Fields key to Winston-Salem Rams’ success

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- In spite of Winston-Salem State University’s unprecedented football success over the past two seasons (27-2), linebacker Carlos Fields refuses to take anything for granted. He’s acutely aware that there are no guarantees for the Rams, who advanced to play for last year’s Division II national championship.

The memories of a 35-7 defeat to Valdosta State (Ga.) haven’t faded. In fact, it provides more incentive for Winston-Salem State in its quest to return to the national title game in December.

“The way we performed last season was all about heart,” said Fields, who was voted first-team All-America by D2Football.com a year ago. “It’s very difficult to win a lot of games and find ways to stay highly focused for every game of the season. We fell one game short, but we’ll use that to add fuel to the fire. Our goal is to earn another trip to Alabama (to play for the national championship).”

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Hampton Pirates drop opening game in BTC Summer Thunder

NASSAU, Bahamas – Free throws proved to be the difference in the end as the Pirates fell to the Mail Boat Cybots 79-85 in their first game of their international trip to the Bahamas on Thursday night in the Basketball Travelers Summer Thunder event.

Senior guard/forward Du'Vaughn Maxwell (Manhattan, N.Y.) led the Pirates with 27 points and 11 rebounds, starting the year with a double-double, while 2012 MEAC Rookie of the Year sophomore guard Deron Powers (Williamsburg, Va.), added 15 points.

The Pirates shot 44 percent (32-for-75) from the floor, hitting two of their 16 3-pointers (13 percent) and 13 of their 30 free throws (43 percent). Hampton scored 10 points off of 19 Mail Boat Cybot turnovers as well as 18 points in the paint.

Hampton grabbed 55 total rebounds.



Mail Boat Cybot shot 40 percent (28-for-70) from the floor and hit one of its six 3-pointers (17 percent). They also hit 28 of their 50 free throws, going 56 percent from the charity stripe.

Eugene Bain led the Cybots with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while brother Brian Bain added 16 points. Ernest Saunders also scored in double figures with 13 points in the win for Mail Boat Cybots.

The Pirates will return to action on tomorrow, when they take on New Providence All-Stars at the Sir Kendall Issac Gymnasium at 7 p.m. For more information on Hampton University basketball, check them out on twitter @Hampton_MBB, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Miles College quarterback race could be interesting heading into camp

ATLANTA, Georgia---Christmas came early for Miles College football fans when the NCAA granted quarterback David Thomas an additional year of eligibility this offseason.

Thomas was chosen as a first-team selection to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's preseason all-league squad, after completing 143 of 221 passes for 2,059 yards and 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions, at the SIAC Media Day at the Holiday Inn Perimeter today.

But don't think the 6-foot-2, 206-pounder has the job all sewn up. Despite his familiarity with coach Reginald Ruffin's spread offense, which produced more than 34 points per game last season, the most in the SIAC, the Opelika native will still have to earn his starting spot like everyone else when the Golden Bears open camp Wednesday in Fairfield.

We don't give out positions," Ruffin said. "David was ...

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ASU Golden Rams voted to win the SIAC East Division

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The 2013 Albany State football team was voted to win the SIAC East Division at the conference's annual Kickoff Reception. Golden Rams Dexter Moody, Jessie Atkins and Marcavius Dudley were also selected to SIAC Preseason All-Conference team.

"We have improved from last season, and I will accept this honor. Just for us to get back to our old level would be a major improvement," head coach Mike White said.

"We want to build off last year. We thought we were better than a 6-4 team. We want to put out a well-rounded team and play Albany State style of football. We want to be champs in this conference, but we want to think about the bigger picture and play more than just 10 games this season."

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.

Albany State finished the 2012 season with a 6-4 record and second in the East Division behind Fort Valley.

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 Championship. The Golden Tigers received five out of six 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.

Moody, a 6'3, 200 lb defensive back from Twin City, Georgia was named to SIAC Defensive 1st Team. He led the SIAC in interceptions (seven) and ranked third in the nation in 2012.

Atkins returns for his junior season as ASU's top receiver. He was named to the SIAC Offensive 1st Team. In 2012, the Camilla, Georgia native recorded 32 receptions 553 receiving yards.

Dudley, a 5'9, 240 lb linebacker from Brunswick, Georgia was voted to the SIAC Defense's 2nd Team. He led the Golden Rams in tackles (75 total, 31 solo) a season ago.

The Golden Rams will open their season on September 7th at North Greenville.

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

COURTESY ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN RAMS SPORTS INFORMATION

Savannah State Tiger Basketball Signs Five New Players

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  Head men's basketball coach Horace Broadnax has added five new players to join the Savannah State men's basketball program for the 2013-14 season. Joining the Tigers will be three recent high school graduates and two junior college transfers.

Alante Fenner, Javaris Jenkins, and Saadiq Muhammad are all 2013 high school graduates while Hikeem Champaigne and Terel Hall come to SSU from junior colleges.

Fenner (6-4, 180) played at Lake Wales High School in Lake Wales, Florida where he averaged 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Jenkins (6-5, 200) played at Deerfield Beach High School in Deerfield Beach, Florida averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds per game. Muhammad (6-7, 200) averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds while helping Sol C. Johnson High School in Savannah, Georgia to a state championship.

Champaigne (6-9, 216) played at Denmark Tech. The Charleston, South Carolina native averaged 10.4 points and 8.5 rebounds a game while Hall (6-1, 185) who is from Dawson, Georgia, averaged 6.1 points, 5.5 assist and 3.2 rebounds a game this past season at Chipola Junior College.

Broadnax will be entering his ninth season as the Tigers head coach. SSU finished the 2012-13 season with a 19-15 record and earned a trip to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.
                   


COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

South Carolina State Bulldogs in the Bahamas: Day 1

NASSAU, Bahamas -- South Carolina State University's men's basketball team will be in the Bahamas from August 8-13 to take on the Caribbean National teams in exhibition games. While they are there, senior forward Chasen Campbell gives an inside look at what the Bulldogs experience during their time in Nassau.

Wow, this has been a journey to the great island of Nassau, Bahamas.

We left South Carolina State University at 6:30 a.m. and departed Charlotte, North Carolina at 11:30 a/m. Once we landed, the scenery was mesmerizing. I enjoyed looking at the contrasting water with its light and dark tones. It was rejuvenating. I felt privileged and motivated to continue this type of travel in the future.

Coach Garvin always says ...


Murray Garvin on S.C. State Basketball

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S.C. State Bulldogs bring intensity to preseason camp

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- As a senior, South Carolina State linebacker Joe Thomas of Blackville-Hilda High School has his “two-a-day” practice regimen down to a science.

“Just having your mind right,” he said. “Coming out in the morning, getting the job done and, in the afternoon, doing the same thing without losing intensity.”

Through a pair of two-hour practices Wednesday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, the Bulldogs maintained a suitable level of intensity for the coaching staff. At the same time, the team was careful not to endanger themselves physically.

“We got some instructional kinds of things that we’ve got to relay to our guys to make sure that we can practice properly,” head coach Buddy Pough said. “One of the hardest things to do, especially at the early part of camp, is to gear them down a little bit so you can get all the things accomplished you’re trying to get done. Our guys want to be a little rough and tumble when you’re not in the full gear and stuff. So that gets to be a little bit of an issue. But besides that, our guys seem to have a little bit of enthusiasm.”



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Tickets for AT&T Nations Football Classic are on Sale

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  With kick-off to the 2013 Howard University Football season just a few weeks away, now is the time to prepare for the Nation's Capital opening event, the third Annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic^®, hosted by Events DC.  Tickets for the Saturday, Sept. 7 event against Morehouse College are available.

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster, the Howard University Box Office at the Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore.

All lower bowl tickets are regularly $25 and mezzanine tickets are $50, plus applicable fees.  Group sales for a party of 50 or more began June 1.

The Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (2455 Sixth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20059).  The Morehouse College Bookstore is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (830 Westview Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30314).



Marriott will once again serve as the “Official Lodging Partner” for the AT&T Nation's Football Classic.  The JW Marriott Washington, D.C., will serve as the heart of weekend activity, while other participating properties include Washington Marriott Metro Center, Renaissance Washington, D.C., Courtyard U.S. Capitol, Courtyard Embassy Row and the Mayflower Renaissance.  Classic attendees are eligible for hotel discounts.

In addition to the football game, there are several free events that will be held throughout the weekend including the AT&T Kickoff Rally, Pepsi^® Fan Festival, Presidential Symposium, Morehouse vs. Howard Student Debate, Chapel Service, and the Alumni Mixer.

For more information on the AT&T Nation's Football Classic^®, please visit www.nationsfootballclassic.com.

Last season Howard defeated Morehouse 30-29 on a final “Hail Mary.”

For more information on Howard Football, visit the official athletics website at www.hubison.com.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State to Retire Pro Football Hall of Famer Richard Dent's Jersey at the John Merritt Classic

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- During halftime of Big Blue’s first game against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 1, the Tennessee State Athletic Department will retire legendary TSU football player Richard Dent’s No. 95 jersey.

 

Dent will be the honoree of the 15^th annual John Merritt Classic and his jersey will become the first one retired in program history. The only other retired jersey by TSU is former men’s basketball player Richard “Skull” Barnett’s No. 35.

Dent, a native of Atlanta Georgia, became the first former TSU player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. He played with the TSU tigers from 1979-82 and was drafted to the Chicago Bears soon after completing his last season with the Tigers.

Throughout his time at TSU, Dent was a three time All-American and is currently third in the school's all-time sack list. While helping to lead the Tigers to three Black college National Champions, Dent finished his career with 39 sacks.

After playing Football at Tennessee State University, Dent was drafted to the Chicago Bears in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft. In 1986, Dent won a NFL championship with the Bears and was named Super Bowl XX MVP. He is also the Only TSU tiger alum to be named game MVP. 

Beyond the Bears, Dent spent one year with the 49ers before eventually returning to Chicago in 1995. While under contract with the 49ers in 1994, Richard Dent won yet another Super Bowl ring. In 1996 Dent played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997 as a designated pass rusher for them both. Not long after his 1997 season, Dent retired and ended his lifetime career with 137.5 sacks and 8 interceptions, which put him Third in NFL history behind Reggie white and Bruce Smith at the time of his retirement.

Dent was selected for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Feb. 5, 2011. He was also inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame on February 15, 2008.

In addition, the city of Nashville will award Dent a medallion for his outstanding accomplishments.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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 ...

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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).”

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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.


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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 ...

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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.



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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.



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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:

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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.

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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