Grambling begins two-a-days on Wednesday

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  --  The Grambling football team caught its breath Tuesday with an off day, but the plunge into two-a-day practices as the heat soars begins Wednesday.

The Tigers strapped on pads for the first time Monday, and the most competitive position battles continue to be waged.

Running back, while not necessarily being the most important battle this fall, is the most visible.

Rising sophomores Cedric Skinner (365 rushing yards) and Jeremy Runner (318 yards) led the ground game in 2012, but junior and veteran Juwan Martin (183 yards) appears he will play a larger role this season after posting the highest yards-per-carry average of 4.2 in 2012.

“Juwan Martin did a tremendous job this spring, but you still have Skinner, Runner and (Justin Fortson),” said Grambling coach Doug Williams. “The little guy (Fortson) had a great spring, too.”

CONTINUE READING

The Black Quarterback: Episode Preview - 60 MINUTES SPORTS: TONIGHT!

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Two decades after Jackie Robinson broke pro baseball's color line the NFL still had no black quarterbacks, even as African Americans excelled at every other position on the field. It was pro-football's open secret: the quarterback position was for whites only.

A handful of pioneers began to change this in 1968 and four of them tell their humiliating and often emotional stories to Armen Keteyian about an unpopular chapter in the history of America's most popular sport. Keteyian also talks to the black QBs of the 1980s and '90s, whose paths were paved by those pioneers in this rarely told story.

Watch a preview of the compelling segment of 60 MINUTES SPORTS before it airs on Wednesday, August 7 at 9 PM ET/PT Only on SHOWTIME.

Ex-JMU QB Thorpe will start for Virginia State Trojans

Justin Thorpe

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Former James Madison starting quarterback Justin Thorpe will play at Virginia State this season, according to new Trojans coach Latrell Scott.

Scott, a former University of Richmond coach, said his relationship with Thorpe began when Thorpe was a Varina High School student and Scott evaluated him on behalf of Richmond.

Scott was JMU’s tight ends coach last year.

“Having spent last season around (Thorpe), when he called us and asked about the opportunity to come (to VSU), we jumped at the chance to have him,” Scott said.

Thorpe has one season of eligibility remaining, and is projected as the Trojans’ starter in their Sept. 7 opener at Fayetteville State, according to Scott.

CONTINUE READING

Stillman football team picked 3rd in SIAC West

COURTESY STILLMAN COLLEGE ATHLETICS

ATLANTA | The Stillman College football team, which has had winning seasons in Teddy Keaton’s first two years as head coach, has been picked to finish third in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Western Division.
The league coaches voted on the order of finish Tuesday during the SIAC football media day.

Stillman, which went 7-4 in 2011, posted a 6-5 overall record and a 4-3 conference record last season.

“I almost expected that pick, especially with how we finished third in the West in 2012,” Keaton said. “The one thing that I have consistently said to the players is that it is not about how you start, but how you finish.”

The Western Division features six teams, including Kentucky State, Tuskegee, Lane, Miles and Central State of Ohio, a new member this season.

CONTINUE READING

SIAC Football: Coaches select Albany State, Tuskegee as top teams in 2013

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its Preseason All-Conference Team and Predicted Order of Finish this afternoon at the 2013 SIAC Kickoff luncheon held at the Holiday Inn Perimeter.

The SIAC Football Coaches Association unanimously voted Tuskegee University as the top team in the West Division, as well as favorite to win the 2013 SIAC Football Championship.  The Golden Tigers received 5 out of 6 first place votes in front of 2011 SIAC Champion Miles College, selected to finish second, followed by third place Stillman College. Lane College was selected as the fourth place team, followed by Kentucky State University and SIAC newcomer Central State University.

Led by senior running back and 2012 SIAC Player of the Year Derrick Washington, Tuskegee went 10-2, with the only blemish resulting from a 28-13 loss to Elizabeth City State University in the Pioneer Bowl. The Golden Tigers return 16 starters, including 13 All-SIAC Preseason selections, from a team that finished 7-0 against conference opponents in route to claiming the program's 29th SIAC Championship.

In the East Division, Albany State was selected to finished as the top team, followed by last year's East Division Champion Fort Valley State University. After the coaches picked Morehouse College to finish third, Benedict and Clark Atlanta, were voted to finish fourth and fifth, respectively.

Headlining the All-Conference team is Miles redshirt-senior quarterback David Thomas, who threw for over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, to lead the program to its first Division II playoff appearance in school history. His teammate running back Floyd Graves, the SIAC's top returning rusher, and Kentucky State's Justin Williams were picked as the top running backs. Another Golden Bears player Antonio Pitts and Albany State's Jessie Atkins were selected at receiver, while Zach Thomas, a sophomore from Central State University, who put up big numbers as a freshman was named to the team at tight end. Tuskegee's Devonte Jones and Christopher Tolbert, paired with Morehouse's Drew Wilkins and Richard Washington are the first team offensive linemen.

On defense, SIAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American LeRon Furr from Fort Valley State highlights the group of first team linebackers. Joining Furr, is Tuskegee's top tackler Quavon Taylor and Clark Atlanta's Bernard Williams. Stillman's Peter Dele, Morehouse's Clarence Christian, Benedict's Devin Gainer, and Bernard Little, also from Fort Valley State were named as first team players. The Fort Valley State trio of Duron Furr, Thomas "Trey" Wolfe, and Tracey White, in addition to Albany State All-American, Dexter Moody headline the heralded group of defensive backs.

On special teams Benedict's Eduardo Hernandez and Morehouse punter Temitayo Agoro were the first team selections, while the always dangerous Thomas Williams of Morehouse and Stillman's Dondre Purnell were voted as first team return specialist. Overall, Tuskegee led the conference with 13 preseason selections, followed by Miles with nine players.

The 2013 SIAC Preseason All-Conference Team and Predicted Order of Finish can be seen below.

2013 SIAC Predicted Order of Finish

                East Division                                                       West Division
1. Albany State University (3)                                     1. Tuskegee University (4)
2. Fort Valley State University (2)                               2. Miles College (2)
3. Morehouse College                                                  3. Stillman College
4. Benedict College                                                      4. Kentucky State
5. Clark Atlanta University                                          5. Lane College
                                                                                      6. Central State University

East Division Champion: Albany State       West Division Champion: Tuskegee

Overall SIAC Champion: Tuskegee (7)
Note: Number of first place votes in parenthesis



First Team Offense
Position Name No. School Class HT. WT. Hometown
QB David Thomas 16 Miles Senior 6-2 206 Opelika, AL
RB Floyd Graves 7 Miles Senior 5-8 180 Newton, MS
RB Justin Williams 6 Kentucky State Junior 5-11 185 Pompano Beach, FL
OL Devonte Jones 73 Tuskegee Senior 6-1 330 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
OL Christopher Tolbert 74 Tuskegee Senior 6-7 320 Birmingham, AL
OL Drew Wilkins 78 Morehouse Junior 6-4 315 Elkins Park, PA
OL Richard Washington 74 Morehouse Junior 6-9 345 Washington, DC
OL Terrance Owens 73 Miles Soph 6-1 292 Greenville, AL
WR Antonio Pitts 12 Miles Junior 5-10 174 Montgomery, AL
WR Jessie Atkins 4 Albany State Junior 5-10 180 Camilla, GA
TE Zach Thomas 85 Central State Soph 6-4 215 Columbus, OH
K Eduardo Hernandez 11 Benedict Soph 5-10 180 Miami, FL
KR Thomas Williams 21 Morehouse R-Senior 5-11 175 Knightindale, NC

First Team Defense
Position Name No. School Class HT. WT. Hometown
DL Bernard Little 90 Fort Valley State Junior 6-4 290 Eatonton, GA
DL Clarence Christian 97 Morehouse Senior 6-3 255 Atlanta, GA
DL Devin Gainer 92 Benedict Senior 6-0 285 St. Petersburg, FL
DL Peter Dele 45 Stillman Junior 5-9 213 Fresno, TX
LB Bernard Williams 49 Clark Atlanta Junior 5-11 225 Omega, GA
LB LeRon Furr 33 Fort Valley State Senior 6-3 235 Columbus, GA
LB Quavon Taylor 1 Tuskegee Junior 6-1 210 Miami, FL
DB Carlos Wilson 20 Stillman Senior 5-10 175 Mobile, AL
DB Joe Beckham 20 Miles R-Soph 5-11 180 Daleville, AL
DB Dexter Moody 3 Albany State Senior 6-3 200 Twin City, GA
DB Jack Howard 21 Lane Senior 5-11 175 Miami, FL
P Temitayo Agoro 44 Morehouse Soph. 5-11 190 Fort Worth, TX
PR Dondre Purnell 7 Stillman Junior 5-10 175 Smyrna, GA

