. The Innovation Group of companies has been associated with more than $75 billion in investment decisions specific to the gaming, entertainment, hospitality and leisure sectors throughout the past 20 years.

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

MEAC Football Press Luncheon Kicks Off July 26

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host the annual Football Press Luncheon, Friday, July 26 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel (235 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA23510/ (757) 627-4200).  MEAC head football coaches and two student-athletes from each team will be on hand to offer an inside view on the upcoming 2013 football season. 

A limited number of tickets are available to the public for the press luncheon and can be purchased by calling Jamie Dennison at (757) 951-2055. Tickets are $30 per seat or $300 per table (10 persons) and must be purchased by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Click here to download the ticket order form.

Media members may obtain a credential for the luncheon and/or one-on-one interviews by completing an application found on www.MEACSports.com. One-on-one interviews will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. in the International Ballroom also at the Sheraton Waterside.

The 2013 MEAC football season kicks off on Thursday, August 29 featuring Hampton University in a non-conference matchup against Western Illinois. Additional MEAC teams including Howard, Morgan State, Norfolk State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State and South Carolina State will open their seasons on Saturday, August 31.  Bethune-Cookman will face Tennessee State on Sunday, September 1.

Florida A&M will also compete against Mississippi Valley State in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge also on Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, Sept. 1. Details and ticket information to be distributed at a later time.

RELATED CONTENT

2013 Ticket Order Form

 

Written By: MEAC Media Relations