Saturday, January 25, 2014

JUCO QB Foster Heading to North Carolina A&T Aggies

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  -- When you think about all around success in an athlete, former Valhalla High and Southwestern College quarterback FRANK FOSTER comes to mind.

Foster finished a brilliant season with the Jaguars and has accepted a football scholarship to North Carolina A&T of the Mid Eastern Conference. The Aggies finished 7-4 a year ago.

As a sophomore for the Jaguars, Foster completed 210 of 332 passes threw for 2,213 yards and 18 touchdowns. His impressive performance doesn’t stop there, as his legs are just as dangerous. Foster rushed 103 times for 348 yards, and 10 TDs.



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Man accused of killing S.C. State student-athlete appears in court

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- A family cried out in grief Saturday as a man accused of killing a South Carolina State University football player appeared before a judge.

“I would have given my life for him. Why didn’t he take me?” one woman said during the hearing.

S.C. State industrial engineering technology major Brandon Robinson died Friday after being shot.

After a manhunt that drew in the assistance of several agencies, 19-year-old Justin Bernard Singleton of Charleston was arrested early Saturday morning.

Singleton has been charged with murder.

A warrant claims Singleton was arguing with Robinson outside of K Hall of Hugine Suites on Friday. Singleton then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Robinson in the neck.

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Justin Bernard Singleton charged with murder of Brandon Robinson at South Carolina University

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Police arrested a suspect early Saturday in the fatal shooting at South Carolina State University. Justin Bernard Singleton, 19, was charged with Friday's murder of 20-year-old student Brandon Robinson, according to a statement from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

The two were arguing, when Singleton pulled out a gun and fired at Robinson, hitting him in the neck, police said.

After the shooting in Orangeburg County, police initially started an manhunt for a total of four possible suspects.

"He was a very nice young man," university President Thomas Elzey said of Robinson, fighting back tears in a brief statement to reporters Friday. "And it hurts. It hurts us all."

Elzey said "we are pulling together as a community," announcing that counselors would be made available to grieving students.

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ASU Interview Super Bowl Bound QB Tarvaris Jackson

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- In our first Google Hangout, we chatted with former Alabama State quarterback and current Seattle Seahawk Tarvaris Jackson.

Jackson is in his eighth NFL season, and his second with the Seahawks as they prepare to play in Super Bowl 48 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Feb. 2.



COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Friday, January 24, 2014

Jackson State's Cox joins Senior Bowl Roster

JSU''s QUA COXCOURTESY SWAC.ORG
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Two-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference and Jackson State defensive back, Qua Cox, will play in the 2014 Reese's Senior Bowl.

Cox received the invite two days prior to the event and will join the South Team and Coach Gus Bradley. The game is slated for Saturday, January 25, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. (CT) and will be televised on the NFL Network.

During the postseason, Cox was named a Sheridan Broadcast Network (SBN), Boxtorow, Heritage Radio Sports Network and a BSTN All-American. He finished his senior campaign with 32 tackles and six pass break-ups (second on the team) helping guide JSU to back-to-back SWAC Eastern Division crowns and football championship game appearances.

The Tuskegee, Ala. native was named to the 2013 Sports Network Buck Buchanan and the 2013 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) preseason watch lists. He was also named The Sports Network preseason All-American. During his career at JSU, Cox recorded 10 interceptions, 145 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks.

Cox makes his second all-star game appearance after playing in the Medal of Honor Bowl on January 11.
 
COURTESY SWAC.ORG

TSU's Edwards to Play in the Senior Bowl on Saturday

#73 Kadeem Edwards
Courtesy TSU Athletics
 
MOBILE, Alabama -- On Saturday, Tennessee State guard Kadeem Edwards will suit up for the North Team in the 2014 Reese’s Senior Bowl at 3 p.m.
 
Edwards is just one of 10 players from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and one of two players from an HBCU.
 
“I thought Kadeem came out and showed he belonged here with some of the other top lineman in college football,” former TSU and current Jacksonville Jaguars coach Kevin Mashack said. “He more than held his own and represented Big Blue very well.”
 
Edwards has had the opportunity in this week’s practices to protect and go up against some of the top collegiate players from around the country while also receiving instructions and evaluations from the Jaguars’ coaching staff.
 
The Sanford, Fla. native, who was named an All-American by the Associated Press and Sports Network, was the top offensive lineman for the Tigers who finished the season 10-4 overall, 6-2 and second place in the OVC and earned an at-large berth to the FCS Playoffs.
 
The senior helped block for Tim Broughton who rushed for 1,146 yards (25th-most nationally) and six touchdowns and for a quarterback duo that combined for 26 passes touchdowns and also four interceptions in 14 games.
 
Edwards was a four-year starter for Big Blue, amassing 43 career starts. He was also a member of the President's List, the All-OVC Academic Team and is a National Football Foundation Student Athlete.
 
He is the first Tennessee State player to be invited to the Senior Bowl since Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in 2008 (and the first TSU offensive lineman since Michael Thompson in 2000).
 
Edwards and the rest of the North Squad will square off against the South on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
 
The game can be seen on the NFL Network at 3 p.m.
 
 
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

South Carolina State University football player shot dead on Orangeburg campus, 4 suspects on the loose

Brandon A. Robinson
High School: Orangeburg-Wilkson
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- A manhunt is underway for four suspects after a student was shot dead around 1:30 p.m. on the South Carolina State University campus in Orangeburg on Friday.  Brandon A. Robinson, 20, was taken to a local hospital after being shot outside the Hugine Suites, a dorm complex on campus. He later died.

Robinson was a defensive lineman on the school's football team. The 6-foot tall, 230 pound redshirt junior was a defensive lineman for the Bulldogs.

Police have yet to reveal a motive for the murder.  The entire campus was on lockdown as police pursued ...

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S.C. State football player killed; four sought in manhunt

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  A South Carolina State University football player was shot and killed outside Hugine Suites the day before his stepfather's funeral.

Brandon A. Robinson, 20, of Goff Ave., Orangeburg, was shot at about 2 p.m. Friday. The S.C. State football roster says he was an Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School graduate.

The autopsy has been scheduled for Saturday, the same day as the funeral for his stepfather, Steven Rolley Sr.

"South Carolina State University is saddened today. We are saddened by the loss of one of our own students," President Thomas Elzey said in a release. "Our deepest condolences go to the family of the victim."



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Florida A&M Releases 2014 Rattler Football Schedule

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Jan.24) -- FAMU Athletics announced the 2014 Rattler Football schedule in a press conference today at the Al Lawson Center. Present at the press conference was head coach Earl Holmes, interim athletic director Michael Smith and the entire Rattler football coaching staff. The theme for this season was also revealed at the junket. “Set the Record Straight,” is the mantra for 2014.

Dr. Larry Robinson, FAMU interim president, is fully involved in the process and is excited for the release of the new schedule. "We have heard our fans loud and clear and nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our student athletes and our fans. We will take these factors into serious consideration as we finalize the details of our 2014 football schedule," Robinson said.

Smith echoed Robinson’s sentiment. “We are proud that we were able to release the schedule a full month ahead of last year. As we move forward with solidifying times. We will ensure to take all factors into consideration as we create an environment optimal for the Rattler spirit we know will come with a new season,” Smith said.

The schedule is highlighted by five home games for the second year in a row. The Rattlers open the season on the road with the renewing of their SWAC rivalry with the Jackson State Tigers on Aug. 30. The following week, the Rattlers travel to Miami to take on the Hurricanes of the University of Miami on Sept. 6. FAMU welcomes Coastal Carolina to Bragg Stadium in the first-ever meeting of the schools for Hall of Fame weekend on Sept. 20. The Rattlers close out September in Nashville, Tenn., as they take on the “Big Blue” Tigers of Tennessee State on Sept. 27.

The Rattlers open a two week home stand with Morgan State on Oct. 4, followed by Savannah State on Oct. 11. The Rattlers will visit the nation’s capital on Oct. 18., as they take on the Howard Bison, followed by a trip to Greensboro, NC on Oct. 25 to face the NC A&T Aggies.

Norfolk State returns to Tallahassee on Nov. 1, which will be homecoming. The Bulldogs of S.C. State visit Bragg Stadium on Nov.8 to close out our home schedule.

The final two games feature a trip to Dover, Del., to battle the Hornets of Delaware St., on Nov. 15. The last regular-season finale in the newly renovated Florida Citrus Bowl will be on Nov. 22, against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.

Holmes was pleased that the schedule provides an opportunity for Rattler fans to see the team grow. “We took our lumps and growing pains last year. That has fueled us in preparing to embark on the journey we set out to accomplish, which is to restore FAMU football to its rightful place, atop the MEAC. We look forward to playing five home games again and seven times in the state of Florida. I want to thank athletic director Michael Smith and the entire athletic department for putting together a solid schedule, We are going to do our best to make the Rattler nation proud of us on and off the field,” Holmes said.



Opponent Date Location Series Record Time
Jackson State Aug. 30 Jackson, Miss. 7-8-2 TBA
Univ. of Miami Sept. 6 Miami, Fla. 1-8-0 TBA
COASTAL CAROLINA SEPT. 20 Tallahassee, Fla. 0-0-0 TBA
Tennessee St. Sept. 27 Nashville, Tenn. 24-28-0 TBA
MORGAN ST. OCT. 4 Tallahassee, Fla. 20-6-0 TBA
SAVANNAH ST. OCT. 11 Tallahassee, Fla. 6-0-0 TBA
Howard Univ. Oct. 18 Washington D.C. 27-9-0 TBA
N.C. A&T Oct. 25 Greensboro, NC 43-13-2 TBA
NORFOLK ST. Nov. 1 Tallahassee, Fla. 13-1-0 TBA
S.C. STATE Nov. 8 Tallahassee, Fla. 33-22-3 TBA
Delaware St. Nov. 15 Dover, Del. 22-9-0 TBA
Bethune-Cookman Nov. 22 Orlando, Fla. 48-18-1 TBA

Home games in bold caps.



COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

WSSU's Owens enjoyed time at all-star game

DONNIE OWENS
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State’s Donnie Owens won’t show up in anybody’s mock NFL Draft or on a list of draft prospects to watch.

But Owens, a 6-3, 295-pound defensive lineman, was excited at how he played last weekend at the NFL Players Association Collegiate Bowl in Carson, Calif. His goal was to get noticed by the NFL scouts who were there most of the week watching practices.

Owens started on the line for Team American and had two tackles and a sack that forced a fumble.

“That was the highlight of my week, obviously,” Owens said. “My mom (Yolanda Gerald) had a little party to watch the game, and I guess she couldn’t believe it when I got the sack.”

Owens, an All-CIAA selection who ...

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UPDATE: Tickets On Sale For Saturday's XU-Dillard Crosstown Classic


LET'S SELLOUT THE CONVO ...

NEW ORLEANS — Tickets for the Crosstown Classic, a basketball doubleheader involving city rivals Xavier University of Louisiana and Dillard, are on sale.
      
The Crosstown Classic will be played Saturday, Jan. 25 at XU's Convocation Center. The women's game will start at 5 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7.

Advance tickets cost $5 and are available:


•  Jan. 21-23 in room 322 (third floor) of the Convocation Center Annex (3775 Fern St., New Orleans LA 70125) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m..
      

•  Online at the XU Alumni Relations page. Start by visiting xulaalumni.com. From the drop-down menu at the top of the page, click "Upcoming Events," then select "Purchase Tickets," then, on the new page, select "2014 Crosstown Classic." Major credit cards are accepted.
        

Students with a valid XU identification card can visit the Office of Student Services (room 305B, third floor of the University Center) and receive one free ticket with an ID card swipe on Friday (Jan. 17) or Jan. 21-23 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
      

Tickets will be available at the Convocation Center box office beginning at 4 p.m. the day of the game. Tickets purchased on game day will cost $10.
      

The Xavier-Dillard men's series dates to January 1948 and is the oldest college basketball rivalry involving two New Orleans teams. The Xavier-Dillard women's series began during the 1977-78 season.

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

In the FCS Huddle: Ride on the coaching carousel so strange

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  -- The FCS head coaching carousel has ground to a halt ... at least for the short term.

The spinning ride is harsher than a polar vortex. An alarming 26 FCS schools - just over one-fifth nationally - have changed head coaches since the end of the 2013 regular season in November.

The hiring of K.C. Keeler at Sam Houston State on Thursday completed the list of moves, though the ride is sure to start up again whenever a coach gets a whiff of another opportunity or some college administration says its football program's rebuilding plan is taking too long.

It was just over a year ago that Keeler was ousted from a successful, 11-year run at his alma mater, Delaware, which he had taken to the FCS national championship game as recently as the 2010 season.



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2014 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament

HOUSTON, Texas -- The 2014 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament will take place March 11-15 at Houston's Toyota Center. Don't miss the action as both men's and women's teams play for the conference title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament!



FAMU To Announce 2014 Football Schedule On Webcast Today

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Florida A&M Department of Athletics will release the 2014 football schedule on Fri., Jan. 24 at a press conference featuring Head Coach Earl Holmes and Interim Athletic Director Michael Smith. The event will take place at 12:30 p.m. ET.

The press conference will be held at the Alfred L. Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium (Lawson Center), where members of the media are invited to attend. The press conference will be streamed live at www.FAMUAthletics.com, where individuals can view it free of charge.

Members of the media will be allowed to ask questions following the rolling out of the schedule. Fans will be allowed to ask questions by submitting them via Facebook and Twitter during the press conference. Select questions will be addressed during the event.

Immediately following the press conference, the schedule will be posted to the athletics website.

For additional information, call the FAMU Office of Sports Information at (850) 599- 3200 or by emailing Vaughn Wilson at vaughn.wilson@famu.edu or Ronnie Johnson at ronnie.johnson@famu.edu



COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SIAC Announces Centennial Hall of Fame Class


Shannon Sharpe, Deacon Jones, John Cheney Headline First Hall of Fame Class Since 2000

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference ("SIAC") will induct its first Hall of Fame class since 2000, by honoring a heralded group of 15 former student-athletes, coaches and administrators.

"In conjunction with the one hundredth anniversary of our conference, and on behalf of the SIAC Council of Presidents, we are pleased and honored to announce this Hall of Fame Class which features some of our most renown former student-athletes who have distinguished themselves both on and off of their respective fields and courts of play." 

Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State) and Deacon Jones (South Carolina State), a pair of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, along with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Andre "The Hawk" Dawson (Florida A&M), and former Temple University head basketball coach John Cheney, headline the class of inductees that will be introduced as the SIAC's centennial Hall of Fame Class.

Other Inductees include: Betty Austin (Alabama A&M), Hampton "Hamp" Smith (Albany State), Lonnie Bartley (Fort Valley State), Greg Lloyd (Fort Valley State), Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State), Clemon Johnson (Florida A&M), Willie "Galloping Gal" Galimore (Florida A&M), William Nicks (Morris Brown), Donn Clendenon (Morehouse), Harold Ellis (Morehouse) and Samuel "Herc"
Goodwin (South Carolina State).


Shannon Sharpe
David "Deacon"Jones
The group will be inducted at the SIAC Centennial Hall of Fame Gala on March 5th, 2014 in Birmingham, Alabama. The event will take place the week of the SIAC Centennial Basketball Tournament, which will also be played in the Magic City the week of March 3-8, 2014.

The inductees were selected by the SIAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee, a body of athletic administrators representing former and current member institutions. 

The SIAC Hall of Fame Centennial Class

Betty Austin, Alabama (A&M): Austin won 11 consecutive SIAC Volleyball Championships, while posting a 456-177 record as the top SIAC volleyball coach during her era. Overall, she has compiled a career record of over 600 wins, which made her the 12th coach in all of NCAA history to achieve such mark. During her career Austin was named Coach of the Year 17 times, while
competing in the SIAC and SWAC.

Hampton "Hamp" Smith (Albany State): In 23 seasons under the helm, Smith brought the Golden Rams football program into the national spotlight. A five-time SIAC Coach of the Year, Smith led Albany State to nine SIAC Football Championships. Smith won SIAC Coach of the Year awards in 1984, 1986, 1994 and 1996, and was named Coach of the Year by the Pigskin club of Washington, D.C., in addition to the 100% Wrong Club of Washington, D.C.

John Cheney (Bethune-Cookman): John Chaney's legendary college basketball career started in the SIAC as a standout for Bethune-Cookman College. Chaney played for the Wildcats rom 1951-55, leading the team to the 1953 SIAC championship and berths in the NAIA national tournament in 1953 and 1955. His career-high 57 point game against Knoxville is recorded, but most of his individual records have been lost. It's believed he scored over 3,000 points and is recognized on the school's all-time scoring list. After coaching on the high school level, he received his first college position was at Cheyney State, where he compiled a 232-56 record, combined with leading the program to the 1978 Division II National Championship. After a decade at Cheyney, Chaney moved on to Division I Temple.  He took Temple to the NCAA tournament 17 times, reaching the Elite Eight five times, before retiring in 2006 after 24 years at the former Big East Conference school.

Lonnie Bartley (Fort Valley State): As the head women's basketball coach, Bartley took the Lady Wildcats basketball program to new heights. In his 28 seasons as head coach, Barley led FVSU to 11 SIAC Championships, which included a conference record 28 wins in one season. With over 600 wins on his resume, Bartley is the all-time winning women's basketball head coach in black college history.

Greg Lloyd (Fort Valley State): A standout at Fort Valley State from 1983-86, Lloyd was a three-time All-SIAC selection and was also named SIAC Player of the Year in 1986. Lloyd was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1987 draft, and played 10 seasons with the storied
franchise.  During his career, Lloyd was named AFC Player of the Year in 1994, while earning numerous Pro-Bowl selections from 1992-1996. 

Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State): As a member of the Wildcats football team, Poole was an All-SIAC First Team selection during his junior season and senior seasons in 1993 and 1994. In addition, he was named SIAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1994, and was named All-American by the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association. A first round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers, Poole started 12 out of the 14 seasons he played in the NFL. The Division II Football Hall of Fame member also is a two-time Super Bowl champion as a member of the New England Patriots.

Andre Dawson
Andre Dawson (Florida A&M): Known as the "Hawk," for his outstanding defense in the outfield, Dawson, was a three-time All-SIAC baseball player at Florida A&M University. He finished his 21-year big league career with a .279 average, 438 home runs, 1,591 runs batted in and 314 stolen bases. Dawson was the National League Rookie of the Year with the Montreal Expos in 1977 and the NL Most Valuable Player in 1987 with the Chicago Cubs. The eight-time All-Star finished his career with 438 home runs and 314 stolen bases, becoming the second player (after Willie Mays) to join the 400 HR/300 SB club. 

Clemon Johnson (Florida A&M): Johnson was a All-SIAC and All-American selection as a senior and finished his career as the all-time leading rebounder, as well as one of the top scorers in the school's basketball history. Clemons played 10 seasons in the NBA and won a NBA hampionship as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983. Today, he serves as the head basketball coach at his alma mater.

Willie Galimore (Florida A&M): One of the greatest running backs of his time, Galimore was a four-time All-SIAC selection and three-time Pittsburgh Courier All-American. He also led Florida A&M to four SIAC Football Championships and one Black College National Championship. Galimore played six seasons with the Chicago Bears until he died tragically in an auto accident in 1964.Galimore is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

#28 Willie Galimore, Chicago Bears
William Nicks (Morris Brown): Nicks coached football at Morris Brown College for a total of 11 years and compiled a record of 66-22-13. He led his 1941 team to a perfect season, where they were also named Black College National Champions. Nicks is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Donn Clendenon (Morehouse): A 12-time letterman in football, basketball, and baseball at Morehouse, Clendenon is known for his stellar performance in the 1969 World Series as he was named MVP, while leading the New York Mets to a victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Clendenon had a 12 year career in the Major League with the Montreal Expos, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburg Pirates.

Harold Ellis (Morehouse): An outstanding NCAA Division II player who led the Maroon Tigers in scoring in each of his four seasons (1988-92), Ellis became only the fifth player from a historically black college or university (HBCU) to have his uniform number retired (#30). Morehouse had a 90-30 record during his four years as a player there. He also led Morehouse College to the Division II Final Four in 1991, becoming the first team from the SIAC to advance the Final Four. Ellis played four seasons in the NBA with the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. He is currently the director of Pro Scouting for the Orlando Magic.

Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State): A former SIAC Offensive Player of the Year at Savannah State University, Sharpe became the premier tight end in the National Football League as a member of the Denver Broncos.  A three-time Super Bowl champion, Sharpe was an eight-time Pro-Bowl selection and named to the All-Pro team four times in his 14 year career. At the time of his retirement, Sharpe was the all-time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns by a tight end. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Betty Austin
David "Deacon" Jones (South Carolina State): Jones, was an All-SIAC performer as a defensive end for South Carolina State in 1958. After transferring to Mississippi Vocational School (Mississippi Valley State), Jones was drafted in the 14th Round of the NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams. From there Jones emerged into the most fierce pass rusher in the NFL. Jones won unanimous all-league honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970. He also played in seven straight Pro Bowls, 1965-1971, and was selected to an eighth in 1973. In both 1967 and 1968, he was chosen the top defensive player in the NFL by one major news service. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

#45 Clemon Johnson, Philadelphia 76'ers
1983 World Champions
Samuel "Herc" Goodwin (South Carolina State): Goodwin was one of the top athletes in the 1960's, as a linebacker and defensive lineman for South Carolina State University. Goodwin was a three-time All-SIAC selection, as well as being named to the Pittsburgh Courier All-American team in 1964.  SC State compiled a 22-14 record during his playing days, including an 8-2 (1963) and 7-2 (1964). In addition, he was inducted into the SC State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, and also to the SC State Centennial (1907-2007) Football Team.

COURTESY SIAC.COM

Hampton University Releases 2014 Football Schedule

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
& MSUTTON PHOTOGRAPHY
HAMPTON, Virginia  -- The Hampton University football team released its 2014 schedule on Wednesday, a slate that will include six home games in head coach Connell Maynor’s first season.
Dates and times are subject to change.

The Pirates (4-8, 4-4 MEAC in 2013) will open the 2014 season in Norfolk, Va. on Aug. 30, when they take on Old Dominion at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Hampton will then make its 2014 home debut on Sept. 13, when the Pirates take on William & Mary to celebrate Alumni Day at 6 p.m.

The Pirates will then hit the road to take on Richmond on Sept. 13, before returning home on Sept. 20 to take on Miles at 6 p.m.

Hampton will then open MEAC play on Sept. 27, when the Pirates return to Armstrong Stadium to take on South Carolina State at 6 p.m. The Pirates will then hit the road, heading to Greensboro, N.C. on Oct. 11 to take on North Carolina A&T.

The Battle of the Bay will follow on Oct. 25, when Norfolk State comes to Armstrong Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Hampton will then head to Dover, Del. on Oct. 25 to take on Delaware State.

Homecoming will be on Saturday, Nov. 1, when the Pirates return to Armstrong Stadium to take on Morgan State at 2 p.m., before the Pirates hit the road again on Nov. 8, heading to Durham, N.C. to square off against North Carolina Central.

The Pirates’ 2014 home finale will be Nov. 15, when Hampton takes on Bethune-Cookman at 1 p.m.

After that, the Pirates will conclude the regular season with a trip to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22 to take on rival Howard in the Battle for the Real HU.

HU PIRATES 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
DATE  OPPONENT              LOCATION          TIME
 
08/30  at Old Dominion              Norfolk, Va.          TBA
09/06  William & Mary            Hampton, Va.      6 PM 
09/13  at Richmond                    Richmond, Va.      TBA
09/20  Miles College                 Hampton, Va.       6 PM 
09/27  South Carolina State    Hampton, Va.      6 PM*
10/04  OPEN
10/11  at North Carolina A&T   Greensboro, NC     TBA*
10/18  Norfolk State                  Hampton, Va.       1 PM  Battle of the Bay*
10/25  at Delaware State             Dover, Del.            TBA*
11/01  Morgan State                  Hampton, Va.       2 PM  Homecoming*
11/08  at North Carolina Central  Durham, NC          TBA*
11/15  Bethune-Cookman          Hampton, Va.      1 PM*
11/22  at Howard                         Washington, DC    TBA  Battle of the Real HU*
11/29  FCS Division I Playoffs     TBA                      TBA      
 
BOLD: HOME GAME
* MEAC CONFERENCE GAME  


WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

The Story Behind Rick Comegy at Mississippi Valley State

ITTA BENA, Mississippi - After more than a week of anticipation, former Jackson State Head Football Coach Rick Comegy was introduced Tuesday as the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils new gridiron admiral. Comegy signed a 4-year contract to become Valley's 16th head football coach all-time. He believes it is the right move for him and is confident he can build their program into a consistent winner.

Watch the video to see the story and to hear from Comegy.

As far as fielding a staff, Comegy is already bringing in three of the assistants he had at JSU.  Defensive Coordinator Darrin Hayes, Offensive Line Coach Greg Black, and Defensive Line Coach Jonathan Thompson were all present at Tuesday's Press Conference and are in the process of being officially hired at Valley. Comegy said that he plans on hiring more assistants in the next few days and some of them may come from his previous staff at JSU as well.




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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Alabama A&M Bulldogs Football Staff Is Shaping Up

COURTESY AAMU ATHLETICS
NORMAL, Alabama -- Newly minted head football coach James Spady has announced part of his staff that will join him on "The Hill".

Spady's staff will include three new members and one familiar member as he was retained from the previous coaching staff. Coaches to work with coach Spady include defensive coach Brent Pradia. On the offensive side of the ball will be Willie Totten, Ashley Lelie and Andy Fuller. The remaining staff will be announced at a later date.

Brent Pradia hails from Mesquite, Texas. Pradia has held coaching positions on multiple levels including high school, community college and the university level. Pradia's latest coaching stint was as a varsity assistant coach with the Mesquite High Skeeters. While on "The Hill", Pradia will coach the outside linebackers and the defensive backs.

On the opposite side of the ball, Spady has named three to his offensive coaching staff.

Willie Totten is no stranger to the Southwestern Athletic Conference as he is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University. Totten earned the nickname "Satellite" by passing himself and MVSU into the NCAA national record books. During Totten's career at MVSU, he helped the Delta Devils to a 28-11-1 record as the captain of "The Satellite Express" offense and passed for over 50 NCAA records. In 1984, he was the national leader in total offensive yards per game, having gained 4,572 yards in 10 games (457.2 per game average). In addition, in 1983 and 1984, he was the NCAA annual champion in passing with efficiency ratings of 167.5 and 163.6, respectively. Totten will bring his knowledge and experience to the Bulldogs team as the quarterbacks coach. Last season Totten held the same position at Albany State.

Andy Fuller first came to Alabama A&M as a graduate assistant during the 1998 and 99 seasons. He then returned in 2007 after a successful seven-year playing career as an offensive and defensive lineman with the Tennessee Valley Vipers of the Arena Football League 2. Fuller won a regional championship with the Vipers in 2000. Fuller is one of two coaches retained from the previous coaching staff; under coach Spady, Fuller will serve as the running backs coach.

Ashley Lelie, the former Denver Broncos wide receiver, and a first-round pick (19th overall) in the 2002 draft will join the Maroon & White as the wide receivers coach. Lelie started his coaching career at the University of Nevada whose "pistol" offense sent quarterback Colin Kaepernick into the NFL in 2013. Lelie played seven years in the NFL, including four in Denver. He was traded to the Falcons before the 2006 season. In all, he caught 217 passes for 3,749 yards and 15 touchdowns. Lelie also played for San Francisco (2007) and Oakland (2008).

"Our strategy for hiring coaches was to bring in people we trusted, coaches we have worked with previously or have been recommended by people we trusted. We wanted to be surrounded by family men who are good people," head coach Spady mentioned. "They are all good teaches and good football coaches who will be great mentors and role models for our student athletes. I also feel confident that we are on the same page philosophically. All these men are here to coach smart, fast and physical football at Alabama A&M University."

The new coaching staff has 107 years of coaching experience combined, with 20 championships between them. They have coached 43 players that have moved on to play professional football and they have a combined 46 appearances in post season games. They also have a combined 16 years of professional playing experience.



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Doug Williams might rejoin Redskins in front office job

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- There is a strong possibility that Doug Williams, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Washington Redskins, will rejoin the team in a front-office capacity, according to a person familiar with the situation.

“There’s a great possibility Doug will be going to the Redskins,” the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter. “I think there’s a very good chance of that.”

The timing of such a potential move was not immediately clear.

Neither Williams nor Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen responded to requests for comment.

Allen has been in Mobile, Ala., this week scouting college players at the Senior Bowl practices.

Williams formerly worked for Allen in ...

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Missed Shots Costly in FSU Broncos' 95-92 Loss to Livingstone

Tyrrel Tate


FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  --  Tyrrel Tate scored 28 points, but 16 missed foul shots proved costly to Fayetteville State's men's basketball team in a 95-92 loss to Livingstone at Felton J. Capel Arena on Wednesday night.

Tate (Raleigh, NC) scored his points on 11-of-18 shooting, while Juwan Addison (Fairmont, NC) chipped in 12, Travis Marcus (Washington, DC) had 10 and Louis Craft (Fayetteville, NC) had 10. The loss drops FSU to 12-6 overall, 5-3 in CIAA play and 1-1 in Southern Division games.

"They're a good team," FSU coach Alphonza Kee said. "We just can't overcome bad free throw shooting, we just can't overcome that against a good basketball team. I thought our guys fought but it's just tough to miss 16 free throws against a high-caliber team."

For the game, FSU shot 15-of-31 from the foul line. Despite all this, the Broncos still had a chance to win it late. FSU mounted a furious rally after trailing 59-47 with 15:45 to play. A 23-11 run tied things up at 70 with 8:26 to go.  From there, Livingstone's Mark Thomas made a go-ahead 3-pointer before Craft countered with a dunk. After Thomas hit a pair of free throws, Tate made a layup. Anthony Shelton (Cary, NC) followed with a layup that gave FSU its first lead of the second half.

The Blue Bears jumped back out to an 8-point lead with 4:59 to play, but FSU scored 10 of the game's next 12 points on a 3-pointer, a layup and three free throws by Tate and a Craft dunk.  Tate hit a layup with 56 seconds left to put the Broncos on top, but Thomas got a 3-point play to give Livingstone what would be the game's last lead.

Down three with 13 seconds left, a pair of Tate 3-pointers missed their mark to end the game.

Both teams shot over 50 percent for the game. The Blue Bears were 32-of-64 (50 percent) from the field while FSU shot 52.2 percent (35-of-67). Livingstone outrebounded FSU 40-37, which led to a 25-14 advantage in second-chance points.  FSU had the advantage in points in the paint (50-41), bench points (33-32), points off turnovers (25-21), assists (17-7) and turnovers committed (just 13 compared to Livingstone's 17).  Showers led the Broncos with seven rebounds, while Dawson had a game-best six assists.  Livingstone had a 41-37 lead at halftime. In the first half alone, FSU outscored Livingstone 26-11 in the paint.  The game featured nine ties and 14 lead changes.

FSU is back in action at 7 pm Saturday against Winston-Salem State. The game will be played in Pikeville, NC, at Aycock High School.

Final Stats

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NCCU Lockdown A&T Aggies to Earn Fourth Consecutive Win



Box Score          Photo Gallery:  NCCU vs. NC A&T

DURHAM, North Carolina  –  North Carolina Central University employed its patented hard-nosed defense along with excellent execution on the offensive end of the floor to earn the most lopsided victory against arch-rival North Carolina A&T in series history by the tally of 84-44 on Wednesday night in front of a raucous sellout crowd of 3,116 in McDougald-McLendon Gym.

The 40-point win for NCCU was the most in a series that dates back to 1930, breaking the previous mark of 35 by the maroon and gray on Jan. 18, 1989 as the Eagles beat the Aggies 75-40 on that day.

NCCU put on one of its finest defensive performances in front of the home faithful, limiting the super talented Aggies to 22.7 percent from the field and only 10 field goals, while turning the ball over 20 times.  This is the second-worst shooting performance by an opponent inside the Eagles' Nest since Nov. 12, 2010 when Johnson and Wales shot 9-for-48 (18.8 percent) from the floor in a 90-30 loss to the maroon and gray.

The offensive struggles began early for the Aggies as they missed their first five shots from the field and managed only four field goals through the first 20 minutes.  NC A&T was able to shoot 8-for-11 (72.7%) from the foul line in the first frame to keep it within striking distance.

With 11:59 to go in the first frame, the Eagles led it 11-5 following senior Jeremy Ingram's (Charlotte, N.C.) jumper but the defending MEAC Tournament champs responded with an 8-5 rally to make it 16-13 after a Bruce Beckford layup with 9:23 remaining.

That's when NCCU stole the momentum from NC A&T as Ingram's three with 5:17 left gave the Eagles a 21-15 lead, which was followed by two Jordan Park's sensational plays that included an original three-point play off of an Aggie turnover to stretch the lead out to 26-15 with 4:33 left.

A&T scored only two points the rest of the half, as the maroon and gray took a 34-17 advantage into the locker room.

The second stanza saw NCCU pick it up where they finished off the first frame immediately stretching the lead out to 21 at 40-19 on a Karamo Jawara (Bergen, Norway) layup with 18:35 left.

NCCU's lead grew to 24 after A&T Jerome Simmons was ejected from the contest following a flagrant foul in which the Eagles used to score five straight points, all by Jawara to make it 49-25 with 15:42 to go.
From that point on the maroon and gray cruised, stretching the margin to 36 at 62-26 with 12:14 to go on Parks' alley-oop dunk and the foul which sent the capacity crowd into a frenzy,

The Eagles went on to win the game 84-44, shooting 19-for-33 (57.6 percent) from-the-field in the second half, scoring 50 points to earn their fourth straight win.

Leading the way for the Eagles, Ingram scored 20 points for the second straight game shooting 7-for-13 (53.8 percent), 2-for-5 (40.0 percent) from-the-outside as the senior has scored in double figures 55 times in his illustrious career.

Despite missing practice much of the week due to flu-like symptoms, Parks finished with 17 points and seven rebounds, shooting 7-for-10 from-the-field in the win.  Jawara added 13 points nine boards, two assists and three blocks, Jay Copeland (Suffolk, Va.) finished with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks while Emanuel Chapman (Raleigh, N.C.) ended the game with nine points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and two steals.

NC A&T (6-13, 2-2 MEAC) had 10 different Aggies score in the loss led by point guard Jeremy Underwood's eight points on 2-for-5 shooting from deep.

NCCU (12-5, 3-1 MEAC) outscored the Aggies 44-10 in the paint, 23-2 in points off turnovers, and outscored A&T 15-2 in second chance points.  The Eagles move their focus on two another crucial conference test on Saturday, Jan. 25 against Coppin State University at 4:00 p.m. from McDougald-McLendon Gym.

Visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon for the latest on NCCU Athletics.
  
By Chris Hooks, Assistant Sports Information Director/Broadcast Media Coordinator
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

North Carolina A&T's McRae Plays Big, Aggies Win In Durham

DURHAM, North Carolina  -- Behind redshirt sophomore Aprill McRae’s career-high 20 points, the North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team defeated rival N.C. Central, 59-47 at a packed McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium on Wednesday evening.

Commendable defense and a balanced attack helped the Aggies improve to 13-3 overall and 3-1 in the MEAC. The Eagles fell to 7-10 and 2-2 in the conference. A&T extended their win streak over NCCU as Wednesday marked its eighth straight win over the Eagles.

"It's great to get another win against one of our biggest rivals," head coach Tarrell Robinson said. "We put together a great defensive effort. Aprill came out and gave us everything she had from the beginning to the end of the game. It was also good to have our leader, Tracy King back. She had a usual all-around game."



McRae fueled A&T’s offense and was unstoppable in the paint, shooting 7-of-9 from the field. She was 6 of 7 at the line and defensively she grabbed six rebounds and added two blocks. While McRae got the offense going, senior forward Tracy King led the defense with a season-high 12 rebounds and four steals. She also contributed eight points and four assists.

“It felt great to play back near my hometown,” McRae said. “I enjoyed the playing atmosphere. Their crowd was hype and it really got me going. I’m proud of all my teammates, especially Tracy on the defensive end. She played really well tonight. We just have to keep playing together as a team and we will continue to do well.”

After King tied the game at 6 with 15:06 in the first half, the Aggies went on a 14-2 run which ended on a fastbreak layup from Eboni Ross at the 9:36 mark, pushing them to a 20-8 lead. The Aggies continued to make great defensive stops and found holes in NCCU’s offense which allowed A&T to take a comfortable 38-23 lead at halftime.

A&T kept its double-digit lead for most of the second half but NCCU found its groove in Jessica Freeman who scored 10 points in the second half. But a layup from Raquel Davis with 4:27 left cut A&T’s edge to 53-44.

On the Aggies next possession, a turnover allowed the Eagles to score a basket, slicing the score to 53-46 with 4:10 remaining.  A&T regrouped after a timeout and McRae scored four straight points to extend the Aggies advantage to 57-46 with less than two minutes in the game. NCCU wasn’t able to respond in the final minutes as A&T secured the win.

The Aggies outscored the Eagles in the paint 34-16 and scored 20 points off 19 NCCU turnovers. Ariel Bursey finished with eight points, followed by Ross with seven.

Freeman led the Eagles with 19 points and Khyra Conerly added 13. Tasha Dixon led NCCU on the glass with seven rebounds and finished with four assists.

A&T will host Morgan State on Saturday, Jan. 25 for a MEAC matchup starting at 4 p.m.

A&T 59, NCCU 47

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern women rally to nip Mississippi Valley State 76-67

Courtesy MVSU Athletics
GREENWOOD, Mississippi When the Southern women’s basketball team fell behind Mississippi Valley State by five points midway through the second half Wednesday night, it was all too familiar for Jaguars coach Sandy Pugh.

It was starting to look like a 61-57 road loss to the Devilettes last season.

“I looked at the scoreboard and I thought about last year because it was about the same juncture last year that they took the lead on us and we kind of backed up,” Pugh said after Southern rallied to beat the Devilettes 76-67 in the Leflore County Civic Center. “I thought the big difference was this year we had more offense.”

The Jaguars showed their variety of offensive weapons. Leading scorer Kendra Coleman scored a game-high 20 points, even though her first field goal didn’t come until ...

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Southern men get first SWAC loss

GREENWOOD, Mississippi The Southern men’s basketball team arrived here undefeated in Southwestern Athletic Conference play to meet a Mississippi Valley State team that was winless in the league.

Neither team looked the way it had coming in Wednesday night as the spirited Delta Devils built a 15-point halftime lead and made a series of big plays down the stretch to thwart a strong Jaguars comeback. MVSU prevailed 72-64 at the Leflore County Civic Center.

“My fear about this group is about whether they’re going to be consistent, whether they’re going to stay in the moment and focus on the next game,” Southern coach Roman Banks said. “When we came out I could feel we didn’t have our edge. I could feel it in warm-ups.”

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Scheduling quirk prevents MEAC leaders Morgan State, Savannah State from playing

BALTIMORE, Maryland --  The only two teams with undefeated records in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this season -- Morgan State and Savannah State -- won't play each other until possibly the conference tournament.

With 13 teams in the league and limited room in the MEAC schedule, each conference team plays 11 opponents at least once and five opponents twice in home-and-away games.

That leaves each team failing to face one league opponent, and for the Bears (6-10 overall and 4-0 in the MEAC), that means no games with Savannah State (7-12, 5-0) in the regular season. It’s a scheduling quirk that bugs coach Todd Bozeman.

“I’m one of those guys that thinks we should all play each other at least once, and the rest of it they can figure out,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “It’s not like I’m sitting here saying, ‘Man, I wish we could play them.’ I’m not doing that, but I am one of those guys that think we should all play each other once.  We didn’t play Bethune[-Cookman for ...

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Attorney for Jonathan Ferrell’s Family Discusses Non-Indictment of Randall Kerrick

The late Jonathan Ferrell senior photo
6'-1"/200
Courtesy: FAMU Athletics
GAINESVILLE, Florida  --   Roland Martin talks with attorney Chris Chestnut, the lawyer representing the family of Jonathan Ferrell, about a grand jury’s controversial decision to not indict Randall Kerrick on a voluntary manslaughter charge.

Kerrick is responsible for the death of Ferrell after he shot the former FAMU football player 12 times.

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Top spot at stake for Southern women

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  -- The winner of the women’s basketball game between Southern and Mississippi Valley State on Wednesday night will have sole possession of first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The Jaguars (8-5 overall) are 5-0 and have a half-game lead over the Delta Devils (5-10, 4-0). Tip-off is 5:30 p.m. in Greenwood, Miss.

There’s still a long way to go in the 18-game conference schedule, but nonetheless there are added stakes in this game.

“It grabs our attention,” Southern center Jasmine Jefferson said. “It’s an equal opportunity to see who’s the best, who wants it more.”

The Jaguars lead the SWAC in scoring (76.2 points per game) and field-goal percentage (44.0). MVSU is seventh in ...

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