Second Team Offense
Position Name No. School Class HT. WT. Hometown
QB Justin Nared 17 Tuskegee Junior 6-1 200 Evergreen, AL
RB Devonta Parker-Johnson 27 Miles Soph 5-9 174 Milry, AL
RB Michael J. Thornton 38 Tuskegee Junior 6-2 230 Thomasville, AL
OL Michael D. Thornton 72 Tuskegee Junior 6-0 305 Miami, FL
OL Marquis Franklin 52 Fort Valley State Senior 6-8 330 Tyler, TX
OL Aderus Hood 60 Miles Junior 6-3 292 Mt. Hebron, AL
OL Derrick Miles 63 Stillman Senior 6-3 270 Tuscaloosa, AL
OL Matt Reese 63 Tuskegee Junior 6-3 310 Birmingham, AL
WR Marquel Franklin 25 Tuskegee Junior 6-3 210 Prichard, AL
WR DJ Fife 15 Miles Junior 5-11 185 Cherokee Co., AL
TE Stephen Clements 87 Tuskegee Senior 6-0 225 Birmingham, AL
K Cade Berryman 1 Kentucky State Soph. 5-9 151 Irvine, KY
KR Dondre Purnell 7 Stillman Junior 5-10 175 Smyrna, GA

Second Team Defense
Position Name No. School Class HT. WT. Hometown
DL Jordan Paige 7 Central State Junior 6-5 225 Osceola, FL
DL Kevdrick Blue 92 Tuskegee R-Soph 6-0 225 Millbrook, AL
DL Reginald Woods 55 Tuskegee Senior 6-3 240 Compton, CA
DL Kenneth Townsend 94 Kentucky State Senior 6-3 263 Louisville, KY
LB El-Malik Chinn 33 Tuskegee Junior 5-11 215 Northport, AL
LB Marcavius Dudley Albany State Senior 5-10 230 Brunswick, GA
LB Reginald Virges 58 Miles Senior 5-10 220 Alpine, AL
DB Thomas "Trey" Wolfe 9 Fort Valley State Senior 6-1 185 Marietta, GA
DB Duron Furr 17 Fort Valley State Senior 6-3 205 Columbus, GA
DB Tracey White 29 Fort Valley State Junior 5-11 190 Dunwoody, GA
DB Joseph Blount 15 Central State Junior 5-10 185 St. Louis, MO
P Brian Currey 35 Benedict Soph 6-1 170 Prattville, AL
PR Desmond Reese 83 Tuskegee Soph 5-10 170 Valley, AL

COURTESY THESIAC.COM

Morgan State Football Team Receives Visit From Past MSU Greats During Media Day

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Despite the rain this past Saturday, the 2013 Morgan State football team had a full slate, as the team took part in its annual picture and media day. As an added bonus this year, the squad had a bonding session with several former Morgan State greats.

Those former Bears who were in attendance included former Dallas Cowboy, Mark Washington; retired General "Kip" Ward; New York Times sportswriter and novelist, Joe Draper, who authored a book about the 2012 Army football team; Craig Spencer, who attended the first Morgan vs. Grambling football game in 1968 when he was a kid and New York Times sports journalist, Bill Rhoden, who hosted the event.

They each addressed the team with inspiring messages about their experiences while at Morgan State and also touched on the historical significance and importance of playing against Army in the season opener on August 30th in West Point, N.Y. The game will mark the first time that a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) football team will square off against the United States Military Academy (Army).

The program was very informative and included a trip down memory lane with a discussion and showing of the DVD documentary featuring the 1968 Morgan vs. Grambling Football Classic game played in Yankee Stadium, which was put on by the New York Urban League. The current Morgan State players were also introduced by the former athletes to the Morgan "Grizzly" tradition ('Claim to Fame'), which is a football team function.

Courtesy Morgan State University Athletics

Several members of the Return to Greatness Steering Committee were also in attendance.

Morgan State kicks off the 2013 campaign on Friday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. when it takes on Army live on the CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports. The Bears will remain on the road for three more contests, including a Sept. 21 date at Western Kentucky, before finally playing in the friendly confines of Hughes Stadium when they host Norfolk State in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) match-up on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.

The following week Morgan State will welcome the Rattlers of Florida A&M to Baltimore for Homecoming on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. Later in the season the Bears will be featured on ESPNU as part of the MEAC's television package, when they travel to Orangeburg, S.C. to take on South Carolina State on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on Morgan State football and Morgan State athletics, log on to www.morganstatebears.com.



COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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 SCHEDULE

 

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

 

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

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.

 

CONTINUE READING



Ken Riley Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com

 

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 25^th 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 25^th.

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 2^nd Team All-American and the NCCAA Defensive Player.  Batchelor was also named to the 3^rd Team Don Hanson Division II All-America Team, and 2^nd 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 7^th 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.”

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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