Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Hampton Pirates Sailing Finishes Third in the Webb Open

Courtesy Hampton University Athletics
NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia The Hampton University sailing team finished third in The Webb Open hosted by Christopher Newport University on Saturday and Sunday.

The Pirates finished with 102 points.

Christopher Newport's blue squad won the team title with 76 points.

Saturday saw beautiful and windy, but cold, conditions. Veronica Maccari and Ramatoulie Sallah raced in the A Division on Saturday, with Kimannee Simon and Joshua Williams sailing in the B Division.

The Pirates tallied 37 points in the A Division, second only to CNU, winning seven races and recording five second-place finishes. Hampton also had 65 points in the B Division, recording two race wins and a second-place finish.

The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday and Sunday, when they head to Norfolk, Va. for the War Memorial. For more information on Hampton University sailing, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PIRATES SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Women's Basketball Media Day Press Conference

DURHAM, North Carolina  -- North Carolina Central University head women's basketball coach Vanessa Taylor along with Jessica Freeman (Charlotte, N.C.) and Khyra Conerly (Oakland, Calif.) talk with the local media at their Media Day Preseason Press Conference. The Lady Eagles tip off the 2013-14 season with an exhibition contest against Livingstone on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 6:00 p.m. in McDougald-McLendon Gym.



COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

No price increase on tickets at 2013-14 XU home games


NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana will play its first basketball games this week, and the top price for a ticket to a home game remains $10.

Dannton Jackson, XU's interim athletics director and in his 11th season as coach of the Gold Rush, announced the pricing Tuesday.

The XU men will begin their season at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Carver College of Atlanta. It will be Xavier's second season in the Convocation Center, a $25 million facility which seats nearly 4,000 for basketball.

Adult tickets will cost $10. Xavier will offer free admission to:
    
• Students with a valid XU ID.
    
• XU faculty and staff.
    
• Children age 12 and younger.

• Coaches with a valid LHSAA/LHSCA membership card.

• School teams, which must contact Xavier at least 24 hours before a game. Schools may contact Jackson at (504) 520-5448 to reserve seating at men's games and coach Bo Browder at (504) 520-7333 for seating at women's games.

The Convocation Center will open one hour before all home games.

The XU women will open Saturday on the road -- a neutral-site game at 6 p.m. against Langston in Grand Prairie, Texas -- and play their first home game at 4 p.m. on Nov. 9 against Spring Hill.

Starting times for the Crosstown Classic doubleheader against Dillard on Jan. 25 have been pushed back two hours to 5 p.m. (women) and 7 p.m. (men).

Both XU teams won Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championships and qualified for NAIA national tournaments in 2012-13. The women finished 24-6, and the men were 24-8.

The 2013-14 home schedule (15 men's games, 11 women's games, plus two non-XU tournament games):

Nov. 1 (Fri.) -- men vs. Carver, 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 (Sat.) -- men vs. Albany State, 2 p.m.; women vs. Spring Hill, 4 p.m.

Nov. 14 (Thu.) -- men vs. Wiley, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 (Tue.) -- men vs. Loyola, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 (Sat.) -- women vs. Texas College, noon; men vs. Texas College, 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 (Tue.) -- men vs. William Carey, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 (Thu.) -- women vs. William Carey, 5:30 p.m.; men vs. Mobile, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 30 (Mon.) -- women vs. Mobile, 7 p.m. (Faulkner vs. LSU-Shreveport, 5 p.m.)

Dec. 31 (Tue.) -- women vs. Faulkner, 5 p.m. (Mobile vs. LSU-Shreveport, 3 p.m.)

Jan. 11 (Sat.) -- women vs. SUNO, 3 p.m.; men vs. SUNO, 5 p.m.

Jan. 13 (Mon.) -- men vs. Spring Hill, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 (Sat.) -- women vs. Edward Waters, 3 p.m.; men vs. Edward Waters, 5 p.m.

Jan. 20 (Mon.) -- women vs. Talladega, 5:30 p.m.; men vs. Talladega, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 (Sat.) -- women vs. Dillard, 5 p.m.; men vs. Dillard, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 (Tue.) -- men vs. Belhaven, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 (Mon.) -- women vs. Philander Smith, 5:30 p.m.; men vs. Philander Smith, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 (Sat.) -- women vs. Tougaloo, 3 p.m.; men vs. Tougaloo, 5 p.m.

