Jackson State ground attack matches air threat

JACKSON, Tennessee  -- The element of surprise isn’t there anymore. After establishing itself as a passing team in 2011, finishing first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in pass offense, Jackson State pounded teams with its rushing attack.

“I’m definitely going to give credit to me and Tommy (Gooden) in the offensive line; we did a good job,” junior Rakeem Sims said. “But people really expected us to pass the ball a lot last year because we came from an air raided (the year before).”

Now, opponents understand the Tigers can hurt them either way. The Tigers’ rushing attack finished second in the conference, averaging 186.9 yards per game while scoring 28 touchdowns.

Sims and Gooden keyed the ground game. Sims was the team’s leading rusher with 824 yards. Gooden added 608 yards, the third-most on the team. Both combined for 14 of JSU’s 28 rushing touchdowns.

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Southern University vs. University of Houston

HOUSTON, Texas  -- The greatest show on TURF comes to Houston's Reliant Stadium. Friday, August 30th @ 7:30pm. For details and hotel discount codes go to www.HoustonJaguars.com.

Texas Southern Athletics makes strides with improvement of facilities

TSU Men's Basketball Players Lounge
(Courtesy TSU Athletics)

HOUSTON, Texas  --   The Texas Southern University Men's and Women's basketball teams locker rooms have received facelifts as both facilities underwent major renovations. After months of planning and hard work from all participants involved the locker rooms were completed and unveiled to the respective coaching staffs and student-athletes.

"Our renovated locker room looks absolutely amazing," said Tim Waller TSU Executive Director of Men's Basketball Operations. "The plans called for the renovations to be a six week project and it ended up taking exactly six weeks and one day to complete. When we started the process we met with Project Manager Joe Ellis roughly five or six times and we explained to him what we would like to see and his team did a tremendous job incorporating our ideas and completing the project from start to finish."

The Men's Basketball locker room features custom made wood locker stalls, three flat screen televisions, leather sofas, and custom embroidered TSU recliner chairs. The men's locker room also has space dedicated for team meetings and film study.

"It was a bit of a challenge to come up with the plans of how we wanted things due to the fact that we were basically looking at a big blank space," said Waller. "But I must say that what we initially visualized and what we ended up getting definitely went above and beyond meeting all of our needs."

The Women's Basketball locker room is equally impressive and also features state of the art design mixed with a unique blend of functionality that gives the space a look and feel like no other. The structure features brand new custom built wood locker stalls, two flat screen televisions, leathers sofas, and custom embroidered TSU recliner chairs.

"We're extremely happy with the renovations to our locker room," said TSU head women's basketball coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry. "Our Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland wanted to provide us with a facility that would allow us to attract and recruit the best student-athletes in the country and now we definitely have that."

WBB Locker Room Photo Gallery

MBB Locker Room Photo Gallery 

 Upon assuming the position of Director of Athletics at Texas Southern University McClelland saw room for facility improvements that could give the athletics program at TSU the boost it needed to become a legitimate contender in all sports. Under McClelland's watch the athletics programs' facilities have steadily improved over recent years with the refurbishing of the departments' weight room, Health and Physical Education Arena, as well as Alexander Durley Field which serves as the home of Lady Tigers soccer and Texas Southern Track and Field.

One of the biggest facility achievements for the program was the construction of the 22,000 seat BBVA Compass Stadium which serves as the home of Tigers football. BBVA Compass stadium is a state of the art facility with all of the amenities and features of a premier sports venue.

When undergoing plans and procedures to improve the inside of H&PE Arena the department also refurbished the hardwood floor in the gym giving the facility a fresh new look. Completed renovations to the TSU Volleyball locker rooms located inside the arena were also completed within recent months.

"The renovations to our locker rooms puts us on par with some of the top Division I programs in the country," said McClelland. "This undoubtedly gives us the ability to recruit the best student-athletes in the nation and it has allowed to bring in some of the talented players that we have within our programs at this time. Hopefully all of this will allow us to continue to compete at a high level across the board."

TSU's athletic facility renovations plans won't stop with the completion of the locker rooms as discussion are underway for additional improvements to structures located on campus.

"As we transition to creating one of the best collegiate game day environments in the country we're looking to add digital electronic scorer tables to our arena," said McClelland. "In addition we also have plans to enhance Alexander Durley Field which serves as our primary track and field facility by increasing the seating capacity to 10,000 and adding restrooms and concession stands for our fans."

To view the completed renovations to the men's and women's basketball locker rooms please visit the links to the photo galleries listed above.

By Andrew Roberts Sports Information Director W Sports
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

PV-TSU Labor Day Classic News Conference set for August 26th

HOUSTON, Texas -- Texas Southern will kick-off the 2013 football season against Prairie View A&M in the 29
^th Annual Labor Day Classic at the home of the TSU Tigers (BBVA Compass Stadium) on August 31^st at 7:00pm.

Texas Southern ended a five game losing streak last season when they beat Prairie View 44-41 with a 47-yard field goal at the end of the game.  The win was the first game of Texas Southern head coach Darrell Asberry's career as a Tiger.

With one season under his belt, Coach Asberry is preparing to face Coach Heishma Northern and the Panthers again in the Labor Day Classic.

