No worries! S.C. State hoops goes 2-0 on Bahamas trip

NASSAU, Bahamas — On Aug. 8, the South Carolina State men’s basketball team embarked on a journey to the Bahamas that was more business than vacation.

The trip centered around two basketball games against two all-star teams from the islands. The Bulldogs made their presence known in Nassau, coming away with two key victories over Grand Bahaman All-Stars 83-80 and PJ Stringers 78-74 in exhibition play.

In the first contest, S.C. State faced a very mature and polished Grand Bahaman All-Star team led by former Newberry College standout Clemente Martin and Jimmy Mackey, both of whom are playing professionally oversees.

Despite the physical disadvantage, the ...

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DSU scrimmage wrap up first full week of preseason camp

DOVER, Delaware  --  The 2013 Delaware State University football team wrapped up its first full week of preseason camp with a controlled scrimmage at Alumni Stadium this morning.

The offense vs. defense scrimmage consisted of about 65 plays, with all available players seeing action.

“We wanted to take a look at everyone to help determine our rotation as we move forward,” said DSU third-year head coach Kermit Blount. “Overall, I was pleased with the intensity on both sides of the ball. There are some areas that need improvement, but I saw enough good things to give me hope as we get closer to the season.”

The first-team offense, directed by quarterback Cory Murphy (sr.; Sunnyvale, Cal.), had drives of 52 and 70 yards early in the scrimmage. The first drive was halted by a fumble; the second resulted in a short field goal by Mitchell Ward (jr.: San Ramone, Cal.).

Murphy completed eight-of-11 passes with 117 yards in three series. He connected with Malik Golson (r-fr.; Smyrna, Del) for 32 yards and Gabe Sherrod for 25 yards (r-fr.; Perryville, Md.) during his time on the field.

Quarterbacks Esayah Obado (r-fr.; Hamilton, N.J.), Emmett Hunt (fr.; Coatesville, Pa.) and Garrison Duncan (fr.; Kernersville, N.C.).each had several series of plays during the scrimmage.

The Hornet defense forced three turnovers, highlighted by defensive back Rashawn Barrett’s (so.; Montclair, N.J.) 95-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The Hornets will return to the practice field for two sessions on Monday (8:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.).

DSU will kick-off the 2013 season at Delaware in the annual “First State Rivalry.” Game time is 3:30 p.m. at Delaware Stadium in Newark. The NBC Sports Network will televise the contest for the second straight year.

The Hornets’ 2013 home opener is October 5 against defending MEAC champ Bethune-Cookman. Kick-off is set for 2:00 p.m.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU signs SW Guilford's Guard Terrell Leach

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Guard Terrell Leach of Southwest Guilford, one of the most prolific prep scorers in the state last basketball season, has signed with and is enrolled at Winston-Salem State.

 

“This was the best option for Terrell, and he’s excited about being there,” Coach Guy Shavers of Southwest said. “He had some prep-school options but didn’t want to have to go through moving to another school again after one year, so he felt like he needed to go to a four-year school.” 

 

Leach (6-0, 175) averaged 30 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season and led Southwest to a 27-1 finish, with the only loss to Reagan in Round 2 of the NCHSAA 4-A playoffs.

 

Leach made a non-binding commitment to WSSU in March, then changed his mind and looked at junior-college and prep-school options, Shavers said. After careful consideration, Shavers said Leach decided to re-commit to WSSU even though he won’t be eligible for the 2013-14 season.

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Southern basketball complete Canadian tour undefeated

LONDON, Ontario — Freshman guard Tre’Lun Banks had 15 points and 10 assists as the Southern men’s basketball team cruised to a 91-49 victory over Fanshawe College on Friday, finishing its three-game exhibition tour of Canada undefeated.

Banks, the freshman son of Jaguars coach Roman Banks, went 5-for-6 from the floor in 32 minutes.

Malcolm Miller scored a game-high 16 points for Southern, hitting 4 of 6 shots from 3-point range.

Chris Hyder had six assists and one turnover. Javan Mitchell came off the bench for 12 points.

The Jaguars held Fanshawe to 28 percent shooting and had a 31-24 advantage in rebounds.

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Tennessee State Tiger Camp Report: Day 13

WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State football team wrapped up the second week of fall practice with a two-hour long scrimmage on Saturday morning at Hale Stadium.

“You always want to be a little ahead of schedule, but I think we are where we want to be,” head coach Rod Reed said. “We have two weeks before our first game and to get everybody healthy.”

The offense came out on top on Saturday and it didn’t take long for TSU to find the end zone. Freshman quarterback Ronald Butler hit fellow freshman Lavatiae Kelly with a 20-yard pass for a touchdown on the very first play of morning.

Butler and Kelly hooked up on another score later in the scrimmage as the receiver from Miami, Fla. found a hole in the coverage to get open.

After the second-team defense stopped the second-team offense on the next possession, the starters found the end zone again when running back Telvin Hooks scored on a dive play from 11 yards out.

The final big gain of the day came on the first play of the offense’s fifth drive. Butler dropped back to pass, got perfect protection, and promptly dropped the ball right over Chris Sanders-McCollum’s shoulder and into the freshman’s outstretched hands. McCollum raced towards the sideline, juked back towards the middle of the field to avoid the corner and then out-ran the defense for six points.

Outside of the highlight-reel plays, the TSU defense played fairly well. The unit forced punts on three-of-six possessions, only allowed three third-down conversions and prevented touchdowns on half of the offense’s redzone chances.

Big Blue will get the day off tomorrow before starting week three of fall camp with a 9:15 a.m. practice.

 

This Week's Practice Schedule

MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #14 (FULL)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013- 5:45-7:45 p.m. PRACTICE #15(FULL)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #16 (FULL)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013- 5:45-7:45 p.m. PRACTICE #17 (FULL)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013- 8:00-10:00 PRACTICE #18 (FULL)
FAN DAY- SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2013- 4:00p.m. PRACTICE #19 (FULL) 

WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU's Shouppe Announces Recruits Then Jets To California

HEAD COACH JAMEY SHOUPPE
FAMU BASEBALL

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  FAMU head baseball coach Jamey Shouppe has hit the ground running.  Since acquiring the job as head baseball coach in mid July, he and assistant coaches Brett Richardson and Kevin Clethen have signed six new players who should be ready to help the Rattlers improve on consecutive 40-loss seasons.

“With any recruiting class, the main emphasis always has to be pitching.  Unfortunately, even with the late start, we feel we got some very good players.  We didn’t completely fill the needs of our pitching staff with the time we had to sign kids, but we did sign two arms.  We did sign two kids that can come in and help us right away.  One is a junior college kid, Blake Quillin, from Alabama Southern Community College.  The other player is a high school kid by the name of Matt Schaeffer.

Matt is a right-handed pitcher that pitched at John Carroll High School down in the southern part of the state.  Anytime you see a kid who has played in the southern part of the state, you know they’ve played against good competition.  John Carroll is a private school and they’ve always played against good competition.  He is a freshman, and he too should come in and make a push for starting time,” Shouppe said.

Quillen is a 5’10”, 160 lb. pitcher, who can also play the outfield and has a good bat.  He hit in the middle of the order at Alabama Southern.  Schaeffer is 6’0”, 160 lbs., and was an honorable mention on the All-Treasure Coast team.  He also played first base.

As an experienced Division I pitching coach, Shouppe has full knowledge of the importance of having skilled guys on the mound.  “You’re only as good as the guys you put up on that hill.  But, we’ll coach and do what we’re paid to do every day to get these guys better,” he said.

Schaeffer’s dad will also come aboard as a volunteer assistant coach.  He was hugely successful with a traveling baseball team he helped start, known as the All-American Prospects.  The renowned team won several national titles over the years.  He will also be key in helping Shouppe locate the future athletes the Rattlers will need to achieve the championship status set forth by the coach.

The additional four recruits should help the Rattlers this season as well.  Jeremy Barlow, was a teammate of Quillin’s at Alabama Southern.  He is a 5’10”, 195 lb., catcher from Pace, Fl.  Ryan Hutson will transfer in from Pasco Hernando Community College.  The 6’2”, 195 lb., shortstop is originally from Cape Coral, FL.  Ryan Kennedy is a 6’3”, 210 lb., first baseman from Merritt Island, FL.  He played at DII Wake Tech, where he was awarded 2013 ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award for Division II. He fielded a perfect 1.00 this season.  The final recruit is Devin Perry from Crowder College.  Perry is a versatile player, and exceptional athlete who should help improve the Rattler lineup.

With the recruits in hand, Shouppe is headed off to California for a week to begin preparations for Team USA 18-under national baseball.  The initial team brought in over 144 athletes, vying to make the first 40-man cut.  Shouppe was the pitching coordinator for the camp, which featured the best arms in the country.  Following that, they will workout the players next week in California to select 20 players to represent the U.S.A. in Taiwan in the world championship.  This is his second year coaching the team, but has experience reccommending kids for the team in the past.

This is a prestigious honor for Shouppe to have been selected to coach the team.  “It’s a great opportunity for me to learn more about baseball and a great opportunity for me to carry out the Florida A&M University name.  It also gives me an opportunity to form a solid relationship with R.B.I. baseball, which stands for Revitalizing  Baseball in the Inner City.  There are numerous contacts I’ll make while I’m in California, on the campus of Cal State Fullerton.  It will get me contacts, which might result in acquiring players down the line through R.B.I. or other sources,” Shouppe said.  “We actually won the world championship last year.  I was a part of the staff that picked the kids that won that tournament in Taiwan, so we’re hoping to win another gold medal this year,” he added.

“Part of the misconception no matter where you are, is that you get good players, which we hope these six players are, and then it’s over with.  The other half of the equation is the grind that is on the field and getting these kids ready and making them better.  Especially in pitching.  There’s so much organization that goes into successful pitching that allows these kids to get better.  A part of that focus will be making sure they are comfortable in orientation and doing what they need to do to get settled in school.  We’ll watch some college football with the Rattlers playing on Sept.1, and come back and start weight training and individual drills after Labor Day.  Then we’ll get our 37 days of fall practice underway, spreading it out until November,” he concluded.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn State Braves Preseason Football Camp: Day 12

LORMAN, Mississippi  -- As the days' continue to fly by, the Braves completed their first week of two-a-days.  The Braves are starting to become more seasoned as a team and looking better on both sides of the ball.  Though there is still plenty of preseason camp the go, the Braves know they have only 14 days left until the season kicks off on Aug. 31^st.

Coach Hopson is very pleased about the direction his team is going at this point during camp and even challenged himself to some post practice conditioning with the team which included four quarters of push-ups and sit-ups.  He looked a little winded after a few quarters but was able to pull through and complete the workout.

The Braves cap off week two of preseason camp Saturday with their second scrimmage beginning at 2:00 p.m. as they continue to prepare for Edward Waters on Aug. 31^st.



COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES SPORTS INFORMATION

2013 Circle City Classic Tickets on Sale Now

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Tickets for the 2013 Circle City Classic (Alcorn State University vs. Grambling State football game) are now on sale at the Alcorn State University Ticket Office. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2013.  Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. (ET). 

Ticket prices for this event are $10 (Section 445), $20 (Section 12), $30 (Section 243), $40 (Section 144), and $50 (Section 140).  The stadium seating chart can be viewed at www.circlecityclassic.com.  Contact the ASU Ticket Office at 601-877-6822 or 6823 to purchase your tickets by phone. 

Tickets are also available at the Indiana Black Expo Box Office, Lucas Oil Stadium Ticket Office, Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone, (800) 745-3000. 

PV Football Training Camp Day 11: Panthers Get Defensive

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  -- When the Prairie View A&M Panthers hit the field for their 2013 opener versus Texas Southern on Aug. 31, one of the most noticeable changes will be the team's defensive scheme.  Led by first-year defensive coordinator Charles McMillian, the Panther defense has been hard at work in picking up his scheme.

McMillian brings a wealth of experience to the defense with stints in the Big 12 (Texas A&M), Big Ten (Indiana), Mountain West (TCU) and Conference USA (Cincinnati).  The Bryan, Texas native and Utah State graduate has his work cut out for him as the Panthers finished ninth in total defense, seventh in rush defense, ninth in scoring defense, 10th in pass defense and ninth in sacks last fall amongst SWAC teams.

 "The main thing is getting the guys to understand base concepts as far as alignment splits, knowing where the receivers are located and knowing whether the quarterback is in the shotgun or underneath the center," he said.  "Basically, it's getting them to understand the game and if you can get them to understand the game and those little things, we become a better team."

The Panthers completed their second round of two-a-days on Wednesday and held a single practice on Thursday morning.  They'll conduct their third set of two-a-days on Friday with their first scrimmage of camp on Saturday evening at 7 p.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

S.C. State Bulldogs Making Progress On Offense

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  South Carolina State conducted a little over two-hour preseason workout Thursday morning, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. It was the lone workout of the day for the Bulldogs, who had a great workout in cool like temperatures, according to head coach Buddy Pough.

"I thought practice went really well today and the weather held up fine," Pough said. "Still having an issue of sort and some days the offense seem like they are coming along and today was one of those days."

The Bulldogs return to the practice field on Friday when they will essentially complete their two-a-day staggered workouts. The morning session will be in full gear and the evening session in shorts and helmets, according to Pough. SC State will devote most of Friday's drills to preparing for its Saturday 10 a.m. scrimmage, the second of the preseason for Pough's team.

Pough noted that Thursday was the mid-way point of preseason preparations for his team. The major part of the practice was devoted to special teams with an emphasis on PAT's and coverage type situations.

MEET THE PLAYERS DAY

SC State will hold its annual "Meet the Players Day" Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, following a 10 a.m. scrimmage.

The annual event, sponsored by The STATE Club – the Bulldog boosters – will give fans an opportunity to meet the Bulldog players, take pictures, get autographs and have lunch with the players. Most of the activities are free; however, the cost of lunch with the players is $10 for adults and $5 for person's 17-years old and under.

Bulldogs Schedule
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

Trojans going back to work: Virginia State opens training camp

ETTRICK, Virginia -- Virginia State, picked to finish 10th in the CIAA race in 2013, opens training camp today at Rogers Stadium at 3 p.m.

The Trojans are scheduled to conduct 11 practice sessions over 10 days under first-year coach Latrell Scott.

Virginia State returns preseason all-CIAA selection Sean Smith, a senior defensive back who had five interceptions last season. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Smith also recorded 42 total tackles as the Trojans finished 4-6 overall.

On offense, wide receiver Ja'von Smallwood returns for his sophomore season. Smallwood recorded 40 receptions for a team-high 508 yards - averaging 12.7 yards per catch. He scored six touchdowns.
Virginia State averaged 18.2 points per game last season.

"We're extremely optimistic and humbled by the possibility of what can happen in 2013," said Scott, one of the CIAA's four new coaches.

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Sights and Sounds of AAMU Fall Football Camp

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

In the FCS Huddle: 2013 SWAC Preview

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  -- (Sports Network) Think of all the traditionally strong programs in Southwestern Athletic Conference history and Arkansas-Pine Bluff doesn't quite roll off the tongue.

But, oh, do the likes of Grambling State, Jackson State and Southern University, among others, wish they could be attempting to do what UAPB - yes, Pine Bluff - can do this season - repeat as the SWAC champion.

Since the SWAC started playing a championship game 15 seasons ago, only Grambling has been a repeat champion, winning three in a row from 2000-02. UAPB won its first outright title last season, having only earned a four-way share of the 1996 crown before the championship game existed. And the Golden Lions return a veteran team this year, one that looks like it could be playing in Houston come Dec. 7.

"We are poised to repeat," UAPB coach Monte Coleman said. "The key for us is to stay healthy. Our senior leadership will be a big part of our success as a team."

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Fall sports hit the ground running as athletes report to AAMU

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- OK, girls, welcome back to campus.

Now, go run for an hour.

That's what greeted the Alabama A&M cross-country team Monday morning, not long after the school held its fall-sports media session at the Patton House. And, after the 11:30 run, coach Kim Seals said there might just be "a little fun run" later in the day, the team's first official workout day on campus.

Seals, volleyball coach Nedra Brown and soccer coach Frank Davies were joined by some of their student-athletes at the annual event, a time to introduce the teams and to ooze a little bit of optimism.

Seals' team was seventh in the SWAC Championships last year and loses second-team All-SWAC selection Shaquina Phalo. However, they return key runners like Raven Dove and Keanna McIntyre. The latter was All-SWAC in outdoor track last year in the 800 meters.

"I expect a lot out of these ladies," Seals said. "We've had several conversations in terms of what their role is. Their role is to lead this team to a championship and we're going to do it one step at a time. First, getting in shape, then getting familiar with the road conditions, then going to competitions and leaving it all on the grass."

The Lady Bulldogs open the season at Troy on Aug. 30 and will also face Vanderbilt, Tennessee State, Jacksonville State and Alabama.

Brown, in her seventh year as volleyball coach, was wearing a cap reading "SWAC Champions." It could be one in a large collection. Brown has won two titles and taken her team to a four NCAA tournaments. However, the past two years, Jackson State has beaten A&M in the SWAC title game.

Though the Lady Bulldogs begin the season in a tournament at Purdue Aug. 30-31 that also features Southern California and Western Kentucky, the Jackson State game is already one they've admitted is circled on the calendar.

"(The big game) is always Jackson State for us. I don't care if it's here, I don't care if it's in the park or I don't care if it's in a parking lot," Brown said. "We're ready and I think they feel the same way. That's why it's always a very, very exciting and competitive atmosphere. It's just like you have 15-20 to people that just hate each other and are ready to go out and play to the end."

A&M was 12-20 last year, starting 1-11 in a tough non-conference schedule. It returns first-team All-SWAC selection Ashley Forman.

Davies finds himself with a good-news, bad-news scenario on numbers. Of his 28 players, 12 are newcomers. By the same token, after playing with a 14-person roster much of last season, depth will be improved.

"It's going to be a rough start especially with our schedule," Davies said. "But we've been working really, really hard and I'm proud of how the new players have been working out."

The Lady Bulldogs open at home against South Carolina State on Aug. 23, but the schedule also includes Clemson, South Alabama and Middle Tennesse among out-of-conference games.

Goalkeeper Marissa Oehler, from Deltona, Fla., is the A&M captain.

"I'm already seeing good leadership from her," Davies said. "She's already pushing the team. She's only a sophomore but for her to take on the leadership role as a sophomore it's incredible to see what she's doing. Goalkeepers have a lot of authority on the field, being a goalkeeper and a captain is going to translate into people working hard for her. When you see her making difficult stops to keep you in the game and she's leading your guys, people respond very well to that."

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

In the FCS Huddle: 2013 Ohio Valley Conference Preview

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (Sports Network) --  The coaches were motioning toward Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at Ohio Valley Conference media day last month.

You might say that Garoppolo's ability as a Walter Payton Award finalist - he ranked second in the FCS in passing yards last year - was the reason.

The point the coaches were making about Garoppolo, though, was that EIU, the defending conference champion, had a veteran quarterback returning this year. Many of the coaches could not make the same claim.

The year of the QB is over for the so-called Offensive Valley Conference, the highest-scoring conference in the FCS last season.

Among the nine teams, only EIU and Southeast Missouri State with Scott Lathrop are sure they will return their full-time quarterback from last season.

Darian Stone impressed, though, when he started the final four games at Tennessee Tech, so he gives the Golden Eagles continuity. Tennessee State, which has championship aspirations, is anxiously awaiting word on two-year starter Michael German's future status after he received an indefinite suspension this offseason.

The uncertainty under center could make for ...



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Field set for HBCU Tip-Off Championship at Philips Arena

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The field is set for the HBCU Tip-Off Championship, which will be held Nov. 8-11 at Philips Arena.

Four teams from Division I and four teams from Division II, including Morehouse, will participate in the inaugural event.

From Division I, Norfolk State, which went 21-12 overall and 16-0 in the MEAC last year, will be joined by a pair of teams from the SWAC, Texas Southern and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Texas Southern was 17-14 overall, 16-2 in the conference last year. Arkansas-Pine Bluff was 16-14, 15-3 in the conference. Wisconsin-Green Bay, which is not a historically black college or university, rounds out the Division I field. They went 18-16, 10-6 in the Horizon League last year.

In addition to Morehouse on the Division II side are CIAA teams Virginia Union and Johnson C. Smith, and the SIAC’s Tuskegee.

“We are very excited to announce the field of teams for the inaugural HBCU Tip-Off,” organizer Kevin Clayton said. “We anticipate great excitement and fierce competition.”

Tickets will go on sale Aug. 26. The tournament website is hbcutipoff.com.

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Special teams opens door to playing time at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Curtis Alexander had every reason to believe that he would be able to make a strong argument for playing time at linebacker in his first season at FAMU.

Alexander, a member of head coach Earl Holmes’ first recruiting class this past spring, led East Gadsden High’s defense last season with 76 tackles.

But with plenty of experience and depth at his position, Alexander’s best chance of playing his first college football game could be on special teams. He isn’t fretting, though.

“I’m going to go out and play special teams hard and work with it from there,” said the 6-foot-1, 220 pounder. “I think the opportunity to play on special teams is a privilege. It takes hard work.”

By focusing on special teams, Alexander is taking the same route that some of FAMU’s best players have taken to earning playing time at their positions. Linebacker Brandon Hepburn did it, and so did Kevin Elliott. Those are two of the Rattlers’ former players who recently made it into the NFL.

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Events Announced for 3rd. Annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Events DC today announced several participants for the 3^rd annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® weekend, scheduled to be held Thursday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 8 in Washington, D.C. The football game features Howard University vs. Morehouse College on Saturday, Sept. 7 at RFK Stadium.

Getting into the spirit of the weekend, Wendy Raquel Robinson (Howard) and Fonzworth Bentley (Morehouse) return to co-host the AT&T Kickoff Rally in support of their alma maters on Friday, Sept. 6. Music fans can help AT&T choose between two up and coming R&B artists to perform as the opening musical act by voting ATTNFCAdrian or ATTNFCJarvis here. The one with the most votes performs.

In addition, D.C. favorites Raheem DeVaughn, Experience Unlimited (E.U.) and Mambo Sauce will perform on the AT&T Soundstage during the Pepsi^® Fan Festival prior to the football game on Saturday. The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and a Morehouse alumnus, will deliver the sermon at Chapel Service on Sunday.
This year's official Classic party, "Friday Night Lights," will be held at The Howard Theatre on Friday. Ticket information and additional details will be announced at a later date.
"We have another great lineup of participants slated for this year's AT&T Nation's Football Classic^®, and fans should stay tuned for additional updates on Classic events in the coming days," said Erik A. Moses, managing director of Events DC's Sports and Entertainment Division. "It's going to be another great weekend!"
          
All events are free and open to the public (except football game & Classic party). Students, alumni, football fans and all other interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate in the various entertainment events, networking opportunities and educational experiences.

All lower bowl tickets for the game are $25, and mezzanine tickets are $50 (plus applicable fees). Tickets are currently on sale at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office located at Cramton Auditorium (Mon-Fri/10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and the Morehouse College Bookstore (Mon-Fri/10 a.m.–2 p.m. & Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m).



2013 AT&T NATION'S FOOTBALL CLASSIC^® SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Events free and open to public except as noted

Thursday, September 5 - Presidential Symposium: "The Essence of the HBCU Experience"

Doors open 9:00 a.m.        
9:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.            

Howard University Cramton Auditorium
Through panel discussions, this symposium explores topics of importance that highlight the diverse contributions of HBCUs to the development of our nation and the global community.
                                          
9:30-9:40 a.m.:                     Symposium Welcome
9:40-10:45 a.m.:                   HBCU Presidential Forum
11:10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.:        The Next Step in "The Long Walk: A Candle in the Dark"
2:10-3:15 p.m.:                     Why I Chose to Attend an HBCU
3:40-4:45 p.m.:                     Keepers of the Culture

Friday, September 6
"The Game Before The Game": Mordecai Wyatt Johnson – Benjamin E. Mays Student Debate
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.        
Howard University Cramton Auditorium
Witness the academic rivalry between Howard and Morehouse as they showcase each school's tradition of developing great orators.

AT&T Kickoff Rally
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.        
9:30 Club (801 V St. NW)
Join the fun at the official Kickoff Rally in the heart of the nation's capital. The Rally will feature representatives from both schools, city officials and music.
Co-hosts: Wendy Raquel Robinson and Fonzworth Bentley

"Friday Night Lights" – Official Classic party (Ticketed event)
9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.        
The Howard Theatre

Saturday, September 7

Pepsi^® Fan Festival
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.      
RFK Stadium Festival Grounds – Lot 5
Fan Festival featuring games, music and exhibit booths.
Performances on the AT&T Soundstage: Raheem DeVaughn, Experience Unlimited (E.U.) and Mambo Sauce

AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® (Ticketed event)
3:30 p.m.                           
RFK Stadium
Howard University Bison vs. Morehouse College Maroon Tigers

Sunday, September 8
Chapel Service
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.      
Howard University Rankin Chapel at Cramton Auditorium
Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ – Chicago, Ill.



About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic^®
The AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. This year, the game features Howard University against Morehouse College. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions. Tickets for the AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced at $25 and $50.

About Events DC Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital.  Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes the historic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, and the non-military functions of the DC Armory.  Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.

Seniors at WSSU are eager to lead

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Much has been made of the many senior leaders Winston-Salem State lost from its 2012 football team.

But the cupboard isn’t empty, and Coach Connell Maynor is excited about the seniors he has.
                 
“Donnie Owens, Carlos Fields, Daven Gray and Jermaine Kesler all need to be leaders,” Maynor said. “We had a lot of good leaders last year, and they showed that in leading us to the national-championship game. We need that same type of leadership for this team.”

The Rams had their third practice of the preseason Wednesday morning, and spirits were high. And after last season’s NCAA runner-up finish, so are expectations.

Tight end Jerry Chandler, 25 and a fifth-year senior, decided to return because of the stinging 35-7 championship-game loss to Valdosta State.



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Wait pays off for FAMU's Blanton

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  The offers that punter Colby Blanton received to play college football at Kentucky and FAMU were the same — come as a walk-on and try to earn your keep.

Oregon State was in the mix too, but the distance from his home in Jacksonville was too far for him to consider.

While the opportunity to be part of a BCS program was enticing, Blanton said he saw an advantage coming to FAMU. He figured he’d only have to wait one year behind former Rattler Branden Holdren instead of waiting indefinitely as would have been the case at Kentucky.

After learning under Holdren, the future is now for the 6-1, 210-pound redshirt freshman punter.

“We tried to prepare him as much as we can, and we think he is ready,” said special-teams coach Juan Vasquez. “If he performs the way we expect him to, we will have something special.”

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Tennessee State Tiger Camp Report: Day 11

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- An early morning practice led to a slow start for the Tennessee State football team which completed Thursday’s session at Hale Stadium. It took a while, but the squad eventually woke up and raised the tempo as the temperature rose as well.

“We came onto this field this morning a little sluggish,” head coach Rod Reed said. “This is about the midway point of fall camp and this is where you need to push through and break the rock… Championship teams have to come out and practice hard each and every day.”

The effort got stronger as the players went to seven-on-seven and team drills with the defensive line leading the charge. Tackles Anthony Bass, Jack Ndem and Samquan Evans clogged running lanes, broke up passes at the line of scrimmage and kept the offensive line occupied. The latter part was the key, as it allowed safety Daniel Fitzpatrick and linebacker Gregory Barksdale clear paths to the backfield on several occasions.
 

“The defensive line is doing a pretty good job getting penetration and knocking balls down. On the flipside our offensive line played well at times and opened up some holes,” Reed said.

Thursday also brought a sliver of clarity to TSU’s running back situation as Telvin Hooks looked like the 2012 version – the kind that averaged 5.7 yards per carry – en route to several long runs. Hooks got most of the reps with the first team while Tevin Spells got the majority of the rest. Each back made good reads and looked solid cutting in both directions.

TSU will try to come out with more intensity tomorrow when Big Blue hits the field at 9:15 a.m.

 

This Week's Practice Schedule
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #12 (FULL)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #13 (FULL)
MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #14 (FULL)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013- 5:45-7:45 p.m. PRACTICE #15(FULL)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #16 (FULL)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013- 5:45-7:45 p.m. PRACTICE #17 (FULL)

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Marching 100 will perform at MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando

ORLANDO, Florida  --  The famed Florida A&M University Marching 100 will perform during the 2013 football season, the university announced Thursday.

Its first appearance will be the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando on Sept. 1 where FAMU will play Mississippi Valley State.

"This is a new beginning for this band," said new band director Sylvester Young.

Fans and alumni had been anxious to know whether FAMU would allow the famous Marching 100 to perform during the fall 2013 season. Until recently, the band had been suspended in the wake of drum major Robert Champion's hazing death in Orlando in 2011.

Officials said this year's band will be significantly smaller, however. Instead of showing up with a high-energy group of young musicians totaling 400 to 500 members, the new marching band will have 126 members, officials said.

FAMU Football schedule

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Alabama State Has Depth on the Offensive Line

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  For several years Alabama State University had a few good offensive linemen; just never enough of them. Beginning last season, the coaching staff was able to sign more offensive linemen and it has paid dividends as the offensive line may now be one of the deepest on the team.

"We have a lot of guys over there now, probably more than we have ever had," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. "This year we brought in about 18 or 19 offensive linemen into camp and we have a good three-deep depth. They have been developing and Ed (Edmond Davis) is the leader of that group. He has been around and he can get guys lined up."

Things could be good along the offensive line for several years to come as ASU only has two seniors listed among all of the offensive linemen on the team.

"(Damien) Love is one of the young guys who started every game for us last year as a freshman and although he has experience he is still young, but he has done a good job for us," Barlow said. "We have a real good battle at the guard position with Roquemore (Robert) and Hickingbottom (Demechery), two first year guys who are new to our system."

"Behind those guys are players like Jacobs (Tony) who transferred here (Central Florida) and Jylan Ware who redshirted last year. We are expecting big things from him."

"All in all we think we have a good group of guys and if a guy goes down or one gets tired we should be able to substitute a guy in and not miss a beat."

The coaching staff felt they were so deep across the line; they were able to send junior Trei Mitchell over to the defensive line to add some depth to that position. Mitchell spent his first two years on campus always listed on the two-deep along the offensive front.

"When we sat back and knew we needed some depth on the defensive line, we thought about which of the guys would be more suited to move over there we knew with Trei's body type he would be the one to help us out," Barlow said. "Trei is one of those guys that always played hard for us. What he lacked in ability, he more than made up for it in effort and that's what we needed on the defensive line. Sometimes you just need guys who will out-effort other guys. Trei is that guy and we are happy to have him in that position."

"The best thing about the offensive linemen is they have been competing," Barlow added. "That has allowed our running backs to have some explosive plays and we expect them t

ASU will continue their preseason camp Thursday with one practice at 3:30 p.m.
o get even better.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Albany State Passionettes and Alabama State Stingettes to appear in Robin Thicke music video

Atlanta, Georgia   — When Robin Thicke visualized the concept of his “Give It 2 U” video, his wife, actress Paula Patton, came up with the idea to include Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Dance teams. The uniqueness of HBCU dance teams is not easily duplicated; it can only be obtained by performing at an HBCU school.

 

As a result, artists and production companies are hiring actual HBCU dancers for their live performances, videos and movies. Robin Thicke can now be added to the list of artists who have done so, which includes superstars like Madonna.

Give It 2 U Soundtrack (For over 18+ year old)

WATCH IN 720p HD, Full Screen
 

The video production company, Black Dog Films, sought assistance from HBCU Dance Corporation to find the teams and seal the deal. HBCU Dance, founded by Keelia L. Brown and Sharmekia Brooks, is a non-profit organization that assists and teaches collegiate level dancers, as well as high school dancers, who desire to dance at a Historically Black College or University through dance training camps, scholarships, team sponsorships, audition assistance and more.

 

However, it was HBCU Dance’s connection services and knowledge of the HBCU dance community that made them a great fit for identifying and selecting two teams for the shoot.

 

The video is expected to debut later this month.

  

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Cousin announces retirement after 9 years as Xavier AD

NEW ORLEANS — Dennis Cousin (pronounced Coo-zan), who led Xavier University of Louisiana to its most successful period in athletics, has announced his resignation as director of athletics and will return to retirement.
    
Cousin, hired by Xavier in the summer of 2004, will work through the end of September.
    
"I want to thank our president, Dr. Norman Francis, for giving me this opportunity to serve Xavier," said Cousin, who turned 68 in July. "I enjoyed my time here immensely, and I feel that I leave the department in better shape than when I arrived."
    
Xavier teams won 46 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference or NAIA unaffiliated group championships during Cousin's tenure and qualified 34 times for NAIA National Championships. XU facilities received a major upgrade in the past year with the October opening of the XU Tennis Center and the November opening of the Convocation Center for basketball and volleyball.
    
 Under Xavier’s current head coaches, 125 of 130 senior student-athletes received degrees from Xavier or are still enrolled. The past three years, the department ranked in the top 10 on the NAIA's Champions of Character scorecard.

In May, Cousin made HBCUDigest.com's list of the five best athletics directors at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University).
    
The department rebounded strongly after canceling competition in 2005-06 due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Five of Xavier's six teams in 2006-07 won GCAC championships.
    
"I hope Xavier never faces another crisis like that hurricane," Cousin said. "I have to give great credit to our coaches, staff and student-athletes for coming back so quickly and so strongly. They gave our school and our community so much to be proud of during rebuilding."
    
Cousin said his fundraising helped reduce the majority of a deficit he inherited at Xavier.
    
Xavier hired Cousin six months after he retired from the St. Tammany Parish School Board, where he served as an administrator, teacher and coach. He also was a basketball referee for the GCAC, Sun Belt Conference and Louisiana High School Athletic Association. All three of Cousin's sons — Damon, Darren and Duane — are Xavier graduates, and Duane was one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in Xavier basketball history.
    
Xavier will conduct a national search for a new director of athletics. The university has yet to name an interim director.
    
"I will always hold Xavier in high regard," Cousin said. "The person Xavier hires as my replacement will have the opportunity to manage a top-notch staff."

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