March 6-9 (Thu.-Sun.) -- Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament in New Orleans, including games at XU’s Convocation Center.

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

XU Rush ranked 19th in preseason, open at home Friday

NEW ORLEANS -- It's a familiar spot for Xavier University of Louisiana in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll. The Gold Rush are 19th for the second straight year and in the preseason top 25 for the fourth consecutive season.

Coach Dannton Jackson's Gold Rush are in the top 25 for the 25th consecutive time dating to December 2011. Only Oklahoma Baptist and Lindsey Wilson have a longer active poll streak than Xavier. The Rush have appeared in the top 25 in 38 of the last 39 polls.

Xavier -- 24-8 in 2012-13 and seeking a third consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship and fourth consecutive berth in the national tournament -- will open its season at 7 p.m. Friday at the Convocation Center against Carver College of Atlanta. The second game will be the Gold Rush's only exhibition, 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at LSU. This is Jackson's 11th season as head coach.

Defending champion Georgetown (Ky.) Is No. 1, followed by LSU-Shreveport and Oklahoma Baptist in a tie for second.

Xavier was one of two GCAC teams to receive votes. SUNO was tied for 29th with 22 points.

The first regular-season poll will be announced Dec. 10. William Carey, which is tied for 10th, will visit Xavier in a 7 p.m. game Dec. 3.

The preseason top 25:

1. Georgetown (Ky.)
2. (tie) LSU-Shreveport
2. (tie) Oklahoma Baptist
4. Columbia (Mo.)
5. Southwestern Assemblies of God
6. Concordia (Calif.)
7. Pikeville
8. Montana Western
9. Evangel
10. (tie) Lindsey Wilson
10. (tie) William Carey
12. Cal State San Marcos
13. Faulkner
14. John Brown
15. MidAmerica Nazarene
16. Arizona Christian
17. Rocky Mountain
18. Culver-Stockton
19. Xavier
20. Emmanuel (Ga.)
21. Park
22. Martin Methodist
23. Life
24. (tie) Our Lady of the Lake
25. (tie) Montana State Northern

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

NCCU has eyes on ultimate prize: MEAC Tournament title

DURHAM, North Carolina   — N.C. Central stacked up 22 wins last season — the most for the team since its head coach was a freshman guard with the Eagles during the 1992-93 season.

NCCU lost a total of nine games last season, and the Eagles were 15-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference during the regular season.

But when it came time for the Eagles to pick up their tickets for the Big Dance, rival N.C. A&T cut in on them at the MEAC Tournament.



The MEAC team that wins the league tournament is the only squad from the conference that gets an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. And last year, that team was A&T.

In other words, NCCU accomplished a lot without really doing anything, NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said during NCCU’s media day Tuesday.

“Our league is pretty much defined by a title or bust, with it being 13 teams,” Moton said. “I always use the analogy of 13 dogs chasing one bone. And, unfortunately, whoever wins the tournament, you have 12 sad puppies going home, and that taste has to remain in your mouth for a complete year.”

CONTINUE READING

Stoops says ASU has earned Wildcats' respect



LEXINGTON, Kentucky -- The statistics don’t paint a pretty picture. And that’s why Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said his team can’t afford to overlook Alabama State when the Hornets visit Commonwealth Stadium for the first time this weekend.

“I wouldn’t think our players would feel overconfident about anybody we’re playing,” Stoops said in his weekly news conference on Monday afternoon. “We’ve taken the approach (that) we’re worried about ourselves. I can see our players doing that. I think we’re trying to get better as a program. They (Alabama State) should be feeling good about themselves. They’ve won six games in a row.”

The two teams step out of conference play for a rare meeting between the Football Championship Subdivision Hornets and a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. This will mark only the fourth time in program history Alabama State has faced an FBS program: 2006 against Troy (0-38), 2008 against UAB (10-45) and 2011 against Eastern Michigan (7-14). But this is the best ASU team of the four.

“A lot of people may see us as an underdog, but it’s a chance for us to go up there and show what we’ve got,” ASU quarterback Daniel Duhart said. “We’re not going to back down at all. Hopefully, we can go up there and make it a game and get a win.”

