North Carolina Central plans to talk with SU's Dawson Odums

SU''s HEAD FOOTBALL COACH DAWSON ODUMS
(Photo Courtesy Southern University Athletics)

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- North Carolina Central University has received permission to speak with Southern football coach Dawson Odums about its vacant head coaching position.

Jaguars spokesman Chris Jones confirmed late Wednesday night that athletic director William Broussard had granted permission to Odums’ alma mater to speak with him. WBRZ-TV had first reported that permission had been given.

Neither Broussard nor Odums immediately returned phone messages late Wednesday night.

Odums, a native of Shelby, N.C., guided Southern to its first Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship in 10 years in his first full season as head coach as the Jaguars defeated Jackson State 34-27 in double overtime last Saturday in Houston.

Southern finished 9-4 this season and was 4-5 under Odums’ guidance as interim coach in 2012 after he was promoted from defensive coordinator when Stump Mitchell was fired after an 0-2 start. Odums has one year remaining on his contract.

CONTINUE READING

FSU's Joshua Dawson: Just a Freshman, Already a Leader

JOSHUA DAWSON
(Courtesy FSU Athletics)

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -- The first gift Joshua Dawson ever received was a basketball goal. Soon after, he received a hoop.

It should come as no surprise then that now, 18 years later, Dawson is excelling on the hardwood.

The three-time state champion point guard at Kinston High School has had little problem transitioning to the college game. He currently averages 9.9 points and 6.3 assists per game for Fayetteville State. What's more, he's gotten the respect of the more veteran Broncos.

 "I had to be a leader in high school," Dawson said. "I was hoping I could come in and they'd want me to be a leader. That's what I like to do, I like to lead."

That leadership has been on display from the get-go this season. In his second collegiate game, Dawson scored 25 points in leading the Broncos to a win over Notre Dame College. He followed that performance up with four more double-digit scoring games in his next five contests. In his last three regular season games, Dawson has recorded 11, 10 and 11 assists against UNC Pembroke, Virginia-Lynchburg and Brevard College.

But even when he's struggled, such as perhaps early in an exhibition contest against Division I foe East Carolina, when he picked up two quick fouls and had to watch much of the first half from the bench, he's been the type of vocal leader coach Alphonza Kee hoped for.

"He's a guy who has been leading above his age since Day One," Kee said. "Even the high school coaches that talked to me, the opposition coaches who coached against him, said as an underclassman he was the same way. He's a unique guy who is just used to leadership and success. That's encouraging, that's maturing and winning. He wants to win at whatever he plays.

"You talk about recording seven assists and two turnovers (against ECU) in a game when you're in foul trouble. If he had gotten his regular minutes, he would've finished in double figures."

Dawson said he chose Fayetteville State in part because of the loyalty the coaching staff showed him from the beginning of the recruiting process.

"The coaches really came to see me every day," Dawson said. "It is close to home and my mom can come see my games, but the coaches really made an impact because they came to see me every week.
They just continued to come, continued to come, just kept talking to me."

Dawson quickly earned the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Rookie of the Week honor for the week ending November 30 after scoring 12 points and dishing 10 assists against Virginia-Lynchburg for his second consecutive double-double.

Dawson has also made his presence felt defensively. He's recorded 18 steals in eight games, good for the top total on the team.

"To be a great point guard, you have to be a great communicator," senior forward Paul Lane said. "Josh holds everything. He holds the communication ability, he holds the athleticism, he holds the skill, the talent and the work ethic. As long as you hold all those qualities, people will buy into you. And that's what he holds."

Dawson was well aware of the fact that the athletes would be bigger at this level. To prepare, the two-time area high school player of the year in Kinston spent plenty of time in the weight room and contacted a certain famous relative to help him transition to the next level. His great-uncle is Jerry Stackhouse, who played at the University of North Carolina and for 18 seasons in the NBA.

"Before I even came to college, I was calling him every day to see what I could do to become better," Dawson said. "However I can get better, that's how I want to get better. Knowing that he had to go through the same thing I'm going through, I called him a lot to see how I could get better."

Now his focus is on winning. The most-decorated player in his high school's history, Dawson has his aim set on helping the program get its first CIAA title since 1973.

"He's a winner and he wants to continue to be a winner," Kee said. "With his confidence, he's seen our vision and he believes in himself to help us get to that next level."

COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alvin Wyatt takes reins of EWC football program

HEAD COACH ALVIN WYATT, Sr.

JACKSONVILLE, Florida  -- Calling it “a golden opportunity to build a football program at a great university,” Jacksonville native Alvin Wyatt was named the 13th head football coach at Edward Waters College on Tuesday.

Wyatt served as interim head coach at EWC after Brad Bernard was fired on Oct. 22 following an 0-7 start for the Tigers. Wyatt guided the team to a 2-2 record in the final four games of the 2013 season.