You don't have to wait until game day to see these two coaches square off.  They will meet at the 2013 Labor Day Classic news conference at noon, Monday, August 26^th at BBVA Compass Stadium in the West Club.   The head coaches and athletic directors from both universities will talk about their teams, the game and answer questions.

Comedian, radio personality on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show and TSU alumnus Marcus D. Wiley will host the news conference.

Lunch will be served and credentials distributed to the media.   Texas Southern is the host of the 29^th Annual Labor Day Classic.

What:  2013 Labor Day Classic News Conference
When:  Monday, August 26, 2013 at Noon
Where:  BBVA Compass Stadium – West Club

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Florida A&M Rattlers Keep Pace With Busy Day of Activities

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- With just 8 days remaining until kickoff of the 2013 football season, the Rattlers had quite the eventful day.  Starting with breakfast at 8 a.m. and the team photo shoot immediately after, the team took care of some appearance obligations, all the while fine tuning their game for the season opener. 

After the team photo shoot, the Rattlers had their final scrimmage of the pre-season, going all out as the coaches had their eyes on every detail.  “The offense started off fast in last week’s scrimmage, and today it was the defense.  What we’ve go to do is put it all together, and that’s what the coaching staff and I will be working on,” Head Coach Earl Holmes said.

While the defense dominated the scrimmage, All-American kicker Chase Varnadore split the uprights from 48-yards out, bringing an unusual smile to Holmes’ face.  “My nickname for him is Matador and he is a guy we can depend on.  He just doesn’t miss,” Holmes said.

With all the hitting going on, one of the biggest hits of the days was former Rattler and Oakland Raider offensive tackle Henry “Killer” Lawrence, who stopped by the scrimmage.  Lawrence and Holmes had a lengthy conversation between sessions.  Both played at FAMU and several years in the NFL.  Lawrence was impressed with the caliber of athletes he saw.  “From what I saw today, they’ve got some athletes to work with,” he said.  Holmes invited Lawrence to be with the team at one of the games this year, which he accepted.

Final Fall Scrimmage and Fan Day

After the scrimmage, the team took a much-needed break for lunch and a bit of rest.  At 5 p.m., the team was welcomed to Bragg Stadium for Fan Day.  With nearly 1,000 people in attendance, the team signed posters, took photos and greeted faithful Rattler fans.  There were several give-a-ways assembled by the FAMU Athletics Marketing Department, as the staff had a full lineup of activities for the day.  With music playing, the players got an opportunity to see up close and personal, who would be in the stands rooting for them on Saturdays.

FAMU Vice Pres. For Advancement, Thomas Haynes, Director of Alumni Affairs, Carmen Cummings and Director of Governmental Affairs, Tola Thompson, were among the administrators, faculty and staff who showed up to support the team.

At the conclusion of the Fan Day, the team rushed up to the university quadrangle to take part in the President’s Welcome Pep Rally, put on by FAMU interim President Dr. Larry Robinson.  The event featured several campus groups, step teams, cheerleaders, the Marching “100” and the recording group Jagged Edge. Sunday will be a day to review film, Monday will be the first day of classes and before you know it, it will be game day in Orlando.

The MEAC-SWAC Challenge presented by Disney is Sun., Sept.1, at the Florida Citrus Bowl.  Kickoff is 11:45 a.m. and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN.  The Rattlers will open their home season on Sept.7, as they take on the “Big Blue” Tigers of Tennessee State at 2 p.m. in Bragg Memorial Stadium.  Season tickets, tickets for the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, Florida Classic tickets and single game tickets are available at the FAMU Ticket Office.  They can be reached at (850)599-3141.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Ram Ramblings: Scrimmage goes well for WSSU this afternoon

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- I decided to cozy up to the defensive players on the sidelines of WSSU’s scrimmage this afternoon because I was convinced the defense would dominate.

As usual, I was wrong.

While the defense did more than held it’s own the offense came to life during certain portions of the scrimmage. Of course, Coach Connell Maynor was hoping for a lot more from his offense but he always expects more.

I’m pretty sure fans who watch the Rams this season are going to see just how good quarterback Kam Smith and those three talented wide receivers – Jamal Williams, Jameze Massey and Jahuann – were because they aren’t around anymore.

Still, even without those players the Rams do have talent on offense and it’s just a matter of time before they get comfortable.

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Alabama A&M's cupboard isn't bare, despite losing many key players

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones assures an interviewer "you'll be looking in the media guide, trying to find out who that is," and knows that Bulldog fans will be digging through programs, going, "Now, who's number so-and-so."

Alabama A&M lost more than 20 seniors from last year's team. There could be as many as 16 new faces in the 2013 starting lineup, counting specialists.

There could be no more convenient point from which to launch into a mournful "woe-is-us" monologue for a coach than those facts. But, fact is, Jones wasn't exactly caught by surprise to see such a talented senior class depart. There was some depth on the 2012 team, a potentially good recruiting class and even some experienced transfers.

"Our cupboard's not completely bare," Jones said, sitting at his desk, scribbling notes in the margin of an A&M roster.