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The Editor, Dwight Floyd: Made for TV Hatred

Dwight Floyd
Special Commentary
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- There always has to be a pro and a con, a good guy and a bad guy. Professional wrestling makes good use of that using all sorts of stereotypes to draw fans to its doors. We see it every Sunday in professional football and again in professional basketball where, according to ESPN, Lebron James hates Jalen Rose and the Chicago Bulls, and vice versa. Do these guys, a bunch of potential millionaires, really hate each other? What does this mean off the court?

Before I go any further let us talk rivalries. University of Auburn fans really hate University of Alabama fans. Florida State University fans, the “real fans,” cannot tolerate a Gator. As for me, Bethune Cookman College, excuse me, University, is my rival school. As a FAMU Rattler I hate to lose to the Wildcats in anything, even marbles! They are on a roll right now when it comes to football and the band, but they better watch out or they might get snake bitten. Now does that sound like hate?

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Ram Ramblings: D-II regional rankings are out and WSSU is fourth

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Somebody asked me earlier today about the NCAA Division II regional rankings and how it all works. My standard answer has been nobody really knows how it works. The rankings just kind of appear and those rankings ultimately decide who is in the 24-team Division II playoffs.

I’ve tried calling those secret NCAA types who are good for at least one thing – not calling you back. The last two years as Winston-Salem State has been a main player in D-II I’ve tried countless times to talk with NCAA officials about the rankings and other questions regarding Division II football. But leaving phone messages doesn’t do any good because I’ve yet to get a call back.

I have gotten in touch with Coach Waverly Tillar of Elizabeth City State, who sits on the Super Region One coaches committee. He’s filled me in about certain aspects of the rankings and has been helpful.

As it stands now WSSU (7-1) is fourth in their region behind three unbeaten schools West Chester (8-0), Shepherd (7-0) and Bloomsburg (8-0).

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SU Jaguars staying focused during short week

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern quarterback Dray Joseph walked slowly to midfield from the Jaguars’ sideline and shook the hands of Alcorn State players, congratulating them on their 44-38 overtime victory Saturday night inside A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Joseph took one last look at the scoreboard in the south end zone of the stadium, put his helmet on and made his final trek toward the north end zone and into the Jaguar locker room.

There, he was greeted by linebacker Daniel Brown, who had one message for Joseph and the rest of the Jaguars: Southern is still in position to win the Western Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

“It’s a great thing to come into the locker room and hear Daniel Brown telling everyone not to worry about this loss — that we’re going to be in the championship anyway,” Joseph said. “It’s a great thing when you have guys that are always preaching positivity.”

On Saturday, Southern ran short of the magic that led it to overtime victories in previous home contests against Prairie View and Alabama A&M.

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Lincoln Football to Join Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2014

Blue Tigers Join GLVC As An Associate Member; Remain In The MIAA In All Other Sports

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., KANSAS CITY, Mo. & INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Lincoln football team will join the Great Lakes Valley Conference as an associate member beginning with the 2014 season. The GLVC and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association made a joint announcement confirming the announcement on Wednesday (Oct. 2).

The MIAA and the GLVC, both NCAA Division II conferences, have entered into a Strategic Conference Football Scheduling Alliance (SCFSA) that will allow both Lincoln University and Southwest Baptist University to join the GLVC as associate football-only members. Both schools remain full, active members of the MIAA and will continue to compete in that league in every other sport.

The SCFSA will allow Lincoln more scheduling flexibility for the future and provides several benefits to both conferences. With the MIAA moving to a full conference-only schedule, Lincoln was limited in its opportunities to schedule non-conference opponents such as Grambling State, whom the Blue Tigers defeated in Kansas City, Mo., 47-34, on Sept. 14. The move to the GLVC gives Lincoln a greater ability to schedule more contests similar to The Missouri Classic as well as the chance to renew rivalries with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

With Lincoln University and Southwest Baptist University, which had also expressed an interest to schedule more non-league games, both moving to the GLVC in football, the MIAA is left with 12 football-playing members and can now create an 11-week schedule that allows all schools to play each other, allowing the league to crown a true conference champion. The SCFSA also allows the GLVC to continue to grow and stabilize its football membership while addressing challenges its membership had faced regarding scheduling non-conference contests.

