WVSU Yellow Jackets Picked to Finish 10th by MEC Coaches

BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia – The Shepherd Rams have been picked to win the first-ever Mountain East Conference football title after a vote conducted by the league's coaches. Shepherd collected eight of 11 possible first-place votes in earning 117 points.

Charleston was picked to finish runner-up with 101 points and also received two first-place votes. Concord was picked to finish third (94), followed by Glenville State (83) and West Liberty (79). Urbana was picked to finish fifth and had 75 points and also received a first-place vote. Fairmont State (51) was predicted to finish in eighth, followed by Notre Dame College (40), UVa-Wise (31), West Virginia State (28) and West Virginia Wesleyan (27).

Shepherd returns eight starters on both offense and defense from a team that went 8-3 and earned a berth in the NCAA playoffs. The Rams will have to replace starting quarterback Bobby Cooper, but SU returns its entire offensive line that will pave the way for Jihad Rasheed and Allen Cross. The Rams also boast a stout defense that has led the country in rushing defense each of the last two seasons and boasts All-America candidates Howard Jones (defensive lineman) and Keon Robinson (cornerback/return specialist).

Charleston turned in a 9-2 season last year in which its two losses came by just a combined 10 points. The Golden Eagles will have to deal with the loss of one of the top all-purpose players in the country last year in Jordan Roberts, but return experience behind center in quarterbacks Maurice Leak and John Knox. UC also returns eight starters on a defense that allowed under 16 points per game. All-America candidate Puma Nuredini handles the kicking and punting duties for the Golden Eagles.

Concord closed the 2012 season strong by winning five of its last six, but will need to replace six starters on both offense and defense. The Mountain Lions return plenty of talent on defense including All-America candidates Jake Lilly (linebacker) and Riyahd Richardson (cornerback). Sophomore running back Calvinaugh Jones will be expected to shoulder the offensive load for CU after racking up 749 yards on the ground in 2012.

Glenville State was 6-5 last year with all five losses coming on the road. The Pioneers return one of the top running backs in the country in Rahman Lee who rushed for 1,357 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago. Quarterback Justin Feagin saw action in all 11 games last year for GSC passing for over 600 yards and adding nearly 200 yards on the ground. Senior center and All-America candidate Jon Rasnick will anchor the offensive line. James Johnson returns to the defense after notching 92 tackles a season ago.

West Liberty surged to a 6-5 record in 2012 after winning four of its final six, including a one-point win over Shepherd. Dylan Lagarde saw action in all 11 games under center for the 'Toppers and made five starts throwing for 1,150 yards with six touchdowns and 14 interceptions. WLU returns its leading running back from last year in Isaiah Moody who added 618 yards and six touchdowns on the ground last season. The Hilltoppers will be strong on defense returning eight starters, particularly in

Urbana finished last season with a 7-4 record and finished third in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Blue Knights will be led by All-America candidate quarterback D.J. Mendenhall. Mendenhall is a three-year starter for Urbana racking up 6,702 yards passing and another 1,605 rushing during his career. Mendenhall's top target, Joe Webb, also returns after catching 63 balls for 1,074 yards despite missing two games. On defense, the Blue Knights return lineman Kyle Ferguson (58 tackles, nine tackles for a loss) and corner David McComas (70 tackles, two interceptions).

Fairmont State will be led by first-year head coach and Fighting Falcon alumnus Jason Woodman. Woodman inherits a team that went 4-6 last year but features two of the top players on either side of the ball in running back Daniel Monroe and middle linebacker Garrett Davis. Monroe is on pace to be one of the top backs in school history, and Davis led the nation last year in solo tackles per game. On top of that, offensive tackle Chris Barfield is considered to be one of the top offensive linemen in the country and has garnered preseason All-America honors.

Notre Dame College is in just its fourth year of existence under head coach Adam Howard. The Falcons went 3-8 last year playing in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). NDC is led by senior running back and All-America candidate Pedro Powell. Powell rushed for a school record 1,460 yards and found the end zone 11 times last year.

UVa-Wise posted a 3-8 record playing in the NAIA last year. The Cavs will be bringing back 15 starters from last year's squad (nine on offense and six on defense), including running back Zach Cochran (301 yards and five touchdowns), wide receiver Terrance Younger (24 receptions and 516 yards) and safety Marcus Jones (65 tackles, six tackles for a loss).

West Virginia State will look to first-year head coach Jon Anderson to turn the Yellow Jackets around after a 2-9 campaign in 2012. On offense, WVSU will need to replace its starting quarterback and top rusher from last year, but the defense returns end Wenly Beliard (67 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss) and defensive back Dominque Matthews (53 tackles, four tackles for a loss).

Head coach George Shehl takes over a West Virginia Wesleyan team that went 3-8 in 2012. The Bobcats do feature one of the more explosive players in the country in wide receiver and return specialist Lavaughn Hughes, who led NCAA Division II last year with 453 punt return yards and also added three punt return touchdowns. On defense, WVWC lost its three top tacklers to graduation, but returns solid defensive backs James Williamson and Jermichael Kelly.
The 2013 season begins on Sept. 5 with several Mountain East Conference teams in action, and the MEC portion of the schedule begins on Saturday, Sept. 14.

