Day 7 of Preseason Camp: ASU Braves Begin First Day of Two-A-Days

LORMAN, Mississippi  --- The Alcorn State football team resumed practice after taking Sunday off and playing in their first scrimmage on Saturday. The Braves went through their first day of two-a-days to begin week two of preseason camp.

"I think we had a pretty good day in our first day of two-a-days," stated Head Coach Jay Hopson. "It's only the seventh day practice and we still have some areas we need to improve on before the first game of the season."

The Braves will pick it back up tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. as they continue to prep for Edward Waters on Aug. 31st at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium.



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Ram Ramblings: Media seminar gives coaches some direction

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- The idea of a media seminar was born after a conversation between Coach Bobby Collins of Winston-Salem State and Leslie Winbush, who is the director of the office of continuing education at WSSU.

While high-profile football and basketball coaches in Division I get plenty of opportunities to learn how to deal with the media, there isn’t much out there for everybody else.

That’s where the two-day “CPR for Coaches” seminar comes into play.

The seminar, which was held this afternoon in Winston-Salem and will continue on Saturday at the Sundance Plaza Hotel, was attended by close to 15 coaches and administrators from around the CIAA and the MEAC.

Running the seminar was Donna Oldham, a communications expert who has worked as the director of communications for Duke Hospital and has been the senior communications manager for Dell Inc.



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A coaching potpouri: FAMU Holmes takes from his former coaches to develop his own style

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Practice was over on the second day of Earl Holmes first preseason camp as head football coach at FAMU. As usual the players gathered in a half circle around their coach for the obligatory speech.

It wasn’t a particularly good workout. Holmes didn’t like the lack of energy he’d seen. Too many players were lagging, he thought.

There wasn’t a single hint he wanted to get their attention by being philosophical. Holmes went right to the heart of the matter.

“This is not a pity party,” he said in tone loud enough to be heard across the practice field. “Don’t feel sorry for yourself because you’re tired. Heck, everybody is tired.”

It wasn’t a much different way than any other coach would have let his players know that they’ve got to try harder. But was coming from a young man who is already showing a coaching style that is very much old school.

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B-CU Wildcats offensive lineman stepping away from football

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  Bethune-Cookman All-America offensive tackle Terrance Hackney will sit out the 2013 playing season, announced Monday afternoon by the B-CU Department of Athletics.

“Terrance [Hackney] and I have had several conversations, and we both agree that there are goals bigger than playing football,” said B-CU head coach Brian Jenkins. “We plan on providing him all the assistance needed in achieving his ultimate goal of graduating from Bethune-Cookman University.”

Hackney, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound rising senior from Chapel Hill, N.C., is listed on two 2013 preseason teams, including publications from Phil Steele’s College Football Preview and Lindy’s. Hackney was tabbed to numerous All-America teams following the 2012 campaign, including The Sports Network (Third Team), BSN (First Team) and SBN (First Team), in addition to being paraded as MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year.

“It is our intent to have Terrance remain a student at Bethune-Cookman University,” concluded Jenkins.

Due to privacy laws, B-CU does not publicly release personal information on its students.

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SIAC Releases Official Television Schedule

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference released its official 2013 football television schedule, which includes a record of nine SIAC contest slated to air on three different networks.

The television slate is highlighted by the recent announcement of the SIAC's new right's agreement deal with Bounce TV, the nation's fast-growing and only broadcast television network for African Americans. The network will broadcast five SIAC football games for the 2013 season.

Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) will televise three games featuring SIAC teams, while ESPNU will broadcast another game, involving a conference team.

"We are very pleased that the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will have an unprecedented number of nine football games televised this fall," said SIAC Commissioner Moore. "I believe the selection of games is a testament to our outstanding brand of football and tremendous fan base."

The television lineup will commence on the opening weekend of the season, as two SIAC football teams will match up against Gulf South Conference opponents. Miles College will kickoff its season Thursday evening, September 5, on the road against North Alabama at 7:30 p.m.(EST) on CSS. On Saturday, September 7, Clark Atlanta University will travel to Livingston, Ala. to face West Alabama at 12 noon (EST), also on CSS. The following week, CSS will feature action from The Nation's Classic game between Morehouse and Howard, Saturday, September 14 at 12 noon (EST).

The SIAC football slate on Bounce TV will start on October 5, when Morehouse College will host rival Clark Atlanta University at B.T. Harvey Stadium for the annual Battle of the AUC at 7 pm. The following Saturday, October 12, the Maroon Tigers will face another rival, Tuskegee University, at the historic A.J. McClung Stadium in Columbus, Georgia for the 78th Annual Tuskegee/Morehouse Classic. Miles College will host SIAC West Division opponent Kentucky State for its homecoming at Albert J. Sloan Alumni Stadium in Fairfield, Alabama on October 19.



The 23rd Annual Fountain City Classic Game between Fort Valley State University and Albany State University will air on Bounce TV, as well as the 2013 SIAC Football Championship Game, played November 16 in Atlanta.

The SIAC television package will conclude on November, 29, when ESPNU will televise the 90th Annual Turkey Day Classic game between Stillman College and Alabama State University at New Hornets Stadium in Montgomery, Ala.



Game times and television Networks are Listed Below:

Thursday, September, 5
Miles at North Alabama, 7:30 p.m. (CSS)
Location: Braly Municipal Stadium, Florence Ala.

Saturday, September 7
Clark Atlanta at North Alabama, 12 noon (CSS)
Location: Tiger Stadium, Livingston, Ala.

Saturday, September 14
Morehouse v. Howards, Nation's Classic, 12 noon (CSS)
Location: RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
**Game will be played on Tape Delay from 9/7**

Saturday, October 5
Clark Atlanta at Morehouse College, 7 p.m. (Bounce TV)
Location: B.T. Harvey Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Saturday, October 12
Morehouse v. Tuskegee, 78th Tuskegee/Morehouse Classic, 2 p.m. (Bounce TV)
Location: AJ McClung Stadium, Columbus, GA

Saturday, October 19
Kentucky State at Miles College, 5 p.m. (Bounce TV)
Location: Albert J. Sloan Stadium, Fairfield, Ala.

Saturday, November 9
Albany State v. Fort Valley State, 23rd Fountain City Classic, 2 p.m. (Bounce TV)
Location: AJ McClung Stadium, Columbus, GA

Saturday, November 16
2013 SIAC Football Championship Game, 7 pm. (Bounce TV)
Location: Atlanta, GA

Saturday, November 28
Stillman v. Alabama State, 90th Turkey Day Classic, 3 p.m. (ESPNU)
Location: Hornets Stadium, Montgomery, Ala.


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Tight ends expect bigger roles in FAMU's offense

Gray installing pro-style offense in 2013
(Courtesy FAMU Athletics)

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Edwin Pata is seldom short on words on the practice field, but when he decided to let the tight ends on FAMU’s football team know their value, he got right to the point.

“I tell them there is nobody out here trying to run-block like you and (also) be a receiver,” Pata said.

Pata wasn’t just trying to amp up his small group of players. He wanted them to realize that they will be getting more touches now that offensive coordinator Quinn Gray has turned to a pro-style offense.

The expanded role calls for big, athletic players, and the two Rattlers that are being counted on have size. Senior Michael Etheridge is 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, while third-year sophomore Michael Morris is 6-foot-4, 230 pounds.

Morris and Etheridge said they are eager to get into the mix more often.

“Coach Gray, coming from the NFL, knows that tight ends slip through a whole lot of defenses so he’s put that in the playbook and we have more options now.”

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Trayvon Martin's father named honorary captain of Florida A&M football team

Tracy Martin recently delivered an inspirational speech to the Florida A&M football team.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  — Trayvon Martin’s father has been named honorary captain of the FAMU football team after delivering an inspirational speech to the team Sunday.

Florida A&M coach Earl Holmes said Tracy Martin, whose son’s shooting death in Sanford drew national attention, called him recently and the coach recently invited the grieving father to address his players.

 

“[We] talked and I told him I’d love him to talk to the team. He came out and he was very,  very encouraging,” Holmes said of Tracy Martin. “ . . . [He] got a standing ovation from our guys. He talked about just persevering and told the guys to keep on pushing through the hard times. The message he shared with the kids was very positive and they were very responsive.”  

 

Since George Zimmerman was ...

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TSU Tiger Camp Report: Day Eight

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State football team opened its second week of fall camp on Monday with a two-hour practice that ended just before noon.

“It was great to come out today, after having yesterday off, and have a crisp practice,” head coach Rod Reed said. “I thought the intensity was high with the defense setting the tone, early. But the offense came back with a couple of big plays, so I’m excited about the energy level shown in today’s practice.”

Most of offense’s big plays came through the air as freshman quarterback Ronald Butler picked apart the TSU secondary for most of the team drills. The Tallahassee, Fla. native looked sharp, hitting receivers all around the field and making the right reads.

Early in the team session, Butler hit senior receiver Devin Wilson with a bomb that went right over the defender’s head and into his target’s arms. The score got the offense going after the defensive front-seven stymied TSU’s running backs early in the drills.

The offense struck again around ten plays later when Butler threaded the needle on a pass to freshman Michael Whitaker that inexplicably missed the outstretched arms of David Van Dyke and Martine Stevenson. Whitaker was left with a clear path to the end zone.

The final score of the day came from a straight go-route in which freshman Lavatiae Kelly beat his man and Butler laid the ball in perfectly down the sideline for a touchdown.

It wasn’t all good for the Tiger’s attack, as the defense held TSU’s backs in check for most of the day and Samquan Evans and Jack Ndem were in the quarterback’s face for much of the morning. Ndem even swatted a ball at the line to the delight of his defensive teammates.

TSU will look to continue to improve tomorrow, as the squad will take on Bethune-Cookman in the John Merritt Classic in just 19 days.

This Week's Practice ScheduleTUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013 - 7:30-9:30 PRACTICE #9 (FULLWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #10 (FULLTHURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 - 7:30-9:30 PRACTICE #11 (FULLFRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #12 (FULL
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #13 (FULLMONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #14 (FULL)

 

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Tennessee State Tigers Women Basketball Coach Larry Inman Recaps the Summer

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Tennessee State University head women's basketball coach Larry Joe Inman sat down with TSUTigers.com to recap the summer for the Lady Tiger program.

Inman is going into his second year as head coach of TSU and will return four letter winners while adding nine newcomers into the mix.

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Baltimore Ravens: PVAMU's OLB Adrian Hamilton improves chances of winning roster spot

Adrian Hamilton
 Prairie View A&M University
 

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Ravens outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton appears to have played himself back into the mix for a roster spot with his performance during Thursday’s preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.         

During one three-play sequence early in the second quarter, Hamilton pressured Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon on first down, pressured and hit Glennon on second down and then sacked Glennon on third down.

But it was what Hamilton did in addition to generating pressure as a pass rusher that apparently most impressed Ravens coach John Harbaugh.

has been viewed as an intriguing pass rushing prospect since entering the NFL last year, but he’s going to have to show improvement in other areas of his game to win a reserve job with Baltimore.

Thursday appears to have been a positive step.

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Former JSU Receiver Rico Richardson is making a splash with the Kansas City Chiefs

ST. JOSEPH, Missouri — Each year, it seems, a young, unknown free agent receiver makes a splash in the Chiefs training camp and preseason games after the starters are replaced. A couple of years ago, it was Jeremy Horne. Remember Bobby Sippio?

This year’s version is Rico Richardson, an undrafted free agent from Jackson State, whose flapping ponytail and bursts of speed resemble veteran Dexter McCluster.

“When Rico first came in,” McCluster said, “Jon Baldwin asked, ‘Is that your brother?’ But it’s something about the hair.”


WATCH IN 1080p HD, WR Rico Richardson (JSU) #83

Richardson, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2012, is a long shot to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. But he’s overcome the odds before. Richardson wasn’t highly recruited coming out of Natchez, Miss., but enjoyed a productive career at Jackson State, where he was a big-play receiver.

“I guess it was my size, coming out of high school, coming out of college, I was under the radar,” Richardson said, “but all my life I’ve proven everyone wrong, and showed I could do it, and now I’m here.”



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Ravens lineman Ramon Harewood (Morehouse College) coming off solid preseason game

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Pulling to his right from the left guard position, Ravens offensive lineman Ramon Harewood rocked Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jonathan Casillas with a block that snapped Casillas' head back.

Casillas was effectively jolted out of the way, creating a large pathway for running back Bernard Pierce to bounce out to the sideline and scoot into the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown run during the Ravens' 44-16 preseason victory Thursday night over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It was a key block for Harewood, a former sixth-round draft pick from Morehouse College who missed time earlier in training camp with swelling in his knee.

After starting four games last season before being replaced in the lineup, Harewood is in a reserve role this season behind left guard Kelechi Osemele and Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda.

"I think I did pretty good," said Harewood, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound Barbados native. "Obviously, it was the first game. They say you get your best improvement from the first game to the second game.

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2013 NSU Football Media Day

NORFOLK, Virginia  --   See interviews with head coach Pete Adrian, Omari Timmons, Malik Stokes, Tyler Clark, and Joseph Hawkins from the 2013 NSU football media day.



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Morgan football practice underway

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  The Morgan State football team has been in pre-season practice for a little over a week now, preparing for their season opener at Army on Aug. 30.

Coach Donald Hill-Eley, starting his 12th season with the Bears, began practice on Aug. 2 with a team that brings back 62 lettermen and 18 starters from the 2012 team. The Bears will work through the month and their final pre-season scrimmage is scheduled for Aug. 22 at Hughes Stadium at 7 p.m.

The Bears are hopeful of a better season in 2013, something the players talked about recently.

"We're excited to get started," said cornerback Joe Rankin on the school's website. "The entire team has worked hard all summer long to prepare, and I felt a big push from our underclassmen. We've definitely made the days count, instead of counting down the days."

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BSC Dawkins' summer regimen: Working hard to get better

JOSEPH DAWKINS
BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE BLUES
(Courtesy BSC Athletics)

BLUEFIELD, West Virginia  --  The basketball bounces in a quiet, hot gym. There are no fans to cheer, no public address system announcing his name.

But Joseph Dawkins is there, hour after hour, getting ready.

The Bluefield State College point guard from New Jersey is spending this summer working on his game, looking ahead to the whistle blowing to start the season about four months from now.

“My motivation is to get better,” Dawkins said in a phone interview from North Carolina. “I want to get better; I want my team to be better. And if I’m better, my team will be better.”

Big Blues head coach Jamaal Jackson said, “He loves to be in the gym. He loves to work out. He knows the only way to get better is to work at it.”

The game itself came naturally to Dawkins. Maybe it’s in his genes.

“I really have a basketball family,” he said. “My grandmother and grandfather played; my uncles, all of that.”

One of those uncles, and a major influence on his life, is Kenny “The Jet” Smith, who scored 9,397 points and dished 4,073 assists with six NBA teams and won two league championships as the point guard for the Houston Rockets.

He’s now a TV basketball analyst, often seen on Inside the NBA on TNT — and he is Dawkins’ unofficial advisor on matters on and off the court.

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NSU Defense Starts Strong in Storm-Shortened First Scrimmage

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  The Norfolk State football team capped its first week of practices, and its first day of two-a-days, with a 50-play scrimmage Saturday night which was halted early due to inclement weather.

The Spartans' defense set the tone for the scrimmage early, registering two straight three-and-outs from the offense. The offense lost yards on four of its first six plays, including a trio of sacks from George Riddick, Kevin Williams, and a combined sack by Williams and Lamonte Clark. Marcus Center then thwarted the third possession of the scrimmage with an interception of Tyler Clark, one of four quarterbacks who saw action in the scrimmage.

The offense would get rolling, though, behind a couple of long completions by Omari Timmons. The offense reached the red zone for the first time as Timmons hit tight end James Lynch over the middle for a 35-yard gain, the longest play of the night. But the first-team defense stiffened, keeping the offense from the end zone.

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 On the next drive, Aaron Daniels carried for nine yards on first down, and a personal foul penalty against the defense moved the ball past midfield. Timmons then hit Wilonte' Roscoe for 25 yards. But again, offense couldn't get another first down as the defense forced a change of possession.

Shortly thereafter, the scrimmage took a break for special teams practice. The second half of the scrimmage started with the offense putting together its longest drive of the night, highlighted by a 16-yard run by Rolandan Finch. The drive stalled inside the defense's 30-yard line with Darrin Marrow intercepting Clark on a third down play.

The offense finally broke through on the next series. Sophomore quarterback Kevin Green was 2-of-2 for 36 yards on the drive. He completed passes of 22 yards to Isaac White and 14 yards to Demetreus Ferebee. Daniels capped the march with a 1-yard TD run behind the left side of his line.

Eight plays later, the light rain that had been falling intensified and lightning could be seen in the sky, prompting head coach Pete Adrian to send his team to the locker room.

In all, the defense tallied three interceptions during the scrimmage, one each by Marrow, Center and Keenan Lambert. Finch (24 yards), Daniels (23) and Shakeem Copeland (20) all netted at least 20 yards rushing for the offense.

The Spartans have their first camp day with no practice on Sunday before resuming with two-a-days on Monday.

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As the season opener approaches, it is time to assess the S.C. State Bulldogs

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  With the 2013 season opener against 21st-ranked Coastal Carolina now only 19 days away, the team’s identity is starting to take shape.

The Bulldogs have completed nine practices so far, enough time to start making some evaluations of the team’s progress.

1. Night and day
The mood around Bulldogs’ camp has taken more of a business-like, no-nonsense approach this year. Unlike 2012, the sight of coaches constantly having to interrupt practice to address disciplinary problems has been virtually non-existent. The decibel level among the Bulldog players in regards to voicing high expectations (i.e., guaranteeing a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title) is also at a reasonably low level. With a coaching staff filled with intense and demanding assistants like returning offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Joseph Blackwell and wide receivers coach Steve Bird to go with a veteran defensive staff, order and focus is more than ever the required norm at S.C. State under head coach Buddy Pough.

2. Cue or Wiley?

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SU extends ticket deadlines

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana --  Southern is extending its 2013 season-ticket renewal period for fans who missed the Aug. 9 deadline.

Fans must call the Southern ticket office at (225) 771-3171 on Monday or Tuesday to be placed on the “Do Not Delete” list.

After the SU ticket office reopens Wednesday, fans will have until Aug. 23 to purchase their original tickets if they contacted the ticket office to be placed on the list.

Located near the service entrance of the F.G. Clark Activity Center, the ticket office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Fans who are unable to make the new deadline will still have an opportunity to re-apply as a new season-ticket holders starting Aug. 26 until Sept. 13.



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Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation to Sponsor Inaugural Scholarship Golf Tournament

NSUAF Golf Tournament Registration Form

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation (NSUAF) will sponsor its inaugural scholarship golf tournament on Friday, Oct. 4 at Honeybee Golf Course in Virginia Beach, Va.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. and a shotgun start launches the competition at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the golf tournament will be used for scholarships for NSU student-athletes.

John Warren, a member of the NSUAF Board of Directors, and Nat Warren, a former NSU tennis coach, are the co-chairs of the tournament's planning committee. Supporters of NSU Athletics and avid golfers will have an opportunity to play at one of Hampton Road's most prestigious golf courses.

Registration is $300 for teams of four and $75 per player. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available for businesses and corporations that want to gain exposure for their products and services at the golf tournament and select NSU home football games.

Participants, donors and sponsors can download and complete the online brochure and registration form at www.nsuspartans.com and mail it to this address:

Attn: NSUAF Golf Tournament
Norfolk State University
700 Park Avenue
Norfolk, Va. 23504

Registration forms can also be sent via email (jccotton@nsu.edu) or fax (757-823-2566). Call (757) 823-2667 or 823-2517 for more details.

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Miami artist Huong unveiled the ‘We are All Trayvon Martin’ mural at the state capitol in Florida

The controversial 'We are all Trayvon Martin' painting by Miami artist Huong is on display outside the state's capitol in Tallahassee as a group camps out to protest Florida's Stand Your Ground Laws. She hopes to take the mural on the road and display it in Washington, D.C.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- George Zimmerman blasts Trayvon Martin while Martin Luther King Jr. bleeds in the background of a new mural unveiled at the state Capitol in Florida in Tallahassee.

The 100-foot painting substitutes a mirror for Florida teen's face, framed by a hoodie.

Miami artist Huong's not-so-subtle message is spelled out in the title: "We are all Trayvon Martin."

Huong, a Vietnam War refugee and peace activist, has joined a group of protesters called the Dream Defenders camped at the capital hoping to persuade Gov. Rick Scott to change the Stand Your Ground law highlighted by the Martin case.

Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch leader, shot and killed the 17-year-old in February 2012 and was later acquitted, igniting controversies of race and gun rights across the country.

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Elite Philly Guard Louis Myers Commits to Norfolk State

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  --  Before last year, Math, Civics & Sciences Charter School had never had one player go Division I in its basketball programs’ eight-year history. Now it’s becoming a rather common occurrence.

MCS senior Lou Myers committed to Norfolk State on Friday night, becoming the second area player of the day to choose a college. When he signs his paperwork in the fall, he’ll be the school’s fourth Division I signee.

“I believe he will do well there based on the style of offense they like to run,” MCS coach Dan Jackson said. “When he was there last weekend he fit in very well at their elite camp by doing what he does best and doing it very well.”



A 6-foot-2, 180-pound combo guard, Myers averaged 7.8 ppg last season on a 26-3 team that featured a trio of Division I prospects in Jeremiah Worthem and Britton Lee (Robert Morris), as well as Quadir Welton (St. Peter’s). This season, he’s expected to shoulder a much heavier load for the Mighty Elephants, who lose seven of the top nine scorers from last season.

“I think getting this out of the way early is not only good for him, but is good for our team as a whole because now he can concentrate on ball games instead of worrying about what he is going to do about school next season,” Jackson said.

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MEAC/SWAC Editor Note:  This fine article and video was submitted to us by Mr. Lonnie Diggs, Athletic Director, Math, Civics & Sciences Charter School, 447 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.  In the past seven years of graduating students, MCSCS has a ZERO percent drop out rate, 100% of their seniors graduate, 97-98 percent attend college, and 2-3 percent attend trade schools. Read more about one the largest and most successful charter school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by clicking HERE.  Much success to Lou Myers and Norfolk State University!  Keep the pipeline of talent flowing South!

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