"I am excited about this strategic alliance and believe it is a benefit to all MIAA institutions," MIAA Commissioner Bob Boerigter said. "Grant Teaff (Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association) has encouraged Division II conferences to work together to help grow and sustain Division II football. GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich and I believe that this will help meet football scheduling challenges in both conferences."

Naumovich agrees with his MIAA counterpart regarding this mutually beneficial arrangement.

"Since beginning our sponsorship of football in 2012, our coaches and administrators have advocated for an increase in conference games, which then enables our schools to be both flexible and selective when it comes to non-conference scheduling," Naumovich said. "The Strategic Conference Football Scheduling Alliance not only meets our needs, but the addition of Lincoln and Southwest Baptist also gives us two programs located within the conference footprint that have been common opponents, and in some cases, rivals, to our current football schools. We are thrilled to embark on this unique venture with Commissioner Boerigter and the MIAA."

Besides Southwest Baptist, Lincoln will have the opportunity to play two other former MIAA members in Missouri S&T and Truman State. Additionally, this move will reduce Lincoln's travel costs, with six opponents - Southwest Baptist (Bolivar, Mo.), Truman State (Kirksville, Mo.), Missouri S&T (Rolla, Mo.), William Jewell (Liberty, Mo.), Quincy (Quincy, Ill.) and McKendree (Lebanon, Ill.) - all located within a three-hour drive of Jefferson City, Mo.

The SCFSA came about through discussions started by the presidents of Lincoln University and Southwest Baptist University. New LU president Dr. Kevin D. Rome was instrumental in starting the SCFSA and is very pleased with this inter-league arrangement.

"I am very excited about this move," Rome said. "I appreciate the MIAA and GLVC for both recognizing the unique situation of Lincoln University and jointly finding a solution."

Lincoln Athletic Director Betty Kemna is also excited about the scheduling opportunities that will arise due to the SCFSA.

"Our alliance with the Great Lakes Valley Conference allows our football program to play similar size schools within the footprint of our institution," Lincoln Athletic Director Betty Kemna said. "As a Historically Black College or University, it was our desire to have the opportunity to play other HBCU institutions that share our same mission. This alliance will enable us to schedule a few non-conference games within our schedule and it allows us to renew former rivalries with other HBCU's and still play for a conference championship."

In addition to the schools mentioned above, other current GLVC football programs include Saint Joseph's (Rennselaer, Ind.), Indianapolis (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Kentucky Wesleyan (Owensboro, Ky.). Lincoln head football coach Mike Jones is excited to compete against these new programs.

"This move is a great opportunity for Lincoln football," Jones said. "The Great Lakes Valley Conference is an excellent league, and I am very excited about the move."

The MIAA is expected to release its 2014 schedule by week's end, while the GLVC will announce its new-look schedule at a later date.

For more information about Lincoln football, visit www.LUBlueTigers.com of follow the program on Twitter at @GoBlueTigers. For more on the MIAA, log onto www.TheMIAA.com or find the league on Twitter at @TheMIAA. For more on the GLVC, follow the league online at www.GLVCSports.com or via Twitter at @GLVCSports.

By Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Back-To-Back: FAMU Lady Rattler Cross Country Repeats

Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information
2013 MEAC Women's Cross Country Champions
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland (Oct.26) -- Head coach Darlene Moore was a little anxious going into this year's MEAC Cross Country Championship, but her team responded, giving the Lady Rattlers back-to-back MEAC titles. The Lady Rattlers had three runners to finish in the top fifteen, powering the team to a victory over the second place Morgan State Lady Bears.
 
Effiey Kosgei, led the Lady Rattlers taking second place overall just .8 seconds behind Morgan's Ashley Seymour. Kosgei finished in 18.10.80 to earn All-MEAC. QuanDra Shanks took third place at 18:27.90 and Cynthia Chelelgo took eighth place in 18:45.80, both eaning All-MEAC honors.
 
Zenia George took 18th place in 19:31.80. She was followed by Chandelic Jackson who took 21st place in 19:36.40. These scores constituted the first five to cross for the tournament, giving the Lady Rattlers 52 points and another MEAC championship.
 
Rounding out the FAMU squad was Phyllis Cheruiyot (25th place, 19:57.50) and Ciera Williams (45th place, 20:58.80).
 
Moore was pleased to repeat as champions.  "They say it's harder to repeat than win the first one. I think it has to do with the pressure placed on a champion. I am proud of my young ladies for responding to the challenge. The MEAC is getting stronger all around us in cross country, so we have to continue to improve, and I thought our team did very well to run their race today. We are happy to bring this trophy back to campus for all our school to enjoy. I stress to our runners that when we compete, we are ambassadors for the university and we take it very seriously. This outcome represents what is expected of us when we put on that orange and green," Moore concluded.
 
Moore was named the MEAC Oustanding Women's Coach for the second consecutive time and this win represents her 14th championship title as a women's cross country and track and field coach.
 
 
2013 MEAC Women’s Results
1. Florida A&M 52 points
2. Morgan State 57 points
3. Hampton 73 points
4. Norfolk State 84 points
5. Maryland Eastern Shore 163 points
6. South Carolina State 174 points
7. North Carolina Central 207 points
8. North Carolina A&T 214 points
9. Delaware State 228 points
10. Bethune-Cookman 232 points
11. Coppin State 284 points
12. Savannah State 312 points
 
2013 MEAC Women’s All-Conference Team (Top-15 finishers)
1. Ashley Seymour, Morgan State
2. Effiey Kosgei, Florida A&M
3. QuanDra Shanks, Florida A&M
4. Nichelle Harris, Hampton
5. Nynneya Columbus, Morgan State
6. Adugna Desalegn, Norfolk State
7. Rachel Webb, Norfolk State
8. Cynthia Chelelgo, Florida A&M
9. Ishakeema Swain, Morgan State
10. Amber Brooks, North Carolina Central
11. Devyn Thompson, Hampton
12. Faith Summy, Norfolk State
13. Kali Kendall, Morgan State
14. Janessa Benn, North Carolina A&T
15. Ce’Aira Brown, Hampton

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

GSU players and coaches stand united



GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Nearly the entire Grambling coaching staff — all five of them — stood together at Monday’s weekly coaches press conference.

The 15 or so minutes are normally used for Grambling’s head coach — in this case interim coach Dennis Winston — to recap the last game and preview the upcoming contest.

However, Monday was different. Winston sat in his usual spot in a chair in front of Grambling’s black and yellow backdrop. Behind him were offensive coordinator Vyron Brown, offensive line coach Ben Wilkerson, wide receivers coach Sammy White and part-time assistant coach Kalvin Pearson.

Winston was the only one to speak as the four men dressed in Grambling attire stood stationary with their hands crossed, signifying their support.

“What we want to do as a staff is we want everyone to know we are ...

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Ram Ramblings: WSSU Basketball team gearing up for Big House Gaines Tip-Off Classic

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- When a football team is as successful as the 15th-ranked Winston-Salem State Rams have been basketball can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

Coach Bobby Collins and the new-look Rams are quietly going through practices in preparation for what should be another good season. With 12 new players the Rams won’t look the same but it’s a good bet they will contend for the CIAA’s Southern Division title and make a run to their fourth straight NCAA tournament.

Another difference this season is the Rams schedule. They usually have opened up on the road in a tournament but this season they will open at home with the Big House Gaines Tip-Off Classic at the Gaines Center.

It’s not only a celebration of the late Gaines, the legendary former basketball coach and athletics director at WSSU, it’s a showcase for this year’s team.

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Nuggets ranked 15th in NAIA preseason coaches poll

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana was 15th in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll announced Tuesday.

The Gold Nuggets, 24-6 in 2012-13, are in the top 25 for the 45th consecutive time dating to January 2010. It's the second consecutive year -- a first in the Bo Browder coaching era -- that the Nuggets are in the preseason top 15.

Xavier will open its season at 6 p.m. Saturday against Langston in Grand Prairie, Texas. The neutral-site game will be played at South Grand Prairie High School's Warrior Coliseum. The Gold Nuggets' second game will be their home opener, against Spring Hill at 4 p.m. on Nov. 9. This is Browder's 15th season as head coach.

Vanguard is No. 1, followed by Oklahoma City  and defending champion Westmont. Four teams received first-place votes.

Xavier was one of three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams to receive votes. Talladega was 29th with 29 points, and SUNO was 33rd with five points.

The first regular-season poll will be announced Dec. 10. Oklahoma City, No. 17 Our Lady of the Lake and No. 25 LSU-Shreveport will play Xavier before that next ranking.

The preseason top 25:

1. Vanguard
2. Oklahoma City
3. Westmont
4. Georgetown (Ky.)
5. Westminster (Utah)
6. Freed-Hardeman
7. Cumberland
8. MidAmerica Nazarene
9. Campbellsville
10. The Master's
11. Shawnee State
12. Benedictine (Kan.)
13. Columbia (Mo.)
14. Faulkner
15. Xavier
16. Bethel (Tenn.)
17. Our Lady of the Lake
18. Carroll (Mont.)
19. William Woods
20. Southern Poly
21. Cumberlands
22. Wiley
23. Oklahoma Baptist
24. Lyon
25. LSU-Shreveport

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

Alabama A&M preparing for road game with Alcorn State

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Here's this week's "Mondays with Anthony," all you need to know and more about Alabama A&M football:

This week: Alabama A&M (2-6, 2-4 in the SWAC) at Alcorn State (7-2, 5-1), 4 p.m., Jack Spinks Stadium, Lorman, Miss.

Last week: The Bulldogs lost to Alabama State 31-7 in the 72nd annual Magic City Classic.

Saturday's standouts: Robert Nelson had eight tackles and Reginald Bailey seven for an A&M defense that held Alabama State to just 14 points in the first three periods before fatigue and frustration set in.



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Notes from Rick Comegy’s telepresser and more

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Every Monday, the SWAC holds a telepresser, allowing the coaches to talk about plans for the week and the media to ask followup questions.

One of the topics Jackson State coach Rick Comegy briefly touched upon, which I agree with, is improving in open-field tackling. Prairie View broke through a number of JSU tackles, and its quarterback De’Auntre Smiley was able to escape and do some damage on the run. JSU’s defense gave up a whopping 585 offensive yards, 408 which were passing.

“We got to get a little better in open-field tackling … when we got somebody wrapped up and letting them get out of there on a pocket,” Comegy said.

That’s an area Comegy said his team will polish this week. JSU has its “second” bye week, which seems to be well-timed because the Tigers haven’t had a break since fall camp in August.

•JSU’s “second” bye week perfectly timed

“This is our first break really,” Comegy said. “Last week was only a one-day break. We got right back to work. Now this gives us a little bit of a break.”

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Homecoming 2013: Southern University Human Jukebox vs. Alcorn State Sounds of Dy-no-mite













WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

TSU's Williams Speaks at Coaches Versus Cancer Luncheon

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- On Tuesday, Tennessee State’s Travis Williams joined other local men’s basketball head coaches for the Third Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Tip-Off Luncheon held at the Vanderbilt Student Life Center.
 
The event was presented by Northwestern Mutual, The Pruitt Financial Group and ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the coaches answering questions during the last hour. Williams was joined onstage by Lipscomb’s Casey Alexander, Belmont’s Rick Byrd, Middle Tennessee’s Kermit Davis, Austin Peay’s Dave Loos, Vanderbilt’s Kevin Stallings and Tennessee’s Cuonzo Martin.
 
Among the topics covered by the coaches were the early season outlooks on their respective programs to which Williams said:
 
“We have a lot of new guys on this year’s team, but they have done everything that the coaches have asked of them so far. All of our players are giving maximum effort, listening to the coaches and working hard in the gym and classroom.”
 
The topic of the new NCAA rules and regulations were brought up as well as the news that former Tennessee State forward Robert Covington had made the Houston Rockets’ final roster.
 
“When you look at Robert Covington, you see a phenomenal young man who worked his way from a six-foot-seven, 175 pound guy that no big school wanted, into an NBA Player. He epitomizes what it means to have a dream, work hard and be successful.”
 
The event ended with questions from the audience and the announcement of the winners of the silent auction.
 
The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.
 
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Back-To-Back: Florida A&M Rattler Cross Country Repeats

Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information
Rattlers repeat as MEAC Cross Country Champions
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland (Oct.26) – The Rattler Cross Country team, riding it's No.9 ranking by the USTFCCCA, took to the MEAC Championship with a mission. Their mission was to dominate, much in the fashion they have done all season. In the end, the team took the top four positions to run away with the 2013 MEAC Cross Country Championship, repeating the feat they accomplished in 2012. Head coach Wayne Angel assembled a more talented team overal than last season, resulting in the hoarding of the top spots.