 2013 Mountain East Conference Preseason Poll
1. Shepherd (8) 117
2. Charleston (2) 101
3. Concord 94
4. Glenville State 83
5. West Liberty 79
6. Urbana (1) 75
7. Fairmont State 51
8. Notre Dame College 40
9. UVa-Wise 31
10. West Virginia State 28
11. West Virginia Wesleyan 27
() Indicates first place votes

COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hampton and Arkansas Pine Bluff booked for inaugural Corpus Christi Challenge,

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas –- Tournament organizers announced Wednesday the pairings for the final two rounds of the inaugural Corpus Christi Challenge, which will conclude Thanksgiving weekend at Corpus Christi’s American Bank Center.  Joining Texas A&M in the field at the event will be Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Hampton, Liberty, Missouri State, Sam Houston State, SMU and Virginia.

To kick off the event, Texas A&M will host a pair of games inside the friendly confines of Reed Arena. The Aggies welcome Sam Houston State to Aggieland on Nov. 24 before returning to action on their home court against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 26.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend the scene shifts to Corpus Christi’s American Bank Center where Texas A&M will face Missouri State on Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Depending on the outcome of their contest with Bears, the Aggies will face either the winner or the loser of the previous day’s Virginia/SMU tilt on Nov. 30. Both of Texas A&M’s games at Corpus Christi will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

2013 Corpus Christi Challenge Schedule
Nov. 24 – Reed Arena (College Station)
Texas A&M vs. Sam Houston State

Nov. 26 – Reed Arena (College Station)
Texas A&M vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Nov. 29 - American Bank Center (Corpus Christi)
1:00 PM -- Liberty  vs. Hampton   
3:30 PM -- Sam Houston State  vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
6:30 PM -- Virginia  vs. SMU  (CBS Sports Network)
9:00 PM -- Texas A&M  vs. Missouri State (CBS Sports Network)

Nov. 30 - American Bank Center (Corpus Christi)
12:00 PM -- Loser LU/HU  vs. Loser SHU/UAPB
2:30 PM -- Winner LU/HU  vs. Winner SHU/UAPB
5:30 PM -- Loser TAMU/MSU  vs. Loser UVA/SMU  (CBS Sports Network)
8:00 PM -- Winner TAMU/MSU  vs. Winner UVA/SMU  (CBS Sports Network)

The Aggies enter their third season under the direction of head coach Billy Kennedy and feature a young, talented roster led by three returning starters including upperclassmen Fabyon Harris (senior guard) and Kourtney Roberson (junior forward). A year ago, Harris ranked among the SEC leaders in 3-point field goal shooting at 45.3 percent while Roberson paced the Aggies and ranked eighth in the league by averaging 6.6 rebounds per contest. Additionally, the maroon and white feature two local standout sophomores Alex Caruso (College Station, Texas) and J-Mychal Reese (Bryan, Texas) looking to a step forward during their second year on campus.

Caruso led the team in assists with 112 and set the A&M record for steals by a freshman with 61 a year ago, while Reese made a freshman-high 25 starts as a rookie last season. Joining the solid core of returners are an impressive slew of newcomers led by 6-foot-8 junior college transfer guard Jamal Jones (Searcy, Ark.) and 6-foot-7 freshman guard/forward Davonte Fitzgerald (Tucker, Ga.)

Virginia returns 11 letterwinners, including its top five scorers from last season's team, which finished with a 23-12 record and advanced to the NIT quarterfinals. All-ACC performers Joe Harris (Chelan, Wash.) and Akil Mitchell (Charlotte, N.C.) lead the way after enjoying breakout seasons a year ago. Harris earned All-ACC first-team honors after averaging a career-high 16.3 points, including a career-high 36 in a win against Duke.

Mitchell was named to the All-ACC third team after averaging 13.1 points and a team-leading 8.9 rebounds. Sophomores Justin Anderson (Montross, Va.) and Mike Tobey (Monroe, NY) also return after seeing valuable action as rookies in 2012-13. Anderson averaged a team-leading 19 points during UVa's three NIT games, while Tobey helped Team USA to the gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Championships this past summer. R

Redshirt sophomores Malcolm Brogdon (Norcross, Va.) and Anthony Gill (Charlotte, N.C.) bolster the Cavalier attack after sitting out last season. Brogdon averaged 6.7 points and 2.8 rebounds as a freshman for Virginia in 2011-12, while Gill averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds for South Carolina in 2011-12.   Fifth-year head coach Tony Bennett, the 2007 National Coach of the Year, has a 76-53 record at Virginia. He has increased Virginia's win total in each of the last four seasons and led the Cavaliers to the postseason in each of the last two seasons.

SMU enters its second season under Hall of Fame head coach Larry Brown. The 2013-14 Mustangs return all five starters while adding the No. 14 ranked recruiting class and three transfers that sat out last season. SMU will also open the renovated and expanded Moody Coliseum during the season, which is its first in the American Athletic Conference. The Mustangs went 15-17 last year with Cannen Cunningham, Jalen Jones, Ryan Manuel, Nick Russell, and Shawn Williams starting the entire season. They are joined by transfers Nic Moore (from Illinois State), Markus Kennedy (from Villanova) and Crandall Head (from Illinois). The recruiting class that is ranked as high as No. 14 includes McDonald's All-American Keith Frazier, the nation's top junior college prospect in Yanick Moreira, and a pair of Illinois' Mr. Basketball finalists from the Chicago area in Sterling Brown and Ben Moore.

Missouri State head coach Paul Lusk returns four starters and eight lettermen as he begins his third season directing the Bears. He inherited a program that was coming off its first Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title in 2011, and Lusk spent much of last season rebuilding the program tradition with a solid crop of freshmen. MSU’s six freshmen accounted for 43.5 percent of the team’s scoring in 2012-13, including Valley Freshman of the Year Marcus Marshall (6-3, G, St. Paul, Minn., 11.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.1 apg) who broke the club’s freshman scoring mark with 368 points. The Bears have added three more freshmen and a pair of transfers to their arsenal this winter and also will see the return of 2012 starter Jarmar Gulley (6-5, F, Beaumont, Texas, 10.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg) who missed last season with a torn ACL.

Each team will play four games-the first two at campus sites and the final two rounds at the beautiful American Bank Center in Corpus Christi on November 29th & 30th.

Tickets for the final rounds in Corpus Christi can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or purchase by phone by dialing 1-800-745-3000.  For ADA seating please call 361-826-4170.  They can also purchase tickets by visiting a Ticketmaster outlet located at participating HEB stores.

COURTESY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

New TV network wants to partner with FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida --  The journalism school at Florida A&M, one of the university’s flagship programs, may become home to a new, national TV network.

Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts, now a high-powered Washington lobbyist and principle partner with the Black Television News Channel, told FAMU trustees during a Wednesday teleconference that he wants his CNN-style network headquartered at FAMU.

Watts has been in discussion with FAMU for about 18 months, first planning with the late James Hawkins and now with Ann Kimbrough, dean of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.

If all goes according to plan, the 24-hour network, housed in FAMU’s broadcast studios, would go on the air in fall 2014. FAMU trustees may be asked to approve contracts with BTNC as early as October.

“We wanted to make sure, and this has been communicated ...

CONTINUE READING

10 questions facing Johnson C. Smith football in 2013

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  --  Ten questions facing Johnson C. Smith football going into preseason camp:

Q: Can the Golden Bulls post a third straight winning season?
For the first time since 1973, J.C. Smith is in position to do so, especially with four of the first five games in Charlotte. The toughest opponents appear to be cross-county rival Davidson (Sept. 21 in Charlotte) and two-time CIAA champ and 2012 Division II national runner-up Winston-Salem State (Oct. 12 on the road).

Q. Where is quarterback Keahn Wallace’s ceiling?
The junior is the CIAA’s best returning quarterback. As a sophomore, Wallace set a school record for passing yards in a season with 2,280 and 22 touchdowns.

Q. Where’s the position of strength?
There’s no shortage of receivers. J.C. Smith returns preseason All-CIAA Fred Scott (47 catches, 610 yards, six TDs) Terrell Hutchinson (32 catches, 352 yards, three TDs) and tight end Jimmy Drye (three TDs).  CONTINUE READING 

MIAA Football Media Day: Interview With Lincoln's Mike Jones

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  --  The Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) held its annual Football Media Day on Monday (Aug. 5), as coaches from all 14 league teams converged on Kansas City, Missouri to take questions from radio, television and newspaper journalists. Lincoln's own Mike Jones was on hand, speaking with over 20 members of the press about the Blue Tigers' goals for 2013. During the media day, The above video interview is courtesy of the MIAA.

The Blue Tigers open the 2013 season on Thursday, Sept. 5 with a 7:00 p.m. CDT contest at Lindenwood in St. Charles, Missouri.




2013 MIAA Coaches and Media Polls


COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI SPORTS INFORMATION 

QB competition open as A&T starts football practice today

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- With the first practice of the season looming this afternoon, there’s a lot more optimism than usual surrounding N.C. A&T’s football program.

The Aggies are coming off their first winning season in nine years, the NCAA waived the team’s APR restrictions in June after a significant increase in academic progress from 2010-11 to 2011-12, and third-year coach Rod Broadway announced a 22-player signing class in February.

But with the first game of the season only a month away, now the real work begins.

“We probably have as much talent as we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Broadway said. “We just need to develop that talent now because a lot of our talent is freshmen and sophomores. We haven’t had a chance to get those guys trained because of a lack of spring (practice).”

CONTINUE READING

Seventy-First athletic director Lee Williams resigns to take Alamance County job

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  --  Seventy-First High School athletic director Lee Williams has resigned to accept an assistant principal's position at Southern Alamance Middle School.

Williams, who just started his first full year as athletic director at Seventy-First, said his departure was unrelated to last Saturday's death of junior football player Evan Raines at the end of a practice.

"This was in process," Williams said. "My wife lives in Greensboro and we bought a house three months ago in Greensboro. It has nothing to do with anything."

Williams interviewed for the new job a few weeks ago. Leon Mack, student activities director of the Cumberland County Schools, said Williams submitted his resignation Tuesday.


CONTINUE READING

Alabama State University Volleyball Earns AVCA Award

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) has announced the AVCA Team Academic Awards for the 2012-13 season and the Lady Hornets of Alabama State are one of those teams.

The award honors collegiate volleyball teams that show excellence in the classroom by maintaining at least a 3.30 grade-point average (gpa) on a 4.0 scale. The Lady Hornets finished the school year with a 3.31 gpa.

"We put a high demand on our student-athletes to perform not only on the court, but in the classroom, and this award shows the determination these young ladies put forth in their academics," Head Coach Penny Lucas-White said. "We will push them to continue to work hard in the classroom, but I am very proud of what they have accomplished with this award."

The AVCA initiated the award during the 1992-93 academic year, and honors not only NCAA Division I programs, but NCAA II, NCAA III and NAIA programs. ASU was one of 130 NCAA Division I teams to earn the award this season.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Experienced Tuskegee squad not intimidated by praise, tradition

ATLANTA, Georgia---Tuskegee don't back down.

Not from a challenge and certainly not from it's rich tradition. 

 

The Golden Tigers, last year's Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champs, were picked to repeat as league champions at the conference's annual media day at the Holiday Inn Perimeter earlier today. 

 

So, what if they lost Derrick Washington, who transferred from Missouri last season and rushed for more than 1,600 yards on his way being named the 2012 SIAC Player of the Year and earned a nomination for the Harlon Hill Trophy award, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman. 

 

So, what if they won't have any members of the a starting defensive backfield which was ranked in the top 10 in the country and accounted for nearly 20 interceptions a year ago. 

 

Coach Willie Slater admitted those are ...

CONTINUE READING

Pough anxious to see his new-look SCSU squad at full speed

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  The period of acclimation to the summer temperatures ended Wednesday for the South Carolina State football team.

Donning full pads for the first time this preseason, the Bulldogs enthusiastically entered the next phase of their preparation for 2013. The two-hour session started with the players receiving more instruction and installation work at their respective positions before closing out the morning in a controlled team scrimmage.

“You get a little bit closer to real team-style kind of activity,” S.C. State head football coach Buddy Pough said. “You see some signs of guys trying to adjust and be prepared for the real full action that we’ll start tomorrow.”

Wednesday’s practice offered Pough the first glance of what he could potentially expect from this year’s team.



CONTINUE READING

Eager Texas Southern Tigers take the Field

HOUSTON, Texas  --  The Texas Southern Tigers football team is back in action.  They kicked off practice for the 2013 season today at TSU's Alexander Durley field.  The coaches and players were eager to get in some work despite the near 100 degree temperature.

"The heat was not a factor for us because everyone was so anxious to practice," said head coach Darrell Asberry. "We missed spring ball because of our NCAA situation so this is the first time we are getting some work done.  It felt really good to get out of the office and work with these young men."

The players were fired up to get on the field as well.  "We started a little sloppy because the guys were trying too hard to make plays," Asberry said.  "But they got into a groove once they calmed down and focused on what we were asking them to do."

The Tigers have nine quarterbacks in camp looking for a shot at the starting position.   Transfer Homer Causey, redshirt junior Jamal Small and Earnest Carrington took most of the reps today.  Coach Asberry said he was pleased with what he saw.  The freshmen quarterbacks will get a shot on Wednesday.  Right now the job is up for grabs, but coach Asberry says he is looking for someone who can take care of the bottom line.  "I need a leader," said Asberry. "I'm looking for the guy who the team will rally around and who can take a game over and win two or three games himself."

The wide receivers are a strong point on this team.  They got speed and the players showed it today.  The running backs looked good as well and the offensive line is coming along now that they have a little depth.

The biggest change and question mark for the Tigers is on defense.  The team is learning a new system under first year defensive coordinator Mike Vite.  Coach Vite has more 30 years of coaching experience and he wasted no time letting the guys know that his expectations are high.

"We got some talent and the kids are listening," said Vite. "They are enthusiastic and flying around.  The defensive line knows that everything starts up front.  They are the nail in the coffin for us.  Our goal is to get better every day."

The Tigers practice once each day until August 12th when two-a-days begin.   They have a scrimmage on August 17^th at 7:00pm.

TSU's first game of the season is August 31^st against Prairie View A&M in the Labor Day Classic.  This will be the first time the Tigers host the game in their new home…the BBVA Compass Stadium.

First Practice Photo Gallery

By Rodney Bush TSU Sports Information Director
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
TSUBALL.COM

Frosh Williams impresses Jackson State coaches

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  The wide receiving corps has gotten more interesting, with freshman Daniel Williams turning heads at Jackson State practices lately.