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MEAC/SWAC Challenge By Disney on TJWS Radio Network

ORLANDO, Florida -- ESPN MEAC/SWAC CHALLENGE, JIMMIE WILLIAMS -- I'LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME !

Morgan State Completes Final Scrimmage Under The Lights

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- The Morgan State Bears conducted a 90-minute scrimmage Thursday night at Hughes Stadium.

Morgan State approached the scrimmage like a dress rehearsal for the season opener against Army, including an evening kickoff and going through pre-game warm-ups.

Since his team will open the season at night at Army, Morgan State coach Donald-Hill-Eley wanted his team's final scrimmage to be under the lights.

"It was a controlled scrimmage, so you really couldn't get the tempo of the game," said Hill.

"What we tried to do is show what they (Army) do in different field zones as far as down and distance – and getting them used to what their going to see next week.  For the most part I thought it was good and we were able to simulate what they do and we'll be able to look at it. We're not going to be able to gauge the speed that they're going to run things, but at least we'll have an idea and be familiar with what they're doing."


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Hill got exactly the conditions and energy level from the team that he was hoping for and talked about his team's identity.

"Defensively, we're going to have multiple attacks," Hill said. "We're doing a great job with our coverage and a real good job with our run defense."

"As far as our team's identity it still has yet to truly be established.  We 're going against each other everyday in practice, so you get used to what the offense is running and what the defense is running –- so within the first three games of the season we should have developed some kind of identity as a team."

Hill spoke about the play of his quarterbacks.

"I thought the quarterback play was good. This offense requires them to run a lot more than what they've had to in the past, and they've accepted their roles and are doing a good job at it."

Morgan State's coaches got what they expected from their starting units, as well, with those groups mostly having their way against the backups in traditional series and situational scenarios.

As for statistics, there were a number of plays that stood out during the night.

Redshirt-freshman running back Lamont Brown III led the Bears ground attack with runs of 30, 32 and 35 yards

Redshirt-junior quarterback Robert Council broke off a 55-yard run, the longest play of the night
Redshirt-freshman quarterback Moses Skillon scored on a 20-yard keeper

Senior wideout Tubotein Taylor recorded a 45-yard kickoff return

Senior cornerback Joe Rankin blocked a punt

Junior linebacker Cody Acker forced a fumble

Freshman running back Orlando Brown had runs of 32 and 20 yards

Junior quarterback Seth Higgins completed a 25-yard pass to wideout junior Andrew King, and tossed a 45-yard pass to sophomore wideout Grayling Harrison

Freshman quarterback Ricky Fisk completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to freshman wideout Landen Malbrough

Morgan State kicks off the 2013 campaign on Friday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. when it takes on Army live on the CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports. Morgn State season tickets are available online at www.morganstatebears.com/tickets or by calling the MSU Ticket Office at 443-885-1522.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State Feldman Announces 5 Signees to Tennis Programs

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Norfolk State University head tennis coach Nate Feldman announced the addition of five signees to the programs for fall 2013. The signees include four women, Elizaveta Gordeeva, Ana Popovic, Ana Jovanovic and Krystal Scott, as well as one male, Pascal Domnik.

"I am so excited to announce the arrival of our first, full recruiting class for our women's team," Feldman said. "Coach Browning and I looked at an incredible amount of players to fill out this class and we cannot be happier with the student-athletes we are bringing in. They will be the catalyst to make our team a perennial MEAC contender."

Gordeeva (Minsk, Belarus) played for the Republic State College of Olympic Reserve where she was the doubles runner up at the 2013 Belorussian National Championship. Gordeeva finished in the top 20 in all age groups as she moved through the amateur ranks. She also trained in the same club as current Spartan men's standout Dzmitry Zyhmantovich.

"Elizaveta has a tremendous amount of potential and will be a huge help for us," said Feldman. "She has been steadily improving and almost knocked off one of the top players in all of Belarus at the most recent national championships."

Ranked in every age group as she progressed through the youth ranks in Serbia, Popovic (Belgrade, Serbia) graduated from New Belgrade Touristic School where she trained with top Serbian junior coach Balsa Vujicic. Popovic also competed in basketball, handball and soccer.

"Ana is another great all-around athlete that we are excited to bring in," Feldman stated. "With her attitude, work ethic and all-around game, I expect her to be a regular contributor in our singles and doubles lineups."

Jovanovic (Belgrade, Serbia) has had success both at the Serbian national level and in ITF play. She has competed throughout Serbia, western and eastern Europe. Jovanovic also has the highest incoming rating of any NSU female player ever according to UniversalTennis.com.

"Ana has a tremendous attitude and a very aggressive baseline game with solid groundstrokes," Feldman said. "She is experienced at all levels of play and is looking forward to the challenge of rapidly improving our women's program."

Scott (Gold Coast, Australia) is a transfer from Griffith University in Queensland, one of the top academic schools in the world. She is ranked among the top 400 players in Australia.

"Krystal is a very intelligent and mature young woman with an exciting all-court game," said Feldman. "She has a heavy forehand, can come forward to volley, and has good foot-speed."

The women's signees bolster a team which went 10-8 overall and returns three of its top players in Andrea Macchiavello, Yvonne Kamegne and Mafalda Lhorca.

