NSU Football Mini Season Ticket Packages Now on Sale

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Norfolk State University's 2013 football mini season ticket packages are now on sale!

The four-game package includes tickets to the season-opener with Maine (Aug. 31), the Battle of the Bay game with Hampton (Oct. 19), the contest with cross-town opponent Old Dominion (Oct. 26) and the homecoming game with Florida A&M (Nov. 2). Tickets for the four-game package are $110 for reserved seats and $90 for general admission. The prices reflect a $10 savings over buying tickets to the four games individually.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.nsuspartanstickets.com or through the NSU Ticket Center on campus between the hours of 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Season ticket packages for all seven home games are still on sale through the ticket web site and on campus at the NSU Ticket Center. Single-game tickets will go on sale July 29. For more information, click here.

By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
Norfolk State University
NSUSPARTANS.COM

All-star running back Paul Robertson possible impact freshman at Hampton University

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University's three returning tailbacks rushed for a combined 307 yards on 69 carries last season. Paul Robertson ran 32 times for 426 yards in one game.

Now there's no overstating the jump from high school to college football, but those jarring numbers illustrate the impact Robertson could have as a true freshman at Hampton this year after a breakout 2012 at L.C. Bird High School near Richmond.

"Paul has a great opportunity," Pirates coach Donovan Rose said. "It's a matter of who comes in and is ready to go. We don't start practice until July 31. I can tell you a little more once I see him in a Hampton uniform."

Fans can catch Robertson in uniform ...


Paul Robertson (5-10/190) rushed for 2,935 yards (14 games) for undefeated L.C. Bird High School, Richmond during the 2012 season, winning Virginia's Division 6 (highest classification) State Championship.  Robertson was named player of the year by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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MEAC Announces 2013 Football Television Schedule

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The MEAC announced its 2013 television football slate today featuring seven exciting matchups scheduled to telecast on ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN News, ESPN3 and ESPN Classic. The nationally televised games are a part of the MEAC’s ongoing partnership with ESPN.

“We are excited to feature a competitive 2013 MEAC football television schedule on the ESPN networks,” said MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas.  “The MEAC’s partnership with ESPN offers unique opportunities to highlight our talented student-athletes, coaches, and institutions on a global landscape.”

The 2013 television scheduled kicks off with the ninth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney featuring Florida A&M and Mississippi Valley State on Sunday, Sept. 1 in Orlando, Fla..  The game will air live at 11:45 a.m. ET on ESPN.

The ESPNU Thursday night lineup kicks off with Howard at North Carolina A&T at Aggie Stadium on September 26.  South Carolina State will travel to Durham, North Carolina on October 10 to face North Carolina Central in the second Thursday night matchup.  The Bulldogs will host Morgan State in Orangeburg, South Carolina in the final Thursday night game on November 14.  All ESPNU Thursday night matchups are televised live at 7:30 p.m.

The Saturday slate begins with Hampton at South Carolina State on September 28 live on ESPN3 at 2 p.m.  The game will also air on Sunday, September 29 at 8 a.m. on ESPNU.  The Bulldogs face North Carolina A&T in the Atlanta Football Classic on October 5.  The game will kickoff at 4 p.m. live on ESPN3 and air on ESPNU at 10:30 p.m.

Bethune-Cookman will take on North Carolina Central on November 2 live beginning at noon on an ESPN News.

The 2013 MEAC football television schedule wraps up with the Florida Classic featuring Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M.  The game will air live on ESPN Classic and will re-air on ESPNU on November 24. 

All games will also be available on computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox and Apple TV via WatchESPN .