One of Williams’ receptions on Tuesday camp came from about a 40-yard pass from LaMontiez Ivy. Williams juggled the football before controlling it and running into the end zone. The catch drew cheers from his teammates, and even his coaches referred to it as a “Randy Moss” play.

“Danny Williams is learning fast,” head coach Rick Comegy said. “He’s making those acrobat catches. He’s just a tremendous athlete, and he’s going to be playing a lot of football for us.”

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, Williams joins a crowded group of receivers, which includes Zachary Pendleton, Michael Perkins, DeSean McKenzie and Tobias Singleton as the main returners.



CONTINUE READING

Xavier Gold Nuggets' 2013-14 recruiting class consists of six

NEW ORLEANS — Coach Bo Browder on Thursday announced Xavier University of Louisiana's six-member women's basketball recruiting class. Newcomers signed to scholarships for the 2013-14 academic year were:

Daylin Boatner Kaci Cason

Vinnie Briggs Kelsey Joseph

Jasmine Bush Taylor Norman

Daylin Boatner, a 5-foot-10 forward from Baton Rouge, La., and Scotlandville Magnet High School.
    
Vinnie Briggs, a 5-7 guard/forward from Roxie, Miss., Franklin County High School and Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
     
Jasmine Bush, a 5-11 forward from Meridian, Miss., and Southeast Lauderdale High School.
    
Kaci Cason, a 5-9 guard/forward from Florissant, Mo., McCluer North High School and State Fair Community College.
    
Kelsey Joseph, a 5-4 guard from LaPlace, La., and Riverside Academy.
    
Taylor Norman, a 5-9 guard/forward from Fremont, Calif., and Newark Memorial High School.     

Boatner, Bush, Joseph and Norman will be freshmen at Xavier. Cason will be a sophomore, and Briggs will be a junior. Four of the six will concentrate on science; Boatner and Cason will major in chemistry/pre-pharmacy, Briggs in biology/pre-medical and Bush in biology. Joseph will major in speech pathology, and Norman will major in mass communications.
    
Boatner was a four-year varsity starter who averaged at least 10 points per game each year. She was chosen to the Baton Rouge Advocate's All-Metro team this past season after averaging 14.6 points and six rebounds and receiving two tournament MVP awards. Four times she scored 30 or more points, twice as a senior. She was all-district in basketball and volleyball as a freshman and sophomore.
    
Briggs averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, made 12-of-29 3-pointers and had two double-doubles this past season for Copiah-Lincoln, which finished 26-4 and won conference and state championships. She averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 points as a freshman. Briggs' high game was 31 points, which included 14-of-20 free throws. At Franklin County, Briggs averaged 14.6 points as a senior and 13.4 points as a junior.
    
Bush averaged 13 points and 11.8 rebounds this past season for Southeast Lauderdale, which was 33-2 and won the Class 3A state championship. Bush was MVP of the 3A state final after collecting 21 points and eight rebounds. Her steal and two free throws with 11 seconds remaining in that game clinched the Lady Tigers' 63-59 victory against Charleston. Bush also was a straight-A student, a co-valedictorian and she earned honorable mention on the Jackson Clarion-Ledger's All-State team.
    
Cason averaged 5.5 points for State Fair this past season and made a 3-pointer as time expired to win a first-round game in the NJCAA Region 16 tournament. Cason was first-team All-Suburban North Conference as a junior and senior at McCluer North and averaged 21.7 points — which ranked sixth in metro St. Louis — 8.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.2 steals her senior year. Her high game was 42 points.
    
Joseph, a three-year varsity starter, was Class 2A All-State honorable mention, all-district and a Times-Picayune Small Schools All-New Orleans Area selection her senior year and helped Riverside earn the second playoff victory in the program's history. Her game highs included 26 points, eight assists and six steals. In November she became the school's first African-American homecoming queen.
    
Norman averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals for Newark this past season and was voted team MVP. She was a four-year varsity starter and a three-time first-team all-league selection who averaged 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds during her career.
    
Xavier was 24-6 in 2012-13, won its third consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship and qualified for the NAIA Division I National Championship for the fourth consecutive year and the 17th time in 19 seasons. Xavier extended a school record with its 12th consecutive season of 20 or more victories and reached 20 victories for the 20th time in 21 seasons. The Gold Nuggets ranked 17th in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Top 25 Postseason Poll and have been ranked in every top 25 dating to Jan. 25, 2010.

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

 

Tuskegee WR Larry Cobb snag one-arm passes like it's nothing

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  Tuskegee won't have Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year Derrick Washington this fall.

 

As a senior in 2012, the 6-foot, 215-pound former tailback led the league in rushing with 1,679 yards and 14 touchdowns on his way to being named a finalist for the Harlon Hill award, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman trophy. 

 

However, the Golden Tigers' offense, led by rising junior quarterback Justin Nared, will have both of its top two receivers from last year's league championship team coming back in Marquel Gardner and Larry Cobb. 

 

Watch Cobb hard at work during offseason training as he makes 10 one-armed grabs in the span of about 16 seconds in the clip below:

CONTINUE READING

FAMU football: Three freshmen among contenders for backup QB

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Former East Gadsden High school quarterback Treveze Robinson understands very well the role that he and three others are competing for at FAMU.

Two years ago in a game against Florida High, Robinson went down and the Jaguars had to resort to a receiver as his backup. His usual backup was unavailable.

“If that happens,” Robinson said, “I will be ready to step up to help my team.”

Of course, he has to earn the opportunity as he competes in preseason practice. He along with T.J. Abrams and Jerry Caplan are going head-to-head against Carson Royal for No. 2 spot behind junior starter Damien Fleming.

Royal was promoted to the backup spot after an impressive spring, while Robinson and Abrams are true freshmen in their first season of college football. Caplan transferred from Stillman College, a Division II program, two seasons ago.

CONTINUE READING

Texas Southern Football Schedule Changes

HOUSTON, Texas -- Texas Southern made two changes to its 2013 football schedule. TSU will play Jackson State on the road on Thursday, September 19th at 6:30pm. The game was moved so it can be carried live on ESPNU.

The Tigers also moved the game against Southern University to Friday, November 1st at 8:00pm. There was a possible conflict with Major League Soccer. The Dynamo had that date set as a potential home playoff date. TSU decided to move the game to Friday to better accommodate the fans.

"It was a better option than moving it to a Thursday night because it gives the fans in Houston an opportunity to finish out their work week and come to the game, and it will eliminate a two-day turn-around off work for fans traveling from Baton Rouge," said athletics director Dr. Charles McClelland. "Hopefully our decision works best for all parties involved."

The Tigers have five home games this season which will be played at BBVA Compass Stadium.

TSU 2013 Football Schedule Date OPPONENT LOCATION TIME COVERAGE

Aug 31 *PRAIRIE VIEW BBVA Compass Stadium 7:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9
Live KHOU TV The Bounce digital CH. 11.2, Comcast SportsNet (tape delay Tues. @ noon)

Sept 14 @ Sam Houston Huntsville, TX 6:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9
Live Comcast Sports Network

Sept 19 (Thurs.) *@ Jackson State Jackson, MS 6:30pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9
Live ESPNU

Sept 28 *@ Alabama A&M Huntsville, AL 6:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9

Oct 5 *ALABAMA STATE BBVA Compass Stadium 6:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9
Live KHOU TV The Bounce digital CH. 11.2, Comcast SportsNet (tape delay Tues. @ noon)

Oct 12 *@ Ark-Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 6:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9

Oct 19 *ALCORN (Homecoming) BBVA Compass Stadium 2:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9
Live KHOU TV The Bounce digital CH. 11.2, Comcast SportsNet (tape delay Tues. @ noon)

Oct 26 *@ Grambling Grambling, LA 2:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9

Nov 1 (Fri.) *SOUTHERN BBVA Compass Stadium 8:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9
Live KHOU TV The Bounce digital CH. 11.2, Comcast SportsNet (tape delay Tues. @ noon)

Nov 9 *@ Mississippi Valley Itta Bena, MS 1:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9

Nov 16 HOWARD BBVA Compass Stadium 2:00pm Live KTSU-FM 90.9
Live KHOU TV The Bounce digital CH. 11.2, Comcast SportsNet (tape delay Tues. @ noon)

* Conference Games / HOME GAMES BOLD CAPS

Home Games on CSN can be accessed on Comcast channel 39 and in high definition on Comcast channel 639.

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Tiger Camp Report: Day Three

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State football team put the shoulder pads on for the first time of fall camp on Wednesday and the squad responded with its best practice thus far.

“I thought the guys really competed hard,” head coach Rod Reed said following the team’s third practice of the season. “The offense made some good plays which was good to see because the defense usually dominates the first day with all the pads on.”

Wednesday’s session started at 6 a.m., but the rain came at approximately 7:45, forcing the Tigers out of Hale Stadium and into the Indoor Football Facility. The move led to a slight delay in practice and a later finishing time.

 While the first two practices were dominated by either the offense or the defense, the third was more neutral, with neither side gaining much ground on the other. The line blocked well for most of the day, allowing for some big runs, but the secondary was able to break up a lot of passes.

The play of the day came towards the end of practice when the left side of the offensive line sealed the edge perfectly, allowing senior running back Tim Broughton to race towards the sideline for a huge gain. Broughton had just redshirt freshman corner Victor Fletcher between him and the end zone. Broughton faked a high-step juke and lowered his shoulder on the five-foot-nine 180 pound defender, but Fletcher held his ground, forcing the ball carrier to ground while he stayed upright.

“That hit stemmed from spring practice,” Reed said. “Broughton got the best of Fletcher back then, but not today. It got everybody fired up on both sides.”

Broughton will have all of fall camp to pay it forward starting tomorrow when Big Blue hits the field at 6 a.m.

This Week’s Practice Dates
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, Aug. 13, 2013 - 7:30-9:30  PRACTICE #9 (FULL)
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #10 (FULL)


COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

A&M Football Continues Work Towards First Scrimmage; Camp Report #4

NORMAL, Alabama -- The A&M football team spent two hours on the turf of Louis Crews Stadium Tuesday morning in the first of two practices scheduled for the day; Tuesday marked the first two-a-day practice session of camp.

The team continued to workout in small groups, but ended the practice with a 11-11 non-contact drill. The Bulldogs are just two days away from its first full scrimmage of the fall on Thursday evening.

The Maroon & White open the season on Saturday, August 31, when they travel to Grambling, La to face the Tigers of Grambling State. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m.



Purchase Tickets
2013 Schedule

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Winston-Salem State Rams are looking ahead, not back

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- If there is any damage left from Winston-Salem State’s loss in last season’s Division II championship game, Coach Connell Maynor doesn’t show it.

He’s ready for the start of his fourth season. Players are set to report Friday, with 105 expected, and the first practice will be Monday.

One reason Maynor doesn’t feel as if his team is living in the past is turnover. The Rams lost nearly 30 players to graduation, exhausted eligibility, injuries or academic deficiencies and will have a decidedly new look.

After finishing 14-1 in 2012, WSSU will start this season with a 20-game regular-season winning streak.

“The coaches are fired up, and the players that are returning are ...

CONTINUE READING

Stillman QB Josh Straughan much more mature after freshman season under fire

ATLANTA, Georgia -- This college football thing really isn't as difficult as everyone tries to make it seem.

 

You come in as a 17-year-old freshman and earn the starting position at quarterback after entering the game in Week 1 with your team down double-digits and leading them to a dramatic 1-point victory. 

 

That's what Stillman College's Josh Straughan did last year, completing 7 of 12 attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns to propel the Tigers to a 28-27 win against Central State last season. 

Then, reality set in.

The Colton, Washington native threw for just 98 yards and an interception the next week in his first career start, a 31-0 loss at home against Ouachita Baptist (Arkansas),ranked No. 21 in the nation in the NCAA Division II polls. He completed 26 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown in a Week 3 loss at Shaw but did so on 53 attempts and was picked off twice. 

 

CONTINUE READING

Southern football team grinding it out

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  As they finished a two-hour workout Tuesday morning on the Southern practice field, the Jaguars removed their helmets and gathered to hear coach Dawson Odums speak.

The players wore full gear, sweat pouring from their foreheads.

A few hours later, they would return to the same place and do it all over again.

“It’s grind time,” Odums told the team after Tuesday’s practice. “Got to grind.”

The sixth day of preseason camp at Southern brought the first of five two-a-day sessions, welcoming the most grueling stretch of the preseason.

Odums advised the players to “stay off their feet” between practices and drink plenty of fluids.

CONTINUE READING

SIAC, Bounce TV Reach Agreement to Televise Football Games

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and Bounce TV (www.bouncetv.com) today unveiled the schedule for their new rights agreement in which Bounce TV, the nation's fast-growing and only broadcast television network for African Americans, will broadcast five (5) SIAC football games for the 2013 season.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to have SIAC football games on Bounce TV this fall," said SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore. "As we expand our broadcast footprint from a regional to a national network, the partnership with Bounce TV will afford millions of viewers the opportunity  to follow  our outstanding SIAC football teams and student-athletes."

The SIAC football slate on Bounce TV will start on October 5th when Morehouse College will host rival Clark Atlanta University at B.T. Harvey Stadium for the annual Battle of the AUC. The following Saturday, October 12th, the Maroon Tigers will face another rival, Tuskegee University, at the historic A.J. McClung Stadium in Columbus, GA for the 78th Annual Tuskegee/Morehouse Classic. Miles College will host SIAC West Division opponent Kentucky State for its homecoming at Albert J. Sloan Alumni Stadium in Fairfield, AL on October 19th.

Bounce TV will also broadcast games during the final two weeks of the season. On November 9, the network will televise the 23rd Annual Fountain City Classic game between Albany State University and Fort Valley State University played also at AJ McClung Stadium in Columbus, GA. The final game of the schedule will be the 2013 SIAC Football Championship Game between the East and West Division Champions at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, November 16.

Bounce TV, the nation's fast-growing and only broadcast television network for African Americans, targets African American adults with a programming mix of original series, theatrical motion pictures, live sports, documentaries, specials, game shows and inspirational faith-based programs. Since its launch, Bounce TV has seen overwhelming success, with accelerated growth and expansion among station groups, advertisers and viewers alike.

COURTESY THESIAC.COM

Howard University Bison Athletics Launches New Website

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  Welcome to the new HUBison.com! Today, the Howard University Athletics Department, in conjunction with SIDEARM Sports, announces a new athletics web site that will deliver a platform for simpler navigation and more social media features.

"We love the passion that players, alumni and student fans bring to Howard games," Howard University Director of Athletics Louis "Skip" Perkins said "We are excited to apply this passion by giving our web site a fresh look. HUBison.com will provide alumni, fans, recruiting prospects and media outlets a variety of information on what's happening in Howard Athletics."

The new site will feature an exciting look for each of the 19 sports team at Howard. The site displays team news, rosters, and statistics in a format that allows users to access the information they want quickly and easily. New sidebars and tabs allow fans to stay connected through links to upcoming team promotional events and playing schedules.

The new HUBison.com will serve as a stronger platform for social media integration. Fans can now more easily access any of the social media platforms that Howard Athletics utilizes. Access to latest Tweets and Facebook posts will now appear at the bottom of pages. HUBison.com also boasts mobile technology enhancements, live stats technology, fan polls, photo galleries and more online video.

"We hope supporters, alumni, fans, student-athletes and the staff at Howard University enjoy their new athletics website," said Jeff Rubin, president and chief executive of SIDEARM Sports.

"HUBison.com has much to offer and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Howard." 


HOWARD BISON 2013 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date	Opponent	Location	Time/Result

8/31/2013 Eastern Michigan,  Rynearson Stadium 6:00 p.m.    
9/7/2013 Morehouse. R.F.K. Stadium 3:30 p.m.     
9/14/2013 Old Dominion, Foreman Field at SB Ballard 6:00 p.m.     
9/26/2013 N.C. A&T Aggie Stadium 7:00 p.m.    
10/5/2013 N.C. Central, William H. Greene Stadium 1:00 p.m.    
10/12/2013 Bethune-Cookman, William H. Greene Stadium 1:00 p.m.     
10/19/2013 Florida A&M Bragg Memorial Stadium 2:00 p.m.     
10/26/2013 Morgan State,  William H. Greene Stadium 1:00 p.m.     
11/2/2013 Delaware State, Alumni Stadium 2:00 p.m.     
11/9/2013 Savannah St. William H. Greene Stadium 1:00 p.m.    
11/16/2013 Texas Southern BBVA Compass Stadium 3:00 p.m.    
11/23/2013 Hampton Armstrong Stadium 1:00 p.m.     

About SIDEARM Sports
Founded in 1996 and based in Syracuse, NY, SIDEARM Sports is the leading web-based content management solution for collegiate athletics. SIDEARM sites include all the functionality that a collegiate athletic web site needs: press release and roster management, social media integration, dynamic scoreboards, sponsorship recognition, interactive polls, SIDEARM STATS (live in-game statistics), streaming audio and video, newsletters, recruiting components, and so much more. SIDEARM Sports has nearly 500 athletic clients from around the country including Cornell University, Drexel University, Eastern Illinois University, the University of Hawai'i, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Syracuse University and many other NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, NJCAA and collegiate conferences. Learn more at http://www.sidearmsports.com.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State working to add depth to defensive line

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  —  Alabama State had one of the top-ranked defenses in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) last year, but that did not keep the coaching staff from recruiting several players to play along the defensive front. They have made it a priority to build some depth along the defensive front during preseason camp.

"The offensive and defensive lines are where you have to be strong and do what you need to do there during the game and we are especially looking at our depth along the defensive front," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. "Derrick Billups is a mainstay at the defensive tackle position. We believe with him being in there and with him being a consistent player, he can dominate inside."

"Justin Mitchell is a guy that has the potential, but has been a little bit inconsistent. Then there are the younger guys like Jafar Mann, Shane Woodget and some more guys that don't have the experience but we're expecting them to step up and be able to contribute for us."

The Hornets have five freshmen listed at a defensive line position, and the coaching staff sees a lot of opportunity available for the freshmen to compete immediately for playing time and to help shore up some depth across the defensive front.

"We signed some big guys up front and we have been real impressed with Malik Reid at defensive end," Barlow said. "With his size he is big enough to play inside. He is a big kid and strong off the line and we know we will use him this year."

ASU has both of their starting defensive ends returning from a year ago, and that position may actually be one of the deepest on the team.

"Our defensive ends give us the depth and experience we need," Barlow said. "(Edward) Mosley, (Chris) Terry, (Raymond) Heningburg are guys that have played and they have the experience. So we do have some depth there with guys like (Antonio) Humphreys and Sejean Hart are guys we are hoping will step up and help us out along with Carlton Jones who is mister consistent. He has been a starter for us for three years and is having a good camp for us and is doing things he needs to do."

The Hornets will take Wednesday off, but will begin their two-a-day schedule Thursday, Aug. 8 with their first practice beginning at 9 a.m. followed by their first night practice of the season at 7 p.m.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama A&M looking to establish depth chart

NORMAL, Alabama --  Through the first two days of full-contact practice, Alabama A&M head football coach Anthony Jones said he's beginning to see the wheat separate itself from the tares.

 

Some guys are beginning to think too much and play slower, Jones said. Some receivers aren't as eager as they were without pads. The same can be said for running backs and linemen on both sides of the ball. 

Players will have their first chances to prove themselves in game-like situations later in the week. The Bulldogs have scrimmages set for Thursday and Saturday. 

 

"Then, we'll be able to get some grades going and kind of set a tentative depth chart," Jones said. 

 

The Bulldogs open their season on the road against Southwestern Athletic Conference foe Grambling State (La.) Aug. 31. 

 

CONTINUE READING