Texas Southern's Garza named NCAA Statistical Champion

Thomasina Garza, TSU Softball
2013 NCAA DIVISION I Statistical Champion
for Batting Average and Doubles per Game

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana  -- Texas Southern University softball standout and Southwestern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year, Thomasina Garza, has been recognized by NCAA as the 2013 Division I Statistical Champion for Batting Average and Doubles per Game.

Garza played in 49 games last year finishing the season with a .485 batting average. She led the TSU Lady Tigers with six home runs and the SWAC in RBI (61), hits (77) and doubles (25). She also was tied for first in runs-scored with 45.

Garza was second in the conference in total bases with 124, racking up an on-base percentage of .795. She walked only eight times this season while also picking up nine stolen bases.

"Thomasina (Garza) worked extremely hard last season to establish herself as one on the best hitters in the country," said TSU head coach Worley Barker. "She has a strong work ethic and prides herself in putting forth the effort it takes to be a champion both on and off the field. We're extremely excited about what the future holds for her during this upcoming season and we expect her to continue to improve in all facets of the game."

Defensively, she had a total of 88 assists with only four errors, with a fielding percentage of .977. Garza was also voted SWAC Player of the Week during back-to-back weeks in 2013 before landing on the All-SWAC First Team.

At the conclusion of the season she was named a member of the 2013 NFCA Division I Central All-Region team.

TSU captured the Western Division title and concluded the year with a program best 31 wins during the 2013 campaign.

 

COURTESY SWAC.org 

US Airways magazine tells the story of UMES program

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PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is telling its story this month to potentially 6.5 million captive readers, thanks to US Airways magazine.

A two-page spread about UMES in the August 2013 edition puts the university in the company of 29 other historically black institutions featured in the monthly in-flight magazine available to air travelers on five continents. 

The magazine partnered with the National HBCU Alumni Associations to present the special section that also includes articles about Bowie State University and Morgan State University as well as Talladega College, the undergraduate alma mater of UMES President Juliette B. Bell.

Dr. Bell says she wants to elevate UMES’s visibility not only regionally but nationally by reaching out to a broader audience and telling its story. Exposure in an in-flight magazine produced by one of the world’s largest air carriers fits that vision.

Dr. Bell recently did an interview with Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, which is expected to publish an article about the growing number of women who are leading the nation's HBCUs.

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SIAC FOOTBALL: Lane Dragons expect to contend for conference title

JACKSON, Tennessee  --  Derrick Burroughs’ fourth group of Lane College football players might be his most confident Dragons yet.

The’ve won nine total games the past two years, finishing 5-5 last season.

They’re not hoping for a winning season this year, though. They expect one.

“This has been the first time we had this many players back in the summer time working out all together, so right now our confidence level is high,” defensive back Jack Howard said.

“Honestly as a team we’re looking to win the SIAC championship,” quarterback Chris Rini said.

Lane was picked fifth out of six teams in the SIAC West division — not exactly a big compliment.

“Because we have not established a winning tradition I think we have to beat people consistently for them to respect us, not just one year,” Burroughs said. “But I did expect to be in front of some of the teams we beat last year, and beat handily.”

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Delaware State Hornets Begin 2013 Summer Camp

HEAD COACH KERMIT BLOUNT

DOVER, Delaware  -- The 2013 Delaware State University football team begins preseason camp next week. The Hornets will have their first summer camp practice on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.

DSU third-year head coach Kermit Blount expects about 75 players, including nearly  50 returning letter winners, to report for camp.

The Hornets look to build on their progress of the 2012 season. Delaware State posted its first winning season since 2007 a year ago, registering a three-game overall improvement and a four-win increase in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games from the previous season. DSU posted a 6-5 overall record and was tied for third with a 5-3 mark in the MEAC last season.

Delaware State’s loss of four 2012 All-MEAC First Team offensive players likely contributed to the Hornets’ eighth place ranking in the league’s 2013 preseason poll.

“This year’s camp is critical because we must replace a number of key players from last season,” Blount said. “We have some capable replacements, but many are unproven in game situations. There will be plenty of competition for a number of positions this year.”

Perhaps the biggest question facing the DSU coaching staff this summer is who will including quarterback Nick Elko, the 2012 MEAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year. Elko completed his DSU career as No. 2 in team history in passing yards (5,754) and completions (539); and third in touchdown passes (37). He set Hornets records for completions (259) and passing yards (2,828) last season.

2013 Delaware University Football Schedule

Cory Murphy (r-jr.; 6-2, 205), a 2012 junior college transfer, and Esayah Obado (r-fr.; 6-2, 200) are the top candidates to replace Elko as starting quarterback. Each was listed on the 2012 Hornet roster, but did not see any playing time.

“Both of these guys (Murphy and Obado) are familiar with our system and have the ability to lead our team,” said Blount. “Each performed well in the spring and worked hard during the off-season. I’m eager to see if either one will take control during camp.”

The Hornets also brought in former high school standout quarterbacks Emmett Hunt (fr.; Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville HS) and Garrison Duncan (fr.; Kernersville, N.C./E. Forsyth HS) this season.

Blount did not discount the possibility that one of the freshman QBs could work his way to the top of the depth chart this summer. 

DSU must also replace All-MEAC wide receivers Travis Tarpley and Justin Wilson.

Tarpley, also a 2012 Sheridan Broadcast Network Black College All-American, was tops in the MEAC in receptions (7.8 pg) and receiving yards (96.2 pg); and tied for first in the league in touchdown catches (7). He stands third on the Hornets’ all-time list for receptions (181) and receiving yards (2121); and is the school’s career leader with 4,661 all-purpose yards.

Wilson, who recently signed with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, was third in the MEAC in receptions (6.0 pg) and receiving yards (73.3 pg) last season. He led the league in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2010. Wilson ranks second in team history with 189 catches and 2,416 receiving yards; and is fourth with 23 career touchdown receptions.

Milton Williams (jr.; 6-3, 200), Malik Golson (so.; 5-10, 180), Morris Frasier (r-so.; 6-2, 195) and Bo Ceravolo (r-sr.; 6-1, 185) are the leading candidates to replace Tarpley and Wilson as the Hornets’ top  wide receivers.

Delaware State's running game appears strong heading into the 2013 season.

Halfback Malcolm Williams (jr.; 5-10, 180) is the top returning rusher with 437 yards despite missing two games due to an ankle injury in 2012 (4.9 ypc). Williams had two 100-yard games last season, including 120 vs. FBS Cincinnati.

Dae-Hon Cheung (so.; 5-9, 180) rushed for 410 yards (5.0 ypc) and three touchdowns as a true freshman last season. Cheung rushed for a team season-high 140 yards and two touchdowns was Florida A&M in his first career start.

Nagee Jackson (so.; 6-1, 215) had 238 yards rushing and a team-high seven touchdowns on the ground last season. He also had a 100-yard game (106 vs. So. Carolina State) as a true freshman in 2012.

Newcomer Jamaal Jackson, a former Hodgson Vo-Tech (Del.) star, has also joined the running back mix for the Hornets.      

The Hornet offensive line returns just one full-time starter from last season, 2012 All-MEAC Second Team center Brandon Cunningham (r-sr.; 6-2, 280). Dimitri Hill (so.; 6-3, 300) and Clark McCready (so.; 6-4, 280) each earned valuable experience as reserves and spot starters last season. Xavier Jones (r-fr.; 6-3, 300), Keevon Prather (r-fr.; 6-3, 280) and Jerron Searles (r-fr.; 6-5, 275) are expected to contribute along the line this season.    

The top newcomer on the line, junior college transfer Sal Carrero (so.; 6-5, 315), is projected starter at right guard.

Delaware State expects to return seven starters returning on defense, led by 2012 All-MEAC First Team players Davon Moore (jr.; 5-11, 195) at free safety and inside linebacker Ernest Adjei (sr.; 6-0, 235).

Moore was third in the MEAC in tackles (8.8 pg; 97 total) and tied for third with four interceptions in 2012.  His 175 interception return yards were tops in the MEAC and second among all FCS players last season.

Adjei was tied for sixth in the MEAC in tackles at 8.5 per game last season (93 total).

Delaware State defensive returners also include defensive back Terrick Colston (so.; 6-1, 190) and left end Rodney Gunter (jr.; 6-5, 300). Each was selected to the 2012 All-MEAC Second Team.
Colston, a 2012 Jerry Rice Award nominee (top FCS freshman), was second on the Hornets and fifth in the MEAC in tackles (8.6 pg; 95 total) last season.

Gunter was tied for seventh in the MEAC in sacks (0.5 pg; 5.5 total) and tops among DSU defensive linemen with 49 tackles (27 solo) last season.

Delaware State placekicker Mitchell Ward (jr.; 6-1, 180) and punter Marko Kano (jr.; 6-6, 220) also return. Ward was 12-for-19 on field goal attempts and perfect on 28 extra-point kicks in 2012. Kano averaged 39.4 yards (long 62) on 42 punts last season.

Returning defensive back Joe Boyd (jr.; 6-0, 195) was fourth on the team with 87 tackles last season. He was also credited with 3.5 tackles-for-loss, an interception and two forced fumbles.

DSU will open the 2013 season with four consecutive road games, beginning at Delaware on Sep. 7 in the fifth meeting between the state’s two Division I football programs.  The Hornets will also visit Towson (Sep. 14), two-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State (Sep. 21) and Savannah State (Sep. 28) in the MEAC opener before playing at home.

The Hornets’ 2013 home opener is Oct. 5 against Bethune-Cookman. Game time is 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.

Delaware State will also welcome Norfolk State (Oct. 12), Howard (Nov. 2) and Morgan State (Nov. 23) to Alumni Stadium this season.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State Clark Announces Addition of 15 Baseball Recruits

HEAD COACH CLAUDELL CLARK
NSU SPARTANS

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Norfolk State baseball coach Claudell Clark announced Tuesday the addition of 15 new players who will suit for the Spartans beginning with the 2013-14 school year.

Of the 15 players, five are full-time pitchers while three others will see time on the mound in addition to their primary position in the field. The recruiting class also includes four infielders, three outfielders, two catchers, and another who can play both infield and outfield. All told, 12 new players join early signees Nick Faison, Corey Haynes and Nik Milvo in this year's class.

"We are very excited about this year's incoming recruiting class," Clark said. "It is our largest class to date and will enable us to add depth at every position on the field. My coaching staff did a tremendous job throughout the grueling recruiting process that it took to put together a class of this caliber and size."

Due to injuries and attrition, the Spartans used just six primary pitchers last season, so adding depth to both the starting rotation and bullpen was a priority for Clark in this year's recruiting class. Clark also said that adding depth in the infield and behind the plate was also a focus of the late signings.

"This group will allow us to begin our fall workouts with 14 pitchers, an area where we were decimated by departures and injury during the past season," Clark said. "The class has also allowed us to add depth and experience to the catching position to more effectively handle a talented pitching staff and limit the opposition's aggressiveness on the base paths.

"Lastly, the class adds to our team speed and it also allows us to improve our infield and outfield defense with the addition of a number of talented defensive players."

In addition to the 15 below, the Spartans also welcome in transfer left-handed pitcher Matt Outman (Chesapeake, Va./Lynchburg College/Grassfield HS) and welcome back first baseman Ross Cardwell and right-handed pitcher Jeff Di Fulgo, who missed last season due to illness and injury, respectively.

Following is a look at each member of the class:

Justin Burrell, 3B, Newport News, Va./Woodside HS
Burrell was first-team All-Peninsula District for the district regular-season and tournament champion Wolverines. He batted .423 with a .510 on-base percentage and 29 RBI as a senior, striking out just three times all year. He was also selected to play in the VHSCA state all-star game.

Stephen Butt, OF/P, Portsmouth, Va./Lenoir CC
Butt was a first-team NJCAA All-Region X pick as a sophomore this past spring, when he batted .416 with five stolen bases and 18 RBI. Butt, who originally signed with West Virginia out of Churchland High School, was a  first-team All-Eastern District and All-Tidewater performer as a prep senior with the Truckers. He batted .446 with 32 RBI, 33 runs and 16 steals. He also went 9-1 with a 1.15 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 51 innings on the mound.

Jordan Carter, 2B/RHP, Newport News, Va./Woodside HS
Carter was named to the All-Peninsula District, All-Eastern Region and Daily Press All-Star first teams at second base after helping the Wolverines win the district regular-season and tournament titles. Carter batted .359 with a .505 on-base percentage and 16 stolen bases offensively, and also went 7-1 on the mound with a 2.43 ERA for Woodside.

Michael Cendrowski, LHP, Smithfield, Va./Southwestern CC (Iowa)
Cendrowski played two years at Southwestern CC in Iowa, where he was teammates with fellow NSU recruit Omar Hotusing. Cendrowski played the outfield and pitched for Southwestern, and was a .279 hitter in two seasons there. He will likely be used as a left-handed pitching specialist out of the bullpen. He struck out roughly a batter per inning as a senior at Davenport Central HS.

Denathan Dukes, OF/SS, Manassas, Va./Osbourn Park HS
Dukes was a first-team all-district and all-region outfielder for Osbourn Park. He also earned honorable mention all-state accolades after batting .338 with 24 stolen bases in 22 games. The recruiting service Perfect Game listed him among the top 1,000 senior high school prospects in the nation.

Nick Faison, SS/RHP, Virginia Beach, Va./Landstown HS
Faison was a first-team All-District shortstop and also earned second-team All-Eastern Region and All-Tidewater accolades. He batted .352 with one home run, 23 runs scored and 24 RBI. Faison, who is also expected to see time on the mound at NSU, also struck out 17 in 10.2 innings as a senior. Perfect Game listed him as a "high follow."

Austin Frangoules, OF, Virginia Beach, Va./Ocean Lakes HS
The left-handed hitting Frangoules was a three-year letterwinner at Ocean Lakes. He hit .320 and earned All-Beach District honorable mention as a senior.

Corey Haynes, RHP, Fredericksburg, Va./Patrick Henry CC
Haynes notched an 8-4 pitching record with a 3.28 ERA over 82.1 innings pitched last year at Patrick Henry CC, the same school that produced Chris Horne, the Spartans' No. 1 starter the last two seasons. Haynes struck out 43 batters and tossed five complete games as a sophomore.

Devin Hemmerich, LHP, Norfolk, Va./Atlantic Shores Christian
Hemmerich earned first-team All-Metro Conference, All-Tidewater and VISAA All-State Division 2 accolades as a senior, helping ASC to its first-ever state championship. Hemmerich, who was the winning pitcher in the state title game, went 8-0 with a 1.65 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 55 innings. He also batted .402 with 24 stolen bases out of the lead-off spot. The Seahawks went 33-2 and were ranked No. 39 nationally by MaxPreps.

Omar Hotusing, C, Miami, Fla./Southwestern CC (Iowa)
Hotusing received All-Region XI honorable mention as a sophomore at Southwestern CC. He batted .310 with 18 RBI and threw out nearly 50% of base stealers. He was listed by Perfect Game as a "high follow" and a
Florida Region honorable mention pick out of G. Holmes Braddock High School in Miami two years ago.

Noah Johnson, OF, Suffolk, Va./King's Fork HS
Johnson was a second-team All-Southeastern District pick as a sophomore and senior and was a four-year starter in center field. Johnson batted .396 with a .475 on-base percentage as a senior and was a perfect 21-of-21 on stolen base attempts.

Jonathan Mauricio, RHP, Midlothian, Va./Manchester HS
Mauricio went 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA as a senior at Manchester. He was a second-team All-Dominion District selection as an outfielder after batting .328 with 21 RBI and nine stolen bases. He was also an all-district volleyball player.

Nik Milvo, C, Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS
Milvo was a first-team All-Southeastern District and honorable mention All-Eastern Region selection as a senior at Indian River. He batted .435 with 22 RBI and 18 stolen bases in his final prep season.

Hunter Triplett, 2B, Isle of Wight, Va./Isle of Wight Academy
Triplett was a first-team All-Metro Conference and VISAA All-State Division 3 selection at shortstop as a senior. He batted .432 with 25 RBI and 30 runs scored. He tallied 15 extra-base hits, including 12 doubles, helping him post a .479 on-base percentage.

Josh Vales, RHP, Currituck County, N.C./College of the Albemarle
Vales went 6-8 with a 3.16 ERA as a sophomore at COA, the same school which produced current Spartan Ross Cardwell. Vales yielded just 60 hits and fanned 68 batters in 74 innings pitched and pitched six complete games.

COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

HU Pirates win final game 79-54 in Bahamas Summer Games

NASSAU, Bahamas – Hampton led by as many as 32 points tonight in their final game of the Basketball Travelers Summer Thunder games. The Pirates defeated the Street Legends All Star team 79-54 to finish their international trip to the Bahamas 2-1 after dropping the first game of the trip.

Senior guard/forward Du'Vaughn Maxwell (Manhattan, N.Y.) led the Pirates in scoring for the third straight night scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while sophomore guard Reggie Price (Charlotte, N.C.), added 15 points.

The Pirates shot 41 percent (34-for-83) from the floor, hitting four of their 23 3-pointers (17 percent) and seven of their 13 free throws (54 percent). Hampton scored 15 points off of nine Street Legends turnovers as well as 28 points in the paint, 21 second chance points and 34 points off the beach.

Hampton grabbed game high 61 total rebounds.

Street Legends shot 28 percent (19-for-69) from the floor and hit five of its 17 3-pointers (29 percent). They also hit 11 of their 26 free throws, going 42 percent from the charity stripe.

Kenneth Pratt led the Street Legends All Stars with 12 points, while Alexander Rolle added 12 points of his own.

PIRATES DEFEAT NEW PROVIDENCE 78-70 IN BAHAMAS SUMMER GAMES

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Hampton had five players in double figures as team work proved to be the key in the end. The Pirates took down New Providence 78-70 in their second game of their international trip to the Bahamas on Friday night in the Basketball Travelers Summer Thunder event.

Senior guard/forward Du'Vaughn Maxwell (Manhattan, N.Y.) led the Pirates in scoring for the second night scoring 16 points, while sophomore guard Deron Powers (Williamsburg, Va.), added 13 points.

Also scoring in double figures for the Pirates was sophomore guard Ke'Ron Brown (Savannah, Ga.) and senior guard Ramon Mercado (Hollywood, Fla.) who finished with 12 points each. Junior big man Emmanuel Okoroba (Dallas, Texas) rounded out the double digit scoring for the Pirates by finished the night with 10 points and six rebounds.

The Pirates shot 42 percent (33-for-78) from the floor, hitting two of their 11 3-pointers (18 percent) and 10 of their 20 free throws (50 percent). Hampton scored 18 points off of 19 New Providence turnovers as well as 54 points in the paint.

Both teams grabbed 42 total rebounds.

New Providence shot 39 percent (27-for-70) from the floor and hit five of its 19 3-pointers (26 percent). They also hit 11 of their 15 free throws, going 73 percent from the charity stripe.

Able Joseph led the New Providence with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Roosevelt Whylly added 14 points. Jackson Jacob also scored in double figures with 11 points.

The Pirates will return to action on tomorrow in their final game, when they take on Street Legend All-Stars at the Sir Kendall Issac Gymnasium at 4 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 PIRATES SPORTS INFORMATION

Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions Camp Report: Full Pads

UAPB HEAD COACH MONTE COLEMAN

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  Five practices into the 2013 fall camp, Head Coach Monte Coleman and his Golden Lions football team dawned full pads on Thursday, as the players got their first taste of full contact. For some players this was their first contact on the collegiate level.

Offensively, the Golden Lions are taking a step in the right direction each day. With the upper classmen coming into camp with the right mindset, it's given the newest members of the team a great example to follow.

When asked about how he felt with the offense's performance, Offensive Coordinator Eric Dooley offered these comments, "I wanted to sharpen up the passing game and bring it up to speed with the running game. I think we're doing a good job but we have a lot of young kids as well," said Dooley.

During spring drills, a spot the coaching staff concentrated on heavily was the offensive line. There are some big shoes fill with the losses of seniors Christopher Wilson, Ryan Savage, Lyron McClenney, Jamaal Phillips and of course Terron Armstead ( New Orleans Saints). But with returning lineman Kenny Eagle, Keathric Brown, Me' kale Carter and LaFarius Hoskins, Dooley is confident the offense will find its stride by August 31^st.

"The good thing about it is that we have three returning starters that have all come back with the right mindset," offered Dooley. "Kenny Eagle set the tone in spring drills, Me'kale Carter believes he can do what Armstead did and Brown has been the team player he needs to be switching out from guard to tackle."

Defensively, the Golden Lions are poised to be a force to reckon with as they strive to be a dominate defense this season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"The thing I want them to do and be able to do well and that's going to dictate if we're going to be a great defense or not is run to the football," said Head Coach/ Defensive Coordinator Monte Coleman. "Our motto is all eleven hats to the football and I saw that today."

The defense has its own holes to fill, just like the offense, but with the additions of some junior college transfers Coleman believes his defense will adjust.

"Guys like Joel Green will be called on to take the place of Bill Ross. The mike backer position is his to lose," said Coleman. "Antonio Jenkins, a local kid form Watson Chapel, has moved back to the strong safety and he flashed today. I'm optimistic that when we're on the defensive set we have the right people in place and we will be a force to be reckoned with on Saturday's."

The Golden Lions will go through their first set of two-a-days practice of camp on Friday and have their first scrimmage of the fall camp on Saturday to close out the first full week of camp.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

State Fair Classic Football Game to Kick off Earlier

HEAD COACH DOUG WILLIAMS
(Courtesy Grambling State University)

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  --  For years Tiger fans have enjoyed all of the festivities associated with the Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic in Dallas.  From the pre-game concerts and the halftime show to the many activities at the fair, there is something for everybody.

This year there will be a change for fans attending the game as kick off for the annual event will take place October 5th at 4:30 p.m. from the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

The earlier start time is to allow fans to enjoy the festivities of the fair and take in many activities that the weekend has to offer.

There will be no shortage of entertainment surrounding the big game.  Spectators will be electrified with a power packed halftime show featuring both the Prairie View and the Grambling "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band.  The headliner for this year's pre-game concert will be Kelly Rowland, which will begin at 2 p.m. on the Chevy Stage.

Tickets are on sale at the Grambling State University Ticket Office by calling 318-274-2625.

COURTESY GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M line growing up in a hurry

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  FAMU nose tackle Romario Chisholm doesn’t waste an opportunity to prepare for the competition that’s going on between him and Michael Lovejoy for the starting nose tackle position. No matter where he is.

“I walked around campus doing swim moves and sprint moves just so when I came back (to practice) everything would be easier to compete,” said the sophomore defensive lineman.

Like Chisholm, all of the Rattlers’ linemen are young. That leaves line coach George Small with the task of developing them quickly — a scenario that played out two seasons ago.



FAMU’s line was solid last year, led by nose tackle Padric Scott, who signed as an NFL free agent earlier this year. The unit also lost Ellie Hyppolite and Brandon Davis. Small obviously has concerns about the line, but the players are confident and willing to learn, he said.

“As long as I have the will and I have a nice engine and I can put gas in it,” he said, “we can get them running.”

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FAMU Marching 100 first performance to be announced

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M University Marching 100 could be back on the field as soon as the university's first football game in September.

Band Director Sylvester Young is expected to make an announcement Aug. 15 on the band's first performance, which could come at when the Rattlers face the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Sept. 1.

In the meantime, band staff and students are not waiting in preparing.

Saturday, new and old members of the Florida A&M University Marching 100 gathered for the first day of auditions for the upcoming fall semester.

It was the first time in over a year that music thundered from the Foster-Tanner music building and the revelry of musical steps of the past shone through. The university announced the lifting of the band’s suspension in June.

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FAMU marching band returns after 19-month suspension

TALLAHASSEE -- The band room on Florida A&M University’s campus is alive again.

Eager freshman in suits and ties lined up to audition for a spot in the acclaimed, but embattled Marching 100 band over the weekend. Then they practiced with the upperclassmen late into the evening, learning the sharp movements and musicianship that earned the band worldwide fame.

No one has forgotten why the band room went dark: the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion in November 2011. Not the students who say they understand how important it is that the 100 return as sharp as ever, but without the culture of hazing that has dogged the campus for decades, nor the administrators who know the band’s problems contributed to the school’s accreditation issues and tarnished its reputation.

“The world is watching you,” Department of Music chairman Kawachi Clemons told the students during orientation Saturday. “Everyone’s eyes are on us right now.”

No more than 256 students will participate in the Marching 100 this year, compared to the more than 400 that were on the roll before the 19-month suspension.
 New rules also are in place. Members must be full-time students and maintain a 2.0 GPA. No student will be allowed in the band for more than four football seasons.

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ASU Hornets Volleyball Opens Preseason Camp

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Alabama State University's volleyball team hit the court for the first time today to begin work for the 2013 season. Head Coach Penny Lucas-White welcomed 13 players to the court for the first of two opening-day sessions which began at 9 a.m.

ASU has nine returners from last season and has four new players in an ASU uniform for their first time. "This is always an exciting time of the year and it is good to see all of the student-athletes back on the court," Lucas-White said. "They came into camp excited and in a good frame of mind. I can already tell this group of girls is a competitive group."

The Lady Hornets will once again field a youthful team with only two seniors on the team. Along with the two seniors the team is composed of four juniors, six sophomores and one freshman.

"I know we are going to once again be a young team this season, but I really believe with the experience the girls gained last season along with the talented newcomers we have a chance to be a totally different team," Lucas-White said. "We are going to work hard and we want the team to know we are going to expect nothing less than a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship."

The Lady Hornets will practice twice a day, with one day off during the week until classes begin on Aug. 21. The practice times are from 9 a.m.-noon, and again from 2 -6 p.m. The season will begin Aug. 30 in Orlando, Fla., at the Central Florida Tournament. They will open the tournament against SWAC-rival Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 9 a.m.

2013 LADY HORNETS VOLLEY SCHEDULE

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Alabama State Hornets Have Good First Scrimmage

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  — The Alabama State University football team held their first scrimmage of the season and saw some big plays on both sides of the ball.

"All in all I thought we saw some positive things, really on both sides of the ball," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. "We were able to do a lot of situational work and did some work where we were backed up on the field. We had some explosive plays on offense and then the defense was able to get a turnover or two."

The Hornets offense was able to score three touchdowns, two of those on big plays as the offense racked up 454 yards on 76 offensive plays.

With Daniel Duhart sitting out the scrimmage, Arsenio Favor ran the first team offense and completed four of his 13 pass attempts for 62 yards. He also carried the ball four times for 10 yards.

"I wanted to get a good look at Favor running the first team offense today," Barlow said. "I thought he ran the offense pretty good at times and he looked pretty good back there getting the play and getting in and out of the huddle."



True freshman Quinteris Toppings came and ran the second team offense. He completed eight of his 11 attempts for 144 yards. He threw for one touchdown and also had the game's lone interception. His touchdown pass was a 61 yarder to sophomore Andre Kincey.

Jahaad Coleman had a strong game from the back field. He gained 81 yards on six carries, including a 70 yard touchdown run, which was the game's longest play of the scrimmage.

Isaiah Crowell only touched the ball six times, but broke off a run of 27 yards the first time he touched the ball. His final touch came on a reception which went for 25 yards. He finished the game with 34 yards on five carries and the 25 yard reception.

Rodney Cross carried the ball 11 times for 57 yards and scored the game's final touchdown from a yard out.

It took the offense four possessions before they found pay dirt, which came on Kincey's 61 yard catch and run from Toppings. The second score came on the one-play eighth possession when Coleman took a handoff around the left side 70 yards for the score.

On defense, Najee Bright had a game-high six tackles and Carlton Jones added five. Bradley Street had the interception off Toppings, which stopped a potential touchdown and LeAndre Crawford added a fumble recovery.

The defense made the offense work for their yardage as they posted 26 plays that resulted in lost yardage or plays of no gain.

All-American punter Bobby Wenzig averaged 50 yards on three punts, and also ran in a two-point conversion following the second touchdown.

"We will get to the film room and take a long look at today's scrimmage and work on the corrections next week," Barlow said.

The Hornets will be off on Sunday, but will be back on the practice field Monday, Aug. 12 for two practice sessions. The first coming at 9 a.m. with the second at 7 p.m.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

South Carolina State Bulldogs have up-and-down first scrimmage

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Saturday night at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium brought out a throng of curious South Carolina State football fans to watch the 2013 team’s first scrimmage.

The crowd in attendance, which included new school President Thomas J. Elzey and his wife, Dr. Monedia Elzey, witnessed both the offense and defense take turns in putting together dominating halves of football. They also saw some new players who could impact the upcoming season in action and got a first glance of what to expect from the various changes on offense.

Overall, head coach Buddy Pough thought the scrimmage accomplished the goal of further instilling toughness into his team as it looks to regain their running game identity.

“It was one of those kind of deals where the offense did find some push in the second half,” he said. “But, we’re still trying to find our way within what we do. This is the first time we had live bullets going under these kind of circumstances trying to make this thing go. We’ve still got lots of work to do. It’s just that at this point, we’ve just got continue to keep pushing.”

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SC State Conducts First Preseason Scrimmage

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  South Carolina State held its first scrimmage of the preseason Saturday evening, getting in approximately 100 plays during the two-hour scrimmage at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

"We were mostly trying toughing up a little bit so we can run the football , however the defense took full control during the first half the scrimmage", said Pough. "We are still trying to find our way this is the first time we have had live action in this setting."

"I thought the entire group (offense) settled in during the second part of the scrimmage, the offense scored a few times and had some good runs down the stretch, but nevertheless we still got a lot of work to do to get things going so we have to keep pushing."

Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough said he was extremely pleased that his squad got a lot accomplished in their first outing, however, he noted that he would have to wait until he and his staff viewed the film from the scrimmage to get a true evaluation of how his team did.

"I thought we had some success from time to time running the football," said Pough. "The younger guys like Dondre Lewis-Freeman (r-So., 5-7, 196), Xavier Quick (Fr., 5-9, 220) and Dondre Brown (r-Fr., 6-1, 236) had some good runs on our defense. "

Pough and his staff also had a chance to look at four quarterbacks – Senior Richard Cue, who started the 2012 campaign, redshirt sophomore Tedarrius Wiley, and redshirt freshmen Joey Copeland and Adrian Kollock.

"Our defensive line is still the strength of our defense and it makes you feel comfortable that those guys can get in there and make some plays," said Pough. Make no mistake about it our linebackers (Joe Thomas and Justin Hughes) and our secondary will come up and get after you. I think its overall team effort to stop the run and that's what makes them so good."

Pough also addressed special teams had a good day kicking the football, but for the most part we need to clean up the penalty situation and continue to work hard to understand what some of the issues are during preseason.

Sunday Aug. 11 No practice

Monday Aug. 12 Two-a-day Practices
Practice # 10(full pads) 9:30 a.m.
Practice # 11(shells) 7:10 p.m.

Tuesday Aug. 13 Practice # 12(full pads)-9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Aug. 14 Two-a-day Practices
Practice # 13(full pads) 9:30 a.m.
Practice # 14(shells) 7:10 p.m.

Thursday Aug. 15 Practice #15(full pads)-9:30 a.m.

Friday Aug. 16 Two-a-day Practices
Practice # 16(full pads) 9:30 a.m.
Practice # 17(shells) 7:10 p.m.

Saturday Aug. 17 Practice# 18(Scrimmage 2-full pads) 10 a.m.

Sunday Aug. 18 No practice

Monday Aug.19 Two-a-day Practices

Practice # 19(full pads) 9:30 a.m.

Practice # 20(shells) 7 p.m.

Tuesday Aug. 20 Classes Begin, No Practice
Rally on the Square (Downtown Orangeburg) 6:30 p.m.

**In-season practice schedule begins Aug. 21(times vary, consult Sports Information Office).**

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Day 6 of Preseason Camp: ASU Braves Show Progress in First Scrimmage

LORMAN, Mississippi  --  Today the Braves wrapped up week one of preseason camp playing their first scrimmage and hosting their annual media day.  The Braves took the field this morning around 9:00 a.m. and were anxious to get after each other on the practice fields.

The secondary showed why they were ranked No. 4 in the FCS Standings in pass defense when sophomore cornerback Anthony Williams, Jr. returned an interception for a touchdown in early in the scrimmage.

The offense scored their lone touchdown on a one-yard run by Arnold Walker.

“We did some good things this week as far as executing on both sides of the ball,” Head Coach Jay Hopson quoted.  “Our quarterbacks are doing a decent job so far this week in their readings of the defense and I've also been pleased with the way our running backs have been performing in week one.”

All five quarterbacks saw action in the scrimmage and made some good plays in different situations.

“Defensively I've been pleased with our assignments but we still have to work on the little things,” Hopson said.”  Linebakcers Damon Watkins and Will Thomas are getting plenty of reps with the first team.  They study the game well and are some hard-hitting defensive players.

With one week of preseason camp in the books the Braves will have Sunday off and will resume practice on Monday as they continue to prepare for their home opener on August 31^st vs. Edward Waters.

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

"Air Raid" offense strikes in second half of SSU Tigers' first scrimmage

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  The defense dominated the first half of Savannah State's first football scrimmage Saturday but the “Air Raid” offense of first-year head coach Earnest Wilson III owned the second half.

“Our defense played well but if it wasn't for our mistakes on offense, they would have been exposed,” Wilson said following a two-and-a-half-hour scrimmage at T.A. Wright Stadium. “So what I'm asking our (defensive) coaches to do is go back and really become teachers.”

Senior Antonio Bostick started at quarterback during the first offensive possession and junior Victorian Hardison began the second drive at QB. Both drives ended in punts.

Redshirt freshman Leon Prunty started the third possession at QB and he was intercepted by sophomore Alfred Ansley.

“When you're not quite sure and you're thrown into battle, you're going to go back to your old ways, and that's what they did in the first half,” said Wilson, who was hired June 7 from Hampton University, where he was the Pirates' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. “A lot of them went back to their old ways. They freaked out. But as time went on they got more relaxed. And what I've got to do is get that out of them before Aug. 31. That's going to be the key in order for us to be able to beat Georgia Southern.”

The defense intercepted four passes. In addition to Ansley picking off Prunty's pass, sophomore Justin Dixon intercepted sophomore transfer Zach Hutcheson, and junior Edward Baety and freshman Damion Gordon each picked off Hardison. Bostick was the only quarterback who did not throw an interception.

“We had a good tempo,” Dixon said. “Everybody was really trying to get after the football. That's one thing we've really been heavy on in this camp is getting to the football. When the football's in the air, on the ground, the defense is flying. Everybody is flying to the football.”

Wilson said all four quarterbacks tried to do too much, resulting in stalled drives until late in the scrimmage.

“They're trying to do too much instead of just working within the offense,” Wilson said. “When they do that, they'll be alright.

“I want them to understand the down and distance. What they've done is they went back to the old (ways) and tried to get big plays when they didn't need to. Instead of just dumping the ball off and letting people run with the ball, and get yardage and get first downs and touchdowns, they're trying to do too much. They're good players but they're just trying to do too much.”

Senior running back Sheldon Barnes ran for three touchdowns of 12, 11 and 8 yards. His 12-yard run resulted in the first points of the scrimmage.

“After I scored the first touchdown it just seemed like the end zone was our friend, so we just kept going back,” Barnes said. “We started out a little slow. Those interceptions really weighed heavy on us. Anytime you get a turnover after you've been driving, you kind of hold your head down a little bit. But Coach (Wilson) called a timeout, gave us a few words and we came out and just turned it on.”

Barnes, who is competing for the starting job at running back, said he wanted to make a strong impression on SSU's new coaching staff.

“Nobody has a permanent job going from the spring to the fall, especially having these new coaches,” Barnes said. “You've got to come out here and show who you are.”

Sophomore running back Lereginald Veals ran for a 25-yard touchdown. Freshman running back De'Quan Daniels did not scrimmage because of an undisclosed injury.

“The running game is a big, big key in this offense,” Bostick said. “If we get our running backs to get 4, 5, 6 or 7 yards, that will open up the passing lanes for us. That's the No. 1 thing with the 'Air Raid,' get the ball to your best offensive players in space. We have a lot of athletic guys and the No. 1 thing is we have to get our athletes the ball out in space and let them do what they do.”

On the first play of the series after Barnes' second touchdown run, Bostick connected with senior Simon Heyward for a 40-yard touchdown. Heyward later scored a 30-yard touchdown on a pass from Hardison.

“Everybody is open in this offense,” Bostick said of the “Air Raid” attack, which Wilson coached to lead the Southwestern Athletic Conference in scoring offense and total offense when he was the offensive coordinator at Jackson State. “There is not one guy who is not open if everybody is running their routes correctly. If the quarterback makes the right read, the running backs run the right route, everybody is pretty much open so it's a very explosive offense.”

Prunty ran for an 18-yard touchdown and threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to senior Edward Lackey Jr.

Hutcheson threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to freshman Justin Clark. A bad hold ruined the extra-point attempt.

A bad snap botched an extra-point attempt after Barnes' second touchdown run. Junior Preston McCarthy kicked two extra points but missed a 45-yard field goal. Freshman John Barron's 34-yard field goal attempt was blocked after a bad snap.

SSU will not practice Sunday or Monday, the day classes begin. The Tigers' next practice will be Tuesday.

“We'll start preparing for Georgia Southern and figuring out how we're going to beat them,” Wilson said. “I know they're going to be ready but we want to be ready more.”

The Tigers also will practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Wilson said. SSU's annual Blue & Orange Fall Scrimmage (Fan Appreciation Day) is at 6 p.m. Aug. 17. Players and coaches will be available to sign posters and schedule cards before kickoff.

The Tigers' season-opener is at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 against Georgia Southern at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro.

“We've got some guys that are capable of playing on the next level on this team,” Wilson said. “But they're scared to give their total effort. Because they're scared of failure. I can't let these guys get scared of failure. These coaches can't let these guys get scared to fail. They're going to have to work, and work hard, and they're going to overcome those failures. And that's what I'm looking for.”  


By Noell Barnidge, SSU Media Relations Freelance Writer
COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Defense shines in Southern scrimmage

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  The opening play of Saturday’s scrimmage was a telling sign of what was to come in the first of two intrasquad scrimmages for the Southern football team this preseason.

Quarterback Wynton Perro and tailback Darius Coleman muffed the exchange on the opening drive resulting in a turnover, one of five on the day for the Southern offense.

“I think on offense we did an average job as a whole,” co-offensive coordinator Chadwick Germany said. “Tempo and execution are two things we want to get better at by the time we have our next scrimmage. We want to play fast.”

One of the reasons the offense may have struggled in Saturday’s scrimmage could be credited to the absence of senior All-Southwestern Athletic Conference receiver Lee Doss, who played a part in Saturday’s scrimmage, just from the sideline.

“Coach sat me out because ...

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TSU Tiger Camp Report: Day Six

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State football team wrapped up the first week of fall camp with a two-hour scrimmage on a sunny and breezy Saturday morning.

“I thought that the defense dominated at times [on Saturday],” head coach Rod Reed said. “The offense finished strong, and overall I felt like we had a solid first week.”

The offensive line, led by Demetrius Rhaney and Deshawn Byrd, opened by big holes and wide running lanes for TSU's running backs, and the ball carriers responded with some big plays. Senior Tim Broughton scored a pair of short-yardage touchdowns while Darion Hall and Tevin Spells broke off big chunks of yards throughout the mock game.

Big Blue's quarterbacks also showed marked improvement on Saturday with Ronnie Butler and Lamar McKnight splitting snaps with the first team. TSU's defensive line, and especially Antonio Harper, were in the face of the passers for much of the day, but when they had time, the quarterbacks were able to find open receivers.

Butler also ran for a touchdown in the latter part of the scrimmage and fellow quarterback senior Holt Claiborne led a crisp scoring drive with the second-string offense.

The Tigers will take their first day off on Sunday before starting week two on Monday at 9:15 a.m.

This Week's Practice Schedule
MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #8 (FULL)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013 - 7:30-9:30 PRACTICE #9 (FULL)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #10 (FULL)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 - 7:30-9:30 PRACTICE #11 (FULL)FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #12 (FULL)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #13 (FULL)

 COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Continuity with staff a big plus at WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  One of Coach Connell Maynor’s goals during the offseason was to get his loyal assistant coaches small raises.

That might have helped in keeping his staff together, but money isn’t the only reason those assistants stayed at Winston-Salem State.

In college coaching, no matter the level, assistant coaches move from job to job and head coaches constantly replace them.

Maynor, however, hasn’t had to do much hiring in his three seasons. There was a little turnover after the first season, but that has been it.

“It is hard to keep a staff together,” Maynor said. “At our level in D-II, you don’t lose as many assistants because our staffs aren’t as big as D-I staffs, but for us to not lose anybody off last year’s staff is huge.”

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Old warhorse fits A&T's Aggies to a 'T'

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  — Rickey Bustle was back in his element.

The sun was shining and the wind was blowing and he had a whistle around his neck. Just like old times.

Bustle, an old warhorse of a football coach, is back in the area. He’s the new offensive coordinator at A&T, and he couldn’t be happier.

“It’s like coming home,” he said.

Bustle, 59, grew up in Danville the son of a baseball player who longed to be a coach. That dream took him all over the country and back again.

“He looks right at home,’ Aggies head coach Rod Broadway said Thursday as A&T went through its first practice of the year. “He’s a good one.”

A&T is coming off of a 7-4 season that marked a ...

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Costa Pleased With First St. Aug Football Practice

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Head Coach Michael Costa was impressed with the attitude of the veterans during the first Saint Augustine's University football practice of the 2013 season at SAU Stadium on Wednesday evening, August 7, 2013. The Falcons return 58 players including 14 offensive and defensive starters combined.

"It was a good practice," said Costa, who led the Falcons to two winning seasons in the last three years. "It was not a lot of confusion. From what I've seen from the older guys, they have not missed a beat. They were real hungry, and I like that. The older guys are very eager and very enthusiastic. Right now, the younger guys have to catch up to the older guys."

The Falcons ran drills in helmets, T-shirts and shorts during the brisk two-hour workout. It was the first step toward preparation for the season opener on Sept. 7, 2013 against Division I foe North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C.

Three-time All-CIAA linebacker Chaz Robinson (Sr./Hampton, Va.) agreed with Costa about the first practice. He says the Falcons need to bring the same level of intensity to every practice. If they do that, the Falcons should be ready when the season begins.

"Our theme this season is consistency," said Robinson, a Pre-season 2013 All-CIAA pick. "The goal is to practice well every day."

The Falcons, 6-4 overall in 2012, will play their first two games on the road. They open at home Sept. 21 against Stillman College.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Baker Adds Five To SSU Women's Basketball Roster

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -- Savannah State women's basketball head coach Cedric Baker, in his 11^th year at SSU, has added five newcomers to his 2013-14 roster.

"I am excited about the body of work that was put into our 2013 recruiting class," Baker said. "As always you want to fill some vacancies that come along with graduation and kids moving on."

The 2013-14 class consists of four freshmen and one junior transfer. All of the class' freshmen come to Savannah State from inside Georgia.

"Our most decorated recruit is Bria Doresey," Baker said. "She had some success at Indian River Community College, and hopefully that will translate to the program here at Savannah State."

Doresey, an Atlanta, Georgia native and 5-7 point guard, averaged 17.0 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game last year. She shot 45.5 percent from the field, and 57.0 percent from the free-throw line.

"We definitely were looking to meet some needs in terms of our post play and our back court play," Baker said. "With the rules of the game changing – the 10 second back court- we definitely wanted to make sure that we had combo guards that could be primary ball handlers if necessary, and also be a threat on the perimeter. I felt like we met our needs with this class."

Baker didn't have to travel far to find a new forward. Charmia Graham  out of Richmond Hill High School will help fill that back court need for the Lady Tigers. The 6-2, Richmond Hill native averaged 6.5 points per game last year and 7.1 rebounds per game in 10 games last year.

Along with Graham, Baker added 6-2 center Tiyonda Davis from Cedar Shoals High School in Athens. Davis averaged 11.6 points per game and 9.79 rebounds per game last year.

"Tiyonda is a very skilled post player," Baker. "She can score multiple ways. She's effective in the open court and can give us a size presence that we're going need playing the schedule we're going to play. I think she has a basketball IQ that is going to put her in a position to get some valuable minutes as a freshman."

Balancing out the class will be two freshman shooting guards, Kenyata Hendrix, a 5-10, Carrollton, Ga. native, and Rhianna Warren, a 5-8 guard from Douglasville, Ga.

Hednrix comes to Savannah State from Carrollton High. Hendrix averaged 13.5 points per game and 3.0 assists per game last year. Hendrix's Lady Trojans went 19-9 in the 2012-13 season.

"Hendrix is probably the best late signee I've ever had," Baker said. "She had some offers from LaSalle and North Carolina Central. She'll play a combo guard position for us. She's long, rangy and can play multiple positions; from the one to the three. She's coming from a great basketball program at Carrollton High School."

Warren comes to Savannah State from Villa Rica High School. She averaged 13.9 points per game and 1.5 assist per game. She helped lead her team to a 22-9 overall record and an 11-3 record in the 2012-13 season.

"Warren is capable of stretching the defense," Baker said. "She is a slim, athletic kid that can get separation from defenders. Her strength is definitely shooting the basketball. In the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), we see a lot of zones. So, we're looking forward to her helping us on the perimeter."

The five newcomers will accent the nine lettermen returning for the Lady Tigers this year and try and help SSU improve upon a 7-23 2012-13 season.

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Kentucky State Thorobreds 2013 Football Media Day Announced

FRANKFORT, Kentucky  --  The Kentucky State University Athletics Department has announced that the 2013 Football Media Day is scheduled for Saturday, August, 24. Media Day will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Alumni Stadium on the campus of KSU.

Players and coaches will be available to members of the media for interviews and pictures. Special media requests should be directed to the Kentucky State Sports Information Office by calling 502-597-6399 or emailing joshua.hazard@kysu.edu.

Immediately following Media Day, the Kentucky State football team will play an inter-squad scrimmage at 1:00 p.m. All media members and fans are welcome to attend the scrimmage.

KSU Ticket Information

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. MorehKouse College	3. Stillman College
4. Benedict College	4. Kentucky State University
5. Clark Atlanta University	5.  Lane College
	6. Central State University

East Division Champion: Albany State                  
West Division Champion: Tuskegee
Overall SIAC Champion: Tuskegee (7)
Note: Number of first place votes in parenthesis

2013 SIAC Football Preseason All-Conference Teams (Link)

Three Kentucky State student-athletes were among those recognized on the Preseason All-Conference Team.

From left to right: Justin Williams, Kenneth Townsend and Cade Berryman.

Senior running back, Justin Williams, was named to the First Team Offense. Williams, from Pompano Beach, Fla., is an extremely explosive running back that will be used as a change of pace back for the Thorobreds during the 2013 campaign. He has amassed 1157 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his career. Williams has also caught 40 passes for 313 yards and 4 touchdowns during his time at KSU.

Williams is a versatile athlete, having played several positions at various times last season including running back, wide receiver and quarterback. Williams will be utilized in a variety of ways in order to capitalize on his explosiveness including playing time at wide receiver and as a kick returner.

Sophomore kicker, Cade Berryman, was named to the Second Team Offense. Berryman, out of Irvine, KY, will be the starting placekicker as well as the kickoff specialist for the Thorobreds this season.

Senior defensive lineman, Kenny Townsend, was named to the Second Team Defense. Townsend had 74 total tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Thorobreds last season. Townsend averaged 7.4 tackles a game last season, which was 15th best in the conference.

For more information regarding Kentucky State football call the Sports Information Office at 502-597-6399 or visit our website, www.ksuthorobreds.com.

COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY THOROBREDS SPORTS INFORMATION

Hundreds gather for funeral for fallen Seventy-First High football player Evan Raines

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  --  Rodney Raines was concerned when his son, Evan, decided to play football at Seventy-First High School. He was afraid Evan would get hurt. It wasn't like the days of youth football.

"I knew once they got to the varsity level, there was going to be some serious football being played because those boys were trying to earn their place in the NFL," Rodney Raines told several hundred people in the sanctuary of Kingdom Impact Global Ministries on Friday. "I went out to the first game and I kept seeing the number 40. I asked which one was Evan. They said he was the one knocking everyone down."

Raines looked over to the group of Seventy-First varsity football players who sat together in a reserved section in the church. Each one wore a red practice jersey.

"He was so proud. He loved the team. He loved you guys. He loved you," Raines said. "My son went after his dream."

Raines, 16, a junior defensive end at Seventy-First, died Aug. 3 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center after collapsing on the football practice field. Rodney Raines said hospital officials told him his son died of cardiac arrest.

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Barry Switzer aiding Texas College with weight room project

Coach Barry Switzer

TYLER, Texas  --  Barry Switzer was always comfortable on either side of the Red River and Friday was no different. The charismatic Switzer came to Tyler to help his former player, Texas College football coach George Cumby. 

The former Dallas Cowboys and University of Oklahoma football coach is a natural-born speaker who lets his emotions show through at times. His affection for Cumby, a two-time All-American at OU who he recruited out of Bishop T.K. Gorman, was quite apparent as Switzer teared up at times when speaking of the former NFL first-round draft choice. 

Switzer was in town to help Cumby and Dr. Dwight J. Fennell, Texas College president, raise money for a weight room for the TC campus. He spoke to community leaders, along with alums from OU, Texas, Texas Tech and others, at Willow Brook Country Club.

Switzer said he can get the weight equipment, and the school just needs the funds for a building. He said he would raise $50,000 and he already has pitched in $5,000 himself.

“George was one of the special players,” Switzer said of Cumby, who is from Moore Station near Chandler. “If I’ve got a place in my heart for special players, it is George Cumby. He is a wonderful man, a minister, football player, coach, mentor, just a wonderful, wonderful person.

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TC NOTES: If you would like to donate to the weight room project, send checks to Texas College, Office of the President, 2404 N. Grand Ave., Tyler, Texas 75702-9703. Also write attention: Athletics.