Florida A&M Rattlers check in for football camp

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  One of the most anticipated seasons for the FAMU football program officially got under way Sunday without much fanfare, as the Rattlers checked in to begin the Earl Holmes era.

“It’s here,” Holmes said, wearing jeans and a T-shirt as he sat in the lobby of Galimore Fieldhouse and waited for players to check in. “Football is here. No doubt about it.

“You look around and you see the predictions and projections on who is going to finish where and you know it’s here. This is where we have to work with the fundamentals and start building your foundation on who you’re going to be in 2013.”

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Participants Wanted for The Lincoln University Second Annual Scholarship Golf Outing



LU GOLF BROCHURE

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania --The Department of Athletics at The Lincoln University will be hosting its Second Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. This signature event is promised to be filled with plenty of good golf, fabulous food, fun, and fellowship. Organizations, alumni, and individuals will have the opportunity to publicly show their support to the University. Proceeds will assist students in financial need to continue their education at The Lincoln University.

The Lincoln University Scholarship Golf Outing 2013 will be held at Wyncote Golf Club in Oxford, Penn., on Friday August 16, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30a.m. and a continental breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. The awards luncheon will begin approximately at 1:30 p.m.

A wide variety of sponsorship opportunities are listed below. For more information, please contact either Coach Rafael "Ray" Williams at 484-365-7628 or rwilliams2@lincoln.edu or Coach Anthony Plá at 484-365-7318 or apla@lincoln.edu

We are looking for all of your support as individual golfers, foursomes, and sponsors of any kind.

Checks should be made payable to Lincoln University Athletics, and should be mailed to:
Lincoln University
Annual Scholarship Golf Outing
Department of Athletics
1570 Baltimore Pike
Lincoln University, PA 19352

Event Co-Sponsor $5,000
Two corporate signs on tee, corporate logo placement on event signage, name will appear on the athletic website for the entire athletic season, eight golfer registrations and eight lunch reservations. (Charitable Contribution $3,200)

All-American Sponsor $3,000

Corporate Sign on tee, corporate logo placement on event signage, name will appear on the athletic website for six months, four golfer registrations and four lunch reservations. (Charitable Contribution $2,100)

All-Region $1,500

Corporate sign on tee, corporate logo placement on event signage, name will appear on the athletic website for three months, two golfer registrations, and two lunch reservations. (Charitable Contribution $900)

All-Conference $1,000

Corporate sign on tee, two golfer registrations, and two lunch reservations. (Charitable Contribution $550)

Hole Sponsorship $250

Corporate sign on tee. (Charitable Contribution $250)

Individual Golfer $150

Golf registrations and lunch reservation. (Charitable Contribution $50)

Lunch Reservation $25

COURTESY THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY LIONS SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern’s Morgan means to make mark as receiver

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- There are few places the Southern football team needs help more than wide receiver.

Preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selection Lee Doss is the league’s reigning receptions leader, but no other wideout on the Southern roster had double-digit catches last year.

That explains why sophomore Justin Morgan has returned to the offensive side of the ball after spending his freshman season playing defensive back.



“It’s a lot of kids’ dream just to come here and play for a school like this,” Morgan said. “If I get my chance to play, I’m going to make the most of it.”

Listed as an “athlete” when he signed with Southern two years ago, Morgan played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back at Pell City High School in Alabama.

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View 2013 SIAC Kickoff Luncheon Live Today!

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.

To view the event, please click on this link http://www.thesiac.com/showcase/#favspage
For fan engagement, the SIAC will utilize its digital media platform on Facebook and Twitter, while launching its Instagram page @TheSIAC.

Throughout the event, the SIAC will post pictures and comments from the coaches and student-athletes on its Facebook and Instagram pages. The SIAC will use the hashtag #SIACMD13 for interaction, questions, and comments for coaches and student-athletes attending the event.

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.



2013 Football Standings
  

School	Conf	Overall
East
Albany State University	0-0	0-0
Benedict College	0-0	0-0
Clark Atlanta University	0-0	0-0
Fort Valley State University	0-0	0-0
Morehouse College	0-0	0-0
West
Kentucky State University	0-0	0-0
Lane College	0-0	0-0
Miles College	0-0	0-0
Stillman College	0-0	0-0
Central State University	0-0	0-0
Tuskegee University	0-0	0-0

COURTESY theSIAC.com

Southern’s Houston blocks out time for his team

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Within an hour of finishing the Southwestern Athletic Conference track and field meet last spring, Dwayne Houston said he began receiving text messages from his teammates on the Southern football team.

There was a common theme.