Elias Chesire, the junior runner from Eldoret, Kenya, led the charge, winning first place in 25:04.00 in the 8K race. This earned him back-to-back MEAC Cross Country Outstanding Athlete and All-MEAC awards. This is also on the heels of Chesire being named the USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week.

Daniel Cheruiyot placed second for the Rattlers, coming in in 25:17.10. He was followed by teammates Kevin Marindich 25:27.90 and Geoffrey Sambu at 25:28.00. This combination represented four athletes with a combined perfect score of 10 points. Robyel Kidane took the No.20 slot in 27:14.20 to seal the voctory for the Rattlers. Dieumy Duclos took the No.22 spot in 27:21.50.

The 30 point total was over half as few as second place Howard University's 68, who took second place. The Rattlers didn't overlook the MEAC Championship, but focused on making the best finish possible. Coach Wayne Angel was named the meet's Most Outstanding Coach, for the second consecutive year. Chesire, Cheruiyot, Sambu and Marindich all earned All-MEAC for their finishes in the race.

Angel was pleased with the overall championship performance. "Our team had an outstanding meet. We had the goal of taking the 1-2-3-4 sweep, which I thought we were capable of if we ran our race. The reality of it happening is something to behold. I was really pleased with how our Rattlers executed our strategy. They stayed on our race plan and the results reveal that they are a formidable force when they do that. Words can not express how proud I am of these young men. Back-to-back champions...what more could you ask?"

Angel was named the MEAC Outstanding Cross Country coach for the second consecutive time.

   Men's 8K Final - 2013 MEAC Championship

2013 MEAC Men’s Results
Florida A&M 30 points
Howard 68 points
North Carolina A&T 80 points
Norfolk State 94 points
Maryland Eastern Shore 138 points
Bethune-Cookman 195 points
Morgan State 203 points
Delaware State 204 points
Hampton 213 points
Coppin State 267 points
North Carolina Central 284 points
Savannah State 294 points
South Carolina State 329 points

2013 MEAC Men’s Cross Country All-Conference Team (Top 15 finishers)
Elias Chesire, Florida A&M
Daniel Cheruiyot, Florida A&M
Kevin Marindich, Florida A&M
Geoffrey Sambu, Florida A&M
Elisha Metto, Howard
Khalil Kinini Rmidi, Maryland Eastern Shore
Damtew Adnew, Norfolk State
Sammy Kiptoo, Norfolk State
Giovani Mowatt, Howard
Daniel Ketter, Bethune-Cookman
Saeed Jones, North Carolina A&T
Aaron Harrison, Howard
Ricy Brown, Bethune-Cookman
Darren White, North Carolina A&T
Lenier Tucker, Morgan State

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Coach K on NCCU Men's Basketball Head Coach LeVelle Moton .


Ram Ramblings: Maynor knows about TV ratings

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The N.C. A&T-WSSU rivalry is always something Coach Connell Maynor of the Rams will talk about even if the news is about three months old.

Maynor was asked by Taresh Moore of WXII, who was there with a television camera at Maynor's press conference, would he like to play the Aggies again.

It was a harmless question, but an old one.

Maynor then proceeded to say it would be great for the community and the schools to play again. He also joked around about the Aggies having to wear big-boy pants. That was in reference to Coach Rod Broadway of the Aggies, who challenged the Rams to come scrimmage the Aggies back in August.

All of this comes about this week as the Aggies will play Virginia Lynchburg in their homecoming game. The Rams will play Shaw in an important CIAA game Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Bowman Gray Stadium.

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2013 HBCU Tip-Off Championship postponed

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The 2013 HBCU Tip-Off Championship set to be held November 8-11 at Phillips Arena has been postponed.

"It is with regret, due to unforeseen circumstances we have to postpone the inaugural HBCU Tip-Off Championship scheduled for November 8-11, 2013 at Philips Arena," said Kevin Clayton, CEO. "In order to maintain the ability to deliver our program now and in the future it became necessary to postpone until 2014."

"We remain committed to building awareness and support for the HBCU community, its student athletes and athletic programs. We are extremely grateful to the City of Atlanta, Philips Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, our partners, sponsors, ticket purchasers, volunteers and alumni groups that share our vision."

Please continue to visit www.tsuball.com for the latest breaking news regarding Texas Southern University Men's Basketball.

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TSU Tigers Set School Record on Final Day of Fall Season

Kelly Merkel finished with a TSU low 78
Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics
Nashville, Tennessee –- The Tennessee State women’s golf team closed out the fall portion of their season by recording the best round as a team at the Braun Intercollegiate hosted by the University of Evansville. The Tigers battled through the fog in the morning and rain in the afternoon to shoot a new school record, 326, at the Par-71, 6,012 yard Quail Crossing Golf Club in Boonville, Ind. The mark is nine strokes better than the previous record, set during the first round of the Murray State Drake Creek Invitational earlier this season.
 
Kelly Merkel (88-78=166) paced TSU on Tuesday with a 7-over, 78. Merkel hit six fairways and nine greens on her way to cutting 10 strokes off her first round score. The sophomore carded 11 pars on the day, including up-and-downs on 2, 11 and 16.
 
A day after registering a collegiate best in her young career, Natalie Spicer (82-80=162) duplicated the honor with a 9-over, 80. The new career best came as Spicer used up-and-downs on 6, 7, and 9 to save par and a birdie on the par-3, 8th.
 
Sarah Needleman (90-83=173) dropped seven strokes from her first round and shot a career low 83. Needleman recorded her previous low two weeks ago at the F&M Bank APSU Intercollegiate when she shot an 86 on day one. On the par-4, 15th, the sophomore executed an up-and-down by dropping a six-foot putt to save par. Needleman hit nine fairways, five greens and used 35 putts during the second round.
 
Amelia Dap (86-85=171) secured the final scoring round for the Tigers as she hit eight fairways and closed out the day with three consecutive pars. Dap used a great save on the par-3, 5th, as she found the sand, short of the green. The sophomore found her way out of the trap and put her close to save par.
 
Laura Bremer (88-88=176) shot her second consecutive 88 as she hit 10 fairways and found four greens in regulation, while knocking down one up-and-down. Bremer averaged less than two putts per hole during her non-scoring round.
 
The Tigers will return to action in the spring at the Murray State Invitational on March 3-4.
 
 
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Coppin State athletics director steers athletes toward graduation

Ramsey was in Indianapolis, Indiana, last week for the NCAA Leadership Counsel meeting of which he is a committee member. During his stay, he met with the NCAA staff to conduct this interview.

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- When Derrick Ramsey became athletics director at Coppin State five years ago, the school’s Graduate Success Rate was 58 percent. Today, that number has grown to 75 percent, and Coppin State student-athletes average a 3.0 GPA.

This year alone, the rate climbed six percentage points—the biggest jump of Ramsey’s tenure.

“The thing I was up against at Coppin was I had to change the whole culture of the athletics department,” Ramsey said. “Prior to me coming there, the athletics department was a culture of eligibility, not graduation.”

Ramsey accomplished this shift through a holistic focus on academics that combines summer classes and classes over winter break with a fifth-year degree completion program and an innovative program that integrates campus faculty with the athletics department. In 2012 Coppin State was awarded an NCAA Accelerating Academic Success grant worth $900,000 over three years to assist with those initiatives.



The AASP grants are aimed at developing methods to help schools meet the requirements of the NCAA Division I Academic Performance Program. One of those standards calls for increasing the graduation rates and academic success of student-athletes at Division I institutions outside the Football Bowl Subdivision. Schools eligible to apply for the program are in the bottom 10 percent of resources as determined by per capita institutional expenditures, athletics department funding and Pell Grant aid.

“Now with this grant we’re able to compete with anyone in the country,” Ramsey said. “We’ve never had a semester over the last five years when we’ve been below a 3.0 GPA average.  Now with these monies we’re going into a higher gear.”

That higher gear means dedicating even more resources toward an integration program that pays for faculty to travel with teams. The grant allows Ramsey to pay for travel expenses as well as enrichment programs that help faculty understand the value of intercollegiate athletics.

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Rattler Report: Overview of FAMU athletics

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Rattler Report: Overview of FAMU athletics: Doug Blackburn talks with Michael Smith, FAMU interim athletic director, about FAMU's athletic facilities in this week's Rattler Report.