He was head coach at Bethune-Cookman from 1997-2009 and compiled a 13-year record of 90-54, the most wins ever recorded by a B-CU coach. He was fired in 2009 after the Wildcats posted a 5-6 record, including a 42-6 loss to archrival Florida A&M in the season finale.

Wyatt was out of coaching for two years until Bernard hired him as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2012.

“This opportunity here today is best for me now. It’s what I’m fitted for,” Wyatt said. “It presents the same type of challenges that I had at Bethune-Cookman because I took over a program that was 2-9, 1-10 a couple times, plus they were on probation and had eight scholarships taken away in each of a four-year-period. We were able to turn that program around in one year.



CONTINUE READING

VSU says probe of fight will cost $26,500

RICHMOND — With Winston-Salem State University raising the stakes in the dispute, Virginia State University is spending $26,500 to investigate the fight last month that led to the cancellation of the CIAA championship football game.

Winston-Salem State has filed a complaint with the NCAA and CIAA seeking sanctions against VSU that include requiring the university to reimburse it for revenue lost when the game was canceled and money spent on preparations.

A WSSU spokeswoman said initial estimates put the loss at $35,000.

VSU spokesman Tom Reed said the university will not comment on WSSU's complaint until results from its investigation are received.

CONTINUE READING

Coppin State 91, UMBC 71

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- Coppin State posted its highest point total against a Division I opponent in nearly two calendar years, overwhelming Maryland-Baltimore County by a 91-71 margin Wednesday night at the Physical Education Complex in Baltimore.

Forward Michael Murray, the reigning MEAC Player of the Week, poured in 21 points to lead the Eagles. All five Coppin State starters scored in double digits, and they combined for 83 points. The Eagles (4-4) topped 90 against a D-I foe for the first time since Jan. 23, 2012, when they dropped a 93-92 decision in overtime to North Carolina A&T.

Point guard Taariq Cephas had 18 points and seven assists for Coppin State, which got 17 points from shooting guard Sterling Smith, 15 from small forward Arnold Fripp and 12 from forward Brandon St. Louis.

CONTINUE READING

Southeastern Louisiana lacked control of athletics department

Decision has no impact on SLU's participation in NCAA FCS Football Championship Quarterfinals, as the Lions host New Hampshire on Saturday.

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Southeastern Louisiana University incorrectly certified the eligibility of student-athletes and demonstrated a lack of control over its athletics department, according to a decision announced today by the Division I Committee on Infractions. Over a five-year period, the university declared 137 student-athletes in all 16 sports eligible for practice, competition and scholarships when the student-athletes should have been declared academically ineligible. The university did not monitor the eligibility certification process, resulting in a lack of control over its athletics department.

Penalties in this case include a four-year probation period, scholarship reductions, a vacation of records and an outside audit of the university’s rules compliance system.

This case was resolved through the summary disposition process, a cooperative effort where the involved parties collectively submit the case to the Committee on Infractions in written form. The NCAA enforcement staff, university and involved individuals must agree to use the summary disposition process instead of having a formal hearing.

The certification issues began when the former compliance coordinator misunderstood progress-toward-degree requirements and did not ensure all the courses passed by student-athletes could be counted toward the hours necessary to receive the General Studies degree. These miscalculations resulted in a significant number of student-athletes participating while ineligible. When the former compliance coordinator left the university, the next compliance coordinator did not understand the certification system used by the previous coordinator and stated his concerns with the certification process to the former athletics director. Staff turnover continued and an associate athletics director then assumed the certification responsibilities. The former associate athletics director also stated concerns with the certification process and the lack of involvement by other university departments.

Southeastern Louisiana lacked control over its athletics department when it failed to monitor its certification process. Staff Members from outside the athletics department were not involved in the certification process, creating a lack of checks or other oversight to detect errors within its certification process. The university used an automated degree audit system as the primary source for certification information, but the system was not programmed to confirm NCAA eligibility. Adding to the university’s problems, the committee said, the former compliance coordinator’s misunderstanding of certain eligibility and university degree rules resulted in incorrect certifications.

When two staff members voiced concerns about the certification progress, the university did not take steps to investigate and correct the situation.

Penalties and measures include:

• Public reprimand and censure.
• Four years of probation from Dec. 10, 2013 through Dec. 9, 2017.
• Scholarship reductions for baseball, football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country/track and field, men’s golf, softball, soccer and volleyball. The public report further details the reductions.
• A vacation of wins from 2005-06 through 2009-10 in which ineligible student-athletes competed. The public report contains further details.
• Completion of an external audit, including an evaluation of eligibility monitoring, scholarship awarding and monitoring, rules education and the monitoring of recruiting activities.
• A fine of $25,000.