The teammates first wanted to congratulate Houston on being named the Most Outstanding Field Performer at the meet and for winning conference championships in the hammer throw and shot put.

But they also wanted to remind him it was time to turn his full attention to the sport he plays in the fall.

“They told me, ‘Good job,’” Houston recalled.

“‘Now get ready to focus entirely on football.’”

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PVAMU Panthers Kick Off 2013 Season Under The Lights

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  The Prairie View A&M Panther football team officially kicked off the 2013 campaign on Monday evening with a spirited practice on campus at the practice fields.

The 90-plus student-athletes reported to camp Sunday evening and spent Monday afternoon getting acclimated to their training camp schedule along with other facets of university life.  Training camp will last approximately three weeks with one practice per day the first week followed by two-a-day practices every other day beginning on Monday, Aug. 12.  The 2013 season opener will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31 in Houston versus longtime rival Texas Southern at 7 p.m. in BBVA Compass Stadium.

 

Season tickets are still available by calling (936) 261-9111 in addition to special hotel rates for selected games through the month of August.

Keep up with all the action through PVAMU's official Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram social media websites.  Also stay connected through daily updates delivered right to your e-mail by subscribing to PVPanthers.com's newsletter.

2013 SCHEDULE

2013 PRESEASON PROSPECTUS

 

2013 PV FOOTBALL CAMP SCHEDULE (subject to change if weather is a factor)
All practices are open to the public

 

Monday, Aug. 5	7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 6	6:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 7	6:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 8	6:45 p.m. (Helmets & Shoulder Pads)
Friday, Aug. 9	6:45 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10	7:00 p.m. (Full Gear)
Sunday, Aug. 11	7:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 12	8:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 13	9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 14	8:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 15	9:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 16	8:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17	7:00 p.m. (Scrimmage)
Sunday, Aug. 18	7:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 19	8:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 20	9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 21	8:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 22	9:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 23	Walk-Thru

Saturday, Aug. 24 Team Activity
Sunday, Aug. 25 Walk-Thru
Saturday, Aug. 31 Labor Day Classic at Texas Southern (7 p.m.)

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

A Visit Around the FCS: Maine 2013 Football Season Officially Underway

ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine football team officially began its 2013 season on Monday, August 5 as it held its first official practice on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium.

The Black Bears will continue through the preseason grind before traveling to Norfolk State University for the regular season opener on August 31 at 6 PM.

To view a full schedule of preseason practice times click here - Preseason Practice Schedule
Black Bear football season tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling 581-BEAR, toll-free at (800) 756-TEAM or by visiting GoBlackBearsTickets.com.



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 the University of 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.



COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AND NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU opens practice with QB situation up in the air

NSU Football Mini Season Ticket Packages Now on Sale

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  The biggest question facing Norfolk State as fall football camp opened Monday only got bigger.

Senior quarterback Nico Flores, who was expected to have an edge in the four-man battle to earn the starting job, is out indefinitely as he attempts to clear up academic issues, Spartans coach Pete Adrian said.

Flores was not on the field as NSU opened practice under a bright morning sky, but the other three candidates - and a newcomer at running back - were.

"The cupboard's not bare," Adrian said. "That's the whole key."

Flores, a Miami native and Central Florida transfer who ...

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UAPB Golden Lions Camp Report: The Lions Are Back!!!

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  Gone from a year ago, the 75^th overall pick of the 2013 NFL draft Terron Armstead (New Orleans), the NCAA leader in sacks Brandon Thurmond (17.5), and the SWAC's leading tackler Bill Ross (127); but that hasn't stop this season's version of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team from working to repeat as SWAC Champions.

"We lost some great football players, but we brought in some guys to go along with some returning guys to give us the edge we need", said Head Coach Monte Coleman. "It's going to be a tough camp for all of us players and coaches alike."

Returning under center for the defending SWAC champions is 2103 SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Ben Anderson. Anderson finished last season on the All-SWAC First Team before leading the Golden Lions to their first-outright SWAC Championship crown since sharing the title in 1966. He was named Offensive MVP of the 2012 Toyota SWAC Football Championship after lifting UAPB to a 24-21 overtime win over Jackson State.

He helped the Golden Lions claim a West Division title on their way to a 10-2 record, the most wins in the program's history. With Anderson, UAPB captured the HSRN Conway Cup and the network's National Championship title. The Golden Lions were also named Black College National Champions by the American Sports Wire and were voted by the coaches' poll as the BoxtoRow National Champions. Anderson completed the season with 2,346 passing yards and 16 touchdowns finishing second in SWAC. He rushed for 524 yards and recorded five touchdowns on the ground. He led UAPB in total offense (2,870) while finishing second in the league in the category.

