JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State defensive coordinator Derrick Burroughs is putting a lot of pressure on Preston Hughes and Ryan Griffin.
The duo has gotten the most reps at safety during spring practice, and Burroughs expects them to lead on the field.
“This is a new defense for the both of us,” Burroughs said. “I’ve kind of put it on their shoulders, they’re the two guys that I always go to after practice and ... make sure they staying on their playbook.”
Along with those expectations comes ...
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Sunday, March 30, 2014
Southern spring game showcases new quarterbacks
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern offense won’t be the same next season without All-Southwestern Athletic Conference quarterback Dray Joseph.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be as good or even better just because it’s different.
Southern’s spring game Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium demonstrated how the offense will evolve with an inexperienced quarterback in either Deonte Shorts or Francis Kennah and a deep stable of running backs.
Shorts and Kennah were among 10 players to rush the ball, and Southern ran it 45 times and threw it 27. Unofficially, the Jaguars rushed for 258 yards and passed for 120.
“The quarterbacks’ ability to run will put some pressure on defenses,” coach Dawson Odums said. “They’re a lot more mobile than Dray was, and we didn’t ask Dray to be mobile, because he was a pretty good pocket passer.
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But that doesn’t mean it can’t be as good or even better just because it’s different.
Southern’s spring game Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium demonstrated how the offense will evolve with an inexperienced quarterback in either Deonte Shorts or Francis Kennah and a deep stable of running backs.
Shorts and Kennah were among 10 players to rush the ball, and Southern ran it 45 times and threw it 27. Unofficially, the Jaguars rushed for 258 yards and passed for 120.
“The quarterbacks’ ability to run will put some pressure on defenses,” coach Dawson Odums said. “They’re a lot more mobile than Dray was, and we didn’t ask Dray to be mobile, because he was a pretty good pocket passer.
CONTINUE READING
Savannah State Under The Morning Lights - 2014 SSU Spring Football Practice
SAVANNAH, Georgia -- First-year coach Earnest Wilson, III, has the daunting task of turning around the misfortunes of the Tiger's football program. With that in mind, the Tigers now start their spring practice regiment with specific goals in mind for the upcoming season.
"I think we have the ability to win at least seven football games this season," said Wilson, as he addressed the squad at the conclusion of practice on this past Monday morning. "We have got to understand the work effort needed and learn how to play a game of intelligence."
Wilson has reached back into the Savannah State University history and sought out the services of former coach and athletic director Frank Ellis and former quarterback Chester Ellis. Both brothers were on hand to observe and then comment on what they saw and made recommendations to Wilson as practice concluded.
"All I want to do is win, because the Lord has given me a lot all ready," Wilson said. "I had a lot of success in arena football and I want to have that success in college football also."
At practice, on the first day back from spring break, 36 freshmen were on the roster. That is not counting more freshmen, who are still in high school. Those are some of the recruits signed by the team during national signing day.
"We have a lot of young players and they have got to understand what work effort is about," said Wilson. "They have got to learn how to check plays and be able to check into the right coverage."
The team has four quarterbacks attending spring drills and second-year player Leon Prunty logged in the most time for the Tigers last year, when now departed Antonio Bostick wasn't able to go.
A lot of the turnaround and attitude of players in the football program can be attributed to the team working out in the off-season. The athletic program now has a certified strength and conditioning coach.
In his initial interview when accepting the position as head football coach, Wilson indicated he had tried five previous times to land a spot here in Savannah.
"Back in 1994, when I was a coach at Alabama A&M, I remembered how wild and crazy the fans were here and I thought is was the best atmosphere I had ever been around," said Wilson.
"As I am getting older, I have given some thought of retirement and Savannah is not a bad place to live. I felt in the past, that I should have gotten the job, but all I want to do now is to build and establish a good program."
COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
"I think we have the ability to win at least seven football games this season," said Wilson, as he addressed the squad at the conclusion of practice on this past Monday morning. "We have got to understand the work effort needed and learn how to play a game of intelligence."
Wilson has reached back into the Savannah State University history and sought out the services of former coach and athletic director Frank Ellis and former quarterback Chester Ellis. Both brothers were on hand to observe and then comment on what they saw and made recommendations to Wilson as practice concluded.
"All I want to do is win, because the Lord has given me a lot all ready," Wilson said. "I had a lot of success in arena football and I want to have that success in college football also."
At practice, on the first day back from spring break, 36 freshmen were on the roster. That is not counting more freshmen, who are still in high school. Those are some of the recruits signed by the team during national signing day.
"We have a lot of young players and they have got to understand what work effort is about," said Wilson. "They have got to learn how to check plays and be able to check into the right coverage."
The team has four quarterbacks attending spring drills and second-year player Leon Prunty logged in the most time for the Tigers last year, when now departed Antonio Bostick wasn't able to go.
A lot of the turnaround and attitude of players in the football program can be attributed to the team working out in the off-season. The athletic program now has a certified strength and conditioning coach.
In his initial interview when accepting the position as head football coach, Wilson indicated he had tried five previous times to land a spot here in Savannah.
"Back in 1994, when I was a coach at Alabama A&M, I remembered how wild and crazy the fans were here and I thought is was the best atmosphere I had ever been around," said Wilson.
"As I am getting older, I have given some thought of retirement and Savannah is not a bad place to live. I felt in the past, that I should have gotten the job, but all I want to do now is to build and establish a good program."
COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
XU's Rolland runs NAIA's fastest time this year in women's 100
NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana's Devinn Rolland ran the NAIA's fastest time of the 2014 outdoor season in the women's 100-meter dash at the Tulane Team Challenge on Saturday.
Rolland, second in the event, ran a career-best 11.83 seconds at Tad Gormley Stadium to qualify automatically for the NAIA National Championships in May.
The Gold Nuggets met A-qualifying marks in four other events and B-qualifying marks in two. The
* Rolland in the 200 -- second place in 24.97 seconds and fourth-fastest in the NAIA this season.
* Hannah Finnegan in the 3,000 steeplechase -- second in 11:09.53 and fourth-fastest in the NAIA.
* The 400 relay team of Kaylee Moore, Rolland, Kailey Williams and Chelsea James -- third in 47.96 and ninth-fastest in the NAIA.
* Angelica Alexander in the high jump -- first place in 5 feet, 6 inches (1.68 meters). It's the second time in three meets that Alexander reached that best-in-the-NAIA mark.
James was fourth in the 100 in 12.12 for an NAIA B-qualifying mark. Rolland was fifth in the long jump with an NAIA B mark of 18-0 1/2 (5.50 meters) -- she reached the A mark in this event in the season opener.
For the XU men, Christopher Kennie, Christopher August and Brent Kitto produced top-7 finishes. Kennie was fifth in the long jump (6.30 meters), August was seventh in the 800 (2:04.74), and Kitto was seventh in the 1,500 (4:12.58).
Next meet for the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will be the Pelican Relays on Friday at Baton Rouge, La. Field events will start at 10 a.m., with running events at 3 p.m. Southern University's Roscoe Moore Track at A.W. Mumford Stadium will be the venue.
A marks:
Results: Men Women
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Second Missouri Classic Highlights Lincoln's 2014 Football Schedule
Blue Tigers Play Five Home Contests In Inaugural GLVC Season
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- The second-ever Missouri Classic, five home contests and a brand new slate of conference opponents highlight the Lincoln football team's 2014 schedule. Lincoln, which is joining the Great Lakes Valley Conference as a football-only member starting next season, will play 10 total games in 2014.
The season will start on a neutral field in Kansas City, Mo. as, for the second year in a row, Lincoln will play in the Missouri Classic at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, the Blue Tigers won the inaugural Missouri Classic, leading from start to finish in a 47-34 win against Grambling State in front of over 20,000 fans. This season, the Blue Tigers will play Langston on Sept. 6 at 3:00 p.m. CT, renewing a rivalry that dates back to 1924.
The Blue Tigers will open their home slate the following week with their first-ever GLVC game, albeit against a familiar opponent. Lincoln's home opener will be vs. Southwest Baptist, another MIAA program joining the GLVC as a football-only member in 2014, on Sept. 13 at 2:00 p.m. CT. Lincoln will remain at home for its next contest, another league tilt against Quincy on Sept. 20 at 2:00 p.m. CT, before facing another former MIAA school, Truman State, in its first true road game of the season. Lincoln will square off against Truman, which is now a full member of the GLVC, in Kirksville, Mo. on Sept. 27 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
LU will follow that contest with its second of three night games on it schedule, as the Blue Tigers will travel to Liberty, Mo. to play GLVC opponent William Jewell on Oct. 4 at 6:00 p.;m. CT. Two more home contests will then await the Blue Tigers, who will play another GLVC member, St. Joseph's, on Oct. 11 before stepping out of conference to host Texas College on Homecoming on Oct. 18. Both of those home games are scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. CT.
Lincoln will play its longest road game of the season on Oct. 25, as the Blue Tigers will resume GLVC play in Indianapolis, Ind. against Indianapolis at 6:00 p.m. CT. The Blue Tigers will have a BYE week on Nov. 1 before concluding the season against two more GLVC opponents. Lincoln hosts McKendree on Nov. 8 at 2:00 p.m. CT in its final home game of the year, with LU's annual Senior Day celebration taking place at halftime. The Blue Tigers then end their first season in the GLVC on the road, playing at Missouri S&T in Rolla, Mo. on Nov 15 at 1:00 p.m. CT.
All of Lincoln's home games will be played at Dwight T. Reed Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. Admission for all LU home games costs $10 for adults and $5 for non-Lincoln students and Lincoln faculty and staff members. Lincoln University students and children aged 12 and under are admitted for free. The Blue Tigers are led by head coach Mike Jones, who will begin his fourth season in 2014.
Downloadable 2014 Lincoln Football Schedule
Notes on the 2014 Schedule
- Lincoln will join the Great Lakes Valley Conference after spending the past three seasons playing football in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association. This will be the fifth different conference in which Lincoln will be a football member, as the Blue Tigers were also previously members of the Mid-West Athletic Association, the Central States Football League and the Great Lakes Football Conference.
Sept. 6 - Langston
- After winning the inaugural Missouri Classic in 2013, the Blue Tigers will open their 2014 campaign with the second installment of the series, played at Arrowhead Stadium.
- This will be the 61st meeting between Lincoln and Langston, making Langston the opponent that the Blue Tigers have historically played the most times. The series dates back to 1924, but the two times have not met since 2010, when Langston pulled out a 31-21 win. Langston leads the all-time series, 38-20-2.
- After opening the 2012 and 2013 campaigns against league opponents, Lincoln will open a season against a non-conference opponent for the first time since beating Avila, 35-3, in the first game of 2011.
- Langston joins Texas College as one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Lincoln's 2014 schedule. The last time LU was able to play multiple HBCUs in a season was in 2010.
- The Blue Tigers will be playing in an NFL stadium for the third time in four seasons when LU returns to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to playing there for the 2013 Missouri Classic, Lincoln previously played Missouri Southern in the Edward Jones Dome, the home of the St. Louis Rams, back in 2011.
- This game, titled "The Missouri Classic," also marks the third classic Lincoln has played in over the past three seasons. The Blue Tigers' 2011 game in St. Louis against Missouri Southern was called "The Gateway Classic."
Sept. 13 - Southwest Baptist
- After closing its 2013 campaign with a 51-28 home win over Southwest Baptist, the Blue Tigers will now open their 2014 home slate with a rematch against SBU.
- The Blue Tigers are 1-5 all-time against Southwest Baptist, which joins Lincoln as MIAA programs joining the GLVC as football-only members in 2014.
- This will be the first-ever Great Lakes Valley Conference game for Lincoln.
Sept. 20 - Quincy
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Quincy and Lincoln, making Quincy one of three first-time opponents on Lincoln's 2014 schedule.
- Lincoln opens its conference slate with consecutive home games for the first time since 2008, when LU hosted Great Lakes Football Conference opponents St. Joseph's and Central State to begin its league slate that year. Unlike this season, however, those games were not played in back-to-back weeks.
Sept. 27 - Truman State
- The Blue Tigers renew their rivalry with Truman State, which was a member of the MIAA until 2013.
- Lincoln last played Truman State in 2012. Like this year, that game was both a night contest and the first true road game on Lincoln's schedule.
- While Lincoln's football records are incomplete, this is believed to be the latest in a season that LU will play its first true road game of a season.
- This will be the 25th meeting between Truman State and Lincoln in a series that dates back to 1968. Truman owns a 19-4-1 lead in the all-time series.
Oct. 4 - William Jewell
- William Jewell is the second first-time opponent on Lincoln's schedule.
Oct. 11 - St. Joseph's
- Like Southwest Baptist and Truman State, St. Joseph's is both a new and former conference rival for the Blue Tigers. St. Joseph's was also a member of the Great Lakes Football Conference, of which Lincoln was a member from 2007-2009. St. Joseph's is one of two former GLFC teams that later became current members of the GLVC, with the other being Missouri S&T.
- Lincoln first played St. Joseph's in 2002, and is 1-8 all-time in that series.
Oct. 18 - Texas College
- Texas College represents the second HBCU on Lincoln's schedule, joining Langston.
- Lincoln has played Texas College just once before, with Texas College winning, 23-12, back in 2004. This will be the first meeting between the two schools in Jefferson City.
- With the MIAA playing an almost-exclusively conference schedule the last two years, this will be the first time Lincoln will play two non-conference opponents in a season since playing Avila and Urbana in 2011.
- This game will be Lincoln's annual Homecoming contest. The Blue Tigers' last victory on Homecoming came in 2012, when LU defeated Nebraska-Kearney, 34-27.
Oct. 25 - Indianapolis
- This marks just the second all-time meeting between Indianapolis and Lincoln. The Greyhounds won the first meeting, 40-19, back in 1983.
Nov. 8 - McKendree
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Lincoln and McKendree, making the Bearcats the third first-time opponent on the Blue Tigers' 2014 schedule.
Nov. 15 - Missouri S&T
- Like St. Joseph's, Missouri S&T was a member of the Great Lakes Football Conference while the Blue Tigers were in the league. That makes the Miners the fourth "new" league opponent for LU that was previously a conference rival of the Blue Tigers.
- Lincoln and Missouri S&T will meet for the 30th time in a series that dates back to 1958. Missouri S&T has an 18-11 lead in the series.
By Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- The second-ever Missouri Classic, five home contests and a brand new slate of conference opponents highlight the Lincoln football team's 2014 schedule. Lincoln, which is joining the Great Lakes Valley Conference as a football-only member starting next season, will play 10 total games in 2014.
The season will start on a neutral field in Kansas City, Mo. as, for the second year in a row, Lincoln will play in the Missouri Classic at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, the Blue Tigers won the inaugural Missouri Classic, leading from start to finish in a 47-34 win against Grambling State in front of over 20,000 fans. This season, the Blue Tigers will play Langston on Sept. 6 at 3:00 p.m. CT, renewing a rivalry that dates back to 1924.
The Blue Tigers will open their home slate the following week with their first-ever GLVC game, albeit against a familiar opponent. Lincoln's home opener will be vs. Southwest Baptist, another MIAA program joining the GLVC as a football-only member in 2014, on Sept. 13 at 2:00 p.m. CT. Lincoln will remain at home for its next contest, another league tilt against Quincy on Sept. 20 at 2:00 p.m. CT, before facing another former MIAA school, Truman State, in its first true road game of the season. Lincoln will square off against Truman, which is now a full member of the GLVC, in Kirksville, Mo. on Sept. 27 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
LU will follow that contest with its second of three night games on it schedule, as the Blue Tigers will travel to Liberty, Mo. to play GLVC opponent William Jewell on Oct. 4 at 6:00 p.;m. CT. Two more home contests will then await the Blue Tigers, who will play another GLVC member, St. Joseph's, on Oct. 11 before stepping out of conference to host Texas College on Homecoming on Oct. 18. Both of those home games are scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. CT.
Lincoln will play its longest road game of the season on Oct. 25, as the Blue Tigers will resume GLVC play in Indianapolis, Ind. against Indianapolis at 6:00 p.m. CT. The Blue Tigers will have a BYE week on Nov. 1 before concluding the season against two more GLVC opponents. Lincoln hosts McKendree on Nov. 8 at 2:00 p.m. CT in its final home game of the year, with LU's annual Senior Day celebration taking place at halftime. The Blue Tigers then end their first season in the GLVC on the road, playing at Missouri S&T in Rolla, Mo. on Nov 15 at 1:00 p.m. CT.
All of Lincoln's home games will be played at Dwight T. Reed Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. Admission for all LU home games costs $10 for adults and $5 for non-Lincoln students and Lincoln faculty and staff members. Lincoln University students and children aged 12 and under are admitted for free. The Blue Tigers are led by head coach Mike Jones, who will begin his fourth season in 2014.
Downloadable 2014 Lincoln Football Schedule
Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Sept. 6 | Langston (Missouri Classic) | Kansas City, Mo. | 3:00 p.m. |
Sept. 13 | Southwest Baptist (GLVC) | Jefferson City, Mo. | 2:00 p.m. |
Sept. 20 | Quincy (GLVC) | Jefferson City, Mo. | 2:00 p.m. |
Sept. 27 | Truman State (GLVC) | Kirksville, Mo. | 7:00 p.m. |
Oct. 4 | William Jewell (GLVC) | Liberty, Mo. | 6:00 p.m. |
Oct. 11 | St. Joseph's College (GLVC) | Jefferson City, Mo. | 2:00 p.m. |
Oct. 18 | Texas College (Homecoming) | Jefferson City, Mo. | 2:00 p.m. |
Oct. 25 | Indianapolis (GLVC) | Indianapolis, Ind. | 6:00 p.m. |
Nov. 1 | OPEN | ||
Nov. 8 | McKendree (GLVC, Senior Day) | Jefferson City, Mo. | 2:00 p.m. |
Nov. 15 | Missouri S&T (GLVC) | Rolla, Mo. | 1:00 p.m. |
Notes on the 2014 Schedule
- Lincoln will join the Great Lakes Valley Conference after spending the past three seasons playing football in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association. This will be the fifth different conference in which Lincoln will be a football member, as the Blue Tigers were also previously members of the Mid-West Athletic Association, the Central States Football League and the Great Lakes Football Conference.
Sept. 6 - Langston
- After winning the inaugural Missouri Classic in 2013, the Blue Tigers will open their 2014 campaign with the second installment of the series, played at Arrowhead Stadium.
- This will be the 61st meeting between Lincoln and Langston, making Langston the opponent that the Blue Tigers have historically played the most times. The series dates back to 1924, but the two times have not met since 2010, when Langston pulled out a 31-21 win. Langston leads the all-time series, 38-20-2.
- After opening the 2012 and 2013 campaigns against league opponents, Lincoln will open a season against a non-conference opponent for the first time since beating Avila, 35-3, in the first game of 2011.
- Langston joins Texas College as one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Lincoln's 2014 schedule. The last time LU was able to play multiple HBCUs in a season was in 2010.
- The Blue Tigers will be playing in an NFL stadium for the third time in four seasons when LU returns to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to playing there for the 2013 Missouri Classic, Lincoln previously played Missouri Southern in the Edward Jones Dome, the home of the St. Louis Rams, back in 2011.
- This game, titled "The Missouri Classic," also marks the third classic Lincoln has played in over the past three seasons. The Blue Tigers' 2011 game in St. Louis against Missouri Southern was called "The Gateway Classic."
Sept. 13 - Southwest Baptist
- After closing its 2013 campaign with a 51-28 home win over Southwest Baptist, the Blue Tigers will now open their 2014 home slate with a rematch against SBU.
- The Blue Tigers are 1-5 all-time against Southwest Baptist, which joins Lincoln as MIAA programs joining the GLVC as football-only members in 2014.
- This will be the first-ever Great Lakes Valley Conference game for Lincoln.
Sept. 20 - Quincy
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Quincy and Lincoln, making Quincy one of three first-time opponents on Lincoln's 2014 schedule.
- Lincoln opens its conference slate with consecutive home games for the first time since 2008, when LU hosted Great Lakes Football Conference opponents St. Joseph's and Central State to begin its league slate that year. Unlike this season, however, those games were not played in back-to-back weeks.
Sept. 27 - Truman State
- The Blue Tigers renew their rivalry with Truman State, which was a member of the MIAA until 2013.
- Lincoln last played Truman State in 2012. Like this year, that game was both a night contest and the first true road game on Lincoln's schedule.
- While Lincoln's football records are incomplete, this is believed to be the latest in a season that LU will play its first true road game of a season.
- This will be the 25th meeting between Truman State and Lincoln in a series that dates back to 1968. Truman owns a 19-4-1 lead in the all-time series.
Oct. 4 - William Jewell
- William Jewell is the second first-time opponent on Lincoln's schedule.
Oct. 11 - St. Joseph's
- Like Southwest Baptist and Truman State, St. Joseph's is both a new and former conference rival for the Blue Tigers. St. Joseph's was also a member of the Great Lakes Football Conference, of which Lincoln was a member from 2007-2009. St. Joseph's is one of two former GLFC teams that later became current members of the GLVC, with the other being Missouri S&T.
- Lincoln first played St. Joseph's in 2002, and is 1-8 all-time in that series.
Oct. 18 - Texas College
- Texas College represents the second HBCU on Lincoln's schedule, joining Langston.
- Lincoln has played Texas College just once before, with Texas College winning, 23-12, back in 2004. This will be the first meeting between the two schools in Jefferson City.
- With the MIAA playing an almost-exclusively conference schedule the last two years, this will be the first time Lincoln will play two non-conference opponents in a season since playing Avila and Urbana in 2011.
- This game will be Lincoln's annual Homecoming contest. The Blue Tigers' last victory on Homecoming came in 2012, when LU defeated Nebraska-Kearney, 34-27.
Oct. 25 - Indianapolis
- This marks just the second all-time meeting between Indianapolis and Lincoln. The Greyhounds won the first meeting, 40-19, back in 1983.
Nov. 8 - McKendree
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Lincoln and McKendree, making the Bearcats the third first-time opponent on the Blue Tigers' 2014 schedule.
Nov. 15 - Missouri S&T
- Like St. Joseph's, Missouri S&T was a member of the Great Lakes Football Conference while the Blue Tigers were in the league. That makes the Miners the fourth "new" league opponent for LU that was previously a conference rival of the Blue Tigers.
- Lincoln and Missouri S&T will meet for the 30th time in a series that dates back to 1958. Missouri S&T has an 18-11 lead in the series.
By Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
FAMU Rattler Baseballers Sweep NC A&T; Take First Place
COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS |
GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The FAMU Baseball team swept into first place in the MEAC Southern Division here Saturday evening, riding the pitching of starters Chase Jarrell and David Duncan to take down North Carolina A&T, 5-2 and 4-2 in Saturday’s rain-delayed action at War Memorial Stadium.
FAMU (9-16, 6-4 in MEAC) vaulted from fourth place into sole possession of the division lead by knocking the homestanding Aggies (11-15, 6-5) into a third place tie with idle North Carolina Central (6-5), and behind second place Bethune-Cookman (5-4), whose single game Saturday against Savannah State in Daytona Beach was suspended by thunderstorms in the seventh inning.
First-year FAMU coach Jamey Shouppe was elated as his team’s performance Saturday after the up-and-down play of recent weeks.
“Anytime you play two games and only give up two earned runs, you’re playing good ball and getting it done on the mound. Our pitching was probably the best today it has been all season. I kept telling the kids to mind their tempo,” Shouppe said.
Rattler pitching was indeed excellent Saturday, as Chase Jarrell (3-2), pitched eight innings of four-hit ball in the opener, allowing two runs, striking out five, while walking three. Brandon Fleming came on in relief to work a scoreless ninth for his second save.
Senior David Duncan (2-2) worked six full innings in the nightcap, fanning seven Aggie hitters, while allowing one run on five hits, with two walks. Fleming came on in the seventh for his second save of the day, and third of the season, getting out of a bases-loaded jam with a strikeout and a line out to end the game after giving up a run.
In that second game, FAMU was leading 1-0 in the fifth when Jeremy Barlow and Bennie Robinson each belted solo home runs to extend the Rattler lead to 3-0, before the Aggies scratched out a run in the bottom of the fifth.
FAMU got that run back in the top of the seventh on Robinson’s RBI single, scoring Peter Jackson, who had reached on a one out double, for a 4-1 lead.
“We got key hits when we needed to. We haven’t been getting the big hits when we needed them, but the hitters stood in today. Thats to take nothing away from North Carolina A&T, they’re a good ballclub. Our hitters had better at-bats.
“Jeremy Barlow couldn’t have picked a better time to hit his first home run of the season. Another key situation was Bennie Robinson getting that hit in the seventh inning of the second game to give us a three run cushion. That was huge," Shouppe said.
In the opener, FAMU trailed 1-0 after the first inning, but tied the game at 1-1 in the second inning, when Michael Birdsong led off with a double, then later scored from third on Kendal Week’s sacrifice fly to center.
FAMU took a 2-1 lead in the third when Blake Quillin, who led off the inning with a double, scored from third on a throwing error by A&T pitcher Brian Poag.
The Rattlers extended their lead to 5-1 in the fourth, keyed by Bennie Robinson’s two-run single for a 4-1 cushion, before Birdsong drew a bases loaded walk to score Quillin from third.
Robinson led the FAMU attack with four hits and four RBI Saturday, getting hit support from Barlow, with his first homer of the year, along with Jared Walker, with three hits, plus Quillin and Birdsong with two hits each.
“In the end, we can’t be satisfied,” Shouppe said. “We’ve got to play better tomorrow and use same approach, because we didn’t come here just to win two games, we came to win them all,” Shouppe concluded.
The two teams will close the series here at War Memorial Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m.
MEAC NOTES: While FAMU plays its final game with A&T, Bethune-Cookman and Savannah State will conclude their suspended game from Saturday at 10 a.m., then play a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Savannah State was leading B-CU, 3-0 in the top of the seventh before heavy weather moved in Saturday…. The MEAC announced Friday that next Sunday’s FAMU-Bethune-Cookman game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Daytona Beach will be televised by ESPNU.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
New NCCU football coach Jerry Mack lays down the law
DURHAM, North Carolina -- Spring ball at N.C. Central looked like fall ball.
Intense.
NCCU coach Jerry Mack, hired in December, set the tone at the beginning of Thursday’s practice at midfield of O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium by singling out two players at a time to knock the daylights out of each other.
“You can see the energy it generates,” Mack said. “That sets the tone to let guys know you have to show up and compete today.”
A year ago, Mack was coaching wide receivers at South Alabama. This is his debut as a head coach, putting him ultimately in charge of both sides of the ball and the special teams in between.
CONTINUE READING
Intense.
NCCU coach Jerry Mack, hired in December, set the tone at the beginning of Thursday’s practice at midfield of O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium by singling out two players at a time to knock the daylights out of each other.
“You can see the energy it generates,” Mack said. “That sets the tone to let guys know you have to show up and compete today.”
A year ago, Mack was coaching wide receivers at South Alabama. This is his debut as a head coach, putting him ultimately in charge of both sides of the ball and the special teams in between.
CONTINUE READING
Lincoln Spring Game and Alumni Game To Be Held On April 12
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- The Lincoln football team's annual spring game will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 3:00 p.m. CDT with an alumni flag football game afterwards. Both events will take place at Dwight T. Reed Stadium with free admission. For the third straight year, a youth football camp will also be held prior to the spring game.
The spring game will be the culmination of the football team's spring practices, which began last Monday (March 17). The scrimmage will allow fans to get their first look at some of LU's newer players along with some returning favorites from last season.
Prior to the spring game, the Blue Tigers will host a youth football camp for area kids in second through eighth games. Members of the Blue Tiger football team, under the direction of head coach Mike Jones, will work with each attending student, teaching them basic fundamentals of the sport. Every participant will receive a camp t-shirt.
Following the spring game, all past Lincoln players are invited to participate in an alumni flag football game. For more information on that contest, as well as to register, contact defensive line coach Brandon Kirksey at Kirksey.Brandon@gmail.com.
The Lincoln football team is entering a new era, as the Blue Tigers will begin competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference this fall. In addition to old MIAA rivals Southwest Baptist, which is also joining the GLVC in 2014, and Truman State, which left the MIAA in 2013, new league opponents on the Blue Tigers' docket include Missouri S&T, William Jewell, Quincy, McKendree, Saint Joseph's and Indianapolis.
Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
The spring game will be the culmination of the football team's spring practices, which began last Monday (March 17). The scrimmage will allow fans to get their first look at some of LU's newer players along with some returning favorites from last season.
Prior to the spring game, the Blue Tigers will host a youth football camp for area kids in second through eighth games. Members of the Blue Tiger football team, under the direction of head coach Mike Jones, will work with each attending student, teaching them basic fundamentals of the sport. Every participant will receive a camp t-shirt.
Following the spring game, all past Lincoln players are invited to participate in an alumni flag football game. For more information on that contest, as well as to register, contact defensive line coach Brandon Kirksey at Kirksey.Brandon@gmail.com.
The Lincoln football team is entering a new era, as the Blue Tigers will begin competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference this fall. In addition to old MIAA rivals Southwest Baptist, which is also joining the GLVC in 2014, and Truman State, which left the MIAA in 2013, new league opponents on the Blue Tigers' docket include Missouri S&T, William Jewell, Quincy, McKendree, Saint Joseph's and Indianapolis.
Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Saturday, March 29, 2014
NCCU's Moton interviewing at Marshall, Florida Atlantic
DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central head men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton is interviewing for head coaching positions at Marshall and Florida Atlantic University, WRAL learned Friday.
The head coach has been contacted by other universities for assistant coaching positions.
Moton led the NC Central squad to a 28-6 record this past season and a MEAC tournament title. The title earned the Eagles their first ever trip to the NCAA tournament.
CONTINUE READING
The head coach has been contacted by other universities for assistant coaching positions.
Moton led the NC Central squad to a 28-6 record this past season and a MEAC tournament title. The title earned the Eagles their first ever trip to the NCAA tournament.
CONTINUE READING
Reynolds' Bilal commits to WSSU
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Hanif Bilal, a 6-1 shooting guard from Reynolds High School, has committed to play basketball at Winston-Salem State.
Bilal, who injured a knee last summer and needed surgery, played sparingly this past season, averaging 8.3 points. He was an All-Northwest selection by the Journal after his sophomore and junior seasons, when he averaged 14.2 points and 19.7 points, respectively.
“He played in about 10 games for us this past season,” Coach Billy Martin of Reynolds said. “I think it’s a great fit for Winston-Salem State and for Hanif, because once he gets to be 100 percent again, he’ll be an all-leaguer in that conference.”
Martin said that Bilal also can play point guard.
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Bilal, who injured a knee last summer and needed surgery, played sparingly this past season, averaging 8.3 points. He was an All-Northwest selection by the Journal after his sophomore and junior seasons, when he averaged 14.2 points and 19.7 points, respectively.
“He played in about 10 games for us this past season,” Coach Billy Martin of Reynolds said. “I think it’s a great fit for Winston-Salem State and for Hanif, because once he gets to be 100 percent again, he’ll be an all-leaguer in that conference.”
Martin said that Bilal also can play point guard.
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Southern football seeks strong spring finish
COURTESY SOUTHERN U. ATHLETICS |
The Jaguars held a walkthrough Friday afternoon in the parking lot next to A.W. Mumford Stadium to preserve the wet field for the spring game at 2 p.m. Saturday inside the stadium.
The 70-75-play spring game will be a little more than half the length of a scrimmage last Saturday and will conclude the spring session. The Jaguars have managed to avoid any serious injuries over the last 3½ weeks and coach Dawson Odums would like to keep it that way.
He said the team has accomplished what he set out to accomplish and now he wants to finish on a positive and healthy note.
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TSU Volleyball Opens Spring Season With A Pair of Wins
Photo courtesy of Sam Jordan / TSU Athletics |
Nashville, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State volleyball team competed at the University of Memphis Spring Tournament as a part of their non-traditional season. The Tigers finished 2-2 on the opening weekend and picked up a win over SEC opponent Mississippi State.
“We had an exceptional outing on Saturday,” said head coach Kathy Roulhac. “This is a product of their training sessions and the hard work on drills and in the weight room.”
TSU opened the day by grabbing the first set (25-18) from Ole Miss. The Rebels bounced back to pick up the win as the out touched the Tigers 23-25, 13-15. The Tigers came right back with their second straight match versus an SEC opponent and dropped the Bulldogs 25-23, 25-21.
“We were among SEC & American Conference teams,” Roulhac said. “They are bigger in size, compared to what we see, for the most part, in conference play. We played great volleyball and by doing so, we out played most. We were able to run our tempo and were very controlled.”
Tennessee State earned their second win of the day defeating Christian Brothers 2-0 (18-25, 25-22, 15-8), before closing out the day with a 0-2 (23-25, 21-25) loss to Arkansas State.
“Ileanushka Maldonado and Taylor Swayzer made great strides in their roles as leaders,” Roulhac commented. “They were key components to this weekend’s success. The effort and passion we showed in Memphis, excites me for the outing in Knoxville.”
The Tigers will continue their spring with another four-match day on Saturday, Mar. 29 at the University of Tennessee Spring Tournament. TSU will face East Tennessee State, Appalachian State, Tennessee Tech and the host, Lady Vols.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Virginia University of Lynchburg Names Head Football Coach and Athletic Director
LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Don Lee, the former head football coach at Concordia College (Alabama) has accepted the athletics director and head football coach position at Virginia University of Lynchburg, per reports from Football Scoop. Lee will be replacing the legendary Willard Bailey who also served in both positions from the restart of the football program in 2011 to October 23, 2013.
Bailey announced in early October that 2013 would be his last season with the Dragons.
VUL President Ralph Reavis appointed Luther Palmer head coach on October 24, 2013. Palmer had served the Dragons as Bailey's defensive coordinator, who defeated Lee's Concordia College Hornets 58-20 last season.
Lee's bio is posted on the Concordia College Hornets athletic website. Read it here. He served Concordia in the duel positions of head football coach and athletics director for three years.
You may recall that Lee had to re-build Concordia's football program and save its season, after the team lost all its equipment and uniforms in a bus fire on their trip to Miles College on September 21, 2013. With the outpouring of gifts from the Green Bay Packers, Adidas, Rawlings, Nike and many others, the Hornets were able to complete their commitments for last season. The Hornets lost about $70,000 in protective equipment, game uniforms and camera equipment that was destroyed in the bus fire.
Lee will take over a football program that main revenue comes from financial guarantees with higher division programs. The school has averaged $55,000 to $60,000 in guarantees over the last three years. The VUL Dragons are scheduled to open the 2014 season at Alcorn State on August 30, 2014; and at Jackson State on Sept 6, 2014.
VUL is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), a national organization for the intercollegiate athletic programs of 86 mostly small colleges, community colleges and junior colleges, across the United States, stretching from Washington state to Maine. The Dragons field a total of ten competitive sport programs, including baseball, softball and volleyball.
-beepbeep
Cheyney Wolves Coach Lockard Tenders Resignation…Johnson Named Interim
CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania -- Cheyney University Head Football Coach Ken Lockard tendered his resignation earlier today. Lockard has been the Wolves head coach for the past three seasons. Cheyney went 2-31 during his tenure with both victories coming against HBCU rival Lincoln.
Before being named Head Coach Lockard served as the Wolves Defensive Coordinator for three seasons.
Offensive Coordinator Anthony Johnson will take over the reins on an interim basis while a national search is conducted.
Johnson came to Cheyney in 2010 after spending the previous year and a half at Division III Salisbury University. While at Salisbury, Johnson was responsible for the running and slot backs which featured a nationally ranked offense and the number one rushing offense in the nation. Four of his backs earned all-conference honors and the Seagulls participated in the ECAC Southwest Championship Game. Prior to his stint at Salisbury he was the Assistant Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Maryland. Johnson was an all-conference performer at Salisbury and the Offensive MVP in 2006. He is an active member of the American Football Coaches Association.
The Wolves are set to begin spring practice March 29 as 50-60 players are scheduled to be put through their paces.
"I would like to thank Kenny (Lockard) for the time and effort he put into the job," commented Cheyney University Athletic Director Ruffin Bell. "The team has improved over the years that he was at the helm. He was very active on campus and always placed the student in the athlete first. We wish him well in his future endeavors."
Bell went on to say… "I would like to have a coach named as soon as possible."
COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Before being named Head Coach Lockard served as the Wolves Defensive Coordinator for three seasons.
Offensive Coordinator Anthony Johnson will take over the reins on an interim basis while a national search is conducted.
Johnson came to Cheyney in 2010 after spending the previous year and a half at Division III Salisbury University. While at Salisbury, Johnson was responsible for the running and slot backs which featured a nationally ranked offense and the number one rushing offense in the nation. Four of his backs earned all-conference honors and the Seagulls participated in the ECAC Southwest Championship Game. Prior to his stint at Salisbury he was the Assistant Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Maryland. Johnson was an all-conference performer at Salisbury and the Offensive MVP in 2006. He is an active member of the American Football Coaches Association.
The Wolves are set to begin spring practice March 29 as 50-60 players are scheduled to be put through their paces.
"I would like to thank Kenny (Lockard) for the time and effort he put into the job," commented Cheyney University Athletic Director Ruffin Bell. "The team has improved over the years that he was at the helm. He was very active on campus and always placed the student in the athlete first. We wish him well in his future endeavors."
Bell went on to say… "I would like to have a coach named as soon as possible."
COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
S.C. State to hold first spring scrimmage
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- After two weeks of installation and memorization, the South Carolina State football team will get to put their acquired knowledge into practice today at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
Weather permitting, the Bulldogs will hit the field at 8:30 a.m. for the first of three scrimmages. The first- and second-team offense and defenses are expected to match up between 90 minutes and two hours, which should allow the coaching staff time to evaluate the roster.
Today’s scrimmage will also mark the midway point of spring practice. The Bulldogs had some issues Wednesday with ...
CONTINUE READING
Weather permitting, the Bulldogs will hit the field at 8:30 a.m. for the first of three scrimmages. The first- and second-team offense and defenses are expected to match up between 90 minutes and two hours, which should allow the coaching staff time to evaluate the roster.
Today’s scrimmage will also mark the midway point of spring practice. The Bulldogs had some issues Wednesday with ...
CONTINUE READING
Friday, March 28, 2014
VUU 2014 Football Schedule Released, Features Six Home Games
RICHMOND, Virginia -- The Athletic Department of Virginia Union University has released the football schedule for Fall, 2014.
Virginia Union University will open the 2014 football season on Saturday, September 6, when it faces the Saints of Siena Heights University from Michigan at 12:00 p.m. in Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.
Virginia Union will host six home games this season, including Homecoming 2014 against Lincoln (Pa.) University on October 11.
In addition to Siena Heights and Lincoln, the Panthers will play host to the University of Charleston on September 13, Shaw University on October 4, Bowie State University on October 25, and CIAA arch-rival Virginia State University on November 8.
VUU will travel to Fayetteville State University on September 20, and then to Johnson C. Smith University on September 27. Union will also play at Chowan University on October 18 and at Elizabeth City State University on November 1.
Each home game will also have a special designation.
VUU Faculty & Staff Day will be September 6 against Siena Heights while September 13 will be Clergy & Veterans Appreciation Day. October 4 will be the annual Hall of Fame Game with Homecoming being staged the following week (October 11).
The 2014 Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl will be held on October 25 while Senior Day will be held on the regular-season finale on November 8.
The CIAA Championship Game will be played on November 15 at a site yet to be determined.
VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
** - FACULTY & STAFF DAY
*** - CLERGY & VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY
**** - HALL OF FAME GAME
* - HOMECOMING 2014
***** - LUCILLE M. BROWN COMMUNITY YOUTH BOWL
****** - SENIOR DAY
COURTESY VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Virginia Union University will open the 2014 football season on Saturday, September 6, when it faces the Saints of Siena Heights University from Michigan at 12:00 p.m. in Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.
Virginia Union will host six home games this season, including Homecoming 2014 against Lincoln (Pa.) University on October 11.
In addition to Siena Heights and Lincoln, the Panthers will play host to the University of Charleston on September 13, Shaw University on October 4, Bowie State University on October 25, and CIAA arch-rival Virginia State University on November 8.
VUU will travel to Fayetteville State University on September 20, and then to Johnson C. Smith University on September 27. Union will also play at Chowan University on October 18 and at Elizabeth City State University on November 1.
Each home game will also have a special designation.
VUU Faculty & Staff Day will be September 6 against Siena Heights while September 13 will be Clergy & Veterans Appreciation Day. October 4 will be the annual Hall of Fame Game with Homecoming being staged the following week (October 11).
The 2014 Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl will be held on October 25 while Senior Day will be held on the regular-season finale on November 8.
The CIAA Championship Game will be played on November 15 at a site yet to be determined.
VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Date | Opponent | Location | Time | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Siena Heights University (Mich.) | Richmond, VA | 12:00 p.m. | |||
University of Charleston | Richmond, VA | 1:00 p.m. | |||
Fayetteville State University | Fayeteville, NC | 6:00 p.m. | |||
* | Johnson C. Smith University | Charlotte, NC | 2:00 p.m. | ||
* | Shaw University | Richmond, VA | 1:00 p.m. | ||
* | Lincoln University (PA) | Richmond, VA | 1:00 p.m. | ||
* | Chowan University | Murfreesboro, NC | 7:00 p.m. | ||
* | Bowie State University | Richmond, VA | 1:00 p.m. | ||
* | Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC | 1:00 p.m. | ||
* | Virginia State University | Richmond, VA | 1:00 p.m. |
** - FACULTY & STAFF DAY
*** - CLERGY & VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY
**** - HALL OF FAME GAME
* - HOMECOMING 2014
***** - LUCILLE M. BROWN COMMUNITY YOUTH BOWL
****** - SENIOR DAY
COURTESY VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Coppin State's Mitchell Contract Not Renewed
Coach Ron "Fang" Mitchell Courtesy: CSU Athletics |
COURTESY COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Bruce Jackson to direct Stillman defense
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Bruce Jackson, who headed the Greene County High School program for six seasons, is back for his second stint as an assistant football coach at Stillman College.
Jackson, 34, has been working through spring drills as the defensive coordinator on head coach Teddy Keaton’s staff. Keaton said former defensive coordinator Dedrick Dodge became the head coach at his alma mater, Mulberry High School in Florida.
“Right now this is a wonderful opportunity, an opportunity I basically dreamed about,” Jackson said. “I’m happy to be a part of the Stillman Nation. I want to help Coach Keaton reach his goals. He’s got some good kids, and it’s headed in the right direction. I think it’s a perfect fit for me right now.
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Jackson, 34, has been working through spring drills as the defensive coordinator on head coach Teddy Keaton’s staff. Keaton said former defensive coordinator Dedrick Dodge became the head coach at his alma mater, Mulberry High School in Florida.
“Right now this is a wonderful opportunity, an opportunity I basically dreamed about,” Jackson said. “I’m happy to be a part of the Stillman Nation. I want to help Coach Keaton reach his goals. He’s got some good kids, and it’s headed in the right direction. I think it’s a perfect fit for me right now.
CONTINUE READING
NSU Announces Additions of Hill-Eley, Gregory to Football Coaching Staff
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE ATHLETICS |
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State University football coach Pete Adrian announced Friday the hiring of long-time coaching veterans and Virginia natives Donald Hill-Eley and Gordon "Greg" Gregory as assistant coaches.
Both coaches will work on the offensive side of the ball for NSU. Hill-Eley, the former head coach at Morgan State, will serve as the Spartans' offensive coordinator and receivers coach. Gregory, who has 30 years coaching experience at FCS and FBS schools, will serve as quarterbacks coach for the Spartans.
"I'm very excited about adding so much quality and experience on the offensive side of the ball," Adrian said. "Adding two former head coaches and offensive coordinators should help strengthen our offensive unit. Our players can't wait to get to work (next week) in spring practice."
Hill-Eley recently completed a 12-year stint as head coach at Morgan State from 2002-13. The Suffolk, Virginia native is the third-winningest coach in Bears' history, having led MSU to its first four winning seasons since 1979. He began his career in Baltimore by finishing one game out of first place in the MEAC standings in 2002, and went 6-5 overall in 2003 to secure the school's first back-to-back winning seasons since 1970-71. This past season, the Bears tied for third with a 5-3 mark in MEAC play. MSU had the MEAC's No. 3 rushing offense last fall, averaging 182.8 yards per game.
"I'm excited to be a part of the NSU community and get back closer to home," Hill-Eley said. "I grew up hearing about the green and gold, so this is an opportunity to make an investment in a great program."
Several MSU players reached the professional ranks after playing for Hill-Eley, including tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and running back Chad Simpson. Shiancoe played with four different NFL franchises between 2003-13. Simpson played three years in the NFL and won a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts following the 2009 season. Most recently, he played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
Prior to coaching at Morgan State, Hill-Eley helped Hampton win two MEAC titles and a black college national championship during his tenure as offensive coordinator from 1997-2000. Hill-Eley also has professional coaching experience, as he worked on the staff of three Grey Cup championship teams in the CFL from 1995-97.
The 44-year old Hill-Eley is a 1991 graduate of Virginia Union.
Gregory, who was born in Suffolk and raised in Richmond, served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Hill-Eley on the Morgan State staff last season. Prior to joining the Bears, Gregory has served as offensive coordinator at South Alabama (2009-11), South Florida (2007-08), Ohio University (2001-03), the University of Richmond (2000) and Army (1989-97). He was also head coach at Missouri Southern from 1998-99.
"I'm very excited to be here," Gregory said. "NSU has been one of the upper echelon programs in the MEAC for some time now. We need to improve at every position, but if we can do that, we think we can put ourselves in the hunt for a championship."
At FCS start-up South Alabama, Gregory's offensive charges averaged at least 400 yards and 40 points per game in two of his three years there.
Gregory worked as an assistant at USF from 2005-08 and served as offensive coordinator in his last two seasons there. One of his protégés at USF was quarterback Matt Grothe, who ranked in the top 30 in the nation in total offense in 2007 and 2008. The Bulls averaged over 400 yards of total offense per game in those two seasons, went 17-9 and made two bowl appearances. Gregory was on staff for the first four bowl berths in USF history.
With Gregory on staff, the University of Richmond won the 2000 Atlantic 10 football championship and finished the year 10-3, which included a first-round Division I FCS (I-AA at the time) playoff victory over Youngstown State.
Prior to serving at UR, Gregory spent 16 seasons in various capacities at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., including serving as offensive coordinator from 1989-97. Army made the first four bowl appearances and led the nation in rushing four times during his tenure with the program. Gregory also coached an NFL draftee in quarterback Ron McAda.
A three-year letterwinning quarterback at Richmond, Gregory, 56, earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from UR in 1980.
Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Van Norden Stepping Down as UMES Head Volleyball Coach
Coach Millicent Van Norden Courtesy UMES Athletics |
Last season Van Norden inherited a team with essentially just one returning player and competed well, establishing a 3-21 record and going 2-10 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play. Numerous players earned academic and conference playing accolades throughout the season\ under her tutelage. She is now 179-227 overall and 62-47 in conference play as a head coach at five different schools. She twice won Coach of the Year honors.
Prior to coming to UMES she was an assistant at the University of Pittsburgh. She previously served as a head coach at MEAC foes Coppin State, North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State as well as SWAC school and her alma mater, Alcorn State.
"We thank Coach Van Norden for her time here," said Director of Athletics Keith Davidson. "We are grateful to her for coming here and working us out of a tough situation. She not only was able to field a team, but was able to field a competitive team of young ladies with high character. We are sorry to see her go but understand the importance of family and wish her well in her future endeavors."
UMES will begin immediately searching to find her successor.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION
XU's Abbes, Soifer selected GCAC Players of the Week
Nour Abbes |
Nikita Soifer |
Abbes, from Tunis, Tunisia, and a graduate of Lycée Sportif d'El Menzah, is the first XU women's tennis freshman to win the GCAC award three times in one season. She earned her most recent honor after going 4-0 in doubles and 3-0 in singles, all on the road. Abbes defeated ITA No. 13 Jessica Worring of Graceland and ITA No. 28 Sarah Bernos of Lindsey Wilson in straight sets on consecutive days.
Abbes has yet to lose a collegiate singles match; she's 10-0 and ranked fourth among NAIA singles players and 15th in doubles (with Kourtney Howell) by the ITA.
Soifer, from Beer Sheva, Israel, and a graduate of Hof Hasharon School, was 3-0 in singles and 3-1 in doubles. He defeated ITA No. 23 Jose Daniele Razo Torres of Graceland and Lindsey Wilson's Raul Mendez, No. 16 in the ITA East Region, on consecutive days.
The ITA ranks Soifer 40th in singles and 12th (with Kyle Montrel) in doubles. This is Soifer's first GCAC weekly award of the season and the second of his career. Soifer is the fifth Gold Rush player to be honored in 2014.
Next duals for XU's men and women will be April 5 at 2 p.m. against Auburn Montgomery at the XU Tennis Center. AUM's men are ranked second in the NAIA, and the women are third. Xavier's men are seventh in the NAIA, and the women are second.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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PVAMU's Jatzlau Named FCS ADA Academic All-American
Travis Jatzlau |
Football players from all Football Championship Subdivision institutions are eligible for these prestigious awards. Each of the nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games pl
ayed at his designated position.
Jatzlau, who was also honored during the 2013 Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Student Leadership Awards Dinner for his work in the classroom, is a three-year starter for the Panthers and has been named to the Prairie View A&M University Honor Roll for three consecutive years.
COURTESY PRAIRE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Alabama State Hornets Open Five-Game Homestand Against North Carolina Central Eagles
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State baseball team will open a five-game homestand by hosting North Carolina Central in a three-game weekend series beginning Friday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
The Hornets (21-8) and Eagles of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference are scheduled to play Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Bamastatesports.com will have live stats of all three games.
Alabama State completed the first half of the schedule with 21 wins in its first 29 contests, the best start in school history. The Hornets punctuated their 12-1 start in the SWAC's Eastern Division by sweeping a three-game series at defending champion Jackson State last weekend.
"I have seen the resiliency, drive and motivation that this group of players has," said head coach Mervyl Melendez of his team, which has posted an 11-5 road record this season. "It's good to see when things get tough, they get tougher. They've been a work in progress for the past two years, and it's finally coming to fruition that the things we've been working on they are accomplishing."
Often times, success is athletics is measured in numbers, and that is the case with Hornets' baseball, which entered the week ranked nationally in the Top 30 statistically in 15 team categories and in 17 individual categories. Among the top 10 rankings, Alabama State leads the nation in hits (296), ranks third in triples (14) and fifth in runs (210). SS Emmanuel Marrero leads the nation in triples (seven), and is second in RBI (35), and CF Richard Amion leads the nation in runs scored (40).
"I've said it many times – individual awards don't win championships – but, by playing well, playing as a team, and working extremely hard, the by-products of that are team and individual achievements," Melendez said. "We're all for those, as long as the team achievements come first, and the goals and expectations we have are met on a daily basis. It's good to see because you are doing things the right way and working hard, and we have those accolades to go along with them."
This weekend, the Hornets open a five-game homestand with a weekend set against North Carolina Central. The Eagles are new members to the MEAC, as Melendez did not face them during his tenure as head coach at Bethune-Cookman.
"It's going to be very important for us to play well and continue to play our brand of baseball," Melendez said. "What we've done well is play very good defense, and hit when it counts. We want to see our pitching staff be a little more consistent. We're throwing strikes, but not necessarily controlling the strike zone. We have to pitch a little bit better, and I'm looking forward to seeing what adjustments our staff will make."
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Coaches: Fuller a natural fit on Jackson State's D-line
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Assistant coach Derrick McCall stepped out of his film session and went over to the Jackson State defensive coaches.
He had to get something off his mind.
“Man, I think we made the right decision,” McCall said.
He was talking about moving Ronald Fuller from tight end to defensive end.
Once the Tigers’ coaching staff was assembled in early February, McCall met with the program’s new defensive coordinator Derrick Burroughs, suggesting Fuller would be best suited on the defensive side of the football.
CONTINUE READING
He had to get something off his mind.
“Man, I think we made the right decision,” McCall said.
He was talking about moving Ronald Fuller from tight end to defensive end.
Once the Tigers’ coaching staff was assembled in early February, McCall met with the program’s new defensive coordinator Derrick Burroughs, suggesting Fuller would be best suited on the defensive side of the football.
CONTINUE READING
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