The members of the Division I Committee on Infractions who reviewed this case include Britton Banowsky, chair of the Committee on Infractions and commissioner of Conference USA; John Black, attorney; Greg Christopher, athletics director at Xavier University; Roscoe Howard Jr., attorney; James O’Fallon, law professor and faculty athletics representative at the University of Oregon; and Greg Sankey executive associate commissioner and chief operating officer for the Southeastern Conference.

COURTESY NCAA. ORG

VUU names ex-football coach Joe Taylor as athletic director

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia Union University introduced former Panthers’ football coach Joe Taylor as the school’s athletic director today.

Taylor, 63, led the Division II Panthers 1984-91 to a 60-24-3 mark. For the next 16 seasons, Taylor was FCS member Hampton University’s highly successful coach (136-48-1). The Pirates won five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships and had only one losing season under Taylor. He was HU’s interim athletic director from 2005 to 2007.

Taylor moved to Florida A&M and went 35-19 in five seasons there. Taylor stepped down from the job late during the 2012 season.

CONTINUE READING

Division 2 national football championship moving to Kansas City in 2014

KANSAS CITY, Kansas -- College football’s national championship is coming to the pitch. Well, the Division 2 college football championship that is.

For years the destination to crown the national champion in Division 2 football had been Florence, Alabama. That will change starting in 2014 when the national championship game moves to Kansas City’s Sporting Park, home of the MLS club Sporting Kansas City since 2011. The location change will be in effect from 2014 through the 2017 season, the NCAA announced Wednesday among a number of future championship sites for various sports.

The game had been played on the campus of North Alabama since 1986. Braly Municipal Stadium served as the host venue for the game, with a capacity of 14,215. The stadium is considered ...



CONTINUE READING

Ram Ramblings: Maynor's priority has always been family first

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- There was no news today on the Connell Maynor watch.

Maynor, who sources say interviewed for the N.C. Central job on Tuesday, is one of four candidates for the vacant head-coaching job in Durham.

For four seasons Maynor and his football team have raised the profile of WSSU thanks to a whole bunch of winning. Maynor is 45-6 in four seasons and while he’s been tempted to leave before for Division I jobs there seems to be a little more weight in this potential move.

On the one hand, Maynor would likely get a big raise from ...

CONTINUE READING

2013 SWAC Hall of Fame Highlights

HOUSTON, Texas -- Highlights of the 2013 SWAC Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Former Georgetown Hoya, Steve Martin Named Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Commissioner

COMMISSIONER STEVE MARTIN
GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana  -- Steve Martin of New Orleans, La., has been named the next commissioner of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
.
Martin was selected by the GCAC Council of Presidents to become the conference's second commissioner. He will assume the office on January 2, 2014. Martin replaces Dr. Thomas Howell who is retiring from his role as commissioner.

"The COP welcomes Mr. Steve Martin as the new Commissioner for the GCAC," said Dr. Beverly Hogan, President of Tougaloo College and chair of the council of presidents. "He brings a breadth of experience and skills to this position that we are confident will enable the Conference to grow over the next few years. We look forward to working with him. And as we welcome Mr. Martin, we also want to express our appreciation to Dr. Howell who has served as the Commissioner for many years. He has provided exemplary leadership and services. He has agreed to remain with the Conference as eligibility chair."

"Steve Martin brings a wealth of experience to the GCAC," said Kiki Barnes, athletic director at Dillard University and president of the GCAC. "He has a vision and I will work closely with him to help that vision become a reality. We are excited that he is on board and look forward to transforming the GCAC into a premier conference in the NAIA."

Martin – who is a native of New Orleans – expressed excitement for this opportunity.

"I would like to thank the Council of Presidents for giving me the opportunity to undertake such a vital role as the Commissioner of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference," said Martin. "I look forward to working with each of the Universities and building on the foundation that has been established by Dr. Thomas Howell".

Martin attended St. Augustine High School and graduated from Georgetown University. He has an extensive background in accounting, business, finance, marketing and sports administration.

Before beginning his successful career in the administrative side of athletics, Martin enjoyed success on the basketball court. He was an All-American, an All-State selection and a city MVP during his time at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. From there, he went on to become the first player from New Orleans to be recruited by Hall of Fame Coach John Thompson at Georgetown.

Martin was selected by the Clarion Herald as one of the top 100 prep basketball players in the City of New Orleans, as well as the State of Louisiana. After earning a bachelor's degree in business administration (with an emphasis in accounting), Martin was drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1979.

After college, Martin worked with Ernst & Ernst accounting firm in Washington, D.C. from 1979-80. He then worked as Manager of Accounting for the Machinists National Pension Fund from 1980-82. In 1982, he returned to his native New Orleans as Manager of Accounting for the New Orleans World Exposition and World's Fair, and from there joined the National Basketball Association League office in 1985 to 2000, where he served as marketing manager and was responsible for several of the league's successful sponsorship programs and implemented several of the league's grass roots programs.

