Wednesday, August 7, 2013

PVAMU Panther Alumni Hard At Work In NFL Training Camps

Spears, Hamilton and Reed Are Vying For NFL Roster Positions

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas --  With two days of training camp nearly in the books for the Prairie View A&M Panthers, three former Panthers who excelled at defensive end in Adrian Hamilton, Quinton Spears and Jarvis Reed are currently vying for roster spots on NFL teams.

Adrian Hamilton is beginning his second season with the Baltimore Ravens and looks to make a bigger impact on the defensive side of the ball after seeing time on special teams last fall.  The former sack specialist, who plays outside linebacker for the Ravens, recently drew praise from Baltimoreravens.com for his pass coverage skills during 11-on-11 drills.  Hamilton, who was a Pstandout with the Dallas Cowboys last summer, will make his preseason debut this Thursday evening versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 6:30 p.m.

Quinton Spears begins his first season with the Indianapolis Colts after spending the 2011 season with the Cleveland Browns.  Spears received valuable experience playing special teams in 2011 and like Hamilton, made the move to linebacker in the NFL.  Currently, Spears is paired with another former SWAC great, Robert Mathis of Alabama A&M, and will have every opportunity to prove himself as the Colts begin preseason play on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. versus the Buffalo Bills.

Jarvis Reed, formerly Jarvis Wilson, starts his pro career as an outside linebacker after a solid career playing defensive end for Prairie View A&M.  Like Hamilton and Spears, Reed will be asked to play big roles on both special teams and defensive situations in order to solidify himself a spot on the Packers' roster.  Reed makes his NFL debut Friday night in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at 7 p.m.
 
To see more future NFL prospects wearing purple and gold, purchase your season tickets today 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 PV FOOTBALL CAMP SCHEDULE (subject to change if weather is a factor)All practices are open to the public
 
Tuesday, Aug. 66:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 76:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 86:45 p.m. (Helmets & Shoulder Pads)
Friday, Aug. 96:45 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 107:00 p.m. (Full Gear)
Sunday, Aug. 117:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 128:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 139:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 148:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 159:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 168:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 177:00 p.m. (Scrimmage)
Sunday, Aug. 187:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 198:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 209:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 218:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 229:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 23Walk-Thru
Saturday, Aug. 24Team Activity
Sunday, Aug. 25Walk-Thru
Saturday, Aug. 31Labor Day Classic at Texas Southern (7 p.m.)

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Football Preview: Alcorn State

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

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

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

Head Coach: Jay Hopson
SWAC Digital Network Interview | Football Media Day (Video)

KEY LOSSES:
Terrance Lewis - WR/KR
Cornelius Brown - OL
Jacques Caldwell - DB
Brandon Thompson - DB
Robert Gainwell - LB
Jermaine Turner - DL
Stephen Howard - DL

STARTERS RETURNING:
Offense: 6
Defense: 5
Special Teams: 4
Other returnees in the secondary include: Jamison Knox, Anthony Williams and Hendricks Taylor.

CONTINUE READING

Omission of FAMU's and Bengals’ Ken Riley From Hall of Fame Is a Striking Oversight

Former FAMU Rattler Ken Riley displays a game ball
and three AFC Interception Leader awards he won
during his 15 NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
 
BARTOW, Florida  --  When the City Commission of Bartow, Fla., held its regular meeting March 18, it filled a vacancy on the beautification advisory board, issued a proclamation endorsing Great American Cleanup Day and heard a resident’s complaint about his utility bill. Then, in its final order of business, the five commissioners voted unanimously to issue a municipal resolution supporting Ken Riley, one of Bartow’s own, for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The city attorney, Sean Parker, had spent months drafting the document and assembling the statistical case for Riley’s place in the Hall. Parker read the resolution in its entirety at the meeting, something unusual for the local government, and showed highlights from Riley’s 15-year career as a defensive back with the Cincinnati Bengals. Once adopted, the resolution was sent to all nine members of the Hall of Fame’s selection committee for senior players, those retired at least 25 years.

This advocacy is touching and maddening — touching for its loyalty to a hometown hero and maddening that it is left to such a grass-roots, amateur-level effort to campaign for Riley. As the Hall of Fame enshrines seven new members this weekend, including Dave Robinson and Curley Culp as seniors, the omission of Riley stands as one of its most striking oversights.
 
Thirty years after retiring from the Bengals, Riley still ranks fifth in career interceptions with 65. Yet 19 defensive backs with fewer interceptions have been inducted. During Riley’s years, 1969 to 1983, the Bengals posted a cumulative winning record with five trips to the playoffs and a Super Bowl appearance in 1982, when they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
 
After an illustrious college career playing quarterback for Florida A&M, Riley had to learn a new position with the Bengals, an expansion team. He soon developed into a disciplined, canny, intelligent defender as well as a consummate teammate. His assiduous study of opposing teams and players kept Riley competitive even as his speed and quickness diminished.
 
 
LIFE OF RILEY
  • High School: Union Academy, Bartow, FL; College: Star QB, Florida A&M University; NFL 6th Round Draft Choice 1969, Cincinnati Bengals-- Played 15 seasons as cornerback.
  • Riley also excelled academically and earned his team's scholastic award and a Rhodes Scholar Candidacy.
  • NFL career: Bengals cornerback, 1969-83. Fifth on NFL all-time interception list with 65.
  • Post NFL-career: 1984-85: Green Bay Packers assistant coach; 1986-93: Head coach, Florida A&M University, compiling a 48-39-2 record with two Mid-Eastern Athletic conference titles and 2 MEAC coach of the year awards; 1994-2003: Athletic director, Florida A&M.
  • Personal: Age 65, hometown is Bartow, Fla. Married, three grown children, one grandchild. Resides in Bartow, Florida
  • Riley is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.
  • In 2007 Riley was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team which selected the Top 33 players in the 100 year history of high school football in the state of Florida's history.
  • Riley is in other halls of fame, including the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Polk County Sports Hall of Fame and the Florida A&M Hall of Fame.
  •  Education: Florida A&M University, master's degree from the University of North Florida
  • Honors: Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Polk County Sports Hall of Fame, Bartow Hall of Fame, Tallahassee Hall of Fame, Public Schools Hall of Fame, Suite named for him at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati; Tampa Bay All-Century Team (high school). 
  • ESPN's Sal Paolantonio has written a chapter of a book, The Paolantonio Report about Riley, naming him as the second-most underrated defensive back in NFL history.  "He definitely deserves to go into the Hall of Fame," Paolantonio said. "I don't know what else he could have done.

Tennessee State Tiger Camp Report: Day Two

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --   Overcast skies and an occasional drizzle provided an ideal backdrop for the Tennessee State football team’s second day of fall camp.
 
Temperatures hovered in the low 70’s throughout the practice and the off-and-on rain mercifully did not add to the humidity.

The team performed its usual routine of practicing in small groups before coming together for a pseudo scrimmage. The session ended with field goals from an improved Jamin Godfrey and southhoof freshman Cameron Carter.

One difference from yesterday was the performance of the offense. At times on Monday, the offensive line false started and the Tigers’ stable of quarterbacks had some trouble with the exchange from center.

This was not the case on Tuesday as the offensive line blocked well for the running backs and allowed time for the offense’s short passing patterns. There was particularly good blocking on an early halfback dive that sprung ex-Naval Academy back Adam Davenport into the secondary. On another, true freshman Khari Lewis scampered outside of right tackle and had the coaches not blown the whistle, a foot race would have been the only thing stopping him from scoring.



Bright spots for the defense included a perfectly-timed pass break up by cornerback Stephen Godbolt III on a curl route to freshman wide out Lavatiae Kelly. Defensive end Detorrius Shipley shed a block on the final play of period and wrapped up the ball carrier for a drive-killing tackle-for-loss.

Big Blue will break out the shoulder pads for the first time on Wednesday for the third day of the team’s early morning training sessions.

This Week’s Practice Dates
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)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013 - 7:30-9:30  PRACTICE #9 (FULL)
 
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Shaw To Hold First Football Practice August 7

RALEIGH, North Carolina —The Shaw University football team reported for camp Sunday, and will hold their first practice of the 2013 season on Wednesday, August 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Chavis Park.
 
The opening of camp is the start of a packed month of activity for the Bears.  In addition to ongoing practices after Wednesday, Shaw will hold their fall scrimmage on Saturday August 24 at noon at Chavis Park.   A Pigskin Preview will be held on August 28 which will give media and fans a chance to meet the Bears and hear about the upcoming season.
 
Shaw opens the 2013 football season with a home contest against Charleston (WV) on Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Durham County Memorial Stadium.  Both single game and season tickets are on sale now.

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

XU Nuggets to conduct tryouts during first 2 days of semester

XU seeks a fourth consecutive GCAC regular-season championship.
NEW ORLEANS — On the first two days of the fall semester — Aug. 26 and 27 — Xavier University of Louisiana will conduct walk-on tryouts for its women's basketball program.
    
The tryouts will be from 7-9 p.m. both days at the Convocation Center for students enrolled at Xavier during the fall. For more information, contact associate head coach Darrilyn Broussard at (504) 520-7513 or dbrouss1@xula.edu.
    
Xavier's Gold Nuggets were 24-6 in 2012-13, winning the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship for the third consecutive season and qualifying for the NAIA Division I National Championship for the fourth consecutive year and the 17th time in 19 seasons.

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

Chowan's TJ Batchelor Named to USA College Football Division II Preseason All-American Team

T.J. Batchelor
(Courtesy Chowan Athletics)

 
MURFREESBORO, North Carolina  --  Chowan University senior TJ Batchelor has been named to the 25th Annual USA College Football Division II Preseason All-American. This is Batchelor's second preseason honor after being named to the CIAA Preseason Team at the CIAA annual press conference on July 25th.