"Ben's looking extremely sharp now. He had a lot of post season honors last year and he received a lot of preseason honors that he's going to have to live up too, although it's early he's playing real well", commented Coleman. 

Offensively, the Golden Lions will be relying heavily on some key returning players to step and field the leadership roles left vacant by 2012 senior class. With 2013 SWAC Preseason First Team offensive lineman Kenny Eagle anchoring the o-line, Me' kale Carter will be called on at left tackle to take up slack left by Armstead. Returning in the backfield will be the SWAC's second leading rusher from a year ago Justin Billings, who also lead a running back corps that finished first in the SWAC in rushing (200.2).

The bright spot on the offense so far has been the receivers. With Mr. Preseason All- Everything Dezmond Beverly, and 2013 SWAC Preseason First Team wide receiver Ladarius Eckwood leading by example through conditioning has the coaching staff feeling pretty good.

"Eckwood, Beverly, Cody Swain, Willie Young, and all of those guys have come back in great shape. Our personnel meetings have raved about the condition of the receiver position", added Coleman.

On the other side of the ball, incoming transfers like Joel Green, who is pegged to replace Ross will have to adjust quickly to fit the defensive scheme here at UAPB. 2013 SWAC Preseason First Team linebacker Jer-ryan Harris and Xavier Lofton have been setting the pace; along with 2013 SWAC Preseason First Teamer's Damien Lee and Demarcus Berry on the defensive end, the Golden Lions are positioning themselves to once again have one of the top rated defense's in the SWAC.

In the defensive backfield guys such as David Watson, Gyovanni Harvey, T.Q. Mims will be the looked upon for more than just leadership, they will be working to keep the Golden Lions passing defense on top of all statistical categories.

"We've got several guys playing well, but one thing I've challenged all of them with is for the leaders to step and lead this team down the road we took last year. It's still early but what I'm impressed with is the fact that we're working hard." replied Coleman. 



2013 UAPB GOLDEN LIONS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME
August 31 Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR TBA
September 7 McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA 7:00 PM
September 14 Alabama State University* Pine Bluff, AR 6:00 PM
September 21 Alcorn State University* Pine Bluff, AR 6:00 PM
September 28 OPEN
October 5 Jackson State University * Jackson, MS 6:00 PM
October 12 Texas Southern University* Pine Bluff, AR 6:00 PM
October 19 Southern University*$ Pine Bluff, AR 2:30 PM
October 26 Miss. Valley State University* Itta Bena, MS 1:00 PM
November 2 OPEN
November 9 Grambling State University* Pine Bluff, AR 2:30 PM
November 16 Alabama A&M University* Huntsville, AL TBA
November 23 Prairie View A&M University* Prairie View, TX TBA

Bold= indicates home games
*= indicates conference games
$= indicates Homecoming

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS GOLDEN LIONS SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State Tiger Camp Report: Day One

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State football team kicked off the 2013 campaign on Monday morning with the squad’s first practice of fall camp.

“I am very optimistic [about this season],” head coach Rod Reed said. “I thought our defense came out and flew around which is supposed to be our strength this year with 11 returning starters.”

By starting practice at 6 a.m., the Tigers were able to be beat the heat before temperatures soared into the 80’s by the end of the two-hour session.

Even in the absence of pads, Big Blue treated Monday like a regular training session, working both offensive and defensive drills before coming together for an 11-on-11 before the final horn.

By and large, the defense came out on the better end Monday, forcing the offense into several errors. Safety Daniel Fitzpatrick made a diving interception to begin the team drills and cornerback Stephen Godbolt III was active as well, completely shutting down his man for most of the morning.

The offense did have its bright spots, however. Freshman quarterback Ronald Butler hit senior receiver Devin Wilson for a long touchdown off of a busted play and fellow quarterback Lamar McKnight broke off a huge run before the coaches finally blew the whistle.

Butler and McKnight split snaps under center with senior Holt Claiborne and true freshman Patrick Smith. Day one provided little separation in the four-man quarterback race.

The practice ended with the entire team, including lineman, running a handful of 100-yard dashes for conditioning.

The Tigers will hope for the same cool weather tomorrow when they hit Hale Stadium at the same time for the second day of camp. The team will, again, practice in just helmets before moving on to shells on Wednesday.

This Week’s Practice Dates
TUESDAY, Aug. 6, 2013 - 6:00-8:00  PRACTICE #2 (HELMETS)
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 7, 2013 - 6:00-8:00 PRACTICE #3 (SHELLS)
THURSDAY, Aug. 8, 2013 - 6:00-8:00 PRACTICE #4 (SHELLS)
FRIDAY, Aug. 9, 2013 - 6:00-8:00 PRACTICE #5 (SHELLS)
SATURDAY, Aug. 10, 2013 - 7:30-9:30 PRACTICE #6 (SHELLS)
MONDAY, Aug. 12, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #8 (FULL)

      


COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Ram Ramblings: Owning Bowman Gray is big news for WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  For the summertime where news usually slows down at Winston-Salem State there were plenty of developments the last two weeks.

One of the most significant was that WSSU is closer to owning Bowman Gray Stadium. This is a big deal because for many years, thanks to a bad lease agreement with the city, the athletics department struggled to make money at home games.

That should change once WSSU owns the stadium because it will get more of the revenue that’s generated.

By owning the stadium the school is ready for ...

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2nd Annual Southern U. Football Fan Fest set for Aug. 17

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University Athletics, Coca-Cola, and Academy Sports and Outdoors are partnering to help Jaguar fans kickoff the 2013 season at the second annual SU Fall Fan Fest refreshed by Coca-Cola on Aug. 17 in Seymour Gym.

Doors for Fan Fest open at 12:30 pm but fans can visit the SU Army ROTC football toss at noon, following the Jaguars final scrimmage of fall camp.

Coaches and players from the Southern's Football, Soccer and Volleyball programs will be available to autograph posters and take pictures during Fan Fest.

Southern Head Football Coach Dawson Odums and Chancellor Dr. James Llorens are scheduled to address attendees at the free event which will include live performances by the SU Human Jukebox Pep Band and varsity cheerleaders.



The first 200 fans will receive a #NationUnited T-Shirt courtesy of GoJagsGear.com. SU fans will also have an opportunity to win a Jaguar Game Day experience by posting pictures from Fan Fest to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using the hashtag "#nationunited." The top five pics from Fan Fest will be featured on the SU Athletics Tagboard (www.tagboard.com/nationunited) and the poster will receive two suite tickets to an SU home game and two field passes for pregame.

Free Coca-Cola and Raising Cane's Lemonade will be available to fans as well as 2013 fall sports posters while supplies last.

The Bayou Classic Roadshow RV will also make an appearance to promote the 40th annual Bayou Classic, held Nov. 30 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

At the 1:45 conclusion of Fan Fest, fans are invited to follow the Jaguars to A.W. Mumford Stadium for the "Academy Sports Fan Photo Op," in the north endzone. Fans will be able to take pictures with their favorite players inside the stadium until 2:20 p.m.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU To Induct Seven Members In 2013 HOF Class

COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS

38^th enshrinement class features five athletes, two supporters

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  – The Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame will induct seven new members during the 38^th Hall of Fame Weekend, Friday and Saturday, September 6-7, 2013.

Five athletes will be enshrined, led by two-time NCAA three-point shooting champion Terrence Woods (2003, 2004), along with all-time softball pitching victories leader Amber Alford; stellar hurdler and sprinter Keshia King-Shields, along with a pair of gridiron greats, All-America receiver Cainon Lamb and star defensive end Jeff Grady.

Two supporters of athletics will be immortalized as well, retired Florida State trooper, Major Gilbert Brown, and long time university instructor and athletic events volunteer Lavada Tookes.

The enshrinement ceremonies will take place at the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium on Friday, September 6 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the ceremony are $50 per person, and tables for eight persons can be purchased for $400.

On Saturday, September 7, the weekend continues with the President’s Hall of Fame Breakfast and Wall Of Fame Ceremony in the Lawson Center at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Pregame Reception at the FAMU Faculty Clubhouse at 3:00 p.m.

 

The seven honorees will be recognized during halftime ceremonies at the Hall of Fame Football Game between FAMU and Tennessee State at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Kickoff will be 6:00 p.m.

Founded in 1976 by the late athletic director Hansel E. “Tootie” Tookes, the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame has enshrined over 200 persons during the previous 37 years.

ALFORD, AMBER (Softball, 1997-2000) – A member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame (2010 Class), this Seattle, Washington native finished her career as the all-time pitching victories leader.

 

Alford won a school record 27 games in 1998, while compiling 17 victories on the mound as a freshman in 1997 and a junior in 1999, when she helped lead the Lady Rattlers to their first NCAA Regional appearance at Fresno State.

A two-time Black College All-American, a three-time All-MEAC selection and MEAC Rookie of the Year in 1997, Alford completed her career with 116 complete games in 140 starts, winning 75 games, while hurling 29 shutouts with 487 strikeouts and a 2.19 earned run average in 333.2 innings.

 

GRADY, JEFF (Football, 1974-77) – Jeff Grady was a star defensive end whose singular play helped the Rattlers to their last undefeated season and a Black College National Championship in 1977.

A native of DeLand, Florida, where he was the 1973 DeLand High Defensive Player of the Year in football, while earning letters in basketball and track, Grady came to FAMU and became a feared defensive end/outside linebacker.

In 1975, Grady cemented his reputation as a devastating defender, recording 15 solo tackles against archrival Bethune-Cookman and two quarterback sacks, earning Defensive Player of the Week from Jet Magazine.

 

He finished his career with over 250 total tackles, 20 quarterback sacks, five recovered fumbles, three interceptions, two returned for touchdowns.

 

Grady earned Pittsburgh Courier Black College All-America honors in 1977; was a two-time All-SIAC selection (1976, 1977); was twice named FAMU’s Defensive Player of the Year (1976, 1977) and was team Co-Captain of the 1977 undefeated championship team.

He was a starter in the first Canadian-American All-Star Football Game in 1978, then advanced to professional football, playing for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns in the NFL, and Ottawa Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

 

LAMB, CAINON (Football, 1997-99) – The wing man for Hall of Famer Jacquay Nunnally, FAMU’s all-time receiving leader during the Gulf Coast Offense Era, Miami native Cainon Lamb was a largely under appreciated part of the prolific Rattler attack.

In three seasons, the deeply religious Lamb finished with 204 receptions for 2,909 yards, catching 25 TD passes alone in his final two seasons.

Lamb led the club in receiving in 1999, with 65 catches for 1,032 yards and 13 TDs, to earn first-team All-MEAC and All-American honors. He was MVP of the 1999 Florida Classic, when he recorded 183 receiving yards, catching 3 TDs against the Wildcats.

Against Appalachian State in the Rattlers’ opening round NCAA playoff upset, Lamb had a team-high 10 receptions, as FAMU won, 44-19.

In 1998, Lamb helped lead the Rattlers’ high-flying offense to number one national rankings in scoring offense and total offense, when he made 74 catches for 1,131 yards and 12 TDs, finishing with 207 receiving yards against Southern, and 157 yards against North Carolina A&T.

 

His 32-yard, fourth down reception against South Carolina State in 1997, helped spark a fourth quarter 22-20 comeback win which led to the Rattlers eventually earning an NCAA playoff invitation.

 

SHIELDS, KESHIA KING (Women’s Track and Field, 1988-92) – A stellar performer for the FAMU Women’s Track program, Keshia King Shields was a three-time MEAC champion in the 55 meter hurdles and the 100 meter hurdles.

As a freshman (1988), the Orlando, Florida native set a conference record in the 55 meter hurdles indoor, blazing to victory in 7.57 seconds. She also won the 100 meter hurdles at the MEAC Outdoor championships, as well as the FAMU Relays, while running on the victorious women’s 4x100 meter relay team.

 

In her sophomore year in 1989, she swept the 55 meter indoor and 100 meter outdoor hurdles at the MEAC Championships, while defending her FAMU Relays title in the 100 meters.

As a junior in 1990, she won her third straight 100 meter hurdles title at the FAMU relays, while finishing a close second in the 55 meter indoors and 100 meter outdoors in the MEAC Championships.

King-Shields served a one-year stint in the Armed Forces from September of 1990 to August of 1991, before returning to competition for her senior year in 1992.

 

In that sizzling senior campaign, she recaptured the MEAC titles in the 55 meter hurdles indoors and the 100 meter outdoors, as well as winning the 100 meter hurdle title for the fourth time at the FAMU Relays, setting a meet and Pete Griffin Track record with a 12.83 clocking.

She also finished second in the 55 meter dash at the MEAC Indoor Championships and third in the 100 meter dash at the Outdoor Championships, where she was part of the 4x100 meter relay championship team.

 

In addition, King-Shields also competed at the NCAA Indoor Championships, earning All-America honors after a sixth-place finish in the finals of 55 meter hurdles. She also qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 100 meter hurdles, and was a quarter finalist in the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 meter hurdles.

 

The 1995 graduate of Florida A&M, also had a lengthy professional track career, running 12 seasons both nationally and internationally.

 

WOODS, TERRENCE (2002-04) – A two-time NCAA single-season leader in three point shooting, Terrence Woods, a sharpshooting Tennessee native, helped lead the Rattler Basketball team to the 2004 MEAC Tournament championship and an opening round win over Lehigh University in the NCAA Tournament.

A transfer from the University of Tennessee, Woods knocked down 279 three-pointers in his two seasons (2003, 2004) at FAMU, hitting 139 triples in 2003 and 140 in 2004, both single-season school records.

Woods led the Rattlers in scoring both seasons, scoring at a 20.5 per game clip in 2003, and 20.3 per game in 2004, earning first team All-MEAC both seasons. He finished his two-year career with 1,203 points, for a career 20.4 per game scoring average.

 

His desperation three-pointer defeated Hampton University, 68-67 to propel the Rattlers to an opening round win in the 2004 MEAC Tournament, which they eventually won.

In 2003, he knocked down a school record 12 three-pointers in one game against Coppin State in Gaither Gymnasium, after scorching the University of Florida for nine (9) triples earlier in the season.

Following the 2004 season, Woods was invited to the NCAA Skills Festival as a participant in the three-point shooting contest. He captured the men’s title and the overall title, against the winner of the women’s division.

 

BROWN, GILBERT T. (Supporter * 1986-2008) – A tireless and dedicated law enforcement officer as a member of the Florida State Troopers, Major Gilbert T. Brown (ret.) served as the lead security officer for the Rattler Football team under three head coaches – Ken Riley, Billy Joe and Rubin Carter.

 

Brown provided personal security for the head coaches at all football games, traveling on road trips and staying with the coaches on the sidelines.

He made arrangements for police escorts for the teams to games, especially the Classic events, and was a trouble shooter who was ably capable of handling crisis situations when they arose.

Often, Major Brown covered his own expenses to insure that the football team had a proper security presence for away events.

 

TOOKES, LAVADA (Supporter of Athletics) -  Lavada Jones Tookes has been a loyal supporter of Florida A&M University and FAMU Athletics for many, many years.

A Life Member of the FAMU National Alumni Association, she is a charter member of the South Dade County Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association.

She spearheaded a drive to raise $10,000 for FAMU Athletics in 1996, and assisted her late husband, Sports Hall of Fame founder and former Athletic Director, Hansel E. Tookes in completing a $20,000 pledge to the university.

Ms. Tookes also assisted in the establishment of a $100,000 endowment for Athletics and Health, Physical Education and Recreation at FAMU.

 

She has also served on the university faculty in health and physical education; served in the Athletic department’s academic advisement center; worked for one season as office manager for men’s basketball, while providing tireless and dedicated service for over 30 years at various FAMU sports events, particularly track and field.

 

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Former Colton Star Josh Straughan Shining at Stillman College

COLTON, Washington -- Colton's Josh Straughan's career couldn't have gone much better as a high school quarterback. The Colton High School product put up some fantastic numbers and went on to receive the AP Washington State 1B Player of the Year award, threw for 141 touchdowns and 10,000 yards in his career - in addition to rushing for 1,256 yards on the ground.

Unfortunately for Straughan, the video-game like numbers weren't enough to impress many Division 1 coaches, who hesitated to give him a full-ride scholarship offer. They may be regretting that decision now.

"You know I figured I...

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ASU's White: "So far, so good" with QB Rivers

HEAD COACH MIKE WHITE
Albany State University Golden Rams

ALBANY, Georgia - Albany State is a little over a month away from opening their 2013 campaign against North Greenville.

On Friday, ASU head coach Mike White discussed the upcoming season with Golden Ram fans and boosters at the team's annual preseason kickoff banquet.

On the minds of many is transfer
QB Frank Rivers, who is joining the Golden Rams after transferring from Grambling State this offseason.

White says he's been impressed with the junior QB from what he's seen so far.

"He's a good football player that has good smarts. He picks up well," says White. "He has good report with his teammates, and they've kind of embraced him, so that's good. He's been working hard with his receivers. So far, so good."

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Former Albany State's/S.F. 49'ers Lockette expects big plays with teammate/roommate QB Kaepernick

Ricardo Lockette

San Francisco, California -- Monroe High grad Ricardo Lockette is competing for the starting receiver job with the San Francisco 49ers. What helps his chances is his relationship with quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is also his roommate.

"Without a doubt," Lockette said. "If I'm on the field and he's at quarterback and its a ball that needs to be thrown. Most likely its going to come my way ... We look forward to a couple big plays this year,"

Lockette chances to make an impact on last year's Super Bowl loser increased once Michael Crabtree went down with a torn Achilles. While he fully intends to compete for the starting role, he also understands that there is a limit he can push his body in camp to get it.

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Jackson State Gets Fall Camp Started

JACKSON, Mississippi - The JSU Tigers begun preparations for the 2013 season Saturday with the mission in mind being to return to the SWAC Championship game. Many of them say the loss in last year's conference title game is a huge motivator for this season.

JSU practiced for the first time for approximately two hours in helmets and shorts at the JSU Practice Field.

The Tigers used the day as a conditioning session. Head coach Rick Comegy used the day to see where his team is mentally and physically. Comegy was pleased with the physical condition of most of the players.


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ASU's White places emphasis on strong start

ALBANY, Georgia -- The beginning of the season will be critical for Albany State football head coach Mike White and the Golden Rams.

"I always believe in how we start is really going to have a lot to say about our team," White said.

The team opens the season on Sept. 7 against North Greenville before returning home for a game against Tuskegee September 14. The following weeks they will play against Elizabeth City State and Miles College.

"Those first four tough games," White said. "Before we have an open week, really is going to say a lot about how successful the 2013 season is."

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Willie Quinn back, eligible for Southern Jaguars

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Willie Quinn was a star of Southern’s preseason camp last year, but eligibility issues cost him a chance to show everyone why.

It appears Quinn will finally get the chance.

The explosive receiver with the diminutive 5-foot-6, 175-pound frame has returned to the Southern practice fields, and coach Dawson Odums said the sophomore’s eligibility issues are behind him.



“It’s always easy to quit, but we’re trying to teach the young men a different mindset,” Odums said. “He paid the price and made the sacrifice. Now he’s getting an opportunity. I’m just glad he did what he was supposed to do academically. We’ll see how the fall goes for him.”

The academic hurdle Quinn hit last year apparently stemmed from the Miami product attending two high schools.

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Dionte McDuffy transfers to Southern, reunites with Virgil Williams

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  On a day like so many in the friendship of Virgil Williams and Dionte McDuffy, the two were playing “Madden” at Virgil’s house last winter when McDuffy told his former Evangel teammate he was looking to transfer.

McDuffy had begun his college career at South Alabama. Williams had just finished his third season at Southern.

But before Williams could begin selling McDuffy on a reunion in Baton Rouge, Williams said McDuffy’s phone rang.

“He told me it was coach Germany calling,” Williams said, referring to Southern assistant Chad Germany. “It just so happened that coach Germany called him right after he told me.”

By the time Williams returned to Southern after Christmas break, McDuffy had transferred from South Alabama and was set to join him in the SU backfield.



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Mix-up makes for interesting Day 1 of JSU camp

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Due to an ordering issue for the Jackson State football practice jerseys, the players had to write their names on tape and stick it on their helmets to identify themselves.

Still, with more than 70 players taking the practice field, all wearing dark blue shirts, shorts and helmets, it was difficult to tell many apart. Even head coach Rick Comegy had a difficult time identifying his athletes on the field.

But Comegy had a smile on his face when one particular player obeyed his rule.

“I was wondering if Qua (Cox) was going to be a guy that — because he’s All-American choice and First-Team All-(SWAC) — if he was going to put ‘Cox’ across his helmet,” Comegy said. “And when I went out there and saw that he did, it made me happy because he’s not trying to step out of bounds.”

The senior defensive back received the most acclaim during the offseason after receiving numerous preseason awards, notably the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

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5 questions | Norfolk State football

NORFOLK, Virginia --  1. Who will be the quarterback?
Although fifth-year senior Nico Flores, who started seven games last season, would appear to be the incumbent, he will have competition. Ninth-year coach Pete Adrian plans to use the early part of camp to select a starter from among Flores and three newcomers: redshirt sophomores Tyler Clark, Malik Stokes and Omari Timmons.

The left-handed Clark, a Chesapeake native, transferred from Old Dominion. Stokes arrived from from Bowling Green, and Timmons from Albright College in Reading, Pa.

Flores passed for 1,067 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, but turnovers cost him the job midseason before he won it back.

"My plan is not to elongate it," Adrian said, referring to the evaluation period. "I'm going to try to have a quarterback, hopefully, 10, 12 days before the first game so everybody knows, 'Here's the guy.' "

2. Who will replace the Spartans' accomplished specialists?
Dylan Shaddix averaged a MEAC-best 40.5 yards per punt and was named first-team all-conference as a junior last season before leaving the program to attend to what Adrian described as a family matter.



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The Heat is On: S.C. State Bulldogs set a more serious tone right from the start

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  The heat was on Saturday for the South Carolina State football team and not just from the sweltering weather conditions.

With temperatures for the opening preseason practice reaching 99 degrees, the Bulldog players were pushed through more than two hours of intense, high-paced drills from the coaching staff.

Coming off the first losing season in 13 years, the team was determined to set a more serious, no-nonsense tone and tempo for the upcoming season.



“We’re trying to set a tone for a sense of urgency,” SCSU head coach Buddy Pough said. “We’re trying to make our guys understand how much it’s important that we change for us to be better. These guys are trying to make sure they set the pace at a place in the very beginning that’s going to be high enough — set that bar high enough — that’s going to give us an opportunity to be successful.”

The return of Joseph Blackwell as offensive line coach/offensive coordinator and the arrival of Steve Bird as wide receivers’ coach served to provide ...

Bulldogs Slideshow

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Belinda Roby becomes Assistant Athletic Director; steps down as Tuskegee Women’s Basketball Coach

Belinda Roby

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  --  The Tuskegee University Department of Athletics announced that women’s basketball coach Belinda Roby will step down from the position after earning an overall record of 247-153 over a 13-season span. Roby, who also serves as the senior women’s administrator at the school, will be expanding this role to become the new Assistant Director of Athletics at Tuskegee University.

Essentially, Roby will be the #2 person in the chain of command within the athletic department, led by recently hired Athletic Director Curtis Campbell, who joined the staff at Tuskegee almost one month ago from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

 

“It’s really not a major change, because I’ve already been a member of the administration since I’ve been at Tuskegee University,” Roby said. “I’ll just be making the move from part-time to full-time. My job is to assist the AD in whatever areas of the department that he needs assistance in. I’ll be overseeing several different programs, and they are not just confined to basketball.”

Roby said that she had thoughts of stepping down for a couple of years, and felt that it was time to take a break from coaching college basketball.

 

Tarsha Askew

“This is not a decision that was made in June or July,” Roby said. “This is a decision that was made by consulting with the administration at the end of the basketball season. I made the decision that I wanted to get out of coaching, that I needed a break from coaching, and the administration assisted in my transition as a full-time administrator.”

With Roby stepping down at the helm of the Tigerette Basketball program, assistant coach Tarsha Askew will be taking over as interim head coach. Askew has served by Roby’s side for nearly every season that Roby has coached at TU.

 

“I think she’s more than prepared,” Roby said of her successor. “She’s been here 12 seasons, and I’ve allowed her to have a lot of input in practice and during game time. She’s more than prepared, and she will do a good job.”

 

Askew, who also currently serves as the head volleyball coach at Tuskegee, says that she does not feel any additional weight on her shoulders, as she is confident in her abilities to take over the reins.

 

“It hasn’t really set in yet, but this is something that has been talked about for a few years now,” Askew said. “It’s been in the making, and that opportunity is here. I know that this is a big task to fill, and I’m up to the challenge.”

Askew acknowledges that adjustments will have to take place, but that she still expects the basketball team to compete at a high level.

“It’s just them (the student-athletes) adjusting to me, and I’ve been there,” Askew said. “I’ve been a voice for them, but I wasn’t the main voice. It was Coach Roby’s team, but now my philosophies will be the last say.”

 

The Tigerettes had an overall record of 19-8 last year, with a trip to the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament. Some key seniors were lost to graduation, but with many players coming back for the 2013-14 season, Askew said that there hasn’t been much recruiting to do in the offseason.

 

“Because we had so many returning kids, there wasn’t that much recruiting for this upcoming season, and I think that it kind of worked out. We had so many returners, that we really didn’t have to go out and recruit a lot. But, this upcoming season (2014-2015) will be a big recruiting year.”

Askew said that she expects the program to maintain a high level of competitiveness, while competing to earn entry into and win games in the NCAA tournament. She also revealed that plans for finding a second assistant coach are underway this week, with Dietrich Randle returning to the bench to once again serve as assistant coach for this season.

 COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State Hornets More Fluid On Day Two

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- The Alabama State University football team had its second straight day of practice Saturday afternoon under warm but overcast skies at Hornet Stadium.

"I saw guys get better and practice with a little more energy," head coach Reggie Barlow said. "We've got to continue to develop and get in better shape. There were more guys working at a good tempo, which was a good thing."

Despite the offseason conditioning during the spring and summer, the body typically needs time to adjust as well. On day two, the majority of players moved more fluidly through periods as opposed to Friday.

"Sometimes you don't know what to expect from the new guys, and some of the older guys as well," Barlow said of how players' bodies adjust to being back in a regular practice mode. "I think it was some of that, the initial shock to the system, but today was better."

Several newcomers, including some of the freshmen, are starting to show understanding of the schemes on both sides of the ball, while the offense continues to work on continuity.

"I saw a few guys particularly on defense step up," Barlow said. "It's good to see guys take things from individual drills to team drills, and CB Ka'Ra Stewart was one of those guys. Some of the freshmen are catching on and doing a good job. CB Trey Jenkins and OL Marquis Parker each did some good things. We have a good core of returning players on offense with WR Nehemiah Henry being in that group. We just have to continue to develop."

The Hornets will practice once daily Sunday through Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Hornet Stadium.



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