ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- During the 8th of 15 scheduled spring workout sessions held Tuesday morning, South Carolina State continued to conduct team-style drills on offense and defense during a lively and very intense practice, according to head coach Buddy Pough
"We have a lot of work to do and we have to figure out who can be in certain positions to help us moving forward," said Pough. "We are starting to move some guys around and put them in different positions to see how things work."
"It's about time for us to start showing some evidence of being able to go out and execute things," he continued. "So it will be interesting to see where we are at during this coming Saturday."
Pough added, despite the success in the past it's not unusual that this team is where they are at during this point in spring drills.
SC State, midway through spring workouts with seven dates left -- including the annual Spring Garnet & Blue game --, will play a 12-game schedule in 2014. The Bulldogs open the campaign on Aug. 30 when Pough's team battle intrastate rival Benedict College in the Palmetto Capital City Classic in Columbia.
SC State will conduct their annual Pro Day Wednesday (Apr.2) with approximately 15 seniors from the 2013 team, which are scheduled to work out for pro scouts from National Football League teams.
Bulldog Pro Day Schedule
2014 Spring Practice Schedule
Practice # Date Time
9 Wed, April 2 6:30 AM
10 Fri, April 4 6:30 AM
11 Sat, April 5 10:30 AM Scrimmage
12 Mon, April 7 6:30 AM
13 Wed, April 9 6:30 AM
14 Fri, April 11 6:30 AM
15 Sat, April 12 1:00 PM Spring Game
COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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Wednesday, April 2, 2014
FAMU Rattlers Win Thriller 8-6 Over ASU Hornets
COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS |
ASU scored in the first inning after blanking FAMU in the opening frame, taking a 1-0 score into the second inning. Both teams were scoreless in the second inning, but the Rattlers got on the board with two runs in the top of the third inning. Second baseman Alyssa Weaver singled to first base, scoring Tashayla Irvis. Weaver would then scored on an RBI by Amber Fullwood, making the score 2-1 in favor of FAMU.
The lead would not last as Valerie Centeno and Tamara Williams scored on a double by ASU second baseman Jazzmin Romero, bringing the game to a tie. They would regain the outright lead of 3-2, going into the fourth inning.
FAMU struck right back, plating two runs in the top of the fourth. This time Amanda Weaver singled, scoring Irvis. Fullwood would card another RBI as she singled in Alyssa Weaver, making the score 4-3 FAMU.
With three consecutive innings, scoring one run in each, ASU took a 6-4 lead into the seventh inning.
Naesha Lewis scored on a Kenya Pererira single, making the tally 5-6, in favor of ASU in the top of the seventh. Kieifi Myrick hit a crushing three-run homer to give the Lady Rattlers the win, with an 8-6 final.
Myrick went 3-for-3 on the day, including three RBI. Alyssa Weaver and Fullwood collected two hits and one RBI each for FAMU.
Pererira got the win on the mound as she went three innings, gave up six hits, three runs and one strikeout in the 15 batters she faced. Ashleigh Minter, who started the game, went four innings, giving up three runs, four hits and two walks.
For the Hornets, Centeno and Raven Walker got two hits each, with Centeno adding two RBI to her line. Melissa Christmann took the loss for ASU, going two-and-one-third innings, giving up five hits and four runs. Rachel Mills also saw time on the mound, going four-and-two-third innings gicing up seven hits and four runs.
The Lady Rattlers return to Tallahassee for a weekend MEAC series against the Aggies of North Carolina A&T. Saturday’s doubleheader games start at 1p.m., with the third gme of the series strting at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Nuggets still 2nd in NAIA but tied with Lindsey Wilson
NEW ORLEANS -- Two of the NAIA's premier women's tennis programs, Xavier University of Louisiana and Auburn Montgomery, will put their new national rankings on the line Saturday when they meet at 2 p.m. at XU Tennis Center.
The NAIA announced Tuesday its fifth coaches poll of the season. Xavier is tied for second with Lindsey Wilson, and Auburn Montgomery, the three-time defending champion, is fourth.
The Gold Nuggets (11-5) are in the top 10 for the 12th consecutive time and in the top five for the eight time in the last nine polls. They were second in the previous poll on March 18.
Xavier won 5-4 at then-No. 1 AUM on March 9 on the final day of the AUM Invitational. It was the first time the Gold Nuggets defeated a top-ranked team.
Xavier is 3-1 since the previous poll. The loss was 5-4 at Lindsey Wilson on March 21 in a dual which was not decided until a third-set tiebreaker in the final match on the court.
Xavier is 6-2 this season against ranked NAIA teams and has won eight of its last nine duals overall.
Admission is free to the Xavier-AUM matches. Both schools' men's teams, also ranked in the top 10, will play at the same time.
The next rankings will be announced April 15.
The top 25:
1. Georgia Gwinnett
2. (tie) Xavier
2. (tie) Lindsey Wilson
4. Auburn Montgomery
5. SCAD Savannah
6. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
7. Brenau
8. Northwood (Fla.)
9. Vanguard
10. Oklahoma Baptist
11. Westmont
12. Graceland
13. Concordia (Calif.)
14. Lewis-Clark State
15. Milligan
16. Indiana Wesleyan
17. Coastal Georgia
18. Davenport
19. Campbellsville
20. Cardinal Stritch
21. Marian (Ind.)
22. St. Thomas (Fla.)
23. Olivet Nazarene
24. SCAD Atlanta
25. Northwestern Ohio
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold
The NAIA announced Tuesday its fifth coaches poll of the season. Xavier is tied for second with Lindsey Wilson, and Auburn Montgomery, the three-time defending champion, is fourth.
The Gold Nuggets (11-5) are in the top 10 for the 12th consecutive time and in the top five for the eight time in the last nine polls. They were second in the previous poll on March 18.
Xavier won 5-4 at then-No. 1 AUM on March 9 on the final day of the AUM Invitational. It was the first time the Gold Nuggets defeated a top-ranked team.
Xavier is 3-1 since the previous poll. The loss was 5-4 at Lindsey Wilson on March 21 in a dual which was not decided until a third-set tiebreaker in the final match on the court.
Xavier is 6-2 this season against ranked NAIA teams and has won eight of its last nine duals overall.
Admission is free to the Xavier-AUM matches. Both schools' men's teams, also ranked in the top 10, will play at the same time.
The next rankings will be announced April 15.
The top 25:
1. Georgia Gwinnett
2. (tie) Xavier
2. (tie) Lindsey Wilson
4. Auburn Montgomery
5. SCAD Savannah
6. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
7. Brenau
8. Northwood (Fla.)
9. Vanguard
10. Oklahoma Baptist
11. Westmont
12. Graceland
13. Concordia (Calif.)
14. Lewis-Clark State
15. Milligan
16. Indiana Wesleyan
17. Coastal Georgia
18. Davenport
19. Campbellsville
20. Cardinal Stritch
21. Marian (Ind.)
22. St. Thomas (Fla.)
23. Olivet Nazarene
24. SCAD Atlanta
25. Northwestern Ohio
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold
Gold Rush in NAIA's top 10 for the 25th consecutive time
NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana fell three places Tuesday in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll but kept alive its streak of top-10 appearances.
The Gold Rush -- 6-9 overall and 2-2 since the previous poll two weeks ago -- rank 10th. It's the 25th consecutive top-10 appearance for the XU men and their 28th in the last 29 polls.
Five XU losses this season are against teams in this week's top 10. The Gold Rush, have victories against William Carey, Graceland and Coastal Georgia, which rank 13-14-15, and a two-dual split with No. 7 Cumberland.
Not surprisingly, the Rush's next opponent is ranked. No. 2 Auburn Montgomery will visit Saturday for a 2 p.m. dual at the XU Tennis Center. AUM defeated the Rush 7-2 on March 9, the final day of the AUM Invitational.
AUM will be the first Gold Rush home opponent since Feb. 7 and the second of the semester. The XU men played their previous 13 duals on the road.
Xavier is one of six schools with both tennis teams in the top 10 this week. The XU women are tied for second.
The men's top 25:
1. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
2. Auburn Montgomery
3. Georgia Gwinnett
4. Vanguard
5. Westmont
6. Lindsey Wilson
7. Cumberland
8. Belhaven
9. Aquinas
10. Xavier
11. Concordia (Calif.)
12. Bethany (Kan.)
13. William Carey
14. Graceland
15. Coastal Georgia
16. Northwestern Ohio
17. Warner
18. Bethel (Tenn.)
19. (tie) Lewis-Clark State
19. (tie) Davenport
21. Pikeville
22. Webber International
23. Olivet Nazarene
24. Northwood (Fla.)
25. Oklahoma Baptist
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANAhttps://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold
TSU to Hold Blue and White Game on Saturday
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team will hold its annual Blue & White Spring Game on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Hale Stadium.
The Tigers are coming off their most successful season since 1999, winning 10 games and reaching the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
At the end of the season, end Anthony Bass was named OVC Defensive Player of the Year and Daniel Fitzpatrick was selected as the nation’s top defensive back by the CFPA; both will be back for TSU in the fall.
Offensively, redshirt senior quarterback Mike German will be healthy and ready to go in 2014, a year removed from throwing 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Bass, Fitzpatrick and the rest of the Big Blue defense will square off against German and Tiger offense in a format that will generate more points for each side.
The offense will receive six points for a touchdown, three for a field goal, two for a pass of at least 15 yards and one for a first down, PAT and a run over 10 yards.
The defense can get six point for a touchdown, three for a turnover, two for a three-and-out and one point for any stop to a series or quarterback sack.
The action kicks off at 1 p.m. for the TSU Legends Game before the current crop of Tigers take the field at 3 p.m. Admission is free.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
A&T Aggies Wrap Up Spring Practice This Week
GREENSBORO, North Carolina – The North Carolina A&T football team will wrap up spring practice this week with practices on Wednesday and Friday. All practices start at 4 p.m.
The Aggies will then play in their first Spring Game in two years when they take the field at 1 p.m., Saturday at Aggie Stadium. The A&T Sports Hall of Fame is welcoming back former football lettermen to participate in a pig pickin’ at the stadium.
The Spring Game is free and open to the public. The Aggies are coming off back-to-back 7-4 seasons. They return 2013 MEAC Rookie of the Year Tarik Cohen, a running back out of Bunn, N.C. They also return five-year senior and leading tackler D’Vonte Grant.
But A&T must replace three starters along the offensive line and all four starting defensive backs.
Aggie Football Camps
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NOTE: Football Scoop is reporting today, per source, former Catawba College head coach Chip Hester is joining the A&T staff as receivers coach.
The Aggies will then play in their first Spring Game in two years when they take the field at 1 p.m., Saturday at Aggie Stadium. The A&T Sports Hall of Fame is welcoming back former football lettermen to participate in a pig pickin’ at the stadium.
The Spring Game is free and open to the public. The Aggies are coming off back-to-back 7-4 seasons. They return 2013 MEAC Rookie of the Year Tarik Cohen, a running back out of Bunn, N.C. They also return five-year senior and leading tackler D’Vonte Grant.
But A&T must replace three starters along the offensive line and all four starting defensive backs.
Aggie Football Camps
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NOTE: Football Scoop is reporting today, per source, former Catawba College head coach Chip Hester is joining the A&T staff as receivers coach.
Alabama State Baseball To Host A Pair Of Midweek Games
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State baseball team will open the month of April by hosting a pair of midweek games against Mercer Tuesday and Jacksonville State Wednesday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Both games begin at 6 p.m., with bamastatesports.com carrying live stats of both games. Live video for Wednesday's game will be available free of charge at bamastatesports.com/showcase.
The Hornets (24-8) have won six in a row and are coming off a three-game weekend sweep over North Carolina Central in which Alabama State had to score in the late innings to win twice. A walk-off single in the ninth inning helped ASU capture a 3-2 win in game one. Sunday, a four-run eighth inning rally erased a two-run deficit in a 9-8 win.
"I'd thought about that over the last few days that we hadn't played in a lot of close games," head coach Mervyl Melendez said. "As a coach, you want your team to perform at a high level offensively and not be in those situations. The reality is that you're going to have to win games late. We were able to do that twice this weekend. It was good see our guys fight back, especially when we were down, to come back to win, as well as scoring in the ninth to win."
It's the third straight year the Hornets have faced both Mercer and Jacksonville State in home-and-home matchups. Tuesday's matchup with Mercer (22-7) is perhaps one of few if not the first on the 2014 schedule nationally featuring a pair of 20-win teams. The defending Atlantic Sun Conference champion Bears opened the season with nine straight wins, and have won eight of their past nine games, including a win last week over 23rd-ranked Georgia Tech.
"Mercer always has a good team, regardless of the win total," Melendez said. "They are a very good offensive ball club, and we know we are going to have to pitch very well to come out on top. They are a well-coached team, and we have our hands full. We're looking for to the challenge, and to continue to play well and see if we can continue to improve."
Jacksonville State (17-10) has won three in a row and six of its last seven games. Among the victories this season for the Gamecocks of the Ohio Valley Conference are wins over Troy and UAB.
"I think they are playing better than they have in recent years," Melendez said. "Credit that to the guys they have coming back who have continued to get better, similar to what we have done, as we have a lot of the same players who have matured. I think it will be a matchup of two teams that have players who have been with their programs for a few years now, understand the game better and playing with more confidence. We haven't beaten Jacksonville State in our previous matchups, so it will be a good test for us."
The mid-week games have continued to challenge and test Alabama State, something Melendez has wanted and established in the program. The difference this season, according to Melendez, is the opponents seemingly are all playing well.
"Almost every team we have faced during mid-week has played well throughout the season," Melendez said. "We don't have time to relax and put new guys in the mix and see if they can perform. We have to play our best game, and our guys who play on weekends. We have benefitted as well, because our players have gotten better. By being tested, you get better, and you improve on your game."
SCHEDULE CHANGE: This weekend's SWAC doubleheader at Miss. Valley St. will now be played Sunday in Moorhead, Miss at Mississippi Delta Community College. First pitch is 1 p.m. with live internet radio at bamastatesports.com/showcase .
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Both games begin at 6 p.m., with bamastatesports.com carrying live stats of both games. Live video for Wednesday's game will be available free of charge at bamastatesports.com/showcase.
The Hornets (24-8) have won six in a row and are coming off a three-game weekend sweep over North Carolina Central in which Alabama State had to score in the late innings to win twice. A walk-off single in the ninth inning helped ASU capture a 3-2 win in game one. Sunday, a four-run eighth inning rally erased a two-run deficit in a 9-8 win.
"I'd thought about that over the last few days that we hadn't played in a lot of close games," head coach Mervyl Melendez said. "As a coach, you want your team to perform at a high level offensively and not be in those situations. The reality is that you're going to have to win games late. We were able to do that twice this weekend. It was good see our guys fight back, especially when we were down, to come back to win, as well as scoring in the ninth to win."
It's the third straight year the Hornets have faced both Mercer and Jacksonville State in home-and-home matchups. Tuesday's matchup with Mercer (22-7) is perhaps one of few if not the first on the 2014 schedule nationally featuring a pair of 20-win teams. The defending Atlantic Sun Conference champion Bears opened the season with nine straight wins, and have won eight of their past nine games, including a win last week over 23rd-ranked Georgia Tech.
"Mercer always has a good team, regardless of the win total," Melendez said. "They are a very good offensive ball club, and we know we are going to have to pitch very well to come out on top. They are a well-coached team, and we have our hands full. We're looking for to the challenge, and to continue to play well and see if we can continue to improve."
Jacksonville State (17-10) has won three in a row and six of its last seven games. Among the victories this season for the Gamecocks of the Ohio Valley Conference are wins over Troy and UAB.
"I think they are playing better than they have in recent years," Melendez said. "Credit that to the guys they have coming back who have continued to get better, similar to what we have done, as we have a lot of the same players who have matured. I think it will be a matchup of two teams that have players who have been with their programs for a few years now, understand the game better and playing with more confidence. We haven't beaten Jacksonville State in our previous matchups, so it will be a good test for us."
The mid-week games have continued to challenge and test Alabama State, something Melendez has wanted and established in the program. The difference this season, according to Melendez, is the opponents seemingly are all playing well.
"Almost every team we have faced during mid-week has played well throughout the season," Melendez said. "We don't have time to relax and put new guys in the mix and see if they can perform. We have to play our best game, and our guys who play on weekends. We have benefitted as well, because our players have gotten better. By being tested, you get better, and you improve on your game."
SCHEDULE CHANGE: This weekend's SWAC doubleheader at Miss. Valley St. will now be played Sunday in Moorhead, Miss at Mississippi Delta Community College. First pitch is 1 p.m. with live internet radio at bamastatesports.com/showcase .
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Spring Training brings a Sense of Excitement to Texas Southern Tigers Football
HOUSTON, Texas -- A sense of excitement, urgency and optimism fills the air around the Texas Southern Tigers football field house and practice field.
Third year head coach Darrell Asberry is fired up about his team and their change in attitude.
"They know it's time to win and they have the attitude and will to want to win," said Asberry. "No one's complaining and everyone wants to work. They see the writing on the wall."
Asberry is excited about the talent on the team but also the fact that he gets to test that talent for the first time in two years during the spring.
"We didn't have spring training last season and it showed," Asberry said. "The guys didn't start to come together until the second half of the season. They've worked hard in the weight room and now we are on the field. I'm very optimistic about our future."
Asberry said he is focused on finding out what these guys do best, and working that to perfection. He would like to get the ball down field fast, and he seems to have the talent to do it.
Starting quarterback Homer Causey is back for his junior year. He played in 10 games with 1459 yards passing and 5 touchdowns. He also rushed for 694 yard and 6 touchdowns.
"Homer's attitude has improved a lot and he is showing maturity and good leadership skills," said Asberry.
Jay Christophe saw playing time as a true freshman and he is getting some quality reps in spring practice. Asberry said a redshirt freshman is also stepping up. "The surprise at quarterback was Rico Smalls' brother, Mario," Asberry said. "He moved the team during his reps and he made good decisions with his reads."
The offensive line is missing their veteran left tackle. Glen Jackson won't practice in the spring because of his injury, but he's expected back for the fall.
Senior wide receiver Fred Plummer is back in action after missing most of last season because of an injury. Plummer's hard work and rehab is playing off. Coach says he is catching everything thrown in his direction.
The defensive line was a concern according to Asberry, but the squad has squashed some of the head coach's worries. "I had concerns about the D-line, but they are doing a good job," said Asberry. "They got after us pretty good on Saturday. We still have a lot of work to do but I'm encouraged by what I've seen so far."
Special teams should be a very special group this season. The Tigers now have two experienced kickers who both have experienced some success. "Corey [Carter] and [Eric] Medina are back with us and we brought in another long snapper," Asberry said. "We put some pressure on Medina as a true freshman and he did well despite some freshman tendencies. Corey went through the same thing as a true freshman and he came back and led the conference in punting his sophomore year. We feel real good about those guys."
Asberry believes he has a solid core of student-athletes on campus, with a group of freshmen and transfers on their way to help fill in the gaps. What's high of Asberry's list for spring training?..staying healthy and science. "Think it's very important that we get some chemistry going with these guys," Asberry said. "Their attitudes have really changed…so we are focused on discipline and our commitment to working as a team."
The Tigers have two more weeks of spring training, and Asberry and his coaching staff plan to take full advantage of it.
"We are a very talented football team. We are going to work real hard to get these guys going in the right direction. It feels good to come to work in such a positive atmosphere."
Texas Southern's 2014 season kicks off on August 31st.
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
By Rodney Bush TSU Sports Information Director
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Third year head coach Darrell Asberry is fired up about his team and their change in attitude.
"They know it's time to win and they have the attitude and will to want to win," said Asberry. "No one's complaining and everyone wants to work. They see the writing on the wall."
Asberry is excited about the talent on the team but also the fact that he gets to test that talent for the first time in two years during the spring.
"We didn't have spring training last season and it showed," Asberry said. "The guys didn't start to come together until the second half of the season. They've worked hard in the weight room and now we are on the field. I'm very optimistic about our future."
Asberry said he is focused on finding out what these guys do best, and working that to perfection. He would like to get the ball down field fast, and he seems to have the talent to do it.
Starting quarterback Homer Causey is back for his junior year. He played in 10 games with 1459 yards passing and 5 touchdowns. He also rushed for 694 yard and 6 touchdowns.
"Homer's attitude has improved a lot and he is showing maturity and good leadership skills," said Asberry.
Jay Christophe saw playing time as a true freshman and he is getting some quality reps in spring practice. Asberry said a redshirt freshman is also stepping up. "The surprise at quarterback was Rico Smalls' brother, Mario," Asberry said. "He moved the team during his reps and he made good decisions with his reads."
The offensive line is missing their veteran left tackle. Glen Jackson won't practice in the spring because of his injury, but he's expected back for the fall.
Senior wide receiver Fred Plummer is back in action after missing most of last season because of an injury. Plummer's hard work and rehab is playing off. Coach says he is catching everything thrown in his direction.
The defensive line was a concern according to Asberry, but the squad has squashed some of the head coach's worries. "I had concerns about the D-line, but they are doing a good job," said Asberry. "They got after us pretty good on Saturday. We still have a lot of work to do but I'm encouraged by what I've seen so far."
Special teams should be a very special group this season. The Tigers now have two experienced kickers who both have experienced some success. "Corey [Carter] and [Eric] Medina are back with us and we brought in another long snapper," Asberry said. "We put some pressure on Medina as a true freshman and he did well despite some freshman tendencies. Corey went through the same thing as a true freshman and he came back and led the conference in punting his sophomore year. We feel real good about those guys."
Asberry believes he has a solid core of student-athletes on campus, with a group of freshmen and transfers on their way to help fill in the gaps. What's high of Asberry's list for spring training?..staying healthy and science. "Think it's very important that we get some chemistry going with these guys," Asberry said. "Their attitudes have really changed…so we are focused on discipline and our commitment to working as a team."
The Tigers have two more weeks of spring training, and Asberry and his coaching staff plan to take full advantage of it.
"We are a very talented football team. We are going to work real hard to get these guys going in the right direction. It feels good to come to work in such a positive atmosphere."
Texas Southern's 2014 season kicks off on August 31st.
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Date | Opponent | Location | Time | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prairie View A&M University | Houston, TX | 4:00pm | ||
Texas College | Houston, TX | 7:30pm | ||
Central State-Ohio | Wilberforce, OH | TBA | ||
Alabama A&M | Houston, TX | 7:00pm | ||
Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | TBA | ||
Mississippi Valley State | Houston, TX | 7:00pm | ||
Alcorn State | Alcorn, MS | TBA | ||
Homecoming | ||||
Arkansas-Pine Bluff / Homecoming | Houston, TX | 2:00pm | ||
Grambling State | Houston, TX | 2:00pm | ||
Southern University | Baton Rouge, LA | TBA | ||
Jackson State | Houston, TX | 2:00pm |
By Rodney Bush TSU Sports Information Director
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Venue for Alabama A&M football opener against North Carolina A&T changed
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Alabama A&M will still open its 2014 football season up against North Carolina A&T August 31st in sunny Orlando.
However, the Bulldogs won't be doing so at The City Beautiful's Citrus Bowl.
Organizer's of the 10th Annual MEAC-SWAC Challenge have switched the venue for the game to Bright House Networks Stadium, home of the University of Central Florida Knights.
The Citrus Bowl, where the game was played from 2008-2013, is currently under renovation and will not be available for the Challenge, which will be aired live on an ESPN Network. The game was held at Birmingham's Legion Field from its inception in 2005 through 2007.
"We are thrilled to have North Carolina A&T State University and ...
However, the Bulldogs won't be doing so at The City Beautiful's Citrus Bowl.
Organizer's of the 10th Annual MEAC-SWAC Challenge have switched the venue for the game to Bright House Networks Stadium, home of the University of Central Florida Knights.
The Citrus Bowl, where the game was played from 2008-2013, is currently under renovation and will not be available for the Challenge, which will be aired live on an ESPN Network. The game was held at Birmingham's Legion Field from its inception in 2005 through 2007.
"We are thrilled to have North Carolina A&T State University and ...
Reggie Johnson added to Alabama A&M coaching staff as defensive coordinator
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Reggie Johnson, a former Alabama A&M assistant coach most recently on the staff at UAB, has been named as new defensive coordinator for Alabama A&M.
According to a press release from Alabama A&M on Monday, that completes the staff of new head coach James Spady.
The Bulldogs open spring practice Friday and will hold their spring game April 26 at 3 p.m.
Johnson played collegiately at the University of Louisville and after a season as graduate assistant there, his first full-time coaching role was at Alabama A&M in 1998-1999 as the defensive tackles coach, then in 2000 as linebackers coach under Ron Cooper, the Huntsville native who coached Johnson at Louisville.
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According to a press release from Alabama A&M on Monday, that completes the staff of new head coach James Spady.
The Bulldogs open spring practice Friday and will hold their spring game April 26 at 3 p.m.
Johnson played collegiately at the University of Louisville and after a season as graduate assistant there, his first full-time coaching role was at Alabama A&M in 1998-1999 as the defensive tackles coach, then in 2000 as linebackers coach under Ron Cooper, the Huntsville native who coached Johnson at Louisville.
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Florida A&M Rattlers Open Spring Practice With Drills Today
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Mar. 31) -- There was a sense of urgency in the voices of FAMU coaches during the opening day of Spring football drills today at the Rattler practice fields. While at most times, football teams merge their way into activity, the Rattlers jumped full head of steam into the beginning of the 2014 football campaign. Head coach Earl Holmes was the leader of the pack, speaking to media briefly before practice.
“3-9 simply is not good enough. We’ve grown as a coaching staff and we understand that we want to do better right now. That means more emphasis on basic skills. Blocking, tackling and catching will be at a premium this Spring, because all positions are open,” Holmes concluded.
On a sunny 77 degree day, the team went through a battery of drills, highlighted by stiff competition in 7-on-7 drills. Carson Royal was leading the way, taking snaps at the No.1 position. He was thrown into the fray last season against rival South Carolina State. Without taking many reps all season, Royal was baptized in the fire as he would start the remainder of the season for the Rattlers.
Damien Fleming, the Rattlers’ star quarterback, was injured in the SCSU game, and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. He was in practice in a protective boot, though he was in some drills throwing without restraint. Fleming will have the boot removed this week and work his way into Spring drills.
“I’m ahead of schedule, and I just want to get back in there and start working to get things right for this year. This is my last season, so I want to begin building our program back to where it needs to be. I really want to flip our record from last season to more like 9-3 and get in the playoffs, “ Fleming said.
Offensive coordinator Quinn Gray and defensive coordinator Levon Kirkland were flying around the field like the season had already started. The entire battery of coaches were in mid-season form, demanding perfection from the Rattlers from the start.
The feeling among the players is one of focus as well. Royal spent much of his offseason with quarterback coaches. “I have to be able to lead this team. I set a goal for myself to help coach Gray guide this team as a leader,” Royal said. “I spent a lot of time in the offseason with our receivers getting our timing down,” he added.
The Rattlers will continue Spring drills with the annual Orange 7 Green game slated for April 19th.
“3-9 simply is not good enough. We’ve grown as a coaching staff and we understand that we want to do better right now. That means more emphasis on basic skills. Blocking, tackling and catching will be at a premium this Spring, because all positions are open,” Holmes concluded.
On a sunny 77 degree day, the team went through a battery of drills, highlighted by stiff competition in 7-on-7 drills. Carson Royal was leading the way, taking snaps at the No.1 position. He was thrown into the fray last season against rival South Carolina State. Without taking many reps all season, Royal was baptized in the fire as he would start the remainder of the season for the Rattlers.
Damien Fleming, the Rattlers’ star quarterback, was injured in the SCSU game, and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. He was in practice in a protective boot, though he was in some drills throwing without restraint. Fleming will have the boot removed this week and work his way into Spring drills.
“I’m ahead of schedule, and I just want to get back in there and start working to get things right for this year. This is my last season, so I want to begin building our program back to where it needs to be. I really want to flip our record from last season to more like 9-3 and get in the playoffs, “ Fleming said.
Offensive coordinator Quinn Gray and defensive coordinator Levon Kirkland were flying around the field like the season had already started. The entire battery of coaches were in mid-season form, demanding perfection from the Rattlers from the start.
The feeling among the players is one of focus as well. Royal spent much of his offseason with quarterback coaches. “I have to be able to lead this team. I set a goal for myself to help coach Gray guide this team as a leader,” Royal said. “I spent a lot of time in the offseason with our receivers getting our timing down,” he added.
The Rattlers will continue Spring drills with the annual Orange 7 Green game slated for April 19th.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
FAMU vs. B-CU Baseball FInale To Air Live on ESPN
COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS |
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced Friday, that ESPN3.com would broadcast the final game of this weekend’s FAMU vs. B-CU baseball series live nationally, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Eastern from historic Jackie Robinson Stadium in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida.
Veteran broadcasters Joe Davis (play-by-play)and Jay Walker (analyst) will handle the on-air presentation for the game, which will also air on a taped delay basis at 6 p.m. Sunday on ESPNU.
This weekend’s Sunshine State series took on even more importance when the resurgent FAMU Rattlers (7-4 MEAC, 10-16 overall), under first-year head coach Jamey Shouppe, took over first place in the MEAC Southern Division after sweeping a three-game series at North Carolina A&T (6-6, 11-16) last weekend, to vault from fourth place to first.
The trade in places by FAMU moved the Rattlers past second place Bethune-Cookman (7-5, 15-14), which sits just one-half game behind their in-state rivals heading into the weekend.
In their previous meeting this season, the ‘Cats won three hard-fought games against FAMU in Tallahassee on March 1-2, highlighted by a marathon 15-inning 10-5 opening win, followed by 4-2 and 11-6 decisions in the final two games
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
WSSU's Townsend switches from QB to tight end
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- “The Big Show” is taking his talents to another position at Winston-Salem State.
DeShean Townsend, who is 6-3 and close to 230 pounds, certainly deserves his nickname. But because he’s been a backup quarterback for three seasons he hasn’t been on the field much.
His only significant playing time in his career came in the final game last season in a 7-0 loss to Shepherd in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Townsend struggled after starter Rudy Johnson went out with an injured shoulder in the first half. Townsend couldn’t rally the Rams with a makeshift offensive line and a depleted wide-receiver corps as the season came to an abrupt end.
Johnson and the highly-touted Phillip Sims are the top quarterbacks in practice this spring; with redshirt freshman Justin Johnson also in the mix, there wasn’t room for Townsend at his old position.
CONTINUE READING
DeShean Townsend, who is 6-3 and close to 230 pounds, certainly deserves his nickname. But because he’s been a backup quarterback for three seasons he hasn’t been on the field much.
His only significant playing time in his career came in the final game last season in a 7-0 loss to Shepherd in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Townsend struggled after starter Rudy Johnson went out with an injured shoulder in the first half. Townsend couldn’t rally the Rams with a makeshift offensive line and a depleted wide-receiver corps as the season came to an abrupt end.
Johnson and the highly-touted Phillip Sims are the top quarterbacks in practice this spring; with redshirt freshman Justin Johnson also in the mix, there wasn’t room for Townsend at his old position.
CONTINUE READING
Monday, March 31, 2014
FAMU's Chase Jarrell And Bennie Robinson Take MEAC Honors
NORFOLK, Virginia – Florida A&M’s Bennie Robinson earned the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Week honors, the conference announced on Monday.
Florida A&M’s Chase Jarrell was selected Pitcher of the Week, while Bethune-Cookman’s Zach Olszewski earned Rookie of the Week accolades.
Robinson (1B, 6-3, Sr., Ocala, Fla.) hit .368 (7-for-22) in games against Jacksonville, Stetson and North Carolina A&T. Robinson registered seven hits, including a home run during the
week. Defensively, he also had 37 putouts and three assists.
Jarrell (P, 6-3, Fr., Winter Springs, Fla.) pitched eight innings and surrendered two runs (one earned). Jarrell scattered four hits and fanned five in a 5-2 win against North Carolina A&T.
Olszewski (C, 6-0, Fr., Bay City, Mich.) batted .300 (3-for-10) in games against Central Florida and Savannah State. Defensively, Olszewski recorded 15 putouts and assisted on three more.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Florida A&M’s Chase Jarrell was selected Pitcher of the Week, while Bethune-Cookman’s Zach Olszewski earned Rookie of the Week accolades.
FAMU ATHLETICS |
week. Defensively, he also had 37 putouts and three assists.
Jarrell (P, 6-3, Fr., Winter Springs, Fla.) pitched eight innings and surrendered two runs (one earned). Jarrell scattered four hits and fanned five in a 5-2 win against North Carolina A&T.
Olszewski (C, 6-0, Fr., Bay City, Mich.) batted .300 (3-for-10) in games against Central Florida and Savannah State. Defensively, Olszewski recorded 15 putouts and assisted on three more.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Rolland, Alexander are GCAC Performers of the Week
Angelica Alexander |
Devinn Rolland |
Rolland, from Harvey, La., and a graduate of Cabrini High School in New Orleans, won the track honor after meeting NAIA A-qualifying times in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the 400 relay at the Tulane Team Challenge on Saturday. She finished second in the 100 with a personal best of 11.83 seconds — the fastest outdoor time in the NAIA this season — placed second in the 200 in 24.97 and ran the second leg for the 400 relay team which finished third in 47.96. Rolland teamed with Kaylee Moore, Kailey Williams and Chelsea James.
Alexander, from Shreveport, La., and a graduate of Byrd High School, won the high jump at the Tulane meet and cleared 5 feet, 6 inches — an NAIA A-qualifying mark — for the second time this month. Her height ranks second this season on the NAIA's outdoor list.
Rolland is an 11-time GCAC weekly winner since the start of the 2013 season. She won the track award four times and the field award seven times. This is the second time this season that Alexander won the GCAC field award.
Both XU teams will compete Friday in the Pelican Relays at Baton Rouge, La. Field events will start at 10 a.m., and running events will start at 3 p.m. Southern University's Roscoe Moore Track at A.W. Mumford Stadium will be the venue.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Texas Southern Tigers take Series from Division Leader
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- It took extra innings, but the Texas Southern Tigers got the job done on the road and walked away with the series win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
The entire series was a war but the major battle happened in game three where the Tigers clawed their way to a 9-8 win.
"It was truly a total team effort," said head coach Michael Robertson.
TSU started in a hole after UAPB scored 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Tigers got on the board in the fourth inning when Zach Welz hit an RBI single to left center field. TSU was down 2-1.
Texas Southern tied the game 2-2 in the seventh inning when Chris Lopez hit a sacrifice fly to center field.
"It was a pitcher's duel for 7 innings and a slugfest the last 3 innings…a see-saw battle between two clubs that are evenly matched in every statistical area that matters," Robertson said.
TSU took their first lead of the game when they scored 2 runs in the eighth inning. Terry Edwards hit a 2 run single to first base for a 4-2 advantage.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded and picked up 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to go up 5-4.
The Tigers tied the game 5-5 in the top of the ninth inning when Jerry Ford, II hit an RBI single to right field.
TSU held off a bases loaded threat by UAPB which sent the game into extra innings.
The Tigers' bats came alive in the tenth inning where they scored 4 runs. Andrew Garza hit a 2 run single; Marquis Webb hit a sacrifice fly to left field and Garza scored on a sacrifice bunt by Chris DeLeon.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff scored 3 runs in the bottom of the inning but it was not enough, and TSU took the series 2-1.
This game was not won on today's actions alone. It was set up by TSU's victorious play the day before.
"In the third game, we used 5 pitchers and I believe everybody got an outing and everybody was used," said pitching coach Ehren Moreno. "Because Darius [McClelland] pitched a complete game [Saturday], we were able to unload our bullpen today. Without Darius throwing that complete game, we would not have been able to matchup against Pine Bluff like we did to win."
Michael Starkey started for the Tigers and pitched 6 innings with 4 strikeouts, 3 hits, 3 walks and 2 runs. Larry Romero got the win after 2.1 innings on the mound, 3 strikeouts, 5 hits, 3 earned runs and 2 walks. Rios Ryan picked up the save.
The Tigers had 13 hits and 8 men left on base. Ford led the Tigers with 4 hits. Edwards and Garza each had 2 RBIs.
"I thought our team took one huge step in the right direction by defeating a team that not only can pitch well and make plays, but they are very tough to beat at home," Robertson said. "We showed a lot of heart to fight back late in the ball game to tie, take the lead, lose the lead, tie it and win it in the tenth."
The Tigers will play Dallas Baptist and Arlington Baptist College on the road this week before returning to conference play against Grambling State on Saturday, April 5th & 6th at MacGregor Park.
Box Score
Contact: Rodney Bush TSU Sports Information Director
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
The entire series was a war but the major battle happened in game three where the Tigers clawed their way to a 9-8 win.
"It was truly a total team effort," said head coach Michael Robertson.
TSU started in a hole after UAPB scored 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Tigers got on the board in the fourth inning when Zach Welz hit an RBI single to left center field. TSU was down 2-1.
Texas Southern tied the game 2-2 in the seventh inning when Chris Lopez hit a sacrifice fly to center field.
"It was a pitcher's duel for 7 innings and a slugfest the last 3 innings…a see-saw battle between two clubs that are evenly matched in every statistical area that matters," Robertson said.
TSU took their first lead of the game when they scored 2 runs in the eighth inning. Terry Edwards hit a 2 run single to first base for a 4-2 advantage.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded and picked up 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to go up 5-4.
The Tigers tied the game 5-5 in the top of the ninth inning when Jerry Ford, II hit an RBI single to right field.
TSU held off a bases loaded threat by UAPB which sent the game into extra innings.
The Tigers' bats came alive in the tenth inning where they scored 4 runs. Andrew Garza hit a 2 run single; Marquis Webb hit a sacrifice fly to left field and Garza scored on a sacrifice bunt by Chris DeLeon.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff scored 3 runs in the bottom of the inning but it was not enough, and TSU took the series 2-1.
This game was not won on today's actions alone. It was set up by TSU's victorious play the day before.
"In the third game, we used 5 pitchers and I believe everybody got an outing and everybody was used," said pitching coach Ehren Moreno. "Because Darius [McClelland] pitched a complete game [Saturday], we were able to unload our bullpen today. Without Darius throwing that complete game, we would not have been able to matchup against Pine Bluff like we did to win."
Michael Starkey started for the Tigers and pitched 6 innings with 4 strikeouts, 3 hits, 3 walks and 2 runs. Larry Romero got the win after 2.1 innings on the mound, 3 strikeouts, 5 hits, 3 earned runs and 2 walks. Rios Ryan picked up the save.
The Tigers had 13 hits and 8 men left on base. Ford led the Tigers with 4 hits. Edwards and Garza each had 2 RBIs.
"I thought our team took one huge step in the right direction by defeating a team that not only can pitch well and make plays, but they are very tough to beat at home," Robertson said. "We showed a lot of heart to fight back late in the ball game to tie, take the lead, lose the lead, tie it and win it in the tenth."
The Tigers will play Dallas Baptist and Arlington Baptist College on the road this week before returning to conference play against Grambling State on Saturday, April 5th & 6th at MacGregor Park.
Box Score
Contact: Rodney Bush TSU Sports Information Director
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Georgetown Baseball Splits Doubleheader at Grambling State
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Georgetown baseball team wrapped up its three-game series at Grambling State on Sunday, splitting a doubleheader with the host Tigers. Grambling State (7-21) took the first game 8-2, but the Hoyas (11-13) bounced back to take the nightcap, 5-3. Both games were played at Willis Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park in Grambling, La.
Game One...
Steve Anderson (Albany, N.Y./Northfield Mt. Hermon Prep (Mass.)/Guilderland) and Jake Kuzbel (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) each had a pair of hits, but Georgetown could only scratch together a couple of runs, falling 8-2 in the first game of the day.
Starting pitcher David Ellingson (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands College Park) went five innings, giving up six runs, five earned, on eight hits. He struck out one. Chris Giordano (Orlando, Fla./Lake Highland) threw three innings of relief, giving up two runs while striking out four.
Trailing 2-0, the Hoyas got their first run in the top of the third. Eric Webber (Stockton, Calif./St. Mary's) and Kuzbel each hit one-out singles to put runners on the corners. Ryan Busch (Falcon Heights, Minn./Roseville Area) grounded out to shortstop to score Webber and cut the deficit to 2-1.
After Grambling State scored in the bottom of the third, Georgetown again got within one run with in the top of the fourth as Nick Collins (Carthage, N.C./Union Pines), Anderson and AC Carter (Winter Park, Fla./Orangewood Christian) all hit consecutive singles to lead off the inning. Carter's base knock allowed Collins to cross the plate.
The Tigers pulled away with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Game Two...
Will Brown (Chesterfield, Va./Matoaca) pitched 6.1 innings of one-run relief as the Hoyas bounced back for a 5-3 win in the second game.
Brown allowed just six hits and no walks while registering four strikeouts, picking up his first win of the season. Busch and Kuzbel each had two hits while Collins had three RBI without the benefit of a hit. Anderson homered and drove in two runs. Tim Davis (Vienna, Va./James Madison) threw the final 1.1 innings, not giving up a hit while striking out two, for his fourth save.
Georgetown got the bats going in the first inning. Collins reached on a two-out error and Anderson made the Tigers pay, blasting a two-run home run to right field.
Grambling State got a run back in the bottom half of the inning off of starting pitcher Nick Leonard (Washington, D.C./Maret). The Tigers tied the score with another run in the second, off of Joseph Bialkowski (Raleigh, N.C./Needham B. Broughton).
The Blue & Gray reclaimed the lead in the third with an unearned run. With Busch on second, the Grambling State first baseman booted a ground ball by Collins allowing him to reach and Busch to cross the plate, giving the Hoyas a 3-2 lead.
Georgetown added single runs in the fifth and seventh innings, both driven in by Collins. He hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth to score Kuzbel, who had doubled and gone to third on a single by Busch. In the seventh, Kuzbel again led off with a double and went to third on another Busch single. This time, Collins got the RBI by grounding out to third.
The Hoyas will play a midweek game on Tuesday against George Washington. The game, which is set to start at 3 p.m., will be played at the Colonials' home field, Barcroft Park, in Arlington, Va. Next weekend, Georgetown opens BIG EAST play with a three-game series against Xavier at Shirley Povich Field.
On Saturday, the Hoyas, in partnership with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, will shave their heads following their game with the Musketeers. GUGS will be at the game, serving food and the Blue & Gray will honor local kids who are fighting childhood cancer. The team has already raised over $35,000 for St. Baldrick's.
To donate to their efforts please click here.
Game 1 - Final Stats
Game 2 - Final Stats
COURTESY GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Game One...
Steve Anderson (Albany, N.Y./Northfield Mt. Hermon Prep (Mass.)/Guilderland) and Jake Kuzbel (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) each had a pair of hits, but Georgetown could only scratch together a couple of runs, falling 8-2 in the first game of the day.
Starting pitcher David Ellingson (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands College Park) went five innings, giving up six runs, five earned, on eight hits. He struck out one. Chris Giordano (Orlando, Fla./Lake Highland) threw three innings of relief, giving up two runs while striking out four.
Trailing 2-0, the Hoyas got their first run in the top of the third. Eric Webber (Stockton, Calif./St. Mary's) and Kuzbel each hit one-out singles to put runners on the corners. Ryan Busch (Falcon Heights, Minn./Roseville Area) grounded out to shortstop to score Webber and cut the deficit to 2-1.
After Grambling State scored in the bottom of the third, Georgetown again got within one run with in the top of the fourth as Nick Collins (Carthage, N.C./Union Pines), Anderson and AC Carter (Winter Park, Fla./Orangewood Christian) all hit consecutive singles to lead off the inning. Carter's base knock allowed Collins to cross the plate.
The Tigers pulled away with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Game Two...
Will Brown (Chesterfield, Va./Matoaca) pitched 6.1 innings of one-run relief as the Hoyas bounced back for a 5-3 win in the second game.
Brown allowed just six hits and no walks while registering four strikeouts, picking up his first win of the season. Busch and Kuzbel each had two hits while Collins had three RBI without the benefit of a hit. Anderson homered and drove in two runs. Tim Davis (Vienna, Va./James Madison) threw the final 1.1 innings, not giving up a hit while striking out two, for his fourth save.
Georgetown got the bats going in the first inning. Collins reached on a two-out error and Anderson made the Tigers pay, blasting a two-run home run to right field.
Grambling State got a run back in the bottom half of the inning off of starting pitcher Nick Leonard (Washington, D.C./Maret). The Tigers tied the score with another run in the second, off of Joseph Bialkowski (Raleigh, N.C./Needham B. Broughton).
The Blue & Gray reclaimed the lead in the third with an unearned run. With Busch on second, the Grambling State first baseman booted a ground ball by Collins allowing him to reach and Busch to cross the plate, giving the Hoyas a 3-2 lead.
Georgetown added single runs in the fifth and seventh innings, both driven in by Collins. He hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth to score Kuzbel, who had doubled and gone to third on a single by Busch. In the seventh, Kuzbel again led off with a double and went to third on another Busch single. This time, Collins got the RBI by grounding out to third.
The Hoyas will play a midweek game on Tuesday against George Washington. The game, which is set to start at 3 p.m., will be played at the Colonials' home field, Barcroft Park, in Arlington, Va. Next weekend, Georgetown opens BIG EAST play with a three-game series against Xavier at Shirley Povich Field.
On Saturday, the Hoyas, in partnership with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, will shave their heads following their game with the Musketeers. GUGS will be at the game, serving food and the Blue & Gray will honor local kids who are fighting childhood cancer. The team has already raised over $35,000 for St. Baldrick's.
To donate to their efforts please click here.
Game 1 - Final Stats
Game 2 - Final Stats
COURTESY GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Alabama State football: Silmon expected to replace Baker at outside linebacker
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- There are just six spring practice dates left for Alabama State’s football team, but one of the nagging questions of the spring may have been answered on the defensive side of the ball.
Because the secondary will remain a question mark until it is tested against live competition, the biggest hole on the defensive side of the ball was at outside linebacker, where a replacement for the talented Leland Baker had to be found.
Deontrelle Silmon’s performance late in the season as a replacement for the injured Baker and Daerius Washington — he was second on the team among non-starters with 29 tackles, including five for loss — probably answered those questions, but it was nice to see him pick up in the spring where he had left off.
CONTINUE READING
Because the secondary will remain a question mark until it is tested against live competition, the biggest hole on the defensive side of the ball was at outside linebacker, where a replacement for the talented Leland Baker had to be found.
Deontrelle Silmon’s performance late in the season as a replacement for the injured Baker and Daerius Washington — he was second on the team among non-starters with 29 tackles, including five for loss — probably answered those questions, but it was nice to see him pick up in the spring where he had left off.
CONTINUE READING
FAMU Hosts Welcome Rally for President Mangum April 4
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The month of April begins a new season at Florida A&M University (FAMU) as the campus welcomes its new leader, President Elmira Mangum. To commemorate the occasion and celebrate her in “true Rattler fashion,” FAMU will host a Welcome Rally on Friday, April 4 at 12:15 pm on the steps of Lee Hall, 1601 S. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd.
The event will include spirited tributes by student leaders, the Marching “100,” FAMU Cheerleaders and more. The event is free and open to the public.
On April 1, President Elmira Mangum will become FAMU’s 11th president and first permanent female president in the institution’s 126-year history. She previously served as vice president for planning and budget at Cornell University where she was the senior administrator responsible for the management of Cornell’s resources and the annual budgeting process.
After a thorough presidential search, the FAMU Board of Trustees selected Mangum to become president on Jan. 9. The Florida Board of Governors unanimously approved her appointment on Feb. 20.
For more information on the Welcome Rally, visit www.famu.edu/MangumWelcome.
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Late Rally Lifts ASU Hornets Over North Carolina Central
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- A four-run eighth inning rally lifted the Alabama State baseball team to a 9-8 win over North Carolina Central Sunday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Trailing 7-5, Richard Amion led off the eighth with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball. Cesar Rivera beat out a grounder to the right side for an infield single, scoring Amion. After a sacrifice bunt by Richard Gonzalez moved Rivera to second base, Waldyvan Estrada's single to right field scored Rivera to tie the game at 7-7. Emmanuel Marrero then singled to right field, advancing Estrada to third. Branden Castro's perfectly executed safety squeeze bunt scored Estrada with the go-ahead run. Dexter Price then walked before Chase Waters' single into right field scored Marrero for a 9-7 lead.
Amion, Rivera, and Estrada each had three hits and scored two runs in the 19-hit attack for the Hornets (24-8), who won their sixth straight game in completing the three-game sweep.
"We sat on a five-run lead, and we know in baseball that's not enough," head coach Mervyl Melendez said of his team, which scored five runs in the first inning but did not score again until the late-game rally. "Teams at this level are going to be able to come back, they're going to make a run, and put some innings together. That was the case today. North Carolina Central did a very good job in doing just that to take the lead. I'm just extremely proud of our team. I've said it many times – when adversity hits, that's when we are at our strongest and play our best baseball. This is a very good victory, especially coming from behind."
Armando Ruiz (2-2) pitched the final 2 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and a run in the ninth. With the tying run on third, he struck out Eric Kimber on a 1-2 pitch for the final out.
"You have to depend on guys who want the baseball," Melendez said of Ruiz. "I had every intention in the ninth inning to take him out the game, but he said 'I got it.' He was very firm about wanting the baseball with the game on the line. I stepped back, and watched him do his thing."
Alabama State scored five runs in the first inning to take an early lead. The Hornets began the game with four straight hits. Amion and Rivera each singled to right field, and Gonzalez' single to left scored Amion. Estrada then doubled to left center field, scoring Rivera and advancing Gonzalez to third. After an RBI groundout by Marrero scored Gonzalez for a 3-0 lead, Castro's sacrifice fly scored Estrada. Price then walked and later scored on a single up the middle by Einar Muniz for a 5-0 lead.
North Carolina Central (9-17-1) took the lead with three runs in the fourth and sixth innings, and a run in the seventh before the late-game rally by Alabama State, which improved to 8-0 on Sunday games this season.
"All the credit goes to this group of guys that believe in themselves," Melendez said. "They made a commitment last year, knowing they had to play better to win ball games. It's a true testament of the hard work they have put in during the offseason and early part of this season and I'm very happy for them."
The Hornets continue the five-game homestand Tuesday against Mercer and Wednesday against Jacksonville State, with first pitch both days at 6 p.m. at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Box Score
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Trailing 7-5, Richard Amion led off the eighth with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball. Cesar Rivera beat out a grounder to the right side for an infield single, scoring Amion. After a sacrifice bunt by Richard Gonzalez moved Rivera to second base, Waldyvan Estrada's single to right field scored Rivera to tie the game at 7-7. Emmanuel Marrero then singled to right field, advancing Estrada to third. Branden Castro's perfectly executed safety squeeze bunt scored Estrada with the go-ahead run. Dexter Price then walked before Chase Waters' single into right field scored Marrero for a 9-7 lead.
Amion, Rivera, and Estrada each had three hits and scored two runs in the 19-hit attack for the Hornets (24-8), who won their sixth straight game in completing the three-game sweep.
"We sat on a five-run lead, and we know in baseball that's not enough," head coach Mervyl Melendez said of his team, which scored five runs in the first inning but did not score again until the late-game rally. "Teams at this level are going to be able to come back, they're going to make a run, and put some innings together. That was the case today. North Carolina Central did a very good job in doing just that to take the lead. I'm just extremely proud of our team. I've said it many times – when adversity hits, that's when we are at our strongest and play our best baseball. This is a very good victory, especially coming from behind."
Armando Ruiz (2-2) pitched the final 2 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and a run in the ninth. With the tying run on third, he struck out Eric Kimber on a 1-2 pitch for the final out.
"You have to depend on guys who want the baseball," Melendez said of Ruiz. "I had every intention in the ninth inning to take him out the game, but he said 'I got it.' He was very firm about wanting the baseball with the game on the line. I stepped back, and watched him do his thing."
Alabama State scored five runs in the first inning to take an early lead. The Hornets began the game with four straight hits. Amion and Rivera each singled to right field, and Gonzalez' single to left scored Amion. Estrada then doubled to left center field, scoring Rivera and advancing Gonzalez to third. After an RBI groundout by Marrero scored Gonzalez for a 3-0 lead, Castro's sacrifice fly scored Estrada. Price then walked and later scored on a single up the middle by Einar Muniz for a 5-0 lead.
North Carolina Central (9-17-1) took the lead with three runs in the fourth and sixth innings, and a run in the seventh before the late-game rally by Alabama State, which improved to 8-0 on Sunday games this season.
"All the credit goes to this group of guys that believe in themselves," Melendez said. "They made a commitment last year, knowing they had to play better to win ball games. It's a true testament of the hard work they have put in during the offseason and early part of this season and I'm very happy for them."
The Hornets continue the five-game homestand Tuesday against Mercer and Wednesday against Jacksonville State, with first pitch both days at 6 p.m. at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Box Score
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Former FAMU band member gets 51 weeks in jail in hazing death case
ORLANDO, Florida -- A former Florida A&M band member was sentenced to jail time for his role in the hazing death of a drum major.
Prosecutors said Jessie Baskin was the "most enthusiastic participant," in Robert Champion's death.
Baskin faced nine years when sentenced Friday for participating in the beating death of Robert Champion in November 2011 during a hazing ritual aboard a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel. Judge Marc Lubet gave Baskin 51 weeks in jail.
Lubet said as he sentenced Baskin that he didn't want to destroy Baskin's life. But, he said, Baskin did have to pay something for what he did. Baskin had pleaded no contest to manslaughter.
Baskin broke into tears several times Friday afternoon as he listened to family members and friends beg the judge to be lenient.
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Quarterbacks struggle in S.C. State’s first spring scrimmage
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Sunday’s rescheduled football scrimmage at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium for South Carolina State could be best described as incomplete.
The three quarterbacks vying for the starting position — TeDarius Wiley, Adrian Kollack and Joey Copeland — combined for 16 incompletions and no touchdown passes thrown during the 70-plus play scrimmage. Both Wiley and Kollack managed a rushing score along with running back Justin Taylor on a day when a familiar problem on offense reared its ugly head again.
“It went good at times and not so good at times,” S.C. State head football coach Buddy Pough said. “We’ve got a lot of operational things we’ve got to get done. It’s hard for things for our quarterbacks to really throw the football effectively and that kind of stuff. We were having protection problems and snap problems. But besides that, you saw some guys out really working hard and practicing hard and that kind of stuff and we’re developing the kind of personnel that we need for next year.”
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The three quarterbacks vying for the starting position — TeDarius Wiley, Adrian Kollack and Joey Copeland — combined for 16 incompletions and no touchdown passes thrown during the 70-plus play scrimmage. Both Wiley and Kollack managed a rushing score along with running back Justin Taylor on a day when a familiar problem on offense reared its ugly head again.
“It went good at times and not so good at times,” S.C. State head football coach Buddy Pough said. “We’ve got a lot of operational things we’ve got to get done. It’s hard for things for our quarterbacks to really throw the football effectively and that kind of stuff. We were having protection problems and snap problems. But besides that, you saw some guys out really working hard and practicing hard and that kind of stuff and we’re developing the kind of personnel that we need for next year.”
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TSU Flying Tigers Soar in Weems-Baskin Relays Invite
COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- The Flying Tigers had one of their best performances of the season at the 21st annual Baskin-Weems Invitational, tallying 15 top-five finishes.
For the Tigerbelles, Quanisha Sales notched a fourth-place finish in 100-meter dash with a time of 12.09, while Jerome Henderson finished third on the men’s side, running the event in 10.70 seconds.
With a final time of 24.41 seconds, Amber Hughes placed fourth in women’s 200-meter. Henderson was also the top Flying Tiger in the run, coming in at 21.59, good enough for sixth place.
Quamel Prince was second in the 800-meter dash with a finals time of 1:52.06 and Jaleel Michael came in fourth in the 400-meter hurdles (53.84 seconds).
In the relays, the Flying Tiger team of Prince, Michael Johnson, Jason Griffin and Emmanuel Thornton finished second in the 4x400 (3:13.92), while Tigerbelles Sales, Hughes, Breanna Adams and Clairwin Dameus won the women’s side (3:46.93).
In the field events, Daryl Rice leapt 2.05 meters, which put him in second place in the high jump, and Royce Dates’s jump of 7.04 meters in the long jump gave him a third-place finish.
The Flying Tigers continued their impressive showing as Kareem Nichols won the triple-jump with a best of 14.42 meters.
Britani Logan rounded out the events by tossing the shot-put 13.41, placing her second.
The TSU track and field teams will next travel to the University of Florida on April 3 for the Pepsi Relays.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
FAMU Lady Rattlers Sweep Doubleheader With Savannah State
COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS |
SAVANNAH, Georgia – The FAMU Softball team shook off the offensive funk of the past four games Sunday, scoring 22 runs to sweep a MEAC doubleheader from Savannah State at Lady Tiger Field, 7-5 and 15-1.
FAMU (12-19, 2-1 in MEAC Southern) had struggled at the plate until Sunday’s second game, with 15 hits in their last five games before erupting for 14 hits in the five-inning, 15-1 romp.
Assistant coach, Lori Goodart, attributed the success at the plate to focus. “I think our mentality at the plate was much better this weekend. We had sort of a lapse as yesterday’s game was re-scheduled three different times due to the weather, but today we came out with a totlly different and aggressive attitude,” Goodart said.
Brielle Gordon led FAMU with three hits and four RBIs, with help from Denise Anderson, who had two hits and five RBIs. Both players homered in the game to key the FAMU offense, while Christina Robbs and Miesha McBride added two hits apiece.
Gordon belted a two-run homer in the second to extend FAMU’s 1-0 lead to 3-0, then Anderson’s three-run blast in the top of the fourth ignited an eight-run rally that pushed the visitor’s edge to 14-1.
Goodart attributed the big hits to a simple batting technique.
“We hit the ball where it was pitched today. Lately we have been trying to power hit, but today we placed it just where it needed to be placed. In addition, our players were alert and did a good job on the base paths,” Goodart added.
Ashleigh Minter (7-7) was the winning pitcher for FAMU, allowing one unearned run on five hits in five innings of work Sunday.
In Sunday’s opener, the Lady Rattlers snapped a three-game skid with a 7-5 win, taking an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on a steal of home by Alyssa Weaver, and a wild pitch, which scored Brielle Gordon.
Savannah State rallied for four runs in the bottom of the inning to barge ahead, 4-2, but that lead was short-lived, as FAMU scored two runs in the top of the second, as Raven Moseley and Brittany Speer both scored on an error by the Savannah first baseman to tie the game at 4-4.
Savannah State (17-15, 1-2 in MEAC) scored a run in the bottom of the second to regain the lead at 5-4, but FAMU took advantage of a bases loaded walk and a hit batter with the bases loaded, to move ahead, 6-5 in the top of the fifth, adding an insurance run in the top of the seventh on Denise Anderson’s RBI single for the 7-5 final count.
FAMU had four hits in the opener (Denise Anderson, Kieffi Myrick (double), Christina Robbs and Miesha McBride each had hits), but were aided in the win by Savannah State’s pitching meltdown, which saw nine walks issued to Lady Rattler hitters, and five hit batters, plus two errors.
Reliever Kenya Pererira (1-6) got the win in relief of starter Amber Fullwood, who was lifted with two outs in the first inning. Pererira worked the final six and one-third innings, scattering three hits, allowing one run, with four strikeouts.
“We really got good innings in the circle from Ashleigh and Kenya. They did a solid job of keeping runners off the bases this weekend,” Goodart concluded.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers are at Alabama State Tuesday (6 p.m. Central Time), then host North Carolina A&T in a three-game weekend series this Saturday and Sunday at the FAMu Softball Complex.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Sunday, March 30, 2014
SC State's Judge Earns 400th Career Tennis Coaching Victory
South Carolina State head coach Hardeep Judge earns 400th career victory. Courtesy: SCSU Athletics |
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — South Carolina State men's and women's tennis coach Hardeep Judge reached another illustrious milestone in Bulldog history, surpassing his 400th career victory over the weekend knocking off FAMU 4-3 (men), 5-2 (women) in MEAC tennis play at the Rattler Tennis Center.
The Bulldogs (8-4 overall, 4-0 in the MEAC) claimed the southern division with a 4-3 victory over host Florida A&M. Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs (8-5 overall, 5-1 MEAC) remained tied for first place in the southern division after a 5-2 triumph over the Lady Rattlers.
"Our girls played with a lot of heart today and they definitely didn't play their best but the windy conditions were hard to adjust to, "said SC State head coach Hardeep Judge. "Oleksandra played a lot better than her last outing as did Intissar."
The guys played very poorly today with two week layoff as well as the windy weather gave us some problems today," said Judge. "I am happy that we were able to win the Southern Division but we know that we will need to work extremely hard in these next few weeks for us to make an impact in the MEAC Championships."
In women's action, the Lady Bulldogs claimed the doubles point early on with an 8-3 and 8-2 victory over the Lady Rattlers to start the match. In singles action freshman Oleksandra def. Alexis Dean (6-2, 6-4);sophomore Klara Dohanlova def. Symone Townsend in three sets (5-7,6-2, 6-1);freshman Intissar Rassif the MEAC Rookie of the Week def. Monet Graves (6-2, 6-3) and freshman Marketa Marcanikova knocked off Arrice Robinson 6-4,6-2 to claim the victory.
On the men's side, it was a battle from start to finish with the Bulldogs jumping out front to claim the doubles point at the No.2 position 8-7 and No.3 position 8-4. In singles it was all freshman earning wins with Martin Kobza at the No. 2 spot (6-4, 6-1); Daniel Vala at the No. 5 spot (6-3, 6-4) and Martin Figura at the No.6 spot (6-2, 6-2)
Judge stated, "Starting five freshmen and one sophomore we have continued to grow as a team, so it was great to get my 400th win against Florida A&M since we have battled them so much in my time at SC State.
Judge the winningest tennis coach in SC State history earned victory 401 with the wins over FAMU. He has guided the program to new heights with a total of 18 Mid-Eastern Athletic Championships (9 straight for the women, 9-of-10 for the men) in a 12-year span, making him among one of the few coaches in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) to reach 400 wins in a short time pan.
The Bulldogs return to action on Monday (March. 31) against Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, before both teams head to Buies Creek, NC to take on Campbell University in a Thursday (April 2.) non-conference matchup.
COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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