As a junior, Batchelor led the Hawks on the defensive side of the ball with 77 tackles (45 solo, 32 assisted) and ranked third in the CIAA with 12.5 sacks en-route to being named All-CIAA.  Additionally, he was named Beyond Sports Network Division II 2nd Team All-American and the NCCAA Defensive Player.  Batchelor was also named to the 3rd Team Don Hanson Division II All-America Team, and 2nd Team Don Hansen All Super Region 1.

Batchelor was one of ten student-athletes from the CIAA to be selected to the USA College Football Division II Preseason All-American teams.  He was joined on the First Team by safety Michael Johnson (Fayetteville State), offensive lineman Nathaniel Hartung (Winston-Salem State), and linebacker Carlos Fields (Winston-Salem State). The Second Team consisted of offensive lineman Vincent Maene (Elizabeth City State), running back Colon Bailey (Fayetteville State), defensive lineman Javarous Faulk (Saint Augustine's) and defensive back Darnell Evans (Shaw). Bowie State tight end Khari Lee (Third Team) and defensive back Curtis Pumphrey (Honorable Mention) also received recognition.

Batchelor and the Hawks return to the gridiron on September 7th when they travel to Charlotte, NC to take on UNC-Charlotte at 12:00pm. The complete list of USA College Football Division II Preseason All-Americans can be found here:  http://www.usafbn.com/d2fb.htm.

COURTESY CHOWAN UNIVERSITY HAWKS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Class of 2013 | Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame

NORFOLK, Virginia --  The Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce its class of 2013, which will be inducted in October at a banquet at Norfolk Scope.

The sixth induction class for the Hall of Fame consists of Old Dominion University basketball star Leo Anthony, longtime Maury High School basketball coach Jack Baker, baseball announcer Marty Brennaman, former ODU baseball coach Bud Metheny, former ODU basketball coach Paul Webb, and James and LaVerne Sweat, the husband and wife who have had long coaching careers at Hampton and Norfolk State universities.

James and LaVerne Sweat had great coaching careers at Hampton and Norfolk State. James Sweat coached women’s basketball and had a career record of 529-262 in seven seasons at Hampton University and 19 seasons at Norfolk State. LaVerne Sweat coached track and cross country at both schools and won more than a dozen CIAA league titles. She was an assistant coach of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, and the first female president of the CIAA.

CONTINUE READING

FAMU football: Rattlers hit field in full stride

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  The satisfaction that Earl Holmes felt as the first day of practice was winding down was obvious Tuesday afternoon. He paced the sidelines with a proud grin, surveying each unit of the FAMU football team as position coaches ran them through technique drills.

“This is where you build a house; you’ve got to lay down the foundation,” said Holmes, who is in his first season as head coach at his alma mater.

There was no hitting, just players methodically executing every move their coaches commanded. The workout would become more intense over the next 25 days that the Rattlers have before opening the season on Sept. 1 against Mississippi Valley State.



CONTINUE READING

St. Aug Starts Football Practice On Wednesday, Aug. 7

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Saint Augustine's University will hold its first football practice of the 2013 season on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at SAU Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

"It's another year and another opportunity to work on what we strive to do each year, which is to play for the CIAA Championship," said Head Coach Michael Costa, who has guided the Falcons to two winning records the past three seasons. "Our goal is to be in Winston-Salem."

The Falcons return 58 players including 14 offensive and defensive starters. They also bring back their placekicker and punter. The returnees and a 36-player recruiting class will report to campus on Monday, Aug. 5.

The Falcons are picked to finish second in the Southern Division and have the third-best team in the CIAA. Two players – defensive end Javarous Faulk (Sr./Macon, Ga.) and linebacker Chaz Robinson (Sr./Hampton, Va.) – were named to the Pre-season All-CIAA Team.

The Falcons, 6-4 overall in 2012, open the regular season at Division I North Carolina Central University on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Durham, N.C. at 2 p.m. The contest is the first of a 10-game schedule for the Falcons, who host Stillman College in their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 21. The slate includes home games against two-time CIAA champion Winston-Salem State University and two-time CIAA runner-up Elizabeth City State University.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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.”

CONTINUE READING

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

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

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.

CONTINUE READING

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
  
SchoolConfOverall
East
Albany State University 0-00-0
Benedict College 0-00-0
Clark Atlanta University 0-00-0
Fort Valley State University 0-00-0
Morehouse College 0-00-0

West
Kentucky State University 0-00-0
Lane College 0-00-0
Miles College 0-00-0
Stillman College 0-00-0
Central State University 0-00-0
Tuskegee University 0-00-0

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.’”

CONTINUE READING

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. 57:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 66:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 76:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 86:45 p.m. (Helmets & Shoulder Pads)
Friday, Aug. 96:45 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 107:00 p.m. (Full Gear)
Sunday, Aug. 117:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 128:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 139:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 148:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 159:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 168:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 177:00 p.m. (Scrimmage)
Sunday, Aug. 187:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 198:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 209:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 218:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 229:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 23Walk-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 ...

CONTINUE READING 

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

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  Gone from a year ago, the 75th 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
38th 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 38th 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 

Monday, August 5, 2013

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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