Domnik (Balingen, Germany) is a transfer from Virginia Commonwealth University with two and a half years of eligibility remaining. Domnik played at positions 3-6 in singles and at the No. 2 doubles position for the reigning Atlantic 10 champions. He is also ranked among the top 200 players in Germany with numerous wins over some of the top German men's open players, international juniors and collegiate players. Domnik is also from the same hometown as fellow Spartan and All-MEAC first-team pick Robin Riethmueller

"We are very fortunate to have a player of Pascal's caliber transfer to Norfolk State." Feldman said. "He will be an immediate impact player for us and should be one of the best players in the MEAC right away."

Domnik joins an NSU team which returns its entire regular lineup that finished as co-champions in the MEAC Southern Division last season.

NSU will begin the 2013 fall schedule in September. On Sept. 13-14, the women's team will travel to Lynchburg, Va., to compete in the Liberty Fall Classic. The men's team will compete at the Georgetown Invitational in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20-22.

By Chaundrea Lee, Media Relations Assistant
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU's Pete Adrian Football Coach's Show to Debut Aug. 29 from Applebee's in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The Norfolk State University athletics department announced Wednesday that it will debut the 2013 Pete Adrian Football Coach's Show from Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar in Norfolk on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The show will air live on 1490 AM The Game and will be played tape-delayed at 9 p.m. the same night on 102.1 FM.

After the kickoff show on Aug. 29, the show will move to its customary Thursday time slot of 7-8 p.m. on Sept. 5 (with the 9 p.m. tape-delay on 102.1 FM continuing). Spartan football coach Pete Adrian and selected players will be on location to discuss the season with co-hosts Matt Michalec, NSU assistant athletics director for communications, and Ross Gordon, the play-by-play radio voice of the Spartans.

In addition, fans will have the chance to submit questions for coach Adrian each week via NSU's social networking presence on Twitter (@NSUSpartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/NorfolkStateAthletics). Fans on site will have the opportunity to win discounts for food at Applebee's, tickets to NSU football games, and other prizes. Applebee's will also offer discounted menu items to NSU fans and students on select nights.

Listeners on 1490 will also be given the chance to win tickets to NSU football games. Coaches and athletes from NSU's fall sports teams will also be featured during select shows.
Archives of the show will be available for downloading via the podcast feature on www.nsuspartans.com.

Applebee's is located at 5750 Virginia Beach Blvd. near the Janaf and Military Circle shopping centers, less than five miles from the NSU campus.

NSU previously announced Tuesday that every NSU football game will again be broadcast on 1490 AM The Game this season. Gordon returns to the mic for his seventh season calling Spartan football games and will once again be joined in the booth by former Spartan linebacker and two-time All-MEAC performer Maguell Davis.

By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State University fires its president amid signs of trouble; acting president named

NORFOLK, Virginia  --   The governing board of Norfolk State University has fired President Tony Atwater.

The Board of Visitors’ 7-4 vote Friday stunned Atwater, who called the decision “unexpected and disappointing.” He had 10 months left on his contract.

While board members declined to explain their decision, the vote came months after the state and the university’s accrediting agency had signaled trouble at the historically black university, according to media reports.

Atwater’s contract allowed the board to fire him without cause for the “convenience of the university.” His contract calls for him to receive his base salary of $295,000 through next June.

Sandra DeLoatch, provost and vice president for academic affairs, was named acting president.

Rector Thomas Chewning, who voted for the firing, said the board soon would discuss a search for a replacement and other details, including how long Atwater will remain in the president’s residence. He was appointed professor of communications with tenure when he was hired as president.

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VIDEO: http://www.wavy.com/news/local/norfolk/recently-appointed-nsu-president-fired

Norfolk State fires its president

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The governing board of Norfolk State University — which has been under scrutiny by both its accrediting agency and the General Assembly — fired its president Friday.

President Tony Atwater lost his job on a 7-4 vote but will remain a tenured faculty member, Rector Thomas Chewning said.

Provost Sandra J. DeLoatch was appointed acting president, effective immediately.

“It was not an easy vote,” Chewning said. He said the board appreciates the efforts Atwater has made during his two-year tenure to raise the profile of the university in the Tidewater region.

But he said the university faces challenges, and “an exhaustive search to find the right person” to lead NSU will be conducted.

Atwater will continue to receive his salary, which is $295,000, through the end of next June under terms of his contract. He was not fired “for cause,” Chewning said.

CONTINUE READING 

A&M Noon Presser and the Anthony Jones radio show to debut on Monday, August 26

NORMAL, Alabama --  With football season just nine days away, the Alabama A&M football noon press conference will begin on Monday, August 26^th in the George Hobson field house.

All members of the media are invited to attend.

The public is invited to witness the Dean of the SWAC coaches' premier in the 2013 Anthony Jones coaches show at 6 p.m. at Braumhower's at 4250 Balmoral Drive off of Airport Road that evening.

The broadcast will be live each week and everyone is invited to attend. There will be giveaways as well as an opportunity to speak with the head coach of the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.



If you can't make the broadcast you can listen to the show live at 90.9 FM WJAB.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 90.9 FM WJAB ON INTERNET

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Tickets on Sale Now

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  --  Tickets to the 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship are available now for presale purchase with general public on sale launching Monday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m.  Ticket prices range from $15-$50 and may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, on the phone at 1-800-745-3000, or in person at the Reliant Stadium box office located inside Budweiser Plaza.  A limited number of seats at the $30 value will be made available for $20 to groups of ten or more who purchase by phone at 281-367-9717.

The 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship will feature a showdown with division leaders from the East and West at Reliant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1:00 p.m. and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.  Immediately following the championship football game, all ten of the conference's member institutions will participate in the Battle of the Bands.  Admission to see the band performances is included with the purchase of a game ticket.   Additional information may be found on the football championship's official website at www.swacfootball.org. 

Additional events around the football championship weekend will kick off with the SWAC Hall of Fame Reception on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Westin Galleria Hotel.  In addition, SWAC will host official parties on Friday and Saturday night featuring top hip-hop talent and entertainers.  A full schedule of events will be available this fall.

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The 2014 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament will launch ticket sales to the general public on Nov. 8 in conjunction with the start of the college basketball season.  The tournament will run March 11-15 at Toyota Center and feature both men's and women's teams from member institutions.  Individuals interested in presale opportunities may receive more information by becoming a Toyota Center Insider at www.houstontoyotacenter.com.

With the move to Houston, the SWAC becomes the first conference in HBCU history to play both its football and basketball championships in professional facilities in the same city.  According to the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority's grant application to the State of Texas, over $25 million will be brought into the City of Houston from both events over the next three years.

"I would like to thank the City of Houston, Harris County, Reliant Stadium and Toyota Center for their warm welcome of the Toyota SWAC Football and Basketball Championships," SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said.  "The opportunity to play in professional venues fall in line with our mission of enhancing the championship experience for both our student athletes and our fans.  Now our next order of business is getting everyone to Houston to be a part of SWAC history."

Southwestern Athletic Conference

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), established in 1920, is a college athletic conference headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., which is comprised of historically black universities in the Southern United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for its 18 sports (8 - men, 10 - women) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

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COURTESY SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SWAC) MEDIA RELATIONS

Alabama State Home Opener To Be Televised Live on CSS; 11 of 12 Games Set for TV or Web

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  The Alabama State University football home opener in the New ASU Stadium against Jacksonville State will be televised live on Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS), the network announced today.

The game time will remain at 5 p.m. on August 31 in the season opener for both teams.

CSS is a regional sports cable network, broadcasting in 12 states in the southeastern United States in more than 5.5 million homes.

"Big game on a big station," said Alabama State head football coach Reggie Barlow of the home opener in the inaugural season at New ASU Stadium being televised live. "It's very exciting for our program and our University. It's always a blessing when we have the opportunity to tell our story on live television."

For the second consecutive season, all Alabama State football home games will be shown either on television or online.  HornetVision, the online channel for Alabama State Athletics, will provide a live free video stream of four home games this season. The 90^th Turkey Day Classic will be televised live on ESPNU.

Currently, Alabama State will have 11 football games televised and/or webstreamed live this season. The November 3^rd game at Kentucky will be televised live, with the network and kickoff time TBA. The Hornets' October 5 game at Texas Southern will be televised live in the Houston area, with a replay on Comcast Sports Net the following Tuesday to subscribers in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

WVAS 90.7 FM, the Voice of Alabama State University, will again have live radio broadcasts of all Alabama State football games this season.

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OPPONENT / DATE	GAME TIME	BROADCAST TIME / NETWORK
Aug. 31 vs. Jacksonville St.	5 p.m.	Live on CSS – Comcast Sports Southeast
Sept. 7 at Jackson St.	5 p.m.	Live online at ESPN3.com / tape delay ESPNU at 9:30 CT
Sept. 14 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff	4 p.m.	Live online at ESPN3.com / tape delay ESPNU at 9:30 CT
Sept. 21 vs. Grambling St.	5 p.m.	Live online - HornetVision (bamastatesports.com/showcase)
Sept. 28 vs. Alcorn St.	5 p.m.	Live online - HornetVision (bamastatesports.com/showcase)
Oct. 5 at Texas Southern	6 p.m.	Live on KHOU – TV 11.2 (Houston)/ tape delay CSN 10/8 at Noon
Oct. 12 vs. Prairie View	1 p.m.	Live online - HornetVision (bamastatesports.com/showcase)
Oct. 26 vs. Alabama A&M (72nd State Farm Magic City Classic	2:30 p.m.	Live online at ESPN3.com / tape delay ESPNU at 9:30 CT
Nov. 2 at Kentucky	TBA	TBA
Nov. 9 vs. Southern	1 p.m.	Live online - HornetVision (bamastatesports.com/showcase)
Nov. 28 vs. Stillman (90th Turkey Day Classic)	3 p.m.	Live on ESPNU

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State University Athletic Highlights of the 2012-13 Seasons

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Some of the best sights, sounds and images of the 2012-13 Alabama State Athletics season.



COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS

Alabama State Hornets Hold Final Scrimmage

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Alabama State University held their third and final scrimmage of preseason camp and the coaching started the day introducing the players to game day activities.