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2013 MEAC Television Schedule

Date                Game               Network                      Broadcast        Time

Sept. 1	Florida A&M v. Mississippi Valley State  (MEAC/SWAC Challenge)	ESPN	11:45 a.m.
Sept. 26	Howard at North Carolina A&T	ESPNU	7:30 p.m.
Sept. 28	Hampton at South Carolina State	ESPNU/ESPN3	2:00 p.m.*
Oct. 5	South Carolina State vs. North Carolina A&T	ESPNU/ESPN3	4 p.m.**
Oct. 10	South Carolina State at North Carolina Central	ESPNU	7:30 p.m.
Nov. 2	Bethune-Cookman at North Carolina Central	ESPN News	Noon
Nov. 14	Morgan State at South Carolina State	ESPNU	7:30 p.m.
Nov. 23	Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M	ESPN Classic/ESPNU	2 p.m.***

* Game will be available live on ESPN3 at time listed; will air on ESPNU tape-delayed Sept. 29 at 8 a.m.

**Game will be available live on ESPN3 at time listed; will air later that day on ESPNU at 10:30 p.m.

***Game will be available live on ESPN Classic; will air on ESPNU tape-delayed Nov. 24 

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Kentucky transfer running back likes what he sees in S.C. State football

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  The University of Kentucky transfer, who has four years of eligibility, is determined to do what’s necessary to make an immediate impact with the Bulldogs.

“Versatile and a lead back,” said Taylor about his role. “I’m here to get it. They know I’m here to get it and I’m here to help this team win.”


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Before stepping foot in Orangeburg, the 5-10, 208-pound Atlanta native made it clear he would do more than lead by example. With last year’s leading rusher Jalen “Scoot” Simmons out following shoulder surgery and joining a team that had its worst showing under head coach Buddy Pough, Taylor has looked to inspire his fellow Bulldogs during summer workouts.

“So far, I’ve been in the weight room grinding with my team,” he said. “I give words of wisdom after we’re done working out. I tell them that I’m here for them. Whatever they need, I’ve got it for them. We’ve just been putting in the work together. I’ve been showing them that I’m here to help them.”

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Southern U's Banks to speak at LHSCA Coaches Clinic Tuesday

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University men's basketball coach Roman Banks has been selected to serve as a guest speaker Tuesday, July 23 during the 2013 Louisiana High School Coaches Association Coaches Clinic at the Baton Rouge Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Banks will address attendants of the 2-day LHSAA sponsored clinic during a 10 a.m. session entitled Building a Program: Daily Operations Classroom to Court Work.

The Shreveport native guided the Southern men's basketball program from NCAA sanctioned academic penalties in 2011 to a SWAC Tournament title in 2013. Banks, along with his coaching staff, served as academic liaisons managing every aspect of the team's academic success from setting class schedule to monitoring mandatory study hall.

For more info on the 2013 LHSCA Coaches Clinic, log on to lhsaa.org.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Drum Corps International to blast away at Alabama A&M

NORMAL, Alabama  --  Pride, pageantry and pure guts. The exciting sights and sounds of DCI International (DCI) soon will blast the stands of Louis Crews Stadium at Alabama A&M University.

The 2013 DCI Tour will visit North Alabama on July 27 at 6:30 p.m. The schedule offers an impressive lineup of corps with marching bands' elite musicians and performers.

Among the groups in the tour lineup, two corps promise to be hometown favorites. Spirit of Atlanta, based in its namesake city, and Music City Drum & Bugle Corps of Nashville consistently have members who are from the Tennessee Valley.

Other corps include Blue Knights, Denver, Colo.; Blue Stars, La Crosse, Wis.; Boston Crusaders, Boston, Mass; Cascades, Seattle, Wash.; Colts, Dubuque, Iowa; Crossmen, San Antonio, Texas; Jersey Surf, Camden County, N.J.; Madison Scouts, Madison, Wis.; Oregon Crusaders, Portland, Ore.; Pacific Crest, Diamond Bar, Calif.; Pioneer, Milwaukee, Wis.; The Academy, Tempe, Ariz.; and Troopers, Casper, Wyo.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with show time at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25 to 35. Groups of 20 or more will receive a $5 discount. Prices increase by $5 on show day.

DCI first organized more than 30 years ago. The nonprofit organization has influenced many thousands of youth in musical and educational growth. Practically every high school band in the Southeast now has adopted the corps style of uniforms, music and entertaining marching patterns and high-energy shows.

More than 8,000 youth audition each year for less than 3,500 positions in DCI organizations. Most corps members are male (66 percent). A corpsman's average age is just over 19 years old. Full-time college students, many pursuing music education degrees, account for 72 percent of memberships.

For seating information for persons with disabilities, call DCI offices at 317-275-1212. To purchase tickets, visit dci.org/huntsville.
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Long, WSSU signee, excelling in summer-league basketball

LEWISVILLE, North Carolina - Nate Long, an incoming freshman at Winston-Salem State, is getting a crash course on playing college basketball.

“It’s more physical than in high school, and there’s a lot of quickness out here,” said Long, a 6-5 wing player from Mount Tabor High School who is playing in the Triad Pro-Am League at Forsyth Country Day for the first time. “I realize what I have to work on if I want to be a successful at the next level.”

Long could get away with a lot in high-school basketball — he usually could bail himself out with his athleticism if he got in trouble. In college, even at the Division II level, he’ll need to be more disciplined.



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MEAC/SWAC Challenge by Disney: MVSU's Willie Totten and David "Deacon"Jones Honored

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  --  Former Mississippi Valley State quarterback Willie Totten and defensive lineman David "Deacon" Jones will be two of five former HBCU standouts to be honored Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. EST at the MEAC/SWAC Legends Reception in Orlando, hosted by ESPN.

The reception serves as one of several activities prior to the 2013 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney, which pits Mississippi Valley State against Florida A&M at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Other honorees include award-winning choreographer Chuck Maldonado (North Carolina A&T), radio personality Charlie Neal (Villanova University), and author Lucille O'Neal.

For more information about MEAC/SWAC Legends Reception and the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, September 1 – MVSU vs. Florida A&M, go to www.meacswacchallenge.com.

FAMU preseason football magazine available

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  FAMU alum Irvin Mills didn’t mind waiting for this year’s edition of a preseason football magazine that’s exclusively about FAMU football. He figured he’d waited six decades before Eddie Jackson published the first edition three years ago, so what’s a few months.

Mills purchased 29 copies as soon as the 96-page magazine became available Thursday.

“For 60 years I’ve been waiting for this kind of magazine to find out about FAMU football; what they’re doing, how they are doing it and things of that sort,” Mills said.

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Alabama State football: ASU's Jones boasts plenty of SWAC rivals

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Some players arrive at Alabama State knowing little about the tradition, having to learn from older players about the rivalries in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Carlton Jones knows them all first hand.

All he needs for a refresher course is a trip home for a family gathering over the holidays.

“I have a sister that goes to Jackson State, an older brother that just graduated from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a cousin that plays basketball at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and another cousin that plays baseball at Southern,” said Jones, the senior defensive end. “Everybody is my rival. If we go to Louisiana, we have to beat (Southern and Grambling). Pine Bluff, I have to beat them. Jackson State, that’s a must.”

It’s bad enough twin sister Calandra is a student at Jackson State.


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Bluefield State to Apply to Great Midwest Athletic Conference

BLUEFIELD, West Virgina  --  At a special meeting of the Bluefield State College Board of Governors on July 11, 2013, the Board authorized President Krotseng to begin the application process for membership in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) by submitting a formal “Letter of Interest” to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Office.

The Great Midwest Athletic Conference has received official approval from the NCAA Division II Membership Committee (July 12, 2013), recognizing the Conference as an active NCAA Division II conference.  Recently the G-MAC officially expanded to ten member institutions and with the recent advancement of Ursuline College into active DII status, the conference consists of eight active NCAA DII institutions.

Active Members include: Alderson Broaddus University (Philippi, WV), Cedarville University (Cedarville, Ohio), Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio), Davis & Elkins College (Elkins, WV), Kentucky Wesleyan College (Owensboro, KY), Ohio Valley University (VieSalem International University (Salem, WV), and Ursuline College (Pepper Pike, Ohio).

Trevecca Nazarene University (Nashville, TN), who received news July 12, 2013 that they have moved into the Provisional Year of the NCAA Membership Process, and Georgetown College (Georgetown, KY), a G-MAC provisional member who will apply for NCAA Division II membership in February of 2014 wrap up the conference membership.

The NCAA Division II Bluefield State Blues are in search of a new conference as their current conference, the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) ends its 89 year rein this month.  Nine of the WVIAC football playing members moved to form the Mountain East Conference.  The other members like the Blues, are evaluating their options, elsewhere.

The college community will be provided updates in a timely manner as this process moves forward.

West Virginia State University Sports Studies Program Earns National Recognition

INSTITUTE, West Virginia  --  The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has renewed West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Sports Studies program’s distinction as the only one in the state recognized through the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP).

“To have our program recognized by the NSCA demonstrates the commitment of WVSU and the program’s faculty and students to educational excellence in our chosen field,” said Dr. Aaron Settle, associate professor and program director of the Bachelor of Science in Sports Studies.

“We are so very proud of our recent graduates who serve their communities in productive work ranging from conducting research with national level track and field athletes to serving as strength and conditioning coaches, athletic coaches, youth sport directors and attending graduate school.”

The NSCA-ERP recognizes regionally accredited academic institutions for their educational programs that have met, and continue to meet, educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA.

ERP recognitions are good for three years and schools are eligible for renewal following this three-year period.

WVSU was initially accepted into the NSCA-ERP in July 2010.

For more information about NSCA or its educational programs, visit www.nsca-lift.org, or for more information about the Sports Studies program at WVSU contact Dr. Aaron Settle at (304) 766-3367 or asettle1@wvstateu.edu.

West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research. 

Kentucky State Women's Basketball Announces 2013-14 Schedule

FRANKFORT, Kentucky  --   Kentucky State University head women's basketball coach Serena King-Coleman has announced the Thorobrettes 2013-14 schedule. The schedule features a total of 26 regular season games including 17 SIAC contests.

Coach King-Coleman, who joined the KSU staff prior to the 2010-11 season, is entering her fourth year as head coach of the Thorobrettes. King-Coleman has accumulated a 41-41 overall record in her time as head coach at KSU.

The Thorobrette's will begin the 2013-14 campaign on the road at the Livingstone College Classic in Salisbury, N.C. KSU will play Virginia University of Lynchburg on Nov. 8 at 6:00 PM. In their second game of the classic Kentucky State will match-up with host Livingstone College at 5:00 PM.

On Nov. 16, Kentucky State will head to Wilberforce, Ohio to take on rival Central State University. This will be the first of two meetings between the teams with the Marauders heading to Frankfort in February.

Next the Thorobrettes will head to Bellarmine University for a two-game tournament in Louisville, Ky. In their first game, KSU will face host school, Bellarmine, on Nov. 22. The next day, Nov. 23, Kentucky State will face either Ferris State or Nova Southeastern in their final game of the event.

After that, Kentucky State continues its road trip with a pair of games in West Virginia. KSU will play West Virginia State on Nov. 30 before traveling to face Bluefield State on Dec. 1.

Next the Thorobrettes return home for their final game of the 2013 calendar year when they match-up with the University of Southern Indiana on Dec. 5.

Once they return to campus, Kentucky State will begin conference play with its tough SIAC schedule. The Thorobrettes finished the 2012-13 regular season 10-6 in SIAC action, finishing second in the SIAC West standings.

KSU will start with a game on the road against Albany State University in Albany, Ga.

After that, the Thorobrettes return home for a pair of games starting with Fort Valley State on Jan. 4. Then on Jan. 6, KSU will take on last year's SIAC champion, Clark Atlanta University, with tip-off set for 5:30 PM.

Kentucky State then hits the road for three straight conference road games. First, the Thorobrettes will play a pair of game in South Carolina starting with Claflin University on Jan. 9 and then Benedict College on Jan. 11. KSU will finish their road trip against Paine College on Jan. 13 in Augusta, Ga. Last season, the Thorobrettes defeated Paine, 73-70, in the opening round of the SIAC Championship Tournament.

Next for KSU will be a pair of home games against SIAC West division rivals. The Thorobrettes start with a game against last season's regular season SIAC West division champion Tuskegee University on Jan. 18. Kentucky State then matches up with Stillman College on Jan. 20 with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 PM.

After their home stand, KSU will hit the road to take on Miles College on Jan. 25 and LeMoyne-Owen College on Jan. 27.

The Thorobrettes then return home to face Lane College on Jan. 30 with tip-off set for 6:00 PM.

In their first game of February, the Thorobrettes head to Wilberforce, Ohio to take on Wilberforce University on Feb. 3.

On Feb. 6, KSU will start their final home stand of the season with a game against LeMoyne-Owen. Then on Feb. 8 the Thorobrettes will take on Miles College at 1:00 PM. On Feb. 10, the Thorobreds will finish their two game season series against the Marauders of Central State in their annual match-up at the Frankfort Convention Center located in downtown Frankfort, Ky.

Kentucky State will spend their final three games of the regular season on the road, starting with a match-up against Lane College on Feb. 15. After that, KSU travels to Tuskegee University on Feb. 20 and then finishes the season against Stillman College on Feb. 22.

The 2014 SIAC Championship Tournament will once again be held in Atlanta, Ga. Morehouse College will host the tournament from March 3-8 at the Forbes Arena.

2013-14 Kentucky State University Women's Basketball Schedule
2013-14 KSU Incoming Recruiting Class



COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Tennessee State University Football Season Tickets On Sale Now

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TSU 2013 Football Schedule

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

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

Season Ticket Price - $85

Faculty/Staff Price - $75

Kids 12 and under - $50 (Parents must specify at time of purchase)

Young Alumni Package - $50 (Must be listed among TSU graduates from 2008-Present)

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

Single Game Tickets at LP Field – Range from $15 - $35
Single Game Ticket at Hale Stadium - $15
** Tickets increase by $5 on gameday**

Single Game Tickets go on sale July 22, 2013

For Season Tickets - Call 615-963-5841

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

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn State Head Coach Jay Hopson Speaks at Mississippi Association of Coaches All Sports Clinic

JAY HOPSON, HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
(Courtesy: Alcorn State Athletics)

LORMAN, Mississippi  --  On July 17, head football coach spoke at the 58th annual Mississippi Association of Coaches All Sports Clinic in Jackson, Mississippi.  Many consider it the un-official start to the beginning of yet another year of prep sports.

The 58th annual Mississippi Association of Coaches All Sports Clinic got underway Wednesday here at the Hilton Hotel in the state's Capital City. The three day event attracts over 500 prep coaches from all types of sports from across the state for the three day event.

And once again, not only is the list of notable speakers for the clinic littered with big names in the coaching world, but it also has a local flavor.

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Johnson's Mortimer, Muhammad select colleges --SCSU and SSU

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  Johnson High graduate Greg Mortimer had some specific goals in mind before his final season of basketball as an Atom Smasher, and he checked them off his list one by one in a season that culminated in a Class AAA state championship.

Today Mortimer will achieve another objective when he signs to play Division I basketball at South Carolina State University.

Mortimer, a 6-foot-3 guard, joins teammates Tim Quarterman (LSU) and Saadiq Muhammad (Savannah State), who also signed with Division I programs.

“I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old, so this is a great feeling to be able to play at the next level,” said Mortimer, who averaged 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season.



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Benedict College Tigers To Face Virginia State Trojans In 41st. New York Urban League Classic

NEW YORK, N.Y.  --  The New York Urban League has announced that Benedict College will take on Virginia State University in the 41st Annual New York Urban League Classic on September 14 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Tickets for the Classic are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

Benedict and Virginia State were originally scheduled to meet in Ettrick, Va., before being invited to participate in one of the nation's top Classics. The Classic is always filled with fun, friends, food, and an exciting game enjoyed by thousands of fans.

This year's game is being generously sponsored by The Daily News, Enterprise, Hot 97, Miller Coors, MCU and UPS.

Arva Rice, President and CEO of the New York Urban League, commented, "We are thrilled to announce this year's Football Classic will again be held at MetLife Stadium with two outstanding HBCUs.  We are thrilled to partner with these two schools not only on the Football game, but also on our efforts to encourage more students of colors' interest in Science, Technology , Engineering and Math (STEM)."

Benedict Head Football Coach James Woody, "I coached in this Classic when I was a coach at Central State, so I know what a great Classic this is. We are really, really excited about playing in it. It is a great opportunity for our alumni base in the Northeast area. We want to pack the house with purple and gold."

Benedict College Athletic Director Willie Washington said Benedict is honored to be selected to participate in this Classic.

This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes, our alumni and fans to take part in one of the nation's top Classics. Playing in MetLife Stadium will be an incredible experience for our student-athletes, something they will remember for the rest of their lives. We are excited and honored to be a part of this year's Classic.

"NYUL Football Chair Anwar Ismael encouraged New Yorkers from every HBCU to be part of this unique east coast tradition, "Whatever school you graduated from, we're bringing HOMECOMING WEEKEND to you at MetLife Stadium. Grab your family, your friends, your frat, your sorors, your congregation and fire up the grill—But first get your ticket! You don't want to miss a southern style Battle of the Bands, and a tailgating experience like no other."
 


The Football Classic weekend includes a number of signature events that are as follows:

President's Reception - Friday, September 13th, 2013

This invitation-only cocktail reception will provide the opportunity for New York Urban League partners, football classic sponsors, board members, participating University officials, VIP celebrity guests, corporate executives and other professionals to network in an exclusive environment leading up to the Classic.

Braggin'  Rights - Sponsored by MillerCoors Friday, September 13th, 2013

The OFFICIAL Pre-Game Party of the NYUL Football Classic 2013 is an upscale nightlife soiree at a premiere event space located in ultra trendy Manhattan. Evening highlights include a LIVE DJ set hosted by NYUL Young Professionals.

Coaches Club –A VIP Experience Saturday, September 14th, 2013

The Coaches Club is the location of the NYUL Football Classic game day VIP party. This VIP offering is the ultimate, premium fan  experience, for people who want the most unique seats in sports. The Club provides exclusive access to unmatched field level views and offers a private, on-field deck just five yards behind the home team's bench.

Kids Kick-It! © - An Interactive Football Experience for kids ages 6-15, Saturday, September 14th, 2013

Kid's Kick It! is a skills competition that allows youth the opportunity to compete against peers in their age group. Young people get to display their football skills in punting, kicking and passing the ball in an effort to become the leading participant in their age category.

Please follow the New York Urban League @NYUrbanLeague or on Facebook for celebrity and half-time show announcements, ticket giveaways and promotions.   

About the New York Urban League
The New York Urban League (NYUL) has been part of the national network of Urban Leagues since 1919.  The mission of the NYUL is to enable African Americans and other underserved ethnic communities to secure a first class education, economic self-reliance, and equal respect of their civil rights through programs, services and advocacy in our highly diversified city.  Over its 93 year history, the NYUL has been at the forefront of change, from leading efforts to creating a public school system in New York, to developing street academies that served nearly 2,000 young people, to advocating on behalf of workers who found themselves unemployed due to egregious acts of discrimination and a slow job market. The League has built a legacy and continues its service along that path today.

Headquartered in Harlem, the New York Urban League serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx. Our current service areas are Employment and Education Services and advocacy on behalf of these two areas.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION 

Schoffel column: FAMU's Shouppe first pitch is a strike

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  During his 21 years as a Florida State assistant, Jamey Shouppe probably thought about this moment countless times.

What would he say during his first press conference as a Division-I head baseball coach?

Would he make promises about his players being true student-athletes? Would he pledge to bring ample supplies of innovation and hard work to the job? Would he pay respect to his new school’s tradition while also vowing there would be better days ahead?

Would he deliver messages that would be inspirational but also realistic?



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WSSU football team ranked sixth in preseason poll

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Winston-Salem State’s football team, coming off a school and CIAA best 14-1 record, is ranked sixth in Lindy’s Football Annual Division II preseason poll.

The Rams, who made it to the national championship game last season, lost to Valdosta State 35-7. Valdosta State, the defending national champions, grabbed the preseason No. 1 spot in Lindy’s poll with West Texas A&M second.
Also in Lindy’s preseason poll is Lenoir-Rhyne at No. 20 and Tuskegee, who the Rams play in Cleveland on Sept. 21, is ranked No. 23.

In another preseason poll by The Sporting News the Rams are ranked 11th.

Minnesota State is No. 1 in the Sporting News preseason poll with Shippensburg second followed by West Texas A&M and Valdosta State. Tuskegee is ranked 19th by The Sporting News.

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Lindy's Division II Pre-Season Top 25
1. Valdosta State
2. West Texas A&M
3. Northwest Missouri State
4. Minnesota State-Mankato
5. Shippensburg
6. Winston-Salem State
7. IUP
8. Colorado State-Pueblo
9. Henderson State
10. Bloomsburg
11. New Haven
12. Missouri Western State
13. Indianapolis
14. Chadron State
15. Midwestern State
16. Winona State
17. Ashland
18. Harding
19. West Alabama
20. Lenoir-Rhyne
21. Saginaw Valley State
22. Grand Valley State
23. Tuskegee
24. Pittsburg State
25. Minnesota-Duluth

Sporting News DII Preview Top 25
1. Minnesota State
2. Shippensburg
3. West Texas A & M
4. Valdosta State
5. Ashland
6. Missouri Western
7. Duluth
8. New Haven
9. Carson-Newman
10. CSU-Pueblo
11. Winston-Salem State
12. Northwest Missouri State
13. Midwestern State
14. Lenoir-Rhyne
15. Grand Valley
16. Henderson St
17. Bloomsburg
18. West Alabama
19. Tuskegee
20. Chadron St
21. St. Cloud St
22. IUP
23. Indianapolis
24. Charleston
25. Miles

SWAC notebook: Shifting to Houston is ‘huge’ for league’s future

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — This city may still be the home office of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but the SWAC is looking west for new markets to conquer.

The SWAC has signed a pair of three-year deals to move its football championship game and its basketball tournaments to Houston. The football game, set for Dec. 7, will be played at the Houston Texans’ Reliant Stadium. The basketball tournaments will be in March at the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets.

Those facilities, plus the ability to bring its premier championships to one of the nation’s largest markets, is what made Houston so appealing, SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said.

“To go from where we play now to NBA and NFL facilities is huge for our student-athletes and our SWAC fans,” he said Monday at Football Media Day.



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SU Jaguars, Grambling building to regain old-time success

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  — A stage light beamed down upon Dawson Odums as he waited in the glare for the moderator’s question.

Debuting at SWAC Media Day, the act is nothing new since the first-year Southern football coach’s tenure started as an ad hoc move nearly a year ago. Filling the breach after Stump Mitchell’s firing, Odums endured a long stretch before his interim tag was removed in December.



Eight months brought plenty of firsts, too. A first signing day, a first spring practice and Monday’s first trip to the Birmingham Marriott, where Odums sat on a barstool-style chair while his peers fielded questions and he mulled his own response.

So when asked whether Southern, which is coming off three losing seasons in a row, is poised for a revival, Odums calmly laid down his edict.

“It’s not about ...

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Rabalais: Doug Williams is key for Grambling State

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  -- Doug Williams doesn’t usually do humble.

The man has been a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and MVP, is in the College Football and Black College Football halls of fame, and in seven seasons during two stints as Grambling’s coach led his alma mater to four Southwestern Athletic Conference championships and three black college football national titles.



But that was before 2012. An improbable SWAC championship season in his first year back at Grambling in 2011 was followed by a 1-10 debacle last fall.

It wasn’t as though the Tigers were constantly outclassed. There was a 56-0 trouncing by TCU, sure, but five of Grambling’s losses were by seven points or fewer. That included a 24-17 loss to eventual SWAC champion Arkansas-Pine Bluff and a 38-33 loss to archrival Southern in the Bayou Classic.

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Arkansas-Pine Bluff looking for SWAC league title repeat to make statement

MONTE COLEMAN
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
UAPB GOLDEN LIONS

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  --  Linebacker Jer-ryan Harris still isn’t convinced Arkansas-Pine Bluff has made believers out of its Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals.

The Golden Lions won their first outright SWAC title last season and are the picks to repeat as West Division champions going into this season but now feel they must prove they’re not one-year wonders.

“

I believe last season got us an added respect level but at the same time, I also feel like teams are still kind of looking at it like that was luck,” Harris said Monday at SWAC media day. “I believe that in order for us to actually get the respect we deserve, we will have to repeat. That’s kind of the mind-set all the players have.”

The results of balloting by ...

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South Carolina State To Make FOUR ESPN Appearances

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- The South Carolina State football team will make four appearances on ESPN this fall, according to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) 2013 television football schedule announced Friday,  July 19 . A total of eight league matchups are scheduled on ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN News, ESPN3 and ESPN Classic. The nationally televised games are a part of the conference's ongoing partnership with ESPN.

The 2013 television scheduled kicks off with the ninth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney featuring Florida A&M and Mississippi Valley State on Sunday, Sept. 1 in Orlando, Fla.,.  The game will air live at 11:45 a.m. ET on ESPN.

The ESPNU Thursday night lineup kicks off with Howard at North Carolina A&T at Aggie Stadium on September 26.  South Carolina State will travel to Durham, North Carolina on October 10 to face North Carolina Central in the second Thursday night matchup.  The Bulldogs then return home to host Morgan State in the final Thursday night game on November 14 in Orangeburg, SC.  All ESPNU Thursday night matchups are televised live at 7:30 p.m.

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NCCU'S Frazier Joins Area Coaches for Triangle/East Pigskin Preview

DURHAM, North Carolina – North Carolina Central University football head coach Henry Frazier III will join four other head coaches from the area for the 11th annual Bill Dooley Triangle/East Pigskin Preview at the Embassy Suites (Harrison Blvd., Cary) on Thursday, July 25.

Frazier will appear with Duke coach David Cutcliffe, North Carolina coach Larry Fedora, N.C. State coach Dave Doeren and East Carolina University coach Ruffin McNeill in discussing their teams' prospects for the upcoming season.

Registration for the event, which has annually kicked off the start of football season for area coaches, begins at 11:30 a.m. Thursday and lunch begins at 12:00 p.m.

Tickets for the luncheon, organized by the Bill Dooley Triangle/East Chapter of the National Football Foundation, are $60 for individuals. Table sponsorships are available for $600, $1,000 and $1,500.

All proceeds from the event and the auction of autographed items following lunch will go to the NFF and College Hall of Fame scholarship program.

Fans can reserve their spot for the Pigskin Preview at www.raleighchamber.org

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION