JCSU football pumped up for 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Classic

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- Johnson C. Smith University Athletics will celebrate the 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Kick-off Classic on September 12th and 14th on the campus of JCSU. The Golden Bulls football team will play their home opener on Saturday, September 14th at 2:00 p.m. against Bowie State University on McGirt Field at the Irwin Belk Complex.

The first home game of the JCSU football season has been marked as the "Eddie C. McGirt Classic" in honor and recognition of legendary coach Eddie 'Cut' McGirt. The 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Classic celebration begins with a Thursday Kickoff Luncheon inside Grimes Lounge at the Mary Joyce Taylor Crisp Student Union, scheduled from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

 McGirt served as head football coach at JCSU from 1959-77 and led the Golden Bulls to their lone CIAA Football Championship in 1969. In addition, McGirt also served as the University's head basketball coach (1959-62), Director of Athletics, and Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education (1978-85). He was inducted into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Hall of Fame in 1977. McGirt retired with an overall football coaching record of 118-73.

Each year JCSU will extend a special invitation to members of the "Block S Club" (former JCSU lettermen athletes) and all Hall of Fame inductees for a return to campus to join in the weekend activities and celebrate the legacy of Coach Eddie C. McGirt.

"I'm delighted that the JCSU 100 Club, alumni, and the neighboring community will have an event to celebrate the life and contributions of Coach McGirt with Johnson C. Smith University," said Director of Athletics Stephen Joyner, Sr. "Eddie McGirt is certainly a deserving individual to be honored and have our Kickoff Classic carry his legendary name." 

JCSU football will square off against Bowie State University on Saturday, September 14th in a non-conference showdown scheduled to kickoff at 2:00 p.m.

During the classic luncheon; the JCSU Department of Athletics will further promote the 1,000 Golden Bulls Campaign. The 1,000 Golden Bulls is a campaign designed to raise at least $1 million  annually for assistance with student-athlete scholarships and to support the operating budget of JCSU's sport programs. With the initiative, the department of athletics can ensure that student-athletes receive a transformational education

The Kickoff Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, September 12th beginning at 12:00 noon inside Grimes Lounge. The 2013 JCSU football home opener is slated for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th at the Irwin Belk Complex.



For more extensive information on the 2013 Eddie C. McGirt Kick-off Classic and the 1,000 Golden Bulls Campaign, please visit www.eddiemcgirt.com.

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Benedict Offense Shines In First Scrimmage

COLUMBIA, South Carolina  --  The Benedict Tigers held their first controlled scrimmage on Saturday morning, with the offense excelling on several big plays.

Kendariss Brown had a 90-yard touchdown reception on the offense's first possession of the scrimmage on a third-down and long. Brown finished with two TDs.

While it was a good day for the offense, head coach James Woody was not happy with the defense giving up several big plays, especially on third-and-long situations such as Brown's big touchdown.

"I thought we did some good things out there and we did some bad things as well," Woody said. "We're still not where we should be. But the effort is there and we are getting better every day. We just have to get in football shape and make some better plays and find a way to stop the offense on second and third and long situations. I'm not satisfied with that yet. We have to get off the field on third and fourth down and can't let anybody get behind us."

Woody also said the running backs had a good day, especially senior running back Chris Johnson.

"We need that type of leadership, especially with a young team and the transfers we have," Woody said. "I am really excited about the offensive line, especially with A.J. Becton, who is really leading that offensive line. I'm a little disappointed in Stevon Wilkenson. He was our best lineman last year, but he just is not there yet. But we will work him and get him focused and get him to do what we need him to do. Marcus is our leader and I have great confidence in him and am 120 percent behind him. I've just got to get him to manage the game and not try to take over the game by himself."


 "I thought the running game was outstanding today," Woody said. "We just need more from the defense, stop looking in the backfield and understand third and fourth down and yardage and we will be OK."

On the defensive side, Brandon Beech stood out with an interception, a couple of batted balls and sacks and several punishing hits.

Woody said he is happy with the progress of the offensive line, as well as the leadership of several of the veteran players, including Beech, Martin Epps and quarterback Marcus Graham.

SIAC Unveils Logo, Events For Centennial Celebration

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) officially unveiled its logo in commemoration of its upcoming centennial celebration. The conference was founded on December 30, 1913.

The official theme for the centennial celebration is "100 Years of Academic and Athletic Excellence." To that end,  the conference will host marquee events in recognition of the history and tradition of the SIAC.

"When we consider the 100 year span of the SIAC, we need to be sure not to view it simply through the lens of SIAC and African-American history, but rather through the prism of Intercollegiate and American history," said SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore. "It is in this spirit that we will honor our past and recognize our future throughout the upcoming academic year in commemoration and recognition of the 100 Year History of the SIAC."

This year's list of events will be highlighted by the SIAC Football Legends Luncheon that will occur during the week of the 2013 Football Championship and the SIAC Hall of Fame Gala in February, which will mark the official return of the SIAC Hall of Fame. The conference will also celebrate its centennial through additional educational and community service related events that will occur during the 2014 SIAC Basketball Tournament.

For more information and updates on the SIAC's centennial, please visit www.thesiac.com.

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About the SIAC: The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was founded on December 30, 1913 and today, nearly 100 years later, remains as one of the nation's most viable forces in intercollegiate athletics. The SIAC has one of the most celebrated legacies in all of NCAA athletics. Many of the conference's former and current athletes and coaches  have transcended to larger-than-life characters that continue to be monumental in the world of sports. Furthermore, the chronicles of many SIAC programs have been vital to foundation of American society. To date, 30 institutions have previously or currently held memberships with the SIAC. The present memberships includes 14 schools within a six state footprint in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee. By and large, SIAC schools are known for being staunch competitors, where many have even flourished to the realms of national and global celebrity. As a whole, the conference has claimed over 60 individual and team national championships.

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Delaware State: Hornets' defense strong in first scrimmage

DOVER, Delaware  --  Kermit Blount was looking for mistakes more than perfection as the Delaware State football team held its first preseason scrimmage on Saturday morning.

Blount, entering his third season as the Hornets’ head coach, wanted to get all of those mistakes on film so the team can correct them before visiting Delaware for its season opener Sept. 7.

“It was pretty basic [Saturday],” Blount said of the scrimmage. “We did about 65 plays. We wanted to get our first one under our belt, not make it a full-out-fledged scrimmage, basically just a couple of basic things that we need to cover to make sure that we get these guys ready for the seventh of September.

“[It was] an opportunity to see their mistakes on film, and we can correct them. I’m hoping that they can grasp the fact that they did make some mistakes and have the opportunity to come back the next few weeks and correct them.”

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Good First Scrimmage For St. Aug Football Team

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Saint Augustine's University was impressive on both sides of the ball during an intra-squad football scrimmage at SAU Stadium on Saturday, August 17, 2013.

"The offense made big plays and the defense made key stops," Head Coach Michael Costa said. "We are coming along (as a team). The players are starting to see the things they need to do in order to get better."

The offense produced the first big play when Alex Munro (Jr./Ashburn, Va.) rolled right and ran untouched down the sideline. It would have been an 80-yard touchdown had play not stopped in the middle of his run. The defense responded minutes later when three-time All-CIAA linebacker Chaz Robinson (Sr./Hampton, Va.) deflected a pass and defensive lineman Josh Manners (Fr./Suwannee, Ga.) scooped up the interception.

Both units took turns making highlight-reel plays on a cloudy day with cool temperatures and sporadic light rain. Offensively, quarterbacks A.J. Gilford (So./Savannah, Ga.) and Munro threw pinpoint passes to wide receivers Jermaine Jones (R-Sr./Wilmington, N.C.), Brian Richards (R-Sr./Waldorf, Md.), Herman Reeves (R-Jr./Miami, Fla.) and Jordan Turkvant (R-So./Orangeburg, S.C.), whose long catch and run on one drive led to a score.

Costa heaped praise on the offensive line, which returns starters Jadarius Dean (Sr./Milledgeville, Ga.), Ruben Velazquez (R-Jr./Rock Hill, S.C.) and Au'Darius Blackwood (R-Sr./Mooresville, N.C.). The line allowed running backs Roderick Davenport (So./Orangeburg, S.C.), LeQuinton Williams (So./Cairo, Ga.), JJShawn Pinkston (R-Sr./Mooresville, N.C.) and Antonio Thomas (So./Lynchburg, Va.) to break off long runs up the middle. Pinkston was singled out for his aggressive running during the scrimmage.

The defense was stellar as well. All-CIAA defensive end Javarous Faulk (Sr./Macon, Ga.) and Chris Roberts (R-So/Albany, Ga.) led a stout defensive line which included solid play from Michael Oliver (R-Jr./Washington, D.C.) and newcomers Kiante Anderson (Fr./Greenville, S.C.), Maylon Rowland (R-Fr./Garner, N.C.) and Manners.

As usual, Robinson was a force on defense. He and fellow linebackers Carlton Butts (Jr./Thomasville, Ga.) and Dante Devouse (Sr./Phenix, Ala.) were often in the backfield making tackles. Linebacker Durrell Newby (R-Fr./Graham, N.C.) jarred a receiver with a hard hit on a short pass, which drew the biggest roar of the day from his teammates. Dezmon Hopkins (Fr./Manassas, Va.) played well in the secondary.

"My biggest concern (coming into the season) was the offensive line and they did a good job, " Costa said. "They opened some big holes and the backs had some nice runs. The D-line was tough. The linebackers did OK. Chaz did a good job. The secondary is missing a couple of starters but the young guys stepped up. Overall, it was good day."

This was the first of three scrimmages scheduled for the preseason. The next two are Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. and Saturday, August 31, at 1:30 p.m. SAU Stadium is the site and admission is free.

The Falcons are picked to finish second in the CIAA Southern Division and third overall in the conference. They are gunning for their third winning record in four seasons. The season opens on the road Saturday, Sept. 7, against North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., at 2 p.m.

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Miles College Establishes Golf Program in 2013

FAIRFIELD, Alabama  --  For the first time in school history, Miles College will offer golf as a sponsored sport the school recently announced. The Golden Bears will begin its inaugural season during the 2013-2014 school year.

"This new golf team is a great opportunity for Miles College to show yet another component of the culture, class and civility that we instill in our students." says President George T. French. "It is a testament of the standard of excellence that we expect from our students academically and holistically".

Being charged with the task of building the Golden Bear program is first year head coach Leonard Smoot. A 24-year retired veteran of United States Marine Corps (USMC), Smoot brings over 20 years of competitive golf experience. He has several top-10 finishes in competitive tournaments throughout Southeast Asia and Europe, including wins at the Wago Championship (Okinawa, Japan) as well as the Staff & Officer Championship (Awase, Japan). In 2002, Smoot became just the third African-American to make the United States Marines Golf Team.

Since 2008, he also has served as a mentor/coach for the Professional Women's Golf Association while also previously serving in various roles for many regional golf tournaments, including the South Region Minority Supplier Development Council Golf Classic (SRMSDC), the Museum of Urban Art Golf Tournament, the Stillman College Scholarship Golf Tournament, and Alabama Leadership Foundation Golf Classic.

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JSU's Jobodwana finishes sixth in World Championships

MOSCOW, Russia – JSU’s Anaso Jobodwana finished sixth in the 200 meter dash Saturday in the finals of the World Championships. Jobodwana finished with a time of 20.14. Usain Bolt won the race with a time of 19.66.



In the semi-finals race, Usain Bolt (JAM) qualifies for the final 20.12 seconds, with Anaso Jobodwana (RSA) at 20.13 nipping at his heels the whole way.



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College basketball countdown: No. 61 Texas Southern

HEAD COACH MIKE DAVIS
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL

HOUSTON, Texas  --  The first word: It was August of last summer when Mike Davis took over a Texas Southern team that was hit hard by the NCAA for breaking rules - recruiting violations among others - and lying about imposing sanctions. The NCAA's punishment, which came close to levying the "death penalty," included a men's hoops postseason ban for the 2012-13 season.

So although the Tigers finished in first place in the SWAC with a 16-2 record, their season ended before tournament play -- while riding a 12-game winning streak. Now, free of the postseason ban, TSU will have much more to play for - with the opportunity to win the SWAC Tournament and potentially garner a No. 14 or No. 15 seed. That'll be a tough task for Davis with the departure of go-to playmaker Omar Strong, who averaged 17 points per game last season. But don't count Davis out. He fueled one of the biggest turnarounds in all of college basketball last season after his team started a disastrous 1-13.

"We lost two big guys, but I think we have what it takes to be better than last year's team. The guys have an extra gear of hunger now with (the postseason). It's going to just come down to chemistry," said Davis, who previously coached at Indiana (2000-2006 as head coach) and UAB (2006-2012).

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SC State's Waller Named the 2013 MEAC Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year

Desiree Waller

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  SC State outside hitter Desire Waller has been named the 2013 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women's Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year.  She has also been named to the MEAC Preseason First Team.  Preseason honors, which were announced today by the league office, were voted on by the head volleyball coaches and sports information directors.  The Lady Bulldogs were picked to finish third in the Southern Division.

Waller, (Houston, Texas/Alief Taylor HS), who is the two-time reigning MEAC Volleyball Player of the Year, led the MEAC with 4.91 kills per set during her junior season. The senior ranked among the top ten in the conference in hitting percentage (.255) and kills (381). Waller surpassed the 1,000-kill mark last season, and added 169 digs, 2.19 digs/set and 42 blocks during the 2012 season. She concluded the regular season with eight 20-plus kill performances, including a MEAC season-high 31 kills in a conference win over North Carolina Central. Waller finished the 2012 season ranked 3rd in kills per set and 4th in points per set in the Nation.

The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers and the Hampton Lady Pirates were picked as the preseason favorites in the Southern and Northern Divisions, respectively. Florida A&M received 19 first-place votes, while Hampton garnered 14.

SC State will begin its 2013 campaign the weekend of Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31, when the Lady Bulldogs travel to Columbia, S.C. to participate in the Gamecock Invitational Hosted by the University of South Carolina.

See Below for the 2013 Predicted Order of Finish and complete Preseason Team.

2013 MEAC Volleyball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish 

(First Place Votes In Parenthesis)

Northern Division                              Pts.
1. Hampton (14)                                  274 pts.
2. Maryland Eastern Shore (10)          249 pts.
3. Norfolk State (2)                              218 pts.
4. Coppin State                                   177 pts.
5. Morgan State                                  154 pts.
6. Delaware State                               130 pts.
7. Howard                                            123 pts.

Southern Division                             Pts.
1. Florida A&M (19)                             282 pts.
2. North Carolina Central (3)               225 pts.
3. South Carolina State (4)                 211 pts.
4. Bethune-Cookman                          191 pts.
5. North Carolina A&T                         177 pts.
6. Savannah State                              136 pts.

2013 MEAC Volleyball Preseason Team

Preseason Player of the Year: Desire Waller, South Carolina State

Name                          Pos.    Cl.       School            Hometown
Krista Kraskura           OH       Jr.        Hampton         Kuldiga, Latvia
ChristineAnthony        OH       So.       NCCU             Willemstad, Curacao
Desire Waller              OH       Sr.       SCSU              Houston, Texas
Goda Jankauskaite     MB       Sr.       NSU                Kaunas, Lithuania     
Kalin Russell               MB       Sr.       NCCU             Baldwin, N.Y.            
Bibiany Fonseca         S          Sr.       Hampton         Uberlandia, Brazil      
Noelle Eagles              L          R.-Jr.   NSU                Richmond, Ind.       

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Florida A&M Head Coach Earl Holmes Releases 2013 Roster

 TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  FAMU Head Coach Earl Holmes released his 2013 football roster to the public on August 15.  The 2013 roster is made up of veterans, high school recruits and transfers who will attempt to get the Rattler football program back on track after a disappointing 4-7 campaign last season.  Watch the video as Holmes sat down with sports information director Vaughn Wilson as they discussed this year's squad.

To view the full roster, CLICK HERE.



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SC State Conducts Second Scrimmage

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --   SC State held its second preseason scrimmage Saturday morning and followed the workout with the annual "Meet the Players Day," hosted by The STATE Club, the Bulldog booster organization.

In the scrimmage, which lasted approximately two hours, the Bulldog coaching staff played all five quarterbacks listed on the 2013 roster, with redshirt senior Richard Cue and sophomore TeDarrius Wiley projected to push each other for the starting duties, senior cornerback Darrius Drummond who is nursing a minor injury did not participate in Saturday's scrimmage.

Wiley the most productive of the signal callers on the day, directing several scoring drives, two of which finished with touchdown passes to wide receivers Temarrick Hemingway and Brandon King.

Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough, who is entering his 12th season at the helm of the Bulldog football program, said he saw, in Saturday's scrimmage, some improvements from the first scrimmage conducted a week earlier (Aug. 10).

"We made some strides and did some good things on both sides of the ball," Pough said. "Obviously we still got some work to do. It's a work in progress.



In commenting on the play of the Bulldog quarterbacks, Pough said that both "have been a little bit better overall, and still got some work today. At this point it's too close to tell but both (Cue and Wiley) have earned the opportunity to play."

Freshman running back Dondre Brown led the ground attack on the day finding the end zone twice on different scoring drives. The 6-1, 236 Varnville, SC native, has filled void nicely for the Bulldogs with the absence of starter Jalen Simmons.

Redshirt sophomore Everette Shaw (5-8, 170) dazzled with crowd with some key catches, along with teammates Austin Smith (6-2, 205) and Brandon King (5-10, 170).

"There are a lot of young guys that can help us make this football team better," Pough said. "I think we are in pretty good shape but you never really know until you get there. We have a chance to be decent team we just have to keep working to get better."

Pough also noted that the Bulldog defense performed well most of the time during the scrimmage.

The kicking game did well on the day with senior kicker Nick Belcher connecting on a 47-yard earlier, while going 4-4 on PAT's. All-MEAC performer defensive lineman Javon Hargrave went down earlier with an injury, which is some concern to the SC State coaching staff.

South Carolina State will open the 2013 season at home against last year's Big South Champion Coastal Carolina on Aug. 31, in a 6 p.m. kickoff at O.C. Dawson Stadium.

SCORING SUMMARY 45-yard interception return for a touchdown by #48 Joe Thomas
5-yard touchdown pass from #9 TeDarrius Wiley to #87 Temarick Hemingway
3-yard TD run by #40 Dondre Brown
47-yard field goal good by # 37 Nick Belcher
6-yard touchdown run by #84 Everette Shaw
1-yard touchdown run by #32 Xavier Quick
1-yard touchdown run by # 40 Dondre Brown
36-yard touchdown pass from # 9 TeDarrius Wiley to #7 Brandon King

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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.

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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

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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) 

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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