"It was an opportunity to come into our stadium and get another practice in," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. "We went through a lot of game day type activities like how we come out. We needed to get that done."

The Hornets did go through a 90 minutes of heavy work their offense, defense and special teams.

"We wanted to run some more of our offense, defense and special teams," Barlow added. "We are also trying to find those 53 guys that are going to be heavy contributors for us and for the most part we have done that. There are still a couple of spots out there we are trying to sort out by game time."

The Hornets ended the practice working on their conditioning as the Hornets are continually looking to improve their conditioning as the first few games of the season will be played in the late summer heat.

"We need our big skill guys to perform a little faster," Barlow added. "I didn't get the energy and effort we wanted from them today, but we will improve by game time."

The Hornets will take Sunday off and get back on the field to begin game week Monday, Aug. 26 at 3 p.m.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Athletics Announces 2013 C.E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  The Winston-Salem State University C.E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame will welcome its 2013 class of inductees when eight individuals along with the 1977 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champion Rams football team will take their place among the WSSU greats. The individual inductees and the team will be inducted into a ceremony on Friday, November 8th at the Anderson Conference Center located in the McNeil Banquet Room in Winston-Salem, N.C. and will be honored at halftime of the Winston-Salem Football Classic, featuring the Winston-Salem State University Rams versus Fayetteville State University on Saturday, November 9th.

 

"To an athlete, being enshrined into your university's athletic hall of fame is reaching the mountaintop. There is no higher honor," WSSU Director of Athletics, William "Bill" Hayes said. "On behalf of the entire WSSU Department of Athletics, congratulations to all inductees for reaching this milestone."

 

"We enshrine these individuals amongst the elite past and present hall of famers as we move to enhance the vision and growth of our future student-athletes," said C.E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame Chair, Robert Weeks. "Let this greatness not be forgotten by our hall of famers, faculty, staff, students and friends of this great university. We must remember our financial commitment and physical support of the C.E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame."

The 2013 C.E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame Inductees:
Mr. Lesley Barley, Jr (Football) 
Class of 1997    

Les Barley earned NCAA DII Freshman All-American honors in 1986, and earned All-CIAA honors in 1988 and 1989, all while being named the Rams team captain.  He would go on to help guide the Rams to CIAA Championships in 1987 and ’88 before a successful professional career. He played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League before embarking on a 10 year career, playing for five different teams during his AFL career, which began in 1992 with the Charlotte Rage. He was part of the 1993 Tampa Bay Storm team that won Arena Bowl VII over the Detroit Drive, and also won a MVP award when his Storm faced Orlando in Frankfurt, Germany. Barley was named first team All-Arena FB/LB while playing with the Connecticut Coyotes in 1995 and named to the inaugural All-Ironman team and second team All-Arena as a FB/LB in 1998 while in his second stint with the Storm. He finished his career with the Grand Rapids Rampage in 2000 and the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2001. He garnered team MVP awards for the Connecticut Coyotes in 1995 and the Charlotte Rage in 1998.

 

Ms. Mose' Belton (Meritorious Service)                              
Class of 1972    

 

An insurance agent by trade, Belton is a contributor to WSSU, and in 2009 was chosen as Ms. Alumni for Winston-Salem State. She is a member of the WSSU Local Alumni Association (Kimberley Park Chapter) and has served on WSSU Board of Visitors.

 

Mr. Billy R. Diggs (Football/Basketball)                
Class of 1979    

 

Billy Diggs, an operator with Luxfer Gas Cylinders, was a four year letterman in both football and basketball during his tenure at Winston-Salem State. In 1977, Diggs pulled a rare double championship as he was a member of both the WSSU Rams football and basketball teams that were CIAA Champions.

 

In 1978, he was named All-CIAA as a wide receiver, as would go on to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. Diggs would go on to represent the WSSU Rams in the Black College All-Star Bowl Game, and was voted to the CIAA Sportswriters All-CIAA team.

 

Mr. Kelvin Farmer (Meritorious Service)             
Class of 1986    

 

Kelvin Farmer was a member of the 1982-1983 football team and has been associated with the University ever since. He is President and CEO of KE Farmer Enterprises, Inc, and is a life member of the NAACP.  Farmer is also a life member of the WSSU National Alumni Association, and has been on the WSSU Foundation Board since 2007.  He has also held the position of National Treasurer of the WSSU National Alumni Association (1994-1999).

 

Mr. Martin Hicks (Football)                       
Class of 2006    
Occupation: WS Fire Fighter/EMS/Search and Rescue

 

Martin Hicks was a 4-Year Letterman and 3-time All-CIAA running back for WSSU.  He was tabbed the 2005 CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, and finished his career as the #3 all-time rusher in WSSU history with 3,386 yards. He holds the WSSU all-time record for longest kickoff return of 97 yards vs NCCU in 2002. Hicks, is part of the record setting tandem that ranks as the only running backs from the same team to gain 1,000 yards in the same season. In the 2002 season, he was named All-CIAA as a kick returner, and in 2003 he was named to the Don Hansen’s All-South Region first team at running back. Hicks, is a Winston-Salem Fire Fighter, EMS and a member of the Search and Rescue team.

 

Mr. Ralph Jones (Basketball)
Class of 1973    

 

Ralph Jones was a member of the WSSU Basketball team under Coach “Big House” Gaines (1969-1972), where he averaged 14.2 points per game.  Jones, a retired New York City Department of Education worker, was a member of the CIAA Championship team in 1970, and was team captain on the 1971-72 Rams hoops team. He would go on to play in the Rucker Park League (amongst well known NBA players) and other city tournaments.

 

Mr. Steve Lindsay (Football/Meritorious Service)
Class of 1972

 

Steven Lindsay was a four year letterman and co-captain of the 1971 Southern Division Football Championship team. The retired public school teacher has spent his retirement years supporting various endeavors including the YMCA, the WSSU Athletics 1000 HORN$ Program, WSSU RAMS Varsity Club and the North Carolina Special Olympics.

 

1977 CIAA CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM
Head Coach – BILL HAYES

Asst. Coaches: Herman Moye, Otis Hawkins, Al Harvey, William Peay, James Price, Charles Bailey, Capt. Floyd Griffin, Ron Bray & Al Roseboro

All-CIAA Team Members: Cornelius Washington (DB), Robert Weeks (C), Kermit Blount (QB), Timmy Newsome (RB), Gary Railford (OT), James Winbush (DT)

 

The 1977 WSSU Rams football team was the first in the school’s history to produce a regular season undefeated team and to win the CIAA Football Championship.  This team produced six All-CIAA players and two NAIA All-American team members.  They also had two Pittsburg Courier All-American team members and four of the Rams’ players went on to play in the NFL.

 

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Football Seniors Honored at Luncheon

2013 Senior Football Players Kickoff Luncheon
CREDIT: SAM JORDAN/TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- On Friday morning, the Tennessee State athletic department held the 2013 senior football players Kickoff Luncheon.

Big Blue supporters, fans, coaches, cheerleaders and even members of the band met at the Maxwell House Hotel at 11 a.m. for a catered meal to honor the 17 member senior class.

The luncheon was hosted by George Plaster and TSU head coach Rod Reed, Director of Athletics Teresa Phillips and President Glenda Glover were on hand and each spoke about the student-athlete’s accomplishments. They also wished them luck as Big Blue starts its season on Sept. 1 against Bethune-Cookman in the John Merritt Classic.

The event was part of a busy weekend for the TSU football program, a weekend that started with the John Merritt Press Conference on Thursday and will continue with Fan Day tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the Indoor Football Facility.

The 2013 senior Tigers are Tim Broughton, Deshawn Byrd, Kadeem Edwards, Vernon Frett, Jamin Godfrey,Marquaveus Jackson, Troy Jones, Demetrius Rhaney, Wilson Robinson, Wesley Samuels, Gregory Barksdale, Holt Claiborne, Antonio Harper, Michael Murphy, Andrew Taylor, David Van Dyke and Devin Wilson.

The seniors and the rest of the Tigers will play a scrimmage at 4 p.m. on Saturday immediately following Fan Day.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Southern expecting new-look Houston offense

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- When the Southern defense takes the field for the opener against Houston on Aug. 30, there will be a feeling of uncertainty in what they will be facing.

The Cougars will open the season with a new offensive coordinator, a new starting running back and an on-going competition at quarterback that has yet to yield a starter for the opener.

Southern coach Dawson Odums said he is not anticipating anything unique out of the Cougars offense.

“They’re just going to do what they do,” Odums said. “I don’t think they’ll put together an elaborate game plan against us — just line up and go play football.”

Newly hired co-offensive coordinator Doug Meacham was brought in to run the offense this year, replacing Mike Nesbit who resigned after Houston fell to Texas State in an embarrassing 30-13 loss in last season’s opener. Texas State ranked 119th defensively last season in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Travis Bush took over last season as the interim coordinator and will work alongside Meacham. Bush will also serve as the Cougars running backs coach this year.

Meacham had served as Oklahoma State’s inside receivers coach and passing coordinator for the past eight seasons.

SU FOOTBALL 2013

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Recruit will commit to Alabama, Georgia ... or Southern?

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- In recent years, the Southern football team has been able to bring in some of the highest ranked prospects in the school’s history.

Sophomores Willie Quinn and Corey White and freshman Chuck Baker were all highly sought-after recruits (Quinn and Baker signed with the Jaguars out of high school; White transferred from LSU).
Southern hopes to add to that list with the possible addition of another — Ouachita Parish High School star Cameron Sims.

Sims, who will announce his college decision Saturday, is down to five schools: Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss and Southern.

The Jaguars are probably a long shot. But they at least have a shot.

247sports.com ranks Sims a four-star recruit and the No. 11 wide receiver prospect in the country.



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CIAA Football To Celebrate Division II 40th Anniversary During Coin Toss

HAMPTON, Virginia -- As part of a year-long celebration honoring student-athletes who have contributed to the growth and storied history of Division II Athletics, the coin toss will be conducted using a special NCAA 40th Anniversary coin. Each CIAA member institution will have one of these coins for use during its home games.

Earlier this year, three former CIAA student-athletes were selected to the 40th Anniversary Tribute Team. Barvenia Wooten-Cherry (Virginia Union women's basketball, 1980-83. Timmy Newsome (Winston-Salem State football, 1976-80) and Sheila Baxter (Virginia State women’s basketball, 1973-77) were recognized with 45 others as true representation of Division II’s commitment to providing its student-athletes a ‘Life in the Balance’ that extends beyond athletics.”

Division II gained its own unique intercollegiate athletics identity when Divisions I, II and III were formalized during a special NCAA Convention held in 1973. Prior to 1973, the NCAA was organized into two divisions - “University” and “College.”

The year-long 40th Anniversary celebration will feature several initiatives branded by Division II’s tradition, history and community influence. A special 40th Anniversary highlight video was unveiled to Division II membership during the 2013 NCAA Convention, officially kicking off the celebration.



COURTESY THE CENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (CIAA)

Embattled big man Aaric Murray picks Texas Southern

Aaric Murray #24 Transfers to Texas Southern.
The 6'-10" 249lbs Center is from Philadephia, Pennsylvania.

HOUSTON, Texas -- Former West Virginia big man Aaric Murray will join the Texas Southern University basketball program, his third school, Tigers coach Mike Davis revealed to USA TODAY Sports Thursday.

Murray, who graduated last spring and is immediately eligible for the Tigers in 2013-14, was dismissed from the West Virginia team in July. He was arrested in December 2011 and charged with marijuana possession while sitting out as a transfer from La Salle and he was also suspended in 2012 by WVU coach Bob Huggins for a disciplinary violation.

"Aaric Murray will be a big addition to our team and he will give us a chance to compete at the highest level of the SWAC," said Davis, the former Indiana coach who took over a Texas Southern team hit hard by the NCAA for lying about imposing sanctions among other violations. The Tigers went 16-2 in conference play but were barred from the postseason.

Murray, in a statement to USA TODAY Sports, said, "First, I want to thank my mom, family and team for all of their support. "I am very fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to ...

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Well-traveled center Aaric Murray to play at Texas Southern

Aaric Murray

HOUSTON, Texas -- Before the 2012-13 season began there were high expectations for then-West Virginia center Aaric Murray. Murray was coming off of a season away from game action after transferring in from La Salle, and the expectation was that the talented forward would help the Mountaineers successfully handle the switch from the Big East to the Big 12.

Unfortunately things didn’t work out that way as both Murray and the program at large struggled throughout the season. Murray averaged 8.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while also dealing with nagging disciplinary issues. Ultimately he was dismissed from the program, and with a college degree in tow the 6-10 Murray began looking for a school where he could play his final season.

He’s found a new home, as according to Dan Wolken of USA Today Murray has joined Mike Davis’ program at Texas Southern. Murray joins a program that missed out on postseason play last year due to low APR numbers, but it should be noted that the Tigers were the best team in the SWAC (16-2; 17-14 overall). With the loss of two of their top three scorers (Omar Strong and Fred Sturdivant), Texas Southern can use the talent to go along with fifth-year seniors Ray Penn and Lawrence Johnson-Danner.

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TU's Dimitri Patterson understands shaky nature of NFL job

DAVIE, Florida  -- Dimitri Patterson has been in the NFL seven years, long enough to know that nobody’s job is truly secure, not even the guy whose name is atop the training camp depth chart.

So, he was not entirely surprised to learn Tuesday night that the Dolphins released cornerback Richard Marshall, elevating Patterson to starting cornerback opposite free agent acquisition Brent Grimes. He felt bad for Marshall, knowing how much work he put in following last season’s back injury, but he plans to make the most of the opportunity as he has since he entered the league in 2005 as an undrafted free agent out of Tuskegee University.

“There so much I’ve seen in this league, nothing surprises me,” Patterson said after practice Wednesday. “I’ve seen guys all over this league, quality, well-respected good players that leave teams, get released, whatever. Richard’s not the first, and he won’t be the last. That’s the nature of this business.

Telling someone they can no longer be with you when they dreamed of this since Pee Wee and college, I don’t know how nicely you can say that. Write them a postcard? I don’t know. … It’s brutal.

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Livingstone Blue Bears to Hold Football Scrimmage

SALISBURY, North Carolina  -- The Livingstone College football team will hold a scrimmage on Saturday, August 24 at 9:00 a.m. The scrimmage will take place at Alumni Memorial Stadium on campus. It will be free and open to the public.

The Blue Bears enter the 2013 season at the number 11 spot in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Livingstone will kick-off their season with a home opener against the 7th pick Johnson C. Smith University, as they go head-to-head in the Commemorative Classic on September 7.

With only one All-CIAA preseason selection, linebacker Kenneth White, Jr., (Jr, Southport, NC) the Blue Bears are looking to play “alignment and assignment” football according to interim Head Coach Daryl Williams.

Coming off a 2-8 record last season, with Drew Powell being named the CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, Kenneth White being named to the All-CIAA first team and Tyheim Pitt being named to the All-CIAA second team, the Blue Bears will also be looking to play more fundamentally sound.


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COURTESY LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS