SIAC Kickoff Luncheon Set for August 6th in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Georgia  -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) will host its 2013 Football Kickoff Luncheon on Tuesday, August 6  at the Holiday Inn Perimeter located on 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Atlanta, GA. The event will be streamed live, via Live U on the SIAC's website(www.thesiac.com) starting at 12:30 p.m. (EST).

The football media day will feature each SIAC head football coach and two-student athletes, who will provide insight on their respective programs for the upcoming 2013 season.

In addition, the SIAC will announce its 2013 Preseason All-SIAC teams and predicted order of finish, as voted by the SIAC Coaches Association.

Former Fort Valley State football player Tyrone Poole, a recent Division II Football Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Super Bowl Champion, will serve as keynote speaker for the event. Radio and Television personality, Doug Stewart, of the "2 Live Stews", will emcee the Kickoff luncheon.

A limited number of tickets are available to the public for the press luncheon and can be purchased by calling SIAC Associate Commissioner Ruben Perez at (404) 221-1041. Tickets are $15.00 per seat and must be purchased by Friday, August 2.

For members of the media who will be attending, please apply for credentials by visiting www.thesiac.com to complete the online application. All request will be accepted up until 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 1.

Kickoff for the 2013 SIAC season will commence Thursday evening, September 5, when Miles College will travel on the road against The University of North Alabama of the Gulf South Conference. Another marquee non-conference game will be Fort Valley State University against defending Division II National Champions Valdosta State University, also from the Gulf Soth Conference, Saturday, September 7th in Macon, GA for the Music City Classic.

In the only SIAC conference matchup of the weekend, Central State University will make its debut against Benedict College. Other SIAC teams in action include defending SIAC Champions Tuskegee University in the Louis Crews Classic against SWAC foe Alabama A&M, and Albany State University will play North Greenville University on the road. Stillman College will have its home opener against Concordia-Selma, while Lane College and Clark Atlanta University will start its season on the road against University of Virginia-Lynchburg and West Alabama respectively.

Morehouse College will close out the SIAC opening weekend against MEAC opponent Howard University at the 3rd Annual Nation's Classic in Washington, DC.

Media Credential Request Form

COURTESY THESIAC.COM

TSU Tigers Predicted to Place Third at OVC Media Day

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team was picked to finish third in the Ohio Valley Conference at Monday’s Media Day. The Tigers received a pair of first-place votes and 90 total points in the 2013 poll which is a vote of league head coaches and sports information directors.

 

The Tigers’ preseason ranking is the highest for the team since the 2002 season.

 

TSU got more good news when redshirt junior cornerback Steven Godbolt III was selected as the conference’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Last season, Godbolt ranked first nationally in interception per game (0.60), and hauled in six picks to go along with 45 tackles and six pass break ups.

 

Godbolt was also chosen to the Preseason All-OVC Team and joining him on the defensive side of the ball are senior defensive end Antonio Harper, junior linebacker Nick Thrasher and junior safety Daniel Fitzpatrick. Thrasher led the team in tackles last year (105) and tackles-for-loss (9.0) last season while Harper was second on the squad in sacks (3.5) and Fitzpatrick was first in pass breakups (8) and second in tackles (61).

 

On the offensive side, the Tigers had three players selected including preseason All-American tight end A.C. Leonard. Leonard had 51 catches for 733 yards and six touchdowns a year ago. Also on the team are senior left guard Kadeem Edwards and senior center Demetrius Rhaney.

 

Big Blue will open camp on Aug. 4 in preparation for the John Merritt Classic versus Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 1.

 

 

2013 OVC Preseason Football Predicted Order of Finish

1.  Eastern Illinois (12 first-place votes) - 122 points
2.  Eastern Kentucky (4) - 114
3. Tennessee State (2) - 90 
4. Jacksonville State - 87
5. UT Martin - 78
6. Murray State - 53
    Tennessee Tech - 53
8. Southeast Missouri - 35
9. Austin Peay – 16

 

2013 Preseason All-OVC Football Team

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Erik Lora (WR), Eastern Illinois
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Steven Godbolt III (CB), Tennessee State

 

OFFENSE
QB - Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois
RB - DaMarcus James, Jacksonville State
RB - Jaamal Berry, Murray State
WR - Erik Lora, Eastern Illinois
WR - Walter Powell, Murray State
TE - A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State
C - Demetrius Rhaney, Tennessee State
OG - Kadeem Edwards, Tennessee State
OG - Collin Seibert, Eastern Illinois
OT - Ben Stansfield, Austin Peay
OT - Tarik Milner, Jacksonville State
OT - Wesley Sherrill, Tennessee Tech

 

DEFENSE
DL - Pat Wertz, Eastern Illinois
DL - Shawn Shupperd, Eastern Kentucky
DL - Antonio Harper, Tennessee State
DL - DJ Roberts, UT Martin
LB - Anthony Brown, Eastern Kentucky
LB - Ben Johnson, UT Martin
LB - Ichiro Vance, Eastern Kentucky
LB - Nick Thrasher, Tennessee State
DB - Nick Beard, Eastern Illinois
DB - Steven Godbolt III, Tennessee State
DB - Brandon Stanley, Eastern Kentucky 
DB - Daniel Fitzpatrick, Tennessee State

 

SPECIALISTS
K - Cameron Berra, Eastern Illinois
P - Chad Zinchini, Tennessee Tech
RS - Walter Powell, Murray State

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Vote: MEAC/SWAC Challenge Walter Payton Achievement Award

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  --  As part of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on September 1 in Orlando, one player from each team will be awarded the Walter Payton Achievement Award for academic and on-field excellence. Who should receive the honor from Florida A&M University and Mississippi Valley State University?

MVSU's Kevin Eugene, Robert Simpson and Julian Stafford are on the ballot. Cast your vote now!

 CLICK HERE 

 

Courtesy SWAC.org
 

Alabama A&M's Tompkins resigns as Head Baseball Coach

HEAD COACH MICHAEL TOMPKINS

NORMAL, Alabama --  Second year head baseball coach Michael Tompkins has decided to resign to pursue other interest.

"I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that I was given here on "The Hill" by Bryan Hicks and the administration," said Tompkins. "I want to thank all of the players for all of the hard work that they put in and I wish them all of the best in their future endeavors."

"I will be pursuing a business opportunity in my home state of Washington with my wife Becky and be around family as we welcome our daughter Bailee next month. This was not an easy decision to make but a decision based on the well-being of my family."

In two years the youngest head coach in America improved the facilities at Bulldog baseball field adding a maroon wooden fence, railings in front of the dugouts, a covered hitting cage for the players and fencing around the home dugout area.

"I would like to thank Coach Michael Tompkins for his outstanding contributions to our baseball program," Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks mentioned. "We wish him and his family much success in his future endeavors."

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

College Sports Madness: Arkansas Pine Bluff Football Preview

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  Arkansas-Pine Bluff had an amazing 2012 campaign, culminating in a thrilling overtime win over Jackson State in the SWAC Championship. Coach Monte Coleman’s squad lost just two games and both of those were way back in September. The Golden Lions were simply on a roll. Now Coach Coleman has to keep that momentum heading in 2013.

2012 Record: (10-2, 8-1)
2012 Postseason: SWAC Championship
Coach: Monte Coleman (29-27 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 29-27 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Eric Dooley
Defensive Coordinator: Monte Coleman

Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Justin Billings, RB, 852 yards
Passing: Benjamin Anderson, QB, 2,346 yards
Receiving: Ladarius Eckwood, WR, 787 yards
Tackles: Xavier Lofton, LB, 107
Sacks: Damien Lee, DE, 5.5
Interceptions: David Watson, DB, 2

Other Key Returnees: WR Dezmond Beverly, LB Jer-ryan Harris, DB Gyovanni Harvey, DB Ryan Shaw, WR Willie Young.


WATCH IN 720p HD

CONTINUE READING 

Tennessee State picked third in OVC; QB still suspended

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Tennessee State was picked to finish third Monday at Ohio Valley Conference Football Media Day, and Mike German was listed as the Tigers starting quarterback.

As coach Rod Reed enters his fourth season he’s looking at both as nothing more than projections.

“Mike German is listed as the starter on paper and we’re ranked No. 3 on paper,” Reed said. “But that paper doesn’t mean anything.”

German’s status is still in limbo two weeks before the start of practice. He was suspended in March after being charged with felony vandalism. Reed said German and defensive back Joseph Johnson were charged with doing several thousand dollars worth of damage to a 2011 Ford Fiesta by dancing on its roof.

Johnson is no longer on the roster.



CONTINUE READING

FCS Executive Director of the Sports Network, discusses the state of FCS football and the OVC

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Craig Haley, the FCS Executive Director of the Sports Network, discusses the state of FCS football and the OVC at the OVC Football Media Day on July 22.



TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Fourth-year head coach Rod Reed has helped his alma mater improve in each of his first three seasons at Tennessee State.

 

Last year the Tigers started the season 7-0 and rose to as high as 17th in the national rankings before losing an overtime game at Jacksonville State. The team finished the season 8-3 overall, marking just the third eight-win campaign for the program over the last 13 years.

 

Reed, a linebacker while playing at TSU, will have another strong defensive unit this season after his team led the OVC in total defense (361.64 yards/game) last year. All 11 starters return from last season including Preseason OVC Defensive Player of the Year Steven Godbolt III. The junior cornerback ranked first nationally in interceptions/game (0.60), hauling in six picks to go along with 45 tackles, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 10 games last year.

 

Three other TSU defensive players were named preseason All-OVC, including senior lineman Antonio Harper, junior linebacker Nick Thrasher and junior defensive back Daniel Fitzpatrick. Thrasher led the team in tackles (105) and tackles-for-loss (9.0) last season while Harper was second in sacks (3.5) and Fitzpatrick was first in pass breakups (8) and second in tackles (61). Among the returning offensive players is All-American tight end A.C. Leonard, who had 51 catches for 733 yards last season, and preseason All-OVC offensive linemen Demetrius Rhaney and Kadeem Edwards.

Complete Preseason Release (PDF)  | Preseason All-OVC Team | 2013 OVC Football Media Guide | Media Day Photo Gallery

Preseason Q&A with SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  --  I got the chance to sit down with Southwestern Athletic Conference Commissioner Duer Sharp earlier this week. Check out what he had to say about moving the SWAC football championship from Birmingham to Houston, the state of the league and what he thinks the next step for the SWAC is in this Q&A.

Obviously, the big news was you guys moving the (conference championship) football game to Houston. But my question is, 'Because you've got the Magic City Classic here, which is the biggest game in all of black college football, did it make sense to try to expand the brand elsewhere since you've already got that game that's such a huge draw (in Birmingham)?

Sharp: "Well, you have brand in Houston too because we have ...

CONTINUE READING

CIAA South has some questions

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  --  CIAA football is right around the corner.

The league’s coaches and players will gather on July 25 at Winston-Salem State for the annual preseason media day. While a good bit of the discussion will center on who has what, the consensus is likely that Winston-Salem State is the team to beat on a conference and national level. The Rams, who open the season on Sept. 5 with a nationally televised game at UNC-Pembroke, are going for their third straight CIAA championship. As a result, the South Division has not only the league’s best team but the most intrigue. Here’s an overview of its programs and the question that has to be answered for a successful season:

Winston-Salem State The Rams, as has been the case since ...

CONTINUE READING

Hampton Pirates tabs Ferebee as offensive coordinator

HAMPTON, Virginia  --  Glen Ferebee loved coaching football and was obviously successful, but as a substitute teacher at Lakeland High supplemented only by a coaching stipend the past two years, he wondered if he would have to give up the profession in order to support his family.

Hampton University's Donovan Rose took notice of Lakeland's back-to-back playoff seasons under Ferebee in 2011 and '12 and hired him last winter as quarterbacks coach as part of a staff shakeup. Six months later, the 35-year-old Virginia Beach native is running the Pirates' offense.

"This was something I always wanted to do," Ferebee said Tuesday. "I enjoyed coaching high school, but I wanted to get to the next level and I appreciate Coach Rose giving me the opportunity. I didn't think I'd become an offensive coordinator this quickly, but I'm going to work just as hard as I can."

CONTINUE READING

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.

CONTINUE READING

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 .


WATCH IN 1080p HD FULL SCREEN

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.”


WATCH IN 720p HD

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.”

CONTINUE READING

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.



CONTINUE READING

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.

CONTINUE READING

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.


WATCH IN 1080p HD FULL SCREEN

CONTINUE READING

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

WATCH IN HD

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.

CONTINUE READING