For now, the push is to unionize athletes at private schools, such as Northwestern, because the federal labor agency does not have jurisdiction over public universities.
CHICAGO, Illinois -- In a stunning ruling that could revolutionize a college sports industry worth billions of dollars and have dramatic repercussion at schools coast to coast, a federal agency said Wednesday that football players at Northwestern University can create the nation’s first union of college athletes.
The decision by a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board answered the question at the heart of the debate over the unionization bid: Do football players who receive full scholarships to the Big Ten school qualify as employees under federal law and therefore can legally unionize?
Peter Sung Ohr, the NLRB regional director, said in a 24-page decision that the players “fall squarely” within the broad definition of employee.
Pro-union activists cheered as they learned of the ruling.
“It’s like preparing so long for a big game and then when you win — it is pure joy,” said former UCLA linebacker Ramogi Huma, the designated president of Northwestern’s would-be football players’ union.
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Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Metro State men thump Tuskegee in Elite Eight of D-II hoops tournament
2014 DII Men's Basketball Quarterfinal: Metro State vs. Tuskegee - Full Replay
EVANSVILLE, Indiana — Metro State fell short of an NCAA Division II national championship a year ago, losing in the finals to Drury.
The No. 1 Roadrunners want to finish the job this time and took their first step toward that goal with a 106-87 victory over unranked Tuskegee on Wednesday afternoon in a national quarterfinal at the Ford Center.
Metro State advances to play No. 20 Central Missouri (28-5) on Thursday night in a 5 p.m. national semifinal.
Metro State (32-1) was in a tight battle early against the Golden Tigers, the only No. 8 seed at the Elite Eight. But a jumper by national player of the year Brandon Jefferson put the Roadrunners up 9-6.
Mitch McCarron got inside and was fouled after making a shot. His free throw gave the Roadrunners a 12-7 lead before a dunk by Nicholas Kay extended the lead to 14-7 over the Golden Tigers (21-12).
CONTINUE READING
EVANSVILLE, Indiana — Metro State fell short of an NCAA Division II national championship a year ago, losing in the finals to Drury.
The No. 1 Roadrunners want to finish the job this time and took their first step toward that goal with a 106-87 victory over unranked Tuskegee on Wednesday afternoon in a national quarterfinal at the Ford Center.
Metro State advances to play No. 20 Central Missouri (28-5) on Thursday night in a 5 p.m. national semifinal.
Metro State (32-1) was in a tight battle early against the Golden Tigers, the only No. 8 seed at the Elite Eight. But a jumper by national player of the year Brandon Jefferson put the Roadrunners up 9-6.
Mitch McCarron got inside and was fouled after making a shot. His free throw gave the Roadrunners a 12-7 lead before a dunk by Nicholas Kay extended the lead to 14-7 over the Golden Tigers (21-12).
CONTINUE READING
Ram Ramblings: WSSU QB Johnson prefers to look ahead
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Rudy Johnson, a quarterback at Winston-Salem State, sat their squirming in his seat because I’m pretty sure he knew I would ask him the question. He knew that I would eventually get around to asking him about last season and the CIAA championship pre-game luncheon fight and how he’s dealing with that.But as I knew he would Johnson, which is kind of like his playing style, didn’t back down from the question.
“I tried to store that to motivate me,” Johnson said. “Anything that’s been negative in my life I’ve used that to motivate myself and that’s what I’ve done with what happened last fall.”
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JCSU Golden Bulls Announces 2014 Football Schedule
The Golden Bulls will kick off their season in a highly anticipated match-up against the Division I 49ers of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The game will be played at Jerry Richardson Stadium, home field of UNCC and is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th at 12 noon. Next on the schedule for JCSU will be the Thorobreds of Kentucky State University. This will be the first home game and commemorates the annual Eddie C. McGirt Classic. Game time is slated for at 2:00 p.m. at the Irwin Belk Complex.
JCSU will travel to Carrollton, GA for their third game of the season against the University of West Georgia. This will conclude the non-conference portion of their schedule.
The Golden Bulls will take on Virginia Union University in their first conference game on Saturday, September 27th at 2:00 p.m. in the Irwin Belk Complex. The last time the two teams met was Homecoming 2011; JCSU defeated the Panthers 26-19 on Eddie C. McGirt field.
The first game in the month of October features a road game against Bowie State University in Bowie, MD. This cross-divisional matchup is scheduled to take place on October 4th. These two teams squared off last season on McGirt Field; the Golden Bulls defeated the Bulldogs 58-41.
JCSU divisional play will begin against the reigning CIAA champion Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, October 11th at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC at 2:00 p.m. Next in division, the Golden Bulls will take on Fayetteville State University (October 18th) and Shaw University (October 25th) in back to back road games.
Johnson C. Smith will host the Falcons of Saint Augustine's University for Homecoming 2014 on November 1st at 1:00 p.m. on McGirt Field at the Irwin Belk Complex.
The regular season will conclude with the annual Commemorative Classic against historic rival Livingstone College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 8th.
JCSU GOLDEN BULLS 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time/Result | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold and Blue Spring Game | Charlotte, NC | 7:00 PM | Details | |
| UNC Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | 12:00 PM | Details | |
| Eddie C. McGirt Classic | ||||
| Kentucky State University | Charlotte, NC | 2:00 PM | Details | |
| University of West Georgia | Carrollton, GA | TBA | Details | |
| Virginia Union University | Charlotte, NC | 2:00 PM | Details | |
| Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | TBA | Details | |
| Winston-Salem State University | Charlotte, NC | 2:00 PM | Details | |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayeteville, NC | TBA | Details | |
| Shaw University | Raleigh, NC | TBA | Details | |
| Saint Augustine's University (Homecoming) | Charlotte, NC | 1:00 PM | Details | |
| Livingstone College | Charlotte, NC | 1:00 PM | Details | |
COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Five Finalists Announced for VUU's Men's Head Coaching Position
RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia Union University has announced the five finalists for the head men's basketball coaching position. The five finalists are (in alphabetical order) Lester "Jay" Butler, Vance Harmon, Richard Morgan, Anthony Peeler and Tony Sheals.
LESTER "JAY" BUTLER
Lester "Jay" Butler has spent the past nine seasons as head coach of the women's basketball team at the University of the District of Columbia. During his nine seasons, Butler has amassed 131 wins, two Independent Collegiate Athletic Association (ICAA) national championships, two ICAA Coach of the Year awards and two NCAA Tournament appearances. He enjoyed two of his finest seasons in 2007-08 and 2008-09 when the Firebirds were a combined 45-13, including a school-record 24 wins and a No. 17 national ranking in the latter year, as they went on to win two straight ICAA Division II National Championships. The team also won a school-record 19 straight games at home, starting with the final six home games in 2007-08 and ending with a perfect 13-0 home record in 2008-09.
The team finished the 2010-11 campaign with a record of 19-9 and finished the season by celebrating "Senior Day" with an 84-60 trumping of the Urbana University Blue Knights for third place in the 2011 Independent Invitational Women's Basketball Classic, and Butler earned his 100th career coaching victory.
The Firebirds finished the 2011-2012 season with a record of 21-7 overall and 12-4 in its first season in the ECC. They would also earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 8 seed in the East Region before bowing out to No. 1 seed and host, Bentley University.
Butler has coached three 1,000-point scorers at UDC including Jaime Brown ('06), Lilian McGill ('11) and Lauren Brittingam ('12). Brown was the first-ever 1,000-point scorer in the history of the program, and accomplished the feat in just three year's time. McGill finished her outstanding four-year career with over 1,400 points and 1,100 rebounds. She was a part of 78 UDC wins throughout her career, which is the most of any player under Butler.
Prior to becoming head coach at UDC, he served as an assistant coach for two seasons. He was responsible for travel, scouting, working with the guards, pre-season conditioning, academic coordinating, and various other duties. He also served as the recruiting coordinator and signed four Junior College All-Americans, a 2nd Team All-ICAA selection, and a 1,000-point career scorer in his short stint as assistant at UDC.
A 1998 graduate of Virginia Union University with a degree in criminal justice, Butler played for legendary coach Dave Robbins, and was a key member of the Panther basketball program. He helped Virginia Union capture three straight CIAA championships and make four NCAA Division II appearances. In 1996, Butler's senior season, he guided the team to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Butler finished his career at Virginia Union tied for the most wins with a (107-14) won-loss record. Butler served as team captain from (1994-1996).
A native of Washington D.C., Butler graduated from Archbishop Carroll High in 1992 where he earned All-Metro honors and Honorable Mention All-American.
VANCE HARMON
Head Coach, Henrico High School, 2004-present 212-65 record (77%)
Head Coach, J.R. Tucker High School, 2002-2003 17-27 record (39%)
Assistant Coach, J.R. Tucker High School, 1995-2001
REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS AND POSTSEASON APPEARANCES
VHSL State Finals---2013 (Head Coach)
VHSL State Semi-finals---2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
VHSL State Quarterfinals---2005, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Central Region Finals---2005, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Central Region Semi-Finals---2005, 2009, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Central Region Quarterfinals---2005 thru 2013 (Head Coach)
1998 (Assistant Coach)
Central Region Tournament---2004 thru 2013 (Head Coach)
1998 and 1999 (Assistant Coach)
Capital District Tournament Champions---2004, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Capital District Tournament Finals---2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Capital District Regular Season Champions---2005, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Colonial District Tournament Finals---1998 (Assistant Coach)
PLAYING STATISTICS AT DOUGLAS FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Most points in a career = 1,717
Most points in a game = 35
Most three-pointers in a career = 209
Most three-pointers in a season = 72
Most three-pointers in a game = 7
Highest three-point shooting percentage (career) = 37%
Most free throws in a career = 424
Most free throws in a game season = 144
PERSONAL
Born December 30, 1970, Richmond, VA.
High School Douglas S. Freeman, 1990
College Virginia Union University, 1994
Family Wife - Christy Daughters -Virginia-Anne (8) and Margaret (3)
EDUCATION
B.A., History/Political Science, Virginia Union University, 1994
RICHARD MORGAN
Richard Morgan brought more than a decade of NCAA coaching experience to the Bluefield College men's basketball program upon his hire in 2009. Beyond his coaching experience, Morgan was a decorated collegiate player at the University of Virginia and a standout athlete at Salem High School – making his Virginian roots run even deeper.
The Rams posted a 17-16 record during Morgan's first year at the helm of the program. Bluefield went 11-5 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play to grab a share of the regular season title. Morgan's guidance helped senior Omar Reed earn AAC Defensive Player of the Year, AAC Player of the Year and NAIA Third Team All-America honors.
In each of his first three seasons, Morgan led the Rams to postseason play, both in the AAC and the National Christian College Athletic Association's Mid-East Region.
The Rams transitioned to the highly competitive Mid-South Conference for the 2012-13 season and concluded the year with eight wins. However, Bluefield dropped five games by five points or less, including a pair of overtime games. In the Rams' first-ever MSC game, they knocked off No. 3 ranked Georgetown College, 96-89.
Morgan joined the Bluefield athletics family after a three-year stint as an assistant coach at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. He helped the Mountaineers to a school record 25 wins and a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) appearance in 2007, in addition to back-to-back Southern Conference (SoCon) regular season championships (2006-07, 2007-08).
Before his time with Appalachian State, Morgan served as an associate head coach at Hampton University for three years. Morgan helped the Pirates to consistently strong seasons in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships (MEAC), including a MEAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2006. This was Morgan's second stint with Hampton, as he served as an assistant from 1996-98.
Prior to his Hampton return, Morgan spent five seasons (1999-2003) as an assistant at East Carolina University.
Morgan pursued coaching after a successful career as a professional and collegiate player. As a three-year starter at Virginia, Morgan finished his career ranked sixth all-time in scoring with 1,540 points. He also ranked third at UVa in steals (160) and seventh in assists (279). He earned first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors and was named honorable mention All-America by The Sporting News after leading the Cavs to the Elite Eight in 1989. Following his graduation with a sports management degree, Morgan played basketball professionally for two seasons with the Rockford Lightning of the CBA and overseas with teams in Austria and the Philippines.
He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Salem High School, where he helped lead the program to district, regional and state championships. He also served as a paraprofessional for special education programs.
Morgan and his wife, Sherelle, have two sons, Nicholas and Kaleb.
ANTHONY PEELER
Anthony Peeler has spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach for the Virginia Union University Men's Basketball team.
Peeler was a standout high school player at Paseo High School Kansas City, Missouri and was named to the McDonald's All-American team his senior year.
Peeler chose the University of Missouri and went on to be one of the school's all-time greats.
Peeler averaged 16.8 points per game for his Tiger career and left as Missouri's all-time third leading scorer, with 1,970 points. He is also the school career record holder for both steals and assists. During his career, Peeler was named first-team All-Big Eight, and in 1992 was named the conference AP Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year and a consensus second team All-American.
In 2006, Peeler was named to the Missouri's 30-member All-Century team, in honor of the school's 100th year of competition.
After his college eligibility was up, Peeler was drafted 15th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1992 NBA Draft.
Peeler also played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and the Washington Wizards averaging 9.7 points per game throughout his NBA career.
While with Sacramento during the2003-04 season, he led the league in three-point field goal accuracy with 48.2 percent.
TONY SHEALS
Tony Sheals spent his first season as the head men's basketball coach at Saint Augustine's University in 2013-14.
He has coached on the high school, collegiate and professional levels for more than 20 years, including Florida State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Towson University and Delaware State University. Sheals spent the last three seasons at Florida A&M University, where he was the Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach. While at Florida A&M, the Rattlers reached the MEAC Tournament semifinals in the 2011-2012 season.
Sheals was head coach at Bethune-Cookman (1994-1997) and Delaware State (2000) during their most successful periods in basketball history. He finished with a conference record of .500 or better each season at Bethune-Cookman, where Sheals was named MEAC Coach of the Year in 1995 as the Wildcats established school marks for best overall regular-season record and conference finish.
Sheals enjoyed success as an assistant coach for several years in the traditionally strong Atlantic Coast Conference, considered one of, if not the best, collegiate basketball conference in the nation. He was Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Miami (2001-2002) and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Florida State University (2002-2006).
Sheals was also an assistant coach at Towson State (1997-1999) of the America East Conference where he was primarily responsible for recruiting the No. 1 recruiting class in the league for two consecutive years.
During his time in Miami, the Hurricanes played in the NCAA Tournament four times in five years, earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament and won a then school-record 24 games. At Florida State, he helped assemble four of the top recruiting classes in school history, including the nation's No. 1-ranked class in 2003. The Seminoles defeated six nationally-ranked Division I teams with Sheals on the coaching staff.
Sheals began his coaching career at Kathleen High School (1984 -1990) in Lakeland, Fla., where he compiled a career record of 156-57. He led his teams to three state tournament finals appearances (1986, 1987, 1989), posting one 31-win season and two 29-win seasons during his tenure. His 1987 team was ranked 18th in the nation by USA Today and Sheals was named Class 4A Coach of the Year by the Central Florida Coaches Association. He was recently inducted into the Lakeland Sports Hall of Fame for his coaching achievements at Kathleen High School.
Sheals holds a B.S. degree in health and physical education from Bethune-Cookman University (1980), where he finished Cum Laude. He and his wife Marian, have two children: a son, Drew, and a daughter, Marissa.
COURTESY VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
LESTER "JAY" BUTLER
Lester "Jay" Butler has spent the past nine seasons as head coach of the women's basketball team at the University of the District of Columbia. During his nine seasons, Butler has amassed 131 wins, two Independent Collegiate Athletic Association (ICAA) national championships, two ICAA Coach of the Year awards and two NCAA Tournament appearances. He enjoyed two of his finest seasons in 2007-08 and 2008-09 when the Firebirds were a combined 45-13, including a school-record 24 wins and a No. 17 national ranking in the latter year, as they went on to win two straight ICAA Division II National Championships. The team also won a school-record 19 straight games at home, starting with the final six home games in 2007-08 and ending with a perfect 13-0 home record in 2008-09.The team finished the 2010-11 campaign with a record of 19-9 and finished the season by celebrating "Senior Day" with an 84-60 trumping of the Urbana University Blue Knights for third place in the 2011 Independent Invitational Women's Basketball Classic, and Butler earned his 100th career coaching victory.
The Firebirds finished the 2011-2012 season with a record of 21-7 overall and 12-4 in its first season in the ECC. They would also earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 8 seed in the East Region before bowing out to No. 1 seed and host, Bentley University.
Butler has coached three 1,000-point scorers at UDC including Jaime Brown ('06), Lilian McGill ('11) and Lauren Brittingam ('12). Brown was the first-ever 1,000-point scorer in the history of the program, and accomplished the feat in just three year's time. McGill finished her outstanding four-year career with over 1,400 points and 1,100 rebounds. She was a part of 78 UDC wins throughout her career, which is the most of any player under Butler.
Prior to becoming head coach at UDC, he served as an assistant coach for two seasons. He was responsible for travel, scouting, working with the guards, pre-season conditioning, academic coordinating, and various other duties. He also served as the recruiting coordinator and signed four Junior College All-Americans, a 2nd Team All-ICAA selection, and a 1,000-point career scorer in his short stint as assistant at UDC.
A 1998 graduate of Virginia Union University with a degree in criminal justice, Butler played for legendary coach Dave Robbins, and was a key member of the Panther basketball program. He helped Virginia Union capture three straight CIAA championships and make four NCAA Division II appearances. In 1996, Butler's senior season, he guided the team to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Butler finished his career at Virginia Union tied for the most wins with a (107-14) won-loss record. Butler served as team captain from (1994-1996).
A native of Washington D.C., Butler graduated from Archbishop Carroll High in 1992 where he earned All-Metro honors and Honorable Mention All-American.
VANCE HARMON
Head Coach, Henrico High School, 2004-present 212-65 record (77%)
Head Coach, J.R. Tucker High School, 2002-2003 17-27 record (39%)
Assistant Coach, J.R. Tucker High School, 1995-2001
REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS AND POSTSEASON APPEARANCES
VHSL State Finals---2013 (Head Coach)
VHSL State Semi-finals---2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
VHSL State Quarterfinals---2005, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Central Region Finals---2005, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Central Region Semi-Finals---2005, 2009, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Central Region Quarterfinals---2005 thru 2013 (Head Coach)
1998 (Assistant Coach)
Central Region Tournament---2004 thru 2013 (Head Coach)
1998 and 1999 (Assistant Coach)
Capital District Tournament Champions---2004, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Capital District Tournament Finals---2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Capital District Regular Season Champions---2005, 2012, 2013 (Head Coach)
Colonial District Tournament Finals---1998 (Assistant Coach)
PLAYING STATISTICS AT DOUGLAS FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Most points in a career = 1,717
Most points in a game = 35
Most three-pointers in a career = 209
Most three-pointers in a season = 72
Most three-pointers in a game = 7
Highest three-point shooting percentage (career) = 37%
Most free throws in a career = 424
Most free throws in a game season = 144
PERSONAL
Born December 30, 1970, Richmond, VA.
High School Douglas S. Freeman, 1990
College Virginia Union University, 1994
Family Wife - Christy Daughters -Virginia-Anne (8) and Margaret (3)
EDUCATION
B.A., History/Political Science, Virginia Union University, 1994
RICHARD MORGAN
Richard Morgan brought more than a decade of NCAA coaching experience to the Bluefield College men's basketball program upon his hire in 2009. Beyond his coaching experience, Morgan was a decorated collegiate player at the University of Virginia and a standout athlete at Salem High School – making his Virginian roots run even deeper.
The Rams posted a 17-16 record during Morgan's first year at the helm of the program. Bluefield went 11-5 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play to grab a share of the regular season title. Morgan's guidance helped senior Omar Reed earn AAC Defensive Player of the Year, AAC Player of the Year and NAIA Third Team All-America honors.
In each of his first three seasons, Morgan led the Rams to postseason play, both in the AAC and the National Christian College Athletic Association's Mid-East Region.
The Rams transitioned to the highly competitive Mid-South Conference for the 2012-13 season and concluded the year with eight wins. However, Bluefield dropped five games by five points or less, including a pair of overtime games. In the Rams' first-ever MSC game, they knocked off No. 3 ranked Georgetown College, 96-89.
Morgan joined the Bluefield athletics family after a three-year stint as an assistant coach at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. He helped the Mountaineers to a school record 25 wins and a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) appearance in 2007, in addition to back-to-back Southern Conference (SoCon) regular season championships (2006-07, 2007-08).
Before his time with Appalachian State, Morgan served as an associate head coach at Hampton University for three years. Morgan helped the Pirates to consistently strong seasons in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships (MEAC), including a MEAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2006. This was Morgan's second stint with Hampton, as he served as an assistant from 1996-98.
Prior to his Hampton return, Morgan spent five seasons (1999-2003) as an assistant at East Carolina University.
Morgan pursued coaching after a successful career as a professional and collegiate player. As a three-year starter at Virginia, Morgan finished his career ranked sixth all-time in scoring with 1,540 points. He also ranked third at UVa in steals (160) and seventh in assists (279). He earned first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors and was named honorable mention All-America by The Sporting News after leading the Cavs to the Elite Eight in 1989. Following his graduation with a sports management degree, Morgan played basketball professionally for two seasons with the Rockford Lightning of the CBA and overseas with teams in Austria and the Philippines.
He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Salem High School, where he helped lead the program to district, regional and state championships. He also served as a paraprofessional for special education programs.
Morgan and his wife, Sherelle, have two sons, Nicholas and Kaleb.
ANTHONY PEELER
Anthony Peeler has spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach for the Virginia Union University Men's Basketball team.Peeler was a standout high school player at Paseo High School Kansas City, Missouri and was named to the McDonald's All-American team his senior year.
Peeler chose the University of Missouri and went on to be one of the school's all-time greats.
Peeler averaged 16.8 points per game for his Tiger career and left as Missouri's all-time third leading scorer, with 1,970 points. He is also the school career record holder for both steals and assists. During his career, Peeler was named first-team All-Big Eight, and in 1992 was named the conference AP Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year and a consensus second team All-American.
In 2006, Peeler was named to the Missouri's 30-member All-Century team, in honor of the school's 100th year of competition.
After his college eligibility was up, Peeler was drafted 15th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1992 NBA Draft.
Peeler also played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and the Washington Wizards averaging 9.7 points per game throughout his NBA career.
While with Sacramento during the2003-04 season, he led the league in three-point field goal accuracy with 48.2 percent.
TONY SHEALS
Tony Sheals spent his first season as the head men's basketball coach at Saint Augustine's University in 2013-14.
He has coached on the high school, collegiate and professional levels for more than 20 years, including Florida State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Towson University and Delaware State University. Sheals spent the last three seasons at Florida A&M University, where he was the Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach. While at Florida A&M, the Rattlers reached the MEAC Tournament semifinals in the 2011-2012 season.
Sheals was head coach at Bethune-Cookman (1994-1997) and Delaware State (2000) during their most successful periods in basketball history. He finished with a conference record of .500 or better each season at Bethune-Cookman, where Sheals was named MEAC Coach of the Year in 1995 as the Wildcats established school marks for best overall regular-season record and conference finish.
Sheals enjoyed success as an assistant coach for several years in the traditionally strong Atlantic Coast Conference, considered one of, if not the best, collegiate basketball conference in the nation. He was Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Miami (2001-2002) and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Florida State University (2002-2006).
Sheals was also an assistant coach at Towson State (1997-1999) of the America East Conference where he was primarily responsible for recruiting the No. 1 recruiting class in the league for two consecutive years.
During his time in Miami, the Hurricanes played in the NCAA Tournament four times in five years, earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament and won a then school-record 24 games. At Florida State, he helped assemble four of the top recruiting classes in school history, including the nation's No. 1-ranked class in 2003. The Seminoles defeated six nationally-ranked Division I teams with Sheals on the coaching staff.
Sheals began his coaching career at Kathleen High School (1984 -1990) in Lakeland, Fla., where he compiled a career record of 156-57. He led his teams to three state tournament finals appearances (1986, 1987, 1989), posting one 31-win season and two 29-win seasons during his tenure. His 1987 team was ranked 18th in the nation by USA Today and Sheals was named Class 4A Coach of the Year by the Central Florida Coaches Association. He was recently inducted into the Lakeland Sports Hall of Fame for his coaching achievements at Kathleen High School.
Sheals holds a B.S. degree in health and physical education from Bethune-Cookman University (1980), where he finished Cum Laude. He and his wife Marian, have two children: a son, Drew, and a daughter, Marissa.
COURTESY VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
SCSU Men's basketball coach job status in AD's hands.
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The waiting game continues for head coach Murray Garvin.About 16 days have passed since the South Carolina State men’s basketball team’s season ended with an opening round loss in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament. The loss also marked the final regular-season game under Garvin’s current contract signed last February when he took over the program from Tim Carter.
With “Final Four” weekend for the NCAA tournament just 10 days away, Garvin’s future status with the Bulldogs remains an unanswered question. Numerous messages left with outgoing S.C. State athletics director Charlene Johnson have gone unreturned and the school has yet to release any statement regarding the coaching position.
It’s a situation which leaves ...
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A tale of two winners
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Whatever the "it factor" is, two guys recently here in AT&T Center have a corner on that quality.
Iowa State point guard DeAndre Kane put the Cyclones in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament using a tough basket with 1.9 seconds left against North Carolina in the third round of the Big Dance on Sunday.
Kane’s an old man at 24, and he looked like he needed a cane to get up and down the court toward the end of the UNC game. He played 39 of 40 minutes, and fatigue was setting in on him, but he just has a certain je ne sais quoi.
He’s just a winner at heart, and he’s just made of steel,” Iowa State forward Georges Niang said. “Nothing’s going to break him down. He’s always going to rise to the occasion.”
Before Iowa State beat N.C. Central 93-75 in round two of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said his Eagles were ...
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TSU's Hughes, Dameus Garner OVC Weekly Honors
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State’s Amber Hughes and Clairwin Dameus were named Ohio Valley Conference Co-Female Track and Field Athletes of the Week, respectively, by the league Wednesday.
Hughes picked up four top five finishes last week at the Alabama relays. She finished third in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.88 which ranks first in the OVC and third in the nation. She was also part of the 4x100 meter relay team that finished second (45.58) and the 4x400-meter relay that took third (3:44.40). Both of those times rank first in the league so far this year. Hughes was also a member of the 4x200-meter relay team that took third with a time of 1:37.87.
Dameus took second in the heptathlon with 5,283 points at the Alabama Relays. She was first in the long jump, 100-meter hurdles and the 200 meter dash. She earned third-place finishes in the javelin, high jump and the 800-meter run.
TSU will next compete at the Weems Baskin Invitational in Columbia, S.C. on March 28-29.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
PVAMU's Zelmo Beaty to be Inducted into the NABC Hall of Fame
KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- Former Prairie View A&M Center Zelmo Beaty is one of seven to be enshrined into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame induction class of 2014. He was the most valuable player of his 1962 Prairie View A&M team that won the NAIA national championship. He averaged 25 points and 20 rebounds during his career for the Panthers.
Beaty was named to the inaugural NBA All-Rookie Team in 1963. He averaged more than 20 points per game in three different seasons, and over ten rebounds per game in six of his seven seasons with the Hawks. Beaty made two NBA All-Star Game appearances in 1966 and 1968 before leaving the NBA to play in the rival American Basketball Association (ABA).
In his first season in the ABA, Beaty led the league in field goal percentage, was third in the league in rebounds per game, helped lead the Utah Stars to the 1971 ABA title, and was awarded the ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award. He played a total of four seasons with the Stars, being named to the All-ABA Second Team twice and making the ABA All-Star Game three times, before returning to the NBA as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 6’9 center retired in 1975 with combined ABA/NBA totals of 15,207 points and 9,665 rebounds.[2] He briefly served as a coach for the ABA's Virginia Squires.
Following his pro career, Beaty worked in financial planning. He also worked as a substitute physical education teacher in Seattle elementary schools. Beaty died from cancer on August 27, 2013 at his home in Bellevue, Washington. He was 73 years old.
All-Americans and NCAA champions Grant Hill of Duke and Darrell Griffith of Louisville, along with two-time national player of the year and All-American Shaquille O’Neal of LSU, headline the class. Dale Brown of LSU and Gary Williams of Maryland and contributors Howard Garfinkel, the founder of Five-Star Basketball Camp, and Glenn Wilkes Sr., long-time coach at Stetson University and prolific author of basketball coaching books rounds out the list to be enshrined.
The Class of 2014 will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City as part of a three-day celebration of college basketball. Tickets will go on sale beginning in September. For more information, follow @CBHOF on Twitter or visit www.collegebasketballhalloffame.com.
COURTESY SWAC.ORG
In his first season in the ABA, Beaty led the league in field goal percentage, was third in the league in rebounds per game, helped lead the Utah Stars to the 1971 ABA title, and was awarded the ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award. He played a total of four seasons with the Stars, being named to the All-ABA Second Team twice and making the ABA All-Star Game three times, before returning to the NBA as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 6’9 center retired in 1975 with combined ABA/NBA totals of 15,207 points and 9,665 rebounds.[2] He briefly served as a coach for the ABA's Virginia Squires.
Following his pro career, Beaty worked in financial planning. He also worked as a substitute physical education teacher in Seattle elementary schools. Beaty died from cancer on August 27, 2013 at his home in Bellevue, Washington. He was 73 years old.
All-Americans and NCAA champions Grant Hill of Duke and Darrell Griffith of Louisville, along with two-time national player of the year and All-American Shaquille O’Neal of LSU, headline the class. Dale Brown of LSU and Gary Williams of Maryland and contributors Howard Garfinkel, the founder of Five-Star Basketball Camp, and Glenn Wilkes Sr., long-time coach at Stetson University and prolific author of basketball coaching books rounds out the list to be enshrined.
The Class of 2014 will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City as part of a three-day celebration of college basketball. Tickets will go on sale beginning in September. For more information, follow @CBHOF on Twitter or visit www.collegebasketballhalloffame.com.
COURTESY SWAC.ORG
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Former Alabama, NBA player Leon Douglas leads surprising Tuskegee run
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Leon Douglas is once again coming up big in the NCAA tournament, just on a smaller stage and wearing a suit instead of jersey and shorts.
Nearly four decades after posting two of Alabama's best postseason performances, Douglas the coach has guided eighth-seeded Tuskegee into the Division II quarterfinals Wednesday against Metro State in Evansville, Ind.
The Tigers (21-11) pulled off three consecutive upsets to win the South Region while the other seven No. 8 seeds fell in the first round. Like at Alabama, Douglas is doing it at a school better known for football.
He even drew a chuckle at his job interview from a skeptical administrator when he listed competing for an NCAA title as one of his goals eight years ago.
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Nearly four decades after posting two of Alabama's best postseason performances, Douglas the coach has guided eighth-seeded Tuskegee into the Division II quarterfinals Wednesday against Metro State in Evansville, Ind.
The Tigers (21-11) pulled off three consecutive upsets to win the South Region while the other seven No. 8 seeds fell in the first round. Like at Alabama, Douglas is doing it at a school better known for football.
He even drew a chuckle at his job interview from a skeptical administrator when he listed competing for an NCAA title as one of his goals eight years ago.
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Tuskegee proud to be underdogs
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- There are four No. 1 seeds, two No. 2s, a fourth seed — and Tuskegee — remaining in the NCAA Division II tournament.The 8th-seeded Golden Tigers are the clear underdogs, but to them, it’s all good.
“It doesn’t bother me,” Tuskegee coach Leon Douglas said. “Doesn’t bother me at all.”
Tuskegee (21-11) beat three higher seeds to reach the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. The Golden Tigers stunned No. 1 seed Florida Southern on its home floor, upended 4th-seeded North Alabama and crushed 3rd-seeded Delta State by 21 points to win the South Regional.
“We never felt like ...
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Tuskegee basketball: Despite rough road, Douglas has national title in sight
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Leon Douglas saw this coming.Before last season, the Tuskegee men’s basketball coach had Jostens create a poster with a national championship ring design and a slogan – “The reason for our season” – at the bottom of it.
Taping it to his office door, the former Alabama All-American believed that team had the ability to win it all.
The Golden Tigers didn’t even reach the NCAA Division II tournament, but that team only had two seniors. So with most of his squad returning, Douglas kept the faith and is now three wins away from putting that championship jewelry on his finger.
“As a coach and as a leader of men, I’ve got to instill ...
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ASU Rams add former Mitchell County star WR, could lose another
ALBANY, Georgia -- The long list of former Mitchell County stars to join the Albany State football team got even longer this spring with the addition of Yancey Burns, the Eagles’ leading receiver as a senior in 2011.
But just as Burns, who was a member of The Herald’s 2011 All-Area team and spent the last two seasons at Division II Newberry (S.C.) College, is stepping on the ASU football field, fellow former Mitchell County star receiver Jaquan Williams is on his way off.
Williams, who had the second most receiving touchdowns (3) at ASU as a freshman last season, is academically ineligible this spring and did not play in last week’s scrimmage. The rising sophomore will be left off the 2014 roster this fall if his grades don’t improve by the end of the spring.
“As a student-athlete that’s part of the ...
WSSU Rams give Boulware reasons to smile
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State is a week into spring football practice, and Coach Kienus Boulware likes what he has seen. “The attitudes have been really good, and the guys really want to make an impression on the new coaches, so overall I’m pleased,” Boulware said. “We’ve had a total of four practices, and we realize it’s a work in a progress.”
Boulware, WSSU’s defensive coordinator the last four seasons and now a first-time head coach, said that one luxury he has is the return of many of his defensive players.
“I would say it’s gone a little smoother on defense, but that’s just because the terminology hasn’t changed much,” he said.
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Wiley College Wildcats Falls to Freed-Hardeman (Tenn) in Overtime in Fab Four, 88-86
FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- The Lady Lions of No. 1-seeded Freed-Hardeman are headed to their first-ever NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship after besting No. 3-seeded Wiley (Texas), 88-86, in overtime in the second Fab Four game Monday.After appearing in 18-straight national championships and four Fab Fours under head coach Dale Neal, the Lady Lions are finally headed to the national title game.
In a back and forth first half, Wiley shot 50.0 percent from the field (17-of-34), while Freed-Hardeman exploited a 25-16 rebounding advantage to score 15 second chance points. Junior guard Grace Alonso de Armino, the Lady Lions second-leading scorer, was sidelined for much of the first half with two fouls and was held scoreless. American Midwest Conference Player of the Year, junior forward Hayley Newby, made up for Alonso de Armino’s absence, scoring a game-high 18 points in the period. Senior guard Kyniddia Purdy led the way for the Wildcats, scoring 12 points in the first half. The Lady Wildcats of Wiley took a 41-38 lead to the locker room at halftime.Wiley started second half with a 9-4 run to extend its lead to a game-high eight with 17:12 remaining. From there, Freed-Hardeman kicked off a 14-4 run to get back in the game, taking its first lead of the second half, 56-54, with 11:07 to play. The Lady Lions grabbed a game-high nine point margin on an Alonso de Armino free throw with 8:57 remaining. Wiley would cap a 15-4 run on a Purdy field goal with three seconds left on the clock to take a 71-69 lead.
After two timeouts, the Lady Lions executed a perfect baseball pass to Alonso de Armino at three-quarters court and the junior guard fired a 3-pointer. The ball bounced off the rim, but Newby was waiting alone on the block to put the rebound home and send the Lady Lions to overtime.
Newby had a similar putback opportunity to send the Lady Lions in triple-overtime of her first-ever national championship game during her freshman year, but missed. For her, this shot certainly made up for it.
“After it happened, Brittany and Cynthia both were like that makes up for it. Being able to put that back, I don't know how that happened. That was a God thing. That was a blessing. For me, it makes up for it, because that's kind of haunted me since my freshman year. Being able to do that for my team and my seniors to carry us on to the championship game, makes me feel good,” said Newby.
The teams continued to battle in overtime, with the Lady Lions taking the largest lead of the extra period at seven points, 85-78, with 33 seconds remaining. Wiley would get back in it after a 3-pointer from junior guard Kayla Brown and a Purdy steal and field goal, bringing the score to 85-83. Wiley cut Freed-Hardeman’s lead to one after two free throws from Lady Lions senior guard Brittany Montgomery and a Purdy old-fashioned three-point play, 87-86. After an intentional foul, Montgomery hit 1-of-2 foul shots to give Freed-Hardeman an 88-86 lead that would hold as Kayla Brown missed a half-court shot at the buzzer that would have sent Wiley to the national championship final.
“We've had a few that have come down to the wire, but I think we made some mistakes that I hope we don't make, and I hope we got those out of our system. We weren't spacing very well, and we fouled there at the end after we'd just talked about coming out of the huddle. We did some things mentally that we'd rather not do, but they did get after it. I can't question how hard they work. They really did a great job, I was proud of them ,” said Freed-Hardeman head coach Neal.
Freed-Hardeman, which had shot 44.2 percent from 3-point range in the national championship, was just 3-of-16 (18.8 percent) from beyond the arc in the Fab Four. Newby had a game-high 32 points for the Lady Lions, one shy of her career-high, and Alonso de Armino came alive in the second half and overtime, scoring 15 points after being shut out in the first period. American Midwest Conference Freshman of the Year, Taleeah Cross, and Montgomery also chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Wiley shot well from 3-point range, making 6-of-13 (46.2 percent), and from the free throw line, 10-of-11 (90.9 percent), in the loss. The Lady Wildcats, who had averaged 21.3 points per game off turnovers in the national championship, had just eight points off 11 turnovers Monday night. Purdy led the Lady Wildcats with 27 points, while Danisha Shaw and Brown each added 18.
With the win, Freed-Hardeman (36-1) advances to its first-ever national championship where it will face Oklahoma City at 6:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
Wiley (30-5), which had not advanced past the second round in its two prior national championship appearances, falls in its first-ever Fab Four appearance.iv
Live Stats
Box Score
By: Sam Knehans, Communications & Sports Information Intern
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Monday, March 24, 2014
Howard University Athletics Donor Wants No Recognition For Gift
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University athletics director Louis "Skip" Perkins was at work one day, minding his own business, when a Bison Express member stopped by. Perkins is hoping that many more visitors bring such good tidings to his office.Shortly after the welcome interruption, $25,000 was added to the budget. Perkins, Bison Express chairman Bruce Williams and vice chairman Thomas Payne took a picture with "the check" on Feb. 1, as North Carolina Central visited Burr Gymnasium for men's and women's basketball games.
"This came from a tremendous donor who wants to remain anonymous and totally help the athletic department," Perkins said. "It's just someone who genuinely cares about the athletic program and wants to see us succeed. He knew we had some facility issues and things like that. We're very grateful."
Perkins said it marked the largest single donation from an individual during his tenure, which began in January 2011. Twenty-five grand is a lot of money, even with the acknowledgement that dollar amounts are relative.
At the Charter Day gala on March 8, the university announced a $4.9 million gift from the trust of Dr. Richard "Frank" Jones, who received his bachelor's from Howard in 1919 and his M.D. in 1922. Another seven-figure donation came from Radio One CEO Alfred C. Liggins, who gave $4 million to the School of Communications in honor of his mother, Radio One chairwoman/founder and Howard alum Cathy Hughes.
Those gifts were the lion's share of more than $10 million raised as Howard celebrated its 147th anniversary. But Perkins doesn't want folks to focus on the number of zeroes on a check.
"It doesn't matter if someone is writing a check for $250, $100 or $2,500 dollars," he said. "Every bit counts. As athletic departments, we all operate at a deficit. Only 11 schools in the country don't. We have so many different needs – from facilities and scholarships to books and equipment. It all helps and it all counts. We appreciate anyone who reaches out to help us."
The challenges facing HBCUs, in general, and Howard, in particular, have received a lot of attention over the last several months. Alumni giving – or lack thereof – comes up often in such discussions. "I Love Howard," a grassroots effort, began recently with the modest goal of raising $20,000 for the university's endowment.
Perkins said the instinct to give has to be instilled before students become alumni.
"We have to train our young people once they come to HBCUs as freshmen," he said. "They have to know we're going to need their support once they walk out these doors in four or five years. We have to educate them and help them understand how important it is.
"The best part is they can give anywhere because we need help in all areas. Whether it's an academic major, athletics, the library – there's no donation we can't accept. It can be in-kind, cash, estate, will, whatever. We just can't wait until they graduate and they're gone 10 years and ask them to write a check. We have to find ways to keep them connected and embrace them at all times."
The mysterious Bison Express donor insisted on remaining anonymous and Perkins assured him that would be the case. The gift wasn't earmarked. Perkins said it probably will go toward the athletics department's academic center and weight room, "which we'd like to have done before the end of this fiscal year."
Whatever the goal, Perkins' department was $25,000 closer after his special visitor that day.
Written By Howard Mann for Bison Express ORIGINAL ARTICLE
COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
GAME NOTES: Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners awaits Tuskegee University Tigers at Elite Eight
 |
| #1 Metro State Roadrunners, 31-1 Overall |
DENVER, Colorado -- No. 1 Metropolitan State University of Denver ("Metro State") will face Tuskegee University Tigers (Ala.) in the Elite Eight at the NCAA Division II tournament on Wednesday in Evansville, Indiana at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Tuskegee Website: GoldenTigerSports.com
Metro State Website: GoMetroState.com
Complete Notes (PDF) (print version)
Compelte Notes (PDF) (web version)
Notes:
• Metro State won a national championship the last time it played in Evansville, Ind. (2002).
• Metro State has earned the No. 1 seed in a regional tournament five times and has won the region all five times and has a 20-3 (.870) record at the NCAA tournament as a No. 1 seed, while winning a national championship in 2000.
• Metro State has made more NCAA tournament appearances over the past 17 years than any other Division II school (16).
• Metro State's eight Elite Eight appearances since 1998 aremore than any other school (Kentucky Wesleyan is second with five).
• Metro State's .732 winning percentage in the NCAA tournament is the second-best in Division II history.
• Metro State is 14-0 all-time in NCAA tournament games on its home floor.
• Metro State finished last season as the national runner-up;the last time the Roadrunners finished second (1999), they won the national championship the following season (2000).
• If Metro State was to win the rest of its games this season and win a national championship, it would require a 31-game winning streak, breaking the current school record of 30.
• Metro State earned an automatic bid by winning the RMAC Shootout, its 11th RMAC tournament title and second in a row (Fort Hays State has second-most with four).
• Metro State has won 28 straight games (longest active streak in Division II).
• Entering the regional championship that Metro State won by 22 points, Metro State has won its previous seven games by
10 points or less with an average margin of victory of +6.1 points.
• Brandon Jefferson (Flower Mound, Texas/Lewisville H.S.) was named RMAC player of the year,
becoming the second consecutive Roadrunner to earn the award (Jonathan Morse (Boulder, Colo./Fairview H.S.) in 2013) and he is the first player in school history to be named region player of the year.
• Jefferson is the sixth Roadrunner to be named RMAC player of the year.
• Jefferson broke Metro State's single-season scoring record on March 16 against Colorado Mines, passing Gene Edwards' previous record of 666 points in 1989-90.
• Jefferson has scored over 30 points in each of the past two games, becoming the first Roadrunner to do so since Edwards in 1990.
• Jefferson was named RMAC male athlete of the month for January.
• Jefferson set the school record for consecutive free throws with 34 in a row from Jan. 11 to Jan. 24, and also made 24 straight Jan. 25 to Feb. 15, and 23 consecutive free throws from Dec. 7 to Dec. 21.
• Jefferson missed consecutive free throws for the first time all season on March 7 vs. Fort Lewis, but then made 28 in a row and has made 31-of-32 free throws in the NCAA tournament.
• Jefferson had 32 points and broke the school record for free throws made in a game (19) on Jan. 11 vs. No. 11 Colorado Mines.
• Jefferson earned RMAC defensive player of the week on Dec. 9 after tying a career high with six steals at Regis.
• Jefferson is averaging 23.7 points and shooting 43.5 percent on 3-point field goals over the past 10 games.
• Mitch McCarron (Brisbane, Australia/Genesis Christian College) scored a career-high 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting in a win over Western State on Jan. 25.
• He was named RMAC defensive player of the week on Nov. 18 and Feb. 3 after having five steals on Jan. 31 vs. Chadron State and two steals on Feb. 1 vs. Black Hills State.
• McCarron is averaging 18.0 points and shooting 53.8 percent from the floor over the past 11 games.
• Nicholas Kay (Tamworth, Australia/Newington College) was named RMAC defensive player of the
week on Dec. 23 after seven steals and two blocks at BHSU and CSC.
• Kay also won the award on Dec. 2.
• Kay scored a season-low three points on March 15 in the first round of the NCAA tournament after averaging 21.5 points and 8.0 rebounds, while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor over the previous six games.
• Kay was named RMAC Shootout most valuable player.
• Jamal McClerkin (Van Nuys, Calif./Chaminade College Prep) scored a career-high 15 points and hit a career-high three 3-pointers at Fort Lewis on Jan. 18.
• McClerkin matched his career high with 15 again on Jan. 24 against Colorado Mesa.
• Metro State suffered its first regular-season, non-conference loss since 2010 (Central Washington), 72-69 at No. 7 Western Washington on Nov. 30.
• The game at Western Washington was Metro State's fourth game in six days and eighth in 16 days (including exhibitions).
By Andy Schlichting, Sports Information Director
COURTESY METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER ATHLETICS
Tuskegee University enjoying men's basketball team historic run
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- When the Tuskegee players got off the bus Wednesday night, they were greeted by a sea of crimson and gold.
The band boomed the school fight song loudly heralding the Golden Tigers’ arrival, and the celebration of coach Leon Douglas’ squad tuned up from there.
The players held up their South Regional Championship trophy to the roar of the hundreds of fans, faculty and alumni lining the F-16 bomber outside Daniel “Chappie” James Arena.
It’s a big deal to get to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, but for Tuskegee, a program more known for football, it’s historic.
CONTINUE READING
The band boomed the school fight song loudly heralding the Golden Tigers’ arrival, and the celebration of coach Leon Douglas’ squad tuned up from there.
The players held up their South Regional Championship trophy to the roar of the hundreds of fans, faculty and alumni lining the F-16 bomber outside Daniel “Chappie” James Arena.
It’s a big deal to get to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, but for Tuskegee, a program more known for football, it’s historic.
CONTINUE READING
2014 SIAC Centennial Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
If you missed the event, here is an opportunity to view the video of the induction gala.
The SIAC Hall of Fame Centennial Class
In conjunction with the one hundredth anniversary of our conference, and on
behalf of the SIAC Council of Presidents, we were pleased and honored to
induct this Hall of Fame Class which features some of our most renown
former student-athletes who have distinguished themselves both on and off
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, headlined the class of
inductees that was introduced as the SIAC's Centennial Hall of Fame
Class.
The centennial gala was held in the Magic City on March 5, 2014, Birmingham, Alabama.
The inductees were selected by the SIAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee, a
body of athletic administrators representing former and current member
institutions. They are:
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 from 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
basketball career started in the SIAC as a standout for Bethune-Cookman
College. Chaney played for the Wildcats from 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.
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 (Florida A&M): Known as the "Hawk," for his outstanding
defensein the outfield, Dawson, was a three-time All-SIAC baseball player at
defensein 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 championship 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
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.
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
1941team to a perfect season, where they were also named Black College
National Champions. Nicks is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
College for a total of 11 years and compiled a record of 66-22-13. He led his
1941team 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
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
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.
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.
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 THE SIAC.COM
COURTESY THE SIAC.COM
Virginia State Bowlers Outlast Fayetteville State For CIAA Title
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The Trojans rallied past Fayetteville State twice in the finals of the CIAA Bowling Championships at AMF Durham Lanes on Sunday, March 23, 2014. They won both matches 4-3 for their third league crown and first under Head Coach Ronald Simms, Jr.
The top-seeded Lady Broncos were one win away from winning the championship after leading 3-1 in the first match. But the Trojans came back to beat the Lady Broncos, and then they prevailed in seven games of the second match to take home the trophy.
“Our slogan is ‘one ball, one frame, one goal’ and we try to follow that,” Simms Jr. said. “I try to teach them not to worry about the score. Throw the best shot you can.”
Senior Amber Seay of VSU was selected Most Valuable Bowler in the tournament. She rolled two of the team’s five strikes in the seventh and decisive game in the second match which clinched the championship. The Trojans won the seventh game 200-180.
“I feel like everything comes with a challenge,” Seay said. “If you really want [something], you have to go for it. Nothing worth having is ever achieved without a struggle.”
The Trojans, seeded second, battled their way to the crown in the elimination bracket after suffering their first bracket loss, a 4-1 defeat to the Lady Broncos earlier in the day. They won their last three matches 4-3 including a tough victory over Bowie State University after falling behind 3-2.
The win set up a rematch against Fayetteville State for the championship. It was the third straight finals appearance for the Trojans.
The Lady Broncos were unbeaten in bracket play and only needed a win over the Trojans for the championship. They appeared to have it after leading 3-1 in the first match, but the Trojans didn’t roll over.
“We were not going home,” Seay said. “This is my senior year and we have been in second place two years in a row. This was not happening.”
The Trojans won three consecutive games to hand the Lady Broncos their first loss in bracket play. The Lady Broncos took a 3-2 lead in the second match but the
Trojans regrouped to win two in a row for the championship.
The Trojans seized control in the last game with three consecutive strikes. The trio of Felicia Cantyne, Kiara Raiford and Seay each bowled a strike to set the tone. After the Trojans built an early lead, Seay and CIAA Bowler of the Year Rebecca Clements each recorded a strike to finish off the Lady Broncos.
“We gave it our best shot, but Virginia State got hot in the end,” said Fayetteville State Head Coach Bobby Henderson, whose Lady Broncos won the Southern Division title.
COURTESY THE CIAA.COM
Morgan State Bears Wrap First Week of Spring Practice
BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Morgan State coach Lee Hull practiced his team for a little over two hours Saturday at Hughes Stadium. It was a pleasant morning session Stadium for the players, who practiced in full pads to complete the Bears' first week of the 2014 spring drills.Afterward, Hull provided thoughts on a few players and topics:
Revised Practice Schedule:
"We couldn't practice on Tuesday (March 18) due to the inclement weather, so we practiced Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I think the guys are progressing the way we want in the offensive, defensive and special teams systems. You can see them getting better and better everyday, and more comfortable."
Healthy competition at running back:
"I think the running back competition is going to be pretty fierce with Lamont Brown III, Herb Walker Jr. and Tracy Martin. That's going to be a very good competition."
O-Line:
"I think the O-line shows a lot of promise and kind of dominated this week. Our defensive line was thin, but they're working hard."
Who is stepping up at quarterback this spring:
"[Robert] Council and [Moses] Skillon are taking most of the snaps. The quarterback position is a really good battle, with Seth [Higgins] being injured right now, and not being able to do anything until later in the spring. So these guys are getting a lot of reps and a lot of experience."
Key traits of a first-team QB:
"You have to be smart. In this offense, we put a lot of pressure on the quarterback to get us in the right play. It's someone who has to be pretty smart and is going to be a student of the game."
Team Leadership:
"Leadership is coming from everywhere. Everybody is buying in to what we're doing. They like what we're doing. The biggest thing that I've been stressing to them is that – 'A coach driven is a good team, but a player driven team is a great team' -- and they've bought into that philosophy."
"They've been self-accountable for their actions and they've also held their teammates accountable for their actions, so I really like the way the program is going right now. We're going in the right direction and we have some good momentum because the players are taking the lead."
Practice Dates: The Bears will resume practice on the following dates: April 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24 and 26. Practices start at 5:30 a.m. during the weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays (April 5, 12, 19)
Spring Game: Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Hughes Stadium,
COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Prairie View overwhelmed by UConn 87-44
Box Score | Photo Gallery 1
| Photo Gallery 2 | Photo Gallery 3 STORRS, Connecticut -- Prairie View A&M outscored UConn by seven points over the final 16 minutes of their first-round NCAA tournament game Sunday.
Unfortunately for the Lady Panthers, they were down by 50 points after the first 24 minutes and lost 87-44 to the defending national champions.
"I think it was something we were lacking and that was the confidence in the first 20 minutes and that's what the girls came out and displayed in the second half," Prairie View coach Dawn Brown said. "I told them, 'You guys are going to have to play your hearts out in the last 20 minutes. And that's what they did."
LaReahn Washington scored 13 points to lead Prairie View and freshman Alexus Parker added nine. The Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament champions finished their season 14-18.
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