From 2000-2002 Martin served as Athletic Director at Dillard University. When the New Orleans Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2000, he was called upon to take on the role of Senior Vice President. In this capacity he was responsible for establishing partnerships as well as developing and implementing community outreach programs throughout the Gulf Coast Region. Martin recently held the position of General Manager Gone Pro New Orleans.

Martin is married to Stacy and they have two adult children.

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference has nine full-time members. The membership includes Dillard (La.) University, Edward Waters (Fla.) College, Fisk (Tenn.) University, Philander Smith (Ark.) College, Southern (La.) University at New Orleans, Talladega (Ala.) College, Tougaloo (Miss.) College, Voorhees (SC) College and Xaiver University of Louisiana.



COURTESY THE GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Foundation in Place, WVSU Football Ready to Move Forward

 Jon Anderson, Head Football Coach
West Virginia State University
 

INSTITUTE, West Virginia  -- Though the weather may be turning cold and the skies gray the future looks bright for the West Virginia State football program.

 

"We laid our foundation of minimum expectations for playing hard with great effort and technique," WVSU Head Coach Jon Anderson said. "We improved throughout the season with our basic offense and defense and the big thing is we gained in football IQ."

 

Traditionally building or rebuilding any athletic program requires certain cornerstones be in place after a season ends for a good, strong, foundation to be in place.

 

First of all the team should be playing its best ball at the end of the season.

 

The Yellow Jackets certainly were as the final game against Glenville State was their best outing of the year.  They gained 365 total yards, 121 more than the Pioneers, and were poised to score the game winning touchdown when time expired. Perhaps even more important, the players were upbeat and determined.

         

Also, a team should have several underclassmen in the lineup gaining valuable experience.

A total of 14 starters in that final game were either freshmen or sophomores. Another four were juniors. Many made significant contributions.

"We had some individuals who proved themselves as play makers," Anderson said, "and we did a whole lot of growing up."

 

Though the Yellow Jackets will still be young next season there will also be plenty of experienced players around. "This group has bought into the process," Anderson said. "I'm very proud of the progress this team made from that standpoint."

 

It is also very important for there to be some areas of strength for the program to build around. The Jackets certainly had those. Even though there was only one senior in the mix the WVSU defensive backfield was among the best in the country all season. The Yellow Jackets finished tied for 10^th in the nation with 19 pass interceptions. Sophomore Romell Haley  and senior Dom Matthews tied for ninth nationally with six each.

 

Placekicker Josh Reuber was named the Mountain East Conference Special Teams Player of the Week in the final week. The freshman converted 13 of 16 field goal attempts and ranked 10^th in the country in field goals per game.

 

Finally, there should be improvements in facilities in the works. A new, $2.1 million, facilities building is scheduled to be open at Dickerson Stadium by the 2014 season with a new weight room, locker room, and coaches' offices. A new training room was completed this year and a new dormitory is under construction and scheduled to be open by fall of 2014, also.

 

So after finishing the 2013 season on a positive note, giving plenty of young players valuable experience, fielding a nationally ranked defensive unit, and with facility improvements on the way the foundation for success has been laid.

 

So what is next?

 

Recruiting is up first.  "We need to go out and recruit our region and find good high school players who want to help us build this tradition," Anderson said. "We have a lot of exciting things going on."

 

He and his staff are already on the road attending games, observing players, and talking to coaches.

 

Then comes offseason conditioning and spring practice.  "I'm very excited to work with the group of young kids in our program that will be going through their first offseason," Anderson said.

 

Though he points out "there is no quick fix" Anderson is happy with the course the WVSU football program is on. "The coaching staff is very committed to staying the course and sticking to our plan," he said. "That is teaching the guys not only the X's and O's but to become a championship football team."

 

The National Letter of Intent signing period for football begins on February 5.

 

The Yellow Jackets open the 2014 season at home against Lock Haven on September 6.

COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Northern Iowa Dunks Savannah State, 55-50

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team improved to 4-5 on the season with a 55-50 win over Savannah State on Tuesday in the McLeod Center.

UNI junior Seth Tuttle led the Panther scoring effort with 17 points.

"Seth had a good start," UNI head coach Ben Jacobson said. "He played well early and he was aggressive."

The Panthers led 26-25 at the break after trailing by four midway through the first half. UNI earned its biggest lead of the night with 4:32 left in the game at 47-38. Savannah State (2-8 overall) cut the lead to three with :02 left in the game but Tuttle hit a pair of free throws with 0.4 seconds left to ice the victory.



