SU Tickets for Aug. 30 Houston game on sale Thursday

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- Tickets for Southern University's Aug. 30 opener against the University of Houston will go on sale Thursday morning at the SU Ticket Office.

 

Tickets are $42 and $37 and will be available for purchase at 9 a.m. in the SU Ticket Office located in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

 

Southern's matchup against Houston marks the second meeting in the series history and will air live on ESPN3.com.

 

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

 

Fans also can purchase ticket to the Jaguars' Sept. 7 game against Northwestern State in Natchitoches.

For more information, contact the ticket office at 225-771-3171.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Ram Ramblings: WSSU getting into swing of football practice

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  The first thing I noticed as the WSSU football players started to trickle onto the practice field Wednesday morning was I didn’t know who they were.

For about the first 20 players the only recognizable face was wide receiver Kenny Patterson.
Later on, when I was talking to some of the veterans of the team, I figured out why I didn’t know many faces. Out of the 110 players in preseason camp there are around 60 newcomers between the transfers and incoming freshmen.

The Rams lost nearly 30 players from last season's team through exhausted eligibility and other reasons.

“I keep telling anybody who will listen we have a lot of new guys,” Coach Connell Maynor said.

CONTINUE READING

Cheney Wolves Report to Camp

CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania  -- Division II college football teams from across the country report for practice today and at Cheyney University, Coach Ken Lockard is expecting 100 plus to check in during the day. "We haven't had these types of numbers at CU for at least 20 years," stated Lockard.

Veteran leadership will be a key to the Wolves 2013 season.

Sixteen starters return, 8 a piece on offense and defense, as well as six home games. "I'm very excited about this season," commented Coach Ken Lockard. "We have a lot of starters returning and we are bringing in the biggest class we ever had since I came to Cheyney six years ago. Some of the freshman will be battling for playing time and might even be able to crack the starting line-up."

Leading the way on the offensive side of the ball is Marcus Jones. Jones, a senior All-PSAC performer, will be relied on heavily to carry the load for the Wolves option offense. Leading the way for Jones is a quartet of returning offensive lineman. Mike McGlashen (Jr, RG, 5-10, 285, Philadelphia, George Washington), Vaughn McEachin (Sr, LG, 6-1, 295, Hackensack, NJ, Dwight Morow), Nick Carter (Jr, C, 6-0, 285, Willingboro, NJ, Willingboro) and Christian Sanchez (So, LT, 6-3, 255, Trenton, NJ, Hamilton West) all started a year ago. Justin Watkins and Jay Journigan both saw significant action last season will once again be in the Wolves backfield.

Wide receivers Khalif Dandy, Marquis Garcia Palmer and Eugene Moten return as the Wolves leading receivers from a year ago. The Wolves will have to replace signal caller Blaze Wasserleben. Wasserleben was the second leading rusher on the 2012 team and completed 45% of his attempts.

On the defensive side of the ball the Wolves have both defensive ends returning. Shadeed Cheeseboro and Ariene Gardner ranked fifth and seventh respectively with 42 and 35 tackles a year ago. Cheeseboro led the squad in forced fumbles (3) and sacks (3.5). He also ranked second on the team in tackles for loss. All three starting linebackers return from a year ago. Khalil Neal, Isaiah Fleming and Shannon Burch are as strong of a group of linebackers that the Wolves have ever returned to the grid iron. Fleming (107) and Burch (70) ranked one two in tackles a year ago. Fleming also paced the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and ranked as one of the best returning linebackers in country and PSAC. Neal recorded 36 tackles last season while only appearing in nine games. Safeties Tristan Dillon McCallum and Ernest Polite should be holding down the strong and free safety positions. Corners Jamil Williams and Adam Dolphin return as corner backs.

The Wolves will also have to replace four year starter Tyler Wilkinson. The punter and long place kicker will be replaced by Jewel Jones. Last season, Jones handled all of the PATs and shorter field goals.

The Wolves kick-off the 2013 season with their annual tilt against HBCU rival Lincoln in the Battle of the Firsts. Cheyney will then hit the road for two weeks with contests at IUP and Lock Haven before returning home to face East Stroudsburg on September 28. The Wolves will then travel to Mercyhurst and Kutztown before returning to O'Shields-Stevenson Stadium on October 19 for a homecoming contest against Millersville.

After their final road game of the season the following week at Bloomsburg the Wolves will end the season with three consecutive home games. On November 2 cross town rival West Chester invades campus followed by Shippensburg (November 9) and PSAC newcomer Seton Hill (November 16).

All college football teams from across the country report for practice today and at Cheyney University, Coach Ken Lockard is expecting 100 plus to check in during the day. "We haven't had these types of numbers at CU for at least 20 years," stated Lockard.

Veteran leadership will be a key to the Wolves 2013 season. Sixteen starters return, 8 a piece on offense and defense, as well as six home games. "I'm very excited about this season," commented Coach Ken Lockard. "We have a lot of starters returning and we are bringing in the biggest class we ever had since I came to Cheyney six years ago. Some of the freshman will be battling for playing time and might even be able to crack the starting line-up."

Leading the way on the offensive side of the ball is Marcus Jones. Jones, a senior All-PSAC performer, will be relied on heavily to carry the load for the Wolves option offense. Leading the way for Jones is a quartet of returning offensive lineman. Mike McGlashen (Jr, RG, 5-10, 285, Philadelphia, George Washington), Vaughn McEachin (Sr, LG, 6-1, 295, Hackensack, NJ, Dwight Morow), Nick Carter (Jr, C, 6-0, 285, Willingboro, NJ, Willingboro) and Christian Sanchez (So, LT, 6-3, 255, Trenton, NJ, Hamilton West) all started a year ago. Justin Watkins and Jay Journigan both saw significant action last season will once again be in the Wolves backfield.

Wide receivers Khalif Dandy, Marquis Garcia Palmer and Eugene Moten return as the Wolves leading receivers from a year ago. The Wolves will have to replace signal caller Blaze Wasserleben. Wasserleben was the second leading rusher on the 2012 team and completed 45% of his attempts.

On the defensive side of the ball the Wolves have both defensive ends returning. Shadeed Cheeseboro and Ariene Gardner ranked fifth and seventh respectively with 42 and 35 tackles a year ago. Cheeseboro led the squad in forced fumbles (3) and sacks (3.5). He also ranked second on the team in tackles for loss.

All three starting linebackers return from a year ago. Khalil Neal, Isaiah Fleming and Shannon Burch are as strong of a group of linebackers that the Wolves have ever returned to the grid iron. Fleming (107) and Burch (70) ranked one two in tackles a year ago. Fleming also paced the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and ranked as one of the best returning linebackers in country and PSAC. Neal recorded 36 tackles last season while only appearing in nine games.

Safeties Tristan Dillon McCallum and Ernest Polite should be holding down the strong and free safety positions. Corners Jamil Williams and Adam Dolphin return as corner backs.

The Wolves will also have to replace four year starter Tyler Wilkinson. The punter and long place kicker will be replaced by Jewel Jones. Last season, Jones handled all of the PATs and shorter field goals.

COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

AAMU Fan Day Set for Saturday, August 17, at 3 p.m.

NORMAL, Alabama -- The 2013 Alabama A&M Fan Day is set for Saturday, August 17, at 3:00 p.m. in the Louis Crews Stadium.

Fans will be able to meet and greet with all their favorite Bulldog student-athletes with activities and fun for the entire family.  There will be free food, sponsored by BoJangles, kid stations with activities and contests and prizes for adults.  The Greeks will be out in full force so wear your paraphernalia.

Performing at the annual event will be the Bulldog Band, cheerleaders as well as alumni events.

Fan Day is an annual celebration at the start of the Alabama A&M athletics season and features student-athletes from all 15 varsity sports and their coaches mingling and socializing with Bulldog fans.

Fans can tailgate all day while the event will culminate with a football scrimmage at 6 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium.

"Alabama A&M University and the Athletics Department Welcomes Fans to AAMU for Fan Day 2013," Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks said.  "Fan Day is a meet and greet for fans, family and athletes."

Tickets for the season opener versus Tuskegee are available for purchase by calling the Maroon & White ticket office at 256-372-4700 or visiting AAMUTIX.COM.

Come get your first look at the 2013 teams. Admission to fan day is free.

The complete itinerary of Fan Day is listed below:

** Tailgating-Anytime! ***

-Fan Day Starts: 3pm-

BoJangles' Food Give Away!

Meet & Greet Athletic Teams/Coaches (Autographs/ Pictures)

Games and Contests

Giveaways and Prizes

Kids Stations (face painting, bounce pit)

4:15 Band Performance

4:20 Introduction of Football Team

4:30 Greek Stroll Off

4:45 Band Performance

4:55 Cheerleaders Perform

5:05 Contests on Field

5:15 Bryan Hicks Welcomes

5:30 Baby Bulldogs/Junior Dancers

5:40 Football Warm-Up

6:00 Scrimmage

***Activities will continue in the stadium until 6pm!

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Provine’s Quartez Scott commits to JSU

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Provine High School’s

Quartez “Teddy” Scott made an early commitment to join Jackson State’s basketball program. The 6-foot-7 small forward is entering his senior at Provine. Last season, he helped the Rams reach the Class 5A State Championship, where they dropped a heartbreak to the Callaway Chargers, 69-65. In that finals game, Scott went three for three in field goals and grabbed  five rebounds.

Scott adds height to the Tigers in the 2014-15 season. An interesting fact is that newly hired men’s basketball coach Wayne Brent coached that Callaway team before moving onto JSU. Scott is familiar with Brent and said he’s one of the reasons why he chose JSU. When asked why he committed even before starting his senior year in high school, Scott said he didn’t want to worry about the recruiting process and focus on winning a state title his senior year. (Provine moved up to 6A, so it won’t see Callaway this season.)

CONTINUE READING

FAMU secondary looks to reload

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Secondary coach Chris Cash only heard the stories about how FAMU had one of the best secondary units – the last line of defense – in the country two seasons ago.

He also knows the unit wasn’t very good last year when it was expected to be just as dominant.

Cash is hopeful the unit, led by six-year safety John Ojo and junior Terry Johnson, could get back to being as dominant as it was. The talent is there, Cash said, so the rest shouldn’t be too hard.

“Everything is predicated on the ball; no matter how you look at it,” said Cash, who along with Corey Fuller coaches the secondary.

“You can be fast, you can do technique to take the proper angle but at the end of the day your goal is to either catch the ball or take the ball away. You try to knock it out, catch it, punch or strip it. That’s it. Once you get that mindset, that’s it.”

CONTINUE READING

DelState defense eyes big season

DOVER, Delaware — Davon Moore arrived at Delaware State University without a scholarship but with big ambitions.

A preferred walk-on from Mount Vernon High in New York, Moore only had interest from Stony Brook University on Long Island and the University of New Haven in Connecticut along with DSU.

He came to Dover and bided his time until an opportunity came his way.

That included redshirting his first year before seeing time in 10 games in 2011 where he racked up 23 tackles. Last year he became a full-time starter at strong safety and had his breakout season, making the All-MEAC first team.

“I was waiting for my chance and I got it last season,” Moore said.

Moore led the Hornets in tackles (97) and interceptions (4) and was third in the conference in both categories in 2012.

CONTINUE READING

Miles College Starts Fall Football Camp

FAIRFIELD, Alabama  -- The Golden Bears have started fall camp as they prepare for the season opener versus University of North Alabama on Thursday September the 5^th at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast Sports South.   

The Bears are projected to finish 2^nd in the western division of the SIAC. Last season was a historic one for the Bears finishing (8-3) and earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time in school history.

This season the Bears will be led by redshirt senior David Thomas who threw for over 2,000 yards a season ago. Still though, Thomas will have to earn his starting spot according to Miles head coach Reginald Ruffin. "The quarterback race has really heated up with Chris Alexander a transfer quarterback from North Alabama, and Demetrius Price also a transfer from Alabama State," Ruffin said yesterday.

CONTINUE READING

Tuskegee could feature passing game more in 2013

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  --  Tuskegee could match the success it had on the football field last season when it went 10-2, won a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and made an appearance in the Pioneer Bowl in Columbus, Ga.

However, the Golden Tigers, picked to repeat as league champions, just might get the job done more through the air this season as opposed to 2012, when they pounded teams to death with Missouri transfer running back Derrick Washington, the SIAC Player of the Year and a Harlon Hill trophy award finalist. 

The league's the fifth-leading passing attack a year ago, Tuskegee returns a couple experienced players under center in rising junior Justin Nared as well as senior Rashard Burkette, all of its receiving corps and a pair of all-conference offensive linemen in Christopher Tolbert and Devonte Jones. 

"We've been grinding this offseason, this summer, throwing and working," Burkette said. "And we want to better ourselves at throwing the ball because we know we can throw the ball. We could've thrown it last year. We just didn't have to."

CONTINUE READING

Southern seniors Joseph, Doss step up to take leadership roles

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  With only 16 days remaining before Southern heads west to take on the Houston Cougars in Reliant Stadium, distractions and mental fatigue in the South Louisiana heat continue to be the theme this early week.

Motivation, determination and a player’s will come into question at times like this for a football team.

Yet the Jaguars have the added benefit of two seasoned veterans in senior quarterback Dray Joseph and senior wide receiver Lee Doss to help motivate and push the team during this grueling stretch before the start of the season.

The two senior leaders have gone through the rigors of seasons past, gaining the experience needed to be best-prepared for the season that lies ahead.

“As senior leaders, you understand that you can get better each day, and you don’t want to get complacent,” Joseph said in regard to his and Doss’ leadership. “You don’t want to ever get into that mindset of being complacent, because there’s always something that you can be better at. There’s always someone out there that’s working harder than you.”

CONTINUE READING

Podcast: Dawson Odums is preparing David to beat Goliath

PV Football Training Camp Day 8: Panthers Begin Two-A-Days

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  -- The Prairie View A&M Panther football team began week two of training camp on Monday with its first round of two-a-days. With the additional hours gained, head coach Heishma Northern used the morning session to develop his team's depth which allowed the younger players to receive more repetitions.

"We gave some of our younger players a lot of reps against live action and we'll try to see what they can do as we did not scale anything back in what we call," said Northern.  "We had an outstanding tempo at practice and got some good special teams work in."

 

The team will hold one practice on Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. before its second round of two-a-days on Wednesday beginning at 8:30 a.m.

 

Season tickets are still available by calling (936) 261-9111 in addition to special hotel rates for selected games through the month of August.

 

Keep up with all the action through PVAMU's official Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram social media websites. Also stay connected through daily updates delivered right to your e-mail by subscribing to PVPanthers.com's newsletter.

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

UMES Volleyball Announces 2013 Schedule

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  -- University of Maryland Eastern Shore head volleyball coach Millicent Van Norden has released the 2013 schedule. The two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion team is set to compete in four in-season tournaments before playing a full MEAC schedule of 12 regular season matches.

The Hawks will defend the longest home-winning streak in Division I this season having won their last 30 matches at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center dating back to 2009. UMES will play six home matches this season, with the home opener and first MEAC match on Friday, September 27th at 7 p.m. against Delaware State.

The season for UMES will begin in Peoria, Illinois with the CEFCU Classic at Bradley University. The Hawks take on UT-Martin on Friday, August 30th at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The next day, the team faces tournament host Bradley at 1:30 p.m. followed by Western Illinois at 6 p.m.

Next weekend, the Hawks fly north to Fairfield, Connecticut to compete in the SHU Hampton Inn Invitational. UMES faces Manhattan at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 6th before a Saturday doubleheader, playing tournament host Sacred Heart at noon and American at 3 p.m.

The proceeding weekend, the team heads to a MEAC rival to play in the Spartan Invite in Norfolk, Virginia. After playing UNC Charlotte on Friday, September 13th, the Hawks will play a pair of MEAC teams, Bethune-Cookman at 11 a.m. and tournament host Norfolk State at 6 p.m., on Saturday, September 14th.

UMES wraps up non-conference play with one more in-season tournament, the Blue and White Classic, the following weekend in Buffalo, New York. On Friday, September 20th, UMES will take on Ohio State, an NCAA Tournament that was ranked #22 last season, at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Hawks face tournament host Buffalo at 1:30 p.m. and Valparaiso at 4:30 p.m. to finish the invitational.

The Maroon and Gray will begin MEAC play on September 27th with a home match against Delaware State at 7 p.m. The next Friday, October 4th, the squad hosts Howard at 7 p.m.

UMES will play the next six conference matches on the road. The team heads to Baltimore for the first two matches, facing Coppin State at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 6th, followed by a 7 p.m. contest against Morgan State on Friday, October 11th. Next the team will head across the Bay Bridge-Tunnel to battle Hampton on Sunday, October 13th at 3 p.m. and then takes on Norfolk State on October 18th at 7 p.m. for the Spartans Homecoming.

After a 3 p.m. road match on Sunday, October 20th against Delaware State, the Hawks wrap up the week with a 7 p.m. match against Howard in Washington D.C. on Friday, October 25th.  The squad heads back to the Hytche for a couple of matches against its Baltimore rivals. UMES looks to spook Morgan State on Halloween night at 7 p.m., following with a 3 p.m. match versus Coppin State on Sunday, November 3rd.  Following a match Norfolk State at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 8th on the road, UMES will finish MEAC play with Senior Day against Hampton in Princess Anne on Sunday, November 10th at 3 p.m.
The two-time defending champion will look to earn a third-straight conference title at the MEAC Tournament in Baltimore, scheduled for November 15th through the 17th at Coppin State University.

LADY HAWKS 2013VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE 

  

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

BSU's Iyabode Sodipo Awarded Prestigious Boren Scholarship

Iyabode Oluwaranti Sodipo
Bowie State Women Tennis

BOWIE, Maryland  --   A Bowie State University undergraduate with dreams of becoming an immigration lawyer will travel to her childhood home of Nigeria in the fall to study the Yoruba language, as a recipient of the highly competitive Boren Scholarship.

Iyabode Sodipo, 20, a junior criminal justice major from Baltimore, was selected among hundreds of applicants around the nation as one of 160 students to receive the scholarship. Funded by the National Security Education Program, the award promotes international study in areas critical to U.S. interests. After completing the program, she must work for one year in a national security role with the federal government within three years of graduation.

This summer, Sodipo is enrolled in eight weeks of Yoruba classes at the University of Florida to prepare for international study. In Nigeria, she will immerse herself in the culture by living with a host family and studying the language at the University of Ibadan in the western part of the country. Yoruba is spoken by more than 28 million native speakers worldwide.

An international relations class at Bowie State University exposed her to differences between the U.S. government and laws around the world, but Sodipo has always wanted to work in immigration law and study the traditions of her home country.

“Growing up in a household where my parents and my brother spoke the language made me interested in learning about the language and the culture,” she said. “I know what it feels like to enter a new world and be unfamiliar with the culture or practice. That's why one of my desires is to help those are unable to help themselves due to language barriers. I also believe that the law has the ability to transform societies and strengthen relationships among nations, thus creating a safer world.”

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND MARKETING 

PV Volleyball Training Camp Underway

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  Volleyball training camp started on Saturday for the Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers, and coach Alicia Pete is impressed with where her team stands after the first few days of organized practice.

 

Prairie View A&M returns five letter-winners, including starters Charae Caldwell, Kelsey Espinosa and LaKeisha Allen. Each played a pivotal role in the Lady Panthers claiming their fifth-consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship under Pete's direction.  

The roster will be lined with the names of seven newcomers, each of whom a competing in camp for a spot in the starting lineup or as a role player. The first few days of camp, which includes, at times, three practice sessions, have been used to form chemistry between new and returning teammates.

“
Right now I think we are heading in the right direction,” Pete said. “There are still a few glitches that we need to touch up on...Our defense is trying to adjust to the new hitters that we have. We have such a great team this year, and I'm really impressed with what everyone is doing at this point.” 

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Media Day: Asberry Excited about the 2013 Season

HOUSTON, Texas  --  The media got an opportunity to meet some of the 2013 Texas Southern Tigers football team at BBVA Compass Stadium.   Head coach Darrell Asberry introduced his new defensive coordinator Michael Vite and 12 of his players to Houston during TSU Football media day.

Coach Vite talked about coaching against Asberry when he was a player and how they developed a relationship of mutual respect over the years.  "Coach Asberry and I have a long history and the timing was right for me to join him at Texas Southern," said Vite.  "I came here for a mission and that is to help him and the team accomplish his goals."

Vite said he likes what he sees on the field, and they are focused on teaching the guys how to play the game the right way.   He says their game plan is simple.

"We are going to stone the run first and everything else with take care of itself." Vite said. "Eleven guys running to the football, that's the key to our success.  If we have eleven guys running to the football good things will have for us."

Asberry believes good things are ahead for the entire team.   He's loaded with talent, but the depth is the concern.  "We have to practice smart and keep everyone healthy," said Asberry.  "The best thing we did was get 54 guys in summer school and summer workouts.  That's proved invaluable for us since we didn't have spring ball."

The quarterback spot is wide open but Shaw transfer Homer Causey is stepping-up to fill that void.  Freshman Jay Christophe is also making a run.  Coach Asberry says it's too early to tell who will get the starting job but he's pleased with the progress the players are making to this point.

 Overall, Asberry says he is excited about the season.  His team is working hard, the chemistry is developing and the competition level is high.

"If we get to August 31^st healthy, it's going to be exciting on that football field," Asberry said.  "If that happens, we'll let the chips fall where they may."

The Tigers host Prairie View A&M on August 31^st in the Labor Day Classic.  The game will be played at BBVA Compass Stadium at 7:00 pm.


WATCH IN 1080p HD

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Delaware State Announces 2013 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

DOVER, Delaware  -- Delaware State University’s all-time leading baseball and softball home run hitters, along with the Hornets’ career-best pass catcher, top the list of new inductees into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

A total of seven former athletes and a coach will be enshrined during a ceremony on Fri., Nov. 1 at the Martin Luther King Student Center on the DSU campus. In addition, Delaware State’s 1956 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association co-champion football team and the school’s 1962 CIAA co-champion baseball team will be honored during the ceremony. The honorees will also be recognized at halftime of the Hornets’ football contest against Howard University the following day (Nov. 2).

The latest DSU Hall-of-Fame class includes baseball standout Scott Martin (2000-03), the Hornets’ all-time leader with 55 home runs and 221 runs batted in. A three-time All-MEAC First Team selection, Martin captured the conference “triple crown” in 2001, topping all league players in home runs (18), RBI (77) and batting average (.432). He was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 2003 Major League Baseball draft. Prior to enrolling at Delaware State, Martin was a star player at Middletown (Del.) High School.

The Hornets’ Hall of Fame will also welcome its third softball player. Catrina Ansbach (2004-07), the MEAC’s all-time leader with 44 home runs, is also tops in school history in hits (224), runs batted in (164) and doubles (45). Ansbach was an All-MEAC First Team selection in 2005 and 06, a second-team pick in 2007 and was the league’s Rookie-of-the-Year in 2004. The former Caesar Rodney High School (Del.) star led the Hornets to two MEAC North softball titles and two MEAC Tournament championship game appearances.

The star receiver and head coach of the Hornets’ 2007 MEAC champion football team have also been selected to the school’s hall of fame.

Shaheer McBride (2004-07) is Delaware State’s career leader with 201 receptions and 3,007 receiving yards. McBride also shares the Hornets’ career record with 33 touchdown catches. He’s tied for second in MEAC history in touchdown receptions, fourth in receiving yards and fifth in receptions. McBride was a two-time All-MEAC First Team selection and was the league’s Rookie-of-the-Year in 2004. He was signed by NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 2008.

The head coach of Hornets’ 2007 MEAC championship team, Al Lavan, will join McBride in the 2013 DSU Hall of Fame class. Lavan was recognized as the Football Championship Subdivision Region II Coach of the Year and was runner-up for the Eddie Robinson Award for top FCS coach after leading Delaware State to the ’07 MEAC crown, the school’s first in 16 years. That season, the Hornets became the second team in MEAC to post an 8-0 league mark; and set a school record with 10 wins.

The 2013 DSU Hall of Fame class also includes football greats Dwight Williams and Stanley Burris, two-sport star Pedro Swann, Sr.; and basketball standout Paul Newman.

Williams (1967-70) was the top defensive back on the Hornets’ 1970 squad that led all NCAA Division II teams in total defense (103.5 ypg) and rushing defense (-4.9 ypg), which still stands as a national D-II record. He also ranks among the school leaders with 12 career interceptions.

Burris was a two-time All-MEAC and Black College All-America Third Team offensive lineman. A Division I-AA Academic All-America, he was a member of the Hornets’ 1991 MEAC championship team; and helped pave the way to a school-record 730 total yards vs. Morgan State in 1993.

Swann, a baseball and football standout, was Delaware State’s 1970 Male Athlete-of-the-Year. In baseball, he was tops in the CIAA and among the national Division II leaders with a .471 average to help lead the Hornets to a share of the conference championship in 1970. That same year, he was top receiver and punter on the Hornets’ football team.

Newman (1987-91) ranked fifth in DSU men’s basketball history with 1,485 points when he graduated in 1991. He averaged 17 points per game to help lead the Hornets to their first MEAC Tournament championship game appearance in 1991.

The 1956 Delaware State football team was the first in school history to share the CIAA title. That year, the Hornets were 7-1-1 overall and 5-0-1 in the CIAA, outscoring league opponents 208-39. The ’56 Hornets posted five shutouts, including three in a row.

The 1962 Hornet baseball team captured a share of the CIAA championship for the first time in school history. Led by eight .300 hitters, Delaware State was 10-3 overall and 7-2 in the CIAA that year.

2013 Delaware State University Athletic Hall of Fame Class: Catrina Ansbach – Softball Stanley Burris – Football Al Lavan – Coach (Football) Scott Martin – Baseball Shaheer McBride - Football Paul Newman – Basketball Pedro Swann, Sr. – Football, Baseball Dwight Williams – Football

Special Honors

1956 football team

1962 baseball team

 

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Quarterback competition resumes at ASU

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Daniel Duhart returned to practice Monday after a week off for a two-a-day session.

The sophomore quarterback sat out most of last week, as well as Saturday’s scrimmage, as a precautionary measure after colliding with a teammate.

“It bothered me because I like being out here,” Duhart said. “When you have something like that happen — a concussion on a play that’s a freak accident — it did bother me. But I’m glad to be back and ready to go.”

Duhart watched from the sideline Saturday as his chief competition for the starting job, Arsenio Favor, took all of the snaps with the first-team offense in a 76-play scrimmage.

CONTINUE READING 

ASU NOTEBOOK: Ex-Miss. Valley State coach joins ASU staff

ALBANY, Georgia  —  Willie Totten glanced down at his brand new Albany State shirt and looked back up with a smile after Monday’s first full practice of the season.

 

“I like blue,” Totten said. “I’m a (Phi Beta Sigma), so that blue looks really good.”

 

Totten, who was a legend at Mississippi Valley State as both a head coach and player, is starting to grow quite fond of the Rams logo as well.

 

Totten joined the Albany State staff recently as the quarterbacks coach and was on the field Monday for the first time since stepping down as the MVSU head coach in 2009, and he walked away from Day 1 feeling right at home.

 

“Just listening to (the other ASU coaches) and how strongly they believe in this program, it’s a good feeling,” he said. “I did that when I was at Mississippi Valley. I gave Mississippi Valley all I had, but now I am a Ram and I am going to give the Rams all I have.”

 

CONTINUE READING

Albany State: 'Hard to be a Ram'

ALBANY, Georgia — Sometime between Victor Moli’s first climb up the Albany State sand dunes and Monday morning, he stopped counting.

The footprints left in the dunes just east of ASU’s campus by Moli and his teammates seem endless, especially for the Rams’ captain and star offensive lineman who has forged as big a path as anybody the past three years.

“You can’t count how many times you go up those,” Moli said, glancing to the top of the dune. “Your freshman year, you used to count them, but now you know you have to run a lot. And if you count them, it makes it seem even longer.”

Moli and the Rams kicked off official practices for the 2013 season at 6 a.m., sprinting up and down the daunting dune for 30 minutes. The annual conditioning began in the dark of night with shooting stars streaking across the sky and ended as the sun rose above the horizon.

Mike White, who is entering his 14th season as head coach of the Rams, said it’s a tradition that is decades in the making.

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Year of the Dragon: High hopes for Lane College

JACKSON, Tennessee  --  There are a few things Lane College's football team refuses to be content with. The first issue being last year's performance, and the second being their preseason rankings.

Since head coach Derrick Burroughs' emergence, Lane College has progressed towards a winning tradition. But the Dragons 5-5 finish last year was not what the team aimed for.

The football program understands that last year was a learning experience, and plans on using those blunders to their advantage.


"I think we have to beat people consistently for them to respect us," said coach Burroughs confidently. "No team really scares me. We don't fear anybody."

That high spirit from Coach Burroughs is generated by his venerable defense.  Lane's defensive unit finished last season leading the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in pass defense (5.7 yards per efficiency), while collecting 12 interceptions.

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Official Team Activities Begin for Fayetteville State Broncos

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -- The 2013 Fayetteville State football team has settled in on campus and has begun official team activities (OTA's) for 108 student-athletes.

Registration for classes, physicals, concussion test, head shots, team meetings and equipment distribution are a few activities on the docket before the acclimation period can begin.

The Broncos will take the field on Thursday morning for their first practice in helmets and shorts. The routine will take a slight change on Saturday with the addition of shoulder pads. Practice will be at full tilt on Monday when the team participates in full gear. The program will conduct a modified two-a-day practice up until classes begin on August 22.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Football Coach's Association predicted Fayetteville State to finish ninth overall in the conference. The Broncos are now under the helm of first-time head coach Lawrence Kershaw.

Coach Kershaw, a 1995 graduate of Virginia State, took over the program in January. He had the opportunity to evaluate approximately 65 returners during the spring football session.

Noteworthy returnees for the upcoming season are Free Safety Michael Johnson, Running Backs Colon Bailey Jr. and Andre Montgomery, Kicker Antonio Mayo, and Linebacker Marquel Gathers.

Michael Johnson (junior - Raleigh, NC) has recently been named to the Lindy's Sports Magazine All-Division II First Team and the USA College Football Division II Pre-season All-American Team after his 93-tackle (48 solo, 45 assisted) performance in 2012. He led the Broncos defense and ranked fifth in the CIAA in tackles.

Colon Bailey, Jr. (senior - Manteo, NC) was named Pre-season All-CIAA and USA College Football Division II All-American Second Team. He earned All-Conference honors last season after accumulating 1,015 yards of rushing. He finished 38th nationally and was fourth in the conference in rushing yards and touchdowns.

Andre Montgomery (sophomore - Goldsboro, NC) and Marquel Gathers (sophomore - Smithfield, NC) made the 2012 CIAA All-Rookie Team last season.

Antonio Mayo (junior - Jacksonville, NC) was added to the Watch List for the 2013 Fred Mitchell Award; for which he was recognized by twice last season. Mayo ranked second in the CIAA in field goals made.

Fayetteville State will open the season on Saturday, September 7th against Virginia State in Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. The Trojans will also be under new leadership with Latrell Scott as the head coach.

Season tickets are currently on sale at a discount rate and can be purchased online at FSUBroncos.com or on campus at the university's Ticket Office located in Seabrook Auditorium.

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Meet S.C. State's Bulldogs Defensive Coordinator, Mike White

ORANGEBURG, North Carolina  --  There’s plenty Mike Adams has liked about working for the South Carolina State football team.

Arriving in Orangeburg in 2006 as a secondary coach, the Georgia native quickly moved up the ranks to become firmly entrenched the past five seasons as defensive coordinator. He’s overseen a group which ranked as high as first among Football Championship Subdivision teams in total defense during the 2010 season, produced numerous All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference talent and future NFL draft selections defensive back Phillip Adams and safety Christian Thompson.

Perhaps the best perk for Adams working for the Bulldogs is the staff stability. While this past offseason the offense witnessed an overall change from new hires to current coaches switching position responsibilities, the defensive coaching staff has remained virtually intact since 2009.

“It’s one of the reasons that I love being here,” Adams said. “We were able to keep our staff together and we always keep a good traffic of good players through here on our side. It’s enjoyable.



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Florida A&M College Color Day

Southern's Quinn quick with smile or big plays

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  There are two things you can count on from sophomore wide receiver Willie Quinn when on the football practice fields of the Southern University campus: energy and a smile.

The diminutive receiver has served as a spark in preseason camp, shredding defenders on the field while bringing a child-like enthusiasm to practice every day.

“Willie’s a little kid to us,” senior wide receiver Lee Doss said. “He has a lot of energy. We look to him when we’re down. We look to him when we need energy to pick us up.”

A native of Miami, Florida, Quinn is entering his second year at Southern after sitting out last year with academic issues, losing his first year of eligibility.

However, if Quinn is on pace to graduate as he approaches his senior season, he will regain that lost year of eligibility.

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Adjei's long journey leads to stardom at Delaware State

DOVER, Delaware  -- Delaware State University inside linebacker Ernest Adjei (senior; Woodbridge, Virginia) knows a thing or two about the long road to success. A native of the Republic of Ghana in West Africa, Adjei has developed into one of the top defensive players and scholar-athletes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

After a stellar career at Garfield High School (Virginia), Adjei was forced to sit out his freshman year at Delaware State in 2009 to concentrate on his studies. When eligible to compete in 2010, he was first used an as undersized defensive lineman due to a rash of injuries along the Hornets’ front wall.

Adjei returned to his natural position at linebacker in 2011. That season, he was third on the team with 59 total tackles. His 2011 season was highlighted by a career-high 14 tackles (12 solo) vs. Morgan State.

Last season, Adjei added All-MEAC First Team to his resume’. He earned the honor after finishing seventh in the league with 93 tackles (8.5 pg) while competing in all 11 games. His efforts helped lead the Hornets to a 6-5 overall record in 2012, their first winning season in five years; and a tie for third in the MEAC with a 5-3 mark.

Adjei enters his senior season with 165 career tackles (104 solo) at DSU.

“Ernest is a key to our defense as an inside linebacker because he’s such a smart and physical player,” said Hornet defensive coordinator Mike Ketchum. “We place a great deal of responsibility on him and he works extremely hard as one of our senior leaders. We need another big year from him if we are to have success on defense this season.”

Ernest Adjei

A 2013 preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, Adjei is more focused on team achievements than individual honors heading into the new season.

“We improved a great deal as a defense last season and have high expectations for this year,” he said.

“The key to good defense is communication and we are working hard in camp to get everyone on the same page. Our goal is to be the top defense in the MEAC this season.”

Adjei, a Health Promotion major, has also found success through hard work in the classroom. He has been recognized as a Delaware State University and MEAC scholar-athlete the last two years.

The Hornets continue their 2013 preseason camp with a 2:15 p.m. practice on Tuesday at Alumni Stadium.  The first camp scrimmage is set for Saturday (Aug. 17).

Delaware State kicks-off the 2013 season with the “First State Rivalry” at Delaware on Sep. 7. The contest starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be nationally televised by the NBC Sports Network.

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

Delaware State kicks-off the 2013 season with the “First State Rivalry” at Delaware on Sep. 7. The contest starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be nationally televised by the NBC Sports Network.

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

Delaware State kicks-off the 2013 season with the “First State Rivalry” at Delaware on Sep. 7. The contest starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be nationally televised by the NBC Sports Network.

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

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