S.C. State band leader selected IMA guest conductor

Eddie Ellis

Director of Bands

South Carolina State University

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- Eddie Ellis, director of bands at South Carolina State University, has been selected to serve as guest conductor for the 54th annual Intercollegiate Music Association’s Conference at Norfolk State University next February.

Ellis said he was “totally taken by surprise” when IMA President Dr. Adolph E. Wright issued the invitation.

“The highest honor one can receive is one of commendation by your peers,” Ellis said. “Whenever you are asked to be a guest conductor for a conference it is an honor. This very prestigious invitation is one that I will cherish.”

Ellis is responsible for all band programs and activities at S.C. State, where he has conducted the symphonic band, the wind ensemble and the Marching 101 Band.

Under his direction...

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Florida A&M Holmes seeks perfect balance

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  When he meets with reporters today during MEAC Media Day, Earl Holmes likely will field questions about whether his FAMU football team is going to be more defense-oriented than it has been in the past.

Holmes, after all, made a name for himself in college and the NFL by tormenting any offensive player with the ball. But the Rattlers’ first-year head coach insists he is focused on more than just defense.

“Yes, I’m a defensive-minded coach, but I understand what it takes to win games,” Holmes said. “Defense wins championships, but at the same time you’re going to need some offense.

“You want to be balanced regardless because ...

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Bowie State Bulldogs Football Predicted To Finish Sixth Overall In CIAA

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The Bowie State University football team has been predicted to finish 6th in the CIAA and 3rd in the Northern Division according to the 2013 conference preseason poll, which was released during the league's football press conference at the Reaves Center on the Winston-Salem State University campus.

The Bulldogs return 39 lettermen including 16 starters from last year's squad. Bowie State finished the 2012 campaign with a 5-5 overall record and 2-5 record in the CIAA.

Senior defensive tackle Oladimeji (5-11, 240, Washington, D.C.), junior tight end Khari Lee (6-4, 235, Baltimore, Md.), fellow junior center Austin Hochman (6-5, 284, Annapolis, Md.) and sophomore defensive back Curtis Pumphrey (5-8, 155, Laurel, Md.) were selected to the 2013 All-CIAA Preseason Team. The conference Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason Team are voted on by the CIAA Football Coaches Association.

The defending CIAA Champions of Winston-Salem State University were selected to finish as the top team in the conference in 2013 followed by Elizabeth City State University, St. Augustine's University, Chowan University and Shaw University made up the top five teams. Bowie State was voted as the sixth overall ranked team in the conference followed by Johnson C. Smith University, Virginia Union University, Fayetteville State University, Virginia State University, Livingstone College and Lincoln (Pa.).

Bowie State will open up the season on September 7th, making a non-conference road trip to Manchester, N.H. to face the St. Anselm College Hawks at 1 pm. St. Anselm is a member of the Northeast-10 Conference and finished the 2012 season with an overall record of 2-9 (1-7 in the conference).

CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish
1. Winston-Salem State University
2. Elizabeth City State University
3. St. Augustine's University
4. Chowan University
5. Shaw University
6. Bowie State University
7. Johnson C. Smith University
8. Virginia Union University
9. Fayetteville State University
10. Virginia State University
11. Livingstone College
12. Lincoln University (PA)

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY

CIAA Media Day: Livingstone’s preseason ranking will be motivation

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Livingstone football players reporting to camp on August 12 will find an unwelcome surprise in their locker.

It’ll be a sheet of paper with the CIAA predicted final standings and it’ll show Livingstone picked to finish 11th in the 12-team league and last in the Southern Division.

New coach Daryl Williams is a realist, but he was a little surprised at the ranking during CIAA Media Day at Winston-Salem State on Thursday.

The favorite word in his vocabulary is “standard.” You find out quickly the requirements at Livingstone are different now. Williams’ business card states at the bottom ‘The standard is the standard.’

“We’ve created a standard throughout our whole building,” Williams said. “We always say ‘Did you meet the standard?’ ”

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Howard University Bison Athletics Receives Major Academic Recognition from NCAA and MEAC

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  Howard University student athletes rank among the best in the nation. Both NCAA and the MEAC have recently announced major academic honors for high-performing athletes at Howard.

“Howard University has a tradition of academic excellence,” said Howard University Director of Athletics Louis “Skip” Perkins. “We are very proud of the recent recognition from the NCAA and MEAC Commissioner. These represent the hard work, commitment and dedication of our student athletes, coaches and athletics staff.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference recently named Howard University the top institution in the conference for producing academic all-stars. MEAC named 101 student-athletes from Howard to the 2013 Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. The Howard total beat all other institutions in the 13-member conference.

The Bison women’s cross-country team was recognized recently by the NCAA for producing an Academic Progress Rate (APR) in the top 10 percent nationally for their respective sport in 2011-12. The APR provides a real-time look at a team’s academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship.

NCAA President Mark Emmert in a letter to AD Perkins lauded Howard Athletics. “These teams represent intercollegiate athletics at its best,” Emmert said.  “Once again, I congratulate you, the head coach, student-athletes, athletics department and institution for the outstanding academic achievements.” Last year proved to be another exemplary academic year for Bison Athletics. Howard reported an impressive 68 percent graduation rate for its student athletes. The cumulative GPA for student athletes was 3.08; nearly half of all athletes held GPAs above 3.0.

ABOUT HOWARD                                                             Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 30 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University's Web site at www.howard.edu.

JCSU picked fourth in CIAA South

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Johnson C. Smith is expected to finish near the bottom of the CIAA South in a preseason poll of the league's football coaches. 

The Golden Bulls, who went 6-4 last season and 5-2 in CIAA play, were picked behind two-time champ and national runner-up Winston-Salem State, St. Augustine's and Shaw. JCSU finished second in the South in 2012 by winning its final four games.

“It’s about building a foundation, and we’ve done that, now we have to turn the corner and succeed despite any adversity,” JCSU coach Steve Aycock said. “We’re doing some good things at JCSU, but we will continue to show humility and strive to reach the mountain top.”

Elizabeth City State, which went ...

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UAPB aiming to ensure respect with SWAC repeat

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 league coaches and sports information directors and media members made it evident Pine Bluff's peers are starting to come around. The Golden Lions are led by preseason SWAC offensive player of the year Ben Anderson at quarterback and had nine players picked as first-team all-conference.

 

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Kitto and August sign scholarships to run for XU Gold Rush

NEW ORLEANS — Brent Kitto of Chalmette, La., and Christopher August of Spring, Texas, has have signed scholarships with Xavier University of Louisiana's men's cross country program. Both also will compete in outdoor track during the spring.      Kitto will be a sophomore athletically at Xavier in 2013-14 — he competed for Louisiana Tech in 2011-12 — and will begin his first year in XU's College of Pharmacy. August will be a freshman and a chemistry/pre-pharmacy major.      Kitto, a 2011 graduate of Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, won four individual state titles in track. As a senior he was the Division II indoor champion at 1,600 meters,

Brent Kitto

Christopher August

and he was the Class 3A outdoor champion in the 1,600 and 3,200. As a junior he was the 3A outdoor champion in the 1,600. He led Holy Cross to the 3A outdoor team championship in 2011 and was chosen all-state after ranking No. 1 in the 1,600.
    
Kitto led Holy Cross to 3A state championships in cross country in 2009 and 2010 and was second individually both years.
    
At Louisiana Tech, Kitto helped the Bulldogs compile a 35-10 record in cross country with best times of 27 minutes, 28.54 seconds for 8,000 meters and 15:47.5 for three miles. He was the third-fastest freshman at the 2011 Western Athletic Conference Championships and was Tech's No. 3 finisher.
    
August, a graduate of Klein Collins High School, was voted his cross country team's performer of the year as a junior and a senior. In 2012-13 he helped the Tigers place third in the regional cross country meet and second in the district and second in the area in outdoor track. He ran the 1,600 in 4:27 to break the school record by five seconds.
    
Other best times for August include 2:04 in the 800, 16:20 for three miles and 17:05 in the 5,000.
    
Xavier, the seven-time defending Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion, will begin the cross country season in late August or early September.

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

SWAC Releases 2013 Football Television Schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  --  The Southwestern Athletic Conference released its 2013 football television schedule which includes seven conference contests to air on several major networks this fall.

The line-up of networks to carry the broadcast: ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN3, NBC Sports, FOX SportsSouth, and Comcast Sportsnet. All games are available in the network's standard high-definition.

The 15-game schedule begins on opening weekend with three non-conference match-ups including Mississippi Valley State against Florida A&M in the 9th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.

"The Southwestern Athletic Conference is always excited to release our television schedule," said SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp. "The coverage networks provide allows fans outside of our region the opportunity to follow their favorite teams."

The schedule kicks off on Friday, August 30, at 7:30 p.m. CT when Southern faces Houston and ends with the 2013 Toyota SWAC Championship on Saturday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. Both games will take place inside Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The schedule also features nine non-conference games and five HBCU Classics with three games slated for tape delay. The Classic games include: Alabama State at Jackson State (W.C. Gorden Classic), Jackson State vs. Tennessee State (Southern Heritage Classic),  Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State (Magic City Classic), Alabama State vs. Stillman (Turkey Day Classic) and Grambling State vs. Southern (Bayou Classic).

"Not only will SWAC fans be able to see the games nationally, and in high-definition, but they will enjoy the analysis from the networks on-air talent," Sharp added. "With programming on a national stage, the games televised demonstrate the growth of the Southwestern Athletic Conference brand."

Game times and television networks are listed below:

Friday, August 30

Southern at Houston (ESPN 3 - 7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, August 31

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Arkansas State (ESPN3 - TBD)

Sunday, September 1

Mississippi Valley State vs. Florida A&M (ESPN - 10:45 a.m.)

Saturday, September 7

Alabama State at Jackson State (ESPN3 - 6 p.m.)*

Grambling State at ULM (ESPN3 - 6 p.m.)

Prairie View A&M at Texas State (ESPN3 - 6 p.m.)

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at McNeese State (Comcast Sportsnet - 7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, September 14

Alabama State at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (ESPN3 - 6:30 p.m.)*

Texas Southern vs. Sam Houston State (Comcast Sportsnet - 7 p.m.)

Jackson State vs. Tennessee State (Fox SportsSouth - 6 p.m.)

Thursday, September 19

Texas Southern at Jackson State (ESPNU - 6:30 p.m.)

Saturday, October 26

Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State (ESPN3 - 7 p.m.)*

Thursday, November 28

Alabama State vs. Stillman (ESPNU - 3 p.m.)

Saturday, November 30

Grambling State vs. Southern (NBC - 1 p.m.)

Saturday, December 7

2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship (ESPNU - 1 p.m.)

Game times are central and subject to change.

* Denotes tape delay and will air at 9:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

COURTESY SWAC.org
 

CIAA Notes: New Lincoln coach has much to learn

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  After taking over a 1-9 team, Ramon Flanigan has modest goals for his first season as Lincoln’s coach.

He simply wants to learn his players’ names.

Flanigan was hired to replace the fired O.J. Abanishe on April 29. Abanishe went 8-42 over five seasons after being hired to reboot a program that was discontinued in 1960. Lincoln joined the CIAA three years ago.

The process to replace Abanishe was bogged down because of internal issues. That resulted in Flanigan’s being interviewed for the job a week after spring practices ended.

Flanigan, who had been the offensive coordinator at Mississippi Valley State, was hired and arrived at the Lincoln campus a day before his players left for summer break.



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Fayetteville State picked ninth in preseason CIAA football poll

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  The CIAA Football Coaches Association has predicted the Fayetteville State Broncos to finish ninth in the 2013 Preseason Poll. The announcement was made during the conference’s media day held in the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. Along with the preseason prediction, senior running back Colon Bailey, Jr. (Manteo, NC) was named to the Preseason All-CIAA Team.

Winston-Salem State, the defending conference champion and NCAA Division II runner-up, was picked as the favorite to win the conference title. WSSU is followed in the preseason poll by Elizabeth City State, Saint Augustine’s, Chowan, Shaw and Bowie State in the top six. The final six teams are comprised of Johnson C. Smith, Virginia Union, Fayetteville State, Virginia State, Livingstone and Lincoln (PA).

Colon Bailey, Jr. received All-Conference honors at the conclusion of last year. His feat of 1,015 rushing yards last season placed his name within the 1,000 Yard Rushing Club; below Clifton Davis who surpassed the mark in 1993 and 1994. Bailey finished fourth in the conference in both rushing yards and touchdowns (10) and was ranked 38^th nationally in rushing. He recorded two 200+ rushing yard performances and captured a school-record 288 yards against Livingstone.

The Broncos expect a return of 50 players from last year’s team including 16 starters.

FSU begins the season on Sept. 7 against the Virginia State Trojans at L.N. Jeralds Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2013 campaign are currently on sale at the Fayetteville State Ticket Office. For more information about season tickets contact Antoinette Fairley, FSU Ticket Manager, at (910) 672-1724 or e-mail at afairley@uncfsu.edu. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.fsubroncos.com.



 CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish
1.  Winston-Salem State
2.  Elizabeth City State
3.  Saint Augustine’s
4.  Chowan
5.  Shaw
6.  Bowie State
7.  Johnson C. Smith
8.  Virginia Union
9.  Fayetteville State
10.  Virginia State
11.  Livingstone
12.  Lincoln (PA)

2013 Preseason All-CIAA Team
Offense
Khari Lee, TE, Bowie State
Austin Hochman, OL, Bowie State
David Gatlin, OL, Elizabeth City State
Rico Arellano, OL, Johnson C. Smith
Chris Bearden, OL, Winston-Salem State
Nathaniel Hartung, OL, Winston-Salem State
Robert Holland, WR, Chowan
Fred Scott, WR, Johnson C. Smith
Keahn Wallace, QB, Johnson C. Smith
Colon Bailey, Jr., RB, Fayetteville State
Maurice Lewis, RB, Winston-Salem State
Darnell Evans, KR, Shaw
Brett Symonds, PK, Elizabeth City State

Defense
Oladimeji Layeni, DL, Bowie State
TJ Batchelor, DL, Chowan         
Javarous Faulk, DL, Saint Augustine’s
Donnie Owens, DL, Winston-Salem State
Kenneth White, Jr., LB, Livingstone
Chaz Robinson, LB, Saint Augustine’s
Carlos Fields, Jr., LB, Winston-Salem State
Curtis Pumphrey, DB, Bowie State
Nigel Rios, DB, Elizabeth City State
Darnell Evans, DB, Shaw
Sean Smith, DB, Virginia State
Denzel Duchenne, PR, Virginia Union
Brett Symonds, P, Elizabeth City State



COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

CIAA coaches pick WSSU Rams to win 3rd straight title

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Winston-Salem State is the popular pick to win a third straight CIAA football championship.         

A coaches poll released Thursday during the CIAA Football Round-Up at WSSU had the Rams first overall and first in the Southern Division. Elizabeth City State (8-4, 6-1 last season) was picked to finish second overall and first in the Northern Division.

WSSU went 10-0 during the 2012 regular season and defeated Elizabeth City State 34-19 to win its second straight CIAA championship game. The Rams rolled through the first three rounds of the Division II playoffs before losing to Valdosta State 35-7 in the national-championship game.

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Wilson Announces SSU Football Coaching Staff

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  First-year Savannah State head football coach Earnest Wilson III has announced his coaching staff for the 2013 season.

Wilson, who replaces Steve Davenport, will be his own offensive coordinator.

The returning coaches are Corey Barlow and David Roberson. Barlow will serve as the defensive coordinator and will also coach the defensive backs. Roberson will work with the outside linebackers and will act as recruiting coordinator.

Among the new assistants is former SSU player and coach Michael Wallace (inside linebackers and special teams). The other new assistants are Willard Scissum (associate head coach/offensive line), who comes to SSU from Alabama State; Mister Askew (running backs) who spent last season at Central State; Jonas Jackson (defensive line and assistant recruiting coordinator), a former assistant at Assumption; Lawrence Livingston  (quarterbacks) who comes to SSU from Albany State and Chris Buckner (wide receivers), who comes to SSU from Jackson State.

Wallace, a Clyo, Georgia native, comes to SSU from Benedict where he coached the defensive backs. Wallace was a four-year starter in the secondary while at SSU, playing for the legendary William “Bill” Davis. Wallace was an All-SIAC performer during the 1988 and 1989 seasons and was a member of the SSU squad that finished with a 8-1 record in 1989. Entering his 24^th year in the collegiate ranks, Wallace has also coached at Lane, Stillman, Clark Atlanta and Morris Brown. The 1991 SSU graduate started his coaching career in 1990 at Savannah State that lasted until 2001. As a defensive coordinator in 1995, Wallace lead the Savannah State Tigers to a No. 1 ranking in pass defense and pass efficiency defense. In 1996, it was No. 1 in the nation in take-a-ways with 45. On the offensive side of the ball, Wallace's team never finished lower than fourth in total offense before SSU left the SIAC in 2000.

Scissum coached one year at Alabama State and spent three years as an assistant at Alcorn State. Scissum, who was  four-year starter at Alabama under Paul “Bear” Bryant, coached the offense line for NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder and Ft. Valley State (2007). He spent six seasons at Morehouse College; first as offensive line coach (1998-2000) and later as head coach (2002-05), sandwiched around a brief stint as co-offensive coordinator at Morris Brown (2001) . The Huntsville, Alabama native played professionally for four seasons (1985-88), playing in both the National Football League (Denver Broncos and the Washington Redskins) and Canadian Football Leagues (Calgary Stampede and British Columbia Lions).

Askew comes to SSU from Central State where he was the Marauders wide receivers coach last season. Prior to CSU, Askew was the head coach for the Dayton Silverbacks (2011-12), a professional indoor football team, and the wide receivers coach at Kenyon College (2010).  In the 2008-09 season, the Cincinnati, Ohio native served as the assistant coach and offensive coordinator for Mifflin High School.  Askew was the running backs coach and strength and conditioning coordinator at Bethany College (2004-2007).  In 2005, Askew was the running back for the professional indoor football team the Ohio Valley Greyhounds. During the 2003-04 season, he was the running backs coach for Benedict College. He also served as the running backs coach and strength and conditioning coordinator at St. Augustine's College. In 2000, the former Elizabeth City State fullback was the running backs and linebacker's coach for the Carolina Rhino's in the Arena Football League.

Jackson was a linebacker coach at Assumption College before landing at Savannah State. Before that he spent two years as head coach at West Virginia Wesleyan. In two seasons at Wesleyan, Jackson finished with a 12-10 record. He has the most wins in the first two seasons of any coach in Wesleyan history  since the Bobcats joined the WVIAC in 1924. Jackson had been on the football staff since 2009. He was promoted to head coach during the summer of 2011. Prior to be named the head coach Jackson was the defensive coordinator/defensive line coach. Jackson spent one season as the defensive line coach at Illinois State. During the 2006-07 seasons Jackson was the defensive coordinator at LaSalle University. Jackson spent two seasons coaching the defensive line at Temple University. Jackson spent a year in France as the Head Coach of the Elancourt Templiers. Prior to his trip overseas the Boston native was the offensive skill coach at Arizona Western College. Jackson was a two-year letter winner at Eastern Michigan where he was a two-way player at tight end and on the defensive line.

Livinston was the offensive line coach at Albany State (GA). Before that, he worked at Morgan State University, where he served two seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Prior to his stint at Morgan State, Livingston coached the offensive line at Delaware State University for two seasons, and was assistant head coach and offensive line coach at the University of Texas at El Paso from 2004 until 2008. The Dover, Delaware native served as the head coach and offensive coordinator at Earlham College in 2003. Livingston also coached with the University of Wyoming, the University of Arizona, and helped the Texas A&M University Aggies to the Big 12 conference championship and a Sugar Bowl appearance. He coached at Washington State University, which won the Pac 10 championship and a Rose Bowl appearance during his tenure. Livingston began his coaching career as an assistant offensive line coach as his alma mater, Weber State College. He also coached at the U.S. Military Academy in 1988.

Buckner was a member of the Jackson State football staff for three seasons. He started out as a graduate assistant, working with the wide receivers but was promoted to a  full-time member of the coaching staff as the receivers coach. Buckner was a four year letterman (2006-09) at New Mexico State, where he started as a wide receiver. The Arlington, Texas native earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from New Mexico State in 2009. He is currently working on a graduate degree in Industrial Technology.

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Claflin Names Ricky Jackson Head Men’s Basketball Coach

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Claflin University named Ricky B. Jackson its head men’s basketball coach on Wednesday, announced Athletic Director Dr. Jerome Fitch. Jackson is joining the Panther staff after serving five years as the top assistant to the men’s basketball coach at Shaw University in Raleigh, N. C.

“We believe Coach Jackson is the right fit for Claflin University,” Fitch said. “He brings outstanding credentials as a head coach and a mentor for student-athletes. He is a passionate student of the game and I have every confidence that our program will continue a tradition of excellence under his leadership.”

Winning has been a constant where Jackson has coached. Before joining the staff at Shaw in 2008, Jackson spent the previous 12 years at Gloucester County College of Sewell, N. J., the last eight as head coach. During his tenure as head coach, Gloucester won seven consecutive Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Northern Division titles.



His teams were Region XIX champions three times and Jackson captured Coach of the Year honors three times each by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) District 6 and Region XIX. He ended his head coaching career at Gloucester with a 183-35 record, a remarkable .839 winning percentage.

In recent years, Shaw has shifted its national prominence upward. The Bears won the CIAA title in 2011 and have been a mainstay in national and regional polls, ranking as high as No. 7 in the NCAA Division II final poll in 2011-2012.

Jackson graduated from Virginia Union University of Richmond, Va., in 1991 and earned a master’s in human services from Springfield College of Springfield, Mass., in 2001.

COURTESY CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY PANTHERS SPORTS INFORMATION

UAPB Golden Lions Mourning Loss of Student- Athlete

Lydell Hartford

WAGGAMAN, Louisiana  --  Lydell Hartford, Jr., freshman linebacker for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team died yesterday in a fatal accident in Waggaman, Louisiana. Coaches and administrators at UAPB are saddened by the details of the accident released by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO).

According to authorities, a 16-year-old boy identified as Hartford's friend was playing with a gun and accidentally shot and killed him early Tuesday morning. Hartford, 20, was pronounced dead after suffering a gunshot wound to the neck, according to Glen T. Boyd, spokesman for the JPSO.

Hartford and the teen were inside of a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro belonging to Hartford's mother. The car was parked in the driveway of Hartford's home, Boyd said. The teen discovered a .38-caiber pistol that also belonged to Hartford's mother inside the car and began to remove the bullets. Hartford warned him to stop, but the teen ignored Hartford and kept unloading bullets until he thought the gun was empty. The boy squeezed the trigger three or four times until the pistol fired a bullet that hit Hartford in the neck. The teen pulled him out of the vehicle and laid him on the driveway. Hartford died about an hour later, Boyd said. The 16-year-old boy was arrested and booked with negligent homicide. The Sheriff's Office is not identifying the teen because he is a juvenile.

"It is a shock to us all," said UAPB Chancellor Dr. Laurence Alexander. "We are saddened by the news of his death and offer our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time."

"We are all shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Lydell Hartford, Jr. Although he was part of our athletics program for a short time, he will be missed," said UAPB Athletics Director Lonza Hardy. "Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Lydell's family. The counseling services at UAPB will be available to any student and staff member who may need it."

"Our hearts and prayers really go out to Hartford and his family," said Head Football Coach Monte Coleman. "He was proud to be a part of the team-I am sad to see another young person leave this earth too soon. He will be missed."

UAPB Offensive Coordinator Eric Dooley, also a New Orleans native, knew the school Hartford came from and is well acquainted with his family. He didn't work directly with him at practices and games, but noticed he did everything you asked of him.

UAPB Defensive Coordinator Earl Buckingham worked directly with Hartford and will remember him for his dedication to the team.

"He was a good kid and loved being on the team," said Buckingham. "Our team is hurting and offers our condolences to his family and all those that knew him."

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

New Virginia State University basketball coach named

Lonnie Blow, Jr.
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Virginia State University

ETTRICK, Virginia -- Virginia State University's new men's basketball head coach will have little trouble learning the CIAA - he already coaches there. This morning, Lonnie Blow Jr. was introduced as the new Trojans coach, leaving fellow CIAA member St. Augustine's University after two years.

"I'm excited that I'm here now and I want to build a successful basketball program that we all can be proud of," Blow said. He compared building a stronger program to cooking a great Sunday dinner.

After 21 years coaching at the high school level, Blow began his college career as an assistant at Hampton University in 2005-06. Since then, he assisted at Norfolk State, served as head coach at St. Augustine's, assisted at Old Dominion then returned to become head coach again at St. Augustine's in Raleigh, NC.

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Southern U. Football 2013 Preview: A New Dawn Approaches

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- 2012 season by posting a 4-5 record which included wins over Jackson State, Florida A&M and Grambling, Dawson Odums proved he deserved the chance to resurrect Southern’s football program.

The university removed the interim tag in mid-December and handed the wheels to the program to Odums. Odums immediately added experienced coaches to his staff to help tranform the mindset and culture of the Southern program. With the addition of OL Coach Chennis Berry, WR Coach Chris Coleman and LB Coach Lorick Atkinson, Odum is set to usher in a new dawn in the storied history of Jaguar football.
 

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THE OFFENSE

On the heels of a career season in 2012, Dray Joseph is creating expectations for an encore performance in 2013 that could possibly lead Southern to the SWAC Championship in Houston. Joseph (5-11, 215) excelled as the unquestioned leader of the Jaguar offense as a junior, passing for 2,511 yards and 25 TDs. The West St. John product completed 58.5 percent of his pass attempts on his way to earning a spot on the All-SWAC second team. Joseph punctuated his stellar season by leading the conference in passing average (228 ypg) and total offense (2,640 yards).

With the emergence of redshirt freshman and Baton Rouge native Lenard Tillery (5-10, 181), Southern will look to strengthen its ground attack and produce its first 1,000-yard rusher since the 2003 SWAC championship season. Tillery, a McKinley High product, sat out in 2012 but showed flashes of his explosive play-making ability during fall and spring practice. 

Senior Darrius Clayton, who filled in admirable for injured starter Sylvester Nzekwe, returns to aid Tillery in shouldering the load in the backfield after rushing for 183 yards in 2012. Senior Brian McCain and redshirt junior Lee Mitchell provide veteran leadership and stability at the fullback position.

The lone question mark for a Southern offense that returns seven starters is at wide receiver. New Orleans native Lee Doss (6-2, 175) returns as the Jaguars leading receiver after a career season in 2012 but the void left after the departures of Charles Hawkins and Mike Berry will quickly need to be filled. Doss’ 65 receptions and 703 yards placed him among the SWAC’s elite receiver and earned him All-SWAC honors.

With a bevy of inexperienced candidates abound, a viable receiving target must emerge from a unit which includes junior college transfer Sam Altman and redshirts freshman Justin Morgan. Both players could provide the dynamic, shifty scoring threat while freshman Chuck Baker (6-2, 190), a Rivals 3-star athlete who was a LSU commitment, could enhance the Jaguars vertical passing attack.

In the trenches, Berry’s addition has infused new life to an offensive line that is charged with protecting Joseph and churning yards on the ground. D’Wayne Houston, who doubled as the SWAC’s Top Male Field Performer in indoor and outdoor track this spring, and Anthony Mosley, a converted defensive lineman, continues to get stronger and have emerged as the unit’s hardest workers. LSU transfer and Capitol High star Corey White is going to provide depth to the offensive line while center Aaron Hall works his way back from a season-ending knee injury in 2012.


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THE DEFENSE

Under Odums, Southern’s 3-4 scheme saw vast improvements from the previous season but still faltered late in close games resulting in four losses by a combined 11 points. In 2013, Southern return eight starters, many whom gained valuable playing experience in those close loses.

With seven players returning, the defensive line possess the potential for a dominant season led by two experienced pass rushers in senior Kadeem Lewis and junior Arthur Miley. Dion Palmer is posed to have a breakout year after rehabbing a knee injury the forced him to sit out. Sophomores Gabe Echols and Justin Woods replace Casey Narcisse on the interior and will look to improve upon the teams 21 sacks from a year ago.

Spearheading the linebacker corp is Anthony Balancier, the teams leading tackler in 2012. Balancier, who flourished in his return to his natural position after an unsuccessful stint at safety in 2011, led the Jaguars in sacks (4.5) and tackles-for-loss (11.5). Juniors Daniel Brown, Detrane Lindey and Franchot West solidify the group as the strength of the defense and the most experienced unit.

Freshman Jarkeith Ruffin raw athleticism and intense physicality has him touted as “not you average freshman” by Odums.

Though the most inexperienced unit, gone are the days of the 5’9-sized defensive backs. Three-year starter and return specialist Virgil Williams remains the groups most versatile and fundamental sound player. Williams, a Shreveport native, finished tied for second in tackles with 62. Dionte McDuffy, a South Alabama transfer and William’s Evangel Christian teammate, joins returning staring corner Johnathan Mack in the secondary. Omar Cook, a walk-on from California, has worked his way into filling Levi Jackson’s vacant safety spot.

THE SCHEDULE

Odums makes his Southern head coaching debut since having the interim tag removed against the University of Houston Aug. 30 in Reliant Stadium to open the 2013 football slate. The game will air live on ESPN3 at 7:30 p.m.

The Jaguars contest against the Cougars will be the second consecutive season opener against a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) member for Southern and the second meeting between the two schools. Houston defeated the Jaguars 55-3 in the first-ever meeting in 2008.

Southern will also renew a familiar rivalry with in-state rival Northwestern State Sept. 7 in Natchitoches. The Southern-Northwestern State series began in 1993 and served as the coaching debut and first Southern win for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame coach Pete Richardson in the Louisiana Superdome. The series is tied at 5-5.

On Sept. 14, Southern welcomes Prairie View A&M for its 2013 home and Southwestern Athletic Conference opener in A.W. Mumford Stadium before traveling to Itta Bena, Miss. to face Mississippi Valley State Sept. 21.

The Jaguars will enjoy a two-game homestand when they host Jackson State Sept. 28 and Alabama A&M Oct. 12. Defending SWAC champion Arkansas Pine-Bluff will host Southern in Pine Bluff, Ark. Oct. 19.

Alcorn State will serve as the Jaguars' homecoming opponent on Oct. 26 before Southern concludes the 2013 campaign with four November games. The Jaguars will embark upon back-to-back road trips at Texas Southern in Houston and Alabama State in Montgomery, Ala. on Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 respectively.

Clark Atlanta, where Odums served as interim head coach in 2004, will travel to Baton Rouge on Nov. 17 for the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

Southern concludes the 2013 campaign looking to extend it Bayou Classic win streak to two over archrival Grambling State in the 40th annual Bayou Classic on Nov. 30.
 

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REPORT: Appalachian State's Holloway Transfers to Florida A&M

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina  --  Asheville High alum Tysean Holloway confirmed this morning that he has left the Appalachian State football program and transferred to Florida A&M.

Holloway redshirted as a freshman for the Mountaineers in 2012 and was expected to compete for a starting job at running back.

“I really enjoy everything down at (Florida A&M),” Holloway said.



“I like the coaching staff. I think we’ve got all the pieces. Football was wonderful at Appalachian State, but I just didn’t enjoy Appalachian State outside of the football experience.”

Holloway said he expects to major in Criminal Justice at Florida A&M.

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Tysean Holloway, 6'-1"/193 lbs.
Running Back
 

The Tysean Holloway (Courtesy: Appalachian State Sports Information)

Highly touted true freshman graduated from Asheville H.S. a semester early and has been on campus since January ... has a leg up on most of his classmates due to the fact that his early enrollment allowed him to participate in all of the team’s offseason activities, including spring practice ... impressed observers in spring ball with his speed and skill ... will push upperclassmen Steven Miller, Rod Chisholm and Michael Frazier for playing time during fall camp.

High School: Graduated early from Asheville H.S. in December 2011 and enrolled at ASU as a true freshman in January 2012 ... rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com ... rushed for 4,844 yards and 77 touchdowns during his three-year prep career ... named 2011 Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,405 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior ... versatile athlete also caught 16 passes for 233 yards and threw for 99 yards and a score as a senior ... enjoyed his best statistical campaign as a junior in 2010 when he amassed 1,891 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns ... helped Asheville compile a sparkling 30-6-1 overall record and three state quarterfinal appearances from 2009-11 ... participated in 2011 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas ... coached by Danny Watkins ... attended same high school as current ASU teammate Mark Powell.

Personal: Full name is Tysean Holloway 

Report: MVSU head coach Chico Potts reinstated

ITTA BETA, Mississippi  -- Chico Potts has been reinstated as the head coach of Mississippi Valley State, according to reports.

Potts was arrested and charged with domestic violence, a misdemeanor, in early July, getting suspended with pay by the university on July 12th. But he was found not guilty on July 18th, and the school has since lifted his suspension.

“I am thankful the legal process has concluded and look forward to returning to my responsibilities as head men’s basketball coach at Mississippi Valley State University,” Potts said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the students and fellow coaches as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

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Ram Ramblings: CIAA media day coming to WSSU on Thursday

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- I’m sorry I’m going to miss the CIAA’s annual football media day on Thursday when it takes place at the new Donald Reaves Activities Center on WSSU’s campus. First of all, I wanted to see the activities center because I’ve heard it’s a tremendous addition to WSSU.       

The other reason why I wanted to be there was it’s always good to hear what Coach Connell Maynor says to other reporters. I guess I’ve been spoiled because I’ve heard Maynor for the last three seasons and I’m used to his point-blank opinions.

The family and I will be on vacation later this week on ...



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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.

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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

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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