UNI will play host to VCU on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the McLeod Center. Fans are encouraged to wear white for a White Out in McLeod. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

NOTES: UNI has made at least three 3-pointers in 90 consecutive games ... UNI forced Savannah State into 21 turnovers ... UNI improved to 2-0 all-time vs. Savannah State ... the only other previous meeting came in the 1978-79 season when the Panthers notched a 93-81 win over the Tigers.

 

    Box Score 

 

UNI MBB vs. Savannah State (photos by Cole Bair)

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

Rush extend poll streak -- it's the longest in NAIA D-I

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana is 25th in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25  announced Tuesday.

The Gold Rush (7-3) are in the top 25 for the 26th consecutive time -- that's the longest active streak in this division -- and the 39th time in the last 40 polls. This is the first poll of the regular season; Xavier ranked 19th in the preseason.

Xavier's most notable victory this season was 90-80 in overtime at home against then-10th-ranked William Carey one week ago. The Gold Rush erased a 16-point second-half deficit to give the Crusaders their first loss of the season.

For the first time since Feb. 15, 2010, there are three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams in the top 25. Talladega (11th) and Philander Smith (14th) joined Xavier in the rankings. It's the first time since Jan. 25, 2010, that the GCAC has two teams in the top 14.

Columbia (Mo.) climbed from No. 4 to No. 1 after receiving 8-of-10 first-place votes.

Xavier will conclude final exams of the fall semester on Friday, then play three road games before Christmas -- 4 p.m. Saturday at city rival Loyola, Dec. 17 at Spring Hill and Dec. 19 at 17th-ranked Faulkner. The XU men will play six straight on the road before their next home game at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11 against GCAC and city rival SUNO, which received votes in this week's poll and is 31st.

The next top 25 will be announced Jan. 7.

The top 25:

1. Columbia (Mo.)
2. Georgetown (Ky.)
3. (tie) Pikeville
3. (tie) Southwestern Assemblies of God
5. Evangel
6. Arizona Christian
7. John Brown
8. Cal State San Marcos
9. William Carey
10. Rocky Mountain
11. Talladega
12. Concordia (Calif.)
13. Benedictine (Kan.)
14. Philander Smith
15. Freed-Hardeman
16. Montana State Northern
17. Faulkner
18. Culver-Stockton
19. St. Gregory's
20. (tie) Life
20. (tie) Wiley
22. Hope International
23. Cumberland
24. Martin Methodist
25. Xavier

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

Nuggets fall out of top 25 after 45 consecutive appearances

NEW ORLEANS -- After 45 consecutive appearances, Xavier University of Louisiana dropped out of the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 on Tuesday.

The Gold Nuggets (6-5) received 22 points -- they needed 59 to remain in the top 25 -- and are 29th overall. It's the first time since Jan. 18, 2010, that they aren't in the top 25. Xavier ranked 15th in the preseason.

Preseason No. 1 Vanguard maintained its position after receiving 9-of-10 first-place votes. No. 2 Oklahoma City -- a 72-70 overtime winner at home against Xavier on Nov. 29 -- received the other first-place vote.

The next top 25 will be announced Jan. 7.

Xavier will complete its final exams of the fall semester on Friday, then play in San Juan, Puerto, Rico, against UPR-Bayamon on Monday and American-Puerto Rico the following day. The Gold Nuggets' next home games will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 30 against Mobile and 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 against Faulkner in the Xavier Classic.

The top 25:

1. Vanguard
2. Oklahoma City
3. Freed-Hardeman
4. Westminster (Utah)
5. Georgetown (Ky.)
6. MidAmerica Nazarene
7. Cambellsville (Ky.)
8. Westmont
9. Oklahoma Baptist
10. Bethel (Tenn.)
11. Our Lady of the Lake
12. The Master's
13. Talladega
14. Coastal Georgia
15. Benedictine (Kan.)
16. Carroll (Mont.)
17. John Brown
18. Wiley
19. Central Methodist
20. Cumberlands
21. Columbia (Mo.)
22. Cumberland
23. Emmanuel (Ga.)
24. Montana State Northern
25. William Woods


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

SACSCOC Removes FAMU from Probation

ATLANTA – Earlier today, at its annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga., the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) lifted the 12-month probation status placed upon Florida A&M University (FAMU) in December 2012. No further reports are required from the university.

“We are extremely pleased with the decision by SACSCOC to remove the probation sanction, which signifies that Florida A&M University is in compliance with the standards of the regional accrediting body,” said FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson. “As a member institution of SACSCOC, we fully appreciate the peer review process and we are committed to continuing the work needed to maintain the high standards of the commission.”  

Robinson acknowledged that it took a comprehensive university-wide effort led by teams of dedicated faculty, staff and students that worked tirelessly outside of the limelight to help the university address the SACSCOC concerns.

“I would like to thank our Board of Trustees for their guidance and support and the FAMU SACS Leadership Team for their dedication and persistence. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our students, faculty and staff who made invaluable contributions that helped bring about this positive outcome.”

FAMU expects to receive a letter from SACSCOC in January 2014 confirming today’s announcement.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Hearing for former VSU player continued

RICHMOND, Virginia  -- A hearing was continued Monday for a former Virginia State University football player accused of assaulting Winston-Salem State University’s quarterback for last month.

Lamont Darnell Britt, 22, of Portsmouth, Va., was charged with misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury in connection with an attack on Rams quarterback Rudy Johnson during the CIAA awards luncheon on the WSSU campus Nov. 15.

The CIAA football championship game between WSSU and VSU was cancelled. WSSU filed a complaint last week with the NCAA and CIAA, asking that sanctions be imposed against Virginia State University. In the complaint, WSSU says five Virginia State University football players beat up Johnson.

Britt, who has been suspended from the team, is the only VSU player who was criminally charged in the assault. Johnson told authorities that up to six VSU players attacked him but he identified only Britt to WSSU campus police.

CONTINUE READING

Ram Ramblings: Open season on Maynor is here again

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- It’s that time again when Winston-Salem State fans hold their breath while waiting for Connell Maynor to leave.

It’s become a ritual over the last four seasons because of the success of Maynor and the Rams.

What is different this time around is WSSU is no longer playing because of a second-round exit in the Division II playoffs on Nov. 30. That means schools who are interested in Maynor could talk to him now instead of waiting for Rams’ season to end later in December.

And that’s a big issue because by the time the Rams finished playing in 2011 and 2012 in mid or late December a lot of coaching jobs, at least at the Division I level, were already filled. This year those jobs - such as the one at N.C. Central - are very much open.

CONTINUE READING

Sources: WSSU’s Maynor interviews at N.C. Central

Coach Connell Maynor
(Photo Courtesy WSSU Athletics)

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Connell Maynor, the coach with the highest winning percentage in Winston-Salem State football history, was seen on campus on Tuesday at N.C. Central.

Sources in Winston-Salem and in Durham confirmed that Maynor was at N.C. Central, and is one of four candidates who are being brought in this week for interviews for the vacant head-coaching position, according to a source at N.C. Central who did not want to be identified.

“I did hear (Maynor) was here today,” the source said.

Another source said that N.C. Central hopes to have a coach named by Dec. 19.

CONTINUE READING

Alvin Wyatt, Sr. is the New Head Football Coach at EWC

Coach Alvin Wyatt, Sr.

JACKSONVILLE, Florida  --  Alvin Wyatt, Sr. is the new head football coach at Edward Waters College. Athletic Director Johnny Rembert made the announcement during a press conference Tuesday, December 10th.

Wyatt had been the defensive coordinator and was named interim head coach on October 22th.  

Wyatt replaced former head coach Brad Bernard after the Webber International University game.  He compiled a record of 2-2 with wins over Newport News Apprentice and the College of Faith. The Tigers finished the football season 2-9.

This will make Wyatt the fourth head coach at the college since the football program was re-instated in 2001, and the 13^th overall at Edward Waters College. 

Wyatt was named the ninth head coach at Bethune-Cookman University, where he coached from 1997-2009. During his tenure, he became the college’s all-time winningest coach, compiling a record of 90-54.

COURTESY EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Morgan out as Mississippi Valley State football coach

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Mississippi Valley State University is not bringing head football coach Karl Morgan back next year after he compiled an 8-35 record in four seasons.

The Southwestern Athletic Conference school said on Monday Morgan's contract will not be renewed when it expires Dec. 31.

The Delta Devils finished 2-9 this season, including 2-7 in SWAC games.

"We feel that it is imperative that we move the football program in a different direction. We would like to thank Coach Morgan for his years of service to MVSU," the athletic program said in a statement.

CONTINUE READING

Alabama A&M has a bright future after Bulldogs took their lumps this fall

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Now it's onto the next big competition, the recruiting battles, for the Alabama A&M coaching staff. And despite the Bulldogs' disappointing 4-8 season, the recruiting will be much more to augment than it will be as a quick fix.

Alabama A&M has just wrapped up one of those seasons that "every now and then happens at this level, unfortunately." Replacing two dozen graduated players from 2012 meant a daunting rebuilding chore.

The season ended in a 66-7 loss to Georgia Tech, the worst A&M defeat since 1936, a result and point spread that was not altogether unexpected. Complicating the scenario for the Bulldogs, aside from the mismatch in talent, was the difficulty in stopping Tech's unique option offense, one of the best rushing attacks in the country.

Here are some highs, lows and where the Bulldogs are going:

High point: A 19-18 win at Alcorn State, which led SWAC teams with nine overall victories.

Low point: The 28-9 homecoming loss to Mississippi Valley in which the Bulldogs dominated statistically but committed six turnovers.

Star power: Linebacker Robert Nelson, with 100 tackles, should be a no-brainer All-SWAC pick. Running back Barrington Scott (1,055 yards), defensive backs Lawrence Barnett and Derrick Harris (four interceptions each), receiver Montaurius Smith (64.6 yard per game) and defensive end Tae Keith should also get some recognition.

The replacements: The Bulldogs lose seven defensive starters but only three on offense - Scott, Demario Ross and Jonathan Nelson. Another key, but underappreciated loss, is long snapper Jordan Roman, virtually impeccable for four seasons.

"We'll be a much improved team on offense, and we'll add some people we've put on the shelf as redshirts," Jones said

Jaymason Lee, who will go into spring with a solid hold on the No. 1 QB job, will have three of his top five receivers back.

Secret weapons: Because Scott and Brandon Eldemire, who was sidelined late with an ankle injury, were able to carry the rushing load, A&M was able to redshirt three running backs - Joshua Sandlin, Juaquin Davis and Marcus Sanders.

The recruiting: The coaching staff as already hit the highways to take advantage of an early recruiting period. Mostly because of budget limitations, but partly with an emphasis to build locally, they'll not travel far.

They'll need to lock down the quarterback-of-the-future, with Lee going into his senior season and Brandon Wells his junior year. A punter is also needed.

Some instant help, perhaps from junior colleges, could help at linebacker and in the secondary.

The positive experience with Barrington Scott and Lawrence Barnett as post-grad transfers - the NCAA permits automatic eligibility for players who have earned degrees to transfer if their current institution does not offer the post-grad degree path they desire - will encourage A&M to keep an open mind on that realm and likely have A&M fielding inquiries from potential transfers.

 

AAMU 2013 Football Season stats

 

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hampton Lady Pirates Overcome Cold Shooting in Win Over B-CU

HAMPTON, Virginia –  On a night in which neither team cracked 30-percent shooting, the Hampton University women's basketball team gutted out a 43-35 win over Bethune-Cookman on Monday at the HU Convocation Center to remain unbeaten in conference play.

Dating back to the 2011-12 season, the Lady Pirates (7-3, 2-0 MEAC) have won their last 32 games against conference foes, including MEAC Tournament games.

Senior guard Nicole Hamilton (Hampton, Va.) and freshman guard Malia Tate-DeFreitas (Harrisburg, Pa.) each led the Lady Pirates with 16 points, while Tate-DeFreitas and redshirt-sophomore forward Brielle Ward (Baltimore, Md.) each grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Hamilton also dished out three assists, blocked three shots, and grabbed a career-high eight steals.

Bethune-Cookman scored the first basket of the game – a jumper from Shakeyia Colyer – before the Lady Pirates responded with a 25-2 run to take a 25-4 lead with 7:21 left in the first half following a fastbreak layup from Hamilton.

During that stretch, Bethune-Cookman went nearly 10 minutes without a field goal.

The Lady Wildcats then scored the next nine points to cut the lead to 25-13 after a 3-pointer from Rene Chastity Taylor at the 3:26 mark. In fact, following Hampton taking that 25-4 lead, the Lady Wildcats closed the half by scoring 15 of the next 17 points, going into the half down 27-19.

Tate-DeFreitas had 10 points at the half.

Both teams got off to a slow start to open the second half, as the first field goal didn't come until Hamilton hit a jumper with 17:54 left in the game to give Hampton a 29-19 lead. Bethune-Cookman's first field goal of the half didn't come until the 12:59 mark, a layup from Kailyn Williams to cut the lead to 30-21.

Tate-DeFreitas hit two free throws with 11:19 to play to give the Lady Pirates a 32-22 lead, before Taylor cut that lead to 32-24 with 10:53 left.

Hampton then rattled off the next nine points – including back-to-back fastbreak layups from Hamilton, a fastbreak layup from Tate-DeFreitas, and a Hamilton 3-pointer – to take a 41-24 lead with 7:08 remaining in the game.

The Lady Pirates scored just one basket the rest of the way, as Bethune-Cookman closed the game with an 11-2 run – but Hampton built enough of a cushion to hold on for the win.

Hamilton had nine points and five steals in the second half alone.

The Lady Pirates shot just 25.9 percent (15-for-58) from the floor and hit four of their 16 3-pointers. Hampton did, however, score 21 points off of 24 Bethune-Cookman turnovers.

Bethune-Cookman (2-7, 0-2 MEAC) shot just 26.4 percent (14-for-53) from the floor and made just two of its 13 3-pointers. The Lady Wildcats did, however, hold a 46-42 edge on the glass – including a 31-26 advantage in defensive rebounds.

Taylor led Bethune-Cookman with 10 points on 3-for-18 shooting.

The Lady Pirates will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 18, when they head to Philadelphia, Pa. to take on Drexel at 7 p.m. For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Quick Start, Balanced Attack Propels HU Pirates to Win

HAMPTON, Virginia – The Hampton University men's basketball team jumped out quick and held control throughout, thanks to contributions from everyone Monday night in an 85-52 win over Bethune-Cookman at the HU Convocation Center.

The Pirates (5-5, 2-0 MEAC) won their third straight game.

It was Hampton's largest margin of victory since March 4, 2010, when the Pirates defeated Howard 90-42 – also at the Convocation Center.

In all, 10 Pirates found the basket Monday night.

Redshirt-freshman guard Lawrence Cooks (Charlotte, N.C.) led four Pirates in double figures with a career-high 17 points, while redshirt-sophomore guard Reggie Price (Charlotte, N.C.) added a career-high 16 points off the bench.

Senior forward Du'Vaughn Maxwell (Manhattan, N.Y.) added 12 points and six rebounds. Sophomore guard Deron Powers (Williamsburg, Va.) had 11 points and four assists.

The Pirates shot 50.0 percent (14-for-28) from the floor and made five of their 12 3-pointers in the first half, and Hampton led 11-2 after a trey from sophomore guard Brian Darden (Hampton, Va.) at the 16:53 mark. In fact, Darden scored nine of Hampton's first 11 points, hitting three treys to open the contest.

Bethune-Cookman closed the gap to 11-8 with a 6-0 spurt, and the Wildcats later closed the gap to 18-12 at the 8:21 mark. But Hampton answered with an 18-0 run, going up 36-12 at the 4:20 mark after a layup from Powers.

Price scored on a tip-in with 44 seconds left in the half to put Hampton up 44-23, and sophomore guard Miles Jackson (Silver Spring, Md.) ended the half with a fadeaway jumper in the final second to send the Pirates into the locker room with a 47-25 lead.

Price had 10 points at the break. Darden and Maxwell had nine each.

The Pirates opened the second half on a 17-8, taking a 64-33 lead with 10:55 to play on a 3-pointer from Powers. His basket followed putbacks from junior center Emmanuel Okoroba (Garland, Texas) and Cooks.

Cooks and Jackson later added baskets to put the Pirates up 68-33 with 9:27 left to play.

Okoroba added a 3-point play with 7:34 to play to give Hampton a 71-36 lead, converting a layup in transition despite having a defender draped over his jersey. Cooks added a trey with 6:32 left in the game to put Hampton up 74-38.

Freshman guard Gregory Hayden (Dallas, Texas), seeing his first action of the season, hit a couple free throws with 5:01 left to give the Pirates a 77-42 lead.

From that point on, it was simply a matter of running out the clock.

The Pirates shot a season-best 51.9 percent (27-for-52) from the floor and hit eight of their 19 3-pointers (42.1 percent). Hampton was also 23-for-33 (69.7 percent) from the free throw line, and the Pirates turned 16 Bethune-Cookman turnovers into 23 points.

The Wildcats (2-10, 0-2 MEAC) shot just 27.1 percent (16-for-59), a season-low for a Hampton opponent, and made only three of 18 3-pointers. Bethune-Cookman did hold a 43-34 edge on the glass.

Barry Smith led the Wildcats with 12 points.

The Pirates will be back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 18, when they head to Highland Heights, Ky. to take on Northern Kentucky at 7 p.m. For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State Men's Golf Signs Top Three Finisher from State Tournament



COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS



NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Men’s golf coach Parrish McGrath signs his first athlete to a National Letter of Intent. McGrath inked Jermey Fultz out of Carter High School in Knoxville. Fultz comes to the Tigers after finishing third at the Tennessee A-AA State Championships.

 

Fultz shot a 2-over, 74 during the first round placing him ninth, before he would make a charge on day two with a 5-under, 67 to finish third, two-shots off the title. The Knoxville native improved on his 11th place finish at state during his junior season. Fultz held the lead after day one by shooting an even-par, 72.

 

“Jermey will make an immediate impact for our squad,” McGrath said. “We need players who not only want to perform their best, but also want to push their teammates to do better.”

 

Fultz was a four-time All-District team member for Head Coach Chad Grub at Carter high school. He earned individual district championships as a freshman and a junior and was named District Player of the Year in his final two seasons. Fultz advanced to four consecutive regional championships and earned a spot on the All-KIL Second Team in his freshman and sophomore seasons. He was an All-KIL First Team selection as a junior and senior. Fultz was a member of the 2013 All-State Class A-AA team and was named Prep Xtra Player of the Year.

 

“Jermey has shown the abilities of a competitive and resilient golfer,” McGrath added. “He knows how to win when he gets close to the lead. Those are the qualities I look for in a golfer to make a difference in our program.”

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION